The Top Tips Blog

A good friend of mine is called Roger Taylor. He’s really into classical music and loathes pop and rock. For years whenever I wrote to him I would address the envelope to:

‘Mr Roger Taylor (the drumm...

A recent top tip was to embrace the line “It’s my responsibility, what am I going to do about it?”

Or perhaps you were more taken by the more direct “Who’s responsible? You f*@king are!” version on o...

I got told off for a Top Tips issue not so long ago. Apparently it was more of a Cure gig review than a useful email.

That’s fair enough, I do go on the wrong side of a ramble now and again. Apologi...

There is a far off place, an island of untold beauty and opportunity where the scenery is colourful, lush and vibrant. The people are warm and friendly. The sands are gentle and warm. The waters are s...

Here’s a little Star Wars joke to kick things off:

Q: How does Darth Vader know what Luke Skywalker is getting for Christmas?

A: Because he feels his presents.

Ah, the old ones are the  . ...

It was my 22nd wedding anniversary this July.

My wife tells me it was hers too which is reassuring.

Not really sure where the time has gone to be honest but I remember the day of our wedding very we...

I went to the pub last night. On a school night I know! And it was great. 

Even though the temperature was far too low for anyone to be truly comfortable, the garden tables were busy and there were l...

If you have a problem that’s eating you up how do you let it go? No, this is nothing to do with Elsa or Anna. Or Sven the Reindeer. When something is really bothering you how do you let it go?

I’ll a...

“It’s my responsibility, what am I going to do about it?”

This is a maxim I learned a while ago and it’s held me in good stead. Recognising it and applying it has been a very empowering thing to do.

“Are we there yet?”

One silver lining of the lockdowns and not being able to travel anywhere was that no one had to hear their kids asking inane questions about time and space.

“How much longer?” 

I want to tackle a mindset that can trip us up without us even realising: “Zebra Thinking.” I’m not talking about an exotic pattern in fashion or wildlife documentaries, but about the habit of seein...

Over various Top Tips I’ve occasionally mentioned my friend Keith. He’s a lively soul and young at heart. Always up for an event, a couple of beers or three and the first to say yes to a rowdy gig. ...