Good Morning!
2010 is quickly drawing to a close...and what it afforded us will soon be memories...some of them good and some not so good!
As we enter 2011, and we vow to make it a better year...
Success advocates will be reminding you of how important it is not to carry any baggage from the past into it...or...
Is it?
Should we carry that past baggage into next year?
This thought is intriguing!
I like seeing through the fluff of the "snake oil" sales people...
This may be one of those things in which they are selling you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear!
Let's listen to what we need to hear before it is too late!
******************************************
When combined with our tradition of New Year's Resolutions, it makes me think that there may be some worthwhile baggage that we need to carry...
Although you may not believe it...
Our the broken promises, resolutions...AND our failures!
That sounds pretty depressing and those experts who are trying to sell you a success placebo will argue!
Let's look at the facts!
Successful individuals do not quit trying...they do not give up on those things that they know are right...
They persist until they achieve what they envision...
With ongoing persistence...they resolve to improve their lot in life and set goals...
They know their mission and align tasks to them...
Some of these goals may not be achievable...on the first go around...but they do not quit!
*******************************************
Take a moment to reflect on the resolutions of the past...
Especially those resolutions that you failed to accomplish...
I am amused by people who...when creating their list of resolutions...exclude those that they failed on in the past...
"I tried that one...not going to do that again"
Nothing worth having comes easily...
Perhaps...you already have a list of resolutions...
It is simply those that you failed to achieve in the past!
I know that my list...if it consists only of my past failures...would be longer than any list that I could generate in the few remaining hours of this year!
Why not resolve to achieve your past failures!
******************************************
I was listening to an interview with a high school football coach that said...
"The Pro-Bowl performances are created at half-time!"
Half-Time is an interesting concept...
The first half of the game is played and then everyone leaves the field and licks their wounds and re-energizes or admits defeat!
The coach has assessed the opposition for their weaknesses and adjusts the plan...
Half-Time is a time for rest...
We are given many Half-Times...New Year's is an official Half-Time!
Are you licking your wounds?
Are you going to admit defeat?
Have you assessed your opponent?
Have you resolved to win?
Are you going to change your plays?
2011 has some weaknesses...
There are holes in the defensive line...
2011 is in the locker room too!
Make no mistake...It is planning how it is going to beat you!
It has as much to win as you have losing!
You will never defeat it unless you learn for the first half...
That baggage that I referenced is important to success...
********************************************
As you resolve...
Look at your past failures in a different perspective...
I can almost hear you saying...
"That was a great resolution...this year I am going to do it!"
Just because you missed the pass the last time you tried that play...doesn't mean that it didn't have the potential of a touchdown!
If every failed play in football was never repeated...there ultimately would be no plays...
If people never tried and tried again...
You get the picture...
*********************************************
Happy New Year!
Resolve to not repeat the failures of the past...
Not by failing at what you attempt...but
By succeeding at what you tried and failed at!
There is open field between you and the goal line!
Catch the ball this time and run like the wind!
Pura Vida!
Breaking the Chains of Paradigms that keep us from Success and Authentic Happiness...
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Do you use your cellphone as a flashlight?
Good Morning!
You know how I love researching things...
One of my passions is discovering why things happen the way that they do...
An important part of researching stuff is researching things that are of value ...
Even the most trivial discoveries often lead to great insights...
My week is successful when I achieve deeper insight into some aspect of my life...
This week for me was just that...!
*********************************
It started when I was walking by a phone kiosk and I overheard a conversation between two potential phone buyers and salespeople...
One of the customers was holding a phone and looking at the screen...
"Is this all the brighter it goes?" She asked...
The sales person took the phone and "maxed" it out and handed it back to her...
"This one won't do...I need a brighter one...I use my phone as a flashlight..." The customer criticized...
The other customer (who was looking at the same phone) picked up on the conversation and interjected...
"So do I!" and quickly handed the phone back to their salesperson...
Over the next few minutes I watched (intrigued) as the two worked together to find the phone which made the best flashlight!
***********************************
What caught was these peoples' use of "utility"
and how creative and adaptive people actually are!
I had to admit that I routinely use my cellphone as a flashlight...in fact multiple times during the day (night)...
Yet I never made a buying decision based upon its ability to be a great flashlight...
Images of "Swiss Army Knives" entered my thoughts...
I wondered how many people actually use their phones as flashlights...
I set out to get an answer...
***********************************
I sent a series of questions (randomly) to over 2,000 contacts...
And...began asking people (who I didn't know) in check-out lines and at stores...
Questions like...
"Do you use your cellphone as a flashlight?"
"Do you own a real flashlight?"
"How frequently do you use your phone as a flashlight?"
"What do you use your phone to do?"
************************************
I found that more people use their phones for flashlights (although less frequently) than any of the other intended functions...
9 out of 10 people have used or routinely use their phones as flashlights...
6 out of 10 use their phones for text messaging...
8 out of 10 use their phone as a regular phone...
4 out of 10 for Internet access...
and their is a list of other functions...but you get the gist of it...
************************************
I then went out to see if the phone sales websites mentioned their phone's flashlight capability...
NONE!
I dug out the manuals for the 4 or 5 different models that my family uses and found that none of the directions include how to use the phone as a flashlight...
Yet most of us do use them for that!
************************************
Companies should be aware of this use...(I bet they are...)
Because I observed buying decisions made on that single characteristic...it is not a rare event!
Do you use your phone as a flashlight?
Why...
The answer is that...I have the phone with me...I do not carry a flashlight...
Utility!
************************************
We have all (9 out of 10 of us) found that optional use...and quickly and routinely use it
The human species is interesting...
"I need light...the phone generates light...I will use the phone to generate light!"
************************************
We are fantastically adaptive in many trivial things...yet we find ourselves hand-cuffed and disabled in life's challenges...when the pressure is on...we forget that their are alternative and creative answers...
The interesting thing about finding those answers...is that they are often hiding in plain sight!
We find ourselves walking around in the dark...looking for the flashlight...rather than using what is right at hand!
************************************
I learned much about myself with this bit if research and observation...
and it invigorated me!
The king of paradigm identification and barrier busting is often guilty of falling prey to them!
I decided that I need to begin treating my life more openly and use my inherent creative adaptations to problem solving...
What about you?
Are you extremely creative and adaptive in trivial situations and narrow when things appear important...
Perhaps the reverse is how we should be living...
***********************************
Do you use your phone as a flashlight?
Where else to you adapt that ability?
Pura Vida!
You know how I love researching things...
One of my passions is discovering why things happen the way that they do...
An important part of researching stuff is researching things that are of value ...
Even the most trivial discoveries often lead to great insights...
My week is successful when I achieve deeper insight into some aspect of my life...
This week for me was just that...!
*********************************
It started when I was walking by a phone kiosk and I overheard a conversation between two potential phone buyers and salespeople...
One of the customers was holding a phone and looking at the screen...
"Is this all the brighter it goes?" She asked...
The sales person took the phone and "maxed" it out and handed it back to her...
"This one won't do...I need a brighter one...I use my phone as a flashlight..." The customer criticized...
The other customer (who was looking at the same phone) picked up on the conversation and interjected...
"So do I!" and quickly handed the phone back to their salesperson...
Over the next few minutes I watched (intrigued) as the two worked together to find the phone which made the best flashlight!
***********************************
What caught was these peoples' use of "utility"
and how creative and adaptive people actually are!
I had to admit that I routinely use my cellphone as a flashlight...in fact multiple times during the day (night)...
Yet I never made a buying decision based upon its ability to be a great flashlight...
Images of "Swiss Army Knives" entered my thoughts...
I wondered how many people actually use their phones as flashlights...
I set out to get an answer...
***********************************
I sent a series of questions (randomly) to over 2,000 contacts...
And...began asking people (who I didn't know) in check-out lines and at stores...
Questions like...
"Do you use your cellphone as a flashlight?"
"Do you own a real flashlight?"
"How frequently do you use your phone as a flashlight?"
"What do you use your phone to do?"
************************************
I found that more people use their phones for flashlights (although less frequently) than any of the other intended functions...
9 out of 10 people have used or routinely use their phones as flashlights...
6 out of 10 use their phones for text messaging...
8 out of 10 use their phone as a regular phone...
4 out of 10 for Internet access...
and their is a list of other functions...but you get the gist of it...
************************************
I then went out to see if the phone sales websites mentioned their phone's flashlight capability...
NONE!
I dug out the manuals for the 4 or 5 different models that my family uses and found that none of the directions include how to use the phone as a flashlight...
Yet most of us do use them for that!
************************************
Companies should be aware of this use...(I bet they are...)
Because I observed buying decisions made on that single characteristic...it is not a rare event!
Do you use your phone as a flashlight?
Why...
The answer is that...I have the phone with me...I do not carry a flashlight...
Utility!
************************************
We have all (9 out of 10 of us) found that optional use...and quickly and routinely use it
The human species is interesting...
"I need light...the phone generates light...I will use the phone to generate light!"
************************************
We are fantastically adaptive in many trivial things...yet we find ourselves hand-cuffed and disabled in life's challenges...when the pressure is on...we forget that their are alternative and creative answers...
The interesting thing about finding those answers...is that they are often hiding in plain sight!
We find ourselves walking around in the dark...looking for the flashlight...rather than using what is right at hand!
************************************
I learned much about myself with this bit if research and observation...
and it invigorated me!
The king of paradigm identification and barrier busting is often guilty of falling prey to them!
I decided that I need to begin treating my life more openly and use my inherent creative adaptations to problem solving...
What about you?
Are you extremely creative and adaptive in trivial situations and narrow when things appear important...
Perhaps the reverse is how we should be living...
***********************************
Do you use your phone as a flashlight?
Where else to you adapt that ability?
Pura Vida!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
You Get What You Work For...or...Do you?
Good Morning!
I bet that your week has been full of challenges...some successful and others...
Hopefully you have been left with questions...like...
"What did I do to deserve this?"
As I reflect on my week...I realized that I should not only be asking this question when things did not go the way that I thought...
But also when things did go the way I planned or even when they surpassed my expectations...
Do you question every effort and accomplishment, their status, and your intentions and performance on a weekly basis?
If not...you are simply putting your success in the hands of the randomness of life...
*************************************
There are a ton of advocates of visioning and plans...
I see literally hundreds of quotes, per week, on Twitter that emphasize the importance of plans in relation to goals (dreams)...and secrets of success and all of it focused on a person's mindset...
Goals and plans are great...but neither get a person any closer to success...without action...
AND...
Action is meaningless if it is not controlled...
Consider the uncontrolled energy expended (and the subsequent results) related to a nuclear explosion!
Although the intent of the explosion is achieved...its ultimate goal...
It is only destructive...although their may be political justifications for such use...it remains totally destructive...
When that same energy is controlled and directed...the results are amazing!
We live as comfortably as we do because of the control afforded by reactors...and the harnessing of energy far beyond that of a nuclear explosion...
To a great extent...Our lives are like that...
We can achieve critical mass...
There are two paths at that juncture...
One that leads to total destruction and the other that leads to unimaginable construction!
Without constant monitoring...that energy channels (naturally) towards the destructive end of the spectrum...
Without control...the energy is wasted...or worse...destroys...
A person must constantly question every activity and control it...otherwise...
That individual will wake up asking..."What have I done to deserve this?"
*************************************
Life is not a short-term proposition...
It is to be faced head-on and addressed in the long-run...
A simple way to achieve success is to focus on the long term goals...with persistent action...and consistent results...
The shorter the time frame...the higher the probability that you will not get what you are working towards...
This leads me to an interesting observation relative to success...
The interesting thing is that it is statistically supported...
Case in point...
In the short-run...when sampling...there is a higher probability of variation...
In the long-term...the probability of an individual (random) sample's value...tends to move towards the mean of the population...
What this means is that accuracy of prediction the results improves as the time frame from which the sample is drawn and the number of data points increases.
What we can learn from this is that if you find yourself failing more than succeeding...when combined with the randomness of life (relative to control)...adjust your expectations more realistically and put your goal further out (increase your time frame...) and put more data points (meaningful, directed and controlled activities) between where you are and your assessment (prediction or goal)...
Think about this...it is not black and white...
*************************************
It is a simple fact of life that until you are "out on your own"...and then a majority time this is not even true...that...
What you are given is a gift...in fact undeserved charity!
Someone has cut you slack or wants you to get more than you deserve because they see potential...
or...they simply like you!
Think about the extreme example of your mother...she sees the best in you when if she were not driven by a huge amount of hormones...she would have sent you to a foster home long ago!
She picks up after you...cooks for you...changes your diapers...forgives you for some terrible things...
You do not deserve her love and support...you are not entitled to it...
If you got what you deserved...relative to how you treated her...you should be serving time in a prison camp!
How often to you really show appreciation to her?
Mother's Day? Christmas? Her Birthday?
How often does she have to ask for the same things...over and over?
How often did you do something helpful...unsolicited?
Get real with yourself and face the fact that you lived a huge portion of your life on charity...
Enough of that!
Given this "fact"...a critical component of a successful person is appreciation for the charity that you have been given...
Up to the point that you earn everything that you have...and I mean really earn..not some jaded and self-deluded justification of your product or service...
You are no better than a thankless beggar...in fact...you are worse than someone who does live up to their commitment to "work for food!"
Your life and your paycheck is pure charity...most often because you did not really meet expectations (even though you have deluded yourself into believing you did fantastic) and got another chance...
Be honest...if your performance isn't original...earthshaking...or a world's record...it is simply common...with someone accepting it through a charitable action!
I have observed many people finding themselves in the unemployment ranks...asking "Why me?"...when other comparatively (from your perception) incompetent people are still employed by the same companies...
What did you do to deserve it?
In many cases...that plight was due to the individulal's lack of appreciation for the gifts and the charity that they had been given...
Think about it...
All things come with a cost...the answer to another question...puts things into perspective...
"What did I have to put up with to get what I needed?"
In many cases...the cost of doing business with some people is simply too high!
These are the people who get laid-off...
The simple fact is you are either an asset or a liability...
What are you?
What are the costs associated with keeping you around?
Perhaps it may be simply for entertainment purposes or someone to blame failure on!
Stop thinking that you have value!
***************************************
Another fact...
Getting laid-off is simply a nice way for a company to say..."You are fired!"
You have to come to grips with that fact and find out what was wrong with you...
But on the opposite side of the spectrum...you have to ask...
"Why am I still working?"
"Are you a major kiss-*&$?"
Are you simply an entertaining "intersection beggar?"
How much more charity can you get before they see who you really are?
Do you really work for food?
Do you really fulfill your commitments?
Are you giving the company what they want without messing with the data...and lying to hold on to your job?
Realize that you are on the lay-off list...your time to be fired will come to...
It doesn't matter where you are in life...
You need to be asking yourself..."What is wrong with me?"
AND you need to do something about it!
*************************************
Like Michelangelo...
The statue of David resides within the block of stone...it is up to you to get it out!
How?
You need to chip away at that block of marble...taking away everything that is not David...until at last you are left with the masterpiece!
It is all of the baggage that you carry that stands between you and a masterpiece!
Rest assured...in the long run...
You will ultimately get what you work for...or what you do not work for!
If you do not chop at your life...there may be a masterpiece may still be hidden within...but it will not be visible or real...
Some people are afraid to chop because it will expose what a fraud and failure they really are...(there is no masterpiece!)
Rest Assured...
People will lose their patience and give you what you really deserve!
Then you have to move on...seeking other opportunities...
