The full blog...

Amazing isn’t it.  I attended a good school, gaining all Cs and above at GCSE and working hard for 4 A-levels that got me to a good quality University.  I didn’t work particularly hard at anything but drinking at Uni, but still did enough to become a graduate with honours (2:1) in Economics.  I worked in the fast paced world of Investment banking, trading highly complex financial derivative products, with millions of dollars changing hands each time. I travelled around the world for a year on a shoe string, surviving in the jungles of Asia on nothing but bamboo and a bunch of bananas.  I work now with a hugely diverse range of people, standing up in front of groups often over 100 strong and holding the audience for days at a time.

I was never prepared for this though.

In potty training, I have met my match.  We thought we had it the other day when Eve finally managed to – well let’s not go into too much detail – ‘go’ on her potty.  However, we have been foxed ever since. Eve refuses to go unless it suits her and we have even been seen running after her, holding said potty to try and catch any  - well you know what.

Rewards become bribes (I am ashamed to say) and they start to lose their shine once they’ve been rolled out more than a few times.  Desperate never to show any frustration, we smile inanely as we run around with potty and wet-wipes in hand.  It’s like having a puppy!

There are times when I know she is playing with us...Toying with her tormentors, teasing their appetite to  persevere.  There are times when she is genuinely scared...not knowing what on earth is going on when she used to be so happy and safe in her nappy.

Its times like these where only the strongest survive and any weakness in our approach will be cataclysmically seized upon by the enemy. 

I have read lots of books on psychology, conditioning, leadership and other related topics and learnt all-sorts of great communication and influencing methods along the way but you can see where I am at with this – I don’t know where to turn.  My hold on reality has gone and my mindset is shot to pieces.  I am being defeated by a two year old with a dangerous weapon.  Heaven help us in the swimming pool next week.  Or rather, heaven help the rest of the hotel – I remember the words....

Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water..

Anyone got any lifesaving tips – they would be more than welcome at this time!

Simon Clarkson