Daily Inspiration 1-31-13

"Not everyone can say,

"I love you."

But they all do.

 

What a world. . ."

 

-- The Universe

(a.k.a. Mike Dooley: Tut. . . A Note from the Universe)

I've been getting weekday daily inspirational notes from Mike Dooley (www.tut.com), a.k.a. the Universe for 3 or 4 years now and some of them just jump off the page at me. This one reminds me of some people I know and have known in my travels, who just cannot seem to utter the words, "I love you." And, I understand. It's one of those things that if you're not brought up to say these things aloud to others, that you just don't know how to do it. But, fear not. I have wise advice:

Do it anyway. Practice. Do it once. Then do it again. Then again, and again, and again, and pretty soon, you'll be an expert at saying those three little words. Now, don't be a dweeb about it by doing it only to family and spouses and children and all those that are so near. No. Say it to people outside that safe inner circle. Be bold!

Hey, the hardest one is that if you're a guy, saying it to another guy. That takes raw courage. It's the kind of courage that the Lone Ranger had to have, and Dick Tracy, and John Wayne and all those old heroes. But, of course, you're much stronger than those, right? Go for it. I tell you this--it feels good and it feels right after you get it going through your lips and into the open air. It's only while it is inside that there is any issue with it, so get it out as soon as you find a good opportunity.

When is a good opportunity? When it's daylight. When it is a weekday. When it is a weekend. While you are breathing. Those are all great times. Any day of the week, month of the year, or even time of the day. They all work.

You can take the easy way with a another guy. Say, I love you, man. See, if you add the man part, that makes it more manly and more okay. But, here's one that always works wonderfully for me--and I've shared it before, so here it is: Have I told you I loved you lately? I even use it on my wife, and she will be honest and say, "no." So, then I get to say, "I love you!"


What's The Worst Thing That Could Happen? Heck, They Might Even Say It To You! Try And Find Out.

Spread Some Joy Today--Do it TODAY.

Daily Inspiration 1-30-13

"Worry is not a form of love."

 

-- Alan Cohen

The radio and TV version of the Jewish mother is all about the worry. There isn't any single worry, there are always multiple worries, and it is her job to worry, so she is in charge. It is also a given from my own experience that to worry about someone is to love them, for if we didn't worry about them, it would be as if we didn't care.

If any of that makes sense to you, I think it is time to let it go. Worry is purely and simply fear. To fear is to worry. To worry is to fear. And where fear is, love is not interested in going. Many even pray for God or whatever they pray to will take charge and look over one and keep them from evil and all that is fear as well, but potentially there is someone or some deity that will absolve your fears. Good luck with that.

All of this is like taking a negative, giving it some more negative energy and then hoping with no confidence that it turns magically into a positive.

A better thought to consider is to begin with a positive. Believe in well-being, that things always work out perfectly, that the other knows what they need and I don't need to be concerned. A better thought is to trust; to love; to care for; to celebrate.

When I was a teenager I remember the girls thinking that jealousy was a positive emotion and that to be jealous was to love or to care, but that is the same as worry.

If we are to believe in God, the Creator, the All-Mighty--to really believe--and then to not trust, that is to not really believe, but to hope instead. It is far better to believe it will be just fine than to worry about anything at all. Worry will never help achieve a positive result.


The Worrier Creates A Debris Field. Be A Lover Instead.

Spread Some Joy Today--How many do you share your heart and passion with? Add one.

Daily Inspiration 1-29-13

"When you hire someone

who is bad at their job,

and you hang on to them,

it makes you bad at yours,

no matter how skilled

you think you are

at what you do."

 

-- Terry Minion

Business owners often just don't pay attention to what the experience is like when people do business with them.

I revisited a business today that I had written off, but my wife wanted to go there to see a specific person. It is a dentist that I used to go to all the time and I refuse to go back myself. The main front gal is so bad at her job in my opinion that it is laughable. I really have no idea how good she is or isn't at the tasks like filing, or the common things that go on, but she is terrible at customer interaction, bad at insurance issues and more. And this is extremely rare of me, but I sent the doctor a letter about it giving details and he never said a word to me about it.

So today, I came up with this quote and it is right on. You run a business and hire someone who chases business away and then you keep holding on to them? Bad business all around.

I've done it myself, though I shouldn't admit it. In past dealings as a sales manager, I've hung on to people who were failing at what they did. When people are not improving, and you're giving it your all, there is a time when it is not only appropriate to throw in the towel, but beneficial to them and you. Telling exactly when that is will be the only challenge.

I will add one thing to this. I have found that moving someone in house to a different position will often change a bad situation to a really good one. Sometimes we either misplace people or they misplace themselves. The front person for the dentist is badly misplaced in my opinion.


Find The Best People You Can For Your Business. It Makes A Difference.

Spread Some Joy Today--Buy someone a present and give it or send it to them as a surprise. You don't have to spend much money. It is a gift of love.

Daily Inspiration 1-28-13

"Effective communication

is 20% what you know

and 80% how you feel

about what you know."

 

-- Jim Rohn

I have come to believe that the real power of knowledge; that is, to really know your subject, is not in knowing, but in how it develops passion within to find a powerful way to express that knowledge and to make it said in a way that strikes a chord of agreement or acknowledgement within.