The cool thing about this is that in the age of the internet...
News travels fast...and who then is going to trust you?
If you are not working..."What's wrong with you?"
If you are still working..."What's wrong with you?
It is a narrow path that one must walk to be successful...and it requires effort to stay on that path!
Visioning...dreaming...planning..."Secrets"...are all well and good...but the fact of the matter is...
It is YOU who needs to walk...
Stop standing on the corner and begging...
You don't deserve anything...
*****************************************
I enjoy asking myself the hard questions...and you should too!
If you are afraid to see who you really are and what little, you are truly capable of doing...then you will never get out of the ranks of beggar...and will live your life jumping from "fool to fool!"
That too will come to an end...
Grab your bucket...put on that orange vest and find a busy intersection...
Or...
Find a piece of cardboard and a permanent marker and write..."Will work for food..."
Success looks for no charity...
It only takes what it deserves...and earns...
It does not look for something for nothing...there is no entitlement in charity...
It holds a sign that says..."Will work for what I get!"
and it holds true to its commitments!
It show appreciation and strives to repay every good act done to them...
No excuses...
Truly successful people get what they work for and still count all of it a gift and a blessing!
Be among the truly successful people...
Stop sitting around thinking that you deserve anything...the truth is...you don't...good or bad!
Pura Vida!
I bet that your week has been full of challenges...some successful and others...
Hopefully you have been left with questions...like...
"What did I do to deserve this?"
As I reflect on my week...I realized that I should not only be asking this question when things did not go the way that I thought...
But also when things did go the way I planned or even when they surpassed my expectations...
Do you question every effort and accomplishment, their status, and your intentions and performance on a weekly basis?
If not...you are simply putting your success in the hands of the randomness of life...
*************************************
There are a ton of advocates of visioning and plans...
I see literally hundreds of quotes, per week, on Twitter that emphasize the importance of plans in relation to goals (dreams)...and secrets of success and all of it focused on a person's mindset...
Goals and plans are great...but neither get a person any closer to success...without action...
AND...
Action is meaningless if it is not controlled...
Consider the uncontrolled energy expended (and the subsequent results) related to a nuclear explosion!
Although the intent of the explosion is achieved...its ultimate goal...
It is only destructive...although their may be political justifications for such use...it remains totally destructive...
When that same energy is controlled and directed...the results are amazing!
We live as comfortably as we do because of the control afforded by reactors...and the harnessing of energy far beyond that of a nuclear explosion...
To a great extent...Our lives are like that...
We can achieve critical mass...
There are two paths at that juncture...
One that leads to total destruction and the other that leads to unimaginable construction!
Without constant monitoring...that energy channels (naturally) towards the destructive end of the spectrum...
Without control...the energy is wasted...or worse...destroys...
A person must constantly question every activity and control it...otherwise...
That individual will wake up asking..."What have I done to deserve this?"
*************************************
Life is not a short-term proposition...
It is to be faced head-on and addressed in the long-run...
A simple way to achieve success is to focus on the long term goals...with persistent action...and consistent results...
The shorter the time frame...the higher the probability that you will not get what you are working towards...
This leads me to an interesting observation relative to success...
The interesting thing is that it is statistically supported...
Case in point...
In the short-run...when sampling...there is a higher probability of variation...
In the long-term...the probability of an individual (random) sample's value...tends to move towards the mean of the population...
What this means is that accuracy of prediction the results improves as the time frame from which the sample is drawn and the number of data points increases.
What we can learn from this is that if you find yourself failing more than succeeding...when combined with the randomness of life (relative to control)...adjust your expectations more realistically and put your goal further out (increase your time frame...) and put more data points (meaningful, directed and controlled activities) between where you are and your assessment (prediction or goal)...
Think about this...it is not black and white...
*************************************
It is a simple fact of life that until you are "out on your own"...and then a majority time this is not even true...that...
What you are given is a gift...in fact undeserved charity!
Someone has cut you slack or wants you to get more than you deserve because they see potential...
or...they simply like you!
Think about the extreme example of your mother...she sees the best in you when if she were not driven by a huge amount of hormones...she would have sent you to a foster home long ago!
She picks up after you...cooks for you...changes your diapers...forgives you for some terrible things...
You do not deserve her love and support...you are not entitled to it...
If you got what you deserved...relative to how you treated her...you should be serving time in a prison camp!
How often to you really show appreciation to her?
Mother's Day? Christmas? Her Birthday?
How often does she have to ask for the same things...over and over?
How often did you do something helpful...unsolicited?
Get real with yourself and face the fact that you lived a huge portion of your life on charity...
Enough of that!
Given this "fact"...a critical component of a successful person is appreciation for the charity that you have been given...
Up to the point that you earn everything that you have...and I mean really earn..not some jaded and self-deluded justification of your product or service...
You are no better than a thankless beggar...in fact...you are worse than someone who does live up to their commitment to "work for food!"
Your life and your paycheck is pure charity...most often because you did not really meet expectations (even though you have deluded yourself into believing you did fantastic) and got another chance...
Be honest...if your performance isn't original...earthshaking...or a world's record...it is simply common...with someone accepting it through a charitable action!
I have observed many people finding themselves in the unemployment ranks...asking "Why me?"...when other comparatively (from your perception) incompetent people are still employed by the same companies...
What did you do to deserve it?
In many cases...that plight was due to the individulal's lack of appreciation for the gifts and the charity that they had been given...
Think about it...
All things come with a cost...the answer to another question...puts things into perspective...
"What did I have to put up with to get what I needed?"
In many cases...the cost of doing business with some people is simply too high!
These are the people who get laid-off...
The simple fact is you are either an asset or a liability...
What are you?
What are the costs associated with keeping you around?
Perhaps it may be simply for entertainment purposes or someone to blame failure on!
Stop thinking that you have value!
***************************************
Another fact...
Getting laid-off is simply a nice way for a company to say..."You are fired!"
You have to come to grips with that fact and find out what was wrong with you...
But on the opposite side of the spectrum...you have to ask...
"Why am I still working?"
"Are you a major kiss-*&$?"
Are you simply an entertaining "intersection beggar?"
How much more charity can you get before they see who you really are?
Do you really work for food?
Do you really fulfill your commitments?
Are you giving the company what they want without messing with the data...and lying to hold on to your job?
Realize that you are on the lay-off list...your time to be fired will come to...
It doesn't matter where you are in life...
You need to be asking yourself..."What is wrong with me?"
AND you need to do something about it!
*************************************
Like Michelangelo...
The statue of David resides within the block of stone...it is up to you to get it out!
How?
You need to chip away at that block of marble...taking away everything that is not David...until at last you are left with the masterpiece!
It is all of the baggage that you carry that stands between you and a masterpiece!
Rest assured...in the long run...
You will ultimately get what you work for...or what you do not work for!
If you do not chop at your life...there may be a masterpiece may still be hidden within...but it will not be visible or real...
Some people are afraid to chop because it will expose what a fraud and failure they really are...(there is no masterpiece!)
Rest Assured...
People will lose their patience and give you what you really deserve!
Then you have to move on...seeking other opportunities...
The cool thing about this is that in the age of the internet...
News travels fast...and who then is going to trust you?
If you are not working..."What's wrong with you?"
If you are still working..."What's wrong with you?
It is a narrow path that one must walk to be successful...and it requires effort to stay on that path!
Visioning...dreaming...planning..."Secrets"...are all well and good...but the fact of the matter is...
It is YOU who needs to walk...
Stop standing on the corner and begging...
You don't deserve anything...
*****************************************
I enjoy asking myself the hard questions...and you should too!
If you are afraid to see who you really are and what little, you are truly capable of doing...then you will never get out of the ranks of beggar...and will live your life jumping from "fool to fool!"
That too will come to an end...
Grab your bucket...put on that orange vest and find a busy intersection...
Or...
Find a piece of cardboard and a permanent marker and write..."Will work for food..."
Success looks for no charity...
It only takes what it deserves...and earns...
It does not look for something for nothing...there is no entitlement in charity...
It holds a sign that says..."Will work for what I get!"
and it holds true to its commitments!
It show appreciation and strives to repay every good act done to them...
No excuses...
Truly successful people get what they work for and still count all of it a gift and a blessing!
Be among the truly successful people...
Stop sitting around thinking that you deserve anything...the truth is...you don't...good or bad!
Pura Vida!
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Lost Gift...
Good Morning...
This week has been interesting for me...
I found myself in situations in which the "right attitude and right behavior" was simply to focus and accomplish the tasks related to my commitments...
I also found that I had to find ways to be excited about doing those things that I normally find mundane and boring!
If these things were going to get done...the only person that accomplishing these things depended upon was me!
There was no one else I could depend upon for help...or blame it on for failure!
I told myself..."If you want it...go and get it...if you don't then stop worrying about it!
We'll come back to this...
******************************
This week...I stood, helplessly watching, on the sidelines, as many undeserving people were put into situations that they didn't deserve to be put in..."the unemployment ranks"
Poor company performance created a situation in which there was a huge lay-off...
I have never been able to come to grips on how lay-off decisions are made...
I see many of the most dedicated and hardest working people lose their employment,,,while "dishonest, shirkers" keep their jobs and paychecks...
I have been there! I have been a victim too...early in my career...I was also one that breathed a sign of relief when I was on the other list!
This situation solidified my understanding of the randomness of life...as much as "you get what you deserve" holds true...the "flip-side" is equally true...many people "didn't get what they deserve..."
With that in mind...What do we actions and expectations do we hold true to?
What becomes our guiding principals?
If life can be expected to be fair and the impact seems random...what path to success do we choose?
Doesn't there need to be someone that we need to blame it on?
*************************************
The holiday season emphasizes a characteristic of humans that really interests me...
We are constantly on a search to re-live the feelings of our "firsts..."
We vividly can recall the feelings of our first holiday experience...such as our "first Christmas."
The awe, wonder and excitement is unmatched in any of our subsequent celebrations...yet we try!
As the event passes...we are reminded how hollow the last experience was compared to the one we remember and romanticize...then we vow to make the next one like our first...
AND...we spend more money and drive ourselves crazy trying to re-create that first...
Our first kiss...
Our first Christmas...
Our first love...
We waste our lives...trying to go back in time...rather than enjoying the present...
As of the writing of this article...time travel is still considered impossible by the scientific community...
I wonder why we try so hard and waste so much money...
The fact of the matter is...no matter how disappointing, mundane or boring it is...that is the way it is!
The feelings of the past can not be recaptured...
A person can only learn to makes the most what they have and find a way to enjoy it!
A person must find excitement in what they have at hand...
The real problem that people are attempting to address is the level of excitement that they want...
Life tends to numb us to excitement!
Much the same way that a person taking narcotics has to increase the dosage to get the same "high!"
If these things were going to be exciting...the only person that can obtain and experience that excitement was me!
There was no one else or anything that I could depend upon for excitement...or blame my boredom on for lack thereof!
I told myself..."If you want it...go and get it...if you don't then stop worrying about it!
*********************************************
Question: What is a critical aspect of real leadership?
Answer: The strict adherence to support of his people in good or bad!
When a person shows avoidance behaviors related bad situations...they lack a basic leadership skill...
If a leader is only present for the good...and disappears or has other commitments that takes them away from difficult or uncomfortable situations...they are not a leader...they are a user...or even worse a loser...
Do not allow yourself to be lead by an individual like that AND definitely strive not to be like that!
This is a character flaw that can't ever be trusted...
If you are a leader or manager of people and you avoid...then get out or change immediately!
Stick by your commitments...when the bad things happen...by all means...be there for them...no matter what arrangements need to be changed!
If you are going to be a leader...the only person that do it is you!
There was no one else you can depend upon for leadership...or blame your lack of leadership ability!
Tell yourself..."If you want it...go and get it...if you don't then stop avoiding it!
Leadership is a..."for better or worse" proposition...avoiding "the worse" is avoiding more than half of the leadership equation...
It is like a marathon running stopping halfway through the race because the second half hurts!
You'll never finish a race with that behavior!
As a leader...you'll never finish the race...
Enough Said!
**************************************
If something is important or precious to you...you will guard it with everything you have...
The only person to blame for that thing being gone is the person who was given the gift...
We have lost the gift of excitement....despite of how precious it was to us...we neglected to guard it...
It is gone and no matter how hard we look or how much money we spend...it will never again be found!
We have lost our loves...and the same holds true...it can not be found again!
We have lost people important to us...
Many have lost the ability to lead...
and guess what?
The only person that we have to blame is ourselves!
The best that we can do is to find what we are looking for it what remains...and to be happy with it!
Have a great weekend...
Pura Vida!
This week has been interesting for me...
I found myself in situations in which the "right attitude and right behavior" was simply to focus and accomplish the tasks related to my commitments...
I also found that I had to find ways to be excited about doing those things that I normally find mundane and boring!
If these things were going to get done...the only person that accomplishing these things depended upon was me!
There was no one else I could depend upon for help...or blame it on for failure!
I told myself..."If you want it...go and get it...if you don't then stop worrying about it!
We'll come back to this...
******************************
This week...I stood, helplessly watching, on the sidelines, as many undeserving people were put into situations that they didn't deserve to be put in..."the unemployment ranks"
Poor company performance created a situation in which there was a huge lay-off...
I have never been able to come to grips on how lay-off decisions are made...
I see many of the most dedicated and hardest working people lose their employment,,,while "dishonest, shirkers" keep their jobs and paychecks...
I have been there! I have been a victim too...early in my career...I was also one that breathed a sign of relief when I was on the other list!
This situation solidified my understanding of the randomness of life...as much as "you get what you deserve" holds true...the "flip-side" is equally true...many people "didn't get what they deserve..."
With that in mind...What do we actions and expectations do we hold true to?
What becomes our guiding principals?
If life can be expected to be fair and the impact seems random...what path to success do we choose?
Doesn't there need to be someone that we need to blame it on?
I told myself..."If you want it...go and get it...if you don't then stop worrying about it!
We'll come back to this...
*************************************
The holiday season emphasizes a characteristic of humans that really interests me...
We are constantly on a search to re-live the feelings of our "firsts..."
We vividly can recall the feelings of our first holiday experience...such as our "first Christmas."
The awe, wonder and excitement is unmatched in any of our subsequent celebrations...yet we try!
As the event passes...we are reminded how hollow the last experience was compared to the one we remember and romanticize...then we vow to make the next one like our first...
AND...we spend more money and drive ourselves crazy trying to re-create that first...
Our first kiss...
Our first Christmas...
Our first love...
We waste our lives...trying to go back in time...rather than enjoying the present...
As of the writing of this article...time travel is still considered impossible by the scientific community...
I wonder why we try so hard and waste so much money...
The fact of the matter is...no matter how disappointing, mundane or boring it is...that is the way it is!
The feelings of the past can not be recaptured...
A person can only learn to makes the most what they have and find a way to enjoy it!
A person must find excitement in what they have at hand...
The real problem that people are attempting to address is the level of excitement that they want...
Life tends to numb us to excitement!
Much the same way that a person taking narcotics has to increase the dosage to get the same "high!"
If these things were going to be exciting...the only person that can obtain and experience that excitement was me!
There was no one else or anything that I could depend upon for excitement...or blame my boredom on for lack thereof!
I told myself..."If you want it...go and get it...if you don't then stop worrying about it!
*********************************************
Question: What is a critical aspect of real leadership?
Answer: The strict adherence to support of his people in good or bad!
