I had thought today’s post would be about Brexit – because after all of the delays, it finally happens this Friday 31st January. But news yesterday of the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant took my attention and enough has been written about Brexit. Even if you’re not into the sport, you have probably heard of Kobe – because he has been one of the main super-players of the last 20 years in the sport.

“I hate where I’m at.” she said. “Tell me more”, I replied. She did and as she described it, it didn’t sound great. “So what are you going to do about it?” , I asked. Blank look, and this from someone who is smart and perceived to be very successful, strong and confident.

It’s typical at this time of the year to see my gym busy and with plenty of new faces. New Year resolutions have a lot to answer for! But will they be there in a month? One guy who probably will be is someone I saw today.

I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Often many sprint into the early days of January with the best intentions in the world. But we all know what happens to those intentions…

Be assured that within your setbacks most likely are hidden gems. Gems that can make your foundations stronger and that ultimately can create a greater probability of growth – in any aspect of life.

We’re now into the last weeks of 2019. Wouldn’t if be great to squeeze the very best out of it, so that we turn the corner with momentum and set ourselves up for a strong start to 2020?

If you’re Irish, Darina needs no introduction. But if you’re not let’s just say she is Ireland’s original celebrity chef. And over the last few decades she has written 19 books, created one of the best cookery schools in the world, been a pioneer and ambassador for the slow food movement and a renowned TV chef.

Often we set standards that are too high for a situation and so we experience frustration and disappointment. Other times we set our standards too low and so don’t experience the success or enjoyment we should.

Everyone can be forgiven for falling victim to a ‘pity party’, particularly in challenging times. But if I’ve learned anything in my own life and working with leaders, it’s that the right mindset is key to creating miracles.

Everyone knows it just takes one bad apple to kill a team, but they don’t often consider the impact of their own state or mood in the same way.