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I'm afraid I have some very bad news for you

Receiving bad news is never easy. However, what to do when we get bad news can take almost super human effort as we process exactly what...

Tuesday 13 December 2016

Self Discovery

Look for Opportunities for Self-Exploration. 

People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss and grief. People who have experienced BIGStuff loss and grief often have reported better relationships, a greater sense of self confidence even while feeling vulnerable, an increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality and a heightened appreciation for life.

resilience hospital health resilient
I meet Elmo after a meeting
at a children's hospital.
So as you go through life's ups and downs and some of the ultimate hardships don't forget that:
 - Our point of view is a choice
 - Asking for help is building a team 
 - Sleep is not optional We all need at least 7 / 9 hrs a day
 - Food is fuel for our mind and body Quality of food impacts our health in all categories
 - Exercise can be worked into our day 
 - Honour, laughter, joy, and happiness can be planned. 
       
Why wait?
These basic have made a very amazing difference to me. It's up to you to ensure you follow through on them every day.

Life is too important to take it so seriously.

So until next time, Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for Life.

Michael Ballard specializes in helping people, schools, organizations and communities learn how to become more resilient.

To book Michael for your next event, interview him or to consult contact him at: Inquiry@MichaelHBallard.com

Michael's online programming can be taken at: Udemy.com
Michael’s Background and Social Media pages include:
https://about.me/resilientmichael
www.ResiliencyforLife.com





Tuesday 29 November 2016

The Power of Prayer and of Asking for Group Prayer


Prayer is a very powerful way to be in touch with our creator and those that have gone before us. We can pray alone, pray in small and large groups and as I've learned to ask for; prayer for us or a vital cause near and dear to us. 
Sometimes the journey is more interesting
There are often no shortcuts.
Sometimes we have to take the stairs
At 27 I was challenged by my cancer. I learned days after surgery that I had cancer in four locations I felt several emotions. Anger was there at first very briefly. I did then soon feel afraid, alone at 3:30 am some mornings and in part hopeless that I had to depend on others to help me get through this fight for my life.
Then in conversations with my Mom and Dad ~ Dad asked So what else can I do son?
Well Dad how about you ask your friends via your work intranet service to put me in their faith prayer groups. I can remember that like yesterday.
Within a few days he called back and told me I was in prayer groups around the world. By end of the week he announced I was in over 60 prayer groups. Dad and Mom where very pleased and amazed.

Dad shared with me "Son you're being prayed for in Temples, Mosques, Synagogues, Revival Halls, Gospel Halls, Churches  and on every continent expect Antartica. India, Australia, Japan, England, New Zealand, France, Canada, and all over the USA and Canada including Texas, Michigan, Georgia, New York, Colorado, British Columbia, and many many other locations in North America.

I quickly started to feel uplifted. What an incredible life altering experience to have. 60+ prayer groups all asking for me to gain some wisdom from my journey and if possible a healing. So here I am 25 years later. Surprised and delighted and humbled to still be here. Three near death experiences during that 7 year battle with 2 bouts of cancer and one emergency surgery due to a failed medical procedure.

Never ever doubt that prayer can assist guide you and alter the quality of your journey and experience. Just remember what will you ask for you when you pray?
So, until next time, Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency forLife.


Hiring and Contacting Michael
To interview Michael, book him for your
next event or to contact him you can do that at:
Inquiry@MichaelHBallard.com
www.MichaelHBallard.com
You can purchase Michael's programming on:
Udemy.com video programs at:
https://www.udemy.com/u/michaelhballard/
 iTunes.com audio programs at:
https://itunes.apple.com/album/id997763796?ls=1&app=itunes
Michael’s Social Media includes:
https://twitter.com/ResilientMichae
https://about.me/resilientmichael
https://www.linkedin.com/company/resiliency-for-life/
https://soundcloud.com/michael-h-ballard
http://www.resiliencyforlife.com



I very soon started to feel uplifted. Very very uplifted. Statistically I'm 

So the next time you feel challenged and or threatened by one of life's bumps in the road don't forget the power of prayer and the power of asking others to assist with that prayer.

Michael

Friday 11 November 2016

Lest We Forget

Today, I honour all those who have gone before us and served their country's.
Some paid the ultimate sacrifice. Some came home missing a limb, or deeply
challenged with mental health issues. Some did not serve on the front lines, yet
they served us all. Perhaps like my Grandfather Ballard one of your relatives
served in a supportive role. Grandfather Ballard served in the Merchant Marines.
He helped repair submarines from dusk to dawn working with machinists and other
metal workers repairing and or fabricating replacement parts.

