"All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower
wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind."
-- Abraham Lincoln
Get a few million people doing this and it is a very different planet!
Let it start with me!
I Have The Power To Change The World! It Starts With Me Changing My World!
Spread Some Joy Today--See if you can pluck at least one thistle and plant one flower today.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-27-09
"If it's never our fault, we can't take responsibility for it.
If we can't take responsibility for it, we'll always be its victim."
-- Richard Bach
When many of us were young, we learned very well that being at fault meant punishment of some kind, and that caused pain of one kind or another. So, it became foolish to accept responsibility for something even when we were asked directly about it. It became acceptable, and may I even say, desirable to lie about it regardless of how we felt inside or whether we thought they believed us or not. It was like a basic survival learning experience of the law of cause and effect. We knew what the effect was if we were the cause.
Somehow we missed learning the real law of cause and effect and so many of us have carried this basic survival learning into adulthood; albeit, less blatantly. Blame is still easier and safer we think. But is it?
A long time ago I learned about a psychological game that makes this basic survival experience so clear to me. I see it so easily in others and then I also have learned to see it in myself and then stop and get a better handle on my thinking and actions. Here is the game:
Draw a triangle and at one point write the word Persecutor, at the next point (either one), write the word Victim, and at the last point, write the word Rescuer. Now, once you get a handle on this game, you may see it being played by a number of people including relatives. It's pretty logical. First someone is playing the Victim portion of the game. They need a Persecutor to blame for their problems for it would be impossible in this game to accept responsibility for any of their actions. Then, there is someone who is playing the Rescuer part. They are trying to point out things that can be done to alleviate the problem, move forward, etc., but the Victim will never, ever listen seriously to a Rescuer; however, they really need them in this game. If the other two are not always in the game, there is nothing for the Victim, or the Persecutor, or the Rescuer.
For much of my life, I was a Rescuer. I call it 'swimming upstream.' It is never effective in the game because no one wants to be rescued. Logic would dictate they want to be rescued, but really, they love playing the part. They've grown accustomed to it.
There's only one way out. Step away from the game. There's only one way to step away from the game: Begin accepting responsibility for your thinking and your actions. People will still be playing the Persecutor with you, but you won't be jumping in playing the Rescuer, so you're on the outside looking in. When you are there, it is pretty clear that it's a game. Otherwise, you will always be the game's Victim. (Here's a link to see more about the Karpman Drama Triangle.)
Here's to accepting responsibility!
I Create My Own Reality!
Spread Some Joy Today--See if you see anyone playing the triangle game. . . Smile that you know the way out.
If we can't take responsibility for it, we'll always be its victim."
-- Richard Bach
When many of us were young, we learned very well that being at fault meant punishment of some kind, and that caused pain of one kind or another. So, it became foolish to accept responsibility for something even when we were asked directly about it. It became acceptable, and may I even say, desirable to lie about it regardless of how we felt inside or whether we thought they believed us or not. It was like a basic survival learning experience of the law of cause and effect. We knew what the effect was if we were the cause.
Somehow we missed learning the real law of cause and effect and so many of us have carried this basic survival learning into adulthood; albeit, less blatantly. Blame is still easier and safer we think. But is it?
A long time ago I learned about a psychological game that makes this basic survival experience so clear to me. I see it so easily in others and then I also have learned to see it in myself and then stop and get a better handle on my thinking and actions. Here is the game:
Draw a triangle and at one point write the word Persecutor, at the next point (either one), write the word Victim, and at the last point, write the word Rescuer. Now, once you get a handle on this game, you may see it being played by a number of people including relatives. It's pretty logical. First someone is playing the Victim portion of the game. They need a Persecutor to blame for their problems for it would be impossible in this game to accept responsibility for any of their actions. Then, there is someone who is playing the Rescuer part. They are trying to point out things that can be done to alleviate the problem, move forward, etc., but the Victim will never, ever listen seriously to a Rescuer; however, they really need them in this game. If the other two are not always in the game, there is nothing for the Victim, or the Persecutor, or the Rescuer.
For much of my life, I was a Rescuer. I call it 'swimming upstream.' It is never effective in the game because no one wants to be rescued. Logic would dictate they want to be rescued, but really, they love playing the part. They've grown accustomed to it.
