Daily Inspiration 12-6-12

"If you want to see the brave, 

look at those who can forgive. 

If you want to see the heroic, 

look at those who can love in return for hatred."

-- Bhagavad Gita

In yesterday's CTS Daily Inspiration, I referenced Albert Ellis's quote that began, "the best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own." Today I was thinking of some I know who focus so much on someone else as a demon in their life that they hold tightly to this grudge against them for affecting their life and continuing to affect their life negatively. Not only can they not forgive, but worse, they can't forget. Ever been around someone like that? Probably not for long, because it surely isn't very pleasant.

I like how Brian Tracy talks of forgiveness: "Issue a blanket pardon. Forgive everyone who has ever hurt you in any way. Forgiveness is a perfectly selfish act. It set you free from the past." He says, "forgive everyone who has ever hurt you in any way." That would include parents, grandparents, ex-spouses, ex-bosses, ex-friends.

But, is that enough? Just forgiveness? Letting it go? Laying it down? Giving up your persecution of the wrongdoers?

Have you ever loved someone who has wronged you? Have you ever not only let it go and forgave them, but also had compassion on them and loved them and all of a sudden cared for them as human beings as if they were separated from their actions? Have you ever done that even if they have not stopped their wrongdoing?

The thing that we somehow forget is that we need to own our own feelings, and realize that they are our feelings and that we created the feeling inside us. The outside stimulus was only a trigger that we allow or disallow to affect how we feel about others and more importantly, about ourselves.

So, in not forgiving, in holding on, in continually thinking about being a victim of others acts or words, we are the ones carrying the burden. And, make no mistake, it is a burden. Forgiveness may be likened to closing the door on the subject, but loving is more like opening the door to a warm Spring breeze and healing sunshine.




The Greatest Revenge Is A Mutual Healing.

 Spread Some Joy Today--Turn around for a short while and look behind you. Who is there that you are refusing to love and forgive? Recognize that it is now time to do so.

Daily Inspiration 12-5-12

"Your first and foremost job as a leader

is to take charge of your own energy

and then help to orchestrate

the energy of those around you."

-- Peter Drucker

This quote is the prime directive. I never forget it and always do my best to live up to it, and if I falter, to get back up right away and get back on track. When one accepts the challenge of the leader, it is of paramount importance that we lead the way by the example of our own energy and our own attitude, and our own work ethic or commitment to our field of endeavor.

Having accepted and wanting that role, I take the charge of my energy seriously, but not without humor. I motivate myself by reaching out to gather inspiration from a variety of sources to continually renew my mind. It makes all the difference in helping shape my own attitude and keep it square. And, even more than this is the passion that I have for what I do. It is not work to me, but interesting fun and challenges. That helps renew my mind as well.

I keep my complaining level to that of a non-complainer. Who wants to listen to someone complaining all the time? I respect and appreciate the time and energy of others. But mostly, I get out of their way.


When You Think Of The Quote Above, Doesn't It Make You Think Of A Good Mother?

Spread Some Joy Today--Next time you hear yourself complaining about anything, stop suddenly and find something, anything to praise. Instant change.

Daily Inspiration 12-4-12

"The best years of your life are those in which

you decide your problems are your own.

You do not blame them on your mother,

the ecology, or the president.

You realize that you control your own destiny."

-- Albert Ellis

In all my life I've had troubles. I have them now as I've had them always. They vary in degree, frequency and longevity, yet they never seem to leave for good. And, for most of my life hardly any of my troubles were my own creation, but those created by others on my behalf, even though I didn't ask for them.

The only thing that has changed today, is that all of my problems are my own. I created them, attracted them, allowed them to be. You know what's funny about that? They cause me so much less stress today being my own than they used to when they were not my own.

Perhaps it is the fact that I feel that I am in control where in the past I felt more like a victim. Feeling like a victim is not all that pleasant even with all the justification on your side to blame the persecutor, it doesn't change the crappy feeling of being a victim.

Only by accepting my problems as my own, I have changed my entire outlook on my life. And, truly, the only thing that really changed was my point of view.


"Self-Acceptance Is The First Step To Self-Improvement--And The Last. -- Alan Cohen

Spread Some Joy Today--Who created your problems? Taking responsibility for them is guaranteed to create more joy in you.

Daily Inspiration 12-3-12

"There cannot be a crisis next week.

My schedule is already full."