His brother was killed in WWI World War One in France. That was supposed to be
the war to end all wars.
Pte. James Frank Ballard
My Grandfather was at sea during most of that war. So he was not home when the news was delivered that his brother Pte. James Frank Ballard had been killed.
Henry Ballard 1970's

Perhaps one of your relatives served in WWII or one of the countless large and small conflicts and wars this crazy world has seen over the past 100 plus years.

Regardless of who's side one is on this I know to be true, it takes courage to show up and be on time and on purpose to serve ones country. Countless hours of practise, more practise, often not in the best weather or location or with the best kit (gear). Yet they serve.
Today I pay tribute to all of my relatives and friends past and present who have or had served our nation. Lest We Forget.

So the next time you're having a less than perfect day don't forget to have some gratitude that you and I are able to have this time. They invested and paid a large price for us to have this liberty.

So don't forget to be grateful. Our freedoms come due to a very large investment from many.

Monday 17 October 2016

Smallest Party in the World "The Pity Party"


It is a trap that we can all fall into if we are not cautious and stay attentive to our thoughts and words and the resulting feelings that can go along with it.

We've all had that "Party for One" the "Pity Party" when life seems to be going in the wrong direction! Plus how many of us have tried inviting others to join in our pity parties?  
However there is nothing wrong with sharing the cause of our pain be it health, relationships, job, school or family issues. However what does cause us grief is if we chose to live in this grief. Some live in it daily, weekly monthly or yearly. It is acceptable to visit our grief yet living in it can cause us quite a bit of harm.

Building a support team, offering support in another area to others can help us start to move forward.  So a Pity Party of One is an okay place to land after an upset. Staying there and not moving forward is the biggest issue.

Who will you offer to help to help yourself move forward and in what category?
Who will you ask for help to assist you move forward and in what category?

So there is no time like the present! Go get em! 



So until next time, Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for Life.



Michael

Michael Ballard specializes in helping people, schools, organizations and communities learn how to become more resilient.


Hiring and Contacting Michael
To interview Michael, book him for your 
next event or to contact him you can do that at:
Inquiry@MichaelHBallard.com

You can purchase Michael's programming on:
Udemy.com video programs at:

 iTunes.com audio programs at:


Michael’s Social Media includes:


Sunday 25 September 2016

The Power of Persistance Creating Positive Outcomes

There is strength and positive outcomes when we stay focused and persistant.
Not that we won't have to make course corrections, do some back peddling from time-to-time and on occasion take a new approach. Yet persistence to see a project to completion is a vital set of traits.

So the next time you want to walk away from an issue remember the following statistics.
80% of a sales B2B are made on the fifth to twelfth contact.



So take heart that the no's you're getting along with the, not now, it's the wrong time, we're very happy with our current situation (and there are dozens more) are delaying tactics. They aren't ready for your message, your services or products. Perhaps they are close minded, really are happy in their current situation and (I know you've heard so many of them) so, regardless a new angle, a redesigned approach, a change in approach can and will make a difference.

Don't give up on yourself.

So until next time, Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for Life.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and NEVER give up!
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Tuesday 16 August 2016

Asking for Help

When we get weary, and we all get weary from time to time asking for help when we feel stuck at home, work, school or life is not a sign of weakness.
Where and with who do you connect and share a conversation with?

So this post is short and to the point. Who do you have in your life that you are engaged and connected with that you can share you're best and toughest moments with? Where? When? How often? Part of being resilient is giving ourselves permission to build a team that we are supported in.
We offer support and get support. Respect and boundaries are established and we all benefit.

So again, who supports you? Who do you support?

So until next time, Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for Life.




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Friday 22 July 2016

The Power of our Words

It happened many many years ago. Long before I was born. Yet it impacted my family in a very profound way. One nasty comment changed the course of many lives. 
It seemed one man felt superior to another. He told my Grandfather to "know his place". Ouch. Seems he felt my hard working Grandfather should not attempt to better himself and the lot of his family.

That comment along with a few other factors meant Granddad and Grandmother booked a one way ticket with their family and made their way to Canada. 


