Morning Coffee Archives

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November 18, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"I believe that a negative statement is poison. I'm convinced that the negative has power. It lives." ~~Maya Angelou

Where Seldom is Heard...

How many of you are familiar with the words of the unofficial song of the American west, "Home on the Range?" According to the lyrics, one of the best qualities of living in the peaceful and wide-open plains was "...where seldom is heard a discouraging word..."

Have you ever found yourself saying anything discouraging--not only to others, but to yourself? Do you downplay your hard-earned accomplishments to luck or find multiple flaws?

For instance: your child brings home an excellent report card, and all you can manage to say is, "Keep it up," as if the achievement isn't enough. Such statements carry what's called "conditional approval," and demand future accomplishment as well. Another example: at work, you've been hammering away on a project, and once it's completed, you hear praise from colleagues. Inside your mind, however, you're tearing the results apart because you demand perfection in yourself?

One of the keys to harmony, in the workplace or at home or with yourself, is for everyone to feel good about themselves and about their accomplishments. The next time you have the opportunity to make a comment, take a moment and carefully consider what you're saying, and how you're saying it. When you do something well, compliment yourself on a job well done instead of nitpicking the flaws. Squash any negativity right then and there.

It's an attitude that’s easy to change once you're aware of it and its effect on those around you. The power of discouraging words can make an even stronger impression than that of positive affirmation, so be careful how you wield that power!

November 12, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate." ~ Joseph Priestly

Who Has the Time?

It’s touted that technology saves you time and helps you communicate better. But isn’t it more apparent that technology now leaves us with so little time that we barely have occasion to properly interact with others?

Anything that “saves time” is simply making more time that you can then devote to some other pursuit. Dishwashers were created to be modern time-and-effort-reducing marvels, but did people just sit around and relax after the dishes were being washed? No, because all the “extra time” created by technology has only served to increase the hectic pace of our lives, allowing us to do more and more in less and less time.

Which brings us to…texting, and that’s another beast altogether, having reduced our language skills to nothing more than emojis and run-on sentences without a care for proper grammar. Email and smartphone messaging apps have replaced the answering machine as the new way to ignore communication. The sender feels good because at least they made an effort to get in touch, but the recipient is in the privileged position of responding whenever they wish.

Ideally, with all of this technology at our fingertips, we would all be able to sit down at home with undivided attention and give someone an hour of quality time on or off the phone or, perhaps, to sit down with pen and paper and actually hand-write a personal letter or greeting card to a friend or relative. But really, who has the time?

November 4, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Those who don't think outside the box are easily contained." ~Nicolas Manetta

Get Rid of the Box

It is refreshing to read about "thirty under thirty"--thirty people under the age of thirty who are making strides in their chosen line of work, and one common thread is their ability to think "outside the box." They don't appear to be bound by conventional rules of those who have gone before them.

Think back to when you were a young child. You were totally uninhibited by rules, so you weren't afraid to try new things. Back then, there wasn't even a "box" to confine your thinking or actions. You did whatever worked for you.

Then, you began to grow up and your parents, then your teachers, began building a box for you. "Stay in line, be quiet, don't touch this or that," they admonished. "Good little children don't talk back, eat snacks between meals, or chew with their mouths open."

The rules got more sophisticated as you got older, and you began to conform. Now you're all grown up, comfortable in the box the world built for you, and it's not so easy anymore to think outside that box.

Not so for the newcomers - the youth of the 21st century. They are enthusiastic, energetic, and with their "no rules" thinking, they're going to mop up on those competitors who are too comfortable in their box.

If you've been doing what you're doing for more than ten years, you have one powerful advantage over the newbies: wisdom. Combine that base of knowledge with some of the unfettered new thinking of the under-30 crowd, outside the box. Better yet, get rid of the box altogether, and let the ideas flow!

October 28, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"If someone wrote a book about your life . . . would anyone want to read it?" ~U.S. Navy Recruiting Advertisement

Write Your Own Story

Fast-forward your life 20, 30, even 40 years. Now, imagine someone writing a book of your life story. Would it be motivational, a mystery perhaps, or even science fiction? What about reference, a novel, true crime, short story, or an exposé? Would it be found in the childrens section of the library, the reference section, or under biographies?

Wow--the possibilities are endless. The good news is you are the lead character, and get to make all the choices! Close your eyes and visualize how it would read. Assume that the author is an unrelated third-party who knows every detail. That's a scary thought, isn't it?

If the chapters were written in chronological order, which ones would make the best reading? Undoubtedly, the ones from age 12-20 would provide some interesting material. From 20 to 40 would be excellent transitional chapters with lots of "Ah-ha!"s and course changes. The final chapter may be the most revealing, however. Think how many readers like to skip to the end to see how the book ends.

If you could skip to the end of your own book, how would it read? Summarizing the entire book, would you say it was a thriller, a shocker, a spell-binder, a tragedy, a romance, or an inspiration?

Your life is a book waiting to be written - write it well!

October 21, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority." ~Ralph W. Sockman

A League of Your Own

Have you sometimes felt like you were “out of your league” when reaching toward a lofty goal or competing against others for the “brass ring”? Imagine being a 5-foot-5-inch tall player in the National Basketball Association! Every time Earl Boykins of the Denver Nuggets walks onto the court, he hears jeers like, “Look at the little guy!” and, “Who decided to let the ball boy play?"

Although diminutive in size, Boykins always dreamed of playing in the NBA. Obviously, it took heaps of courage, determination and hard work to make that dream come true. In a year when many college players now recognized as “underachievers” were selected in the first and second rounds, Earl Boykins went undrafted.

But if you do not doubt yourself, you can either ignore the doubts of others or use their disbelief as a tool to motivate your achievement. When you set your goals a little bit higher than what you can reasonably accomplish, it’s surprising how far you can go.

Boykins started his professional career in Canada, and then began a series of short-term contracts with several NBA teams. While no one offered to keep him, he did not give up. In and out of season, he worked out, ran drills, and played every day. He explains, “There are no days off for me. I have to work longer and harder than everyone else to be successful.”

Then he set another goal and refused to waiver from it: He would only join a team that offered him a position as the top backup – setting a reasonable goal, but “kicking it up one notch.”

Boykins played in the NBA from 1998-2012! What can be learned from his uncommon success? Be aware of the promise in others, recognize greatness in unexpected places, and seize the opportunity to nurture the success lying just below the surface.

October 14, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it - but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Stuck In Port?

Imagine your dreams and hopes for the future are a docked sailboat. The boat is ready to set sail, complete with everything the captain needs for a lifetime of sailing on the open seas. Then imagine the captain never unmooring the boat, instead, standing on the dock to admire their boat’s beauty and strength. Doesn’t make very much sense, does it?

So, what about you? Having difficulty setting sail lately? Perhaps it's time to give your engine a little maintenance, or take out a needle and thread to repair torn sails. You may also want to pull out your map to redefine the direction you'll be taking in coming months.

If you've been spending too much time admiring your docked vessel, and not enough time on the bridge with the wheel in your hand, perhaps some planning now will send you full speed ahead out of the harbor and with some exotic port of call in sight. Bon Voyage!

October 7, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in time of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality." ~ Dante

Pick a Side

To say there’s a lot going on in our country right now is an understatement. But what about in our city? Our schools? Our neighborhood? Are we taking a stand, or just standing there saying nothing?

We are a country–city–neighborhood–blessed with peace and prosperity. Our daily choices range from which SUV we will drive, to where we will dine next, to how we will redecorate our homes. Our concerns include our child's upcoming soccer match, whether or not to refinance the house, making "Salesperson of the Year," and taking more time for golf or tennis.

With all the choices complemented by our affluence, many are simply compliant and keep quiet about what their ideas and beliefs are to make things better. We strive to stay quiet, avoid "rocking the boat," and prefer the status quo. It's so much easier that way, isn't it?

In doing so, however, we may also abdicate responsibility for teaching our children the value of principle-centered living.

Imagine how the world around us would change if we taught and participated in more time-honored values such as courage, diligence, faithfulness, generosity, cleanliness, honesty, encouragement, frugality, humility, industry, justice, moderation, order, resolution, silence, honesty, sincerity, temperance, and tranquility.

Remember that our country’s problems begin in our cities, our neighborhoods, and our homes. What begins at the grass roots level–literally in our own backyards–can be spread throughout the world. Abandon neutrality and you can change the world!

September 30, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"The beginning of thought is in disagreement, not only with others but also with ourselves." ~ Eric Hoffer

A Few "No" Men

It’s safe to say that the best results are produced when people work together. Solo projects often suffer from a one-sided perspective and lack of meaningful input. This isn’t to say that you can’t accomplish a lot when working on your own – it takes time and concentration to make progress. Just make sure that you involve other people in your work.

It’s especially helpful when those “teammates” aren’t just “yes men” who always agree with you or fear to offer a different point of view. It’s really essential that the problem is analyzed from at least two sides, and that everyone applies their particular strengths where they’re most needed.

Think about it--there are those who are great at organizing and beginning projects, and there are those who are great finishers. Sometimes we describe folks as “big picture” people, while others are really “good at the details.” Some very creative people easily lose interest once a project is begun, while those who display tenacity might not be so talented at dreaming up the next big thing.

You’ve figured out by now that the point is that it takes both types (or even three or four types) of people to create and complete a project successfully. By involving others whose traits and perspectives are opposite from your own, you’re guaranteeing a better chance of wider acceptance of the results.

While it’s great to have confidence in your work, you shouldn’t be so egocentric that you don’t believe anyone else can offer valuable input or find a better way by looking at things from a fresh perspective. You’ll garner respect and find success when you invite criticism and disagreement. Care to debate it?

September 23, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur."~ Vince Lombardi

Winning Isn't Everything

It’s the perfect time of year to be inspired by Vince Lombardi, a great source for motivating words! Success on the football field was the result of the spirit he had and developed within himself, not the other way around! Sometimes we have a tendency to put the cart before the horse, thinking that we become better people through achieving success. What an egocentric and near-sighted notion! We really achieve success by becoming better people!

Achieving your goals is like finally arriving at your destination after a long journey. How many times have you heard that it's not the destination that's so important - it's the steps that you take along the path? It's not so much what you do, but how you do it. Regardless of success or failure, it's your efforts that are remembered and define who you are.

Even the most menial jobs and tasks can be elevated simply by caring enough about doing them well. You can learn to respect any job when it is performed by someone who respects himself. Again, it is not the "events that occur" so much as it is the "will to excel" that impresses us. We shouldn't worry so much about getting a better job so much as simply doing our job better!

It's also that "will to win" that drives us to keep trying, even when we do not achieve our goals. As long as you have that drive and ambition, you WILL succeed! As a matter of fact, you've already succeeded right there. Big or small, you have dreams, you have goals, and you have the spirit and confidence to carry you. Along the way, chances are that you'll also inspire others with the will to succeed. That's what gains the respect of your colleagues. It's not what rung of the ladder you're on, it's that you simply have the will to climb.

Successes can be fleeting, but the will to succeed is everlasting.

September 9, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Waiting is the rust of the soul." ~~Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Stop Waiting--Take Action!

A well-known athletic company’s mantra tells us, "Just do it." How is there magic in the words "just do it?" Do what? Not everyone is athletic, and certainly not everyone is so talented as to go pro or participate in the Olympics. Look at the slogan in a general sense. The real meaning of the message is simple: “Take action.” Anything you have ever desired is available to you if you will it.

In “Hard Time Losin’ Man” by Jim Croce, the song goes, " 'Cause I keep a-waitin' for my ship to come in, and all that ever comes is the tide." That sounds like a victim's lament, as in, "Oh poor me, here I am ready and excited, waiting for my ship to come in, and I get dumped on by the sorry tide. Bummer. How unfair." As long as the singer waits without taking any action, seaweed and plenty of sand are all he’ll end up with.

So you see, "action" is the opposite of "waiting." Yet it's so easy to do nothing - waiting passively. Action requires energy, enthusiasm, movement, and objectives, while waiting requires not even a thought.

Whether your desire is a good relationship, wealth, a healthy body, or a promotion, you are the only one who declare "the waiting" officially over, and take the first step to making that desire a reality. Stop waiting--take action! Just do it, whatever "it" is!

September 3, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out” – Lee Wise

Put It In Writing

“How do you get there from here?” A common enough question when you don’t know where you’re going. If you were planning a long trip, you would certainly check Google Maps or a road atlas to verify and write down the directions.

But what about your life, your dreams, your expectations? “How do you get there from here?” Have you bothered to write down the directions? Do you even have a starting point and a destination planned? Here it is – the most important journey you face, and you probably haven’t even written down your thoughts or plans on how to travel.

Writing down your goals and ideas helps to make them more concrete, more real. It helps you realize and take the necessary steps toward achievement. By defining what you want, and your ideas for getting it, you increase the chances that you’ll actually pursue and accomplish your goal.

Don’t know what you want to do? How about thinking of what you need to do? Most people have even less of an idea of what they need than what they want. But often, our career choices have more to do with necessity than desire. Yet we all hear that we’re happiest when we’re doing what we love.

A study on keeping a diary or journal showed that people who keep some kind of written record of their aspirations are 32% more likely to feel they are making progress in their lives. If a daily entry is too much commitment, at least sit down once a week and write something, anything, whatever comes to you. Thoughts about work, family, food, politics, whatever.

You’ll begin to see patterns and discover things you might have forgotten (or not even known) about yourself. The notion of what you need to do will begin to show itself, and then you can begin drawing up that road map.

August 26, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Strange to see how a good dinner and feasting reconciles everybody." ~~Samuel Pepys

Family Game Nights

Feel like you're losing touch with your children? Wish you understood your spouse better? Want to enjoy closer family ties without the interruption of video games or while everyone is wearing earphones? Does everyone seem to scatter from the dinner table the moment their last bite of food is swallowed? Introduce them to The Family Game!

It's a fun way to bring your family together at the dinner table and keep them there - without complaints. Furthermore, you'll soon have them willingly sharing their dreams, disappointments, likes & dislikes, interests, successes, and innermost thoughts. Finally, you will have created a new family tradition your children will delight in passing on to their own families.

Introduce your version of the family game at the end of your next dinner time meal when everyone is present. Don't make a big production of it, just ask everyone to remain at the table. Tell them you've heard of a fun game and would like to play it with them. Explain that each person at the table gets one turn (and only one turn). You begin by asking a question that everyone, including yourself, has to answer. For instance, your question might be, "What's the most embarrassing moment you've ever had?" Go around the table and let each family member contribute.

After everyone answers, let the person at your left ask the next question. It might be, "What's the worst birthday present you've ever received?" or maybe, "If you could go back in the past and live in a different time, when would it be and why?" You'll be amazed at the sharing your family will suddenly experience.

Once The Family Game becomes a regular part of meals, add some variety! Here is one suggestion: before being seated, tell family members that they may sit in any seat at the table except their normal seat. The catch is that they must also "act" like the person normally seated in the chair they choose. This can produce hilarious results! Add other ideas as you go along so everyone will look forward to the game.

If your family seems fragmented and scattered, give The Family Game a try. It's a natural for bringing joy, depth, communication and understanding back to your loved ones.

August 19, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Just because you're the lone voice in the wilderness, it doesn't mean you're wrong." ~ Gandhi

All Alone, or a Group of One?

Do you know this line from the Three Dog Night hit, "One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do,"? The poignant lyrics call attention to the reality that being alone, being a group of one, can be a very lonely, uncomfortable, and sometimes challenging situation.

When it comes to the important issues in your life, it's much more comforting to know that others are standing with you. You stand up for a student issue at a PTO meeting, and others stand with you. You call attention to a social injustice, and are backed by a majority of the members in your organization. Together, the group gives strength and credibility to the views of its leader.

What, then, if the leader and followers are a group of just one? What value is there in taking a position with no one to back you up? What's more, acting alone often stimulates inner questioning, self-doubt, and ultimately self-defeat.

So, where do you stand when it comes to defending your own principles of living? When you witness cheating, dishonesty, or unfair criticism of others, do you stand up as a group of one when no one else cares to stand with you? Do you then feel like the "lone voice in the wilderness?"

Our world has few leaders and many followers. The stand you take alone may provide the inspiration needed by followers who agree, but who do not have the ability to speak out on their own. As Gandhi advised, you’re not wrong just because you’re the lone voice.

August 12, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"The path you're on looks different when you turn around." - Cynthia Copeland Lewis

Look Back--to the Future

Life has been described as a path, a direction in which we travel over time - rather than a single event. Each of us gets to choose the direction our path will take us. By making those choices, we also clear the way to achieving the objectives we've set for ourselves.

When we choose to simply follow the path we will travel, that is also a choice. In that case, the path becomes less distinct with more twists and turns than we would have liked. Each side path we encounter tempts us to change direction. Lacking any roadmap of objectives we might have chosen, we often end up somewhere - else.

Regardless of the quality of our choices, we can get a clear understanding of where we are likely to end up - just by turning around. By simply looking back at the path we have been following, much can be learned. For example, is the path behind us straight, or filled with curves and detours taken? Is it paved with solid, masterfully laid stepping stones, or filled with muddy ruts that zig-zag around every obstacle?

Chances are that, as teenagers, most of our paths seemed to have had many twists and turns. As we matured and learned from our mistakes, however, it is also likely that we began improving the direction and quality of the path we traveled. The more attention we paid to the path, the more enjoyable the journey became.

Look back--look at the curves, twists and turns, and think about how and why you took them. Then look ahead, and plan your route with the knowledge of where you've been.

August 5, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Men are disturbed not by things that happen, but by their opinions of the things that happen." ~ Epictetus

Lighten Up

Ever feel yourself getting perturbed by something that happens during your day? Ever have the urge to say something about it, when silence might be the best approach? Perhaps you feel the need to make a judgment about each situation that arises.

Maybe it's time to slow down a bit. We can control only one thing - our own actions. If there is something to be judged, it would be our reaction to things that happen, not the events themselves.

In Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit #5 says, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." In explaining, Covey states, "People do not see the world as it is; they see it as they are - or as they have been conditioned to be." In other words, understanding removes judgement.

Once you take the time to understand each situation, there is no longer a need to judge. Interestingly, when others realize that you no longer make those judgments, you may find that they no longer judge you either.

The command to "lighten up" may be best used on ourselves instead of others. This way, it's easy to walk away from those reacting badly or judging others' feelings about a situation. When we lighten up on ourselves, it may help someone else to lighten up--maybe even creating a trend!

July 29, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." ~ George Bernard Shaw

Make Something From Nothing

Of course, we all prefer to succeed rather than to fail. Just remember that most successes actually are the result of at least one failure, if not dozens. Just imagine the realm of scientific discovery - almost every step forward in the name of science really came from taking a lot of steps back! Although trying does not always mean you'll succeed, you'll obviously never succeed without at least trying.

Our mistakes are at least a sign of effort (and of room for improvement!). We just have to keep going until we get it right - study harder, pay more attention to details, listen more carefully. There is honor in persistence - you can't be faulted unless you just give up. We're taught from an early age that mistakes are acceptable as long as you learn from them.

By focusing only on successfully reaching our destination, we tend to overlook the journey and all we can learn (and teach) along the way. Every mistake is an opportunity from which either we or our peers can learn something. In "Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun," author Wess Roberts illustrates that "every hun is useful, if only to serve as a bad example."

We all know the adage about "nothing ventured, nothing gained." If we do nothing, then we teach nothing, learn nothing, and gain nothing. If we are afraid of failure, then we are ultimately doomed to experience it. Embrace life's challenges, do the best that you can do, and be willing to accept the consequences

Make mistakes, but at least make something!

July 22, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down." ~ Lily Tomlin

Decrease Your Allowance

You've heard it a million times, "Less is more!" If less really is better, then maybe it's time to start giving yourself, and even your family, an "allowance." This isn't about money, per se, but more about the other things that either drain our resources or over-complicate our lives.

This “allowance” idea got rolling in light of rising fuel prices. Instead of a monetary gas allowance for the family vehicle(s), consider enforcing a weekly "mileage" allowance. By combining trips and walking or biking whenever possible, there could be enough miles "left over" for the extra trip to the mall or concert hall.

This works with a host of activities, and improves life by simplifying it. How about a television budget? Are there really three hours of television worth viewing every night? One hour a night during the week would leave oodles of time to watch a favorite movie or sports event on the weekend. Or just hit the "record" button or find a streaming version, and watch when there's a better time.

The same could go for time spent surfing the net or social media. It's easy to convince ourselves that we're "working" when we're on the computer, but often we're just passing time that could be spent more industriously. Leave as much "real" computer work as possible at the office, and try to limit the time spent in front of the screen at home. There is such a thing as becoming too wired!