When a person shows avoidance behaviors related bad situations...they lack a basic leadership skill...
If a leader is only present for the good...and disappears or has other commitments that takes them away from difficult or uncomfortable situations...they are not a leader...they are a user...or even worse a loser...
Do not allow yourself to be lead by an individual like that AND definitely strive not to be like that!
This is a character flaw that can't ever be trusted...
If you are a leader or manager of people and you avoid...then get out or change immediately!
Stick by your commitments...when the bad things happen...by all means...be there for them...no matter what arrangements need to be changed!
If you are going to be a leader...the only person that do it is you!
There was no one else you can depend upon for leadership...or blame your lack of leadership ability!
Tell yourself..."If you want it...go and get it...if you don't then stop avoiding it!
Leadership is a..."for better or worse" proposition...avoiding "the worse" is avoiding more than half of the leadership equation...
It is like a marathon running stopping halfway through the race because the second half hurts!
You'll never finish a race with that behavior!
As a leader...you'll never finish the race...
Enough Said!
**************************************
If something is important or precious to you...you will guard it with everything you have...
The only person to blame for that thing being gone is the person who was given the gift...
We have lost the gift of excitement....despite of how precious it was to us...we neglected to guard it...
It is gone and no matter how hard we look or how much money we spend...it will never again be found!
We have lost our loves...and the same holds true...it can not be found again!
We have lost people important to us...
Many have lost the ability to lead...
and guess what?
The only person that we have to blame is ourselves!
The best that we can do is to find what we are looking for it what remains...and to be happy with it!
Have a great weekend...
Pura Vida!
Friday, December 3, 2010
A Realistic View of Loyalty
Good Morning...
How was your week?
What is your standing in the race?
How about those around you?
Especially your team mates?
I have written of the many similarities between life and races...
This week...I have been thinking about the Tour de France...
There are so many parallels between it and organizational behaviors...
The race starts with teams of riders...each team having a team leader...
Initially, the teams work together with a focus on the leader...
The leader is the individual rider who has the best chance of winning the overall race...
The team also has "domestiques" who are riders who carry the load for the team. These riders get water and food...and they buffet the wind...helping the leader conserve energy. It is seemingly a thankless job...yet the winners owe their victory to them and often show extreme loyalty to them.
Other members of the team include those who are significantly better at time trials or mountain climbing or sprinting...
They are there to win individual honors within the 2000 mile journey...
Whenever their chance to shine arises...the team rises to the occasion...that is if the team leader's position is not compromised by their success...
The team's support is guided by an overriding focus upon and loyalty to the team leader...
That is until that leader has no hope of winning the overall race...(general classification)
...then the team literally breaks down and it becomes a race of "every rider for them self"...
Loyalty to the leader erodes...loyalty to the team erodes...
It makes one wonder whether there is such a thing as loyalty...or if it ever existed in the first place...
******************************
I got into an interesting discussion with a friend about unconditional love...
I do not believe that it exists within the human portion of society...
We tend to romanticize that it exists...but I can cite conditions in which even the strongest love in this world would fail!
"But what about forgiveness?" you may ask...
Forgiving a significant breach in loyalty is just plain foolishness...
Breaches of disloyalty are intentional...a matter of decision...generally (as I think about it...always) driven from a self-serving motive...it unveils the true character of an individual!
Why forgive someone like that!
I believe in forgive and forget...
But I believe that these are options...not a process!
One either is a fool and forgives...or they simply forget that this individual exists!
*************************************
Interesting perspectives?
I have always been intrigued by an organization's demand of loyalty from its employees....
I have yet to find an organization who has been loyal to its employees...
An organization is loyal to its employees as long as it is profitable...
STOP for a minute! This is actually a contradiction!
Loyalty is earned and never bought...it is unconditional...right?
In actuality organizational loyalty is a facade created to reduce employee turn-over and reduce risk...
It is only meant to make (save) money and reduce risk!
It is business pure and simple...
Let me say it again...I have yet to see an organization (especially a publicly traded one) that lived up to the standard that it demanded of its individual members (employees)...
Bar-none...at the first threat of not meeting its financial goals...it turns its back on their loyal employees...it eliminates the "perks" and downsizes...lays people off...in numbers usually large enough that the quarterly objectives are met and bonuses are paid to a meager few!
The bottom-line of organizational loyalty is that it is out the window, when the revenue flow decreases!
So let's think about this a little deeper...loyalty is earned and it is a "two-way street"
It can not be bought or demanded...
And it can not rightfully be one-sided...
One has to ask...is there really such thing as organizational loyalty...
WAIT...let's define loyalty before we go any deeper...
Loyalty is an absolutely consistent and non-compromising behavior where the best interests of one is afforded priority over the interests of another individual (the one in control).
More simply stated loyalty is the trust between individuals (or parties) such that their interests will be given priority over the others interests with absolute consistency.
Now, let's return to our thoughts!
Given that definition...an organization never has loyalty...it has to look out for its own well-being...
The question that haunts me..."Why should employees be loyal to something that will never be loyal in return?"
That is insane!
Let's carry this insanity a bit further!
Why do we give two-week notices?
Have you ever seen someone fired with a two-week notice?
They can walk you out on a moment's notice...
Many will respond...It is the professional and courteous thing to do...WHY?
They won't do it for you!
************************************
I have yet to see an instance where the problems that caused an organization's need to downsize...be that of the "low-level" employees...
Without fail...the collapse of an organization is the result of poor and irresponsible leadership, incompetent and selfish management...
This is what intrigues me...
Who suffers for the incompetence?
Not the ones who are to blame for the downsizing...
They keep their jobs and their paychecks and more often than not...get a bonus!
They are the ones who continue to draw a salary until someone needs to turn off the lights...
The ones who are laid off and hurt are the innocent ones...
It makes sense to me that the ones who should be sitting in the unemployment lines are the ones who messed up the company...
The ones who should continue to receive their paychecks are the ones who did their jobs...
Doesn't that make sense to you?
I ran this thought past a friend who said that retention of leadership has nothing to do with who is to blame for the problems...but is rooted in the old tradition of the captain going down with his ship!
He said that the captains of these organizational ships should go down with them...it is only right!
During our discussion...it came to me that the demand that a "captain go down with his ship" had nothing to do with longevity...and holding the position until the bitter end...
It was a death sentence to the leader for the failure!
Every passenger could get off the boat safely...but if the ship is sinking...it is the captain's responsibility and he pays the price!
Since there is no death sentence for organizational failure...
Downsizing the staff should be based on performance...
Fire the incompetent individuals who got the organization in that position in the first place...
The organization's situation is either the result of incompetent leadership or intentional (narrow sighted and self-serving) decisions...either case is cause for termination!
If a "low-level" employee was guilty of that...they would be met at the door! Why does leadership get to sit in their offices and continue to live at their means...while the innocent has to worry about paying for their holiday gifts?
Any leader that refuses to do that...should themselves be fired!
***********************************************
The 21st century leader runs an organization under these terms...
If an individual performs they have a job and pay...if they do not...they seek other opportunities!
One must act ethically, morally and legally...above all reproof...contributing value above their cost...
This is the most honest that a 21st century organization can be...and if that is done with consistency and integrity...
Turn-over will occur only with incompetent people (terminations) and the rest will be able to trust they will have a job as long as they are working!
No more need for the facade!
AND no more need for lay-offs and downsizing...
It is all about customer focus and "the genius of the and"...
If the customer's needs are truly at the forefront of leadership's priorities...and the leadership acts consistently with its employees...the revenue will flow...
Focus on revenue flow will always compromise the customer and the employee!
It is "step two" in the organizational death spiral!
At this point there is no chance of return!
This ship is sinking!
If we are truly holding to the spirit of the captain's responsibility...
It is time for him to go down with that ship!
************************************
Where are we going with all of this?
Loyalty is an outdated concept...
It is not part of the 21st century...
Loyalty is a behavior that is to shared between individuals...it is a "one relationship at a time" thing...
There is no such thing as mass loyalty!
In fact...I have learned from my experience...that there is no such thing as loyalty...
I once thought that there were people that I could depend upon...
In all but a few cases...I was disappointed...actually my loyalty was betrayed by their lack of loyalty...
I discovered that I was lied to...to get my loyalty...and never repaid for my sacrifice!
The sad thing is that there will come a time...that these individuals will again try to play their loyalty card with me...
The sad thing is that they will find that it expired long ago...because of their own actions...
Forgive or forget?
I am not a fool and either should you be!
My advice...Just simply forget about them!
They do not deserve the time...
Where were they when you needed them?
I can answer that!
Simply looking out for their own self-serving needs...rather than living up to their hollow commitments of loyalty which were...
To look out for your best interests...at the risk of their own! Knowing that you were looking out for theirs...better than they ever could!
****************************************
It is time to rethink the outdated concept of loyalty!
For a few lucky individuals...there are those who still deserve loyalty...but these individuals are rare!
They need to be cherished...
All others are simply a commodity...pay what you have to...to get what you need...and then throw them away!
They are going to do the same to you!
Just do not compromise your integrity and honesty...like they do...to get what you need...
Be straight-forward and forthright! Open and honest...
Don't stoop to treachery and deception and compromise like they do...
***************************************
One of the blessings bestowed upon the truly successful is the ability to peacefully sleep...
Never compromise that blessing...keep your heart and intent pure!
You'll never have anxiety or fear for what the morning will bring!
Sleep peacefully...
Pura Vida...my dear friends...
Sleep tonight in peace!
or
Change what needs to be changed so that you can do so!
How was your week?
What is your standing in the race?
How about those around you?
Especially your team mates?
I have written of the many similarities between life and races...
This week...I have been thinking about the Tour de France...
There are so many parallels between it and organizational behaviors...
The race starts with teams of riders...each team having a team leader...
Initially, the teams work together with a focus on the leader...
The leader is the individual rider who has the best chance of winning the overall race...
The team also has "domestiques" who are riders who carry the load for the team. These riders get water and food...and they buffet the wind...helping the leader conserve energy. It is seemingly a thankless job...yet the winners owe their victory to them and often show extreme loyalty to them.
Other members of the team include those who are significantly better at time trials or mountain climbing or sprinting...
They are there to win individual honors within the 2000 mile journey...
Whenever their chance to shine arises...the team rises to the occasion...that is if the team leader's position is not compromised by their success...
The team's support is guided by an overriding focus upon and loyalty to the team leader...
That is until that leader has no hope of winning the overall race...(general classification)
...then the team literally breaks down and it becomes a race of "every rider for them self"...
Loyalty to the leader erodes...loyalty to the team erodes...
It makes one wonder whether there is such a thing as loyalty...or if it ever existed in the first place...
******************************
I got into an interesting discussion with a friend about unconditional love...
I do not believe that it exists within the human portion of society...
We tend to romanticize that it exists...but I can cite conditions in which even the strongest love in this world would fail!
"But what about forgiveness?" you may ask...
Forgiving a significant breach in loyalty is just plain foolishness...
Breaches of disloyalty are intentional...a matter of decision...generally (as I think about it...always) driven from a self-serving motive...it unveils the true character of an individual!
Why forgive someone like that!
I believe in forgive and forget...
But I believe that these are options...not a process!
One either is a fool and forgives...or they simply forget that this individual exists!
*************************************
Interesting perspectives?
I have always been intrigued by an organization's demand of loyalty from its employees....
I have yet to find an organization who has been loyal to its employees...
An organization is loyal to its employees as long as it is profitable...
STOP for a minute! This is actually a contradiction!
Loyalty is earned and never bought...it is unconditional...right?
In actuality organizational loyalty is a facade created to reduce employee turn-over and reduce risk...
It is only meant to make (save) money and reduce risk!
It is business pure and simple...
Let me say it again...I have yet to see an organization (especially a publicly traded one) that lived up to the standard that it demanded of its individual members (employees)...
Bar-none...at the first threat of not meeting its financial goals...it turns its back on their loyal employees...it eliminates the "perks" and downsizes...lays people off...in numbers usually large enough that the quarterly objectives are met and bonuses are paid to a meager few!
The bottom-line of organizational loyalty is that it is out the window, when the revenue flow decreases!
So let's think about this a little deeper...loyalty is earned and it is a "two-way street"
It can not be bought or demanded...
And it can not rightfully be one-sided...
One has to ask...is there really such thing as organizational loyalty...
WAIT...let's define loyalty before we go any deeper...
Loyalty is an absolutely consistent and non-compromising behavior where the best interests of one is afforded priority over the interests of another individual (the one in control).
More simply stated loyalty is the trust between individuals (or parties) such that their interests will be given priority over the others interests with absolute consistency.
Now, let's return to our thoughts!
Given that definition...an organization never has loyalty...it has to look out for its own well-being...
The question that haunts me..."Why should employees be loyal to something that will never be loyal in return?"
That is insane!
Let's carry this insanity a bit further!
Why do we give two-week notices?
Have you ever seen someone fired with a two-week notice?
They can walk you out on a moment's notice...
Many will respond...It is the professional and courteous thing to do...WHY?
They won't do it for you!
************************************
I have yet to see an instance where the problems that caused an organization's need to downsize...be that of the "low-level" employees...
Without fail...the collapse of an organization is the result of poor and irresponsible leadership, incompetent and selfish management...
This is what intrigues me...
Who suffers for the incompetence?
Not the ones who are to blame for the downsizing...
They keep their jobs and their paychecks and more often than not...get a bonus!
They are the ones who continue to draw a salary until someone needs to turn off the lights...
The ones who are laid off and hurt are the innocent ones...
It makes sense to me that the ones who should be sitting in the unemployment lines are the ones who messed up the company...
The ones who should continue to receive their paychecks are the ones who did their jobs...
Doesn't that make sense to you?
I ran this thought past a friend who said that retention of leadership has nothing to do with who is to blame for the problems...but is rooted in the old tradition of the captain going down with his ship!
He said that the captains of these organizational ships should go down with them...it is only right!
During our discussion...it came to me that the demand that a "captain go down with his ship" had nothing to do with longevity...and holding the position until the bitter end...
It was a death sentence to the leader for the failure!
Every passenger could get off the boat safely...but if the ship is sinking...it is the captain's responsibility and he pays the price!
Since there is no death sentence for organizational failure...
Downsizing the staff should be based on performance...
Fire the incompetent individuals who got the organization in that position in the first place...
The organization's situation is either the result of incompetent leadership or intentional (narrow sighted and self-serving) decisions...either case is cause for termination!
If a "low-level" employee was guilty of that...they would be met at the door! Why does leadership get to sit in their offices and continue to live at their means...while the innocent has to worry about paying for their holiday gifts?
Any leader that refuses to do that...should themselves be fired!
***********************************************
The 21st century leader runs an organization under these terms...
If an individual performs they have a job and pay...if they do not...they seek other opportunities!
One must act ethically, morally and legally...above all reproof...contributing value above their cost...
This is the most honest that a 21st century organization can be...and if that is done with consistency and integrity...
Turn-over will occur only with incompetent people (terminations) and the rest will be able to trust they will have a job as long as they are working!
No more need for the facade!
AND no more need for lay-offs and downsizing...
It is all about customer focus and "the genius of the and"...
If the customer's needs are truly at the forefront of leadership's priorities...and the leadership acts consistently with its employees...the revenue will flow...
Focus on revenue flow will always compromise the customer and the employee!
It is "step two" in the organizational death spiral!
At this point there is no chance of return!
This ship is sinking!
If we are truly holding to the spirit of the captain's responsibility...
It is time for him to go down with that ship!
