More Silverware for the Reds!

Despite the major disappointment of losing a European Cup final for the first time, it’s been a fantastic season for Manchester United achieving their third league title on the trot!
The 0-2 loss to Barcelona was the 66th result of a season in which the Reds have won four trophies - Barclays Premier League, Club World Cup, Carling Cup and Community Shield - and almost won three others - the Super Cup, FA Cup and Champions League…Better luck next year in Madrid boys.

The five weirdest MP expense claims

  

1.  Glitter Toilet Seat

Who: John Reid, former Home Secretary

Reid's Glasgow flat must be quite something - he claimed for a DFS sofa, which comes with instructions to 'plump cushions daily', a £199 'pouffe' and a toilet seat that would make Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen blush. 

2. Three Kit Kat Chunkies

Who: Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Blears bought the late night snacks while staying at the City Inn hotel. A ‘friend’ of Blears said she had been “feeling lonely” and had “wanted something to cheer her up.” 

3. Light Bulb Installation

Who: David Willetts, Shadow Innovations, Universities and Skills Secretary

Can't decide whether it's more embarrassing to pay someone to install 25 lightbulbs in your home, or to admit to such a thing by submitting receipts for the workman's bill? 

 4. Horse Manure

Who: David Heathcoat-Amory, Tory MP

The former Foreign Office Minister claimed for 550 bags of manure, as well as £5 to repair a wheelbarrow puncture and £6 for use of a chainsaw. Frightening.

5. Fluffy Dusters

Who: Steve Webb, Lib Dem Work and Pensions Spokesman

No flies on Mr Webb who managed to get us to pick up the bill for stamp duty on his Westminster pad, and none trapped in cobwebs either, it seems. Wonder if he donned a pinny and did the dusting himself?

The XY Factor

The X factor is the social conditioning that resides in our subconscious mind. Habits take up residence without us knowing about it. Although most people are unaware of it, these habits are in control of most people most of the time This habit is your unknown X factor. If it’s a change of any sort your X factor will not like it no matter how good that change might be. Once you have become aware of your X factor or inner voice, the habit can be changed or re-programmed.
The new idea, suggestion or activity is the Y factor, the change that disrupts the status quo. It may be the best idea or decision in your life but it is still change. Your X factor doesn’t want to be replaced by the Y factor so it fights it. This creates physical discomfort and anxiety as the battle continues. That negative feeling of anxiety floods your body and if persists, turns into fear.
It is important to understand and recognise what is going on when you experience anxiety and fear. If you give fear attention, you are simply reinforcing your X factor and its arguments. Nothing good can come of this reaction. It leads to stress and ultimately affects your results. Encourage your Y factor, don’t let your X factor win. It doesn’t take force, keep your Y factor cool and calm. You have the choice to reject the fear that arises. You do this by becoming emotionally involved with the results the Y factor will bring into your life, what it is already bringing into your life. So, how do you encourage your Y factor?
Think about what is it exactly that you want? Write it down, create a goal card, meditate on your want, get emotionally involved with the outcome of your want, think about how it will not only change your life but that of others around you.
The X factor never goes away completely but it will lose its strength. Once the Y factor has settled into your subconscious mind it becomes your X factor. Then the cycle starts again.
When you understand the XY concept you know what is causing the fear so the odds of success are much more in your favour.. When you have a new Y thought, become aware of what your X factor is saying in response.
Ask yourself these questions when you have a Y factor idea – will the new idea move you closer towards your goals and will action really cause you as much disruption as the original thought caused? The difference between winning and losing the XY factor battle is awareness.
Written by Sharon Machon, Life Success Consultant. For more information about the products and services available to help you move towards success visit http://sharonmachon.lifesuccessconsultants.com.

WorkLife Press Party

Back in April, we invited our advertisers and some of Manchester's finest elite to come together on St George's day to celebrate the success of the latest issue and the 'Best of British.' As always, Ithaca was the perfect setting to reflect the modern and sexy feel of WorkLife magazine as well as providing excellent service and tasty drinks and canapés.

Following the success of the launch party, we decided that regular chances to network with other Manchester business men and women is what's needed to get the most out of your work and benefit your business. Enjoying good food, drinks and company whilst doing so is just an added bonus!

Guests who attended enjoyed sushi and cocktails, and left the venue satisfied and with their goodie bag (which included chocolate among many other things) in hand! One lucky guest left with more than he intended, as Imran Hakim, the iTeddy millionaire, kindly donated an iTeddy to be entered in the prize draw, which Manchester-based graphic designer William Frânk won.

Here are some pictures of our fantastic night...

Our latest issue.

Sarah Walker, WorkLife Lifestyle and Fashion editor with Anna-Louise Gilhooley, Owner and Managing Director of WorkLife Magazine.