Likewise, if you're trying to lose weight, you've probably encountered the concept of the "food allowance," or calorie budget. Like everything else, you have to keep track of how much you're consuming, how much is left, and when to stop. Many of us are moving so fast these days that we neglect to tally our activities against our need for "down time." We don't realize that we've maxed out our time and need to stop.

Whether it's driving, binging a television series, or net surfing, we could likely benefit from a reduction in any or all. We forget to put "Relax!" on our list of things to do. Work it into your "budget" by using less of your time "allowance" on other things.

You don't have to stop completely; you just need to come into balance. Enlighten yourself this week by keeping a journal of how much time you spend on all your various activities, and look for somewhere to make a cut. By next Monday, you'll did!

July 15, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Success is counted sweetest by those who never succeed." ~ Emily Dickinson

How Green is Your Grass?

Have you been sowing the seeds of your success? Are you prepared for the harvest? Those who are jealous of other people's successes often have no idea of the consequences. Yes, that rose is sweet and fragrant, but watch out for the thorns! That which you would most value always comes at some cost.

Picture the most successful person in your office. Now imagine the trappings of their accomplishments - more money means more worrying about money, achievement means maintaining and even increasing that level of achievement, working so hard means having less time for personal pursuits. All the while, the competition is always on their heels.

You should respect the achievements of your colleagues, but never be envious of them. Understand that problems conquered on the way to success are simply replaced by other problems. Max Beerbohm said, "I have known no man of genius who had not to pay, in some affliction or defect either physical or spiritual, for what the gods had given him." Success is a gift, but we know that nothing in life is truly free.

It's wrong to believe that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Don't cheat yourself into accepting that the best times are ahead of you. If that were really true, you would never reach that elusive day when everything is as you wish - it will always be "yet to come." If you just begin to make now the best time of your life, now will always be the best time of your life, because now is the only time in which you live!

Sure, give yourself goals and pursue them with all your heart and soul, if that's what truly makes you happy. We all need direction - the desire to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. But don't do it in the hopes of becoming happy. Happiness comes from enjoying what you have already achieved and are achieving right now.

Respect, don't envy, the accomplishments of your peers and your competitors, and understand that they too must find their own way to accept all the trappings of their success and find happiness. You too may soon learn their secret.

July 8, 2024

Inspiration for today:

”Life is not always what the brochure promises." ~ Amb Alon Pinkas

About That Brochure...

So . . . which brochure have you been reading? Maybe it's one that promises "clear sailing" or "romantic sunsets" or "excitement guaranteed!" Maybe you're into the financial brochures that read "no money down" or "financial freedom in 30 days" or "sell a million dollars a month without leaving home."

For many years now, the brochures of our lives have promised success, satisfaction, and wealth, and some of those promises have been kept. Because the purpose of a brochure is to encourage someone to take part in something or to teach, one thing is usually missing from them: the sail that tears, the sunset that’s ruined by a thunderstorm, and the excitement that is promised goes bust.

Just as our lives experience cycles, so does our country. Few of us living today have ever experienced a serious "for worse" part of the national cycle until recently. Yet, it has been those periods in the history of our country that have brought out the best in us. The Great Depression of the thirties was the catalyst for the strong work ethic of the baby boomers. Two world wars taught us to value our freedom. Let’s hope this global pandemic period goes down in the history books as one of perseverance in the face of trials.

So, maybe life isn't always "what the brochure promises." We are a resilient people. We need to be able to hit the ground running soon, made stronger by the adversity we have endured. Tack your life’s brochure to the wall, and be encouraged by those promises of good things to come.

July 1, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"What is most important and meaningful to you? In ten years time, what will you need to have achieved in life to really feel happy and fulfilled?” ~ Joanne Peterkin

Why Are You Working?

When is the last time you sat down and analyzed your goals and dreams? At least once a year, you should review your financial situation to try to determine how much closer you are to achieving your goals from the same time last year. Every step you take should bring you nearer to your dream.

Of course, you need to evaluate your dreams every year, too. Sometimes you imagine something that you want when it is simply the "heat of the moment," before you've thought it through to its logical conclusion. When you look back a few months later, you say to yourself, "What was I thinking?" Sometimes it's only someone else's ideas that affect or determine our own desires.

Your dreams don't have to be far out of reality, but along the same lines, avoid setting your goals too low! While respectable, if all you're working for is to make sure you don't miss a mortgage payment and you can cover your credit card bill, you definitely need to take the time to determine what would make you happy beyond just making sure the bills are paid.

You shouldn't have to feel that you're working simply because you have to. If your work itself doesn't make you happy, at least try to see that your work can help you to achieve those goals that you dream of. When you feel you are wholeheartedly pursuing your happiness, then you can put yourself wholeheartedly into your work.

Make your happiness and the happiness of others your purpose. You'll find the journey to that destination much more enjoyable. Seeking joy and peace is not selfish - it is as Aristotle said, "the whole aim and end of human existence." Take a good look at where you are now and where you want to be one year from now, ten years from now, twenty years from now. Apply your heart, body and mind to shaping your future--take whatever you have today and run with it!

June 24, 2024

Inspiration for today:

“If you live each day as if it were your last, someday you'll be right. Every morning I looked in the mirror and asked myself: If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I do today? ”― Steve Jobs

Who Are You?

Who do you want to be? Which are the principles by which you want to live? Do honesty, perseverance, and wisdom define you? Are sincerity, generosity, and a caring attitude your trademark?

Having a vague idea of the benchmark traits you wish to exhibit is not enough. To be extraordinary, it is necessary to define yourself in specific terms. If you haven't adopted a precise set of principles, consider choosing from the list that follows: humility, diligence, moderation, silence, temperance, chastity, courage, resolution, justice, industry, faithfulness, order, tranquility, cleanliness, encouragement, fairness, frugality, generosity, sincerity, persistence, honesty, perseverance, or caring.

Choose five that most closely match the person you would choose to be. Next define what each means to you, and how you can adopt them as your trademark traits. Finally, begin acting like the person you would be. Ben Franklin kept a small diary and rated his actions each day by placing a check mark each time he violated one of his personal principles. Over time, as the marks dwindled for one principle, he would move on to the next.

There's no need to discuss your quest for a principle-centered life with anyone. This is personal, very personal. It's also important to accept the fact that once you've adopted a credo, you won't do a perfect job of living up to it. When you find you've fallen short, "accept the result and move on."

Unless you're living the perfect life right now, and most of us aren't, give some thought to redefining yourself. Decide to be extraordinary and do whatever you must do--now.

June 17, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat." ~Napoleon Hill

Where There's Smoke…

A lone shipwreck survivor on an uninhabited island managed to build a crude hut in which he placed all that he had saved from the sinking ship. He prayed to for deliverance, and anxiously scanned the horizon each day to hail any passing ship.

One day after scavenging on the island, he was horrified to find his hut in flames. All that he had was gone. To the man's limited vision, it was the worst that could happen and he shook his fist at the heavens and yelled, "Why did you do this to me?!" Yet, the very next day a ship arrived. "We saw your smoke signal," the captain said.

You've probably noticed that we don't get everything we would like in life, exactly when we think we should. Yet, it's amazing how certain things just show up in our lives when we least expect to see them–like the rescue ship.

We can set objectives, believe they can be achieved, and work to make them happen, but it's best not to get too attached to the expected results. What appears to be a worthy goal may go down in flames, only to be replaced with a magnificent result we had not anticipated.

Just remember: the next time your hut is on fire, it might just be a smoke signal.

June 10, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"God is in the details." ~ Mies van der Rohe, architect
"The devil is in the details." ~ Unattributed

What Gives?

People often characterize themselves as either "big picture" or as "detail oriented." Truth be told, we need to be a little of both.

Accounting for the details often brings images of sweating over the small stuff. If we've got a good view of the big picture, why fret the details? Whether in an architectural rendering, or for a dinner party, or in a contract, details definitely help transform an idea into a full-blown reality. Just as importantly, the very thought that goes into those details gives us the opportunity to be creative in our actions. Our attention to “the little things” shows our craft with tools, our skill with clients, or our ability with language.

By not letting the little things slip by us, we are able to gain a much deeper understanding of another person, a job at hand, and even ourselves. Such attention to detail is beneficial to everyone involved, and that's the point.

Forget those details and that’s when the devil appears! The Big Picture is an absolute necessity, yes. You’ve got to be able to visualize your goals. Just don't forget to plan for and paint in not only the necessary details, but also those that that reflect your personality through their beauty, art, and skill. If you can just work it through, you’ll find that sometimes your devils are really angels in disguise!

June 3, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't." ~ Unknown

The Power of Relationships

Have you ever lost out to another for an appointment to an important committee . . . or leadership post . . . or career promotion? If so, you may have commented (at least to yourself) that it was "politics" that deprived you of the opportunity.

So was it really politics, or were there relationships involved? Consider the difference. The term "politics" is often used to cast doubt on the values or principles employed to influence an outcome. Just using the word "politics" tends to excuse us for failing to win the approval we seek.

Now consider the power of relationships. If you were caught in a blinding snowstorm with two individuals - one a personal friend with extensive outdoor survival training, and the other a total stranger - which would you choose to lead you to safety? When the youth soccer league asks you to coach next season, whom would you choose for your assistant? Would it be a fellow professional associate, with whom you have worked successfully on various projects over the past ten years - or a total stranger?

What those on the outside (looking in) call "politics" is really no more than the power of existing relationships at work. We tend to feel more comfortable with those we know and trust. Trust and familiarity are built over an extended period, and once in place become bonds difficult to break.

To continue growing in your career, as well as your personal life, consider forming new relationships with those you feel are excellent role models. About our teenagers, we tend to say "You can tell how they're doing by the friends they keep." The same rule applies to us. Make time in your life to build enduring relationships. Your world will expand, your disappointments become few, and your friends become many.

May 28, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Gardner's Law: Eighty-seven percent of all people in all professions are incompetent." ~ John Gardner

Personality Test

Let's hope today's "inspiration" isn't actually true, although we've all probably felt that way at one time or another. Regardless of the percentage, however, it cannot be denied that incompetence really does exist in every profession, even those like physicians, attorneys, school bus drivers and stock brokers.

Some people do a great job no matter what it is they do, while others can't seem to succeed even after trying several careers. Sometimes it's not really a matter of competence so much as matching a job to specific abilities, interests and personality. An introvert who enjoys working alone probably shouldn't pursue a career in communications, while a creative person who enjoys the outdoors likely wouldn't be thrilled with an entry-level job in a windowless room of cubicles.

How much of the "incompetence" that we encounter is simply the result of a person who is mismatched for their job? We all have certain skills and personality traits that better suit certain types of careers, but we often start down that path before we've ever gotten to really develop and know ourselves. We believe our parents, guidance counselors, and spouses more than we do ourselves sometimes.

Realizing your true personality is challenging. Applying that knowledge to your choice of career is even more difficult, but absolutely necessary if you want to be happy in your choice. If you're feeling dissatisfied, try to find at least some small aspect of your job that you find enjoyable, and aggressively apply your personality to it to produce more satisfying results. And if that doesn’t do the trick, consider a career change. Even if we’ve taken a job out of necessity, there’s one out there that passes our personality test–one that helps us make all A’s!

May 20, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Your imagination is the preview to life's coming attractions." ~ Albert Einstein

Daydreaming Isn't All Bad

Do you believe Orville & Wilbur were first to fly because they had a hammer, nails and a free weekend? Think the television was created by accident? Did Bill Gates just stumble upon the software code that has changed the world? Not a chance!

The Wright brothers created the previews of their first flight in the theatre of their minds. Naturally, there were no limitations to their imaginings as they daydreamed of flying.

Who knows how the dream of television became reality . . . how it was transformed from a mere visualization into vacuum tubes, knobs, and channels?

What went through Bill Gates' mind prior to his early experiments? Surely his first daydreams were not of a colorful package entitled "Windows 10." Nevertheless, his vivid imagination took us all from the concept of "1's" and "0's" to today's monumentally complex world of computer software and internet browsers.

What about your daydreams? What goes on in your mind's eye while no one is looking? What do you see yourself doing in one, three, or five years? Do you hear a special future beckoning you to create an action thriller from the previews running through your imagination? Is there a stirring inside you that begs to be brought to fruition?

Why not take this point in time to get your imagination going again? Instead of binge-watching your favorite television series, spend some time in a chair in your backyard, and simply daydream! Then, once things start getting back to normal, you’ll have a clear picture fresh in your mind, and can start making your daydreams realities!

May 13, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"There is a law in psychology that if you form a picture in your mind of what you would like to be, and you keep and hold that picture there long enough, you will soon become exactly as you have been thinking." ~ William James

You're the Photographer

Most people, when they have their camera in hand, take snapshots of other people or things. The focus is on anything and everything outside themselves. What many don't realize is that they also have a super high-resolution camera in their minds.

The words of William James are not new. They've been said before in many forms, i.e. "As a man thinketh, so is he," or "You are what you think about all day long," or "A man is what his thoughts make of him."

By simply framing a picture in your mind of the person you would like to become, then acting like that person, you are that person! It's like the fake-it-til-you-make-it philosophy: just by "acting" like the person you want to be, you actually become that person.

Likewise, we often create our own limitations by creating small pictures of who we are. In the words of Michelangelo, "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

Why not take a closer look at the image you've created of yourself? Is it in focus? Does it portray the person you really want to be? Should you "zoom" in for a closer look, or go "wide angle" to broaden your horizons? Your life is whatever you imagine it to be. Create a masterpiece!

May 6, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Cause change and lead; accept change and survive; resist change and die" ~~Ray Norda

A Mantra for Success

Today's inspiring quote puts a spin on the Serenity Prayer: "...grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." The question is, how do you handle change? Which of the above categories do you fit into?

Some people choose to handle change by creating it. These are the proactive visionaries who aren't afraid of change, who aren't afraid of the challenges that leaders face. Not everyone can participate in this category, and that's alright. Where would the leaders be without followers?

Followers are the survivors in the category of "...accept change and survive..." There may not be as much glory in just surviving, but those who can work with change exhibit a strength of their own. These are the positive reactionaries, people who make changes within to help them cope with the outside turmoil that they understand they cannot alter.

Finally, there are those who choose to participate in the final category - the negative reactionaries who suffer from ulcers, chronic fatigue, and headaches that result from banging their heads against the wall. While there is value in questioning the changes around you, there is little value in resisting the inevitable. There is little value in having short-sighted vision. There is little value in stagnation.

Take control of change and convince yourself that nothing grows without it. Repeat Ray Norda's words like a mantra every morning to remind yourself just how much power you have.

April 29, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly." ~ Henri Bergson

Spring--A Time of Change

The changing of the seasons presents several opportunities throughout the year to consider how life itself changes and how it remains the same. Hearing the first frog calls of spring feels at once reassuring, and also just a little unsettling.

It’s consoling to know that the spring will always follow the winter, that autumn will always follow summer, and so on. But of course, the pattern also points to the fact that another winter has got behind us, and while we enjoy the offerings of spring, that winter season is now gone forever, and there is one less winter in the seasons of our lives

But the flowers and birds of spring also remind us of the futility of dwelling on seasons gone by. “Be here now,” they tell us, “because the party’s just starting!” The vestiges of the past year haven’t really disappeared, they’ve only morphed into something different and new (again). And the memories don’t vanish; they persist, unchanged, for as long as our minds can hold them.

It’s a basic law of physics that matter can neither be created nor destroyed, so “turn yourself in,” and allow yourself to be subject to the rules of nature. Everything that you can be, you already are. You just have to make the change--like the butterfly from the chrysalis--and flutter on to the changes ahead!

April 22, 2024

Inspiration for today:

“A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated...; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.” ― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

Tend Your Garden

The human mind is like a garden. It directly reflects the care and attention given to it. Consider two gardens side-by-side, in the same soil.

The first is bursting with color, gives off the most delicate of fragrances, is free of weeds, and a lush green. New buds continually replace each other, and it's a delightful place to spend a sunny day.

Just a few feet away, you encounter a musty patch of browning leaves, few blooms, parched soil, and insect infestation. The few plants remaining seem to be begging for the owner of the other garden to give them a hand. They are dying from their days of inattention.

Why is there such a disparity between the two gardens? The first has a gardener, while the second has been totally ignored. And just as an untended garden will fail to prosper, so will an untended mind.

Imagine how easy it is for the mind to wither and atrophy when attention is not paid to its simplest needs. The mind can be so creative, unless it is fed passive social media drivel hour after hour. The mind can be so enthusiastic, unless powered by negative thinking or negative input from those around us.

Just as a vibrant garden inspires, a well-tended mind can bring forth the best in others. It deserves our attention. It should be watered and fertilized with foods filled with the proper nutrients. It can be expanded greatly through the stimulation of education. It can remain viable only through the practice and application of solid principles. When the care given is incongruous with the results desired, the garden is a disaster. When the mind's actions do not match its stated objectives, chaos is the result. Our minds have the potential to bloom more abundantly than any garden. They deserve our utmost attention.

April 15, 2024

Inspiration for today:

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes … including you.” ~Anne Lamott

Feeling Wired?

Do you constantly feel on edge? Not sure what to expect next? Nerves frayed? Feeling overwhelmed by today's complex world situation? How is it that some people are calm, fearless, and content, while others are frightful, worried, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future?

Think of your life as an extension cord with too many appliances plugged in. Each vies for the limited energy you have available until a short-circuit or fire occurs. And nobody wants that!

All of the choices we have these days can be overwhelming–just walk the (very long) breakfast cereal aisle at your local grocery! There are hundreds of vehicle models, hundreds of ways to watch television shows, not to mention all the information imaginable right in the palms of our hands on the internet. No wonder we’re feeling wired!

To start simplifying things, begin limiting choices. Spend less than is earned. Turn the TV off. Leave the smartphone inside and go outside to watch the sun set, then watch the stars and planets appear. Count blessings daily by entering them in a journal. Read. Identify your principles, and live them.

Start unplugging now, and use that energy to enjoy the simple things–and prevent your life from short-circuiting.

April 8, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"You can be happy without expecting others to agree with you."~~Kathleen Russell & Larry Wall, from Achieving Your Dreams

Leave Them in Your Wake

When we dream and share those dreams with others, the response isn’t always positive.

Author Wayne Dyer has a wonderful analogy on this topic. He equates our lives to being in a boat and watching the wake it leaves behind as it moves through the water. He explains that the wake is not what powers us through life, it is merely what we leave behind–our history–where we have been.

So think of working towards your dreams and goal like a boat ride. On occasion, those who have made their own wake think they can predict or guide you as you prepare to leave the dock. They’ll say things like, "That's never been done before," or "We've always done it this way," or "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Remember–that's their wake, not yours!

Have you ever thought that maybe it’s best to keep your dreams to yourself? Maybe something you want to achieve isn’t understood by others. The best way to guard yourselves from this negativity is simple: don't tell them! It's not necessary to tell anyone what you are doing or planning. If your plan is radical, they probably wouldn't understand anyway.

So live your dream. Plan it, execute it, keep it to yourself, and enjoy it, and create your own wake!

April 1, 2024

Inspiration for today:

You Can't Have It Both Ways

Walk into a totally dark room. What do you see? "Absolutely nothing," you say. Now, turn on the light. Where did the darkness go? Really - where is it now? Hopefully you will agree that darkness cannot exist in the face of light.

During a lifetime, we experience many types of "darkness." It may appear in the form of discouragement, fear, hopelessness, grief, ignorance, or poverty. Yet, in every case, there is a "light" in which such darkness cannot exist.

Fear, for example, cannot exist in the face of courage. Education denies ignorance any chance of survival. Grief disappears in the presence of peace-of-mind. Discouragement ceases when hope prevails. Wealth denies poverty its chance.

No matter what form darkness takes, it cannot exist when faced with its opposite. That also means we have the ability to send darkness on its way at any point in time. No matter how overwhelming the darkness appears, it is our thoughts and our minds that ultimately control the outcome. How powerful is that?

There are so many other great thoughts to simplify this idea:"Think you can, think you can't, either way you're right." "Your life is what your thoughts make of it." "We are what we think about all day long." No matter how you say it, “light” thinking will be covered by the dark thoughts if you let them. Encourage yourself and your life with only thoughts of light and goodness. In other words, leave the light on.

March 25, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"You can either complain that rosebushes have thorns - or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses!" ~ Anonymous

Which Bouquet Would You Choose?

Whether or not you have a green thumb, you probably know that gardens may contain either annual or perennial flower varieties. Annuals are fun to grow for several reasons: 1) they sprout quickly from seeds, 2) they flower the first year, and 3) their colors can be brilliant and most pleasing. They are also less hardy and die out at the first sign of frost. Each spring, new seeds must be planted.