-- Henry A Kissinger

My first inclination when I saw this wonderful quote was to laugh because it seemed cute and like a good come back. But the more I considered it, the more I thought, 'Right on! I'm with Henry! I'm not accepting any new crisis this week!' Then, I thought, why not every week?

Consider the power you take for youself with this line. . .


I Disconnected The Crisis Line. . . I'm On Vacation!

Spread Some Joy Today--Any of you on Linked-In? When was the last time you gave a few people an unsolicited recommendation? It's a charge! Do it.

Daily Inspiration 12-2-12

"We are not the sum

of our possessions."

-- George H. W. Bush

Once in a while I have to look at the sum of my possessions and see how relative they really are in my life. I saw a film tonight that brought that to my attention again. It was where someone had a fine collection of things and chose to just walk away from them with almost nothing. As I watched it, I was wondering if I could do that. . .

Let's play a game. There is a very large wave coming in two hours. All the homes within a few miles of yours will be lost along with all that each contains. Evacuation is guaranteed prior to the arrival of the wave, and you have exactly one hour to pack what you want to take that will fit in the trunk of a taxi cab. What would you take?

I know I have hundreds of possessions that at some point meant something to me, but now they are just there. I've grown accustomed to them being here, but they hold so little value in my life now. What do they mean? Nice to have? I don't know. I think maybe, it is just the thought of someday needing it. The reality of that is probably never.

We have so much now, and even have much larger homes than in the last 50 years and yet off site storage is a multi-billion dollar industry with many huge storage facilities in even a moderate sized town. I also rent one and have for a lot of years.

What will I take? Hmmmmm. . .

Taking Stock Once In A While Can Be Insightful.

Spread Some Joy Today--Which relationships would you take with you? Maybe it's time to call them, write them, or send them a little possession. . .

Daily Inspiration 12-1-12

"Work expands

so as to fill

the time available

for its completion."

-- C Northcote Parkinson

In Runaway Bride, Richard Gere's character called himself in jest, The Last Minute Man. Many times I can relate to how he was feeling. Waiting for inspiration can reinforce the last minute methodology. Sometimes I follow Jack London's famous advice where he says, "I don't wait for inspiration. I go after it with a club!" Certainly seems more proactive, when waiting seems so inactive, and I am not a fan of inactive generally, unless of course it is on purpose and for a short and specific time frame. That's what naps are all about.

 

I had two important projects that were due today on the last day of the month. I just barely got one done, half on the other and begged for the weekend to finish it up. I hate going down to the wire. I want to follow through and complete important projects in a timely manner. To me that is well before the deadline--at least, that is my plan.

Sometimes it is the volume of things coming, and other times, I'm reverting to procrastination, but the main reason projects come down to the wire for me is that I am not fully sure what I am going to say or how I'm going to handle it, so I want to mull it over, chew on it and wait on the inspiration for a while. Then Tuesday turns into Saturday, and pretty soon the deadline is so near that I have to stop everything else and get focused. Focus, Minion, focus! That's when I get the club out go after it.

I know I'm not alone. . . and there's at least one or two of you out there that can relate. 

 

 

 

Here's To All Your Projects Done Perfectly And Always On Time!

 

Spread Some Joy Today--When you have joy in your life every day, some people think you're abnormal. I say Hallelujah to that! I AM!
  

Daily Inspiration 11-30-12

"There is surely nothing quite so useless

as doing with great efficiency

what should not be done at all."

-- Peter Drucker 

This is one of my favorite quotes by the management guru of the 20th century, Peter Drucker. It is also one of those quotes that I think of periodically to encourage myself to divest myself of things I don't really need to do. Yet, I persist with things, holding on far longer than makes any sense to a normal person.

I like how Jack Canfield in The Success Principles says it: "Don't just delegate, eliminate!"

This is a concept I need to work on. . .

I Am Always In Control, So It Is Always Up To Me.

Spread Some Joy Today--You may have no idea how much a simple "thank you" can mean to someone who you don't think needs to be told. They do and they do. . .

Daily Inspiration 11-29-12

"Making good decisions

is a crucial skill

at every level."

-- Peter Drucker

Sometimes I just scratch my head in wonder at the responses that I get from some businesses (employees), and organizations. I had another one on the 27th.