There's only one way out. Step away from the game. There's only one way to step away from the game: Begin accepting responsibility for your thinking and your actions. People will still be playing the Persecutor with you, but you won't be jumping in playing the Rescuer, so you're on the outside looking in. When you are there, it is pretty clear that it's a game. Otherwise, you will always be the game's Victim. (Here's a link to see more about the Karpman Drama Triangle.)
Here's to accepting responsibility!
I Create My Own Reality!
Spread Some Joy Today--See if you see anyone playing the triangle game. . . Smile that you know the way out.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-26-09
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
-- Melody Beattie
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank You For Reading!
Spread Some Joy Today--Hug a lot!
-- Melody Beattie
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank You For Reading!
Spread Some Joy Today--Hug a lot!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-25-09
"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got,
he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get."
-- Frank A. Clark
There was a time in the not very distant past when I might have read this and said, 'what in the world is there to be thankful for in this situation?'
Think of it this way: a guy says, 'hey, I'll change when I get the money.' I've also heard it said that having more money just makes you more of what you already are.
I have finally learned this lesson after struggling with it for a very long time, and Vincent Roazzi says it so well, 'For things to change, you have to change.' This time, I'm changing my thinking first, then my success will last. It's like the poor person who won the lottery and is broke six months or a year later. The money didn't make them smarter, or wiser--just richer. For a while.
Being grateful for misfortune is a very important step in the process of change. Being thankful for what you have, sounds easier than being grateful for misfortune, but being grateful--honestly grateful--is truly a catalyst to positive change. Anyone can be grateful for good times and easy living. It takes committment and tenacity to be grateful when things are crashing around you. Yet, this is when it is really important and when it really matters.
Gratitude will open doors previously closed; it will open you to inspiration. It is a connection to God. There is so much to be thankful for and if you aren't seeing that, you're looking in the wrong places. Here's a quote from G. K Chesterton to help: "When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?"
Let's start with gratitude for where we are and what we have, make it a habit, and also celebrate the opportunities that lie ahead before they actually show up. I tell you this from experience, that this habit alone will change your inner life dramatically and your external life will follow suit in due time. This time, when the 'good times' return, you will achieve a lasting joy and a permanent change.
I Am Thankful For EVERY Thing!
Spread Some Joy Today--When you wake up in the morning and before you nod off to sleep, see how many things you can be thankful for. The warmth of the bed, the crispness of the sheets, the smell in the air, the sunrise peeking through the window, the breath in your lungs. . .
he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get."
-- Frank A. Clark
There was a time in the not very distant past when I might have read this and said, 'what in the world is there to be thankful for in this situation?'
Think of it this way: a guy says, 'hey, I'll change when I get the money.' I've also heard it said that having more money just makes you more of what you already are.
I have finally learned this lesson after struggling with it for a very long time, and Vincent Roazzi says it so well, 'For things to change, you have to change.' This time, I'm changing my thinking first, then my success will last. It's like the poor person who won the lottery and is broke six months or a year later. The money didn't make them smarter, or wiser--just richer. For a while.
Being grateful for misfortune is a very important step in the process of change. Being thankful for what you have, sounds easier than being grateful for misfortune, but being grateful--honestly grateful--is truly a catalyst to positive change. Anyone can be grateful for good times and easy living. It takes committment and tenacity to be grateful when things are crashing around you. Yet, this is when it is really important and when it really matters.
Gratitude will open doors previously closed; it will open you to inspiration. It is a connection to God. There is so much to be thankful for and if you aren't seeing that, you're looking in the wrong places. Here's a quote from G. K Chesterton to help: "When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?"
Let's start with gratitude for where we are and what we have, make it a habit, and also celebrate the opportunities that lie ahead before they actually show up. I tell you this from experience, that this habit alone will change your inner life dramatically and your external life will follow suit in due time. This time, when the 'good times' return, you will achieve a lasting joy and a permanent change.
I Am Thankful For EVERY Thing!
Spread Some Joy Today--When you wake up in the morning and before you nod off to sleep, see how many things you can be thankful for. The warmth of the bed, the crispness of the sheets, the smell in the air, the sunrise peeking through the window, the breath in your lungs. . .
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-24-09
"Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped."
-- African Proverb
The first couple times I read this quote, I didn't think much on it, yet the more I looked at it, the more powerfully wise it became to me.
Often times where we fall can be a great distance from where we slipped. Consider these thoughts: Was it the event that caused the fall, or was it the thinking that caused the event that caused me to fall? In this case, the fall would be a natural evolution of the thinking. I can think of many situations in my own life where this really helps me see where the problem really started.