Perennials are another story. Growing from seeds, they take longer to sprout and rarely flower the first year. Their colors are more subtle hues, and they require more attention in the early stages. They must be cut back in the winter and covered with mulch, and may require fertilizer in the spring. They also come back year after year, returning with stronger roots, greater beauty and abundant growth. With time, they require less and less attention, yet continue to prosper. No matter how cold the winter, they always return with renewed vigor.

Friendships and business relationships are a lot like flowers, and may also be either annual or perennial in nature. They may be quick to bloom and most enjoyable to experience, yet fade quickly at the first hint of trouble.

Others grow more gradually through trust-building and respect. They may not dazzle the senses or leave us breathless, yet they are consistent, trusting, and produce a warm glow that hardly fades when tested by adversity. These relationships grow over time, and produce an abundance of lasting beauty.

In business, as in personal relationships, the best things in life come with time and caring. When planning your life's garden, why not devote your attention to the perennials? With an added touch of patience, you can look forward to the sweet fragrances to come.

March 18, 2024

Inspiration for today:

“I was taught that to create anything, you had to believe in failure, simply because you had to be prepared to go through an idea without any fear.” ~Malcolm McLaren

What Could Go Wrong?

In an older television commercial, the scene is set in a small Italian village, with excited townsfolk lined up on a bridge spanning a wide river. A man stands at the edge of the bridge, with large “wings” constructed of fabric, metal and wood attached and spread wide on his back.

The man jumps, the onlookers gasp, he begins to flap madly, and then soars beautifully over the water. The crowd goes wild, cheering, “He can fly! He can fly!” But one wizened old gentleman in their midst turns to admonish them, “But he can’t swim...”

In all seriousness, what can we take from the doomed experiment?

Just as we should never fear to push our boundaries or attempt great things, we should also never overlook the possibility of failure. We also shouldn’t remain so focused on our goal that we ignore all other possible outcomes.

Confidence is a critical ingredient of success, but humility is what carries us through to our ultimate goal. The fact that the Titanic sank has been a popular illustration of this principle, “pride before the fall.” Like our friend in the insurance commercial, even Icarus did not consider that the wax in his wings would melt if he came too near the Sun.

The next time you begin a project, consider writing yourself an “insurance policy” before you start. First, visualize the goal and the best way to get there. But then, imagine all the things that might come up along the way that may have an adverse effect on the proceedings.

Finally, imagine the impact that your success may have on you and those around you. What might change or go wrong after the fact?

None of us can predict the future, and we mustn’t avoid greatness for fear of failure. We simply need to be smart in our approach and anticipate problems before they arise. Preparation can prevent a glitch from becoming an all-out debacle. (Just make sure you pack a flotation device!)

March 11, 2024

Inspiration for today:

“Start thy purse to fattening. Control thy expenditures. Make thy gold multiply. Guard thy treasures from loss. Own thy own home. Insure a future income. Increase thy ability to earn.” ~ George S. Clason from The Richest Man in Babylon

Be Like Arkad

In 1926, George Clason introduced advice on thrift and financial success which were widely distributed by banks and insurance companies. He used parables set in ancient Babylon to make his points; The Richest Man in Babylon is familiar to millions.

In the story was a very rich man named Arkad. Arkad was generous with all and spent liberally, yet he grew wealthier with each passing year. A group of friends from his youth approached him, asking how he had amassed such wealth while they lived a lifestyle of mere subsistence. His answer was, "If you have not acquired more than a bare existence in the years since we were youths, it is because you have either failed to learn the laws that govern the building of wealth, or else you do not observe them." The pamphlet then goes on to explain Clason’s "Seven Cures For a Lean Purse."

So, who are you most like--Arkad . . . or his friends? If you know and practice Arkad's teachings, your primary obligation now is to teach your children, and their children. If you have not been so fortunate as to learn the "laws" and practice them, take heart. It is not too late.

In simple terms, "spend less than you earn" is the critical element that produces wealth. It also requires self-discipline, learned behavior, persistence, wisdom, knowledge, integrity, and more. If you're tired of the stress, worry, and frustration of never having enough, try giving this book a read–it’s still in print, believe it or not! Good, sound financial practices are timeless, and it’s time we put our financial security first.

March 4, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"If you're gonna go, go like hell. If your mind's not made up, don't use your spurs."~~from Don't Squat With Your Spurs On, A Cowboy's Guide to Life by Texas Bix Bender

Living With Passion

When you're ready to ride, don't wear your sandals. Put on your boots and spurs, and let your horse know you mean to ride hard. Then - ride with passion.

How many times have you thought of achieving a dream - only to spend more time in the dreaming and planning than in the doing? No problem - we all do it from time to time. The old nemesis - fear of failure and the unknown - haunts all of us occasionally, keeping us from reaching our objective.

Think back to the last time you took action with a burning passion! Were you competing for a gold medal, fighting for your life under adverse circumstances, or vying for the heart of your beloved? Something was motivating you to the limit, and you refused to quit.

So, what's your passion right now - today? Maybe it's an education, a new career, getting in shape, having more freedom, money and status, or closer family ties. Whatever your desired direction in life, put on your spurs, mount your horse, and hit the trail! There's no greater joy in life than putting everything you've got into an achievement - and then realizing you've overcome all the obstacles.

Now--where did you put those boots and spurs, buckaroo?

February 26, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"In the midst of our daily lives, we must find the juice to nourish our creative souls." ~ Sark

Are You Traveling at Warp Speed?

Familiar with the speed of light? According to science books, light travels at a speed of 186,000 miles per second. That's been common knowledge for years. Now, however, scientists have discovered in experiments that light may travel many times faster. In fact, tests seem to show that light may travel so fast that it arrives before it even leaves its source.

Business now travels at the speed of the internet. "Fast Company" magazine reports up-to-the-nanosecond business techniques. You're connected . . . we're connected . . . we're all moving at warp speed!

Whoa! Stop! Put on the brakes. If you're feeling overwhelmed at the breakneck speed of your business . . . and your life . . . take heart. There's a solution, but you must make space for it. Some call it checking out. Others call it meditation. Some describe it as needing "some space" or "quiet time." The name is not important, but the practice is.

Into each day, schedule a time when you can be alone for 15 - 30 minutes. Mornings may be best when the house is quiet. Close your eyes and practice thinking absolutely nothing. If images, worries, or business schedules keep popping into your mind, practice making them go away. Some picture a blank movie or TV screen. If an image pops onto the screen, mentally turn off the TV and watch the screen go blank.

Once you reach this quiet peaceful state, you will notice that your daily family concerns and business challenges begin to resolve themselves. You can attract everything you need into your life by simply spending some time each day with yourself. It may feel awkward at first - thinking about nothing - but you will soon realize the potential of this powerful resource within you.

Go to your weekly planner now. Write in a block of time for each day this week to spend with your alter ego. Now - keep your appointment!

February 19, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Lessons Learned

In an old "Peanuts" cartoon, Sally is making a list while Charlie Brown looks on. Sally says, "I'm making a list of all the things I've learned in life." In the next panel she continues, "Well, actually, I'm making two lists." Charlie questions, "Why is one list longer than the other?" Holding up the much longer list, Sally explains, "These are the things I've learned the hard way!"

It's easy to chuckle a little at the part about "learning things the hard way," isn't it? We've all done that. There's really a more revealing message in this simple cartoon.

The short list of things we've learned generally contains lessons that required no effort, or lessons we learned passively while just listening or observing. How to talk, walk, share, be polite--most of those things are taught to us by the example of others.

The important list contains the things we've learned from experience. These lessons are endless, and no matter how trifling the lesson, we learned one every time we took action. We dared to try a two-wheel bicycle and crashed–several times–but we got up, dusted off our knees, and tried until we succeeded. On the other hand, we auditioned for several school plays only to be passed over, but we learned that acting may not be our strong point.

By attempting things at the possible expense of our pride, our self-esteem, or our physical well-being, we either succeeded or failed (and learned a lesson). It is our actions that produce results and teach us those valuable lessons. Teddy Roosevelt said it right: "Far better to dare mighty things…”

February 12, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Ideas come from space. This may seem astonishing and impossible to believe, but it is true. Ideas come from out of space." ~ Thomas Edison

Strike It Rich!

From Commercial and Financial Chronicle (December 10, 1932) comes this quote from an article entitled "El Dorado":

"El Dorado, a country rich beyond all precedent in gold and jewels, lies at every man's door. Your bonanza lies under your feet. Your luck is ready at hand. All is within; nothing is without, though it often appears that men and peoples by dumb luck or avarice or force or overreaching strike upon the sea of prosperity. Man individually and collectively is entitled to life in all abundance. What do you seek? Pay the price and take it away. There is no limit to the supply. By a full and powerful imagination anything can be brought into concrete form."

Thomas Edison was a man of 10,000 ideas--a virtually endless supply. Grasping those ideas that he attributed as coming "from space," he created a long string of life-changing inventions. By his "full and powerful imagination" he brought the light bulb into its tangible form.

Inside each of us lies that same power--to see the future through our own imagination, and then cause it to happen by taking actions consistent with its manifestation. As author Wayne Dyer said in his book by the same name, "You'll see it when you believe it." By understanding the power of your own imagination, you are capable of creating your own "El Dorado," both in the physical and the spiritual plane.

February 5, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault." ~ John Henry Cardinal Newman

Self Promotion

There's no such thing as taking one grand step and reaching the summit, even when that one step is the last of many already taken on the journey. If you are not satisfied with every small success, and are always looking towards the next achievement for your ultimate gratification, the likelihood is that you will never reach it.

What drives your need for the promotion or bonus will not leave you once you've gotten what you thought you wanted. You must take great care not to let your drive for more and more success belittle what you have accomplished so far. Ultimate success does not come with this or any future achievement. It's about the "whole package" or the "big picture."

Do you love what you do for a living? If you say yes, but find yourself constantly pushing for more fulfillment, you might need to reconsider that question. Loving what you do creates a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, regardless of your position on the ladder. If you're happy not to "keep up with the Joneses," or build mountains of wealth, you are to be congratulated on reaching your own form of nirvana.

Your sense of self-worth is not (nor should be) tied to whether you’ve reached a goal or not. A happy and successful self is a combination of feelings and beliefs, based on experiences at home and at work. Remember that you are greater than the sum of your part!

January 29, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Half the failures in life arise from pulling in one's horse as he is leaping." - J.C. and A.W. Hare

Let Your Horse Leap!

Have you ever tried to accomplish something, but given up before your plan or actions have come to fruition? Maybe you're just trying to organize a huge stack of paperwork, or perhaps you're trying to build up your database of leads or increase your sales by a certain percentage within a certain amount of time.

Of course, you feel a degree of frustration if you don't achieve the results you were hoping for. Frustration points you in one of two directions: either you'll be defeated, or you'll be pushed to try even harder to succeed. The surest way to guarantee failure is to quit before you've given enough time or effort to get the job done.

Also consider by whose standards you are measuring your success. Are you trying to live up to someone else's unreasonable expectations or goals? Then it might be time to approach that person and let them know that your progress is guaranteed, but perhaps not on their schedule.

Chances are that whatever goals you've set for yourself, you can achieve them, but setting reasonable goals in the first place will go a long way. Maybe you should "pull in your horse" before it leaps if you feel it's not going to make it over the hurdle. Also remember that it's your effort to achieve that's the most important part of that success (kind of like the old adage about making the effort and failing is better than no effort at all).

Success can be a relative term and depends upon the perspective of yourself and others. Do whatever you can to accomplish your goals or the goals that others set before you, but regardless of the outcome, you should ultimately be satisfied with the work you've done. Either way, keep your hands on the rein, and let your horse leap!

January 22, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Without a chosen destination and a map to help you arrive, you are akin to a ship without a rudder. If you get out of the harbor at all, you'll probably end up a derelict on some deserted beach." –Earl Nightingale

Where Do You Want to Go Today?

With all of the unplanned minutes you will likely have this year, have you told yourself that there are certain goals you want to reach or master before December 31, 2024? Have you chosen a destination and looked carefully at the map that will take you there?

A word of caution is in order. Be careful not to choose too many destinations, meaning don't set too many goals for the year. Including more than a handful of worthy objectives can leave you with maps and navigational instruments strewn all over your desk–resulting in chaos, lack of focus, and questionable navigation.

Make a list of all of the places you want to go (things you’d like to accomplish), then whittle the list down to four most important goals. For each of the four, make a list of the benefits you will enjoy when you achieve them. Then list all the resources you currently possess which would be of benefit to achieving your major goals, i.e. experience, knowledge, skills, positive attitude, friendliness, perseverance, etc. Finally, ask yourself, "What prevents me from achieving this right now?" Write down your fears, your lack of action, etc. Make an effort to overcome what would sabotage your success.

Making a list and seeing it in writing keeps you from being overwhelmed. By breaking down the objective into individual steps, it becomes more manageable.

So where do you want to go today, or tomorrow? Set goals, make a plan and set those sails for parts unknown!

January 16, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." ~ Edmund Burke

Less Is More

During an NFL matchup, one of the announcers observed that the favored team’s quarterback had been guilty of trying to do too much on the field. Apparently linemen, receivers, and running backs had not been pulling their weight last season, and the quarterback was feeling all of the pressure to produce a winning performance for the team.

What changes did the coaching staff make? For one, they brought in players who could run the ball better and more often, relieving their offensive leader of having to throw so many passes. With other players stepping up their performances, the quarterback didn’t feel so much pressure, and his completion percentage went way up.

It’s a classic case of “less is more.” When the pressure is released and we feel that we don’t have to do so much, we actually feel free to do more! We learn to share the responsibility with those who are there to support us when we let go of our “universe will end if I don’t make this work” mentality.

By asking others to step up and share responsibility, we become more successful. It should never be up to one person to make the project work, although having a leader helps keep everything organized and focused.

The leader understands that success is not all about leaps and bounds. It’s about each individual taking the right small steps that will carry everyone forward. Louis L’Amour wrote that "victory is won not in miles, but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later win a little more."

Don’t make the mistake of doing nothing because you think you can only do a little. On the flip side, don’t try to do everything because you feel you must. Sometimes doing less will allow you to do even more.

January 8, 2024

Inspiration for today:

"You got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." ~ Yogi Berra

Fast Forward

The past … the present … the future. What if you could make changes in any one of them? Well, obviously, you can’t change the past. Try to change the present, and you’ll discover that it’s suddenly in the past, too. Try to change the future and, who knows?

But, your best bet is still on the future, even though your “best laid plans” may produce unexpected results. The past and the present are great tools for formulating your goals, and here’s a simple exercise to work on.

Before you start worrying about the future, consider how far you’ve already come. Look back five years – were you working hard toward your future, and did you accomplish your goals of five years ago?

If you could possibly have known then where you would be today, would it have thrilled you? Maybe you haven’t done as well as you expected, but I hope that this part of the exercise will show you just how far you’ve come already, and inspire you onward and upward.

Now turn your goggles forward and imagine your personal and business goals for five years from today. Chances are a lot will change between now and then. Your goals may or may not remain the same, but you’ve got to “go with the flow,” and avoid disappointment if you end up in a completely different place than you expected.

Now revise that list of goals, imagining you have just six months to live. Scary, yes, but you may suddenly realize that if you really had so little time to achieve your goal, you’d really dedicate yourself to getting it done.

Finally, apply that “six month” mentality to your long-term goals. Determine what buttons to push in the coming new year to fast forward yourself toward your destination, and get busy!

January 2, 2024

Inspiration for today:

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne.” ~Robert Burns

For Old Times' Sake!

How many times did you sing or hear this song over the last few days and wondered what it actually means. The character Harry in the film When Harry Met Sally asked, “What does this song mean? My whole life I don’t know what this song means. I mean, ‘Should old acquaintance be forgot’? Does that mean that we should forget old acquaintances or does it mean that if we happen to forget them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we already forgot?” To which Sally replied, “Well, maybe it just means that we should remember that we forgot them or something. Anyway, it’s about old friends.”

Sally got it partially right. Scottish poet, Robert Burns, claimed to be the first to record the old song in writing, and made certain it was placed in the hands of the Scots Musical Museum in 1788 in order to preserve the ancient tune. In the old Lowland Scots language, “auld lang syne” basically means for old times’ sake, so the first verse simply reminds us that, while looking back over the year that is just past, we shouldn’t forget those who have been a part of our lives.

Now that a new year has begun, don’t look back at the bad things, the mistakes made, or what you wish had never happened in 2023! Take a moment to recall the strains of this old, old song, and give remembrance to those from our past, and look forward to a new year--for old times’ sake.

December 26, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"If you’re not getting it perfect, life is still going to go around. The world still turns. It’s going to be OK. Tomorrow is a new day.”~~Katy Mixon

The Sun Also Rises

Have you lost sight of the big picture? Has every little detail, every little brush stroke, taken on such importance that you no longer remember what you set out to create?

Here's some news for you: it's going to be okay, even if today's troubles seem overwhelming and insurmountable. Even if you feel that it will be the end of the world if your project goes beyond deadline, if your daughter's costume isn't perfect for the school play, if you forgot to call your best friend on his birthday. More news for you - the sun will still rise tomorrow.

And you'll still be here to try to fix anything that seems irreparable today. Everything that life brings your way is meant to show you that mistakes are made and forgotten; the low times in life, no matter how bad they are, will eventually give way to high times we can enjoy.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who had his own struggles after polio paralyzed his lower limbs, said, "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith."

Don't ever lose sight of tomorrow--today and its cares will be over soon enough. No matter how it feels sometimes, there really are only twenty four hours in any given day and they always pass sixty minutes at a time. Time and fear are easily overcome by your faith in the ultimate outcome.

December 18, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” John Lydgate

The Pursuit of Holiday Happiness

Here we are in the midst of the holiday rush - buying gifts, attending parties, decorating, sending cards, and preparing for the feast of the season. We tell ourselves it's for the ones we love. We want to make them happy, fill them with joy, and make their world bright. We want to make everything perfect for them at this special time of year.

Whether they choose to consume the feast, or be happy doing it, is their choice - not ours. We can give the presents, offer our own good holiday spirit, or bake the cookies, but we cannot "make" anything happen.

This passage from Epictetus sums up the point perfectly: "Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. If you think that you have free rein over things that are naturally beyond your control, or if you attempt to adopt the affairs of others as your own, your pursuits will be thwarted and you will become a frustrated, anxious, and fault-finding person."

Why not take a little of the pressure off yourself this holiday season? Feel free to give whatever gifts, energy, creativity, or love you have to offer, but let go of the desire to control the outcome. The gifts that will make the most difference are those that arise from the heart with no expectation of reward.

December 11, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Begin to be now what you will be hereafter." ~ St. Jerome

Give Yourself a Present

Each of us experiences regret from time to time over what we have done–or left undone–in the past. Perhaps our transgressions were great, or just seemed so in our heart. But, as St. Jerome says, the time to make changes on ourselves is now!

If work is overwhelming you, begin today to make changes, even if it means changing your career path or making an effort to improve your work situation. If you would like to be more caring, begin today by complimenting someone. Want to be more understanding? Put down your smartphone and intentionally listen to the ones you love. Want greater financial independence? Analyze your income and your expenses, then earn more, if possible, or at least live on less.

Nothing happens until you "begin to be." Interestingly, however, the moment you begin, you actually are the person you desire to be, provided you continue to be. The moment you change anything in your life, the past is over, forever.

Gift yourself this holiday season by taking the first step of self-improvement. Not only will you be a better person, so will the others around you! Don't wait for some earth-shattering, life-changing event to get your attention. Begin to be–now!

December 4, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Forgiving those who hurt us is the key to personal peace." ~ G. Weatherly

Have What It Takes To Be At Peace?

We’ve all heard news stories about people who, in one way or another, have suffered at the hands of violent criminals, but still find it in their hearts and minds to forgive them. Their interviewers pose questions like, "How in the world can you forgive the one who killed your family member?" or "How do you find the strength to be pardon someone who has wronged you so horribly?"

These people are often guided by their faith, but they sometimes surprisingly answer that their anger and hatred would simply kill them if they did not find a way to get rid of their negative emotions. Before they find a means of forgiveness, they develop not only mental symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, but physical illness as well.

These people end up realizing that the only way back to health - both mental and physical - is to come to peace with the tragic events that have affected them. They recognize that they had no control over these events and sometimes discover a way to erase any of their own unwarranted guilt.

Hopefully you haven't experienced the kind of loss that these people have, but you can try to learn their difficult lesson. Let go of negative emotions associated with things that are out of your control. You can find personal peace and well-being in the satisfying feeling of forgiveness. It may not even be a specific person that you are forgiving, but maybe just a set of unhappy circumstances.