Fast forward and one of his Grandchildren (Not me) has a business that employees over 67 staff. So think of what that one hateful comment contributed to. My Grandparents changed countries in part due to that nasty rhetoric. Now his former country and part of my heritage is short 67 taxpayers. Then again on the other hand Canada is 67 taxpayers ahead from just one of the Grandkids. I know another one (Not me) who helped a firm of 25+ move from bankruptcy into profitability and they now employ over 25 people.


So, when we discuss hot button issues and topics other opinions are what they are. However when they demean, reduce, objectify, sideline (and so many other things) use caution on how you deal with them. Others are entitled to their opinion however agreeing with opinions that reduce others will in the end reduce what others think of you. In some cases they can cut you right out of their lives. Collaboration and cooperation are powerful and uplifting ways to live.


Our world is currently running on FEAR. Many when operating on feat react and reduce or stop thinking based on facts. Instead they operate far to often on feelings. Rhetoric and misconceptions become the keys to how people act and react to each other and the news of the day.


So use extreme caution when those you listen to, influence you and share time with you use hate and language that divides too build engagement with you. It tells me quite a bit about what sort of person they are and the values and morales they have. They are not using language that builds healthy countries, organizations, cities, families or individuals. Indeed image of the same language was used against them?


Yes, inclusion takes more effort, more skill, and more patience. However division is a fools game. Much easier to run, get people on board and claim victory. However at what cost? At what cost? The  quote "Those that don't know or understand history are doomed to repeat it", is used often for a powerful reason.



So until next time, Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for Life.



Michael

Michael Ballard specializes in helping people, schools, organizations and communities learn how to become more resilient.


Hiring and Contacting Michael
To interview Michael, book him for your 
next event or to contact him you can do that at:
Inquiry@MichaelHBallard.com

You can purchase Michael's programming on:
Udemy.com video programs at:



Michael’s Social Media includes:


Tuesday 21 June 2016

Nurture a Positive Mindset of Yourself

Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build your resilience.
In that famous quote by Stephen Covey  he asked: 
At home after a media interview

 "What have you done to sharpen Saw? He meant how have you developed your problem solving skills? Have you read a book? Taken a course? Watched a video? Improved your fitness?

What problem solving books have you read? I'm a big fan of each of these four books. All of them have added to my problem solving and creativity skill set.

Six Thinking Hats and the follow up Six Action Shoes are written by Edward de Bono. In Six Thinking Hats de Bono shares six ways to consider each and every problem that we face. In Six Action Shoes he shares six ways to consider implementing each of the potential solutions we are faced with.

My next two favourite books on problem solving and creativity are:

 - A Wack on the Side of the Head and a Kick in the Seat of the Pants are two books on creativity by Roger von Oeck.
In each he offers a process to help us widen and deepen our creativity to maximize our potential solutions.

In a A Kick in the Seat of the Pants he want you to tap into and use: 

Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, and Warrior to Be More Creative

In his book A Wack in the Side of the Head Roger takes you through:
One of my ready to present looks!

Ten mental locks that block our creativity he tells us they are:
1. The Right Answer 2. That's Not Logical 3. Follow the Rules 4. Be Practical 5. Play is Frivolous 6. That's Not My Area 7. Don't Be Foolish 8. Avoid Ambiguity 9. To Err Is Wrong 10. I'm Not Creative


So I've enjoyed each of these books several times over. Each have helped me and clients many many times over.
So until next time Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for LIfe.

Michael Ballard specializes in helping people, schools, teams
organizations and communities learn how to become more resilient.


Hiring and Contacting Michael
To book Michael for your next event or to contact him you can do that at:
Inquiry@MichaelHBallard.com

You can purchase Michael's programming on:
Udemy.com at:

 iTunes.com audio programs at:


Michael’s Social Media includes:

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Wednesday 25 May 2016

3 Things to Deepen Your Ability to Thrive

Resiliency is traditionally defined as our ability to spring back from and successfully adapt to adversity. Resilient people are often flexible in their thinking,  endure difficulty with a realistic outlook and use the experience in self- empowering ways. I'd add it always increase the quality of the experience. 

Get out and exercise That helps us in all areas of our life. 
Don't hide behind too much task based "work"


Resilience is in part due to our journey to date, lessons learned, skills applied, used and the networks we have developed, managed and engaged in that we support and in turn support us in return. 

Maintain a Hopeful Outlook. An realistic yet optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.

Take the time to get out and be social.Invest in the time to meet and engage with others people
Exercise regularly.
Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience. 

