Sorted!
Tips to help you get more from work and life
Sorted Coaching


September 2006 Feel fr*e to forward this,
but please without cutting

This issue of Sorted! was inspired after working with students who were making choices about their university futures. The UCAS Personal Statements Made Easy workshop encouraged students to look at what was unique about them, in - business-speak: what their Unique Selling Point (USP) is. More importantly we looked at making sure that they made choices that upheld and honoured their uniqueness.

We all need to take stock every now and then, so this issue will ask "What's your USP?"

In this edition:
  1. Top tips being your unique self
  2. Sorted - What's your USP?
  3. Your starter for ten
  4. Pause for thought
  5. How To ... Workshops for people who mean business

Top tips for being your unique self


Sorted - What's your USP?

Do you know what your own Unique Selling Points are? And have you ever stopped to consider that you are unique and analyse what that actually means to you?

There are over six billion people on the planet and not one of them is the same as you. You have a unique personality, outlook and sense of humour. You have had a childhood and upbringing that no one else has experienced. All your education and career choices, hobbies, passions, likes and dislikes are unique to you. There is no one else alive like you.

A quick look in the thesaurus reveals that synonyms for unique are: single, unequalled, unusual, alone, single, unparalleled, incomparable, and unmatched. Think about these words, they describe you! Is that sitting comfortably with you? Do you believe it?

If you are have trouble accepting that you are unique, consider this. Your skills and talents are so much a part of you so normal to you, that maybe you believe everyone has them. After all, for you they are nothing special. So are you assuming that everyone has them?

Well they don't! Have a look at Your starter for ten, below, for some ideas on how to discover your unique skills and talents. Learn to celebrate your uniqueness, rather than attempt to hide it or shy away from it. Are you walking past your uniqueness?

A common reason for people to run away from accepting that they are unique is fear - or the consequences of accepting that they have a unique offering to the world.

So you think you're just a "substitute how you describe yourself here"? By believing this, what are avoiding? Could it be taking risks, being noticed, making a difference, moving out of your comfort zone, being special, or taking responsibility?

How can embracing and celebrating your uniqueness make a difference to your life, career, relationships or business?

Firstly, remember that you are not in competition with anyone else - how can you be, if there is no one else in the world the same as you? You are a unique piece in the jigsaw of life. However unlike a conventional jigsaw piece, you have countless edges. Each edge is one of your unique facets looking for a perfect fit; every match is you making your unique contribution.

Thinking this way is very powerful. When you are in a situation where you find you are 'selling' yourself (for example looking for a job, a partner, new friends or networking for business), remember there is no competition. There may be lots of people around who consider themselves to be in competition with you, but since you now know you are unique you are simply looking for people who are the right fit.

Consider the impact it would have in your life, if you embraced, believed and celebrated your uniqueness.

So what's your USP?


Your starter for ten

You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.
Martha Graham

Try this:
Pick four significant people in your life. In your mind, ask, 'What do I think each one would perceive to be my strengths?' Now ask these people the same question, listen take note. How do their answers match your own feelings?

Now reflect on these questions:

Do you have gremlins undermining you? Would you like help in exploring what makes you unique? Would you like to overcome the limiting factors that are holding you back? If so, contact Sue Turner to discuss how you can discover, celebrate and embrace your uniqueness.



Pause for thought

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others".

Marianne Williamson



How to .... Workshops for people who mean business

How to make the most of every minute - Effective time managment for busy people
Thursday 22nd September

Discover how to 'unblock' yourself so that you can make the most of every minute. Take away lots of new ideas and practical time management techniques to immediately apply at work.

How to speak and be heard - Effective communication at work
Friday 21st October

Learn how to understand others and be understood. Discover your own communication style, identify your own barriers to effective communication and develop great listening skills.

The art of saying no - Assertiveness skills at work
Thursday 17th November

Understand the benefits of assertive behaviour. Learn how to say no, set boundaries, address concerns of not being liked and deal with fear or anxiety. Improve your personal effectivess at work by adopting a more positive and confident approach.

Price: Each workshop is £35, but you can book all three for just £90.
Venue: The Abbey Hotel, Tintern
Time: 9.30am - 12 noon

Places are limited to 15 per workshop. Reserve your place by emailing me at sue@sortedcoaching.co.uk or call me on 01291 621985.

More information about all these workshops can be found on the Sorted Coaching website, Sorted Coaching Workshops



Thanks for reading Sorted! If this was forwarded to you, and you would like to receive more tips on personal development, visit Sorted Coaching and fill in the very simple form. Your details will only be used by us, we do not share information with anyone else.

If you don't wish to receive more bulletins please use the cancel subscription link below.

Contact Information
Sorted! is published by Sorted Coaching
T: 01291 621 985
15 Wallwern Wood, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 5TX
Find out more at http://sortedcoaching.co.uk

At Sorted!, we help people develop personally so they get more from their lives and work.
©2006 Sorted Coaching