Take steps this week to identify something or someone that you feel negatively about. Search your heart and your mind for a way to understand that the longer you feel so badly, the worse it will continue to make you feel. There's no need to have a face-to-face meeting to forgive them--that's something you do internally. Peace literally begins--not with others--but you.

November 27, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy."~ Eric Hoffer

Hunting for Another Bargain?

When’s the last time you went to shop at a store because they were advertising a big sale? Or pulled over to check out the offerings at a weekend yard sale? Or spent an hour browsing through listings on eBay and Facebook Marketplace?

We all love to get a bargain when we shop, but remember that value is determined not by what you pay but by what you get. Even if it’s a bargain, how ultimately satisfying is your purchase?

It seems to have become second nature to accumulate stuff. How many “treasured pieces” do you have stored away in your attic, basement or boxes in your closet? Sometimes what we can’t seem to live without ends up becoming “treasure” for the next bargain-hunter who comes to our yard sale!

In our acts of acquisition, is it possible that we’re actually looking for something more meaningful, more precious? Are we overlooking gifts of much greater value? Albert Camus once wrote, “You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” Happiness will find you if you simply stop trying to find (or buy) it.

Those who always want more (of anything) will never have enough of it. There is no end in sight once the search begins, until finally the search turns inward and we realize that we can be happy with what we’ve already got. With so many people who are much less fortunate than we, how could we possibly want more for ourselves, unless it is to help others?

The next time you reach for that irresistible bargain, reconsider its value in The Big Picture and the satisfaction it will offer over time. Maybe something of even greater value is already within your reach.

November 20, 2023

Gratitude

Be grateful for the kindly friends that walk along your way,
Be grateful for the skies of blue that smile from day to day,
Be grateful for the health you own, the work you find to do,
For round about you there are men less fortunate than you.

Be grateful for the growing trees, the roses soon to bloom,
The tenderness of kindly hearts that shared your days of gloom,
Be grateful for the morning dew, the grass beneath your feet,
The soft caresses of your babes and all their laughter sweet.

Acquire the grateful habit, learn to see how blessed you are,
How much there is to gladden life, how little life to mar!
And what if rain shall fall to-day and you with grief are sad,
Be grateful that you can recall the joys that you have had.

--Edgar Guest

November 13, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~Melody Beattie

Living Gratefully

Being thankful isn’t just saying a prayer of gratitude on the fourth Thursday of November. Living every day with gratefulness is a task many of us would have a hard time making a habit of. It’s too easy to take for granted our material things, getting up every day in a warm house, hot coffee or tea, a closetful of clothing to choose from to wear, a well-maintained car to get us wherever we need to go, dinner on the table--the list can go on and on.

But what if we lived like we were grateful?

If you thank your children for taking out the trash or keeping their room clean, they will be more apt to continue that kind of behavior, maybe even happily.

Be thankful at work, as hard as it can be sometimes. Make an effort to voice your appreciation to a few people every day for what they do, whether they do it for you or someone else.

Have you forgotten the little things? Some things are actually big things: clean water, food in the pantry, a full tank of gas in our car, paid bills every month. Three-fourths of the world does not live that way.

Don’t think about what you don’t have. Comparing your life to others’ has become more of a problem with the internet playing such a huge part of our culture. Stop looking at what others have, and you’ll find more in your own life to be thankful for.

It simply isn’t our nature to rejoice when we lose a job, get sick, or have relationships turn sour. Sadly, it takes bad things to happen sometimes to make us truly grateful, and when we persevere through those rough spots, well, we are thankful.

When studies show that grateful people have better health, stronger relationships and are more satisfied with life, who wouldn’t want to make every day Thanksgiving? Live gratefully, and you’ll find that you’ll have more for which to be grateful.

November 6, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“He was a self-made man who owed his lack of success to nobody.”~ Joseph Heller

Thanks, Nobody!

Who ever heard of an unsuccessful "self-made" man? Does anybody set out to become a failure? Well, of course not, but a lot of people who end up that way often end up finding fault with their circumstances or the people that surround them.

What is so honorable about Joseph Heller's man is that he doesn't blame anyone for his admitted lack of success. And just because he hasn't reached the summit, it doesn't stop him from feeling like a self-made man or taking full responsibility. He's still confident in himself and accepting of his situation.
We should be careful, however, not to confuse acceptance with apathy. Accepting the way things are does not make us weak, because acceptance acknowledges the difference between the things we can change and those over which we have no control. Blame and apathy are the benchmarks of someone who has relinquished their control.

Part of the secret of taking the sour with the sweet is applying your own perspective and coming to grips with your control or lack of control over the circumstances and the results. If you screwed up, well, so be it, as long as you personally accept your responsibility before someone else tries to make you feel incompetent. And if it wasn't your fault, why in the world would you let someone try to convince you otherwise?

Eleanor Roosevelt has been attributed with wisely observing, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." This explains the implied confidence of the gentleman in today's quote. He's not "successful," yet by blaming no one but himself, he avoids the contempt and derision of his peers. In other words, as long as you are comfortable with yourself and your decisions, no one can touch you. Follow your bliss!

October 30, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Just keep your nose to the grindstone!” -Traditional saying

What About That Grindstone?

Ever hear your parents or grandparents quote today’s Inspiration when explaining the secret to success? If so, they probably ended your education right there, leaving you totally in the dark about the meaning behind the expression.

While there are many explanations of the phrase, most history buffs attribute it to the old trade of metal grinders having to watch the grindstone very carefully as the metal could overheat during the grinding process–something that would ruin the metal. So how can we apply this archaic word of encouragement to our lives?

Look at these three key words: "keep," "nose," and "grindstone." "Keep" meant "Keep on keeping on!" It was another way of saying "Be persistent" or "Never, never, never quit!" Results in any legitimate pursuit are the product of total commitment to the outcome.

The second keyword - "nose" - referred to staying close to the matter at hand. Picture yourself at the grindstone, with your face - and nose - close to the turning stone. By keeping a close eye on the grinding process - by being completely focused - few errors can occur which, in turn, assures a successful outcome.

The final word - "grindstone" - refers to the work (or job) itself. You must first choose your objective, i.e. sharpening the blade at the grindstone, before applying any effort. You must choose a worthy objective before applying either persistence or focus.

Success is inevitable when you apply the grindstone principle. It's an antiquated message, yet so simple.

October 23, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"The man who dies rich, dies disgraced." ~ Andrew Carnegie

Poverty or Plenty: A Perspective

The following story is unattributed:

A father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how much poverty exists in the world. They spent several days and nights on the farm of a very poor family.

On their way home from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" The son's answer? "It was great, Dad!" "Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked. "Oh yeah," said the son.

"So, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father. The son continued, "I saw that we have one dog and they had four, we have a pool with a fountain and spa, and they have a creek that flows across their land. We have lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they have the whole horizon."

The boy went on, "We have a nice yard in our gated neighborhood, and they have fields that go as far as the eye can see. We have servants who work for us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, and they have friends to protect them."

With this the boy's father was speechless. Then his son finally said, "Thanks Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

Too many times we forget what we have and concentrate on what we don't have. What is one person's worthless object is another's prize possession. It is all based on one's perspective. It makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for the bounty we have, instead of worrying about wanting more. Take joy in all you have!

October 16, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles he has overcome trying to succeed." ~ Booker T. Washington

On-The-Job Straining

Ever get that “burned out” feeling? You’re operating at maximum capacity and doing a darn good job of it, but the inspiration and the motivation start to wane. Don’t feel badly about it – after all, you can only really hit a slump when you’ve been experiencing a streak of success!

So what can be done when you hit a bump in the road? Dr. Robert H. Schuller once observed that “...when you can’t solve the problem, manage it.” Maybe you can’t control whatever outside forces are weighing down on your ability to move forward. You can, however, take a break and take a step back to look at things you actually can control.

If you’re banging your head against a wall, please stop and walk away! If success lies beyond that wall, you’ll have a much better chance of getting there by going around your obstacles and not through them. Walls are not doorways--you need to refresh your perspective and find passage back to your previously winning ways.

Perhaps you’ve just gotten so good at what you do that you’ve forgotten “the basics” of your activities. It’s as if you’re operating on auto-pilot, and there are a thousand little details that you don’t even think about anymore as you carry on your routine. Take some time to re-train yourself. Start by pretending it’s your first day on the job and everything is new.

New employees who have to learn the ropes often bring a fresh perspective that exposes ways to do things more efficiently. Look through your “apprentice” eyes for new ways of working, and it’s a good bet that your performance will improve, and you’ll find yourself operating with renewed enthusiasm. (Now, give yourself a bonus!)

October 9, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"When you come to the edge of all the light you have known, and are about to step out into darkness, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen - there will be something to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly." ~ from Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

Learning to Fly

In the 1930's and 1940's, there were numerous women's magazines. Besides offering a fictional short story and maybe some celebrity gossip, these magazine showed women in the role of the day--keeping their home. They suggested the number of times per week the home should be dusted, scrubbed, organized, and otherwise kept spotless. They suggested ways to look good when the "man of the house" arrived home from a tough day at the office. In short, those magazines and their publishers set up an impossible regimen of expectations for their readers.

Many of us know women who have spent much of their lives trying to live up to the model housewife role prescribed by those magazines. The trouble is, many of them have (or had) dreams of their own, like wanting to write, or to travel, or to participate in the freedoms only men then enjoyed.

Today, any of us can achieve our dreams. All too often, however, women continue to be denied their destiny by the expectations set by others. Bombarded by advertising and social media messages that insist women follow their example, their guidelines, or their models. Many allow their dreams to wither and die - waiting in line for their turn to blossom - never receiving the water of encouragement needed to grow and bloom.

What about your dreams? Need some encouragement to help you think outside the kitchen? (And this advice goes to anyone–not just women!) Begin by spending time with others who have already achieved their dreams. Leave your naysayer acquaintances behind, and stop following social media influencers that do not motivate you. Read inspiring biographies. If you haven't yet learned to "fly," pick up Jonathan Livingston Seagull or Illusions by Richard Bach.

As Jonathan says in the book, "Don't believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you'll see the way to fly."

October 2, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things.” -Nate Berkus

The Carpenter Challenge

Picture a builder hiring a new framing carpenter to help construct his new homes. The first day on the job, the new carpenter shows up without a tool belt, and without any tools, and asks, "Where do I begin?" How much progress do you think would be made by the end of the first day?

Most of us at some point in our lives are like the unprepared carpenter. We make the decision to try a fresh approach to something but have no tools, and haven't the slightest clue what we want to build. Within us, we have the power to build any life we choose, yet at day's end, nothing has changed. We just continue to pursue the day-to-day activities of our chosen career, yet we don't take time to visualize the finished product–our life.

One thing about it, the above-mentioned new carpenter on the job will learn all about carpentry, and if they continued on in the job, soaked up all they were taught, and even took on small projects on their own time, they very likely would have become a master carpenter!

The same goes in the real world: if you want to master the piano, then start taking lessons, practice daily, and in a few years, you’ll be able to play Chopin! If you want something like financial independence, determine a method, learn how others have achieved wealth, and put those practices in place, and forge on until you have your finances in order!

So if you want to add something new to enrich your life, call it the “carpenter challenge” (or whatever you like), and start hammering! There’s no limits to the life you will build.

September 25, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"You were born an original. Don't die a copy." ~ John Mason

Keep Your Eyes On Your Desk!

Watch young children on the playground and you will notice them trying to duplicate each other. One hangs upside down on the monkey bars, and soon everyone is doing the same. Teens behave the same way; one tries an extreme hair color or social media challenge, and soon their friends are following suit, sometimes with bad results.

So is it any wonder that we continue trying to be like others as adults? We look at a colleague’s approach to getting new business, then we do the same–regardless of the fact that we haven’t seen great results or any results at all!

Is there an alternative to this senseless copy-cat approach to life? Yes–but making the change may not be so easy. You begin by looking inside rather than outside. With all the distractions competing for your attention, this may be the most difficult step. Nevertheless, take a look inside to determine your best talents and skills. Ask yourself, "What do I do well? What are my strengths? What do I enjoy doing the most?"

Next, write yourself a plan that incorporates your answers into a personal action plan. Remember, you were born an original, so put that originality to work. To help the plan work, avoid distractions from those who question your new direction, and learn to avoid to copy what others are doing.

To avoid distractions, consider moving your desk, working from your home office, or avoiding the social scene at your office. Focus your time and attention on achieving your new-found objectives. To duplicate yourself, hire assistants to prepare direct mail or update your website. Avoid all the tasks that you can hire someone else to do.

Simply put, mind what you learned in school, and don’t look at someone else’s work–they may not have the answer, either!

September 18, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Asking questions is the first way to begin change." ~ Kubra Sait

Ask "Why?"

The 1960’s brought about a revolution of sorts in this country. It was a revolution that was irreverent at times, almost always anti-establishment, and it turned many traditional social customs upside-down.

How did it begin? The young, many of college-student age, began to ask, "Why?" They challenged everything by asking a simple question: "Why?" "Why must it be so?" "Why is this or that the 'right' way?" "Why can't I try a new approach?" Everything that had been taken for granted by the establishment up to that time was up for grabs.

Voila! The country changed and will never be the same. Was the change all for the good? Hardly. Families suffered. The security blanket of social customs was yanked away. Collectively, we had to find a new direction, new meaning, for our lives. Was it worth two decades of turmoil? So it would seem.

Today's young families seem to be returning to principle-centered living. They are more sophisticated. They still ask "Why?"

The "Why?" today, however, is more constructive. It has led to astounding advances in technology. When you ask "Why?" now, you can locate the answer in minutes via the internet. Audiobooks, streaming motivational videos, and online educational courses make it possible to become enlightened without the need for social revolution.

What about you? Are you asking "Why?" often enough? Today, the world is yours if you know how to ask the right questions! The "ask why" generation's gift to all of us was the freedom to question and learn, guilt-free. Want to grow as a person? Start asking "Why?"!

September 11, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”– Flora Edwards

Be a Hero

Are you one of those people that other people always come to with their problems? It’s easy to become frustrated when your day is interrupted by a crisis you didn’t know existed until now. There are a couple of "attitude adjustments" that might help you cope when you don’t feel like rescuing someone again.

First, be aware of why you are the one being approached for help. In all likelihood, you’re a savior because you’re good at it! People don’t ask for help from those in whom they have no trust. So start out by realizing that you have a talent, one that others recognize, appreciate, and want to exploit!

Second, be aware that solving dilemmas is what makes you valuable and gives you a sense of worth. There’s nothing better than being necessary to give your ego a little boost! When someone approaches you with the crisis-du-jour, don’t shoot the messenger. This is your opportunity to shine up your armor!

Done properly, you shouldn’t have to drop everything to solve the problem immediately. You can gently accept the challenge by saying, “I’ll be able to devote time to this problem and focus on a solution once I’ve given this current project a little more treatment.” That should make a reasonable person quite happy, without your having to resent a lack of time to perform. Establishing some ground rules right away will prevent others from taking advantage of you and your capabilities.

Above all, patience and cooperation are virtues, on both sides of the table. Ben Ames Williams observed that “life is the acceptance of responsibilities or their evasion; it is a business of meeting obligations or avoiding them. To every man the choice is continually being offered, and by the manner of his choosing you may fairly measure him.” Choose to help, on your terms, and in your own time.

September 5, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”
~ Lucille Ball

Have No Regrets

Ever decided to take a giant leap of faith and daring, but soon after getting to the other side, you realized it wasn't for you. Guilt or embarrassment may have set in, and you weren't sure what to do. After all, you already told everyone about your grand plans, and now what would they think of you for making a 180-degree turn in mid-jump?

If, after taking a risk, you find that the new direction is not right for you, go back to your plan of action, and see if you need to make changes and start all over. Very likely, if you just stop and go back to the way things were before you decided to step out on faith, you'll regret it later!

Don’t allow your regrets to pull you down! Commit to living a what-will-be life so you won’t have a what-should-have-been ending.

August 28, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.”~Samuel Johnson

Build a Wall for Happiness

In today’s inspiration, Johnson refers to the fact that no matter what you do on a daily basis, you always end your days at home. Think about it–how many times have you said, “I’m so ready to get home”? If this is the case, then why are you grinding away at work, leaving for meetings or social events or running the kids to and from schools, practices, athletic events? It may be time to create boundaries for yourself so that you can simply spend time at home that isn’t just to eat, shower, sleep and clean house occasionally.

These boundaries, or walls, may be limiting if they are constructed as heavily as steel mesh fencing rimmed with concertina wire. Maybe settle for a low hedge or split-rail fence, or–even more simply–a line in the sand; a less sturdy wall serves as a reminder of how far you are willing to go.

On the other side, those boundaries need to “wall out” things that are keeping you from your goal: declining invites for meaningless activities or the occasional committee appointment, or even leaving a job that encourages overtime, all of which rob you of valuable time you could be spending doing things you love, with people you love.

In the end, you are responsible for affecting the quality of your life. Whether you choose to wall yourself in, or just wall out what affects you negatively is up to you, so you can work towards the “ultimate ambition,” happiness at home.

August 21, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“The only real things in life is the unexpected things. Everything else is just an illusion.” -Watkin Tudor Jones

Expecting the Unexpected

Weddings. Graduations. Birthdays. Holidays. An endless list of important occasions. We all have major events in our lives and others’ lives in which we participate. We and people close to us have sometimes exerted tremendous effort organizing celebrations with the intention that everyone involved will enjoy themselves.

In other words, we are accustomed to making plans to be happy and to have a good time. We even map out entire blocks of days in which to have fun in the form of vacations. We develop hobbies in order to ensure that we can devote some hours of our week doing something we know we'll enjoy.

If you stop and think about it, you'll probably find that your life is full of unplanned moments, spontaneous events during the course of an otherwise average day that you will retain in your memory as meaningful and recall with pleasure.

It may be a tense meeting that ends in a joke fest that you later remember as the time you laughed harder than ever before. Or it could be randomly speaking to someone who eventually becomes an important part of your life.

Every single day is full of opportunities to become a day that you'll remember, a day with moments that add up to a lifetime of memories. The trick, of course, is to make yourself aware of now, and to enjoy these moments while they are happening.

The chances are excellent that today... or tomorrow... or this week... will bring you many of these moments. Be open to them. Plan to enjoy this day, and make the most of the days ahead!

August 14, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible--and achieve it, generation after generation." ~ Pearl S. Buck

Remember Your Youth

Ever watched a healthy smiling child try to walk? For each step attempted, a dozen result in miserable failure and a bump on the head. Does the child admit defeat and stop trying? Never! The child doesn't know enough, doesn't have enough information or experience, to understand the concept of quitting. The child attempts the impossible, and succeeds.

So, what happens over the years that stops us from attempting the "impossible?" To paraphrase Og Mandino from The Greatest Miracle In The World, we allow our life experiences to rob us of the innocent optimism of our childhood. We’ve come to know too much about life's hard knocks, therefore making us prudent, cautious, afraid, and wary of trying. We avoid failure by not attempting.

Yes, it's too late for us to return to the innocence of the cradle, but that shouldn’t stop us from making a change! We must identify the source of, and overcome our fear of failure. By developing courage and faith, we can deny that fear a foothold in our lives. While it may take more effort than just pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps and walking a path to success, there are too many resources available not to try and live for the dreams of our youth.

August 7, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“I'm filling in all the negative spaces with positively everything.” — Edie Brickell

Focus on the Negative

From Wellsprings of Wisdom: Fascinating Stories and Parables that Guide and Inspire by Ralph Louis Woods comes this thought-provoking story:

“A successful businessman was invited to address a group of young executives on the subject of opportunities. He began his talk by tacking to the wall a big sheet of white paper and placing a black dot in the middle of the sheet. ‘What do you see?’ he asked, pointing to the paper on the wall. ‘A black spot,’ called out everyone in the audience. ‘Yes, I see a black dot too,’ replied the speaker, ‘but none of you saw the much greater expanse of white. This is the point of my talk on opportunities."

It's so easy to focus on the black dots--the immediate tasks that face us each day–how often do you grasp the opportunities that no one else notices in the white (negative) space? Don't answer that you haven't the time to notice the negative space. Do you ever find yourself daydreaming? When you do, you're inside that space. The question is: do you recognize your ability to bring those daydreams to fruition?

Why not try filling in the negative space with working towards achieving your dreams? Make a list of every dream you've ever had–all of them. Once finished, place an asterisk next to the five you would most like to accomplish or experience.

Once the negative space is eliminated, your dreams become the black dot--your focal point!

July 31, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Today’s accomplishments are yesterday’s impossibilities.” ~~Robert H. Schuller

Could You Imagine?

