productivity journey Archives

22 03, 2022

Can Time be Lost?

Tom O'Leary2022-03-22T14:37:38+00:00

The question of “Can time be lost?” came up recently in conversation. The feeling was that once you lose control over how you “spend” your time it is in essence lost. The examples given were being stuck in traffic or kept waiting for an appointment. Clearly very few of us would actively choose such options. And yet, like it or not, we are still living those moments so why not make the most of them? Those traffic lights can be a source of stress (holding us up from whatever we are to do next) or in the words of Thich [...]

Can Time be Lost?Tom O'Leary2022-03-22T14:37:38+00:00

5 11, 2021

To Do or Not To Do?

Tom O'Leary2022-03-09T11:34:36+00:00

Reading Time: 4 minutes The great tragedy of the to-do list is that it was put together by the person you were yesterday.David WhyteTo-do lists are the portal through which many people view their lives. In a complex world, they can help calm our brains, which have a tendency to hang on to the undone and the unfinished. It can thus be very helpful to get it all out of your head and give your brain permission to let go in the knowledge that it won’t be forgotten. What happens, however, is that these lists either multiply or get so [...]

To Do or Not To Do?Tom O'Leary2022-03-09T11:34:36+00:00

7 05, 2021

What is on your to-be list?

Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:15:55+00:00

Reading Time: 2 minutes I've had a lot of conversations this week around the challenge of returning to the physical world as lockdowns ease in various countries. For many, lockdowns created a whole load of "free time" that was then filled with all sorts of new and fun Covid activities until we got back up to the appropriate level of busyness. That busyness can now easily flip to overwhelm as we add back some of our pre-Covid activities. That has got me thinking about my to-do and to-be lists. For starters, my to-do list has become incredibly [...]

What is on your to-be list?Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:15:55+00:00

21 08, 2020

Slowing down to speed up!!

Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:27:54+00:00

Reading Time: < 1 minute This pandemic is likely to be a watershed in many respects. There is a real sense of a before and an after, of nothing ever being quite the same. Obviously, only time will tell if that is true. Amidst all the noise, the one thing that has stood out for me is how many people around me commented on the joy and benefits of slowing down. And yet, in normal times, the speed at which we live affords us little time, space and most importantly energy to think, reflect, ask questions. Why am I doing [...]

Slowing down to speed up!!Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:27:54+00:00

17 08, 2020

Energy, energy, energy!!!

Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:22:47+00:00

Reading Time: < 1 minute It was only this week that I finally realised that the concept of energy vampire (someone who drains other people’s emotional energy) not only applies to people but also to companies, organisations and indeed public services. I’ve been working with people recently whose employers have basically sucked the energy out of them in return for cash. Burn out is the inevitable result and this not only has a massive cost for them personally but also for society at large. Such employers are transferring the cost to us all. Questions need to be asked. So, is [...]

Energy, energy, energy!!!Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:22:47+00:00

Tom’s innate ability to listen and empathise enabled me to relax and really explore the issues that were causing me some anxiety. Our sessions provided me with an enhanced sense of self-awareness and a considered plan of action. The benefits in terms of relationships and self-confidence this process has given me are invaluable, in both work and life in general!

Testimonial from Sean, Ireland

I went for coaching with Tom, without knowing what I wanted but knowing that I needed some help after having a number of setbacks with interviews. By the end of the first session, I was beginning to realise my problems. By the end of the second session, I was beginning to realise what I wanted. In our final two sessions, Tom helped me to identify a strategy for achieving my goals.
I thoroughly enjoyed our sessions. Tom listened without judgement, guided without being opinionated and ultimately helped me to help myself. You can’t ask more from a coach.

Testimonial from Paul, Ireland

I didn’t think I had a specific need for a coach, however, having met Tom outside of our professional roles we decided to set up a coaching programme. I’m delighted we did. Tom’s approach is based on taking it slow, listening first and asking questions you won’t have thought of second. The latter always result in positive actions to take away and implement immediately. Now, I’m really looking forward to continuing our working relationship.

Testimonial from James Crothall, Account Director at AMO DIGITAL