 

I saw an email announcement from a book seller that I buy from sometimes. They have closeout copies at a bargain price and I love to give books away, so that allows me to give more away. Well, I wanted this one book by John C Maxwell and they had 56 copies of it and it was on sale for half their normal bargain price Black Friday through Cyber Monday. I got busy, time passed, and on Tuesday I sent them an email. I told them I wanted to take advantage of the sale and if they would honor it, I would buy the remaining 45 copies immediately.

The next day I get this response: "Thank you for your note. Unfortunately, once a promotional sale has ended, I am no longer able to apply it to any orders placed afterwards. I am very sorry for any inconvenience." When I see this, I call BS. What they mean is we choose not to do this for you. Phrases like, "can't" or "no longer able" is just plain crap.

I'm not upset. I don't need the books. It appears that they do. Yet I've been a customer for a number of years and you might think they would focus on that just a little bit. What's the big deal? It's not a big deal, rather, it is a great deal. They would sell 45 more books and do what they claim to do: closeout books. I won't say the name of the company, but it rhymes with bookclosouts.com. . .

Anyway, I think it's funny how people respond to common sense, and how they relish rules and tradition. This example is dinky and insignificant compared to so many I see that involve hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When it comes to these kinds of things, regardless of size, I just stand back and go hmmmmm. . . velly intellesting! 

 

Here's Hoping Your Business Dealings Make Better Sense.

Spread Some Joy Today--Take a nap! Don't ya just love naps? 

Daily Inspiration 11-28-12

"A really good laugh a day

keeps insanity away."

-- Albert K Strong

Ran across this hilarious bit today and felt that it was a perfect thing to share for your Wednesday morning. . . Thanks to my friend Tom Anderton. Enjoy!

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It's All In How We Look At It. . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Share some laughter and joy with others today.




Daily Inspiration 11-27-12

"To become enthusiastic,

act enthusiastically!"

-- Frank Bettger

In 1973, after starting in the automobile business as a salesman just the year before, I went to the local library looking for books on sales to learn the craft that seemed so unfamiliar to me. There sure wasn't much available, but I found a book written in the year I was born in 1949 by a guy named Frank Bettger with a strange title: How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling. Dale Carnegie of How To Win Friends and Influence People fame encouraged him to write it about his success in sales and then got him involved in another passion of Dale's, public speaking. So I checked the book out and read it. (Both of them.)

 

There is much to tell about this wonderful sales-oriented book, and of course, I highly recommend it. I've read it at least 10 times and bought and gave away a good number of copies of it. I still have many copies and a few signed ones too.

 

In Chapter 30, he hit home with me in the car business. It began, "The other day, I tried to figure up how many automobiles I have bought in my time. I was surprised to find that I had bought approximately thirty-three cars.

 

He goes on to say, "Now let me ask you a question: How many different salesmen would you guess sold me those thirty-three automobiles? Exactly thirty-three. Isn't that amazing? Not one of those salesmen ever once, to my knowledge, made an attempt to get in touch with me again."

 

He adds some power to this with this: "Is that unusual? Listen, I have asked more than fifteen thousand people in audiences all over the country if anyone ever had that same experience, and more than half of them promptly raised their hands."

 

This was a most powerful and memorable message for me to remember to follow up. Closing the sale is not the end of the transaction, but it certainly can be.

It's What Happens After The Sale That Often Makes All The Difference.

 

Spread Some Joy Today--It's amazing what a nice card with a simple message will achieve. . . today is a good day for it!

Daily Inspiration 11-26-12

"There's no such thing as too much gratitude.

Because the more of it you express,

the more reasons you'll be given to express it."

-- Mike Dooley, A.K.A., The Universe @ tut.com  

I laughed with joy when I saw this quote several days ago and I'm smiling still. It's funny now, but I used to think that it was not only possible to have too much gratitude, but that I would run out of it, change my thinking or something.

 

Many years ago (many), I studied TA or Transactional Analysis which was a brilliant way of seeing how our minds work and how to interact better with others as well as ourselves. In that, there was the talk of the warm fuzzies and the cold pricklies. Sometimes people would think that there was a shortage of warm fuzzies, so they would reach in their bag and give out cold pricklies instead so that they didn't run too low. But I never related that to gratitude as I do now. Very interesting.

 

Since I've become a grateful man, I find myself in gratitude so much of the day in thousands of ways with thousands of shades of feeling. It is amazing how a beautiful sky at certain times of the day can almost bring me to tears in how grateful I am to now actually see it when much of my life it was taken for granted.