What if, at that same time, someone said it was possible to walk on the moon and return to earth? Same response - "Impossible!"

Would your answer to those questions be the same today? Think about how often we fail to set goals for ourselves because we believe them to be impossible. We won't even dare to try because of the artificial limitations we place upon ourselves. Just because we haven't seen or heard of something being accomplished before, we assume it to be impossible.

So . . . what would you like to accomplish? What steps would you need to take to bring your objective to fruition? The solution, the realization of, the path to your objective already exists - it just lies hidden at the present moment. Because it is not in sight, however, is no reason to assume it is not within your grasp.

Sometimes it is necessary to let go of the limitations that hold us back. In letting go of the need to control the outcome, we allow our desired objective to approach us without hindrance. If it sounds a little deep and complex, it's really not. Simply imagine the possibilities--let your imagination run wild--and there's no telling what you can accomplish.

July 24, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Never look back. Nothing ever changes there.” — Steffi Graf

Back to the Future

Sometimes we look back on past events and wish that we had a do over. While we should try to avoid regrets, it's still a good idea to analyze what we've done and try to understand how we might have done things better. Of course, there's no changing the past, but that doesn't mean that the past can't or won't change our future.

For instance, there's a relationship that has deteriorated over the years. Perhaps by now who was right or who was wrong has been forgotten, or maybe it's just a question of having lost touch. This is not a case of needing a brand new start, but of reworking the ending.

While we have no control over something that has already taken place, we do have complete control over what we’re going to do. It can be very empowering when we realize that we actually have it in our command to create the future and the relationships that we desire.

Whatever our goals for the future, we must begin by letting go of the past–stop worrying about things that were–or were not–said and done, and start focusing on what will be said and done. Turning the efforts from the negative toward positive actions will help us make the most of the present and as a result, make the most of the future, too!

July 17, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Strength of numbers is the delight of the timid. The Valiant in spirit glory in fighting alone." ~ Ghandi

Committee Comfort

It has been said that a camel is just a horse that was created by a committee. You've probably witnessed the process yourself. Put any twelve decision-makers in a room together, and they can't seem to make a decision at all. Worse yet, they create something that suits the members–a camel of their own making.

Ghandi says numbers are the "delight of the timid." At some time or another, we all want the comfort of being surrounded by others with interests common to us. Maybe it's on sales meeting day when the discussion turns into a gripe session. Maybe it's around the proverbial water cooler, or in a training class we've just taken. Wherever the group meets, the results are often the same: a lack of action backed up by all the reasons that justify the inaction.

Look around. Do you see one or two individuals who spend little of their time with the group? Sometimes called "loners," these are usually also the over-achievers, the top producers in life and business. They know where they're going and they don't need a committee’s approval to do it. The chairperson of the committee says those types aren't "team players."

Being human, it is certainly normal to seek the comfort of others, and there’s nothing wrong with that! In the case of the few that Ghandi described as "the Valiant in spirit," however, their strength comes from their accomplishments. That same spirit is in each of us; the part of us that wants to strike out on our own. You can do that by resigning from the committees of your life, and become a committee of one! Just think–you’ll always have a unanimous vote!

July 10, 2023

Inspiration for today:

Nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution. -Russian Proverb

Take Off the Bandage!

What do transparent tape, "sticky" notes and adhesive bandages have in common? Each has a different function, is made of a different material, and serves its own purpose. Oh sure, you can say they're all necessary supplies - and you'd be right - but look a little deeper for their common purpose.

Transparent tape holds wrapping on gifts–for a short period of time; sticky notes are placed onto documents as a reminder for a signature or other action, only to be tossed soon after; adhesive bandages are applied to cover a fresh wound for no more than a day or so.

The common denominator here is that they are all just a temporary fix--similar to how we handle the hard stuff in life–a momentary solution to a temporary need. We resort to the latest child “expert’s” advice or trending self-help guru’s ideas to make us feel better, but it solves nothing in the end.

No matter the problem, we need to stop temporarily covering them up. Instead, we should look for a more permanent solution such as learning from past experience or practicing excellence, or simply talking things out. We don’t permanently keep bandages on wounds for a reason; otherwise, they won’t heal!

Our fast-paced society seems to demand quick solutions, and we need a constant supply of tape, sticky notes, or bandages. By taking more time to look ahead, instead of the right-now, it is possible to eliminate many of the situations that require those one-minute fixes. Search for, learn, and practice a more permanent solution to life’s problems.

July 3, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” -Charles Dudley Warner

Can We Control the Weather?

Problems with the leadership at work, current world events, too much rain, heat or cold--we can easily get stuck in frustration and worry about things like this, eventually affecting every aspect of our lives. Thing is, how do we free ourselves of so much negativity? Complaining doesn’t help, unless you complain to those who can make changes, right? Who wants to be that person who constantly complains about the weather?

Many life coaches, leadership trainers and good-advice givers suggest that in order to be rid of frustration in our lives, we should use Stephen Covey’s idea of concentric circles in order to, in theory, stop complaining about the weather.

In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey suggests drawing two concentric circles with the first circle as our area of Influence, and the outside circle as our area of Concern. Concentrate only on the circle of Influence–things we have the power to influence or change. He advises that we disregard those in the area of Concern over which we have no influence or power. If we don’t disregard them, they could eat away at our well-being!

Think about it–how much time and energy are we wasting through worry and frustration over things that we have absolutely no control over? When frustration starts to set in, we can imagine the circles as a reminder that we have influence over very little in the grand scheme of things. Take care of what we can, and let the weather take care of itself!

June 26, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Houses reveal character." ~ Gilbert Highet

If You Were the Carpenter

A story written by an unknown author goes like this:

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his contractor employer of his plans to leave the house-building business and finally spend more time with his wife and family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire.

The contractor was sorry to see this good worker go, but asked if he would build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter agreed, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. Even though no one else had noticed, it was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house - my gift to you," he said.

What a sad twist at the end, but there’s a lesson here! Life is no different than a carpenter’s work. Each of us is given lumber, a hammer, some nails, and a saw - but no instructions or blueprint for our lives. If we ignore a bent nail here, a split board there, and a wall out of plumb, we may find ourselves living in a ramshackle cabin where a beautiful home might have stood–we step back for a good look and sadly recognize that we were the carpenter in charge.

Life is your most important DIY project! Use the right tools. Get the education you need. Learn from a master. Take no shortcuts. Finish it with your finest touch. Only then will you be able to step back and be proud of what you’ve built.

June 19, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Time is clay. Make something." ~ Unknown

Time's a-Wastin'!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have an account where we could save time? I could have saved literally millions of minutes so far. We have our methods for "saving time:" cooking in our instant cookers, using mobile deposit, or shopping online. But do we actually do anything with that "saved" time?

A study performed by Duolingo and OnePoll discovered that we waste about 26 days’ worth of time each year! How do we waste almost an entire month of our lives? Standing in line, having to be on hold, commuting, and, not surprisingly, scrolling our social media accounts are just a few of the ways that we are basically doing nothing.

While we can’t necessarily be actively doing something while waiting in traffic or standing in line at the store, we can take the time that we are in charge of, and make it more productive. Like our quote for today, think of time as clay--something you roll in your hands and form into anything you like.

Take back as much of your time as you can–limit your phone/social media time, make up a story to share with the kids while waiting for your morning cup of caffeine to brew, or if you’re at a restaurant, make conversation while waiting for your dinner to be served. You may not be able to stash the time away in an account for later use, but using the “right now” in a more meaningful way is much better than stashing it away!

June 12, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.” – Douglas H. Everett

Stop Building Castles In the Air

What are you daydreaming about? Writing a novel? Starting a non-profit to benefit youth in your community? Want to rise to the top 1% of your profession? No matter what the dream is, you need to start with the basics.

Begin building the foundation that will support the eventual structure of your dream. Read and study how others have achieved similar dreams. Countless books, workshops and websites are available to learn everything you can before you draw up the blueprints. Whatever you’re researching, don’t forget to find out how former dreamers blended work and family, which is a most important factor in true success.

In most cases, you will find that the models you are learning from have also made hard choices. They have first adopted certain principles upon which their decisions are made. Their actions are congruent with those principles. Their "word is their bond." Their foundational character sets the tone for the structure of their dreams.

Understand that your final success does not occur in one fell swoop. Those you learn from will tell you the same thing--building your dream castle from the ground up will take a lot of work; with the foundation in place, you must build. Create plans, then implement strategies to achieve those plans. Working towards something that you're passionate about will be worth it once your dream becomes reality.

As Thoreau once said, it's fine to build castles in air, but you must begin with a solid foundation.

June 5, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“He who will not economize will have to agonize.” ~Confucius

Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?

Waiting for your ship to come in? Think you need to win the lottery to become a millionaire? Don't hold your breath. Unless you are one of the lucky few, you'll have to make your own million. And here's the best part--it’s not impossible!

Consider this method for becoming a millionaire: At age 25, begin setting aside just $100 each month. Invest the money at 12% - yes that is do-able! At age 65, you would have accumulated $1,176,477. In other words, if you never increased the $100 per month, regardless of all the raises and increases in income you experienced over your lifetime, you would have over $1,000,000 in your investment account.

Better yet, here's the easiest method: beginning at age 20, put $2,000 per year (about $167/month) into an IRA for just three years. Never add another nickel to the account. At age 65, the account would be worth about $1,153,180.

What if you're already 45 years old (the average age at which Americans begin saving)? You would need to put aside $1,100 each month for 20 years at 12% - giving you $1,187,106 at age 65. It’s doable–start now if you can afford it!

While some don’t find this realistic, the math speaks for itself. But any amount of savings is better than no savings, right?! Cut back on the unnecessary, and start putting the money into an account that you refuse to touch. Most financial institutions offer online "calculators" for investment purposes--go look for yourself! Just like pouring tiny grains of sand, the money will eventually pile up.

Financial security requires patience, persistence, and self-discipline (sort of like real-life). Spend less than you earn, and put the rest to work for you. It's a simple formula that few ever attempt, yet it yields unfailing results!

May 30, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"There is more to life than increasing its speed." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Three Rights Make a Left

Michael Gartner, editor, network news president and Pulitzer Prize winner, learned his own lesson for the best way to navigate through life. He acquired it from his father, a man who never took left turns. Literally. He had once read an article that said most accidents involving older people happen when they turn left into oncoming traffic. That was the point at which he and his wife decided to never again make a left turn.

They reasoned that three right turns equal a left, and it's safer. Even when they occasionally lost count, they would just make seven rights and be back on track! If they missed after seven, they'd just call it a day and head back home. "Besides," his father reasoned, "nothing in life is so important it can't be put off another day or another week."

Next time you feel like life's pace is moving a bit too fast, recall this sobering reminder that you have time to do things the way you want to. Don’t worry if you’re having to take the long way by taking too many “wrong” turns! You’ll get to where you’re going–it just might take a little longer.

May 22, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted but getting what you have, which once you have got it, you may be smart enough to see is what you would have wanted had you known." ~ Garrison Keillor

Know What You Want?

The next time your hope or ambition is thwarted and you believe that you didn't get what you wanted, think about the quote above. The problem so many of us have is that we're not happy with what we've already got. We believe that there is something or someone else out there, outside of ourselves, that will make us happier than we are now.

It's really so much easier to simply find a way to appreciate what we've got. That's not to say that we should all become complacent. Doing things to make other people happy is a wonderful diversion from trying to do so for ourselves. Just remember that you are the one who is ultimately responsible for your happiness, not the "something or someone" that is outside of you.

While trying to make others happy, also remember that they are ultimately responsible for their happiness as well. Don't blame yourself if you don't think you did enough to cheer up a friend, or you weren't able to give them that gift they really wanted. The greatest gift you can give is to help someone realize that they already have everything they really need--a gift we may need to give ourselves.

Sit down today and try counting your blessings - list the basics: family, friends, pets, mobility, a satisfying job, shelter, financial independence, food in the fridge - any and all things great and small. Stand back and take a look at the "Big Picture." No matter what you think you want, you'll realize that you've got it pretty darn good right here, right now. Anything else is just icing on the cake! Enjoy the sweetness!

May 15, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“No one rises to low expectations.” ~Les Brown

Raising the Bar

Do you ever feel as if you're swimming in a sea of mediocrity? Your children, co-workers, friends, organization members, all stuck in a rut of being happy with just plain old normality? Are you yourself keeping standards low so as not to be disappointed?

While keeping things routine can be a good thing, we sometimes need to shake things up. Let’s raise the bar–not only for ourselves, but for those around us. Setting higher goals can help others--and yourself!--untap talent, intelligence, and skills they didn’t know they were capable of.

Think about this from an educator’s standpoint: they expect students to listen, to speak in turn, to walk single-file, to not cut in line, and to learn. They expect not to be challenged, disrespected, or ignored when they speak. The best among them expect nothing less than excellence. Know what? Their students usually respond positively to those expectations.

How can we set higher standards without alienating everyone because they think we’re looking for perfection? By setting appropriate expectations for yourself and your hopes for others. Start small, creating a proper balance in being realistic and goals that are simply over the top. When something isn’t working, talk about it, and be willing to change things around to make it work more efficiently. Once they see a change in you, others are more willing to rise to greater expectations.

May 8, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"If you have never been hated by a child, you have never been a parent.”
~Bette Davis

Just Say No

Of course parents all love our children, but who doesn't chuckle after reading today’s quote? Perhaps we have all secretly begrudged the behavior of our kids, whether they're five years old, fifteen years old, or even fifty! We try so hard to teach them the lessons our parents tried to teach us, and then we're actually surprised when they toss out all our advice and decide to make their own mistakes (just like we did?).

Sometimes our love for our children drives us to blindly support or overprotect them. And sometimes we are driven to give them so much that we have little (time, money, energy) left for ourselves. Sometimes the best answer for your child (and yourself) is "No."

They may not like this answer, and it may be even more difficult for you than for them. How can any loving and reasonable parent refuse their son's or daughter's request for help or entertainment or permission to go somewhere considered unsafe? Because sometimes the hardest lessons have to be learned by a parent putting their foot down and not budging. Tough love? Absolutely.

Where do we draw the line for satisfying their needs and wants? Of course, that answer will vary from parent to parent, child to child, situation to situation. There will come a time when we have to say “No,” in order for our children to take responsibility for their actions that will help them grow into strong and independent adults. Just like us, right?

April 17, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do." --Eleanor Roosevelt

The Monster Under the Bed

Remember when you were just a kid and, after going to bed, saw shadows on the wall and froze in fear, certain that there was a monster under your bed making its nightly visit? Somehow you would drum up the courage to move and turn on the light, and "Voila!"--no more shadows on the wall! You did what you thought you could not do, and faced your fear!

Now you're an adult and the fears are different, more complex, and it’s hard to face them because fear of the unknown holds you in its grip. Perhaps you dread that unwanted phone call, that knock on the door, or even a major illness. Your mind conjures up all sorts of imaginary shadows on the wall. Where is the light that used to save you?

The light is still there, and you must be the one to once again drum up the courage to reach out and turn it on.

Don’t put off facing what you’re afraid of any longer! If you suffer from a health problem, get a diagnosis and begin a treatment plan. If creditors are calling, find a credit counselor that can help you manage your finances. If sales are down, adjust your marketing approach.

It takes faith on your part to show yourself that you have the power to face whatever may come. While you may not conquer every battle, you will gain the courage and strength to face each new monster that makes an appearance under the bed.

April 10, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself." ~Jim Rohn

Take Responsibility and Take Charge

Success and failure--people love taking credit for their achievements, but often blame everything but themselves when they fail or fall short. We have the power to accomplish our objectives, but only if we stop making excuses.

Where we are right now is a result of our choices, not anyone else's. Our response to any given incident defines our power (or lack thereof) to produce the results we want. Consider the following formula presented by Jack Canfield:

E + R = O, where E is the Event, R is our Response to the Event, and O is the Outcome.

In other words, every Outcome we experience is the direct result of how we Respond to a given Event in our lives. We must look back and look at our Responses to past Events to figure out where we went wrong. Only then can we attempt to change future Outcomes.

What's happened has happened, and there's no changing that. So, starting today, let's make the choice to hold ourselves fully accountable for the bad as well as the good. A change of attitude can change our lives.

April 3, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?” ― Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man

Who Needs an Invisibility Cloak?

Several years ago, scientists at Duke University created what they considered an “invisibility cloak.” The metamaterial bends electromagnetic radiation around itself, making whatever it covers appear invisible. So far they have only tested the device with microwaves, but the theory may work with visible light, too. It’s all a rather complicated process, but fascinating to imagine that we could someday wear an article of clothing and disappear from sight!

How many of us have wondered what it would be like to be invisible? As children, we marveled at the power of anonymity to create havoc, or imagined listening undetected to forbidden conversations. As teenagers, perhaps we longed for invisibility from the difficulties posed during that stage of life. Then, the fantasy of invisibility was a good and fun one, in the spirit of escapism.

But as adults, does the desire for invisibility leave us? We all have days we would love nothing more than to disappear from the grind of everyday life: invisibility from the cell phone, from the kids, or from being "on call." And guess what? It just might be the very thing to do!

Don't wait for invisibility clothing to become available to the masses! Make time for yourself a priority--even for just a few hours each week--telling everyone you’re going invisible for a bit and cannot be seen. Use that time to read, write, go out for a coffee, take a walk; whatever you find restorative. You will be a better you–wait and see!

March 27, 2023

Inspiration for today:

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Quiz Your Memory

Here's a two-part quiz of sorts to test your memory. There's no grade, but do your best! Part I:

Name the five wealthiest people in the world. Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners. Who were the last five winners of the Miss America pageant? List ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prizes. What teams are the last decade's worth of World Series winners?

Could you do that without an internet search? No?

Now for Part II--see how you do on these:

List four teachers who aided your journey through school. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. Who are five people who have taught you something worthwhile? Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. Is there one person that is in at least three special memories?

Easier?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. Now, those folks who would be answers in Part I are not second-rate achievers–they are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Part II answers show that the people who make a difference in life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the highest awards. Those that make a difference are those that care, and the true A-listers of life. May you surround yourself with them, and may you be one.

March 20, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Let your light shine as an inspiration to humanity and be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.” – Germany Kent

Be the Reason

Goodness, compassion, grace–whatever it’s called, we all have myriad opportunities to make a huge difference in the lives of those around us, just like in this lovely example…

At a fundraising dinner for a school serving learning-disabled children, the father of a boy named Shay said, “I believe that when a child like my Shay comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself.” He went on to tell the following story:

He and Shay were walking past a park where some other boys were playing baseball. Shay excitedly asked, “Do you think they’ll let me play?” Reluctant but hopeful, Shay’s father approached the boys. The captain said, “We’re losing and the game is in the eighth inning, but I guess he can play. We’ll try to put him in the game in the ninth.”

Still down by one run in the ninth, Shay put on a glove and headed to the outfield. No hits came to him, but he was ecstatic. Then “Shay’s team” came to bat, scored, and got the winning run on base. Now Shay was next at bat, and the bases were loaded.

Shay’s obvious inexperience inspired the pitcher to move closer and lob the ball in softly enough for Shay to try to make contact. He missed, but the pitcher moved in even more before his next toss, which Shay ground balled right back to him. Not caring that the tying run was being scored, the pitcher picked up the grounder, and instead of throwing it directly to the first baseman, he threw the ball more towards right field.

Players on both teams and onlookers started yelling and cheering for Shay to run, run, run to first base! Understanding the pitcher’s intentions, the right fielder threw the ball high over the third baseman’s head, and Shay made it to second while the winning runs headed home.

The opposing shortstop directed Shay to third, while the crowd and all the players on the field went nuts. You might guess that Shay eventually made it around to home base, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam.

“That day,” the father finished, “the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world.”

March 13, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"A man will find that as he alters his thoughts toward things and other people, things and other people will alter towards him." ~ James Allen, As A Man Thinketh

Accentuate the Positive

It's so simple–the advice given in the above quote–and so true. Each of us has the power to elevate the value and quality of our life, as well as the way others perceive us, simply by "lifting up" our thoughts, by placing our hands firmly on the wheel of positive thinking. Earl Nightingale suggests that we imagine that we are the operator of a huge piece of earth-moving equipment. Perched in a small cab, hands on the wheel, we have the ability to move vast amounts of earth. Who would purposely take their hands off the wheel and let the machine run itself into a ditch?

Our minds, and hence our thoughts, mirror that steering wheel. Through positive thoughts, we can guide ourselves in a direction that produces positive actions, resulting in positive reactions from others. Refusing to keep our hands on the wheel will quickly deliver us into life's ditches.

Life today is complex. It brings with it many opportunities for negative thinking. They range from the personal early morning "Hurry up, we're going to be late!" to the mid-day business crisis of "This project is never going to be any good!" (Both are called “fortune telling” behavior.)