************************************
Where are we going with all of this?
Loyalty is an outdated concept...
It is not part of the 21st century...
Loyalty is a behavior that is to shared between individuals...it is a "one relationship at a time" thing...
There is no such thing as mass loyalty!
In fact...I have learned from my experience...that there is no such thing as loyalty...
I once thought that there were people that I could depend upon...
In all but a few cases...I was disappointed...actually my loyalty was betrayed by their lack of loyalty...
I discovered that I was lied to...to get my loyalty...and never repaid for my sacrifice!
The sad thing is that there will come a time...that these individuals will again try to play their loyalty card with me...
The sad thing is that they will find that it expired long ago...because of their own actions...
Forgive or forget?
I am not a fool and either should you be!
My advice...Just simply forget about them!
They do not deserve the time...
Where were they when you needed them?
I can answer that!
Simply looking out for their own self-serving needs...rather than living up to their hollow commitments of loyalty which were...
To look out for your best interests...at the risk of their own! Knowing that you were looking out for theirs...better than they ever could!
****************************************
It is time to rethink the outdated concept of loyalty!
For a few lucky individuals...there are those who still deserve loyalty...but these individuals are rare!
They need to be cherished...
All others are simply a commodity...pay what you have to...to get what you need...and then throw them away!
They are going to do the same to you!
Just do not compromise your integrity and honesty...like they do...to get what you need...
Be straight-forward and forthright! Open and honest...
Don't stoop to treachery and deception and compromise like they do...
***************************************
One of the blessings bestowed upon the truly successful is the ability to peacefully sleep...
Never compromise that blessing...keep your heart and intent pure!
You'll never have anxiety or fear for what the morning will bring!
Sleep peacefully...
Pura Vida...my dear friends...
Sleep tonight in peace!
or
Change what needs to be changed so that you can do so!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Another Road "Less Traveled"
Good Morning!
For many people is the US...this was a short week, with a really long weekend!
An extra few days for people to celebrate their thankfulness with a feast of excess...and then a marathon day of spending...
"Black Friday" is a brilliantly positioned marketing ploy that not only takes advantage of people being away from work...but also of the residual feelings of thankfulness to push sales...
Although I philosophically oppose it...there is a time to plant and a time to harvest...and that day is the perfect day for harvest! People's attitudes are ripe for sales...and a retail organization that does not jump on the bandwagon is missing a great opportunity!
I wish I knew if the "Black Friday" conception and birth was unintentional and a simple evolution over time, or...if it was an intentional an systematic marketing and sales tactic built upon a brilliant observation and insight of an astute individual.
If it were the latter...I want to meet that person...
Yet I tend to believe the simpler explanation...more people were shopping on the Friday following Thanksgiving and stores took notice and responded accordingly..."forced evolution"
What exists now is that the retail world has leveraged our celebration of Thanksgiving...which we do with unbridled excess...into a day of increased sales...
Do you think that "Black Friday" would be different if we celebrated our thankfulness with a day of fasting?
Would we have a "Black Friday" at all?
This is an interesting aspect to ponder...because it can be telling about us!
This aspect points to the fact that there are actually two paths to success and happiness...
One is brought about by astute observation, insight and execution...(Black Friday was actually someone's idea)...
The other by following the ebbs and flow of life and by adjusting accordingly...(Black Friday just happened)
Many will argue that one takes time and the other takes less...
Others contend that the probability of success is higher with one over the other...
I do not believe that either of these contentions are true...
Success happens despite our efforts...or lack thereof!
The path of (note the preposition change) success and happiness is more like a tailored suit...
It is specific to the individual and not worn well by any other...
*********************************************
I have been observing people at various levels (for some time) and became aware of an interesting pattern...
Many people believe that with position comes the license to talk more freely...saying what they want...
I am seeing more and more old people saying what is on their minds with total disregard for others' feelings...
I see teens "trash-talking" each other and their parents because they think it is a "right of adulthood!"
I see leaders exercising their authority and hurting others, ruining careers and wasting valuable organizational resources...
These deluded people have confused "right and responsibility!"
I fear that it is no loner a minority that acts like that and actually the behavior of all but a wise few!
Wisdom should lead a person to the correct behaviors more frequently...but is this happening?
Seeing young people misguided in their thinking and behavior is somewhat forgivable...they are stretching their wings...
Seeing adults allowing that behavior...is unforgivable...in that they are allowing this kind of behavior to continue...
Abusive talk is a very subtle and destructive form of "Bullying."
Disguised and many wrongly believe that it is protected by the 1sr Amendment...
What I know is that "Trash-talk is not by definition a right of "free speech."
It is actually a crime!
It is assault and battery...and should be recognized and punished appropriately...
I would love to see some of these abusive old men and ladies...teens and adults...serving 5 to 10 years for their nasty mouth!
For many of them (especially the old ones)...it would be a life (death) sentence...and although it sounds cruel...the world would be much better off for them being out of the picture!
Even the air wasted on their formation of words is wasted...and the oxygen they consume to continue to live...a waste!
Do you get my point?
I am really serious about this!
There is a path that many people wrongly believe..."that position has it privilege"...
In a way...they are right...but where they are wrong is when they believe that they can say and do things, to others, that is potentially hurtful...
Position does have its privileges and responsibility...but only when it does not infringe on others in ANY way!
First...simply being a human being requires us to treat others with respect and dignity...
Second...it requires us to build others up rather than destroy...
Third...it requires us to confront those who are abusive and diligently ensure that it never happens again...
Fourth...it requires us to keep our words brideled if we have nothing to say...
Our Founding Fathers created the standard for "right to freedom" as that which we can do without interfering with the rights of others or hurting others in ANY way...
You do not have a right to say what you want to say...if it infringes upon or hurts anyone else...
That my friend is against the law...
It is against the constitution...
Making it a felony!
By definition it is treason and a cause for revocation of the rights of US membership (citizenship)...
The problem is that we have grown complacent and allowed these people to get away with it!
My advice...If you have an aggressive nature...don't waste it...seek out these nasty people...young or old and take a stand in the defense of the abused...have fun! Show them what damage they are doing!
Then go quiet!
If you are non-aggressive and more passive...step out of character and do the same...you have license to do what is right...stand up for the abused!
Enough said...
*******************************************
The Disney movie "Bambi" has one good line in it...
Credit for it actually is given to a character who is never seen in the movie...
Thumper's dad...(a rabbit)
Thumper's mother references his dad and reminds him through an admonition...
"...Thumper? What did your father tell you?"
...Thumper replies, "If you can't saying something nice...don't say anything at all!"
Think of how quiet and wonderful this world would be...if we followed that admonition!
It does however need to get a bit louder before it gets quieter...
We need to take that road less traveled and make noise and confront EVERY instance of verbal "bullying!"
Disrespect and "Trash-talk" has no value...it is total waste!
In terms of trash...there is nothing that can be recycled in it!
Creating those words...is totally destructive...
Apologizing does not take abusive and hurtful words said back!
Our stand, as a true leader, is to make this world...OUR WORLD...better for our having been here!
We need to do this with absolute consistency...and dedication...
We can no longer allow anyone to get away with abusive "Trash Talk"...and more important...we can not be guilty of it!
To be truly successful in this world...we have to make the world a better place...
Not only just physically...but psychologically...and intellectually...
There are few sojourners following this path...it is one of the roads...less traveled...
Courtesy...respect...or quiet!
The world would be so much more peaceful if we eliminated this environmental waste!
Stop "waste"-ing your speech...
Stop others when you see them wasting your air! They are suffocating you very subtly!
If you can't say nothing nice...
PURA VIDA!
For many people is the US...this was a short week, with a really long weekend!
An extra few days for people to celebrate their thankfulness with a feast of excess...and then a marathon day of spending...
"Black Friday" is a brilliantly positioned marketing ploy that not only takes advantage of people being away from work...but also of the residual feelings of thankfulness to push sales...
Although I philosophically oppose it...there is a time to plant and a time to harvest...and that day is the perfect day for harvest! People's attitudes are ripe for sales...and a retail organization that does not jump on the bandwagon is missing a great opportunity!
I wish I knew if the "Black Friday" conception and birth was unintentional and a simple evolution over time, or...if it was an intentional an systematic marketing and sales tactic built upon a brilliant observation and insight of an astute individual.
If it were the latter...I want to meet that person...
Yet I tend to believe the simpler explanation...more people were shopping on the Friday following Thanksgiving and stores took notice and responded accordingly..."forced evolution"
What exists now is that the retail world has leveraged our celebration of Thanksgiving...which we do with unbridled excess...into a day of increased sales...
Do you think that "Black Friday" would be different if we celebrated our thankfulness with a day of fasting?
Would we have a "Black Friday" at all?
This is an interesting aspect to ponder...because it can be telling about us!
This aspect points to the fact that there are actually two paths to success and happiness...
One is brought about by astute observation, insight and execution...(Black Friday was actually someone's idea)...
The other by following the ebbs and flow of life and by adjusting accordingly...(Black Friday just happened)
Many will argue that one takes time and the other takes less...
Others contend that the probability of success is higher with one over the other...
I do not believe that either of these contentions are true...
Success happens despite our efforts...or lack thereof!
The path of (note the preposition change) success and happiness is more like a tailored suit...
It is specific to the individual and not worn well by any other...
*********************************************
I have been observing people at various levels (for some time) and became aware of an interesting pattern...
Many people believe that with position comes the license to talk more freely...saying what they want...
I am seeing more and more old people saying what is on their minds with total disregard for others' feelings...
I see teens "trash-talking" each other and their parents because they think it is a "right of adulthood!"
I see leaders exercising their authority and hurting others, ruining careers and wasting valuable organizational resources...
These deluded people have confused "right and responsibility!"
I fear that it is no loner a minority that acts like that and actually the behavior of all but a wise few!
Wisdom should lead a person to the correct behaviors more frequently...but is this happening?
Seeing young people misguided in their thinking and behavior is somewhat forgivable...they are stretching their wings...
Seeing adults allowing that behavior...is unforgivable...in that they are allowing this kind of behavior to continue...
Abusive talk is a very subtle and destructive form of "Bullying."
Disguised and many wrongly believe that it is protected by the 1sr Amendment...
What I know is that "Trash-talk is not by definition a right of "free speech."
It is actually a crime!
It is assault and battery...and should be recognized and punished appropriately...
I would love to see some of these abusive old men and ladies...teens and adults...serving 5 to 10 years for their nasty mouth!
For many of them (especially the old ones)...it would be a life (death) sentence...and although it sounds cruel...the world would be much better off for them being out of the picture!
Even the air wasted on their formation of words is wasted...and the oxygen they consume to continue to live...a waste!
Do you get my point?
I am really serious about this!
There is a path that many people wrongly believe..."that position has it privilege"...
In a way...they are right...but where they are wrong is when they believe that they can say and do things, to others, that is potentially hurtful...
Position does have its privileges and responsibility...but only when it does not infringe on others in ANY way!
First...simply being a human being requires us to treat others with respect and dignity...
Second...it requires us to build others up rather than destroy...
Third...it requires us to confront those who are abusive and diligently ensure that it never happens again...
Fourth...it requires us to keep our words brideled if we have nothing to say...
Our Founding Fathers created the standard for "right to freedom" as that which we can do without interfering with the rights of others or hurting others in ANY way...
You do not have a right to say what you want to say...if it infringes upon or hurts anyone else...
That my friend is against the law...
It is against the constitution...
Making it a felony!
By definition it is treason and a cause for revocation of the rights of US membership (citizenship)...
The problem is that we have grown complacent and allowed these people to get away with it!
My advice...If you have an aggressive nature...don't waste it...seek out these nasty people...young or old and take a stand in the defense of the abused...have fun! Show them what damage they are doing!
Then go quiet!
If you are non-aggressive and more passive...step out of character and do the same...you have license to do what is right...stand up for the abused!
Enough said...
*******************************************
The Disney movie "Bambi" has one good line in it...
Credit for it actually is given to a character who is never seen in the movie...
Thumper's dad...(a rabbit)
Thumper's mother references his dad and reminds him through an admonition...
"...Thumper? What did your father tell you?"
...Thumper replies, "If you can't saying something nice...don't say anything at all!"
Think of how quiet and wonderful this world would be...if we followed that admonition!
It does however need to get a bit louder before it gets quieter...
We need to take that road less traveled and make noise and confront EVERY instance of verbal "bullying!"
Disrespect and "Trash-talk" has no value...it is total waste!
In terms of trash...there is nothing that can be recycled in it!
Creating those words...is totally destructive...
Apologizing does not take abusive and hurtful words said back!
Our stand, as a true leader, is to make this world...OUR WORLD...better for our having been here!
We need to do this with absolute consistency...and dedication...
We can no longer allow anyone to get away with abusive "Trash Talk"...and more important...we can not be guilty of it!
To be truly successful in this world...we have to make the world a better place...
Not only just physically...but psychologically...and intellectually...
There are few sojourners following this path...it is one of the roads...less traveled...
Courtesy...respect...or quiet!
The world would be so much more peaceful if we eliminated this environmental waste!
Stop "waste"-ing your speech...
Stop others when you see them wasting your air! They are suffocating you very subtly!
If you can't say nothing nice...
PURA VIDA!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
SPECIAL EDITION - What is there to be thankful for?
I know that it is not the weekend...but it feels like it!
It's Thanksgiving!
The Internet and all of the social networks are buzzing with HAPPY THANKSGIVING wishes...
It is heart-warming...but the superficiality of it also causes me to step back and think...
I don't believe that there is any other holiday that we celebrate that possesses the philosophical depth of Thanksgiving!
As I ponder the great wisdom writings...an interesting commonality arises...the futility of effort...and ultimately life itself...
As we look out at the world around us...good people suffer and bad people prosper...
It appears random...
Whether you pursue a life of purity and selflessness or one of pure selfishness and hoarding...it all ends in death...and both leave with exactly the same...
Life...is like chasing the wind...simply enjoy it!
If he were pressed, Maslow, would have to admit that whether a person is simply surviving or self-actualizing, they leave the world absolutely equal...
An interesting scorecard!
What then do we have to be thankful for?
I do not think that the answer lies in complexity...but in simplicity...
Life at its lowest level...
Thankfulness should spring from the basics and grow...recognizing the temporality of everything after the very basics of life...
Are you eating?
Do you have something to drink?
Can you go to sleep and do so peacefully and securely?
Do you have someone to carry on your name (and your legacy) after you have died?
Any Thanksgiving after that is simply recognizing the superficial gifts that we have fallen upon by chance...
We need to be thankful for the immediate fruits of our work...and the hope that what we stand for will continue into future generations...
EAT...DRINK...SLEEP...CHILDREN
These are things that we need to be truly thankful for...
All of the rest is no more meaningful than make-up on a Manichean!
Do not get me wrong...it is not bad to show appreciation and share our bounty...
It is wrong to think that we had anything to do with it!
These things are gifts...to an undeserving hoard...
In the end...the scorecard is erased and the game is tied!
I am simply thankful for today and the fact that I awoke from a peaceful rest...as I retire each night, my heart and mind has no anxiety for what tomorrow could hold for my actions of the past...
I am blessed with a bounty of food...and drink...especially fresh water!
and finally...
My children have the seeds of my thoughts, hopes and aspirations...deeply embedded in their soul...and I trust that they will use them in the ways that they see best fit!
I am truly blessed not because of my past or present...but one one gift and one gift alone...
HOPE!
