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Monday Motivation

It’s about the how…

I’ve noticed recently, that I don’t talk about tech as much as I used to.

I love tech. Still do. And it’s a passion of mine. But over the past year, I’ve noticed there are so many people who have more time than me to review, promote and share the latest and greatest tech.

Whilst that’s what I used to do, I’ve noticed, I just have the time. And is it that, tech is now going at a rate that it’s hard to keep up?

For example – take AI. For those not using it, are getting left behind. I use it a fair amount for a variety of tasks. Such as, a few weeks ago I was in Rome. And prior to going to Rome, I asked AI to help plan my trip. Which it did. It helped me save money too! I was going to buy some tickets for the Vatican museum and pay around 200 bucks for tickets and a tour guide. AI suggested, you don’t need a tour guide because everything is labelled and the tour guide will be going through it at it’s own fast pace rather than you going at your pace. AI recommended buying tickets directly from the Vatican website. Gave me the link. And even suggested times it’s quiet!

Saved me alot of money! And guess what…. it was right! By the way – absolutely loved the Vatican museum!

That’s just one example of how advanced, and how quick, tech is advancing. But there’s so much more.

And that’s where I’ve thought I’m going to pivot my blog slightly.

From just pure tech reviews, promotions and just sharing, I’m going to pivot to talking more about the how.

How to use tech.

How to understand what it means.

How to enable it to help you save time, money, etc..

Rather than… everybody, this is some new tech, I want to talk more about this is how you can use it. I’ll still continue to moan about tech in all it’s various forms. I’ll continue with my Friday Thought’s – and keep them about being better people. And there’ll be the odd post about motivation, growth, etc… but will connect them to tech.

If you have any topics you think I should cover more, please let me know! And as I do this small pivot over the next month or two – I’ll also do a slight re-design of my blog page. Always open to ideas!

As always – appreciate your support and thank you for reading!

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Monday Motivation

Monday Moan

I promise I won’t do this that often. Moan on a Monday.

But this one, I really do have to moan about!

So recently, I thought I’d sign up for one of these insurance packs from the bank. You know the ones, where they offer you travel insurance and road side assistance all in one package. It’s like £14 per month. So I did my maths, and it works out cheaper than me having my AA (which is around £150/year) and then my family travel insurance (which is around £180/year).

So, I enroll via the bank app. But then I pause half way through the process. It asks me about additional medical needs and sends me somewhere else, where I complete that and have to pay an additional £30. That’s fine, still working out cheaper.

Pay that. And then, I thought that’s it. Process done. All complete. I have a letter come through saying I’ve paid my additional £30 and I’m insured to travel!

Woohoo!

But….

I actually wasn’t.

You see, in the process, this was another step, parallel step, that needed to be completed and I wasn’t brought back to complete the registration.

So on Friday, I rang them. Now, let me tell you – that’s not easy. Because, I spoke to 4 people. Pushed from pillar to post. One lady asking me to restart! (I did laugh, because I know in IT… we tell people with their laptops to turn it off and then on!)

Finally, got through to someone at the insurance company (not the bank), they said, you’ve paid but not completed the process. So she kindly refund my £30 and said do it all over again and make sure you do this, that and that, and wait for the green tick.

Why wasn’t I provided with this information at the start?!!

Over an hour wasted for something that should’ve been 5 minutes.

I thought in this day and age, we’d have slicker processes, identified areas where failures could occur and addressed them. Even speaking to people – help me, don’t pass me around!

And yes. It did cross my mind to put it all into chat GPT and ask it to figure out what’s happened and what I need to do.

Maybe, this could be my first and last Monday Moan… Chat GPT/AI to the rescue next time!

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Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

It’s getting colder. Darker earlier, in the evenings… and with prices of a number things rising, we’re heading into the festive period where we are having to be that extra bit careful when buying.

I’m not a financial advisor – so I won’t suggest what you do with your money. I’m a tech guy who understands what’s happening around the world and what the future, with regards to technology, is heading.

Technology has always been a passion of mine. From the young days of plugging various cables in the back of my parents hi-fi system… and when it worked, I’d take all the credit. It was logical thinking to me. And that’s why I focus on design thinking. When something is designed, how should it be, so that the person using it can do so without any issues.

Many of those who fulfil their passion believe in themselves. Believe in the task ahead. Prepare themselves mentally – so whatever this week throws at you, believe you can….

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Monday Motivation

Netflix and….Rest?

We need rest.

It’s important to get the right amount of rest required. But it can be hard to switch off. We have so much going on around us… content overload!

Again – we need to rest. We need to switch off. But when your favourite series, programmes etc.. are on Netflix, we can often keep on watching till the early hours!

But worry not. We now have Restflix!

That’s right. It’s a new app – that helps you rest!

Available on both Android and iOS – you can download the app, and get the rest you need.