It Is The Difference Between Learning To Pass A Test, And Starting A Movement.

Spread Some Joy Today--What have you given away of late? It is a perfect expression of abundance.

Daily Inspiration 1-27-13

"Silent Gratitude

isn't much use to anyone."

 

-- G. B. Stern

  I disagree with this quote, and yet, I get the point and it is a point worth making. I do think that silent gratitude is very powerful and I think it is most powerful for our own well being and peace, and expressed gratitude is so powerful that it is beyond measure. It shares that sacred space with love, enthusiasm and encouragement.

I want to tell people in a variety of ways how much I appreciate them or appreciate what they have done for me as well as for others. I respect and admire their partnership in my own creative experience, so letting them know that is such a natural thing. Yet, so often we think that it won't matter, or we think we will bother them, or some other silly excuse. I have found that the truth is that they love hearing it, love receiving it, though it is certainly possible they are not used to receiving it.

It can be done as simply as a nod of the head or thumbs up unspoken, or as bold and wildly creative as walking up to them and telling them to their face! I like that way myself, though I wasn't always that bold and had to practice for a time. Now, I do it all the time. I want people to know how special they are and how much I appreciate them. Sometimes they think they are just "doing their job," but a well done job should be recognized--more so for the person doing the job than for the job done.


Reach Out Of Your Comfort Zone And Tell People How Much You Appreciate Them!

Spread Some Joy Today--How many have left a tip for the maid during a hotel stay with a little thank you note?

Daily Inspiration 1-26-13

"The voyage of discovery

is not in seeking new landscapes

but in having new eyes."

 

-- Marcel Proust

This week has been pure joy for myself and my main partner, Ryan. We spent several days with a major truck manufacturer and did some presentations of Commercial Truck Success materials based on the book published last year.

I got to speak to a room full of dealer principals and general managers about running a successful and profitable commercial truck operation. I kept it simple, but it was packed with great ideas. I could not have asked for a better opportunity for me to share my passion and experience with a group that have the power to make decisions and changes that would create so much success rather than the lack of it I often see.

I had the opportunity speak and answer questions for a little over two hours and began with this: "My agenda today is to teach and share ideas and experiences. My goal is to inspire you to action." Of course, I can't make them act, but I do have the passion and knowledge and a simplified way to say it so that it should be inspirational. I gave it my best shot. It will be interesting to see what happens.

As the quote above show: "The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." Many times we are trying to convince others by creating new landscapes when what we really need to do is open their eyes to a new or different view or way of looking at things they already know about or do. Often, we may not be able to see the forest for the trees because we are so busy complicating things. So I try to simplify them instead.

We do this with all of our website company Trend Setter Package clients as well. Here's a good question for you in your business: What can I do to simplify my approach, or my business, or my presentation, and such for my clients? What can I do to help them have new eyes; to see a different picture to help them and to help me? How can I tie what they are already successful with to what I think will help them grow their business with a new view?


It Is How You See Things That Matters Most.

Spread Some Joy Today--If you really love a product or service, send the head person a letter or post it on their facebook page. Even if you think it won't matter. It surely will.

Daily Inspiration 1-25-13

"Too often we underestimate

the power of a touch, a smile,

a kind word, a listening ear,

an honest compliment,

or the smallest act of caring,

all of which have the potential

to turn a life around."

 

-- Leo Buscaglia

How about hardly ever? That would be way cool.


I Have The Power and An Abundance To Give!

Spread Some Joy Today--Smile at everyone you see today, offer a kind word to all that you can.
Your day will be a joy!

Daily Inspiration 1-24-13

"Every new beginning comes

from some other beginning's end."

 

-- Seneca

A few days ago, I watched a video on the Motor Trend channel on YouTube where someone was asking the top people in the company and car testers all several questions. One of them was, "how did you ever get this job?" The answers were interesting.

Almost all came from a round about way as if looking back on it that it would show a trail through the forest going here and there and all around. You might even look at that and think how lucky there were.

I'm sure all of us have interesting stories about how we ended up doing what we do and being where we are now, and I would love to hear every single one of them. I think it is absolutely fascinating how one thing ends, whether abruptly or slowly, purposefully, or by coincidence, and another begins and it sure seems in retrospect that the next thing is superior in some way to the previous.

I was watching Moneyball, one of my favorite movies again the other day and in the early part where Brad Pitt as Billy Beane is asking the young consultant who he was and what was changed. In the car garage, Peter Brand played by Jonah Hill (dang he did such a great job in this film) told Billy that it was a really good thing that he lost his star player who was earning over 7 million a year, and that this situation opened up all kinds of interesting possibilities.

I love that phrase: It opens all kinds of interesting possibilities. This is exactly how it is and we might even consider accepting endings as opening all kinds of interesting possibilities for all of us.


Sure Beats All That Worrying.

Spread Some Joy Today--When you send a check to a company for their services, include a thank you note. Here's a good one: I really appreciate your service. Thank you for all you do.

Daily Inspiration 1-23-13

"Once social change begins,

it cannot be reversed."

 

-- Cesar Chavez

  I thought of a couple things right off when I saw this short quote. The first was back in the day when people believed the world was flat. Can you imagine? Instead of a globe in class, they must have had a plate. But once, the movement of the round earth began, it was going to win eventually. There are always those who hang on and resist, but they either let go or eventually die.