We are directed by the "wise who came before us" to seek knowledge, understanding and wisdom...
Let me add to that another great gift...hope!
I am thankful for those things that I have that keep me in this life...food, drink and children...
I am thankful for the opportunity to seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding and it is this greatest gift...hope that carries me into tomorrow!
Have a happy thanksgiving!
Share this with everyone you know...
Focus our world on those things we need to be thankful for!
It's Thanksgiving!
The Internet and all of the social networks are buzzing with HAPPY THANKSGIVING wishes...
It is heart-warming...but the superficiality of it also causes me to step back and think...
I don't believe that there is any other holiday that we celebrate that possesses the philosophical depth of Thanksgiving!
As I ponder the great wisdom writings...an interesting commonality arises...the futility of effort...and ultimately life itself...
As we look out at the world around us...good people suffer and bad people prosper...
It appears random...
Whether you pursue a life of purity and selflessness or one of pure selfishness and hoarding...it all ends in death...and both leave with exactly the same...
Life...is like chasing the wind...simply enjoy it!
If he were pressed, Maslow, would have to admit that whether a person is simply surviving or self-actualizing, they leave the world absolutely equal...
An interesting scorecard!
What then do we have to be thankful for?
I do not think that the answer lies in complexity...but in simplicity...
Life at its lowest level...
Thankfulness should spring from the basics and grow...recognizing the temporality of everything after the very basics of life...
Are you eating?
Do you have something to drink?
Can you go to sleep and do so peacefully and securely?
Do you have someone to carry on your name (and your legacy) after you have died?
Any Thanksgiving after that is simply recognizing the superficial gifts that we have fallen upon by chance...
We need to be thankful for the immediate fruits of our work...and the hope that what we stand for will continue into future generations...
EAT...DRINK...SLEEP...CHILDREN
These are things that we need to be truly thankful for...
All of the rest is no more meaningful than make-up on a Manichean!
Do not get me wrong...it is not bad to show appreciation and share our bounty...
It is wrong to think that we had anything to do with it!
These things are gifts...to an undeserving hoard...
In the end...the scorecard is erased and the game is tied!
I am simply thankful for today and the fact that I awoke from a peaceful rest...as I retire each night, my heart and mind has no anxiety for what tomorrow could hold for my actions of the past...
I am blessed with a bounty of food...and drink...especially fresh water!
and finally...
My children have the seeds of my thoughts, hopes and aspirations...deeply embedded in their soul...and I trust that they will use them in the ways that they see best fit!
I am truly blessed not because of my past or present...but one one gift and one gift alone...
HOPE!
We are directed by the "wise who came before us" to seek knowledge, understanding and wisdom...
Let me add to that another great gift...hope!
I am thankful for those things that I have that keep me in this life...food, drink and children...
I am thankful for the opportunity to seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding and it is this greatest gift...hope that carries me into tomorrow!
Have a happy thanksgiving!
Share this with everyone you know...
Focus our world on those things we need to be thankful for!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
If it is Important Enough for You to have to Say Something About it...
Good Morning...
You have crossed this week's finish line...and found yourself a winner!
What a glorious feeling!
You may not have taken "the Gold," but you know that you have done everything possible to achieve what you achieved!!!
NO?
There are lingering thoughts?
Regrets?
Excuses?
You wish "someone would step up and fix"...?
I watch the vast majority of people complaining...or worse yet...
...Thinking that they are consultants....Thinking that their opinion is of significant value and that people should jump and do their bidding!
Not realizing that it is every one's place in life to do something about those things that bother them!
"Words" have lost their value...Everyone is talking...very few people do anything about it!
A while back there was a popular book entitled "The Purpose Driven Life"
And another that followed it (not by the same author) "The Secret"
And a more secular book called "The Dream Manager"
It is interesting that these books really appealed to the same market segment...
...And that by looking at that segment of society...we can learn a weakness in our thought processes!
***********************************
People seek an understanding of their purpose in life...
I have heard many times "What is my REAL purpose in life?
How do I find it?
They know intuitively that if they find their purpose...they will find meaning in their activity and ultimately be successful!
AND MORE IMPORTANTLY...
HAPPY!
In actuality...finding your purpose is the path to success!
Yet finding that purpose seems to be illusive!
People throughout the ages have searched their entire life and have not found it!
The fact of the matter is...is it staring you in the face!
In pursuit of purpose...people miss the simplicity of it.
It is often hiding in plain sight!
***************************
How do I find my purpose?
What will put meaning into my activity?
...and...
What will drive me to being successful?
What will get rid of that hollow feeling and make me happy?
I know what you are thinking and I will cut to the chase!
Purpose is not found in some deep soul searching activity!
It is found in your everyday activity!
It takes the shape in what stands out to you...
It is what is programmed into your DNA!
It is in your nature...
Believe it or not...
IT IS WHAT BOTHERS YOU!
What?!!!?
Please allow me to "say" it again...Your purpose can be found in what bothers you!
Better said...your purpose should be found in what bothers you!
I know that you are now asking...
EVERYTHING bothers me at one time or another...How do I find purpose in what bothers me?
Your purpose can easily be found in those things which you see that many other people do not!
It is those things that elicit a reaction!
You are programmed to see these things...
Those things that most people do not do is...
Do something about the things that bother them!
They are most often happy to simply sit back and complain and hope that some other person will stand up and do something about it...A CONSULTANT! Ultimately it shows how lazy that person really is!
I once was standing in a hallway and listening to someone complaining about a few scraps of paper on the floor...and how unprofessional it was for people to leave trash laying around...
In frustration...I responded with..."if it bothers you to the point that you need to complain about it...why don't go one step further...stop talking about it and go and pick it up?"
She looked at me as if I had accurately predicted the next winning lottery numbers...and walked over and picked up the paper and threw it away!
Her response made me think about my own life...
If something bothers me enough that I have to talk about it...
Why shouldn't I be doing something about it?
If I do not want to do anything about it...
Why am I talking about it?
Talk is cheap!
Activity is costly!
Invest something of value in making a difference!
*****************************
The vast majority of "consultants" in this world want to identify issues and then wash their hands of responsibility!
Tell someone about it...get paid...and walk away!
It is a rare few that can find issues (things that bother them) and then takes the steps to rectify them...
Great leaders find issues and then (if they can not do it themselves) find people who can make a difference...and while the talented are working...the great leaders make rectification possible...
***************************************
Perhaps your body, mind and spirit are telling you something and you are missing the message...
You have been created uniquely...and with a purpose...
You are unique among everything that has ever lived, is living or ever will live...just check your DNA against all other living things...it is yours and yours alone!
Add to that your experience and your uniqueness is unfathomable!
In that uniqueness you will find your purpose...in the "programming" is what you are meant to do!
Let me say it another way...
You have purpose...and the interesting thing is that your role (purpose) is in that uniqueness!
No one sees the world like you do...from your perspective...your physical and experiential programming...
Use that perspective and listen to what it is telling you!
If it bothers you enough...that you have to complain about it...do something about it...or find and lead people who can!
This is your purpose...Plain and simple!
You will make a difference in this world if you do that and it will be a better place for you having been here!
AND guess what...you will ultimately find meaning and fulfillment in that endeavor!
Most important...It is where your happiness is hiding...IN PLAIN SIGHT!
*******************************
Have a great and wonderful weekend!
Listen to yourself!
Identify your purpose and doing something about it!
If it is important enough for you to say something about it...go that extra step and do something about it!
Pura Vida!
You have crossed this week's finish line...and found yourself a winner!
What a glorious feeling!
You may not have taken "the Gold," but you know that you have done everything possible to achieve what you achieved!!!
NO?
There are lingering thoughts?
Regrets?
Excuses?
You wish "someone would step up and fix"...?
I watch the vast majority of people complaining...or worse yet...
...Thinking that they are consultants....Thinking that their opinion is of significant value and that people should jump and do their bidding!
Not realizing that it is every one's place in life to do something about those things that bother them!
"Words" have lost their value...Everyone is talking...very few people do anything about it!
A while back there was a popular book entitled "The Purpose Driven Life"
And another that followed it (not by the same author) "The Secret"
And a more secular book called "The Dream Manager"
It is interesting that these books really appealed to the same market segment...
...And that by looking at that segment of society...we can learn a weakness in our thought processes!
***********************************
People seek an understanding of their purpose in life...
I have heard many times "What is my REAL purpose in life?
How do I find it?
They know intuitively that if they find their purpose...they will find meaning in their activity and ultimately be successful!
AND MORE IMPORTANTLY...
HAPPY!
In actuality...finding your purpose is the path to success!
Yet finding that purpose seems to be illusive!
People throughout the ages have searched their entire life and have not found it!
The fact of the matter is...is it staring you in the face!
In pursuit of purpose...people miss the simplicity of it.
It is often hiding in plain sight!
***************************
How do I find my purpose?
What will put meaning into my activity?
...and...
What will drive me to being successful?
What will get rid of that hollow feeling and make me happy?
I know what you are thinking and I will cut to the chase!
Purpose is not found in some deep soul searching activity!
It is found in your everyday activity!
It takes the shape in what stands out to you...
It is what is programmed into your DNA!
It is in your nature...
Believe it or not...
IT IS WHAT BOTHERS YOU!
What?!!!?
Please allow me to "say" it again...Your purpose can be found in what bothers you!
Better said...your purpose should be found in what bothers you!
I know that you are now asking...
EVERYTHING bothers me at one time or another...How do I find purpose in what bothers me?
Your purpose can easily be found in those things which you see that many other people do not!
It is those things that elicit a reaction!
You are programmed to see these things...
Those things that most people do not do is...
Do something about the things that bother them!
They are most often happy to simply sit back and complain and hope that some other person will stand up and do something about it...A CONSULTANT! Ultimately it shows how lazy that person really is!
I once was standing in a hallway and listening to someone complaining about a few scraps of paper on the floor...and how unprofessional it was for people to leave trash laying around...
In frustration...I responded with..."if it bothers you to the point that you need to complain about it...why don't go one step further...stop talking about it and go and pick it up?"
She looked at me as if I had accurately predicted the next winning lottery numbers...and walked over and picked up the paper and threw it away!
Her response made me think about my own life...
If something bothers me enough that I have to talk about it...
Why shouldn't I be doing something about it?
If I do not want to do anything about it...
Why am I talking about it?
Talk is cheap!
Activity is costly!
Invest something of value in making a difference!
*****************************
The vast majority of "consultants" in this world want to identify issues and then wash their hands of responsibility!
Tell someone about it...get paid...and walk away!
It is a rare few that can find issues (things that bother them) and then takes the steps to rectify them...
Great leaders find issues and then (if they can not do it themselves) find people who can make a difference...and while the talented are working...the great leaders make rectification possible...
***************************************
Perhaps your body, mind and spirit are telling you something and you are missing the message...
You have been created uniquely...and with a purpose...
You are unique among everything that has ever lived, is living or ever will live...just check your DNA against all other living things...it is yours and yours alone!
Add to that your experience and your uniqueness is unfathomable!
In that uniqueness you will find your purpose...in the "programming" is what you are meant to do!
Let me say it another way...
You have purpose...and the interesting thing is that your role (purpose) is in that uniqueness!
No one sees the world like you do...from your perspective...your physical and experiential programming...
Use that perspective and listen to what it is telling you!
If it bothers you enough...that you have to complain about it...do something about it...or find and lead people who can!
This is your purpose...Plain and simple!
You will make a difference in this world if you do that and it will be a better place for you having been here!
AND guess what...you will ultimately find meaning and fulfillment in that endeavor!
Most important...It is where your happiness is hiding...IN PLAIN SIGHT!
*******************************
Have a great and wonderful weekend!
Listen to yourself!
Identify your purpose and doing something about it!
If it is important enough for you to say something about it...go that extra step and do something about it!
Pura Vida!
Friday, November 12, 2010
It's all about the Landing!
Good Morning!
What do you have planned for your weekend?
If your answer is "REST!" you may want to step back and think about the energy and effort that you expended last week!
A while back I wrote about my sail plane experience.
As I wrote...it brought back feelings that I have not been able to ignore!
This morning those feelings were again brought to the forefront and strengthened as I watched a "flock" of migrating raptors soaring from North to South...
They were circling and ever so slightly dropping in altitude...
...Then suddenly and without any warning...one would rise!
The others would veer to that area and follow the first up...
It was a magnificent display...
*********************************
I have a good friend that runs marathons...
REAL marathons...the almost 25 mile ones...
This person is not one of those people who run quarter or half marathons and lay claim to the real title...
She has no desire to impress anyone but herself...by overcoming her own personal challenge!
No facade...just results!
She is one of the few people that I have met that has grasped the real meaning of a race...
She recognizes that no matter how many people are competing against you...the race remains within yourself...
Jogging to victory over the others is hollow...
Crossing the finish line in second place is a victory...if you have given everything...
Combine the two...and you have fulfillment and real victory...
****************************************
What does sail planing and Marathons have to do with each other?
A lot...
The most awesome plane ride is of little value...unless you are keenly aware of where you are at any moment and know with absolute certainty that you can make it back to the airport and land safely...
No matter how much fun you are having along the flight...the important part is the landing!
In running a Marathon...at any given moment you have to balance energy and effort expended and amount remaining...
You need that "kick" at the finish line...but even before that...you need to get within sight of the finish line!
As with sail planing...it is about being keenly aware of your relationship to your real goal...and maximizing the enjoyment along the way...
Think of how you would feel if you crossed the finish line after a race and realize that you ran way too conservatively and could run another 15 miles! You wasted your race!
Think about heading towards the runway and realizing that you miscalculated and are at too low an altitude to make it...and you are going to crash into a subdivision!
Think about being so burnt out at the end of a week that all you can do is rest!
They are all the same...
It is all about the finish line...
It is all about the landing!
****************************************
Success does not happen...it is made...
I admit that there are a few (VERY FEW) instances where success is handed to undeserving people...
This is a rare situation...
but for the vast majority...success is the end result of proper planning and adjustment...
It is about constantly optimizing one's effort expended and reserved...
It is the balance that ensure a safe landing...or the ability to cross the finish line...
***************************************
There are 3 important aspects related to this observation...
Each aspect must be balanced relative to the overall effort...
Focusing too much on any one or two will destroy the overall experience...
Let's systematically look at each...
The first one is about energy expended...
The value is answered by...Have I made the right decisions up to now?
"Have I circled too much over this area looking for the next thermal?"
...or...
"I have taken 12,381 steps...have I run too fast knowing I have about 17,000 left to take?"
In any case...the next question is...
Knowing what you know..."What are you going to do next?"
This leads us to the next important aspect...
How will I adjust?
I am too low and immediately need to plot a route back to the airport over an area with the highest probability of thermals...I need to gain 500 feet of altitude to make a safe landing...
...or...
I need to slow my pace by 3 per minute and lengthen my stride by 5 inches to finish at my target time...
Then finally...
The final aspect...is answered by the question, "What do I need to do to make this happen?"
"Turn West and fly a zig-zag course and watch for vultures!"
"Reset my pace timer and count until the rhythm is habitual!"
What is important at this point is committing to the next check...
Successful people recognize that all of those decisions are closer to the right ones...yet...probably wrong too!
So...reevaluating the progress at another point is important...
Constant assessment and adjustment...
Then...
THE FINISH LINE...
THE "WHEW!" "Safe landing!"
and then...
How much did I have left over...
Did I actually have altitude that I wasted? Was it a sufficient buffer?