The next time we feel frustrated and negativity begins creeping into our vocabulary, we should consciously replace it with a positive statement, or use humor to address the situation. Not only will this help us pull ourselves out of negative thinking, but it will make it less stressful for others who are within earshot. Let’s help ourselves and those around us–whether family, friends or colleagues–feel more hopeful and optimistic by accentuating the positive!

March 6, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”
―Aristotle

Do, Learn, Enrich!

How do we learn to swim? Do we sit in a classroom and learn all about water and how we can navigate our bodies through it by using different techniques, and then hit the pool like an Olympic champion? Do we learn how to ride a bike by studying the laws of physics, the effects of gravitational pull, and then launch ourselves into the top spot in the Tour de France? Neither of these make a lot of sense--we will either bob in the water or simply fall down and scrape our knees a lot if we depend solely on education.

The knowledge comes from the doing. Let this story from John Holt explain:

"Not many years ago I began playing the cello. Most people would say that what I am doing is 'learning to play' the cello. But these words carry into our minds the strange idea that there exist two very different processes: 1) learning to play the cello; and 2) playing the cello. They imply that I will do the first until I have completed it, at which point I will stop the first process and begin the second. In short, I will go on 'learning to play' until I have 'learned to play' and then I will begin to play. Of course, this is nonsense. There are not two processes, but one. We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way." (from Instead of Education: Ways to Help People Do Things Better)

Whenever we want to learn a new skill, whether it be for work or personal satisfaction, we can’t absorb it by osmosis. We must take on our boss’ challenge or pick up the paintbrush, or sign up for that cooking class.

Enrich your life and do!

February 27, 2023

Inspiration for today:

The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
~~ William Shakespeare

Leave a Light On

Remember when you were a teenager leaving the house for a night out? Your parents' last words as you went out the door were, "We'll leave the light on for you." Think about that. So what if they did or didn't leave the light on? Their words were really more of a verbal hug. They cared about you - wanted you to know it - and applied the hug with kind words.

With 2023 still being young, there’s still time to start something new! Why not "leave the light on" for someone?!

First, learn who needs to know that someone cares. Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they know of someone who’s hit a rough patch or lives alone, and simply needs some help--it doesn't have to be financial.

Next, consider what you have to offer. Perhaps you might have some leftovers from dinner, or an hour on a weekend to some light housekeeping for someone, or maybe your teenagers are well and able to operate a lawn mower or a rake–it does not have to be a huge undertaking. Simply offering to keep an eye on the elderly neighbors once or twice a week, or having the single working mom’s kids over for ice cream. It's really not that difficult to come up with ideas that would make a difference to your chosen recipients.

We can brighten others' lives by way of simple gestures, much like our parents leaving the light on for us those many years ago. Make a family project out of it - involve your kids, and do it anonymously, if possible. The feeling you get from helping others is nothing compared to the peace given to others by letting them know that you’ll "leave the light on" for them.

February 21, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Just trust in yourself, and you’ll climb every hill. Say 'I think I can!' and you know what? You will.” --Tillie, the Little Engine

I Knew I Could!

Regardless of your age, you were probably introduced as a child to a wonderful book entitled The Little Engine That Could. If you will recall, it was the story of a small red locomotive personality who believed it was possible to pull a very heavy load uphill--a task that was shunned by the larger locomotives. The little engine huffed and puffed up the hill, all the while repeating the mantra, "I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!"

It was a cute story that contained a very powerful message about persistence and the ability to overcome adversity. Now there's a sequel entitled I Knew I Could! A quick ten-minute read, the reader is led to the understanding that we choose the life "tracks" upon which we travel.

Here's a synopsis: Tillie the Engine tells her friends that they must choose their own track, and though they can see where they want to make their last stop, the track they’re on will very likely take them through mountains and valleys, scary places, and lonely places. They will become low on fuel and ready to give up. Because Tillie has been there, she encourages the other trains to simply persevere, stop for fuel and a nice clean up, trust their instincts, and their track will lead to where they are going.

Sounds like real life, doesn't it?

It may seem silly to find inspiration from a talking locomotive, but the advice is sound. Choose your track with your destination in the distance, stay strong, take care of yourself, and when the uphill climb seems to be too much, say “I think I can!" Once you've made it through the rough spots and pulled into your destination station, you can say a triumphant "I knew I could!"

February 13, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Love is all you need.” ~John Lennon

Wealth, Success or Love?

A woman saw three haggard-looking old men sitting outside her gate. She went to them and said, "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat." "Is the man of the house home?" they asked. "He is out working in the fields," she responded. "Then we cannot come in," they replied.

In the evening, when her husband came in from the fields and was informed of the three men, he asked his wife to let them know he was at home and that they would be welcome at their dinner table.

The woman did as she was asked. "Oh, we do not go into a house together," the old men told her. One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said, while pointing to one friend, and pointing to the other, said, "He is Success.” And lastly, indicating himself, “My name is Love." Then he added, "Now go in and decide with your family which one of us you will welcome into your home."

After telling her family of their choices, her husband responded, "Let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home!" She disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?" Their young daughter was listening and chimed in with her own dreamy suggestion: "Would it not be better to fill our home with Love?"

"Let us heed our daughter's advice," said the husband to his wife. "Go and invite Love to be our guest."

The woman returned to the men and said, "Love, please come in and have supper with my family." Love got up and started walking toward the door. Surprisingly, the other two got up and followed him.

Somewhat confused, the woman looked at Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, why are you coming in as well?" The old men replied together: "Because you invited Love into your home, you now know that wherever Love goes, Wealth and Success will follow.”

February 6, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Lose this day loitering…
Are you in earnest? seize this very minute -
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Only engage, and then the mind grows heated -
Begin it, and then the work will be completed!"
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Engage and Go!

Ever driven a car with manual transmission? Whether you have or not, you know that there's a process to getting the car moving besides just shifting the gear lever to Drive or Reverse.

When you hop into the driver seat of a car with a standard transmission, it should be placed in neutral, and the engine started. And then, the engine idles - waiting; you are going nowhere. What must be done to get to your destination?

Let’s liken our minds to that manual transmission car. In the quote for today, Goethe questions whether you are serious about what you want to do--he even calls attention to the fact that there is genius, power and magic in being bold. It's just like your vehicle sitting there idling in neutral. Similar to your own mind, the car has the power to take you wherever you want to go, yet it goes nowhere.

"Only engage," urges Goethe.

The only thing keeping you from moving is your willingness to begin the process. Engage the clutch, place the transmission in first gear, slowly release the clutch and apply the gas pedal. And what happens? You begin moving–slowly at first, but shifting into second gear, your movement speeds up. As it does, you are soon in third gear, then fourth, and well on the way to your destination!

Goethe’s recommendation is simple, just like the first step in getting that car moving, "Only engage, and then the mind grows heated . . . ." In other words, put your life in gear - get started - get moving! When you do--when your "mind grows heated"--those idling thoughts become actions, and you’re on your way to better things!

January 30, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“You'll find boredom where there is the absence of a good idea.” ~~Earl Nightingale

The French Call It "Ennui"

The translation of the French word “ennui,” according to Dictionary.com is “a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom…” Can you remember the last time you were bored according to that definition? One would think that in today’s world, with hundreds of 24-hour television channels, on-demand video, and video games literally available in our pockets that boredom would be a thing of the past. There are vast numbers of quick and easy diversions available to us at almost any time in almost any place.

You’d think that these modern marvels would be killers of boredom–but when you’ve scrolled all the way to the end of the internet, what’s next? Start over? Get up and clean house? Why don’t we think of things we can do that don’t require technology? Boredom may not be the adversary we’ve all been led to believe it is.

Fear of boredom may indicate a fear of oneself. Even Superman had to retreat to his Fortress of Solitude once in a while! If you had time without any electronic distractions, what do you think your mind would finally formulate? You don’t have to be a monk to appreciate the freedom you can feel when you escape from all of life’s digital input.

Take the times of ennui and come up with something to do that occupies or refreshes your mind and soul: take a twenty-minute walk, play a game of solitaire–with actual playing cards–start writing a weekly journal, learn how to bake bread; anything that can get those stalled brain wheels turning again without turning to a screen. Times of boredom just might turn out to be the times you find your creative spark or learn a better way to take care of yourself!

January 23, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.” ― Benjamin Franklin

The Art of an Apology

The saying goes that forgiveness is divine, and that’s wonderful for the one who forgives, but what about the one who is asking to be forgiven? Maybe we did or said something unkind, or made a mistake that cost someone time or money. The question isn’t about making mistakes, because we all do that. The question is how to apologize after the fact. It has become a lost art.

First and foremost, offer the apology as soon as possible. Don't elaborate the whys--especially if the hurt was not intentional--because apologizing is not the same as justifying. A brief apology is especially important when you feel that you were right in your actions that resulted in someone else's hurt feelings.

If the one from whom you've asked forgiveness wants to explain how your behavior or action hurt them, listen respectfully and only respond with, “I'm sorry and I hope you'll forgive me.” No, that isn't easy, but is an important step in the process--hopefully neither of you want to start a new argument.

Be genuine, respectful, and listen--not every apology results in being forgiven, but when you've put your pride aside to try and make things better, you've done your best. Hopefully it will lead to a better and stronger relationship, which is a work of art on its own!

January 17, 2023

Inspiration for today:

“Stop looking to the competition…let the competition worry about you.” ― W. Chan Kim

Be All They Can Be?

A talk show host was asked during an interview if they ever worried about the competition. The answer came in a story:

The host had always had a dream of running in a marathon, so they trained for two years to get ready, and finished their first marathon. For them, competition was like that marathon: as long as they were hitting their stride with their personal goal in clear focus, there was no time to consider the competition. They added that just turning their head to see how close competing runners were was enough to rob their energy needed to win–or even finish– the race.

With this in mind, think about the U.S. Army recruiting slogan: "Be all that you can be!" Note that it doesn't say, "Be all that they can be!" Even when your competition has a recognizable face, why would you want to be them? If you want to improve yourself, speed up your achievements, or earn more money, why not just better your own time? Comparing yourself to others is a waste of precious time and energy.

Don't look around you as you’re running (or jogging) towards your goal! Keep your mind on every one of your steps, and not the steps of others. After all, you want to be all that you can be.

January 9, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment." ~ Barry LePatner

Embracing Bad Decisions

This week’s quote is humorous because it’s true! When we make mistakes and learn from them, we usually develop good judgment.

Once we’ve realized we’ve made a poor decision, it must be engraved in our memories so we aren’t dooming ourselves to repeat history. We can’t necessarily study for problems that life throws at us, but even if we had a plan, we'd probably still wing it! We have to go through the experience before we learn the solution to the problem that our bad judgment created.

If we're successful in our endeavor, congratulations are in order! If we fail (or succeed with some degree of error), congratulations are in order! We’ve created an opportunity for further improvement! Chances are that life is not going to throw anything at us that we can't ultimately rise above on our own or with some assistance.

A light-hearted approach is best for problem-solving after a failed project, because discouragement can cause us to sabotage our personal and professional growth. Failure just makes us better--we simply have to remember: embracing our bad judgments results in gaining experience--and good judgment!

January 3, 2023

Inspiration for today:

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for" ~ John A. Shedd

Cast Off the Mooring

Taken any chances lately? Have you had a strong desire or some sense of wanderlust, but feared the consequences, or simply thought better of it? While everyone desires a sense of security, we don't relish the idea of courting danger. But look back on some of your most satisfying accomplishments - didn't they result from taking action that you or others first thought might be risky?

If we always stick to the path most traveled, we'll never discover anything new about our world or ourselves. Fearing the unknown will never allow us to understand it. Only by coming to understand the risks we might take can we develop the confidence and the courage necessary to overcome the dangers associated with trying to achieve our imaginative goals.

Don't allow yourself to be numbered among those who look back and wonder, "What if . . ." A well-developed plan of action and some caution in its execution are advisable, but by all means move forward! Staying where you are and following the status quo is easy and safe, but it's likely that your dreams go way beyond where you are now. Don't let those dreams remain unrealized because you're afraid of the hazards involved in making them come true.

But it also means that you don’t have to drop everything and leave all you’ve ever known, unless you’re inclined to do so–begin with small steps towards your dreams. Going slowly will help you learn and grow, as well as enriching your life with new things. First step, climb aboard; second step, cast of the mooring and leave the dock. Bon voyage!

December 27, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“If this weekend manages to go as planned, then it will not include any actual plans.” – Unknown

Get the Most From Free Time

Ah, the weekend--the time we spend our weekdays looking forward to so that we can mow grass, wash the car and clean bathrooms. What a great way to spend our time off work, right?

The fact is that most of us have too much on our To Do lists, and much of our “free time” is spent on work that we often begin to resent. How many of the chore on our lists have deadlines and subjective requirements that we put on ourselves? When we say that we "have no time" for the good stuff in life, it may be time to take a long look at what is truly essential.

Chances are that duties we're giving up our Saturdays and Sundays for are not as important to others in our lives as spending time together. After all, how many of us are introduced, "This is Joseph--you can find him every Saturday sweating with his lawn mower,” or, “Meet Jess-- an exhausted weekend housekeeping warrior,"?

Sure, there are things that have to be done, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to keep a clean home or have a beautiful lawn. But rearranging our schedules a bit so that we can truly enjoy time off for ourselves or friends and family can make a big difference in our lives. It’s quite likely that the sun will still rise the next day, and the To Do list will be waiting!

December 19, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” ~Buddha

Got a Light?

We all love compliments. While some can be simple flattery by the giver, there are compliments with genuine meaning behind them. Think of a compliment as a flame on a candle, and it is used to light the candles of those whose flames are out or have never even been lighted before.

There are many around us who suffer from mild to extreme "compliment deficiency." As children, they may have never experienced the exhilaration of getting a base hit, making an A on a test, or receiving an Honorable Mention in art class. Even some adults may have never heard from someone else they are good at something, no matter how mundane it may seem. In short, many around us have never even had their candle lighted once.

Why not make a more conscious effort to compliment someone? Start at home--share something with your spouse, your children, or even a neighbor. Take the habit to work with you and offer a kind word to a co-worker. Just think: if offering bona fide compliments becomes a habit for you, the candles you’ll be lighting from your single flame may start the recipients lighting others' candles, and a fire like no other will soon be blazing!

December 12, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Give Yourself--Volunteer!

Back in the 70’s, CB radios became popular, especially among the nation's truckers. If you were traveling on an interstate highway, you could tune into channel 19 and get info on traffic, weather, wreck scenes to avoid, radar traps, and other useful tidbits. It was like there was a whole other world of activity going on around you, but only if you had a CB radio. Those who didn't were oblivious to the activity - yet it was still there.

The same is true of volunteers–those who offer their time and talents to worthy causes without reward. In pretty much any community, there is a work force that operates 24/7 on the efforts of their volunteers. If you're not one of them, you are probably oblivious to their daily actions to serve the community - but they are out there working.

Take for example a car accident scene. It’s 1:00 AM, and a vehicle traveling along an almost empty, rural interstate goes over an embankment, and vanishes from sight. A witness pulls over, calls 911, and waits for help. The witness is amazed to see firefighters and rescue squad volunteers on the scene within 5 minutes after their call for help. The witness asks in surprise, "Where did you guys come from?" A firefighter who appeared in their personal vehicle replies, “I live just a mile away.” A paramedic who isn’t on call answers, “I could get here faster than the volunteer EMTs that are on call could get to the station and then travel here.” One minute, those volunteers were at home in their warm beds. Five minutes later they were saving a life.

You don’t have to become a volunteer EMT or firefighter, unless you want to. There are many other ways to make a life-altering contribution to others as a volunteer. Most are not as glamorous as saving a life, yet all contribute to the many unmet needs of community members. Each of us has talents that can be put to use for those in need. Giving your time and talents without expecting a reward is probably one of the most rewarding things you can ever do.

December 5, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity." ~ from the Tao Te Ching by Lao-tsu

Take Five

In current culture, we’re pressured to do more, want more, get more, not only for ourselves, but others, too. Doing everything in excess sometimes doesn't turn out well, though. Overworking, taking more than we need, loving money, worrying about what others think--none of these sound like benefits, do they?

This week, we will look at each of the five lines of wisdom from the Tao:

“Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill.” You don’t have to have it all and have it right now. Allow some room for development; give yourself space to grow. Don’t assume you’re accomplished because your bowl is already full.

“Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.” Don’t overwork yourself. Focusing too hard and too long on any one thing dulls your senses and wears you out. If you’re at the top of your game, why would you need to do better?

“Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench.” Anyone obsessed with wealth probably doesn’t offer compassion or service to others. Those who always seek safety always fear risk. Do what you love, accept risks, and the rest will follow.

“Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner.” Do you work to satisfy yourself or others? Can you ever find happiness if your only concern is pleasing everyone else? Take pride in a job well done, then let it go. Your enthusiasm about your work will show, and anyone who doesn’t like it isn’t worth worrying about.

“Do your work, then step back.” It’s easier to see where you’ve been than where you’re going. The journey to happiness begins by stepping back and releasing your endeavors. Let them go and free your mind for other pursuits. Good or bad, put it all behind you and look forward.

Choose one line for each day of your work week, write it down, post it in a prominent place, and focus on the wisdom in each. You may not reach the serenity level by Friday afternoon, but you'll certainly be on your way.

November 28, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”~~Jake Goodall

Make a Wish--Come True!

Remember when, as a kid, you took the wishbone from the Thanksgiving turkey, set it aside, and let it dry for a few days? You probably argued with brothers or sisters about who would get to make the wish. Then, finally, you took one end, made your wish, got the bigger piece and . . . nothing happened.

On a recent news interview, someone made the statement that "Hope is not a method." Neither is wishing. On a cold autumn day, you can hope or wish you were warm all day long, but until you turn up the thermostat or build a fire, nothing will change. Action always produces results.

So, last week, we “gave thanks” for all our blessings. Chances are that what you call "blessings" did not occur as a result of wishes and hopes. You probably took action to allow them to come into your life. If you did - good for you!

Not everyone can do that. Unfortunately, a great percentage of the population lives only on hope and wishes. They just do not have the ability to comprehend the concept of cause and effect. Nor do they possess the motivation, tools, or skills to act on their circumstances. The result? Their blessings are fewer than most.

If you are blessed with the ability to make things happen, why not reach out this holiday season to those who aren't? Don't expect anything in return--just make a wish--come true!

November 21, 2022

Inspiration for today:

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~Author Unknown

November 14, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best." ~ Epictetus

Give Yourself a Lift

On your list of major life's achievements, have you included becoming an itinerant ne'er-do-well? Have you ever aspired to go through life feeling hopeless? Does your daily task list include gossiping over the back fence with nosy neighbors, or spending time with a loser who does nothing but grouse about how the world has dealt him a lousy hand?

Did that first paragraph seem to pull you down? Did you say, "Ridiculous! Who would want to do those things?" If so, congratulations, you've already received this week's message.

Now, let's give this message a lift. Have you ever met someone with a bright inspiring spirit about them, and thought to yourself, "Wow, I'd like to know them better!" Have you ever noticed that after attending a presentation with an inspirational speaker you leave with fresh new ideas or a powerful boost in your attitude?

There’s an old poem that talks about how children learn what they live. What about adults? If you hang out with losers, your thoughts are likely to be dark and depressing. Spend time with those who possess magic in their attitude and enthusiastic vitality in life and/or work ethic, and your thoughts are likely to soar.

Take a close look at the goals you’ve set. Have you included the addition of positive new personal relationships in your work and play environment? Consider expanding your sphere of contacts to include those who would inspire you to greatness!

November 7, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"We need to learn to set our course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship." ~ General Omar Bradley

Feeling Lost?

Do you find yourself drifting on an ocean of indecision, misdirection, unfulfilled aspirations? Feel like you're not getting as far along as your colleagues, or as far along as they say you should? It's probably time to throw out your compass!

While it can be helpful to look to others for inspiration, don't make the mistake of believing that you can or even should try to achieve the same accomplishments. Using a map of your own making, set your individual course according to where you want to go and how quickly you want to get there.

Indeed, you can set your sights much higher than the "landmarks" or "passing ships" of those people around you who tell you what you should or shouldn't do. You'll lose perspective of the Big Picture if you pay too much attention to the advice or achievements of others.

Whether you are passing them or they are passing you, don't lose sight of what is guiding you and where. Your dreams and ambitions are the constant North Star of your life. While everything else around you can change quickly from one day to the next, it's your own beliefs and convictions that give you the steady course you need to successfully navigate those changes.