The good news is that we can change the thinking so the slipping is either non-existent or kept to an absolute minimum, thereby staying upright.
Think about it!
I Can See Where My Thinking Has Brought Me!
Spread Some Joy Today--Pretend you put all your love into a pitcher. Now, in your mind, pour it over the head of someone you don't like very much. Make sure they get a really good coating on them. If you have some left (you know you do!), do it twice just to make sure.
-- African Proverb
The first couple times I read this quote, I didn't think much on it, yet the more I looked at it, the more powerfully wise it became to me.
Often times where we fall can be a great distance from where we slipped. Consider these thoughts: Was it the event that caused the fall, or was it the thinking that caused the event that caused me to fall? In this case, the fall would be a natural evolution of the thinking. I can think of many situations in my own life where this really helps me see where the problem really started.
The good news is that we can change the thinking so the slipping is either non-existent or kept to an absolute minimum, thereby staying upright.
Think about it!
I Can See Where My Thinking Has Brought Me!
Spread Some Joy Today--Pretend you put all your love into a pitcher. Now, in your mind, pour it over the head of someone you don't like very much. Make sure they get a really good coating on them. If you have some left (you know you do!), do it twice just to make sure.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-23-09
"Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve.
He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind."
-- Leonardo da Vinci
When I think of Leonardo da Vinci and all the things he designed, painted, sculpted, and accomplished, I never think of him as even considering obstacles or even needing persistence. Isn't that just the way when you're looking back hundreds of years, or even last year or last month, you don't see the actual doing, but just the results, whatever they may be.
If Leonardo had obstacles, that makes me feel so much better because my obstacles seem so puny in comparison. I've heard it said that you get 20 people in a dark room and give someone your biggest problems and a half hour later, everyone is scrambling to get their original problems back. We pump them up, but there is a lot of air in our problems.
The good news, as with Leonardo, is that a stern resolve to stay focused on what it is you really want to accomplish will eventually overcome any and all obstacles. Then, as we have done so many times in the past, we can look back and laugh at what we thought were obstacles. Or, even better, we may not even recognize any obstacles.
I'm all for that!
I'm An Obstacle Crusher, An Obstacle Crusher . . . Watching Them Go By, My Oh My!
Spread Some Joy Today--Let's Just Go Crush A Few Obstacles Today. Let's Rumble!
He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind."
-- Leonardo da Vinci
When I think of Leonardo da Vinci and all the things he designed, painted, sculpted, and accomplished, I never think of him as even considering obstacles or even needing persistence. Isn't that just the way when you're looking back hundreds of years, or even last year or last month, you don't see the actual doing, but just the results, whatever they may be.
If Leonardo had obstacles, that makes me feel so much better because my obstacles seem so puny in comparison. I've heard it said that you get 20 people in a dark room and give someone your biggest problems and a half hour later, everyone is scrambling to get their original problems back. We pump them up, but there is a lot of air in our problems.
The good news, as with Leonardo, is that a stern resolve to stay focused on what it is you really want to accomplish will eventually overcome any and all obstacles. Then, as we have done so many times in the past, we can look back and laugh at what we thought were obstacles. Or, even better, we may not even recognize any obstacles.
I'm all for that!
I'm An Obstacle Crusher, An Obstacle Crusher . . . Watching Them Go By, My Oh My!
Spread Some Joy Today--Let's Just Go Crush A Few Obstacles Today. Let's Rumble!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-22-09
"Become a possibilitarian.
No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are,
raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them,
for they're always there."
-- Dr Norman Vincent Peale
When we have troubles, it is so easy to think on the dark side. It is so easy to think of despair, self-pity, and blame. It is easier still to listen to that inner voice telling you what a fool you've been and pointing out each and every turn and how so many others have conspired to lay this all on you layer after layer until the sheer weight of it is depressing. It is in this darkness that possibilities seems so far off in another time when life was better and things were good.
No matter how dark it may seem, hope is the possibilities of positive change that only require opening your eyes toward them. It is in the possibilities and the continual looking toward them that we can see a way out. It is there. It always has been, and always will be.
I think that it was Bob Proctor in the audio program, The Power To Have It All, that Bob said that the Airplane has been here forever, but it was only in the last hundred or so years that it became a reality. All the materials were here and available waiting for the right people to make the right combinations and produce the result. He said that this was true of every invention. If you think about that, it has to be true. All the materials were certainly here. It is possibilities. All it required was someone or many to focus on the possibility and make it a reality.
