Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees, originating in China over two thousand years ago. For more information see Wikipedia. 

Having always been intrigued by “bonsai” as far back as I can remember, a chance introduction came ten years ago.

A Bonsai Show signposted at a local community centre triggered my interest further, and for me what followed changed my life. A small bonsai club was responsible for the inspiring display of bonsai trees I found inside - Small trees of every description - Single trees, small groups of trees, some over 100 years old, all so perfect in every way and set in such tranquil surroundings. I found it enlightening to say the least.

Joining the club was the first step of my journey into the wonderful world of bonsai. Ten years have passed, and I am still enjoying everything to do with bonsai and it’s fascinating culture.

Bonsai has had such a positive impact on my life, and has answered so many questions. It’s given me a better balance to my life, and enabled me to become far more relaxed in my outlook.

Why not go along to your local bonsai club or bonsai outlet, and see if it inspires you.

Keep smiling,

Rob

Photo by Hamed Saber

When it comes to personal development on a day-to-day basis, I have a preference for simple, easy-to-implement ideas. If an idea or tip is too complicated, too difficult or requires too much of an investment of time and materials then the chances that it will become a useful habit or tool are greatly reduced.

A favourite habit of mine, and one I try to use daily, is to block out 30 minutes of time, just before I start getting ready for bed - this is what I call my “Make Tomorrow Better” time.

This habit grew from my Dads favourite saying: Do something today to make tomorrow better. I found that the easiest and best way for me to integrate this into my day was to set aside some time at the end of the day, a simple 30 minute block, to find ways to do exactly that - to make tomorrow better. Cheers Dad!

In this 30-minute window, you have one simple objective - To do things today, that will improve your life tomorrow. Here are some ideas:

• Pack your lunch, or lunches for your children, and stick them in the fridge
• Blitz your lounge - have a quick tidy-round if you haven’t already, bin surplus magazines
• Grab a carrier bag, pop out to the car and empty all the pockets and containers out
• Pick 3 DVDs you no longer watch and list them on eBay
• Sort out your wardrobe
• Clean under your bed
• Lay out your clothes for tomorrow

There will probably be a lot of things on this list that you already do most evenings anyway, if your half-way organized - this does not mean that your tomorrow cannot benefit from some today-time - all it means is that you might have to get a bit more creative…

• Think about a problem you’ve been experiencing recently and brainstorm some possible solutions
• Think of 3 ways to make work better tomorrow
• Sort out your pockets, wallet or keys
• Research a new hobby you’d like to try
• Put on that exercise DVD you got for Christmas last year and give it a try
• Pick a cookery book, flick through and find a recipe to try tomorrow evening
• Phone a friend you haven’t spoken to for a while

Most of these ideas are simple, and easy to do requiring no extra equipment, skills or resources. If you think about you’ll come up with loads of great ideas of things to do. You’ll find that the time flies by, and you’ll go to bed a little happier.
I would recommend anyone, no matter how organized or disorganized you are, to give this a try for a week. You needn’t commit to 30 minutes, just 15 would do. Simply block out a bit of time at the end of your day to make tomorrow better, and when the time comes just get stuck in and see what you can come up with.

Any comments or feedback are welcome, especially if you get on well with this habit, or come up with a great use of your Make Tomorrow Better time.