Ducks, whether wheaten or bright-hued, have the distinction of being the basis of several phrases in commonplace English use.

Being “out for a duck” signifies getting bowled out in cricket having failed to score any runs. Sad times.

“Water off a duck’s back” means possessing the ability to let any negative issues roll past without bringing you down. Happy days.

“Duck!” means “Get out of the way, quickly!” Sad times if you don’t react rapidly enough. Happy days if you miss that oncoming punch or hazard.

So how can we Be. More. Duck. in a good way?

1. Be very clear with yourself how committed you are to improving your positive outlook. This could be leaving notes around your home with a simple, positive message such as “I am going to enjoy today”. Repetition leads to habit leads to belief.
2. Practise plain, bobbing on by messages to your self if something that would normally unbalance you happens. If someone sends you a passive-aggressive email, backs out on plans, this is part of their bad day or poor attitude. It doesn’t have to be part of yours. Notes or mental mantras such as “I thought that had the potential to happen” or “I’m bobbing on by” help in this kind of situation.
3. Name your duck. Sounds silly? Precisely the point. When did you last see a duck looking ashamed, or mentally anguished? We adults typically only allow ourselves to be a bit silly or engage in play if we are with children or animals. Lighten up, imagine a duck, give it a name and bring it to mind to make yourself smile and snap out of poor mood habits if a bump on the pond occurs. It may be Mary the Marvellous Mallard, Longboi (if you know, you know) or Bobby (sorry not sorry).

I absolutely want to hear all about the names of your ducks, and do tag us in any pictures of them on the Make Me A Plan social media. Next fortnight I’ll be writing On Amazement – and who doesn’t want some philosophy-flavoured 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/staying-motivated-at-work-simple-techniques-that-really-work/