Then I thought about smoking, and especially cigarettes. This is one of those crazy, stupid things I did for 38 years, and I saw the social climate of cigarette smoking change so much that to look back on it now is sort of funny. Even if I decided to start up again after 11 years off, it will never go back to the way it was when I first began.

In my early twenties, smoking was so prominent. You could smoke anywhere, even on airplanes. We smoked in the car dealership I worked at, and at one store, salesman smoked at their desks with customers sitting there. I can't even imagine that today. Restaurants catered to smokers, and later even had their own sections. Bars and nightclubs were a given. I know as I drive around I see the local bars have people go outside to smoke. Cigarettes and drink go so well together that I imagine that is a challenge for bar owners.

Still the environment changed over time to the point now today in early 2013, I see so little smoking where ever I go. I have no idea about the statistics of how much less cigarettes are consumed in the U.S., but based on looking around and sniffing the air, it has got to be so much less. There used to be about 25 feet of cigarette racks in the grocery store, and now it is down to about 2 feet, and I wonder why they even bother with that.

It's interesting to watch something that was so accepted, then tolerated, then resented, then legislated, then socially changed. Sometimes it takes a long time, as this one has, but there's no going back.


Change Is Part Of Life. We Even Change As A Whole.

Spread Some Joy Today--Now is always a good time to send a thank you note or card. Heck, be bold and send along a little gift. Watch what happens.

Daily Inspriation 1-22-13

"When you stop expecting

people to be perfect,

you can like them

for who they are."

 

-- Donald Miller

As we become frustrated because we expect things and want things to be a certain way and then they are not, we are disappointed in people and even disillusioned when they fall from grace or become something different than you pictured them to be.

I loved looking here and there (I rarely view the news), at the Lance Armstrong affair, I see the frustration, disappointment and disillusionment that a lot of people express about that whole thing. We expected something else. And we found out that he was not only human, but subject to illusions of himself and what he was doing. Yet, nothing is all bad, and in fact all of that aspect of things is just judgment. It's not really him, it is all about us.

Then, I saw another bit today and scanned it briefly. I saw tidbits of the Oprah Winfrey interview and I was impressed that he now openly admits to everything, but frankly, none of this changes my opinion of Lance. I didn't plug into any of it except to think he was out there living his dream, made some choices with consequences, as all choices contain, and now he's living a different dream. It is our own feelings, judgments, frustrations, disappointments that rule us, not the actual events. I'm sure we all have things we've done we're not proud of.

But, this isn't really about Lance. It's about how we put people on pedestals and then expect them to be perfect, or above all the rest. That is where it all comes from. It is our own view that we see others through.

And, here's something more: Consider the quote above with my slight modification. "When you stop expecting yourself to be perfect, you can like yourself for who you are."


Humans Are Just That. Everything Else Is From Our Own Perspective--Which Includes Ourselves. Judge Not.

Spread Some Joy Today--Make a list of people you've put on a pedestal, or have been disappointed in when they fell off. Then allow each one to be as they are without any insistence that they live up to your expectations.

Daily Inspiration 1-21-13

"If you come to my brainstorming

meeting and say nothing, it would

be better if you hadn't come at all.

 

Not adding value

is the same as

taking it away."

 

-- Seth Godin

I am of the opinion that about two thirds of all the meetings on the planet could be cancelled and there would be no adverse affect. In fact, there may very well be positive effects.

Giving out information, going over procedures, changes, all this can be done in an email, or even better yet, a phone call to the key people and email to the rest.

But that other one third can really make a difference. The ones where we are looking for valuable input from a variety of people for ways to make change can and do indeed work when and if the people in the room participate.

So much of the time I'm a pretty quiet person, but I have learned over the years to be fearless when it comes to giving my input. I have opinions and am not afraid to express them, and I often have very valuable input at meetings like this. I can remember quite a few where things changed dramatically as a result of the willingness to speak up.

If you're typically a silent one in these kind of meetings, try allowing yourself to speak. I think you'll find that you can make as valuable a difference as anyone else.


Go For It. Speak Up!

Spread Some Joy Today--Go on Linked-in and find one or more of your connections that you know that you can give recommendations for without them asking for one. They will be pleasantly surprised at the gift of your time and kind words.

Daily Inspiration 1-20-13

"You are good enough,

smart enough,

beautiful enough,

strong enough.

Believe it and stop letting

insecurity run your life."

 

-- Thema Davis

I love this inspiring quote from Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis (www.drthema.com), and even though I love it, I feel the desire to make changes in it, so here is the new quote:

You are enough. Believe it.

When we start to consider or expect other people to have some specific response to what we say or do, or even that we are, we may feel that we are not enough. But we are enough.

When we focus on our so-called mistakes and indiscretions, and then judge ourselves about them while even perhaps not admitting them openly, we may feel that we are not enough. But we are enough.

Say to yourself, "I AM." Those are the two most powerful words ever assembled together. As a result of stating them, you ARE, and you ARE enough.

It doesn't matter that you aren't good at some things, or even many things. What matters is that you love yourself just enough to know that you ARE, and in so doing, you are enough. Give yourself a break. You deserve it. You ARE enough.


