Interview with Robert Ashton: Consultant, Writer and Motivator

You have written a book recommending ways in which people can change their life for the better. What has worked well for you in improving your quality of life?

In reality, my life has always been pretty good. What changed for me was that I finally realised it was good! I would always focused on what I hadn’t achieved or got, rather than celebrate what I had got. Today’s success was quickly forgotten as I strived for tomorrow’s success. I learned to value today because actually, tomorrow is a maybe and yesterday is history. 

The single biggest thing for me was learning to value where I am, what I have and even the small things that make each day unique. I make time to see the changing landscape, to hear the birds in the garden and to recognise and enjoy my small place in the big, big world.

I also joined a gym 6 yrs ago and now regularly run half-marathons (and enjoy them). Keeping myself physically fit is I have found the best way to keep my head straight! 

You are someone who has consistently relied on your career vision and found great success. What are some ways in which your vision has guided you?

I guess I am lucky in that I can very quickly see what could be; what is not yet there – perhaps I have a vivid imagination! People usually set out to change what exists, not create what should exist, but does not. I trust my instinct and my intuition a lot; it gets easier as you get older because experience calms the inevitable doubts. I am also very determined and if someone tells me something’s impossible, I try doubly hard to prove them wrong.  That said, I am also a firm believer in mentoring and heroes. I constantly benchmark my career against others and set out to match or better their performance. Some of these heroes, Charles Handy for example, I take the trouble to get to know and understand. I learn as much sharing a pot of tea with Charles Handy and his wife Elizabeth as I could learn on a one year “how to be a successful author” course. 

What steps would you recommend to us to make our lives more fulfilling and enjoyable? 

Short ones! It is always better to take a lot of short steps than attempt a few giant leaps. The direction you choose to travel is also important. In our society we are very conditioned by parents, peers, teachers and employers to follow pre-determined paths. We try to please those around us be living out their expectations for our lives. The only way to be fulfilled is to do what you want to do, with perhaps little regard for convention or expectation.  

What would you say is a balanced life?

One where you do not actually compartmentalise it into work and play. Every minute should be spend doing something you feel is worthwhile – furthermore, you should only do things that make you feel good about yourself. You need to be prepared to disappoint some people because you want to put yourself first at times – that is OK, providing you encourage them to do the same.

How would you advice nurses and midwives who feel that they do not have a work life balance?

It is tough because they work in teams and so need to work at times when perhaps they would rather not. I guess it is a question of vocation. They should re-visit their original decision to enter the profession and make sure (reassure themselves) it is really where they want to be. Next, plan your time so that your leisure time is as well spent as your work time. Schedule in things you really want to do with the same commitment you would a team meeting or training session. In summary, take your time as seriously as you do your work time and make the most of it.  

What challenges do professionals face when seeking to change their lives?

They are usually really busy. It is harder to change direction when you are running flat out. So make small changes first and gradually regain control of your life. 

Would you discuss with us some of the 700 ways you have outlined in your book that would change ones life for the better? (See book and how to buy it at the end of the interview)

Each and every one of them can help someone. I cannot tell your readers which to choose, as they need to make their own selection. I would say get the book and a pad of post-its and flick through, marking the tips that resonate. Then number the post-its so that you mark out your own journey through the book, or life plan – then add ‘to be done by’ dates and do them! 

You are a great public speaker, planner and motivator in UK. Some professionals are unable to develop their career due to inability to plan, lack of motivation and inability to speak in public. What would you say to these professionals?

If you want to do something badly enough, then invest time and perhaps money in learning the skills that are holding you back. Find people you admire in your sector, doing what you want to do and ask them how they got where they are. Most will happily share their secrets of success if you ask in the right way. Be prepared to leave your ‘comfort zone’ regularly, but never stray so far that you risk health, wealth or credibility. Also remember that whilst you will remember the embarrassing moments for years, others will forget them in days if not hours. Take risks! 

Have you helped the professionals to develop their careers?

I always try to help those who think I am capable of helping them. Many people who read what I have written get in touch to say thanks, or to ask a specific question. I enjoy getting that feedback. I also welcome opportunities to meet groups face to face, although I have to charge for my time as, like everyone else, I have bills to pay. 

How can professionals market themselves?

By networking with the right people, getting noticed in the right places and written about in the right journals – just as I am here!

Click on the image to order the book from www.robertashton.co.uk.

Thanks Robert for your time.

Interview By Frank Walker