Think affirmations are a bunch of BS? Two examples to ponder: Scott Adams – creator of the Dilbert comic series – attributes his success to the use of positive affirmations. 15 times every day, he wrote “I Scott Adams, will become a syndicated cartoonist.” By doing this, he anchored the concept deep into his psyche and began to see opportunities that had been unavailable…
It all changed tonight. After a week of deadlines, challenging commitments and frustration, I decided I was done with it. I told myself I had plenty of time, would enjoy writing my blogs and would complete them quickly, easily and they would be good enough. They didn’t have to be perfect, they would be fun to write and I’d commit myself to not overthinking…
An extraordinary team is an ordinary team with an extraordinary commitment. The extra refers to their commitment, not the players. Relatively speaking, any team can be extraordinary. To be extraordinary, you must align yourselves, and be resolute in your collective commitment. This means a firm determination, shared by all. When push comes to shove, an extraordinary team will always find…
Jim Rohn said “Don’t wish things were easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.” When you’re tired of working so hard looking for a better, simpler, easier way or the next opportunity, flip the switch and consider the quote above. Tired of things as they are? Wish you were better,…
Opportunity cost. It’s always there. When you say “YESS!” to something, you say “no” to many others. Too often, we disregard what the costs actually are. When you’re overscheduled, there is no space. No space for opportunity, spontaneity, things to go wrong or things to emerge. You’ve planned it all away and it becomes more difficult and chaotic to manage all you’ve committed to. We must learn…
Are you aware of the impact you have on others? I received a lovely acknowledgement through social media from an incredible woman recently. It began with a quick message and evolved into a brief exchange about the profound difference I had made in her life. I’ve not seen her in many years, we rarely exchange “likes” and yet, I have a connection…
How do we appreciate people? With Valentine’s day right around the corner, it’s a great question to ask. Regardless of our manufactured holidays, most of us offer love and appreciation in the same way we’d like to receive it, which often doesn’t work. Gary Chapman’s work, The Five Love Languages helps us do better and his work with Dr. Paul White helps us with appreciation in the…
Meaningful dialog changes outcomes. It can alter the message and the messenger. Often, we miss the openings and are too busy with our own agenda to hear the other person’s pain, challenge, or the exact message being conveyed because we are triggered (emotionally hijacked) by some part of what’s being said. My daughters were having a tough conversation between themselves and I was…
Do you ever seek advice when you already know the answer? You know, the right answer. For YOU, not the right answer for others. Me too. There are great questions to ask when people seek you for advice, here are a few: What do you think? If you knew the answer, what would it be? Can you tell me more? …
Birthdays are funny, they are a wonderful and commemorative way to reflect on what a difference a year can make. 2020 is one for the books for most of us. Certainly, there have been as many highlights as challenges, yet the older I get, the more the years seem to accelerate and bring the preciousness of time into focus. As…