Keep your sights on possibilities. It is hope in action. It is life-giving and enthusiasm-creating. There is so much light available in that. Become a possibilitarian!
Possibilitarian. I Like That Word.
Spread Some Joy Today--Share Your Hope With Someone Who Could Use Some.
No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are,
raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them,
for they're always there."
-- Dr Norman Vincent Peale
When we have troubles, it is so easy to think on the dark side. It is so easy to think of despair, self-pity, and blame. It is easier still to listen to that inner voice telling you what a fool you've been and pointing out each and every turn and how so many others have conspired to lay this all on you layer after layer until the sheer weight of it is depressing. It is in this darkness that possibilities seems so far off in another time when life was better and things were good.
No matter how dark it may seem, hope is the possibilities of positive change that only require opening your eyes toward them. It is in the possibilities and the continual looking toward them that we can see a way out. It is there. It always has been, and always will be.
I think that it was Bob Proctor in the audio program, The Power To Have It All, that Bob said that the Airplane has been here forever, but it was only in the last hundred or so years that it became a reality. All the materials were here and available waiting for the right people to make the right combinations and produce the result. He said that this was true of every invention. If you think about that, it has to be true. All the materials were certainly here. It is possibilities. All it required was someone or many to focus on the possibility and make it a reality.
Keep your sights on possibilities. It is hope in action. It is life-giving and enthusiasm-creating. There is so much light available in that. Become a possibilitarian!
Possibilitarian. I Like That Word.
Spread Some Joy Today--Share Your Hope With Someone Who Could Use Some.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-21-09
"You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head,
but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair."
-- Chinese Proverb
I absolutely love this proverb and it is so full of wisdom. Though things happen all around you, this does not mean that they must have any effect on you. You get to choose what you think and how you feel about it. Gather troubles and make them your own, or let them float on by as a twig floats down the river. There it is and there is goes. See ya! Ba-bye now!
If you've had nests in your hair--and you know who you are--take heart! Encourage those birds to move to a new home and shake that hair out, or maybe even get a good haircut, perm or color. Change it up. You're on the loose and looking for good times today and planning for joy tomorrow! It is amazing what can be done in such a short time. Who knew it could be that easy?
Birds Of A Feather. You Get To Choose The Feather.
Spread Some Joy Today--Maybe Send A Thank You Card To Someone Today. The Friends You'll Make . . .
but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair."
-- Chinese Proverb
I absolutely love this proverb and it is so full of wisdom. Though things happen all around you, this does not mean that they must have any effect on you. You get to choose what you think and how you feel about it. Gather troubles and make them your own, or let them float on by as a twig floats down the river. There it is and there is goes. See ya! Ba-bye now!
If you've had nests in your hair--and you know who you are--take heart! Encourage those birds to move to a new home and shake that hair out, or maybe even get a good haircut, perm or color. Change it up. You're on the loose and looking for good times today and planning for joy tomorrow! It is amazing what can be done in such a short time. Who knew it could be that easy?
Birds Of A Feather. You Get To Choose The Feather.
Spread Some Joy Today--Maybe Send A Thank You Card To Someone Today. The Friends You'll Make . . .
Friday, November 20, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-20-09
"How far you go in life depends
on your being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged,
sympathetic with the striving,
and tolerant of the weak and strong.
Because someday in life
you will have been all these."
-- George Washington Carver
Words to live by.
What Goes Around Comes Around. . .
Spread Some Joy Today--Watch In Awe As Someone Smiles Back At You.
on your being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged,
sympathetic with the striving,
and tolerant of the weak and strong.
Because someday in life
you will have been all these."
-- George Washington Carver
Words to live by.
What Goes Around Comes Around. . .
Spread Some Joy Today--Watch In Awe As Someone Smiles Back At You.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-19-09
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
-- William Arthur Ward
In one way or another, I have been teaching all my life. As the oldest of five, I was thrust into this role at an early age. As a teacher I have evolved through the levels as shown in the quote above. I learned from watching other teachers and how they did things and how people responded to them--especially how I responded to them. You see, as a teacher, I am also a life-long student. The more I know, the more I see there is to know.
Considering all the teachers I've seen, the ones I even remember well were inspiring. Oh, they taught the curriculum, but they did it in a way that had me owning it, immersing myself in it, and loving it. My aim was to inspire others as they inspired me.
