Heck, I am not sure, is the simple answer, I’ve not really thought about it all that much if I am being honest. Life is certainly different but not all that much different I suppose.

*_{Prince Charles visits junior recruits at Harrogate College HRH.}*

I am still in a position to stick to my own values and maintain a life balance that I had struggled a lot with in the old life.

_{Prince Charles braves the Yorkshire weather that disrespects umbrellas.}

I have been going through old photographs, I have not looked at for years and, sure they bring back memories, not all good but mostly, I would say. It’s natural to reflect though, you know, through those rose tinted glasses.

_{Prince Charles is introduced to recruits in the gymnasium. Nothing quite like traditional military presentations.}

As a photographer, I had some amazing experiences, some (not) so great experiences, but it was always interesting to witness things and try to remain neutral, which is not always possible. Doing this does help you in your approach to a job though.

_{A young recruit demonstrates his learned skills in navigation using a model.}

One thing I always tried to be with my photography was honest. Honest with myself, my observation and although true impartiality is challenging, if not impossible, I always wanted to tell a story without prejudice and I know I failed more often than I passed. I don’t berate myself too much because, I believe most photographers do. We are human, we are naturally affected by what we witness and that experience molds us.

*_{Army recruits in their boxing training gear meet the future King.}*

To be fair, most of my stories would not change the world, or change a perception, but that does not mean that my intention was, where possible to challenge. Some days I would be better than others, some days I outright failed, but most of us do.

*_{Prince Charles will most likely become the next King, we all hope, not for a long time but the reality is he is likely to, one day and recent events highlight this.}*

So, do I miss my old life? Not really. I had outgrown it some time ago, if I am being honest with myself. It was time to move on a few years ago, but that is all water under the bridge now. Change is constant and often happens at a snails pace so you don’t even recognise it. I try not to regret too much though, life is just too short. I always try to be a better version of myself today than I was yesterday. I don’t always manage that either, but I do try with honesty and I hope integrity.

*_{Prince Charles tries to talk with young recruits going through one of the most dramatic periods of change they will ever experience.}*

The power of ‘No’ and the authority to use it.

March 15, 2021

Advice, Opinion

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‘No’ is one of the first words we learn, certainly it’s one of the first words we hear. Could this be the reason we don’t like to use it very often?

It can feel intimidating when being given more work but you can say ‘no’.

When it comes to our own productivity, it’s a word that we must get used to in order to reach anywhere near our own potential. When you don’t use ‘no’, you are actually giving up your own control of your time. Not using ‘no’, means ‘yes’. Well thats what people hear when they don’t hear ‘no’.

It’s actually a really hard word to use, it feels negative in an age where positivity and a ‘can do’ attitude is what we are constantly told is the only way to be. If you don’t say ‘no’, but a silent ‘yes’, you will never control your own time, and if you don’t control your own time, you can never be the best you can be.

The only person who can give you the authority to use the damn word is you.

Take a brief moment to think about it. You have been given another load of work by your boss, the fact it’s your boss makes it hard, right? Your boss is the reason you have a job in the first place, so it will feel hard. It’s a comfort zone and the only way to beat a comfort zone is to push through it. The more you say ‘no’, the easier it will become.

Of course, saying ‘no’, is usually a little more subtle than that, it’s probably not wise to just say it for the sake of it, that’s a path to unemployment… By controlling your own time, and making sure you are able to prioritise your work, you will be better prepared to say ‘no’ by telling your boss (or whoever is requesting your efforts), the reasons why you cannot. After all, by correctly managing your time, you will have prioritised your effort to the benefit of the business. What boss would not appreciate that?

So, saying ‘no’ on its own is clearly enough. It’s a piece of the larger puzzle, but the truth remains, you have to consider how you can say ‘no’, maintain your own credibility and be the leader of your own destiny.

Take your time, take a deep breath, consider your situation and be honest and bold.