This Philosopher-in-Residence invests a fair bit of time trying to be the positivity Pollyanna in the room, usually this is out of a wish to see fellow humans being nicer about themselves rather than an ill-founded distance from reality. When I was a teeny-weeny Philosopher-in-Waiting I really struggled with confidence – who knew this was something that could be taught, practised and learned even more easily than many curriculum subjects? Around a similar time in my life I read Candide’s Voltaire for the first time, with the character Pangloss vehemently believing that “all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds”. This is of course with tongue somewhat in cheek, but fast-forward to the present day and it certainly doesn’t hurt to remind yourself of good things about yourself or the world on a more regular, even planned basis (well we are called Make Me A Plan!)

Splendour is one of those magisterial words that always commands a positive image. So this Philosopher’s challenge to you this fortnight is to create your very own Ode to Splendour. It can be a simple, single-line mantra ie “I will remember my own splendour today”, or a longer checklist with ways you can remember to honour your own splendour and that of the world this week – for example visiting a beautiful nearby park, taking a few minutes to appreciate yourself, looking at photos of people you love.

I’d love to hear what you do and how this makes you feel resplendent.

Next fortnight I’ll be writing On Dependence – I’m counting on you to show up and read it. Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this subject you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Penny Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:

https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/surviving-exam-season-a-working-parents-guide/