It uses a proven technology called binaural beats to harness the brain’s responsiveness to sound and help create a meditative, restful state. You can play more than 20 live channels that feature soothing sounds, bedtime stories, guided meditations, and much more, all of which are designed to gently ease you into a full night’s sleep.

Restflix offers unlimited video and audio with no interruptions, helping you to overcome insomnia, tinnitus, night-time anxiety, and hit each day with greater energy and vigor. It’s available on all major platforms, including Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, iOS, and Android.

I thought it’d be important to share this…. for a couple of reasons…

  1. We’re still going through tough times – Covid 19 is still around, and we’re still under partial lockdown in places, people are stressed and worried… so getting the rest needed is difficult.
  2. Holidays are cancelled. More people are having a staycation – in fact, they’re not even going anywhere, just staying at home! – and with that, need some rest.

So, go ahead… download the app…. and get some rest, via Restflix.

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Monday Motivation

New Normal…

Just been reading a post… by someone else, titled, ‘what if the new normal is better’.

It’s going to, though… right? – what is the new normal?!

Flexible Work: from the new normal to the new necessary | HRD New ...

Most of us have had to adapt our ways of working. And, let’s be honest – has it really been that bad? – No. Exactly. We can do it. Yes, there’s times we need to be with other people – but then there’s times when a video call will just work – imagine the CO2 emissions you’re saving.

Our habits overall have changed – and for the better. Valuing our time. Because… we are on borrowed time. Use it wisely. Once it’s gone… it’s gone. And we got to be sensible, but more importantly… be efficient with our time.

So what is the new normal?

Being Innovative.

Thinking Differently.

Solving Problems.

Think different - Wikipedia

The ‘new normal’ will be different. Will be better.

Companies (most of…) have had to adapt. And we have to also. Take schooling for example… more online teaching/courses… but taking advantage of being able to educated online. Yes…it’s not new… but when the need has come, it’s pushed people to use and and many have realised it’s actually quite good.

You’ve also got Personal Trainers explaining how to exercise at home. Do we really need the gym?

For me… I’ve started walking more. Even downloaded the Map My Walk app – and now having ‘friendly’ competition with friends…

Dublin Walking Routes - The best walking routes in Dublin, Leinster

And it’s working wonders! Burning calories. Having fun. Feeling fitter.

Why didn’t I do this before?

Because we needed something to happen for us to appreciate life.

The ‘New Normal’.

It’s definitely different.

Definitely better.

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Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation with Mark…

Did you know – it was 15 years ago that Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook invited five people to his room at Harvard.

Why?

He wanted to talk about a business opportunity.

Only two went to meet him – and accepted the challenge. Those two are now billionaires.

Dustin Moskovitz ($6.5bn) and Eduardo Saverin ($3.4bn).

So, when someone wants to talk to you about a business opportunity, listen and open your mind… who know’s what can happen….

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Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

I’m not sure why everyone dreads Monday… Ok, yes – it’s the day after your restful weekend – yes, it’s first day back to work… yes, it’s the first of five days before you can sleep in or do something that you want to…

But does it have to be like that? – would be interesting to see how many people whom read this love their Mondays! –

Actually – you should love everyday… even Monday’s! – Do something that you love… will change your perspective on the first day of the week….

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Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation…

Happy Monday! – And if you’re in the UK… Bank Holiday Monday!

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Monday Motivation

Fear of Missing Out – FOMO!

We all know what FOMO is, right? – the Fear of Missing Out!

We don’t want to miss out. We want to be involved. We want to know what’s happening – in our interested subjects, be it people – be it cars – be it anything we want to know about. We have to stay involved. And companies know this! They know it only too well…..

Now, rather than me talk about it – I was recently introduced to a podcast by Brian Fanzo….

If you’ve not had the chance to listen to him – I strongly recommend you do.

He talks about some great subjects… providing some insights, providing some analysis and more importantly, providing you with a ‘call to action’ to do something!

Now whilst my podcast is doing ok – (and if you haven’t heard it, it’s called Think Lean, Get Digital)…. you should really check FOMOFanz out.

Not only his podcast – he’s got several videos on YouTube. And he records a video of him doing his podcast!

Before I recommend anyone to you guys – I want to ensure the person is good. They’ve got the right credentials. They know what they’re talking about. They’ve built a bit of a following and/or they are super talented on their subject of choice.

Here’s Brian’s social media stats….

Oui – impressive!

So there you go people – need some Monday Motivation? – well, go check Brian out and you’ll be super motivated!

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Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation…

I’m a firm believer that we all have ideas.

The problem is, only a handful of us will pursue our ideas… our dreams.

But why do the majority of us stop? Why do many of us think… it won’t work. It’s because people tell us it won’t work. People tell us, it’s a ‘bad idea’, or that…. it’ll never be successful

How do they know?

Give it a go. Because you never know…