Let It Be; Let It Be; Let It Be; Let yourself Be. You Are So Deserving, Let It Be; Let It Be . . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Things, position, power, money. None of those things mean anything at all. But you? You mean everything. And even if no one else knows it, God knows it. He knows you're enough. Know it for yourself too.

Daily Inspiration 1-19-13

"If you want to turn your life around,

try thankfulness.

It will change your life mightily."

-- Gerald Good   

A Moving Art original short. This inspirational video was well responded

at TED conferences and filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg motivates

those around him as happiness is revealed. Spoken word and

music montage created and composed by Gary Malkin.

Narration written and spoken by Brother David Steindl-Rast.www.MovingArt.tv

 

One of my very good friends, Paul Brown sent me this video in an email today. It was so well done and had such a beautiful and powerful message, that I thought that I had to share it with all my readers and others who may stumble on to this piece. It brought tears to my eyes and I could only hope that it may move you in some way as well.

 

One key part stuck out for me where the narrator says to "look at the faces of the people that you meet and each and every one of them has an incredible story behind their face--a story that you could never fully fathom. Not only their own story, but the story of their ancestors. They all go back so far. And in this present moment, all the people you meet, all that life from generations is from so many places all over the world, flows together, meets you here like a life giving water if you only open your heart and drink." 

 

 

 

Enjoy, Truly Enjoy Your Day Today. It Is A Gift.

 

Spread Some Joy Today--I've been encouraged by Paul today and I pass that encouragement along to you. Find a way to pass the encouragement you receive to others.



Daily Inspiration 1-18-13

"Artistry exists in everyone.

What makes it blossom

is a soul's personal desire

to find an outlet for expression."

 

-- Richelle E Goodrich

Rarely am I as enthusiastic and happy as in the discussion of ideas and thoughts. Yet, this is something I do so little of vocally. I express ideas more in writing, so that is one outlet and it is good. What is better--infinitely better--is talking aloud about ideas I have and even better than this, is sharing them with someone I care about and how these thoughts might be of service to them in some small way.

What I find really interesting about this, is that by expressing thoughts vocally to another person, even when the ideas have been written or pondered mentally as fully as I think should complete the thoughts, by then expressing them aloud to another, I find new thoughts that formulate the thought far better than I originally considered. It is as if it each thought expressed creates a thought form.

Sometimes those thoughts expressed are things that I've done and in retrospect and now in sharing those things with another, I can see a formula, or strategy that didn't appear as clearly thought out at the time it actually occurred. How fun that is to see something done or achieved better than you thought it was as it was happening. I think that is such a learning tool for today and tomorrow.

Doing this on purpose, of course, is what seminars are all about, but with little interaction. How much better it is to have it be as finite as two people telling each other stories.


Find A Way To Express Your Thoughts Aloud With Others. It Is A Joy And A Growing Experience.

Spread Some Joy Today--Reach out and share with someone today.

Daily Inspiration 1-17-13

"I don't care

how much money you have.

I don't care

where you go to school.

That is all nonsense to me."

-- Brad Meltzer   

 



Write your story, change history - Brad Meltzer

 

I found this to be a short and inspiring talk focused on young people, but I think it applies equally to any age! Enjoy.

 

 

Dream Big. Work Hard. Be Humble.

 

Spread Some Joy Today--Who can we encourage today? Let's get started.

Daily Inspiration 1-16-13

"Learn how to separate

the majors and the minors.

A lot of people don't do well

simply because

they major in minor things."

 

-- Jim Rohn

I've done a lot of things, and I hope to do a lot more--if for no other reason, than to enjoy the process. Sometimes I take a few moments and look in the rear view mirror of my life, and though I've done a lot of things, I've also majored in a lot of minor things.

It does no good to look back with regret. I have to accept what was as it was. The better way to look back in my mind is to see without regret, and not just accept, but appreciate that I chose all of it.

I love another Jim Rohn statement that goes along with this where he says, "In America, everything you need to succeed is within reach." It absolutely is. The opportunities around us are so amazing, and so often we, or I should say, I, chose to ignore them and do something else. It's okay, as I said, and I have grown to understand better, and love the fact that I had the choice. Whether I chose minor things or major, I had the choice.

It is this place of accepting responsibility for my own life and my own results that means the most now. That reminds me of the Indiana Jones movie where the guy says, "he chose poorly. . ." Sure, sometimes, and the key is still I chose.


I Choose Still. What Will I Choose Next?

Spread Some Joy Today--Rejoice in your ability to choose.

Daily Inspiration 1-15-13

"People are often

unreasonable and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

 

If you are kind, people may

accuse you of ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

 

If you are honest,

people may cheat you.

Be honest anyway.

 

If you find happiness,

people may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

 

The good you do today

may be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

 

Give the world the best you have

and it may never be enough.

Give your best anyway."

 

-- Mother Teresa

It is so easy to use other people and what they do, what they like and dislike, their opinions and beliefs as excuses for us stepping outside our own personal integrity.

Better to lose everyone else's respect than our own for ourselves. Act on your own conclusions of what is right and be led with a clear heart.


It Doesn't Matter What Others Choose For Themselves. I Am 100% In Control Of Me . . . When I Choose That.