You'll never get anywhere by trying to determine the success or even the path of your journey by the passing ships around you. Stay focused solely on what you believe and know to be true, and ignore the naysayers! They may be gone tomorrow, but your dreams will be the stars in your sky forever.

October 31, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value." ~Albert Einstein

A Wealth of Character

Several years ago, a gentleman won a $220 million jackpot in Idaho, although that fact is not what is so extraordinary–it’s what he planned to do with his winnings.
Most folks would allow themselves to go a little crazy if they became instant millionaires. After all, you could spend - say, oh two million bucks - and still have plenty left over for the future, right?

Well, this young man’s plans were to “build a billion-dollar empire to take care of my family and to give opportunities to the people who have given me opportunities.” Taking his one-time lump payment of $125 million ($85 million after taxes), he wanted to amass a one billion dollar portfolio within fifteen years. Immediately, a team of attorneys, public relations gurus and financial advisers began working to help him achieve his goals of investing in business and donating to charitable organizations.

Not wishing to bask in the limelight or expose his family to the compulsory media frenzy, he tried to remain anonymous, but discovered that was in violation of the lottery’s regulations. Telling two family members when he won, he broke the news to the rest of the family during a special meeting, then had to follow the lottery agreement by allowing his name to be released to the media, and a media storm ensued, not because of his winning, but because of his plans.

The sports enthusiast’s “big splurge” was a professional racing bicycle – no yachts, luxury cars, or vacation homes. He simply wanted to continue enjoying the things he always had, and to remain the person he always has been. He stayed in the home he was living in, and continued working at a gym for a few years, but started the Duke Family Foundation in 2006, which donates money to other non-profit organizations in and around Idaho.

It’s clear that regardless of winning the lottery, he is the type of person who would still have done everything in his power to improve his life, the lives of those around him, and the lives of those in need. He shows that character is not measured by one’s success. And in case you’re wondering how he's faring today--just perform an internet search for "Brad Duke," and you’ll find a man of value.

October 24, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“It is not enough to take steps which may someday lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Goals are Like Sandwiches

Want a sandwich? Well, first you place a slice of bread on the plate, then you pile on the filling, then you dress it, and then you top it with the remaining slice of bread. Simple, right? But what happens if you miss or change a step such as smearing mustard on the plate first? Everyone knows that is not the way to start the sandwich-making process–there are steps to take in proper order if you want a great sandwich!

Working towards a goal can be much like sandwich-building–there’s a process to getting it done right. We may see all the actions we need to take to get to the result, but sometimes we want to try to skip some of those less exciting steps. But just like starting out by spreading mustard on the plate, futility results from rearranging the steps towards a goal.

You’ve got to take your goals and your steps one at a time, and you need to enjoy and appreciate your progress along the way. It’s been said that the first step of the journey is the most difficult, so it might help to imagine things in reverse order. First, visualize the end result, then trace backwards to eventually see how it all begins.

Don’t worry that parts of the process don’t seem as thrilling as the destination–for many, our appetites aren’t whetted by mustard and bread alone. The parts that take more time–washing and slicing the tomato, onion, and lettuce–are when we learn the most and desire to get to our goal–those two slices of bread filled with tasty ingredients–even more.

Assigning order, importance and appreciation to the progressive stages of your life’s goals will carry you through to your destination–or a delicious, satisfying lunch!

October 17, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"You might as well fall flat on your face as lean over too far backward." ~ James Thurber

Which Way Will You Fall?

The humor of today's quote belies its truth, and indeed it's sometimes easier to make a point by making fun of it. But what important lesson can we glean from the words of Mr. Thurber?

It may have something to do with whether we are acting or reacting. You can think of falling flat on your face as being the action. You've fallen down, but at least you've fallen in a forward direction! Think of leaning too far backward as being the reaction. Not only have you fallen, but you've fallen in reverse!

The idea is to take chances and not withdraw from them. You may as well fail if you don't take the chance, and maybe you will fail if you do take it. But if you experience disappointment after at least trying to succeed, then at least you have your attempt of which to be proud.

Failure is a given, friends, and it's how you handle that occasional failure that will set you apart from your competition. Anthony Robbins is a favorite source of wisdom: "If you think you can or if you think you can't, either way you are right." If you're going to make your mistakes, make them in a fashion that will at least help you move forward.

Have you leaned too far backward? Have you ceded too much to someone else, or backed off from a sticky situation? Maybe then you do feel as though you've fallen flat on your face. Either way, the result is the same, and it's time to pick yourself up and move on.

And when you do fall flat on your face, hopefully you can laugh at your little tumble and still maintain a degree of respect for yourself–moving forward is always, always better than falling backwards.

October 10, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"To the optimist, all doors have handles and hinges; to the pessimist, all doors have locks and latches." ~William Arthur Ward

Enjoy the Rainbow or Get Wet

"Smell these beautiful roses!" "Ouch--they're covered with thorns." "What a beautiful rainbow!" "We're getting wet." "I"m excited about our new project!" "It's never going to work." "I'm an optimist!" "How can you be an optimist with things the way they are?"

We all know the difference between an optimist and a pessimist - right? Pessimism, more often than not, is generated by inner fears. Another theory is that it comes from simply not knowing enough. Either way, we can't move forward while having negative thoughts.

Consider the child learning to ride a bike. "I know I'm going to fall," proclaims the child - just before taking a skinned knee. After a week of practice, is the child still fearful? Once bike riding becomes second nature--once the child "knows" enough about bike riding--the fear (the pessimism) disappears.

Sure, being negative can make us cautious, but that should be only in dangerous situations. Replacing a pessimistic thought with an optimistic one can help us learn whether our fears were justified when we see if they come true or not.

So remember, look for the rainbow--it'll keep you optimistic while you're standing in the rain!

October 3, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"The tragedy of life is not so much what men suffer, but rather what they miss." ~Thomas Carlyle

Take a Siesta

When setting goals and planning our future, we sometimes fail to look far enough ahead. Consider the following story:

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The banker complimented the man on the quality of the fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The fisherman replied, "Only a little while." The banker then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?" The fisherman replied, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs." The banker then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, then stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my friends. I have a full and busy life."

The banker scoffed, "I'm a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. You would eventually open your own cannery and control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles, and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise."

The fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?" To which the American replied, "15 to 20 years." "But what then?" asked the fisherman. The banker laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you could sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions."
"Millions? And then what?"

The banker said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your friends!"

So . . . what are you working for? The million-dollar company or the good life? Stop working toward "someday," and appreciate your success on this day. Now, how about an afternoon nap?

September 26, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“This game is won 90 feet at a time.”--Steve Stone, 1980 American League Cy Young Award Winner

Play Ball!

Which do you think is more important, a home run or a single base hit? Many of us would choose a home run. Funny thing is, more baseball games are won with base hits than with home runs.

According to Baseball Training World, between 2001 and 2020, there were just 100,690 home runs versus 831,932 base hits in the MLB. There’s no need to show more statistics comparing home runs and base hits, because these numbers show that base hits win games!

Just like in a baseball game, a successful journey in life occurs most often as the result of daily decisions--not life-altering, once-a-year, mega-decisions. Want to lose weight? It won't happen because you make one vow on January 1 to do it. It will be the result of your daily decision to walk, run, or work out, as well as your daily commitment to change your diet that will win the weight game.

The same holds true for success in work projects, starting a business, or improving ourselves or relationships with others. While a plan at the beginning is important, it's really the steps taken each day that produce the results. If you want the final outcome to be great, don’t wear yourself down trying to hit a grand slam–take your bases one at a time, and you’ll soon be scoring a run!

September 19, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"There isn't a person anywhere who isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can." ~ Henry Ford

Think and Listen

Ever notice how difficult it is to break out of your routine to take time just for you? Yet, when you do, you experience a sense of refreshment. You're more observant, more aware of your surroundings - if only for a short time.

Those brief periods are when the mind is most receptive to creative thinking. The subconscious, with its defensive barriers temporarily lowered, is more likely to receive and accept new ideas. Use that time wisely by letting go, giving yourself permission to dream new dreams, to reach for the brass ring.

You don't have to analyze or give form to those dreams - just allow them to occur. When an idea begins to grab you and arouses inner excitement, pay attention. Avoid letting your conscious mind scoff at the value of your idea or throw roadblocks in your way. Listen to your inner voice–or what has been described as infinite intelligence– speak to you.

To simplify the inspirational quote for today, it's what you think you can do that's so limiting. You limit yourself to whatever your conscious self thinks. To exceed the limits you have placed upon yourself requires expanded thinking, and that requires some down time!

Now get started! Find a quiet place for fifteen minutes each day. In good weather, sit outside at dawn with a fresh cup of coffee. If you're a night person, find a quiet corner after the house is settled for the evening. Let the family know you want–or should we say need–fifteen uninterrupted minutes. Close your eyes and begin by clearing your mind of trivia - like wiping off a blackboard - then just let go.

You'll never know what you’re thinking until you listen.

September 12, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Leave a Legacy

Upon his death, it seems that old Ben Franklin made a special gift in his will. In it, he left £1,000 (about $4,000 US) to the cities of Philadelphia and Boston with specific instructions. They were to set up a program of loans to young men under the age of 25, married, and who had successfully completed an apprenticeship, needing startup money for a trade or business. The money was to be loaned at 5% interest. The loan program was to continue for 200 years.

At the end of 100 years, the two cities were to withdraw $100,000 each for public projects and continue lending the balance as stated above. At the end of 200 years, in 1990, the fund was to be split between the cities. At that time, there was $6,500,000 in the fund. Just think–for 200 years, Ben Franklin helped young men get started in business by making those funds available, and still had $6.5 million remaining!

Imagine the many ways you and I could benefit our families, the community, or the lives of total strangers if we just took the initiative exhibited by Ben Franklin.

Set aside $1,000 now and add just $100 per month to it for ten years, earning 5% on loans made from the account, and the fund would have $17,157. After the ten-year period of adding $100 per month, no more money is added and it continues to be loaned at 5% for the next 190 years. At the end of 200 years, the fund would contain $181,141,192. At that point, it could be converted to an outright "grant" program to which family members could apply for education funds.

Instead of focusing on just your immediate family, think about the legacy you could leave by planning much further into the future. Thanks to the "future value of money" concept, you could provide valuable support to many future generations. It's just a thought, but why couldn't we give it a try?

September 6, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“Temperance in all things.” ~~Harry S. Truman

“temperance, tem·per·ance, n. 1: moderation in action, thought, or feeling, RESTRAINT 2: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions” ~~Miriam-Webster Dictionary

Extreme Temperance: Setting Limits

We see it in television shows and in popular social media videos daily: extreme stunts, extreme sports, extreme foods, extreme everything. Every platform available seems to be competing to capture our attention with one-upmanship to the extreme.

And then there's the temperate way of life.

David Susskind interviewed former president Harry Truman in his later years, and asked, "To what do you attribute your energy and vitality at age seventy-seven?" Truman shot back with noticeable conviction, "Temperance in all things. I take plenty of rest, sleep well at night, and eat the right foods. That leaves me ready to face the challenges of being president."

What a simple word, temperance. Read the definition once more–it does not mean total abstinence or prohibiting all risky behavior, but notice the synonym Miriam-Webster has there: RESTRAINT. Life is full of risks, and we have to go to the extreme in many circumstances. We just have to balance these two concepts, knowing when to let go, and knowing when to hold back.

Temperance in all things may not be right for everyone, but a little restraint on occasion isn’t at all bad, just like taking occasional risks can bring rewards! It's all about setting limits on oneself. Both extremism and temperance can become vices, but setting limits on either is important for bringing peace, tranquility, good health, high self-esteem, satisfaction, and financial freedom to your life!

August 29, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"I'd rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed." ~~Robert H. Schuller

Better To Attempt and Fail

In an old Peanuts cartoon, Sally is making a list while Charlie Brown looks on. Sally says, "I'm making a list of all the things I've learned in life..." In the next panel she continues with, "Well, actually, I'm making two lists." Charlie Brown looks at them and asks, "Why is one list longer than the other?" Holding up the much longer list, Sally explains, "These are the things I've learned the hard way!" It's easy to chuckle a little at the part about "learning things the hard way," isn't it? We've all done it. But there's really a more revealing message in this simple cartoon.

The short list of things we've learned generally contains lessons that required no effort, or lessons we learned passively, while just listening, watching, absorbing.

The important list, the one that's much longer, contains the things we've learned from experience. We took a dare to try something risky and ended up injured. We trusted our closest friend with something very personal and they betrayed that trust. We go ahead with a purchase, even though we have a hunch that it seems too good to be true, only to find out later that we should’ve listened to our intuition. Hard lessons, of course, but we likely won't attempt them again.

So get out there, attempt, succeed, fail–whatever the outcome, you’re better off for the attempt you’ve made! The important thing is that you’re trying, and even in failure, you learn more. Just be sure to remember the lessons learned on the next try.

August 22, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"There are those who depend in us, watch us, learn from us, take from us. The rub is that you don’t always know who.” ― Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

How's Your Teaching?

It’s that time of year–millions of students heading back to school or university. Sure, they will be taught academics in the classroom, but what about what they’re learning about life from parents and others around them? What are we teaching those around us?

No matter with whom we interact, we should all take some time to reflect upon how our practices are matching up to our ethics and beliefs. We all have the potential to produce a profound effect on the people in our lives, both directly and indirectly. How we choose to act in our encounters helps define who we are: are we good stewards, good managers, good parents?

As we interact with others, especially the school-aged set, a good yardstick by which to measure our actions is to imagine how children would perceive them. Do we play by the rules? Are we being fair? Do we share? Are we treating others the way we would want to be treated?

The politics of the playground still hold some powerful lessons for grown-ups, too! Let's consider what we are teaching with our own behavior and actions so that others are inspired to not only do their best, but so the effect of "plays well with others" will reach far and wide!

August 15, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“If you try to please everyone, you will please no one. It is impossible to lead your life for others’ happiness.” ― Sudha Murty, Wise & Otherwise

What Will They Think?!

How many times have we heard someone say to another, "What will people think?!" It's so easy to let the influence of others govern our actions. By listening to others, then carrying out our lives to the tune they wish us to play, we become puppets. One of Aesop's Fables addressed the issue:

The fable told of an old man, a boy, and a donkey making their way down a hill. As the boy rode while the old man led the donkey, they overheard a neighbor comment about the shame of making the old man walk. The next turn in the road found both man and boy astride the donkey, and the next passer-by shook his head at the shame of putting such a load on the poor donkey. By the time the two reached the final turn in the road, they were carrying the donkey on a pole!

The message, of course, was that we should not live our lives to satisfy the expectations or opinions of those who voice them. Setting a clear direction for our own lives and then following that path to the exclusion of others is up to us.

We are free to make our own choices in life. When we fail to do so, we've still made a choice–the choice to allow others to make decisions for us. When we take off in a new direction, we need to be firm in our conviction to make our own choices, regardless of what others think.

August 8, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“If the grass is greener on the other side, it’s probably getting better care.” --Earl Nightingale

Stop Looking Over the Fence

You see them out there, all the folks in the neighborhood caring for their lawns, weeding, watering, spraying, mowing–it’s like a competition to see whose yard will win the prize for “greenest.” But are they really trying to be the best, or just trying to be better than the guy over the fence?

From today’s quote, we already know that grass grows greenest where it is tended the best. You can’t blame the grass on the other side of the fence for poor lawn quality on this side. Neither will your grass get any greener by jumping the fence and observing your neighbor’s lawn. You and you alone are responsible for discovering the gardening secret that will yield the pleasure and satisfaction you seek–and it begins in your own backyard.

If you’re not happy with the lawn you’ve already got, you’re not going to find it "out there." You may learn a lot when you cross the fence and experience other "lawns," but you can only learn satisfaction at home. Once you’ve got that, what’s on the other side of everyone else’s fences won’t matter anymore.

Why? Because now you’re carefully cultivating your own lawn for personal contentment and not for competition. And in case you do jump the fence to seek out new gardening skills, take a watering can and a little fertilizer so that wherever you may find yourself, the grass is green.

August 1, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Every conquered temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before." ~ James Buckham

Growth: The Adversity Reaction

Ever noticed how great leaders often come from humble beginnings? A great example: from the devastating depths of silence and inability to speak, Helen Keller inspired the world once she had overcome great adversity.

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and standing before a full-house crowd in Yankee Stadium on July 4th 1939, Lou Gehrig proclaimed, "I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth! I might have been given a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for." He spent the last two years of his life as Parole Commissioner for New York City, hoping to make a difference in the lives of young people in trouble.

Today, we use more contemporary quotes to explain the same concept. We say, "No pain - no gain!" or, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." No matter how we verbalize it, it is true that through adversity comes strength.

Think back to the toughest times you've faced during your life. Chances are you'll have to agree that you grew and became a better person for the experience. As for temptations, they are more easily given in to than conquered. Nevertheless, the value system to which you subscribe today probably evolved from temptations overcome.

As Richard Bach put it in his wonderful book "Illusions," "There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. You seek problems because you need their gifts." Whether it be a physical or moral challenge you face, suffer if you must, but look also for its gift. And remember another Richard Bach quote, "Here is a test to find out whether your mission here on earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't."

July 25, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"What is more mortifying than to feel you've missed the Plum for want of courage to shake the Tree?" ~Logan Pearsall Smith

Choose the Black Door

There’s an old story about a shrewd general in charge of a prison. On a prisoner’s scheduled execution day, he was summoned for an audience with the officer. Standing face-to-face, the dictator gave each condemned man a final choice - to either face the firing squad, or go through the "black door."

The prisoners invariably chose death over the unknown terror that they imagined must lie beyond the "black door." Finally, the day came when the dictator himself lay on his deathbed. Curious, his trusted advisors asked him, "What lies beyond the 'black door'?" His answer? "Freedom!"

People are still making that choice today - choosing lives dampened by fear of not knowing what’s ahead, rather than taking a chance on the unknown beyond what they can see. That awful, scary feeling that comes from "fear of the unknown" is often just enough to keep us from breaking out into the clear light of day that illuminates our success.

The next time an opportunity presents itself, instead of allowing fear to smother your success, take time to understand the fear. Make a list of what you imagine may happen. Write down the worst that could happen. Next, make a list of the benefits you would reap by taking positive action. When the benefits exceed the risks, the decision will become clear.

Taking chances isn’t always successful, but when you take chances, you deserve the freedom in those chances! Let what the old general shared about his prisoner’s choices encourage you take the first step towards the black door: “Most would rather choose a fate that they know, even if it means death, than experience the unknown. The man brave enough to choose the black door deserves to be free.”

July 18, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"It is a simple procedure to calculate the number of seeds in an apple. But, who among us can say how many apples there are in a seed?" ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

Want Abundance In Your Life?

Abundance often seems beyond our reach. We see it in others, but do not believe it is in us. We see ourselves as the apple (limited), rather than the seed (limitless).

So, what's the first step on the road to abundance? Wayne Dyer thinks it is giving thanks - for what you already have. That might include good health, a new baby on the way, loving parents, a career you enjoy, or money in the bank. You do have a few things going for you - right?

Just as the potential of the seed in the apple is limitless, so is your ability to attract abundance. By focusing on what you already have, you begin to deny what you don't. Your attention is drawn away from the scarcity in your life - and towards the abundance that already exists in your world.

You may be thinking that when you achieve abundance, you will finally be complete. Therein lies the surprise - that you are already complete. You are never going to get it all, because you have it all already. That's right. If you are not currently thankful for the good in your life, having more of it will make no difference.

The secret to abundance then lies within you. Place your thoughts squarely on what you already have, be grateful, and it will expand beyond your wildest dreams.

July 11, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“...those who reach decisions promptly usually have the capacity to move with definiteness of purpose in other circumstances." ~~Andrew Carnegie

Thirty-One Seconds to Go

There’s a story about how Andrew Carnegie commissioned Napoleon Hill to learn the true philosophy of success from America's most successful individuals of the early 1900's. Hill's search for those success secrets culminated in his well-known book, Think & Grow Rich.

What you may not know was how Hill almost squandered the opportunity offered by Carnegie. At the end of a long interview, Carnegie abruptly told Hill, "We've talked a long time and I have shown you the greatest opportunity a young man ever had to become famous, rich, and useful. Now - if I choose you out of the two hundred and forty other applicants - if I introduce you to the outstandingly successful men in America - if I help you get their collaboration in finding out the true philosophy of success - will you devote twenty years to the job, earning your own living as you go along? We have had sufficient discussion. I want your answer - yes or no."

Hill tells that he spent twenty-nine seconds struggling with a negative mental attitude, thinking of all the hurdles he would face over the twenty-year project. Finally, finding the positive mental attitude he had temporarily lost, Hill replied, "Yes!"