Could I have sprinted faster at the end? Would it have mattered?
********************************
If you weekend leaves you no room for anything but rest...you may want to look back at your week...
If all that I focused on during that extraordinary flight...was getting back to the airport...I would have missed the experience of the flight...
If all you focus on is the finish line...you miss the race!
Learn to PACE yourself...
Practice And Concerted Effort...P.A.C.E.
That is my acronym for success...and my advice for this week...
********************************
Have a great weekend...
Rest...
Assess...
Adjust...
Succeed...
Pura Vida!
What do you have planned for your weekend?
If your answer is "REST!" you may want to step back and think about the energy and effort that you expended last week!
A while back I wrote about my sail plane experience.
As I wrote...it brought back feelings that I have not been able to ignore!
This morning those feelings were again brought to the forefront and strengthened as I watched a "flock" of migrating raptors soaring from North to South...
They were circling and ever so slightly dropping in altitude...
...Then suddenly and without any warning...one would rise!
The others would veer to that area and follow the first up...
It was a magnificent display...
*********************************
I have a good friend that runs marathons...
REAL marathons...the almost 25 mile ones...
This person is not one of those people who run quarter or half marathons and lay claim to the real title...
She has no desire to impress anyone but herself...by overcoming her own personal challenge!
No facade...just results!
She is one of the few people that I have met that has grasped the real meaning of a race...
She recognizes that no matter how many people are competing against you...the race remains within yourself...
Jogging to victory over the others is hollow...
Crossing the finish line in second place is a victory...if you have given everything...
Combine the two...and you have fulfillment and real victory...
****************************************
What does sail planing and Marathons have to do with each other?
A lot...
The most awesome plane ride is of little value...unless you are keenly aware of where you are at any moment and know with absolute certainty that you can make it back to the airport and land safely...
No matter how much fun you are having along the flight...the important part is the landing!
In running a Marathon...at any given moment you have to balance energy and effort expended and amount remaining...
You need that "kick" at the finish line...but even before that...you need to get within sight of the finish line!
As with sail planing...it is about being keenly aware of your relationship to your real goal...and maximizing the enjoyment along the way...
Think of how you would feel if you crossed the finish line after a race and realize that you ran way too conservatively and could run another 15 miles! You wasted your race!
Think about heading towards the runway and realizing that you miscalculated and are at too low an altitude to make it...and you are going to crash into a subdivision!
Think about being so burnt out at the end of a week that all you can do is rest!
They are all the same...
It is all about the finish line...
It is all about the landing!
****************************************
Success does not happen...it is made...
I admit that there are a few (VERY FEW) instances where success is handed to undeserving people...
This is a rare situation...
but for the vast majority...success is the end result of proper planning and adjustment...
It is about constantly optimizing one's effort expended and reserved...
It is the balance that ensure a safe landing...or the ability to cross the finish line...
***************************************
There are 3 important aspects related to this observation...
Each aspect must be balanced relative to the overall effort...
Focusing too much on any one or two will destroy the overall experience...
Let's systematically look at each...
The first one is about energy expended...
The value is answered by...Have I made the right decisions up to now?
"Have I circled too much over this area looking for the next thermal?"
...or...
"I have taken 12,381 steps...have I run too fast knowing I have about 17,000 left to take?"
In any case...the next question is...
Knowing what you know..."What are you going to do next?"
This leads us to the next important aspect...
How will I adjust?
I am too low and immediately need to plot a route back to the airport over an area with the highest probability of thermals...I need to gain 500 feet of altitude to make a safe landing...
...or...
I need to slow my pace by 3 per minute and lengthen my stride by 5 inches to finish at my target time...
Then finally...
The final aspect...is answered by the question, "What do I need to do to make this happen?"
"Turn West and fly a zig-zag course and watch for vultures!"
"Reset my pace timer and count until the rhythm is habitual!"
What is important at this point is committing to the next check...
Successful people recognize that all of those decisions are closer to the right ones...yet...probably wrong too!
So...reevaluating the progress at another point is important...
Constant assessment and adjustment...
Then...
THE FINISH LINE...
THE "WHEW!" "Safe landing!"
and then...
How much did I have left over...
Did I actually have altitude that I wasted? Was it a sufficient buffer?
Could I have sprinted faster at the end? Would it have mattered?
********************************
If you weekend leaves you no room for anything but rest...you may want to look back at your week...
If all that I focused on during that extraordinary flight...was getting back to the airport...I would have missed the experience of the flight...
If all you focus on is the finish line...you miss the race!
Learn to PACE yourself...
Practice And Concerted Effort...P.A.C.E.
That is my acronym for success...and my advice for this week...
********************************
Have a great weekend...
Rest...
Assess...
Adjust...
Succeed...
Pura Vida!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Life is not measured in the number of heartbeats...
Good Morning!
How did your week go?
Do you feel invigorated by last week's successes and achievements or are you simply relieved that it is over?
Here is an interesting trivia question...What do you think is the most frequent phrase on the Internet on Fridays?
If you answered TGIF or one of the many variants...you were correct!
My thought today is...
If the majority of the population (and you are among them) is relieved that the week is over...
...How can you set yourself apart from the masses?
If you felt relief...then why do you think that you are not part of the masses?
Why are you allowing yourself to be like the rest?
Why are you expecting to be differentiated and yet acting like all of the rest?
What comes first? The attitude or the success? The chicken or egg?
Many people say they need the success, in order to catalyze the attitude...
Other proponents say that you need the attitude to attract the success...
I say it doesn't matter!
You need both!
If you have the success...then you need to have the attitude...
If you lack the success...then you need the attitude!
Success is both!
It is much like life itself!
Life is about heartbeats!
You can't have life without a heartbeat!
Heartbeats happen without a conscious effort...
If your heart races...you do not have more life!
It is simply dependent upon the beat!
Not the count...or the rate...it is the presence!
Success is the same!
It is not about how much...
Attitude is a conscious (perhaps sub-conscious) effort...
It is truly there...whether or not you think about it!
You simply need to recognize that it is there...
Feel the heartbeat...
Feel the Attitude!
You are successful!
Recognize that you are alive...and make the most of it!
Stop looking for relief...stop saying and writing TGIF...
Set yourself apart from the masses...
Differentiate yourself with attitude...
The TGIF people are the same people that ultimately welcome death!
I am glad this is over!
That's right!
Are you a person who will be glad to die?
or are you ready to meet life head on!
Are you happy that you woke up today?
You can not lay claim to success until you differentiate yourself from the masses!
In the BIG things and the LITTLE things...
Take stock of your life...
Not in the successes...or your heart rate...
Its entirety!
No more TGIF!
It may sound like a LITTLE thing...but it is what really matters!
PURA VIDA!
How did your week go?
Do you feel invigorated by last week's successes and achievements or are you simply relieved that it is over?
Here is an interesting trivia question...What do you think is the most frequent phrase on the Internet on Fridays?
If you answered TGIF or one of the many variants...you were correct!
My thought today is...
If the majority of the population (and you are among them) is relieved that the week is over...
...How can you set yourself apart from the masses?
If you felt relief...then why do you think that you are not part of the masses?
Why are you allowing yourself to be like the rest?
Why are you expecting to be differentiated and yet acting like all of the rest?
What comes first? The attitude or the success? The chicken or egg?
Many people say they need the success, in order to catalyze the attitude...
Other proponents say that you need the attitude to attract the success...
I say it doesn't matter!
You need both!
If you have the success...then you need to have the attitude...
If you lack the success...then you need the attitude!
Success is both!
It is much like life itself!
Life is about heartbeats!
You can't have life without a heartbeat!
Heartbeats happen without a conscious effort...
If your heart races...you do not have more life!
It is simply dependent upon the beat!
Not the count...or the rate...it is the presence!
Success is the same!
It is not about how much...
Attitude is a conscious (perhaps sub-conscious) effort...
It is truly there...whether or not you think about it!
You simply need to recognize that it is there...
Feel the heartbeat...
Feel the Attitude!
You are successful!
Recognize that you are alive...and make the most of it!
Stop looking for relief...stop saying and writing TGIF...
Set yourself apart from the masses...
Differentiate yourself with attitude...
The TGIF people are the same people that ultimately welcome death!
I am glad this is over!
That's right!
Are you a person who will be glad to die?
or are you ready to meet life head on!
Are you happy that you woke up today?
You can not lay claim to success until you differentiate yourself from the masses!
In the BIG things and the LITTLE things...
Take stock of your life...
Not in the successes...or your heart rate...
Its entirety!
No more TGIF!
It may sound like a LITTLE thing...but it is what really matters!
PURA VIDA!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Is That the Best that You Can Do?
Good Morning!
As you look back over your past week...what thoughts come to mind?
Have you ever woke up and said to yourself, "I will NEVER do that again!"?
I have had my share of those sentences!
I think it is a normal part of growing up!
Last night...Rachel and I got into a discussion about the Greek culture. During the discussion, she brought up the story of Daedalus and Icarus.
She asked...Do you want me to tell you about it...
My curiosity was leaked...I wanted you hear what she thought of the story...and her interpretation...
She recited it accurately and then I asked..."What lesson do you think that we should learn from that story?"
She said, "It is important to listen to the advice of our elders...and their wisdom and experience...because if an inexperienced person does not...flying too high or too low...they can die..."
Our discussion went a bit deeper...but she grasped the message clearly and accurately!
We then started talking about the need to "push limits" to advance society...and that failure is an important risk...and a tough thing to balance...
***********************************
I recently wrote that every generation from the beginning of recorded history has had its own set of societal issues and challenges...the strange thing is...that they are always the same!
We have a tendency to believe that history repeats itself...
I no longer believe that this is a "cop-out!"
We simply grow apathetic...and give up!
We say things like...that is the way people are...or teens will be teens...or companies will always be that way...
It is simply a sign or abdication...
My conclusion...It isn't that history repeats itself...it is that we have yet to find the answer!
Even on a random basis...someone will find an answer!
We simply have to be cognoscente of its arrival and listen...and act accordingly!
***********************************
A few weeks ago...I was honored to be asked to participate in the South Florida Cub Fun Day. I was there to promote the Pinewood-Winning by the Rules" book.
More than 1,500 scouts attended...
The discussions ran the complete gambit...Some entertaining and some deep....
I had my books on display...
They were clearly marked that they were for sale at the cover cost and that I would personalize them...
What boggled my mind was how many parents walked up to the display...grabbed a book and tried to leave without paying for them (they were clearly marked!)...some even asked me to sign them...
What terrible lessons to teach their scouts...
Scouting is not about "taking"...it is about giving...
"Do your best" has absolutely nothing to do with what you get from doing that...
"Doing your best" is all about what you give to humanity and your environment...
"Leave the world a better place for your having been there!"
This type of behavior is not just for scouting anymore!
It should be an inherent behavior for anyone in this world...
Can you honestly say that on a regular basis...the world is a better place for you having been here?
***************************************
A great question to ask yourself on a moment by moment basis is...
"Is that the best that you can do?"
If you aren't asking that...someone else will...
Many people will argue...that no one has a right to ask that question...but the individual themselves...
I disagree...I believe that this is a required question of every individual on an ongoing basis...
If it isn't sincerely asked by the individual...they have abdicated it to being someone else!
Is this the best that you can do?
What about your past week?
Did you make it through...doing what you had to do...or did you do the best that you can do?
***************************************
What about tomorrow?
Is what you did today...setting the stage for tomorrow's improvement?
If today is the same as yesterday...how can you rationally expect tomorrow to be any different?
Is this the best that you can do?
There is nothing you can do to change the past...
Today is what it is...
Tomorrow is where you have all of the control...
The key is what you do today!
Is it the best that you can do?
Is your world a better place for you having been here?
PURA VIDA!
As you look back over your past week...what thoughts come to mind?
Have you ever woke up and said to yourself, "I will NEVER do that again!"?
I have had my share of those sentences!
I think it is a normal part of growing up!
Last night...Rachel and I got into a discussion about the Greek culture. During the discussion, she brought up the story of Daedalus and Icarus.
She asked...Do you want me to tell you about it...
My curiosity was leaked...I wanted you hear what she thought of the story...and her interpretation...
She recited it accurately and then I asked..."What lesson do you think that we should learn from that story?"
She said, "It is important to listen to the advice of our elders...and their wisdom and experience...because if an inexperienced person does not...flying too high or too low...they can die..."
Our discussion went a bit deeper...but she grasped the message clearly and accurately!
We then started talking about the need to "push limits" to advance society...and that failure is an important risk...and a tough thing to balance...
***********************************
I recently wrote that every generation from the beginning of recorded history has had its own set of societal issues and challenges...the strange thing is...that they are always the same!
We have a tendency to believe that history repeats itself...
I no longer believe that this is a "cop-out!"
We simply grow apathetic...and give up!
We say things like...that is the way people are...or teens will be teens...or companies will always be that way...
It is simply a sign or abdication...
My conclusion...It isn't that history repeats itself...it is that we have yet to find the answer!
Even on a random basis...someone will find an answer!
We simply have to be cognoscente of its arrival and listen...and act accordingly!
***********************************
A few weeks ago...I was honored to be asked to participate in the South Florida Cub Fun Day. I was there to promote the Pinewood-Winning by the Rules" book.
More than 1,500 scouts attended...
The discussions ran the complete gambit...Some entertaining and some deep....
I had my books on display...
They were clearly marked that they were for sale at the cover cost and that I would personalize them...
What boggled my mind was how many parents walked up to the display...grabbed a book and tried to leave without paying for them (they were clearly marked!)...some even asked me to sign them...
What terrible lessons to teach their scouts...
Scouting is not about "taking"...it is about giving...
"Do your best" has absolutely nothing to do with what you get from doing that...
"Doing your best" is all about what you give to humanity and your environment...
"Leave the world a better place for your having been there!"
This type of behavior is not just for scouting anymore!
It should be an inherent behavior for anyone in this world...
Can you honestly say that on a regular basis...the world is a better place for you having been here?
***************************************
A great question to ask yourself on a moment by moment basis is...
"Is that the best that you can do?"
If you aren't asking that...someone else will...
Many people will argue...that no one has a right to ask that question...but the individual themselves...
I disagree...I believe that this is a required question of every individual on an ongoing basis...
If it isn't sincerely asked by the individual...they have abdicated it to being someone else!
Is this the best that you can do?
What about your past week?
Did you make it through...doing what you had to do...or did you do the best that you can do?
***************************************
What about tomorrow?
Is what you did today...setting the stage for tomorrow's improvement?
If today is the same as yesterday...how can you rationally expect tomorrow to be any different?
Is this the best that you can do?
There is nothing you can do to change the past...
Today is what it is...
Tomorrow is where you have all of the control...
The key is what you do today!
Is it the best that you can do?
Is your world a better place for you having been here?
PURA VIDA!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Today is too Late!
Good Morning!
I bet your week was full of challenges and you did your best to make the most of what was happening...
Many people promote "living in the moment"...
These same people promote forgetting about the past...and not worrying about the future...
It is an interesting psychology/philosophy...for those individuals who do not aspire for success...
I have a hard time with this strategy...so...
I thought about that this week...
and...
concluded...
Today is too late!
****************************
Let's shift gears for a moment...
During my early mornings...I stand in my backyard...just looking...nowhere and everywhere!
One thing that I enjoy is watching the birds soaring on the early morning thermals!
It is effortless flight!
Only once in my life did I have the opportunity to join with them...in a sailplane!
It was an amazing experience...in which I was only a passenger...
