A good deed here, a good deed there, a good thought here, a good comment there, all added up to my career in one way or another. Sidney Poitier.

Networking is not all about handing out business cards and filling your contacts folder, it is about doing good deeds, passing on a favour without asking and building a circle of trusted advisors that will do the same for you.  Networking is not collecting people.

A three year old is not half a six year old – Sir Ken Robinson

Thanks to Steve Clayton for this one

What is your truth?

Ready for a new week? Here are some reasons to be cheerful…

• You have a chance to discuss the Oscars round the watercooler should Avatar have won more? Was Hurt Locker any good? (Answers: Maybe, and Yes)
• I got loads achieved last week – and this week looks great as well, I’m on a flight to Seattle this afternoon to hang out with my team.
• The new Gorillaz album is out today – it is marvellous, full of great collaborations and amazing beats.
• My actions for the week look achievable and interesting – this weeks pages are blank and inviting.

What has got you chipper today?

Another weekend away from home – and this view is distracting me from trawling the interwebs looking for inspiration this morning.

I’m in Lincolnshire, enjoying some peace and quiet and family company – that is all the inspiration I need, BUT if you fancy a tune to keep you company this morning – try this : Mellow Yellow by Donovan – perfect for a lazy sunday morning.

Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita

         When I believe in something, I fight like hell for it. Steve McQueen

When you have a target that you believe in, or a cause that you are passionate about, the fighting becomes easier.

What are you passionate about?

Sunday inspiration is taking a short break this weekend – my recommendation is that you do the same – today is the day to try something different to get that inspiration flowing – here are ten starting points:

• Take a walk – get some fresh air, and the heart rate just elevated a little
• Pick up a book – something you’ve been meaning to read for a while now
• Listen to some new tunes – try my Spotify playlist for some jump off points. Its here.
• Watch some people – grab a coffee, take a table outside and watch the passers by
• Read my inspiration archives – if you’re new here, there have been some ideas before.
• Check out some of these blogs. Nicholas. Tom. Steve. Diamond. Londonist.
• Hang out on Twitter. Run some searches for things that interest you. I’m here.
• Start writing. Start Drawing. Whatever that idea is in there, get it down on paper.
• Go for a walk with the camera. It doesn’t have to be anywhere special, there are great pictures everywhere. Take some.
• Look at that to-do list – not the work one, the home one. Pick one item, the most important, start on it, get it done. You’ll feel inspired.

Normal service will be resumed next week.

What’s your inspiration today?

Sophia Loren

Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath. Michael Caine

I’m slowly coming to the conclusion, that all the productivity systems in the world won’t make up for putting in the hours, making the effort – but it does help to look good whilst you are doing all that.

Who is your hero today?

So, make the most of it…