Go in for a check up or a "tune up". It can be life altering for some of us. Better to catch things when they are  annoying then when it's either too late or a serious change to your life.


Get a check up!

Take the time to play. One can get so task focused that we don't take the time to relax and play. What do you love to do? When is the last time you did it? I love to bike, roller blade, swim, read, and practise photography. Not all at once. But for 20 - 90 minutes I do one or more of those several times a week. 

What will you do? Plan it. Make it on purpose. 


Until next time Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for Life.

To book Michael for your next event, interview him or to consult with him contact him at: Inquiry@MichaelHBallard.com
Michael's online programming can be discovered at: Udemy.com

Michael’s Background and Social Media pages include:









Tuesday 10 May 2016

The Resilient Workforce

by Michael H Ballard

Resiliency is defined as, “Our capacity to bounce back.”
I define it as, “Our capacity to increase the quality of our experience and the outcomes.”
Creating and maintaining a resilient workforce  takes, vision, mission, diligence and resources. In a world of work that is experiencing global competition, key issues include:
  • Attracting top talent
  • Keeping talent engaged
  • Moving from training to talent management 
    Canoe time with my brother.
  • Treating career development seriously
  • Acknowledging the costs and efforts to manage mental health and chronic health issues
  • Changing HR function
The potential organizational paybacks of having resiliency as a key set of factors are impressive. They enhance workplace productivity and lower costs for:
  • Recruitment
  • Safety
  • Retention
  • Lowering cost of physical health issues
In the world-of-work keeping staff and organizations on an even keel takes time and effort. Each client I’ve have worked with has been on a path of diligently working to gain staff, management, and supplier engagement and to ensure a high quality and congruent approach. They’ve ranged in size from small software start up with a staff of seven, to an international firm with an excess of 10,000 employees; governments, NGO’s, health care and educational organizations, and all are challenged by this.

How is this an issue?

One international client started off locally by hiring several facilitators and had 900+ employees brainstorm what key factors they wanted to have introduced, changed or released in the workplace. Spouses were also invited to participate in round three of the brainstorming session. They where prompted to discuss workplace culture and “missing links” and added insights on next steps they felt would assist their partners in being happier and more productive.
One of my smaller clients in retail made a bold category-busting move. They decided to break all industry pay-scale standards, and over time started rewarding staff who had stayed more than a year… this was 20 – 60% above industry standard. Productivity went up significantly and retention soared. Last time I knew, the owner reported that his business was at a factor of six times the national average for productivity and was at only 9% of the national average for damaged and broken products.
The clients that made successful use of technology to assist in their business, felt this helped better engage their employees. One had a toll-free line installed so staff could call to learn late-breaking corporate news. There they heard from the President, all VPs and on occasion a few key customers took turns sharing brief 30 – 120 seconds thoughts on current corporate and market place news. The organization has an FM radio station that broadcasts the key message of the day, themed on the week and the month.

An example of one client’s approach:

  • Staff developed mini educational programs 12 minutes in length, which they present at weekly meetings.
  • Leadership developed a tightly woven vision statement. It was created as a powerful message that drives the three key points of their mandate to their staff, suppliers and management team.
  • All employees conduct 15-minute meetings at the beginning of every work shift to recap key issues.

How is this helpful?

Having and creating from the bottom up and the top down, plus having suppliers and spouses on board helps.
  • When spouses understand that safety in the work place is not just “talk” and that in heavy-industry lives are at stake and that things change.
  • When sales teams are on-board with the approach.
  • When Quality Control understands that their role is about how products need to be perfect.
  • When people need strive for excellence things change for the better.
  • Use of encouraging language brought everyone into the loop on the “Language of Resiliency” and using it to change for the better.
For my clients the payoffs have included: reduced cost of production, increased quality, higher sales, more stable market share, reduced absentee rates and according to one General Manager, “more happiness” in his offices.


The cost of ignoring the warning signs and not becoming a resilient organization has many potential outcomes. All of them are expensive. I do know that organizations and individuals that embrace resiliency in the workplace respond to and resolve issues faster with less turmoil.


So until next time, Imagine Yourself with more Resiliency for Life.


Michael Ballard specializes in helping people, schools, organizations and communities learn how to become more resilient.


To book Michael for your next event, interview him or to consult contact him at:
Michael's online programming can be taken at: Udemy.com

Michael’s Background and Social Media pages include:
https://about.me/resilientmichael
www.ResiliencyforLife.com