Spread Some Joy Today--by doing what is right in your heart. Others will know.

Daily Inspiration 1-14-13

"It doesn't matter

how good someone else is. 

It doesn't make you any better. 

It doesn't make you any worse." 

-- from the movie, Pastime 

My antennae are up all the time, whether I'm in a crowd, driving and listening to the radio or music, watching a movie. I'm ready to hear something profoundly interesting that I haven't heard before, or I haven't heard that thought expressed quite so well as this one. This was the case tonight as I watched a baseball movie framed in the late fifties. It's just so funny how when I hear something and it clicks with me, it is instantaneous and I have to record it, often writing as fast as I can.

I know this thought that surrounds the quote above, but I have never heard it expressed in this way. It makes it so much more clear that it doesn't do any good at all to be the least bit concerned what others are doing because, ultimately, it doesn't really matter. The only thing that does matter, is what you and I do.

It doesn't matter who's on what level either. Some will always be scoring more, pitching better, closing more deals, doing more labor and so on. Again, it doesn't matter what they do, only what we do. What they do doesn't make us any better, or any worse. It is what it is.


Take Joy In That!

Spread Some Joy Today--Let it be what it is without any insistence that it be something else.

Daily Inspiration 1-13-13

"Do something you really like,

and hopefully it pays the rent.

As far as I'm concerned,

that's success."

 

-- Tom Petty

Today I watched a wonderful documentary on two DVD's for about 4-1/4 hours straight through. I loved it. It is called Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream and was directed by Peter Bogdanovich. I have never known much about Tom Petty, and wasn't a fan until the last few years, and I found this movie very inspiring and a fascinating story.

Wrapped throughout the history of the group is the passion for their music. Not always agreeing with each other, but together for so long with so few changes in people, and for over 35 years Tom's been out there doing what he loves.

It's interesting to hear his story from childhood and how he came to decide on music and then how it became his career, life, and livelihood. You could look at it and call it luck, but I think it was so much more attracting circumstances and events than haphazard luck.

When you know what you want to do, love doing it, are driven by it, you really don't need to know how it will all come down or come together. In fact, you probably won't even know what it would look like until you actually got there, and that is part of the journey that is weaved in this great story.

It's also a story of growth and expansion, of following your heart and ignoring the press, negative opinions, and even the so-called wisdom of the so-called experts. I remember one part where they had recorded a new album, Full Moon Fever, and the record company refused to distribute it, claiming that it didn't have his sound. On that album is the mega-hit, Free Fallin'. In addition, their long time drummer, chose not to be on the recording because he didn't like the song. So they got a new drummer.

I think there is so much in life and business that we can learn from watching this that it could be a college class.


"I've Turned Down A Lot Of Money For Things That Would Have Made Me Feel Cheesy." -- Tom Petty.

Spread Some Joy Today--Go with your heart in control.

Daily Inspiration 1-12-13

"Serving people is the best way

to earn influence."

 

-- Jeff Goins

I was browsing tonight some something and pulled the classic Think and Grow Rich book off my shelf. I skimmed just a bit and came upon a message that I think is fascinating to think about.

The idea that was in my head was how some people influence others and in how many ways they do that, even some of the ways being completely unknown to them, as in just not being aware, or that they happened after their passing as they continue to influence beyond the grave.

The first person that I thought of by seeing their name in this book was Abraham Lincoln. I saw this text: "Abraham Lincoln was a failure at everything he tried, until he was well past the age of forty. He was a Mr. Nobody from Nowhere, until a great experience came into his life, aroused the sleeping genius within his heart and brain, and gave the world one of its really great men." It's certainly an interesting way to look at someone so famous for so long.

Then I consider Think and Grow Rich as an influence. This book was first published in 1937 and there must be millions of copies of it in various forms in bookstores and all over the Internet. It has influenced so many millions of people all over the planet for well over 75 years and continues to be a great seller even today. So, that is a gigantic influence

But, I want to take this just one step further. Think and Grow Rich was inspired and nurtured by the great steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie, who was a mighty influence at the turn of the last century and also continues to influence millions of others through Napoleon Hill and in creating free libraries all over the country, along with many other influences too long to mention in detail.

Isn't it interesting how one can influence another to greater heights than they even did themselves. Isn't it interesting how we all influence one another in various ways and how past teachers, parents and mentors influence us each day.


We Are So Much More Connected Than We Think.

Spread Some Joy Today--Consider how you are uplifting and influencing others around you--and yourself within you.

Daily Inspiration 1-11-13

"Life will give you whatever experience

is most helpful for the evolution

of your consciousness.

How do you know this is the experience

you need? Because this is the experience

you are having at this moment."

 

-- Eckhart Tolle

All I can think of to share tonight is a bit about my emotional rollercoaster of a day today. I promise to be brief.

It began early this morning responding to a friend's email and giving love and encouragement, and I shared this quote above with him as well. That was a great start. Then I got some computer work done for a few hours

Just after noon, I was in a meeting briefly that was not my idea of a good time, and since it was not set up by me, I just went with it. It gave me concern and I didn't feel good, but in my typical trooper-life fashion, I decided to do my best to let it go and move my emotions step by step to a higher place where I could just let go of it completely.