What I learned was that inspiration is not a tool in a tool belt, like explaining, telling or demonstrating. It is more a gift that is given to others because you are inspired. I guess it takes one to know one. . .
I don't try to inspire people. I seek inspiration every day in every way that I can. I seek to be inspired. I think it comes from delight and wonder. I might see it in a scene in a movie, a line in a song, a guitar solo, words on a page, looking at nature, the joy of a photograph, or a hundred other ways. I seek it and am open to it and it just comes right in and I am delighted, and in awe of how that happened.
If I could teach anything well, I would love to teach people to be open to and even to seek out daily inspiration. It is life-transforming once you get hold of it. Inspiration is so much fun!
Close your eyes. Think of someone you totally love. Picture them in your mind. See their smiling face. See your love reflected back at you. Let that thought pour over you like a pitcher of it being poured over your head. You are immersed in it. Enjoy it for a few moments. You've just been inspired!
The next half hour will be AWESOME!!!
Inspire Yourself! You Know You Want To!
Spread Some Joy Today--Feel The Joy In Your Love To Others Being Reflected Back To You!
The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
-- William Arthur Ward
In one way or another, I have been teaching all my life. As the oldest of five, I was thrust into this role at an early age. As a teacher I have evolved through the levels as shown in the quote above. I learned from watching other teachers and how they did things and how people responded to them--especially how I responded to them. You see, as a teacher, I am also a life-long student. The more I know, the more I see there is to know.
Considering all the teachers I've seen, the ones I even remember well were inspiring. Oh, they taught the curriculum, but they did it in a way that had me owning it, immersing myself in it, and loving it. My aim was to inspire others as they inspired me.
What I learned was that inspiration is not a tool in a tool belt, like explaining, telling or demonstrating. It is more a gift that is given to others because you are inspired. I guess it takes one to know one. . .
I don't try to inspire people. I seek inspiration every day in every way that I can. I seek to be inspired. I think it comes from delight and wonder. I might see it in a scene in a movie, a line in a song, a guitar solo, words on a page, looking at nature, the joy of a photograph, or a hundred other ways. I seek it and am open to it and it just comes right in and I am delighted, and in awe of how that happened.
If I could teach anything well, I would love to teach people to be open to and even to seek out daily inspiration. It is life-transforming once you get hold of it. Inspiration is so much fun!
Close your eyes. Think of someone you totally love. Picture them in your mind. See their smiling face. See your love reflected back at you. Let that thought pour over you like a pitcher of it being poured over your head. You are immersed in it. Enjoy it for a few moments. You've just been inspired!
The next half hour will be AWESOME!!!
Inspire Yourself! You Know You Want To!
Spread Some Joy Today--Feel The Joy In Your Love To Others Being Reflected Back To You!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-18-09
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."
-- John Quincy Adams
I love this quote. If you haven't read John Adams by David McCullough, I highly recommend it. It is a powerful story of one of the founders of our American government, a President, father of a President in a way that lets you get to know the man and also get an idea of the challenges he faced.
Considering the difficulties that John Quincy Adams faced, it is so interesting that he could say the quote. The difficulties were monumental and were steadily growing more challenging.
When I think of what President Adams went through routinely over his lifetime, any challenges that I have faced in my life become very, very, very small. That is where I like them, but the reality is that we all think our problems are huge.
This makes patience and perseverance excellent allies in the quest for smaller problems.
Presto! Chango! No Problemo!
Spread Some Joy Today--Pretend That Just For Today, You Have No Problems. How Does It Feel?
-- John Quincy Adams
I love this quote. If you haven't read John Adams by David McCullough, I highly recommend it. It is a powerful story of one of the founders of our American government, a President, father of a President in a way that lets you get to know the man and also get an idea of the challenges he faced.
Considering the difficulties that John Quincy Adams faced, it is so interesting that he could say the quote. The difficulties were monumental and were steadily growing more challenging.
When I think of what President Adams went through routinely over his lifetime, any challenges that I have faced in my life become very, very, very small. That is where I like them, but the reality is that we all think our problems are huge.
This makes patience and perseverance excellent allies in the quest for smaller problems.
Presto! Chango! No Problemo!
Spread Some Joy Today--Pretend That Just For Today, You Have No Problems. How Does It Feel?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-17-09
"If I had eight hours to cut down a big tree,
I'd spend six hours sharpening the axe."