 

As I've expanded that gratitude to include people in all their ways, life in all it manifests and circumstances as inevitable joy, I cannot see an end to it. That is fascinating. At one point I thought I might tire of being happy and grateful, but I find that I am renewed again and again as a good nights sleep is refreshing for our energy.

 

So, now I agree wholeheartedly that there is no such thing as too much gratitude.

Thanks Mike, For The Reminder And Lesson!

 

Spread Some Joy Today--Counting things you are grateful for is good for a beginner as training wheels are helpful for a bicycle beginner, but a time is very near when counting will not matter, and your joy will be like riding your bike down a steep hill with no hands! With no fear! That's what I'm talkin' about.

Daily Inspiration 11-25-12

"People don't believe what you tell them.

They rarely believe what you show them.

They often believe what their friends tell them.

They always believe what they tell themselves."

-- Seth Godin

Seth Godin Week

This week I will explore his marketing

and business wisdom

Read the quote above again, and consider it this way:

It demonstrates the value of networking. . .

It spells out the perfect strategy to close a sale. . .

Consider it well in your marketing. . .

It applies equally in business and life in general. . .

You can watch and see it in action by just observing.     

Truth Is In The Thought Of The Thinker.

Spread Some Joy Today--Smile as you walk around today. It will be amazing the looks that others will give you. It's as easy as appreciating whatever is in your path.

Daily Inspiration 11-24-12

"Yes, I think it's okay to abandon the big, established, stuck tribe." -- Seth Godin Seth Godin Week This week I will explore his marketing and business wisdom I watched a YouTube video from BigThink today and it was sad and almost depressing. The guy was talking about the high cost of college and the burden of student loans and the fact that after college these young adults have no jobs waiting for them and that it is a sad affair. It was a whole bunch of whining. Since when did a college degree ever guarantee a job? The sadder part to me is how important the "job" has become. I think what needs an overhaul in the country is the whole idea of how education is done. It doesn't work very well, and takes much longer than it need take. But, that's another story. . .   I've always believed that education was to teach us how to think. In learning how to think, we are creating options for ourselves. I'm not against getting or keeping or wanting jobs. I've had a number of them. I'm for having choices and creativity. We have this miraculous mind and we have it stuck in neutral sometimes.   I've given up more than one job that paid over a hundred thousand a year to pursue something that had no guarantee. I had the courage to think differently, to make choices that are uncommon, to ignore the expressed fear and anxiety of friends and relatives, and pursued my passion to try and do and create. I have zero regrets. Every choice for me was the better choice and the perfect thing to do, and has all been verified by hindsight.   A job is fine and good until you get to a place where you're stuck. I've felt that place and then I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to keep something I haven't really wanted anymore for some time. I need to be passionate about what I'm doing and when that is gone, I am too. Life is so short and I don't want to get to the end and wish I had done anything, but to have made choices and created at will.   College students (and any other ears that hear): Focus on creating and becoming rather than having. Don't settle. Think and make choices. Choose passion. Choose to live. Create your own employment and income. There is so much need that has yet to be met. You have all the power in your own head and heart. Thirty comes quick and forty far faster. Build your own platform under your dream. It's okay to abandon the big, established, stuck tribe.

Choose To Ignore The Status Quo. Or Not. . . Either Way, Put Your Thinking Cap On And Choose!     Spread Some Joy Today--by looking at your own. Is there enough joy in your life? If not, you can choose more at any time. It's also that easy.

Daily Inspiration 11-23-12

"It's never too late . . . to start heading in the right direction." -- Seth Godin    Seth Godin Week This week I will explore his marketing and business wisdom      I've heard people say, 'I'm too old to do facebook', or computers, or whatever. A more appropriate response, and a more honest one would have to be, 'I don't want to learn it. I would rather stay where I am.' Using phrases like, 'I'm too ____ to _____, I can't _______, There isn't enough time to _______, someday I want to ____________, there's never enough money to ______, I can't afford to __________, I don't have a ________, so I can't _______, is saying you are perfectly happy where you are and you don't want to bother. It's okay to be there. It can be frustrating though to say one thing and mean another, so try next time saying it the way it really is and the way you really want it. That might even change things for the better . . .

It Is Never Too Late To ______!   Spread Some Joy Today--Give an anonymous gift. No tax write-off, no receipt. Just for the joy of giving.