That wasn't working so well, but I wasn't giving up.

Then another afternoon meeting that was good and I was quiet through most of it with my partner doing the talking. He's good at that. But, it appeared to be coming to an end without covering what I thought was the most important issue, so I chimed in. I was probably a bit intense. (My passion for what I do mostly). But, I knew that early part of the day was working on me.

Then evening came. I decided to share my thoughts about how I felt earlier and that went well, though it was emotional too. Then, from out of the blue I got some most encouraging words from someone who has not been supportive for a long time. I almost cried. It was so special and was exactly what I needed. It was a very simple phrase: "We'll get through this. . ."


Wow. Another Great Day In Paradise . . .

Spread Some Joy Today--"Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, trust me, it's not the end." -- From the film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Daily Inspiration 1-10-13

"Courtesies of a small and trivial character

are the ones which strike deepest

in the grateful and appreciating heart."

 

-- Henry Clay

I was out and about and paying some bills today. Sometimes, paying bills might seem like a task that we would rather not do because it seems to deplete our cash resources, but I'm having a whole other way of looking at it in recent years.

Today I had the common privilege of paying my garbage bill. It was $35 and change. Whenever I pay that bill I just want to go to the nearest mountain top and scream and yell how excited I am to pay such a stupid small amount of money for such an awesome service. I mean, think about it, they come to my house and pick up my trimmings, my recyclables, my garbage every single week, 52 times a year, and it costs me only $35 and change. Is that a ridiculous bargain, or what?

Then I paid the cable bill. I'm old enough to remember when TV was free. You could put up a coat hanger and make it work, rabbit ears (anyone remember that phrase) made it better, and an antenna on the roof made it great for those with a little bit of money, and once it was installed, the cost was zero dollars every month. Now, my bill is $75 per month and I know so many people over a hundred, but it is with great joy that I pay that bill because of the value it brings into my home. Again, I pay the bill and they send me stuff 24/7 and then I get to choose from a hundred or so channels instead of the old days when there were about 5. What a stupid bargain when you look at what comes in for what little goes out. I mean that isn't even a tank of gas, is it?

Then there's electricity and gas. Last month it was $160. What a crazy low number for what value it brings. And then, water and sewer. Can you imagine not having sewer service? And water--I don't have to go to some well or creek, I turn the tap on the sink and it comes out. I turn the shower on and it comes out and it even comes out hot or cold and I can adjust anywhere in between.

All of these things are no brainer bargains. I want to give them all a tip!


Next Time You Pay That Bill, Write A Note Saying That It Is With Great Joy That I Pay You For This Service!

Spread Some Joy Today--Pass this on to a few friends . . .

Daily Inspiration 1-9-13

"You are never strong enough

that you don't need help."

 

-- Cesar Chavez

This is a quote that is perfect to put on the bathroom mirror or the refrigerator or on top of your monitor so that you can see it often. It's wonderful to think that we are born multi-taskers and that we can handle a lot, but there are places in our lives that we need help. It doesn't matter if we are rich and famous or poor and downtrodden, we all need help from someone else or other people. That makes it important to keep all bridges intact and all avenues open.

This applies as much in our personal lives as it does in our business endeavors. I know in my business endeavors that I am finding more people to help out all the time and as it grows, I need ever more help. I see some clients trying to manage it all and that just doesn't work. What is your time worth?

In our personal lives there are all kinds of things that we need help with, whether it is our taxes, getting out of a tax jam, getting help to keep up the house, the yard, the ranch and so much more.

Praise God for all those people out there who like to do things I hate doing! What a wonderful help that is. Seek and ye shall find!


I Am Blessed By The Helpers! Thank YOU!

Spread Some Joy Today--Help someone else who can use some help.

Daily Inspiration 1-8-13

"Who were you before

  you learned to be afraid?"

 

-- Alan Cohen

When I was about 5 years old, my mother had me take tap dance lessons. I had these black patent leather-like tap shoes and I practiced in the kitchen. We had a recital and my mother tied a green ribbon on one foot and a red one on the other. She was like that. She grew up on a farm in Iowa and she found ways to get attention like wearing two different socks and such. Since it worked for her, she was doing it for me. I'm sure she meant well, but it was devastating to me.

When my turn came at the recital, I mustered the courage to actually stand up there, but could not muster the courage to dance. I never tap danced again. I ran out in embarrassment.

I've had other such failed endeavors throughout my life and most often, it is all about fear in some way or another. So, I thought Alan Cohen's question was so darn good to consider. Who was I before I learned to be afraid?

As I reflect on that question now, I find more power than I had before. I used to espouse that whenever you feel fear, to ask yourself two questions. One, what are you really afraid of? Good question. Two, what is the worst thing that could happen? Another good one meant to make little of the fear and bring it into a good reality.

But, now I have a better question: Who were you before you learned to be afraid?


The Answer Is You Were Fearless!

Spread Some Joy Today--Fear-less.

Daily Inspiration 1-7-13

"It's not because things are difficult

that we don't dare;

It's because we don't dare

that things are difficult."