I sat in the front seat and my guide (the pilot) sat in the rear seat...
A sport glider (sail plane) with a better than "40 to 1" glide ratio!
I had the perfect view...
I even got to do a few things like...release the tow-rope, and "fly" the plane when it was safe to do so...
I could prosaically describe, like other writers have, the absolute quiet of motor-less flight or the freedom that one feels...
I won't because...neither are true!
It is noisy!
And the fact of the matter is...one is totally dependent on thermals (invisible currents of air, heading upward)...
My conclusion...there is no real freedom!
Miss a thermal...and the flight soon comes to an end!
What is true...is the comradeship that one has with the diverse participants in the soaring experience!
Not with the pilot...
My guide (pilot) was an astute "sail-planer!"
He watched each bird around us and when one rose vertically at an amazing rate...he banked in their direction...grabbed the column of air that caused the bird to rise...and we followed the bird upward!
Sometimes we followed eagles upward...sometimes vultures...sometimes hawks...sometimes other birds...
He intuitively knew which one caught the best thermal...and followed...he had no prejudice...it didn't matter if the bird was rare and majestic...or a common carrion eater!
What mattered was the flight!
We would rise...seldom to the level that the bird itself did...the plane did its best...and when we "topped out" we circled until the next opportunity...flying 40 feet forward and dropping one!
There are some cool success lessons just in that activity...you probably caught it...so I will not belabor that point!
Since I was a child...I looked skyward and dreamed of a solo flight with these birds...eagles, hawks, vultures...the species didn't matter...
Why?
Because it didn't matter to them!
Some writers call sail planing..."soaring with eagles"
That is snobbery! A true aficionado focuses on the flight...not the company he or she keeps...
I wanted to be like the birds...
They do not really care who is flying with them...there is no prejudice allowed on these invisible mountains of air! I have watched predator and prey soaring together! What a cool lesson from nature itself!
It just dreamed to be among them...on my own!
As I watched them this morning...
...I realized...that today is too late!
*******************************
People confuse contentment and understanding...
We are told that it is required to be content with what we have today and make the most of what we have been given...in order to be happy...
I disagree...
Successful people are seldom content...yet most truly successful people are happy...when they are truthful with themselves
How can that be?
Contentment drives complacency...
Successful people recognize this...
What they do possess is understanding of their current condition!
They recognize that "today" is the sum total of all of the past...
They recognize that today is too late to change what today is!
They recognize that if "today" is going to be different...it will happen...tomorrow...
They recognize that their work in the "here and now" is simply about gaining understanding and "setting the stage" for what "tomorrow" will bring...
Today is the actualization of their actions leading up to it...accept it for what it is...
A learning experience...
Successful people know and understand that today is too late...
So they are constantly working on what tomorrow will bring...knowing that their understanding of today and their actions can and will make tomorrow different...
That is their hope and their confidence...
Successful people seek understanding...
And hope that what they have done will make the difference!
Today is too late!
****************************
I diligently work to find (and share) insight that will help those people who honestly seek success...
I am not ever going to be like the laundry detergent that is 80% filler...
If I have nothing to share...there will be nothing there!
I will not waste your time!
Today is too late!
****************************
Personal Success is like Soaring...
Personal success is seldom accomplished alone!
Like the birds...who put aside their specific roles in nature...to simply enjoy the experience of flight...
They watch and directly or indirectly guide each other...
Sometimes they follow other birds...and sometimes they lead...
It is all about the flight!
I am amazed that they even welcomed in a fiberglass monster into their midst...
They are not afraid...
Life is noisy...
...More often than not the soaring conditions will change and the thermals will subside...making flight a chore and a challenge rather than a joy...
But the entire group is in together on it...and will do their best to maximize the experience...
A successful person watches those around them and when one is lifted on the "invisible current"...they follow...
There is no pride lost...for not being the first...or a follower...
They are thankful for the lift...knowing that it gives them a bit more time of flight!
They know that if they do not follow...
It is too late!
*****************************
Have a great weekend!
Seek to understand why today is what it is...
But NEVER simply be content...
Make a significant and meaningful difference...tomorrow!
Understand
Hope
Act
SOAR!
I bet your week was full of challenges and you did your best to make the most of what was happening...
Many people promote "living in the moment"...
These same people promote forgetting about the past...and not worrying about the future...
It is an interesting psychology/philosophy...for those individuals who do not aspire for success...
I have a hard time with this strategy...so...
I thought about that this week...
and...
concluded...
Today is too late!
****************************
Let's shift gears for a moment...
During my early mornings...I stand in my backyard...just looking...nowhere and everywhere!
One thing that I enjoy is watching the birds soaring on the early morning thermals!
It is effortless flight!
Only once in my life did I have the opportunity to join with them...in a sailplane!
It was an amazing experience...in which I was only a passenger...
I sat in the front seat and my guide (the pilot) sat in the rear seat...
A sport glider (sail plane) with a better than "40 to 1" glide ratio!
I had the perfect view...
I even got to do a few things like...release the tow-rope, and "fly" the plane when it was safe to do so...
I could prosaically describe, like other writers have, the absolute quiet of motor-less flight or the freedom that one feels...
I won't because...neither are true!
It is noisy!
And the fact of the matter is...one is totally dependent on thermals (invisible currents of air, heading upward)...
My conclusion...there is no real freedom!
Miss a thermal...and the flight soon comes to an end!
What is true...is the comradeship that one has with the diverse participants in the soaring experience!
Not with the pilot...
My guide (pilot) was an astute "sail-planer!"
He watched each bird around us and when one rose vertically at an amazing rate...he banked in their direction...grabbed the column of air that caused the bird to rise...and we followed the bird upward!
Sometimes we followed eagles upward...sometimes vultures...sometimes hawks...sometimes other birds...
He intuitively knew which one caught the best thermal...and followed...he had no prejudice...it didn't matter if the bird was rare and majestic...or a common carrion eater!
What mattered was the flight!
We would rise...seldom to the level that the bird itself did...the plane did its best...and when we "topped out" we circled until the next opportunity...flying 40 feet forward and dropping one!
There are some cool success lessons just in that activity...you probably caught it...so I will not belabor that point!
Since I was a child...I looked skyward and dreamed of a solo flight with these birds...eagles, hawks, vultures...the species didn't matter...
Why?
Because it didn't matter to them!
Some writers call sail planing..."soaring with eagles"
That is snobbery! A true aficionado focuses on the flight...not the company he or she keeps...
I wanted to be like the birds...
They do not really care who is flying with them...there is no prejudice allowed on these invisible mountains of air! I have watched predator and prey soaring together! What a cool lesson from nature itself!
It just dreamed to be among them...on my own!
As I watched them this morning...
...I realized...that today is too late!
*******************************
People confuse contentment and understanding...
We are told that it is required to be content with what we have today and make the most of what we have been given...in order to be happy...
I disagree...
Successful people are seldom content...yet most truly successful people are happy...when they are truthful with themselves
How can that be?
Contentment drives complacency...
Successful people recognize this...
What they do possess is understanding of their current condition!
They recognize that "today" is the sum total of all of the past...
They recognize that today is too late to change what today is!
They recognize that if "today" is going to be different...it will happen...tomorrow...
They recognize that their work in the "here and now" is simply about gaining understanding and "setting the stage" for what "tomorrow" will bring...
Today is the actualization of their actions leading up to it...accept it for what it is...
A learning experience...
Successful people know and understand that today is too late...
So they are constantly working on what tomorrow will bring...knowing that their understanding of today and their actions can and will make tomorrow different...
That is their hope and their confidence...
Successful people seek understanding...
And hope that what they have done will make the difference!
Today is too late!
****************************
I diligently work to find (and share) insight that will help those people who honestly seek success...
I am not ever going to be like the laundry detergent that is 80% filler...
If I have nothing to share...there will be nothing there!
I will not waste your time!
Today is too late!
****************************
Personal Success is like Soaring...
Personal success is seldom accomplished alone!
Like the birds...who put aside their specific roles in nature...to simply enjoy the experience of flight...
They watch and directly or indirectly guide each other...
Sometimes they follow other birds...and sometimes they lead...
It is all about the flight!
I am amazed that they even welcomed in a fiberglass monster into their midst...
They are not afraid...
Life is noisy...
...More often than not the soaring conditions will change and the thermals will subside...making flight a chore and a challenge rather than a joy...
But the entire group is in together on it...and will do their best to maximize the experience...
A successful person watches those around them and when one is lifted on the "invisible current"...they follow...
There is no pride lost...for not being the first...or a follower...
They are thankful for the lift...knowing that it gives them a bit more time of flight!
They know that if they do not follow...
It is too late!
*****************************
Have a great weekend!
Seek to understand why today is what it is...
But NEVER simply be content...
Make a significant and meaningful difference...tomorrow!
Understand
Hope
Act
SOAR!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Criticism and Negativity
Good Morning!
Some days...life goes just like we planned...
Other days...just the opposite!
Everyone is tempted to become negative...
Most people succumb to the temptation!
There are days that I feel that life is simply a "dice throw" and no matter how hard we try or how hard I work...it goes the way it is going to go...
There are other days...that I feel like I am totally in control of my destiny...and as long as I work with thoughtful direction...it destiny rewards me with what I am working toward...
Those are the extremes and as I ponder it...reality lies somewhere in between...
What I do know for certain...is that tomorrow is uncertain!
To me that is invigorating...but for many it can be stressful!
In a general sense...when a person is unsure of what tomorrow is brings...there is anxiety...
Anxiety leads feeling of "lack of control." This leads to stress...
So we can conclude (as most therapists do) that stress arises out of the sense that one does not have control over the outcome of a situation...
If a person was honest with themselves...they would realize that they have absolutely no control over the certainty or uncertainty of tomorrow!
Given this assumption...the logical outcome is...a person should be 100% stressed...
We all know that this is a stupid conclusion...
We do know that "stress is bad!"
A successful person handles their world in a way that minimizes stress...
The ultimate goal is to be entirely stress-free...
What is my "stress-free" strategy?
How do I do it?
Mine is simple...I love the unknown...so the uncertainty doesn't bother me...It is what I know with a high degree of certainty that gets to (stresses) me!
It makes me smile..."If it isn't one thing...it is the other!"
How do we live a stress-free life?
You may be like me and welcome the unknown...or you may be just the opposite...
What is important in a "stress-reduced" journey is understanding what you need and getting it...
Let's begin by getting a directional understanding of stress...
As we previously noted...stress is a reaction to one's inability to control outcomes...
It manifests itself uniquely in every individual...
Stress is caused by a myriad of situations...such as...(let's make a brief list)
As I think about it (and I bet you are too) anything can cause stress...it simply depends upon the person!
Let's look at a unique situation...
Stress sometimes is brought about by the "grind" and the feelings that you will never get out of it...
It is a desire to get back to doing the things that invigorate you!
It is a momentarily desire for things that you can not have...
It is an immature response to current situations...
Yet...from my perspective..."The Grind" is a good thing!
"The Grind" is a character builder and it helps build one's confidence...providing confirmation that one is more than a consultant in this world...that they are a contributor!
At that point in one's life...it is necessary to use self-talk to drive performance...
To glean the enjoyment that this moment provides, rather than looking to the outside and wishing (unrealistically) for a better thing...
Why?
Did you catch the hidden piece of the puzzle?
The important words are..."the outside"
The outside world is negative...
It survives upon negativity...
You may disagree...I however see that positivity is a rare and wonderful gift...
The world at large may laud a winner...but
The world loves a loser!
Why?
Because when they see someone else fail...it comforts them...
As a result...they subconsciously bring losers to the forefront!
You don't believe me?
Look at the news!
It is all about the bad things...
Positive news broadcasts and stations rise...because a few people got sick of the current state of media...
They attempted to focus only on the good things...and sadly...their efforts quickly faded...
Why?
Because they can not capture and retain an audience!
There is no money in good news!
People may desire and attempt to watch "good news"...they may say that they want to hear good things...but in reality...they do not want to hear about another's success or good fortune...
"Good News" reminds them of their own inadequacies...
They want to hear that they aren't as bad as all of the other jokers!
When they hear really bad news so that they feel better!
They look for and revel in others' misfortunes!
This desire for bad news is strengthened by their self-talk!
If I "step out" and look at this situation...it is the state of the majority!
Self-talk and "Bad News"...It is one situation feeding another!
Negative self-talk and criticism...
Don't fall prey to that vicious circle!
Negativity and criticism is not a motivator...no matter how one "spins" it!
Many attempt to disguise these detrimental characteristics as drivers (motivators) for improved performance...
Do not be deceived...they are not...
It is the behavior of the sick and demented!
It lowers one's standards...because one only has to be better than the "bad news" to excel!
If the news is not bad enough...then they just search it out!
What scares me is that because it is the behavior of the majority...Many think it is a good thing!
Be Careful!
It is easy to become negative?
People emulate it!
One of the first words that a baby learns is NO!
Who teaches them that?
It is passed from generation to generation!
From parent to child!
We are in a bleak situation...it is important to rise above this!
It is impossible to avoid the negative influence of the outside world...
It is possible however, to make the negative opinions ineffectual!
Simply hear it...but do not listen!
Make the opinions of outside world...noise!
Let me repeat this...You can hear them...just do not listen...
The bottom-line is that the outside world is negative...
There is no changing that...
Remember...
No one has the right to drive you negative!
When situations go negative (from your perspective)...do not look to the outside world to get comfort...
Comfort can only come from you knowing that you are doing the right things...
Comfort can only come from the inside...
Comfort can only come from self-talk...
A survival expert is keenly aware of the fact that their life is totally dependent upon doing their best with what they have...
Wishing they had carried extra matches or a stove or a refrigerator...wastes time and mental energy!
What do you have with you?
Be thankful for that and make the best of it!
It is a positive attitude...
It is creative use of the tools and blessings at hand...
Not wishful thinking!
If you intend to survive..."should of...would of...could of..." just doesn't cut it...
Stress is minimized by looking inward...
and doing your best with what you have...
Then no matter how the dice stop...
Enough Said!
Have a great weekend!
Find ways to minimize you stress...
Eliminate Criticism and Negativity from your life...
Replace them with Creativity and Positive self-talk!
Pura Vida!
Some days...life goes just like we planned...
Other days...just the opposite!
Everyone is tempted to become negative...
Most people succumb to the temptation!
There are days that I feel that life is simply a "dice throw" and no matter how hard we try or how hard I work...it goes the way it is going to go...
There are other days...that I feel like I am totally in control of my destiny...and as long as I work with thoughtful direction...it destiny rewards me with what I am working toward...
Those are the extremes and as I ponder it...reality lies somewhere in between...
What I do know for certain...is that tomorrow is uncertain!
To me that is invigorating...but for many it can be stressful!
In a general sense...when a person is unsure of what tomorrow is brings...there is anxiety...
Anxiety leads feeling of "lack of control." This leads to stress...
So we can conclude (as most therapists do) that stress arises out of the sense that one does not have control over the outcome of a situation...
If a person was honest with themselves...they would realize that they have absolutely no control over the certainty or uncertainty of tomorrow!
Given this assumption...the logical outcome is...a person should be 100% stressed...
We all know that this is a stupid conclusion...
We do know that "stress is bad!"
A successful person handles their world in a way that minimizes stress...
The ultimate goal is to be entirely stress-free...
What is my "stress-free" strategy?
How do I do it?
