Photo: Author supplied

In the most challenging of situations, if you’re open and willing, you can tap into your superpower of creativity and make a magic bullet that could be the solution to someone else’s problem while providing a sense of meaning and purpose.

Mum is currently transcribing my Grandmother’s memoirs, Granny had the sharpest memory, she could remember days, dates and details like no one I’ve ever met.  She not only recorded her own story; she has told my Grandfather’s and some of my Father’s.

This story is an edited excerpt from Granny’s memoirs of Grandad’s time in World War II.

My Grandfather, Tom Eliot was a highly respected tradesman as a Fitter and Turner. He served in World War II and was the Sergeant of his Unit, Grandad’s Unit had a couple of recovery sections, their job was to follow the battle and bring in any parts of rifles, machine guns, tanks, pieces of planes and whatever they could find then take it back to the workshop. Grandad and the men in the workshop used the pieces to build more rifles, guns or anything they could get back into action.

A challenge that the smoker’s faced was they couldn’t keep their matches dry enough to light their cigarettes.

Grandad had a creative mind; in the last six months of the war the idea came to him to make cigarette lighters out of 303 bullets, or Japanese bullets if they could get them. Grandad and his mate started making these cigarette lighters in their spare time to relieve boredom (this was one of their many challenges).  “They charged ten shillings (about a dollar) to their own men and 30 shillings to the Yanks. He made over 600 pounds and wished he had thought of it when he first went over there.” Granny was instructed to buy flints and send them over to Grandad as it was the only thing they couldn’t get. Inside the lighters they used aeroplane fuel. 

As we approach a unique way of honouring our Anzacs’ amid the chaos that COVID–19 has brought, there are poignant messages in my Grandfather’s story on creative and helpful ways we can combat boredom during lockdown. Here are four tips to help you:

Allow yourself to get still so you can get focused

As the great Marcus Aurelius quoted “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Often, we are too close, too immersed, too busy or maybe in the COVID crisis too bored or stressed to see our way into, or out of something. By allowing yourself quiet time to get still and focussed the incessant mental chatter finally quietens and you’re able to listen to the whispers of wisdom within.

So, find yourself a quiet and comfortable position that is free from distractions, grab yourself a cuppa, a pen and some paper.

Now you’re sitting quietly and starting to focus…

What are your unique skills?

One of the best ways to get out of your head and into your heart is by offering a helping hand and providing a solution to a problem.

Each of us have a unique set of skills, these are often overlooked as we’re usually too caught up in feelings of not being good enough. Tell your inner critic “thanks, I’ve got this” and set your timer for 15 minutes.  It’s time to gather your empty shells and get ready to ignite your flame.

Write a list of all the things you love doing and are good at. Try not to over think it just allow your mind to free flow so everything and anything comes up.

What challenges are being experienced?

Now you’ve created a list of what you love doing and what you’re good at make a list of the challenges people are currently experiencing.

You may also like to think of the challenges you’re currently experiencing, many great ideas are born from a need to solve a personal problem.

Once this list is finalised circle the challenges and the skills that make a good match.

What magic bullet can you create to combat a challenge?

The next step is putting all the pieces together to make your own magic bullet, if you’re still feeling a little stuck here’s a few ideas that may be the flint to your flame.

• Offer to volunteer, there are plenty of ways you can volunteer while maintaining a physical distance
• If you enjoy art and craft what can you create to brighten the world with your work?
• If you have a café or restaurant, think of ways to get your produce into the homes of others
• Create online workshops that are unique to your skills
• If you’re handy on the tools, what can you make or teach that will help others?
• If you have a beauty salon, create packs for your clients with DIY instructions
• If you enjoy writing, write articles
• Video conference someone who is experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness
• What challenges have you overcome? Chances are others are experiencing something similar. Your solution may just be the magic bullet in helping another in need

Many great ideas and innovations come from times of extreme challenge, by looking for opportunities amid the challenge it opens the door to possibility and purpose.

What can you start creating today to bring hope for tomorrow?

“Be your own magic bullet, create a solution to another’s challenge, listen to the wisdom within”  –  Rebecca Hannan

Photo: Unsplash

With social distancing looking like it’s going to be a part of our lives for some time to come many people find themselves working in a new way from home.

Working from home has many benefits, but it also has it’s challenges. Some find working from home increases their productivity and others say it doesn’t.

Feelings of isolation and loneliness can creep in quickly if it’s something new to you and then there’s those pesky distractions. Especially if you’ve got children at home or a partner who isn’t as supportive or understanding of the working from home situation.

I’ve worked from home for the last 3 years; I understand intimately the benefits and pitfalls that come with working this way.  At first, it’s like learning to ride a bike without training wheels, there’s moments of smooth riding but a lot of wobbling and falling off as you learn to master this new skill and way of operating. With plenty of practice, a ton of patience, a sturdy frame and good set of wheels along with a comfy seat, sound breaks and the unwavering determination to master this new skill, soon you’ll be feeling the wind in your hair and riding like it’s something you’ve done all your life.

Here’s 7 of my favourite hacks to help you build momentum while working from home.

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day

Maintain your routine as you would if you were heading to your workplace. This will help to keep you working efficiently keeping structure in your life. Remember to make your bed as soon as you get up. This small but powerful action gives you a feeling of achievement first thing in the morning and encourages you to get more done.

Get moving

Moving your body first thing in the morning sets you up for success. It reduces stress, improves your mood, increases your energy levels and helps you feel prepared for the day. It doesn’t need to be strenuous, a brisk walk, gentle stretching, body weight or resistance band workouts are fantastic options to get your blood pumping and your energy flowing.

Get dressed for success

It can be tempting to sloth around in your PJ’s or tracky dacks, but with that comes a relaxed mindset and your motivation slips into day off mode. By getting dressed for success it boosts your confidence, keeps you productive and reminds you that although you’re at home you’re still working.

Get your office space set up

Make sure you’ve got your office space set up nicely so it’s an organised and welcoming environment that you want to work in. Ensure it’s free of clutter, add some personal touches to it along with all the things you need to operate in a productive and creative manner.

Get clear on your boundaries

Create boundaries around your work time, make sure you start and finish work on time. There are 2 scenarios that can come into play. The first is taking extra breaks, treat it as you would do at work and take your usual breaks. It can be tempting to step into the pantry or fridge to see what’s in there when procrastination comes to pay you a visit. Humorous signs on pantry and fridge doors can help with establishing discipline.

The second can be you get so caught up in what you’re doing you forget to take breaks and work longer or erratic hours. Set reminders on your devices or if you prefer a diary, block out these times to ensure you’re taking the breaks.

Get planning

Plan your day, make sure your day is well planned with a checklist and your top 1 – 3 priorities for the day. This keeps you motivated and helps you see progress made for the day. Like any planning, some days you get everything done on your list and others not so much. Should this happen simply transfer the unfinished tasks to the next day.

Get connected

Make sure you stay connected with your colleagues, peers and support group. Reach out when you feel you need connection. Seek help and support of people rather than trying to do it all alone. Have an accountability buddy to keep you accountable and on track. Appoint an empathetic person from the workplace to check in with team members. A casual and caring chat is vital in boosting moral and ensuring team members feel valued and heard.

“Isaac Newton had to work from home when University of Cambridge temporarily closed due to the Bubonic plague. It was the most productive period of his life. He theorised on calculus, optics, and gravity. What new discoveries are you going find or do while we’re spending this time working from home?”