-- Abraham Lincoln
This causes me to think about the current lethargic business climate. There are some very targeted growth spots, but generally business is very slow compared with two years ago. So, what does one do in this kind of business climate in order to move forward? Sharpen the axe.
Stephen Covey in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, stated that one of the seven habits--habit number seven--was to sharpen the saw. He called that, principles of balanced self-renewal.
I am of the opinion that this is an absolutely perfect time to sharpen your business and personal skills and increase your knowledge. We need to break out all the blades and get them all sharpened. It's time to sharpen the sales staff with some basic and advanced training to move them up a few notches, so when the business climate is more conducive to business, they can maximize sales opportunities.
Whatever business you are in, now is a perfect time to get more training and to change procedures and improve operations. When it is busy, you know there is no time to get these things done. Now is perfect timing.
How about the receptionist? Brush up on answering the phone. Change the procedures and put a person on the phone! Humans want to talk with humans. Many of those automatic answering programs are counterproductive. Many think they are saving money, when I believe it is costing them plenty. Every missed call is a problem.
How about internal and external communications with prospects and customers? Now is a great time to redesign, realign, refocus, and generally improve how you communicate with your prospects, clients and even your employees.
All of these and many more things are sharpening the axe in preparation for felling the tree swiftly when the time comes. The amount of time, energy and money spent in this area will for sure and for certain bring improvements that will make a difference now and an even greater difference when business turns around. Think of this as being spring training getting ready for the regular season.
There's no better time than now!
Improvements Under Construction!
Spread Some Joy Today--Smile. When People Ask You Why You're Smiling, Say You're Sharpening The Axe For Abe Lincoln.
I'd spend six hours sharpening the axe."
-- Abraham Lincoln
This causes me to think about the current lethargic business climate. There are some very targeted growth spots, but generally business is very slow compared with two years ago. So, what does one do in this kind of business climate in order to move forward? Sharpen the axe.
Stephen Covey in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, stated that one of the seven habits--habit number seven--was to sharpen the saw. He called that, principles of balanced self-renewal.
I am of the opinion that this is an absolutely perfect time to sharpen your business and personal skills and increase your knowledge. We need to break out all the blades and get them all sharpened. It's time to sharpen the sales staff with some basic and advanced training to move them up a few notches, so when the business climate is more conducive to business, they can maximize sales opportunities.
Whatever business you are in, now is a perfect time to get more training and to change procedures and improve operations. When it is busy, you know there is no time to get these things done. Now is perfect timing.
How about the receptionist? Brush up on answering the phone. Change the procedures and put a person on the phone! Humans want to talk with humans. Many of those automatic answering programs are counterproductive. Many think they are saving money, when I believe it is costing them plenty. Every missed call is a problem.
How about internal and external communications with prospects and customers? Now is a great time to redesign, realign, refocus, and generally improve how you communicate with your prospects, clients and even your employees.
All of these and many more things are sharpening the axe in preparation for felling the tree swiftly when the time comes. The amount of time, energy and money spent in this area will for sure and for certain bring improvements that will make a difference now and an even greater difference when business turns around. Think of this as being spring training getting ready for the regular season.
There's no better time than now!
Improvements Under Construction!
Spread Some Joy Today--Smile. When People Ask You Why You're Smiling, Say You're Sharpening The Axe For Abe Lincoln.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-16-09
"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment,
and learn again to exercise his will and his personal responsibility."
-- Albert Schweitzer
This quote reminds me of when a little kid is caught doing something they shouldn't and they immediately say, "I didn't do it," and the other extreme of Flip Wilson's comment of, "the devil made me do it." Or, maybe it was the circumstance that made me do it. . .my alarm clock didn't go off, there was a wreck on the freeway, my car wouldn't start, my cell phone died. It could have been anyone or anything, but us.
Somehow we think those excuses, real or imagined, will make it sound better and be a "good" excuse for not coming through with whatever we needed to do. Having been a manager since 1975, I have heard many hundreds of lame excuses for why someone didn't come through. Since I have heard so many and have had knowledge of most being totally made up, I am skeptical when I hear one anytime now.
Of course, I have to admit, should I desire to be honest, that I have partaken in excuse making myself on many occasions. I'll tell you a doosey that I've never told before, just to show you how lame I could be.
