The One Where We Talk About Thriving

Lockdown; Covid-19; Furlough; Bounce Back Loans; were all unfamiliar words to us all at the beginning of this year. How times have changed in just a few short months. these words are now part of our every day vocabulary. The media and news bombard us with the latest updates on the crisis that has rocked the planet.

It has also been said that familiarity breeds contempt. We are seeing this in the hoardes of people flocking to: beaches; beauty spots; the football ground of Anfield; or people holding music and party gatherings on the streets of Notting Hill. Some are treating this potentially killer, that is leaving none of us unaffected, with contempt, ignoring the advice and guidelines of the scientists and the government.

I am sure that your life, job and business has been drastically affected. But, are you frustrated, confused, angry, hurt, resentful of others, or perhaps experiencing any one of a number of other emotions?

Look at the picture above. I was extremely privileged to be called upon to photograph The House Of Dreams, when Steve Lazarus interviewed the artist and owner of this house, Stephen Wright.

Do you think that it looks a mess? Is it confusing? Is it disruptive to you, as the viewer?

Whatever it looks like to you, when you walk around this amazing work of art and installation, it all somehow falls into place. When speaking to the Artist and owner, Stephen, he can tell you where every single item within the entire ground floor, and gardens, comes from and why he placed it where it is, and the meaning of each item.

The entire installation has a purpose and a focus. To Stephen, it is far from confusing. Many items also have an emotional attachment for him.

When one walks through the high gate and into the garden of The House of Dreams, immediately one is faced with a cornucopia of colour and objects that clash, and conflict with one another. It is a very busy and overwhelming experience.

Yet, when one stands still, certain objects come into focus and stand out.

The leading line of the tiled path, to the front door draws one in, past the blaze of colours.

This is one of my favourite shoots of my career, but, today, it also speaks of how to run a business.

The advice over Covid-19 and what we read can be confusing as it appears to be contradictory to have footballers able to celebrate in close proximity with one another, even hugging one another, yet, I am not permitted to hug my own grandchildren.

But, if we focus upon the confusion, we lose our focus, in life and in our business. In our business we need to maintain our focus, we need to be adaptable, but, never lose sight of the vision, purpose and focus that we have.

In this week's main episode on Time Lord TV I spoke with the up and coming photography Emma Hollings, and the serial entrepreneur, John Kettley, about mindset and the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset during this crisis.

This episode is full of golden nuggets. You can watch it here.

Business is still possible. To stop the confusion in my own head, I have stopped watching all news. I have deleted my facebook account. I am reading factual books every single day, gleaning information that helps me in my vision, focus, goals, faith, life and business.

Take a deep breath, give up the confusion in your own life and the activities that is impairing your dreams, focus, purpose and vision.

Have a great week.