 

-- Seneca

I think this quote is funny how true it is. There are a lot of things that I intend to do and because I don't know how to do them, or I'm waiting for inspiration, I deal with procrastination often. I think I could safely say that I am a veritable expert on that subject. But, because the game needs to move forward, I can only hide behind procrastination for so long and then I have to face the difficulty by daring to act unknowingly.

Yes, I often act with little or no knowledge of how I'm going to do something, and in so doing, I somehow find the necessary skill to do that thing. It was so difficult all the time I was not willing to dare, or act, then, magically, by daring, the difficulty is severely lessened, and often it evaporates completely. I find that fascinating.


Set It Before You And Start Your Daring Adventure. It Is Amazing How Much Skill And Knowledge You Have.

Spread Some Joy Today--Do something for someone without them knowing where it came from. That is a special reward.

Daily Inspiration 1-6-13

"Have patience with all things,

But, first of all with yourself."

 

-- Saint Francis de Sales

My ability to have patience with people and things has risen dramatically in the last 6 years or so. I've grown in wisdom, as it should be, and in that wisdom, I find patience with others and processes that I didn't have when I was younger. It was all about impatience then, and it was encouraged that way, don't you know.

However, the place I am not so good at is allowing patience of myself; giving myself the slack that should go to any human being; allowing my emotions to play a part. They say that we are hardest on ourselves and I have been that.

I am making progress. I am aware. That is step one. Yet, when I saw this quote above, I knew I wasn't quite there yet, so you can see that I need more work. I'm a work in progress!


Now I Work On Playing With It Instead Of Working On It. That Takes So Much Pressure Off, Don't You Know.

Spread Some Joy Today--Life someone up. Totally out of the blue, just lift someone up. In the process that joy comes back to you!

Daily Inpsiration 1-5-13

"The West made people too time-conscious,

not knowing where they are going

but speeding to get there

because time is so short."

 

-- Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

My wife and I take a ride from Fairfield, over the "hill" into Napa Valley and stop at a Starbuck's there, walk the dog and return. Since she's contracted her illness, we do this often because she really loves the scenery and it's not that far, but the round trip takes about 2 hours.

It is a nice break from my computer routine, and I LOVE the scenery. Much of the trip over the mountain is windy narrow road where 30 mph might be a bit fast, and we've done this run for the 26 years we've been together. We used to do it in a VW Cabriolet convertible, which was her favorite car, and with the top down and driving at a leisurely pace, it is among the most pleasant drives on the planet, except for the road to Hana on Maui.

Now we do it once a week or more and there isn't much traffic to deal with, but sometimes there is some pretty impatient people. The speed limit on the whole trip maximum is 40 mph, and today even going 45 mph, we had quite a number of type A's thinking we were holding them from their important appointments. I pull over when I can, but there isn't much in that respect available.

So today, a thought came to me that I had to write down. It was two short phrases: on a mission and on an adventure. It seemed like we were on an adventure without time constraints. After all, it is a long and winding road, not a thoroughfare. We weren't dilly-dallying, but were not in a hurry either. Then, there seemed to be a lot of people that were on a mission. They were intent and several even passed on the double yellow line to show their anxiousness. I was impressed.

It's an interesting way to look at things, don't you think? On a mission versus on an adventure. It's also a good way to look at our lives from a more global point of view. Are we on a mission? or are we on an adventure? They require two very different ways of looking at the world, don't you agree?


I Decided Today That I'm On An Adventure. I'm Going To Look At My Life That Way From Here On. Thank You Who Were On A Mission Today. You Made My Day!

Spread Some Joy Today--Follow your adventure moment by moment today while enjoying fully the journey.

Daily Inspiration 1-4-13

"Weeds are flowers, too,

once you get to know them."

 

-- A. A. Milne

This is a wonderful quote from children's book author and Winnie-the-Pooh spokesperson, A. A. Milne. The word weed is such an interesting word and everyone I know has always classified a weed as an unwanted thing. So, I went to a favorite place on the web, Wikipedia, for some clarification and they seem to agree:

"The term weed is used in a variety of senses, generally centering around a plant that is not desired within a certain context. The term weed is a subjective one, without any classification value, since a plant that is a weed in one context is not a weed when growing where it belongs or is wanted. Indeed, a number of plants that many consider "weeds", are often intentionally grown by people in gardens or other cultivated-plant settings. Therefore, a weed is a plant that is considered by the user of the term to be a nuisance. The word commonly is applied to unwanted plants in human-controlled settings, especially farm fields and gardens, but also lawns, parks, woods, and other areas. More vaguely, "weed" is applied to any plants that grow and reproduce aggressively and invasively.[1] The term weed has also been generalized to any species, not just plants, that can live in diverse environments and reproduce quickly, and the term has even been applied to humans.[2]"

I like how they said that it is "centering around a plant that is not desired within a certain context." It's not just about flowerbeds, but homes, businesses, on the street, around town. It's all around. All of that just makes me like A. A. Milne's quote all the more.


Beauty And Value Are Purely In The Eyes Of The Beholder.

Spread Some Joy Today--Go on linked-in and give someone a great recommendation without prior notice. When they get it, they will beam ear to ear.

Daily Inspiration 1-3-13

"By focusing attention on a vision,

the leader operates on the

emotional and spiritual resources

of the organization."