I was driving a 5-yard dump truck for a landscaping company I worked for and I was hired out to rock quarry company to do small deliveries for a period of time. I had a tendency to oversleep or shut the alarm off thinking I'll close my eyes for just a minute and then an hour or two would pass. I was already on the bad side of the boss for being late before and here I was waking up late again.
I got ready, jumped in the truck and took off to my destination about 15 miles away. About two thirds of the way, I pulled over to the side of the road and put my emergency flashers on, then I got out, opened the hood and pulled out the coil wire from the distributor just enough to not make contact. Some motorist stopped by to help and decided to check the wires and wouldn't you know, he found it! I got his name and went on my way. He was to be my really good backup to my story of the truck breaking down. I guess it worked, but it was really lame and when I look back 40 plus years at that, it is lamer still.
So, I've heard a lot and made some myself. My plan in today's world is to accept responsibility for my actions and not make excuses. It is a challenge. Excuses work so well we think. It's not me, it's the economy. Business is off, it's not my fault. The dog ate my homework.
I'm working on it--daily. I want to admit it's my fault when I know deep down it is. I could have done something and I didn't. I don't see any value in blame, but I do see plenty of value in accepting responsibility for my actions--or even for my non-actions. If I had a chance, and I didn't do it, I blew it. If I did it and I performed poorly, I accept responsibility either way.
Of course, sometimes it really isn't our fault and that's okay too. Now I just want to know that I gave it my best shot, win or lose and not blame anything or anyone. With this I really feel good. How about you?
I Accept Responsibility For Me!
Spread Some Joy Today--Listen To People Blaming Circumstances And See If You Hear Yourself. . .
and learn again to exercise his will and his personal responsibility."
-- Albert Schweitzer
This quote reminds me of when a little kid is caught doing something they shouldn't and they immediately say, "I didn't do it," and the other extreme of Flip Wilson's comment of, "the devil made me do it." Or, maybe it was the circumstance that made me do it. . .my alarm clock didn't go off, there was a wreck on the freeway, my car wouldn't start, my cell phone died. It could have been anyone or anything, but us.
Somehow we think those excuses, real or imagined, will make it sound better and be a "good" excuse for not coming through with whatever we needed to do. Having been a manager since 1975, I have heard many hundreds of lame excuses for why someone didn't come through. Since I have heard so many and have had knowledge of most being totally made up, I am skeptical when I hear one anytime now.
Of course, I have to admit, should I desire to be honest, that I have partaken in excuse making myself on many occasions. I'll tell you a doosey that I've never told before, just to show you how lame I could be.
I was driving a 5-yard dump truck for a landscaping company I worked for and I was hired out to rock quarry company to do small deliveries for a period of time. I had a tendency to oversleep or shut the alarm off thinking I'll close my eyes for just a minute and then an hour or two would pass. I was already on the bad side of the boss for being late before and here I was waking up late again.
I got ready, jumped in the truck and took off to my destination about 15 miles away. About two thirds of the way, I pulled over to the side of the road and put my emergency flashers on, then I got out, opened the hood and pulled out the coil wire from the distributor just enough to not make contact. Some motorist stopped by to help and decided to check the wires and wouldn't you know, he found it! I got his name and went on my way. He was to be my really good backup to my story of the truck breaking down. I guess it worked, but it was really lame and when I look back 40 plus years at that, it is lamer still.
So, I've heard a lot and made some myself. My plan in today's world is to accept responsibility for my actions and not make excuses. It is a challenge. Excuses work so well we think. It's not me, it's the economy. Business is off, it's not my fault. The dog ate my homework.
I'm working on it--daily. I want to admit it's my fault when I know deep down it is. I could have done something and I didn't. I don't see any value in blame, but I do see plenty of value in accepting responsibility for my actions--or even for my non-actions. If I had a chance, and I didn't do it, I blew it. If I did it and I performed poorly, I accept responsibility either way.
Of course, sometimes it really isn't our fault and that's okay too. Now I just want to know that I gave it my best shot, win or lose and not blame anything or anyone. With this I really feel good. How about you?
I Accept Responsibility For Me!
Spread Some Joy Today--Listen To People Blaming Circumstances And See If You Hear Yourself. . .
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Daily Inspiration 11-15-09
"You cannot remedy anything by condemning it."
- Dr Wayne W Dyer
When I first read this line, it jumped out at me. I think it is a very powerful short sentence on how to be happy or have more happiness.
