Ants in Your Pants Are A Good Thing

Jim Sollisch recently published an article in The Wall Street Journal entitled:"Ants in Your Pants? You Will Probably Live Longer."

The premise of the article is that the more you move, bounce, fidget, or even go for a walk, the healthier you will be and as a result live longer. In so many words fidgeting is good for your body and your brain.

When I was a kid, and always doing "stuff," I remember my parents saying...what's the matter with you? Can't you sit still? In fact they have been telling me to sit still since I was about 3 years old, and I always equated it with buzzing around like a bumble bee.

Now as a grown up I realize that we have advocated something similar in our book, Don't Retire, REWIRE! Except in the book we call it rewiring®. Rewiring® is taking energy previously used in one area (typically work) and moving it into new, fulfilling activities. The simple act of shifting energy moves people around into new work, volunteering, learning new sports, games,or devoting time to hobbies and other life enhancing endeavors.
In his article Jim says that stepping back from the computer and email actually improves results,and you will also lose weight. You may also gain a new zest for life. Now that's two good reasons to get moving and get rewired®.

Insights From A 60 Year Old Intern

The Wall Street Journal had an interesting, and very honest article entitled: Older U.S. Work Force Has An Ugly Wrinkle. Reading the article was like watching a reality show--the content was " very real" especially at 6:30am. Many people have to work longer, some want to work longer, and the impact is that more Americans are putting off retirement.

Some people in need of finding new work need to look at things differently--in fact they need to think like teenagers and imagine landing an internship---a great way to test a job and yourself in a new role. Forbes.com did a great article on the topic entitled: Lessons From A 60-Year Old Intern where the "older"interns share their positive emotions and challenges. I view it as a Must Read for both individuals and organizations, and see internships as a valid new pathway for mature workers.

More organizations need to change their thinking and begin to value the mature worker who brings wisdom, skills and experience to organizations. It's time for everyone to rewire® their thinking as we face a new and constantly changing competitive future!

EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE COACH IN THEIR CORNER

Some people say it's hard to stay motivated...others say it's hard to get motivated, and being someone whose business it is to motivate others, I think that today overall it's a little harder to get, stay and be motivated!

That's why I'm a fan of coaching! All types of coaching...both formal and informal, for work and play!

• I have a friend who is a jazz singer, and she works with a voice coach.


• I have a young friend who is a baseball coach for executives who want to play baseball better in their free time.


• I belong to a gang of three couples who coach each other to try new things.


• And I have many friends who are executive, life or retirement coaches.


• Even a few who are business and entrepreneur coaches!

My point is, as people face the future I want them to undertake new ventures. To me, it's all about rewiring energy and actions. But some time you need a little help from your friends. Yes, famous words from a great song! But it's true! Regardless of your age I hope you want to try something new; maybe a new job, or you want to excel at a sport or take a risk and create a new business and need some support to either get started or stay in the game! Knowing that someone is in your corner, is in the ring with you, is a big help.

The truth is sometimes you just plain need a jumpstart or some on-going support.

That's why I loved the article in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday entitled: "The Power Of A Gentle Nudge." The article's focus was on "older" people and exercise.The story presented the findings on a Stanford University study which showed that small amounts of social support, from friends who encourage each other via e-mail or the phone, to having an actual meeting with a fitness coach, kept people motivated and exercising. I loved the premise because to me the support aspect could refer to anyone or anything.

Even the most committed people could use a nudge and those who are venturing out and trying something new need a nudge, or rwo or three!

So why do some people feel that they have to accomplish a goal solely on their own? Why do they beat themselves up if they are tired and don't feel motivated to do something? It's human nature to want to "bag something because you're tired." And once you do that, you usually end up kicking yourself later for not being motivated! So it becomes a vicious circle and you end up frustrated with yourself, twice! Accept the fact that even the most motivated of us need a little coach in our corner! Whether it be a formal or informal arrangement, see if a little coaching helps you hit your next goal!