Mine is simple...I love the unknown...so the uncertainty doesn't bother me...It is what I know with a high degree of certainty that gets to (stresses) me!
It makes me smile..."If it isn't one thing...it is the other!"
How do we live a stress-free life?
You may be like me and welcome the unknown...or you may be just the opposite...
What is important in a "stress-reduced" journey is understanding what you need and getting it...
Let's begin by getting a directional understanding of stress...
As we previously noted...stress is a reaction to one's inability to control outcomes...
It manifests itself uniquely in every individual...
Stress is caused by a myriad of situations...such as...(let's make a brief list)
- The belief that the worst thing is about to happen...(pessimism and negativity)
- People having no control over their own activities so that they can not do what they want to do...(imprisonment)
- Being caught in an activity that is illegal or immoral and having to pay a price that they were not willing to pay...
- Disloyalty...
- Realization of inadequacies...
- Poor Decisions...
As I think about it (and I bet you are too) anything can cause stress...it simply depends upon the person!
Let's look at a unique situation...
Stress sometimes is brought about by the "grind" and the feelings that you will never get out of it...
It is a desire to get back to doing the things that invigorate you!
It is a momentarily desire for things that you can not have...
It is an immature response to current situations...
Yet...from my perspective..."The Grind" is a good thing!
"The Grind" is a character builder and it helps build one's confidence...providing confirmation that one is more than a consultant in this world...that they are a contributor!
At that point in one's life...it is necessary to use self-talk to drive performance...
To glean the enjoyment that this moment provides, rather than looking to the outside and wishing (unrealistically) for a better thing...
Why?
Did you catch the hidden piece of the puzzle?
The important words are..."the outside"
The outside world is negative...
It survives upon negativity...
You may disagree...I however see that positivity is a rare and wonderful gift...
The world at large may laud a winner...but
The world loves a loser!
Why?
Because when they see someone else fail...it comforts them...
As a result...they subconsciously bring losers to the forefront!
You don't believe me?
Look at the news!
It is all about the bad things...
Positive news broadcasts and stations rise...because a few people got sick of the current state of media...
They attempted to focus only on the good things...and sadly...their efforts quickly faded...
Why?
Because they can not capture and retain an audience!
There is no money in good news!
People may desire and attempt to watch "good news"...they may say that they want to hear good things...but in reality...they do not want to hear about another's success or good fortune...
"Good News" reminds them of their own inadequacies...
They want to hear that they aren't as bad as all of the other jokers!
When they hear really bad news so that they feel better!
They look for and revel in others' misfortunes!
This desire for bad news is strengthened by their self-talk!
If I "step out" and look at this situation...it is the state of the majority!
Self-talk and "Bad News"...It is one situation feeding another!
Negative self-talk and criticism...
Don't fall prey to that vicious circle!
Negativity and criticism is not a motivator...no matter how one "spins" it!
Many attempt to disguise these detrimental characteristics as drivers (motivators) for improved performance...
Do not be deceived...they are not...
It is the behavior of the sick and demented!
It lowers one's standards...because one only has to be better than the "bad news" to excel!
If the news is not bad enough...then they just search it out!
What scares me is that because it is the behavior of the majority...Many think it is a good thing!
Be Careful!
It is easy to become negative?
People emulate it!
One of the first words that a baby learns is NO!
Who teaches them that?
It is passed from generation to generation!
From parent to child!
We are in a bleak situation...it is important to rise above this!
It is impossible to avoid the negative influence of the outside world...
It is possible however, to make the negative opinions ineffectual!
Simply hear it...but do not listen!
Make the opinions of outside world...noise!
Let me repeat this...You can hear them...just do not listen...
The bottom-line is that the outside world is negative...
There is no changing that...
Remember...
No one has the right to drive you negative!
When situations go negative (from your perspective)...do not look to the outside world to get comfort...
Comfort can only come from you knowing that you are doing the right things...
Comfort can only come from the inside...
Comfort can only come from self-talk...
A survival expert is keenly aware of the fact that their life is totally dependent upon doing their best with what they have...
Wishing they had carried extra matches or a stove or a refrigerator...wastes time and mental energy!
What do you have with you?
Be thankful for that and make the best of it!
It is a positive attitude...
It is creative use of the tools and blessings at hand...
Not wishful thinking!
If you intend to survive..."should of...would of...could of..." just doesn't cut it...
Stress is minimized by looking inward...
and doing your best with what you have...
Then no matter how the dice stop...
Enough Said!
Have a great weekend!
Find ways to minimize you stress...
Eliminate Criticism and Negativity from your life...
Replace them with Creativity and Positive self-talk!
Pura Vida!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Secret of 100% Success
Good Morning!
I bet that this week you were 100% successful in your endeavors!
I am not being sarcastic...
In fact...where you are in life...at this moment...is exactly 100% of what you are capable of...or what you chose!
That is success!
Right?
I feel some disagreement...
OK...let's talk about this thought...this will lead to an understanding of what is necessary (the REAL SECRET to 100% Success)!
On a scale of 1 to 100...Rate how successful you feel you are...in your current aspirations...
Then...If that number is anything less than 100...
Explain with the question "Why?"
These are two VERY telling questions...
...But not at the superficial level...
Success Rating
Let's look at the rating of your performance to your expectations...first...
Any person who is being entirely honest (unless of course a rare minority) will rate their success less than 100...
...because their goals (expectations) are higher than their performance...
We have been taught to set high goals and aspirations...nothing wrong with that!
However...
The fact of the matter is...you are where you are at...and can be no other place...
You did what you did...thinking that you were capable of achieving a higher level...
But you were not!
Your current state is a combination of your decisions and your performance...
What you have done...and...
What you have left undone...
Expecting to be any place else is being unrealistic...actually out right crazy!
Why?
Either your expectations were too high...related to what you willing to do to get them (in which case...you deceived yourself of having a higher return value for your investment of time and knowledge)
or...
You were incapable of living up to the expectations you set for yourself...
In either case...you fell short...
The bottom-line is...you are where you are...
Realistically speaking...your goals and expectations were not realistic...
or...
Your performance was inadequate...
Why can I say that?
Because you didn't do what you could have done to achieve them...
You are where you are because that is all you were (are) capable of accomplishing!
In this case...you need to adjust your goals and expectations down to where you are at...because that is all you are capable of achieving!
or...you decided that you really didn't want to do what was needed...to get what you wanted...
That means that you didn't cross your finish line!
You lost!
If you are a "loser" guess what...you are 100% successful at losing!
It is that plain and simple...
This leads us to the next question...
Why?
Why...are you...where you are at?
I can imagine a hoard of people saying "...but..."
Simply answer the question...
If any of those reasons (excuses) contain the name of any person or entity beyond yourself...your are deceiving yourself...
Failure to achieve a goal is no other's person's responsibility but your own...
In a few rare cases...someone else...may be to blame...but these people should be in jail for murdering you...or attempting to do so...( because they infringed on your constitutional rights!)
So...if you are breathing...and have all of your faculties...do not blame someone else!
Your current state is due to...
Bad decisions...
Lack of knowledge...
Bad Timing...
Missing critical elements...
Lack of real capability...
and so on...
You over-estimated what you could do!
The list is huge...
However the only responsible and accountable person is you!
You have chosen to be where you are at...
You have chosen your level of success...
Where you are is at 100% of what you chose...
This is the proverbial "slap in the face" by reality!
I actually love it!
There is nothing like an understanding of reality to take us to higher levels!
It entertains me to see people deceiving themselves with thoughts of grandeur...trying to motivate themselves to higher levels by convincing themselves that there is more that they can have by doing what they are doing...
People who think that all they have to invest is "visualization" or "passion"...
The sad part of this situation is that a rare few people do get more...but they are (in truth) stealing.
If they were honest with themselves...they are knowingly receiving more compensation (return) than they deserve...
Isn't it against the law to knowingly receive stolen property?
It is those few that are held up as examples...to deceive others into following "The Secret" principals of life...
When in fact...it is people being deceived into unethical and immoral expectations!
So how do we rectify this situation?
Which is really...How can I be more successful...within the rules?
That is my closing thought that leads to the Secret of 100% Success...
Finally...The Secret to 100% Success!
You can be 100% successful!
It isn't come to you by lowering your standards...
Despite the fact that you are always 100% successful...given what you have done...
It is a realization that you got what you got for what you put into it...
Our logic tells us that expecting to be in any other state than what you are in is self-deception...
So...the first part of the success Secret is...
Get real!
The second part of the Success Secret is...
Get Responsible!
Take the responsibility for where you are at...
Perhaps you really are incompetent!
Perhaps you made yourself believe that you can do more than what you can really do!
Perhaps you are not a leader!
Face reality head on...
Do not expect that you'll be anything else than what you are!
Isn't that like...Doing the things the same way and expecting different results?
That's insanity!
What 100% Success requires a "make-over"...
If you are not happy with where you are at...
If you can not achieve your expectations with what you are doing...
You need to change!
AND...
Quickly...
AND...
Thoroughly!
Disappeared...
They took a hiatus...
And when they returned...they were different...
They changed...and that made all of the difference in their success...
40 days in the desert...
Exiles...
Vacations...
Journeys...
Retreats...
Whatever you wish to call it...
They left knowing that who they were at the departure was not who they needed to be...
...for them to be what they wanted to be...
While they were absent...
They changed...
And when they returned...
They were different!
AND...
They were successful...
The Secret of 100% Success?
Pure and simple...
You can...
...lower your expectations to what you are now and call it done...
...or...
Reinvent yourself into what you need to be to easily achieve those expectation your have set for yourself!
If you are not what you want to be now...stop deceiving yourself...
You are not going to be anything other than that...unless you change!
The Secret of 100% Success...
One word...
Change!
If you do not...you will continue to be entertainment for everyone who has read this and now understands what it takes...there is nothing more amusing than watching an idiot run is circles thinking that they are making progress!
The nice thing about even that...is that you'll be 100% successful at entertainment! Which is your choice and there is no one else to blame!
ENOUGH SAID!
Have a great weekend...
Ask yourself those two questions...
Answer them honestly...
Pura Vida!
I bet that this week you were 100% successful in your endeavors!
I am not being sarcastic...
In fact...where you are in life...at this moment...is exactly 100% of what you are capable of...or what you chose!
That is success!
Right?
I feel some disagreement...
OK...let's talk about this thought...this will lead to an understanding of what is necessary (the REAL SECRET to 100% Success)!
On a scale of 1 to 100...Rate how successful you feel you are...in your current aspirations...
Then...If that number is anything less than 100...
Explain with the question "Why?"
These are two VERY telling questions...
...But not at the superficial level...
Success Rating
Let's look at the rating of your performance to your expectations...first...
Any person who is being entirely honest (unless of course a rare minority) will rate their success less than 100...
...because their goals (expectations) are higher than their performance...
We have been taught to set high goals and aspirations...nothing wrong with that!
However...
The fact of the matter is...you are where you are at...and can be no other place...
You did what you did...thinking that you were capable of achieving a higher level...
But you were not!
Your current state is a combination of your decisions and your performance...
What you have done...and...
What you have left undone...
Expecting to be any place else is being unrealistic...actually out right crazy!
Why?
Either your expectations were too high...related to what you willing to do to get them (in which case...you deceived yourself of having a higher return value for your investment of time and knowledge)
or...
You were incapable of living up to the expectations you set for yourself...
In either case...you fell short...
The bottom-line is...you are where you are...
Realistically speaking...your goals and expectations were not realistic...
or...
Your performance was inadequate...
Why can I say that?
Because you didn't do what you could have done to achieve them...
You are where you are because that is all you were (are) capable of accomplishing!
In this case...you need to adjust your goals and expectations down to where you are at...because that is all you are capable of achieving!
or...you decided that you really didn't want to do what was needed...to get what you wanted...
That means that you didn't cross your finish line!
You lost!
If you are a "loser" guess what...you are 100% successful at losing!
It is that plain and simple...
This leads us to the next question...
Why?
Why...are you...where you are at?
I can imagine a hoard of people saying "...but..."
Simply answer the question...
If any of those reasons (excuses) contain the name of any person or entity beyond yourself...your are deceiving yourself...
Failure to achieve a goal is no other's person's responsibility but your own...
In a few rare cases...someone else...may be to blame...but these people should be in jail for murdering you...or attempting to do so...( because they infringed on your constitutional rights!)
So...if you are breathing...and have all of your faculties...do not blame someone else!
Your current state is due to...
Bad decisions...
Lack of knowledge...
Bad Timing...
Missing critical elements...
Lack of real capability...
and so on...
You over-estimated what you could do!
The list is huge...
However the only responsible and accountable person is you!
You have chosen to be where you are at...
You have chosen your level of success...
Where you are is at 100% of what you chose...
This is the proverbial "slap in the face" by reality!
I actually love it!
There is nothing like an understanding of reality to take us to higher levels!
It entertains me to see people deceiving themselves with thoughts of grandeur...trying to motivate themselves to higher levels by convincing themselves that there is more that they can have by doing what they are doing...
People who think that all they have to invest is "visualization" or "passion"...
The sad part of this situation is that a rare few people do get more...but they are (in truth) stealing.
If they were honest with themselves...they are knowingly receiving more compensation (return) than they deserve...
Isn't it against the law to knowingly receive stolen property?
It is those few that are held up as examples...to deceive others into following "The Secret" principals of life...
When in fact...it is people being deceived into unethical and immoral expectations!
So how do we rectify this situation?
Which is really...How can I be more successful...within the rules?
That is my closing thought that leads to the Secret of 100% Success...
Finally...The Secret to 100% Success!
You can be 100% successful!
It isn't come to you by lowering your standards...
Despite the fact that you are always 100% successful...given what you have done...
It is a realization that you got what you got for what you put into it...
Our logic tells us that expecting to be in any other state than what you are in is self-deception...
So...the first part of the success Secret is...
Get real!
The second part of the Success Secret is...
Get Responsible!
Take the responsibility for where you are at...
Perhaps you really are incompetent!
Perhaps you made yourself believe that you can do more than what you can really do!
Perhaps you are not a leader!
Face reality head on...
Do not expect that you'll be anything else than what you are!
Isn't that like...Doing the things the same way and expecting different results?
That's insanity!
What 100% Success requires a "make-over"...
If you are not happy with where you are at...
If you can not achieve your expectations with what you are doing...
You need to change!
AND...
Quickly...
AND...
Thoroughly!
Disappeared...
They took a hiatus...
And when they returned...they were different...
They changed...and that made all of the difference in their success...
40 days in the desert...
Exiles...
Vacations...
Journeys...
Retreats...
Whatever you wish to call it...
They left knowing that who they were at the departure was not who they needed to be...
...for them to be what they wanted to be...
While they were absent...
They changed...
And when they returned...
They were different!
AND...
They were successful...
The Secret of 100% Success?
Pure and simple...
You can...
...lower your expectations to what you are now and call it done...
...or...
Reinvent yourself into what you need to be to easily achieve those expectation your have set for yourself!
If you are not what you want to be now...stop deceiving yourself...
You are not going to be anything other than that...unless you change!
The Secret of 100% Success...
One word...
Change!
If you do not...you will continue to be entertainment for everyone who has read this and now understands what it takes...there is nothing more amusing than watching an idiot run is circles thinking that they are making progress!
The nice thing about even that...is that you'll be 100% successful at entertainment! Which is your choice and there is no one else to blame!
ENOUGH SAID!
Have a great weekend...
Ask yourself those two questions...
Answer them honestly...
Pura Vida!
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