I've heard my share of angry people. Angry at the economy, the neighbors, the stupid people at work, the traffic, local politics, and the list goes on and on. I even used to get angry at some angry people as if that somehow cancelled it out. You know, you just get sick and tired of listening to it, or they start pointing their anger toward you and you feel a need to give some back or defend yourself in some silly way.
Wayne Dyer goes on to say, "If you're angry at those around you for being angry people, you're attempting to remedy the situation through condemnation." Of course! I hadn't thought of it that way before, but it rings so true that it is impossible for me to deny it anymore. That's why war isn't a solution, it's a condition.
Wayne goes on to say, "You cannot attract __________ into your life by hating anything about what you've allowed yourself to become." The blank line is mine because you can fill it in with a myriad of things. How about being overweight? So, you can't hate your body or your fat or how you look and at the same time attract how you want it to be. I love his quote here because it also ends with a message to accept some personal responsibility of the condition. If I'm overweight, that is something I created and being angry at it cannot serve me.
You could fill in that blank with money. Hating the fact that you lack money will not attract money. How about the neighborhood. You cannot attract a better, more peaceful, well cared for neighborhood into your life by hating where you are now.
I've heard it said that the main value of anger is to lead you to make a change via a decision to change. I could go for that sometimes, but once the decision is made, anger must be left behind and focus only on the positive of what you want instead of fighting against what you don't want.
Somehow we seem to think that if we were to fight and get rid of something we don't like, then what we like would be all there would be. That cannot be true. It cannot be destroyed. Turn away from it, focus on what you want and let what is back there be there. Getting rid of cancer doesn't create health. Getting rid of anger doesn't create happiness. Fighting is not the way.
The best way is to just let go of condemnation, anger, disapproval. Just let it go. Having these things is like always paddling upstream against the current. Letting it go is like putting the oars in the boat and letting the current take you where you need to go, trusting that it will come to pass. Everything you want is downstream.
Ahhhhhhh! That is so much better!
I Love Floating Downstream. Life Is Good!
Spread Some Joy Today--If You Hear Anger Today, Send Them Some Loving Thoughts. You Know They Need Them, And, You Need To Send Them.
- Dr Wayne W Dyer
When I first read this line, it jumped out at me. I think it is a very powerful short sentence on how to be happy or have more happiness.
I've heard my share of angry people. Angry at the economy, the neighbors, the stupid people at work, the traffic, local politics, and the list goes on and on. I even used to get angry at some angry people as if that somehow cancelled it out. You know, you just get sick and tired of listening to it, or they start pointing their anger toward you and you feel a need to give some back or defend yourself in some silly way.
Wayne Dyer goes on to say, "If you're angry at those around you for being angry people, you're attempting to remedy the situation through condemnation." Of course! I hadn't thought of it that way before, but it rings so true that it is impossible for me to deny it anymore. That's why war isn't a solution, it's a condition.
Wayne goes on to say, "You cannot attract __________ into your life by hating anything about what you've allowed yourself to become." The blank line is mine because you can fill it in with a myriad of things. How about being overweight? So, you can't hate your body or your fat or how you look and at the same time attract how you want it to be. I love his quote here because it also ends with a message to accept some personal responsibility of the condition. If I'm overweight, that is something I created and being angry at it cannot serve me.
You could fill in that blank with money. Hating the fact that you lack money will not attract money. How about the neighborhood. You cannot attract a better, more peaceful, well cared for neighborhood into your life by hating where you are now.
I've heard it said that the main value of anger is to lead you to make a change via a decision to change. I could go for that sometimes, but once the decision is made, anger must be left behind and focus only on the positive of what you want instead of fighting against what you don't want.
Somehow we seem to think that if we were to fight and get rid of something we don't like, then what we like would be all there would be. That cannot be true. It cannot be destroyed. Turn away from it, focus on what you want and let what is back there be there. Getting rid of cancer doesn't create health. Getting rid of anger doesn't create happiness. Fighting is not the way.
The best way is to just let go of condemnation, anger, disapproval. Just let it go. Having these things is like always paddling upstream against the current. Letting it go is like putting the oars in the boat and letting the current take you where you need to go, trusting that it will come to pass. Everything you want is downstream.
Ahhhhhhh! That is so much better!
I Love Floating Downstream. Life Is Good!
Spread Some Joy Today--If You Hear Anger Today, Send Them Some Loving Thoughts. You Know They Need Them, And, You Need To Send Them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)