 

-- Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus

from Leaders

I pulled only one sentence out of a marvelous paragraph from the book, Leaders, Strategies for Taking Charge by Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus, 2nd revised edition, 1997. But, you have to read the whole paragraph to enjoy its special beauty. Here it is:

"We have here one of the clearest distinctions between a leader and the manager. By focusing attention on a vision, the leader operates on the emotional and spiritual resources of the organization, on its values, commitment and aspirations. The manager, by contrast, operates on the physical resources of the organization, on its capital, human skills, raw materials and technology. Any competent manager can make it possible for people in the organization to earn a living. An excellent manager can see to it that work is done productively and efficiently, on schedule, and with a high level of quality. It remains for the effective leader, however, to help people in the organization know pride and satisfaction in their work. Great leaders often inspire their followers to high levels of achievement by showing them how their work contributes to worthwhile ends. It is an emotional appeal to some of the most fundamental of human needs--the need to be important, to make a difference, to feel useful, to be a part of a successful and worthwhile enterprise."

I've studied much on the subject of leadership and management, and I don't recall ever seeing such a fine and, in my mind, correct and thoughtful distinction. I especially keyed in on the phrase, "a leader operates on the emotional and spiritual resources of the organization." What a powerful place to operate and it so finely defines more about leadership.

Some think it is a lot about personality, charisma, education, and so on, but those could only be side benefits, if they are benefits at all. This only goes to show clearly that all can become a leader as they learn to understand this paragraph, take it to heart, and live it daily.


This Has Always Been My Own Passion And Desire.

Spread Some Joy Today--Keep reading, regularly. Learning is joy.

Daily Inspiration 1-2-13

"Problems give meaning to life. . .

 

We all have a tendency all of our lives to want

to get rid of problems and responsibilities.

When that temptation arises, remember the youth

who was questioning a lonely old man.

"What is life's heaviest burden?" he asked.

The old fellow answered sadly,

"Having nothing to carry."

 

-- John C Maxwell

from Developing the Leader Within You

We probably all discovered that our problems didn't evaporate at midnight on New Year's Eve. Probably as soon as we opened our eyes yesterday and saw the new day of the new year, we realized that nothing really changed. That would be cool though.

As I was perusing through my library to find a great quote, I was drawn to one of my favorite John C Maxwell books published in 1993, Developing the Leader Within You, and as I came to the page with the heading, problems give meaning to life, I thought it was perfect.

We are so well trained to think of problems as something to solve, overcome, deal with, stew about, make lists of, and generally mess with. It is as if they are attackers from the outside evil regime and we are defending the motherland and we have to analyze and overcome the odds and succeed. Or, at least to succeed is the hope.

But what if we started thinking a new thought about problems. What if we started thinking how they add value to our lives, how they help us grow and become more than we were? How about if we got excited about a problem and began thanking God for such an opportunity as this? What if instead of a problem being a problem, it was an opportunity instead? What if we secretly looked forward to problems as if they were Christmas presents in a beautiful bright package?

This is something we can change for the new year. We can begin to see our problems as opportunities, and how they do and will benefit us as we enjoy the experiences they bring.


I Have The Most Powerful Tool At My Constant Disposal. I Have The Power To Change My Thinking.

Spread Some Joy Today--Try one of my favorite lines I use a lot. "Have I told you I love you lately?" It is magic!

Daily Inspiration 1-1-13

"You don't launch a popular blog,

you build one."

 

-- Seth Godin

This quote above came from a Seth Godin blog post called Writer's block and the drip and was the second to the last line in the post. When I read it, the thing just jumped off the page at me.

My first thought was, how profoundly true that statement is. You see, I've learned so much about blogs, their value, how they work and how to make them better, when five years ago I didn't even know what one was. Now I write several myself and our company has launched over 155 blogs and currently manage just over a hundred. This email Daily Inspirations is also a blog where every post exists since the first in 2009. It is only now gaining in popularity by sheer volume of words and quotes.

In Seth's post, he says, "a post, day after day, week after week, 400 times a year, 4000 times a decade. When you commit to writing regularly, the stakes for each thing you write go down." He mentioned that not every post will be brilliant, but enough of them may be to leave your mark. Seth has left his mark. I receive his blog posts via email almost every day. He just published in late December, a book of a collection of six years of posts called, Whatch Gonna Do With That Duck? I just received my copy and I love the way it works as a book.

Back to the story. . . The only way a blog really works is in volume and content, or quantity along with quality. Posting often, sharing things of value, including ideas, as in building something. It grows as it is posted and as time goes on the layers help create the power of the blog. This is one place where the more, the better works as much as the better, the more. Quality often comes from practice (or just getting lucky).

Of course, Seth's quote applies equally to other things. As an example, you don't launch a popular business, you build one, or you don't launch a great life, you build one. The magic bullet, if there were such a thing, would be to build, layer upon layer, moment upon moment. This applies equally to things and non-things like building relationships with people.


Let's Go Create Some Layers And Build Something Continually New And More Valuable. And Fun!

Spread Some Joy Today--Make a list of things you want to do or accomplish. It doesn't require a timeframe. Now, pick the three most important to you. Last, do something however insignificant it may be toward those every day. Maybe it will just be seeing yourself in the picture, or maybe you make many small steps toward it. Just do something each day. This will add to your joy, and your accomplishments.