How did he know it took 29 seconds to answer? At that point, Carnegie showed Hill the stopwatch he had been holding beneath his desk. Carnegie had allowed Hill just 60 seconds to show his positive state of mind, the one trait he felt most critical to achieving his desired results.

Hill hesitated. We all do from time to time. What's important, like Hill's answer, is that we ultimately grasp that sometimes-elusive positive mental attitude, and adopt it as our own. Had he hesitated for thirty-one seconds more, Napoleon Hill would have given up a wonderful opportunity (as well as depriving us of his inspiring book). He didn't . . . and neither should we.

July 5, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Thinking: the talking of the soul with itself." ~~Plato

Think!

What is a thought? Scientifically speaking, it is nothing more than a random electrical impulse in the brain. If you are relaxing, not focusing on any particular thoughts, your brain continues to fire off those random impulses which, in turn, are triggering random, unfocused thoughts - like the itch on your arm, how hummingbirds fly, or your neighbor’s lovely flowers.

Everything tangible in our world today was created by an action, preceded by someone's thought: your smartphone’s touch screen, a home’s easy-to-clean windows, and the folding chair you take to the beach all came into existence as the result of a single focused thought. Henry Ford thought about a V-8 engine for his cars, and then insisted that his engineers create it. Jonas Sauk thought about eliminating polio - and did.

Whether you choose to focus your thoughts or not, your day will be filled with them. They just don't stop. But wait - there's an "Aha!" or a "Voila!" in here for you. Just think of the possibilities when you realize the power of thought - and put it to work for you. The amazing thing about thoughts is that most of us have control over them. You either put these electrical impulses to work through focused attention, or they happen anyway, but in a random, impotent manner akin to a static electrical discharge.

They don't have to be life-changing or global in scope to make your personal world better. They need only be focused. So, next time a creative blip goes through your mind, grab it, and think! You never know–that blip can turn into something big!

So - what thoughts will you be having today?

June 27, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"In Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had five hundred years of democracy and peace - and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock." ~~from the movie The Third Man

Happy Little Cuckoo Clocks

This week’s quote makes you ponder where our inspiration and our motivation come from. Whether the movie line's information is historically accurate or not, just think--how many great movements came out of times of peace? Not to knock happiness, but complacency tends to breed laziness, unless we keep ourselves aware of the issues that might truly affect us.

We're all familiar with the concept of the "starving artist" - rationalized for ages now by saying one must suffer for one's art. Of course, this isn't necessarily true. Plenty of beautiful art and literature has been produced by "happy" people. But isn't it interesting that the most controversial, thought-provoking, and powerful works do in fact come out of suffering and a desire to educate others about suffering, cruelty, and wrong-doing?

It seems that people really get motivated by what angers them - when we're happy and complacent, we tend not to get involved in troubling issues. Apathy often arises when we feel that we simply have no say in the result, when we feel disempowered or our vote doesn't really count. But very often our apathy is the result of the fact that overall, we feel pretty good about our situation and feel that we don't necessarily need to get involved.

It's our problems–and how we handle them–that help us to grow as individuals. Those challenges in our lives force us to find solutions, solutions that sometimes mean changing ourselves in some way, or changing how we interact with others. Too much "smooth sailing" can leave you asleep at the helm! Try to see your problems and challenges as opportunities to produce something great or effect a change for the better.

If you're fortunate enough to say, "I am truly happy with all things as they are in my life," then don't become complacent. Find yourself a cause that you believe in and become involved in its promotion. Your life and the lives of those around you will become better for it!

June 20, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world." -John Keating

Word Power

How many times have you told a friend or associate about a bold new idea for succeeding, only to have them shoot down the idea? How often do you hear a parent tell their child, "You can't do that!" or, "You're too little (or too short or too ugly)." With just a word, a child's future can be stunted. The alternative is to believe in yourself. Take a look at a few of those "You'll never amount to anything" comments made to the wrong people:

Thomas Edison was told by teachers that he was “...too stupid to learn anything.”
"You have a nice voice, but it's nothing special." –a teacher of Diana Ross after Diana auditioned for a part in a high school musical

"It's a cutthroat business and you've got no chance of success."--an accountant for Estee Lauder, founder of a multibillion-dollar cosmetics empire
While being fired from a newspaper, Walt Disney was told that he “...lacked imagination…”

"It's too hard to crack into the late-night ratings. Television isn't ready for a black late night host."--conventional wisdom offered to Arsenio Hall

Words have the power to change someone, one way or the other. A dream, an idea, a vision of greatness–all can be shattered by a word or two, or the recipient can take an I'll-show-them attitude and take on the world much like the previous examples.

If you are the one with a dream, keep it to yourself as you work to achieve all you can. If it's another who tells you their dream–encourage them to nurture it to fruition. Give words the right power, whether said or heard.

June 13, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"A candle loses none of its light by lighting another candle." ~ James Keller

Light a Candle

Do you know someone who keeps their best ideas to themselves? The cousin who holds the recipe card for that favorite family dish? Then there’s the friend who's found an awesome fishing spot, but refuses to take you with them? Perhaps it's you who makes a contact about a hot new prospecting idea, then asks that the information be emailed to your personal account so others in the office won't see it. Even if the shoe fits, you're not alone and won't be condemned for not sharing.

On the other hand, have you noticed how those who are most successful rarely mind sharing and teaching others their best moves? It's like lighting a candle. Those who are comfortable with their own success rarely feel threatened if they light someone else's candle. They know they will lose none of their own shining light by igniting the candle of opportunity for someone else.

How is candle-lighting best accomplished? First, it takes an understanding of your own strengths. Perhaps you're blessed with a beautiful smile and a never-ending supply of good attitude. If so, the candle you light for others may be words of hope and encouragement. Maybe time management and efficiency in your work ethic are your forte. If so, be a teacher and mentor to those who are not so focused.

The list of possibilities is long, but you probably get the point. Give your strength to others with no thought of reward. Do it every day. The simple candle you carry, when shared, may turn another's life into a multi-colored roman candle of health, happiness . . . and success.

June 6, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“…failing is one of the greatest arts of the world.”~~Charles Kettering

The Art of Failure

There are more awards for achievement than actual accomplishments these days, it seems. For many years, especially when it comes to our children, we are afraid to allow them to fail.

Are you successful simply because you do not fail? What of the lessons of disappointment that go unlearned? The highest achievers lack recognition, while those who place second, third or fourth still get fancy medals or trophies!

It’s no joke – a recent article about a rural youth horse show reported that all of the riders in the class who “placed” took home a BLUE ribbon. This is disastrous. What meaning does winning have when everyone is a winner?

We’re robbing our children of the developmental opportunity to fail and then lose their fear of failing. They must lose the championship and learn that the sun will rise tomorrow, and that another season will come with its prospects for victory.

Even one of the most successful people in history, Bill Gates notes: "It's fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure." Gates and his ventures wouldn’t have been so successful had it not been for many failures.

By all means, do encourage young people to try their very hardest and to enjoy victory when it is theirs. But do not try to protect them from the disappointment of failure when it falls to them. It is an absolutely critical building block in developing their ability to have faith in themselves.

We love to see their smiles when they win an award, and we hate to see their despondence when they do not. Now let them experience those same contrary feelings, and continue their growth into the balanced and well-adjusted folks we strive to be!

May 31, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"It's nice to have material things but they're very superficial aren't they?" ~Mark Addy

Two Hundred Pounds of Treasure

Dr. Fred Craddock told a story about one of his schoolmates who, along with his family, had been missionaries in China who were caught up in a government expulsion. After being on house arrest for some time, soldiers finally came to tell the family they could leave the country. Their joy was lessened somewhat when the soldiers told them that they were allowed to take only two hundred pounds of possessions with them.

After twenty years in China, the family had accumulated quite a few belongings, and separating what they wanted to take with them and what to leave wasn't as easy as they thought. What about that new typewriter? Which books can be left behind? Oh, this vase has to come to our new home! The children, of course, had favorite play things. After paring down their most-wanted possessions, a scale told them exactly what was going to be in their bags as they left China.

Once they were ready to leave, the soldiers asked if they had weighed their belongings, and they informed the soldiers that they had been very careful to have no more than two hundred pounds with them. Then came the question, "Did you weigh the children?" The parents were flabbergasted! And just like that, the typewriter, vase, books, all became trash.

How often have we weighed our goods without considering our family or those we love most? Don’t invest in what will one day be worthless–what we “take” with us one day will not be one single item that’s in our attics, china cabinets or bank accounts. Take those items off the scales of life, and invest in the worth of relationships with family and those who are most important to you. You’ll end up with far more than two hundred pounds, but your load will be lighter.

May 23, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“Life can be boring unless you put some effort into it.” –John C. Maxwell

Write a Memoir You Can’t Put Down!

Have you ever read an autobiography or memoir that was so exciting that it was unbelievable, only to find out that the exciting parts were actually untrue? Why would someone feel compelled to make up details about their life? Obviously, they realized somewhere along in the writing process that their life wasn’t all that thrilling.

If you began writing your autobiography today, would it consist of bestseller material, or do you think your life might not be exciting enough to inspire others? Jot down a possible Table of Contents. Look boring? What’s the solution? Live a more exciting life!

Begin to imagine and act every day as though you knew you would be recounting the details and events later on. If you keep a journal or a diary, you’re already familiar with the idea, although you don’t intend for others to read it. A journal helps you to identify and solidify ideas for success, while a memoir puts your actions in front of the world to see.

Boring job? Find the beauty in it, revel in the good you really do for others, or begin planning today your climb up the ladder or up an entirely different ladder. Boring relationships? Find new things to do, visit new places to do them, or start nurturing new associations with those whom you most admire. Boring personal life? Expand your horizons with travel, exercise your mind with reading, and make a commitment to caring for and helping others.

Start living the life you would be confident to share, and before you know it, your autobiography will be something even you can't put down!

May 16, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"If the group goes left, I go right."--Deontay Wilder

Who Are You Following?

Many people can look back on their childhood memories and recall the fun game "follow the leader," where everyone lines up behind one child who performs an action, like jumping or dancing, and all behind the leader copies that action. As adults, however, many of those children play a variation of that game - called "follow the follower."

On the job, they look around, see how someone else is doing their work, and duplicate the effort. What they don't realize is that their fellow employee is also watching someone else. A circular game of "follow the follower" evolves, resulting in a mediocre work force. The same can be true in marriages, education, sports and the many social media "influencers" that flood the cyber world (which is a subject for another day).

A perfect example of this is a story of a time when a telephone operator had to literally connect callers' phone lines. The operators were supposed to know everything, and in one case, the phone company employee received a daily call from a gentleman asking for the correct time. Finally, one day, she asked the mystery caller who he was and why he called every day. He replied, "I'm the one who blows the whistle at the factory each day at noon. I like to be right on time!" The operator laughed and then responded, "Here at the telephone company, we set our watches and clocks by the noon whistle at the factory!"

Tired of playing follow the follower? Want to rejuvenate your life? Begin acting like the unique person you already are. See what everyone else is doing . . . and do something different. Strike out in the direction of your own imagination instead of theirs.

May 9, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden." --Frances Hodgson Burnett

How Do You See It?

Have you ever wondered why some people never seem to be satisfied while there are those who always have a smile on their face? In both cases, it often has absolutely nothing to do with external factors, but rather how people internalize what they perceive.

A perfect case in point is the story about a gentleman who just moved to a small town where he had recently accepted a job. Pulling into a gas station, he casually asked the attendant, “I’ve never lived in this part of the country - what are the people like here?”

The attendant in return asked, “What are the people like where you came from?” To which the man replied, “Not very friendly. They can be quite rude.” The dismayed attendant commented, “I’m afraid that you’ll find the folks around here to be the same.”

While this little conversation was going on, another car pulled up and the driver called out, “I’m moving to this area soon for a new job. Is it nice here?” The attendant turned to the driver and again asked, “Is it nice where you come from?”

“Well, yeah, it’s great there. The people are nice, and I hated to leave,” the gentleman explained. To which the attendant answered, “Well, you’ll find the same to be true here!”

What the attendant knew - that the first driver didn’t - is that we all see things as we expect to see them. Act positively and expect positive reactions. Act negatively, and . . . well, you get the picture.

If you’re feeling disappointed or unsatisfied, it may not be the result of external forces. It may be time to take a look at your own role in the dynamics of your life. Even if your vision is fine, you might need to correct your life lenses!

May 2, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Competition will always place your life in the hands of others, while initiative gives you the freedom to choose your own destiny." ~~Willard & Marguerite Beecher

Competition vs. Initiative

From childhood we learn to win by competing. If one marble player wins, the other loses. If our football team wins, the opposition loses. If we earn top honors for the greatest sales volume or number of transactions, our fellow associates don't. We are taught to be competitive - and we learn the lesson well.

In being competitive, however, we must always measure our success in relation to others. First we choose the leader whom we must surpass. Our objective is to exceed the performance of that individual - the current Number One. Then, when we become the leader, we live in constant fear of having our performance exceeded by those striving from below to surpass us.

So, we are not free to focus on doing our very best when we're always competing. Everything we do is related to what others have done or may do. A refreshing alternative is to put initiative to work. You freely choose your own destiny, then work to achieve it - totally oblivious to what others around you are doing.

Initiative begins with a delightful vision of yourself achieving what you think is important. Followed up with action, you achieve not only your objectives, but also the thrill and satisfaction of knowing you are in charge! Stop competing with others, and you'll reach your personal best!

April 25, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"I always wanted to be somebody. Now I realize I should have been more specific." ~Lily Tomlin (from One Woman Show)

Being Somebody

Whether we're 23, 43 or 73, let's ask ourselves this wonderfully refreshing question: "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Regardless of our age, it's so easy to lose sight of the specific "somebody" we always wanted to be. What's more, the "somebody" we had in mind in our 20's may be someone different in our 50's.

Worse yet, maybe we grew up to be the "somebody" someone else had in mind--like our mother or father. The influence of those around us often prevents us from even asking the question "What do I want to be . . . ?" We try so hard to be their somebody that we don't allow ourselves to grow up at all.

So, going back to the matter of age, it doesn't matter when we decide who we want to be so much as that we actually make that decision. It is at that moment that a catharsis takes place, and we rid ourselves of everyone else's determination of our identity. We are free--free to become the person of our dreams.

Is it going to be easy to develop and maintain our new identity? No. Our day-to-day activities will still attempt to distract us from our new persona. So forge on, push through all the adversities, and become the somebody nobody thought you would be!

April 18, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“Skill in the art of communication is crucial to a leader's success. He can accomplish nothing unless he can communicate effectively.” ~~Norman Allen

Your Signal-to-Noise Ratio

There's a scientific definition coming–signal-to-noise ratio: the power ratio between a signal (meaningful information) and the background noise. As long as the incoming signal is strong and above the noise volume, the audio will maintain a higher quality, which is the kind of signal-to-noise ratio preferred for clear and accurate sound.

Hand-in-hand with the idea of the above-mentioned scientific ratio, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that "communication" is not so much about the number of words we say, but how much is actually understood. Use too much fluff in your communication, and your words become more noise than signal!

Of course, successfully communicating a single thought can actually be quite a challenge. Often, it's just easier to spit out whatever comes into our heads and quickly hit the "send" button before we have to put any more thought into it. Oscar Wilde once slyly wrote to a friend, "I would have written a shorter letter, but I didn't have the time." Think about it!

When we are typing our thoughts instead of speaking them, it can be difficult to distill our thoughts and ideas into a few carefully selected words that truly convey our meaning. But once we abandon such an effort, our communication just becomes so much "static." It’s the same concept when we are preparing to write or speak about a topic: take the time to choose your words carefully and judiciously, and deliver them in a deliberate manner. Short, sweet and to the point, right? And on that note, this column has gone on long enough!

April 11, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." ~ Francis Bacon

Sow Good Seeds

James Bender, in his book How to Talk Well, tells of a farmer who grew prize-winning corn. Each year he won the blue ribbon at the state fair. When asked how he did it, the farmer explained that he shared his seed corn with his neighbors.

Pollen from ripening corn is carried by the wind from field to field. If the farmer's neighbors grew inferior corn, he felt that cross-pollination would steadily degrade his own prize-winning variety. If he was to grow good corn, the farmer felt he first had to help his neighbors grow good corn.

Having a good attitude and achieving your goals works the same way. How you view the world is affected by the attitudes of others, and vice-versa. Surely you can think of a time that someone else's dark outlook on life caused you to have a bad day. Your positive, can-do attitude can be easily cross-pollinated by the negative thoughts of others.

So, why not share your award-winning, success-oriented approach to life with your neighbors? By simply sharing a smile and a kind word with those around you, you can improve everyone's outlook. That thought can be carried a step further, too.

Can you imagine a farmer purposely planting corn in a field adjoined by a field full of briars, thorns and thistles, owned by a farmer with no intention of improving it? While it's a noble cause to improve the lives of others by sowing good seeds all around, it is sometimes necessary to do your farming elsewhere. By spending your time with others who share your aptitude for excellence, your own personal value will increase.

When picking a field in which to grow your dreams, choose your neighbors wisely, then sow only seeds that improve everyone involved. It's your choice.

April 4, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame." ~ Erica Jong

Ban the Blame

When was the last time you heard someone blame someone else for something that went wrong, or when they behaved badly? Teachers hear on a daily basis, "Jimmy made me do it!" Parents hear that one often, too. Fast-forward a few years to the college student with bad grades, and you hear, "The professor doesn't like me." Then, before we know it, we're all grown up. Now we hear, "My manager didn't give me enough time to complete the project," or, "She doesn't understand me."

Where do these fabrications of blame originate? They probably begin in our childhood imagination - and that's also where they should stop. Blaming comes easy since we tend to do it when the person blamed isn't around. Who's going to dispute our blame claim?

Take a moment to re-read the first part of today's quote: "Take your life in your own hands . . ." What a breath of fresh air emerges from that phrase! By accepting responsibility for our life and all of our actions, we no longer need to alienate those around us by blaming. We can live a no-excuses life.

Once we take our lives into our own hands, we either accept the low classroom grade without complaint - after all, we earned it - or we change our approach to homework the next time. We allot enough time to complete our manager's special project by the deadline, or be willing to be employed at a lower level on the food chain. We invest ourselves more deeply in our personal relationships, or accept a less-than-fulfilling bond with those we love.

Change your life; ban the blame!

March 28, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"When roadblocks, locked gates, and unexpected turns sprout up along the path we've mapped out, we can quit on the spot and progress no further. Or, we can build a new path and follow it in whatever direction our imagination takes us. For those who dream, the choice is simple." ~ from Country Living magazine

A New Direction

So, you've done all those things the greatest minds have suggested: you've planned your life's objectives and created a career/life/family path, and have no doubt where it will lead you. You're traveling the road to happiness and prosperity until there appears a sign on the path that reads, "Road Closed," and you have to slam on the brakes.

You peer past the sign to determine the road condition. It looks passable, so you veer around the sign and continue. The road turns to gravel, then dirt, then narrows to a walking path. You leave the car, and continue on foot. Soon your arms are scratched by briars, you begin to tire, and the path abruptly ends at a sheer 200' cliff. Your trip is over. There’s literally nothing to follow. What now?

If you've ever come to the end of such a road in your life, you well know the sinking feeling that came over you. No matter how much you felt like giving up, the situation was no doubt resolved by creating a new road, a new path leading in an entirely different direction.

You may have had to hack at the briars, trim back the trees, and even bulldoze your way in a new direction. It may take time, with compass and hiking shoes, to blaze that new trail. It may have be exhausting work, but keep in mind the rewards that result in hard work.

You have two choices when faced with a roadblock: you can quit, or you can put your imagination to work finding an alternate route. You’ll get where you’re going--just think of the detour as a new direction!

March 21, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Confidence Gets the Job Done!

Many of us, even if we're "the boss," have to go through a periodic evaluation of how well we carry out our jobs. Often, this assessment comes from outside - a supervisor examines our performance and shares their thoughts with us. But what if the responsibility for your evaluation was yours? If that idea is cause for anxiety, you need a confidence boost!

The trouble with some people is that they give themselves poor grades, sometimes in spite of the fact that others may highly regard their work. Those who lack confidence in their own ability to lead and to succeed often dismiss evidence that clearly illustrates their potential. If you're not happy with your own work, it simply won't matter how others feel about it.

Remember that feelings don't depend on the facts. Feelings actually create the truth. Think of it this way: your feeling of confidence begins with the feeling, and it's that feeling that then creates the confidence! You become self-assured by first believing in yourself. You don't break out of the starting gate, dash first across the finish line, and then begin to believe you're a winner. That's putting the cart before the horse!

Beginning with the belief that you will succeed is the first and necessary step toward achieving your goal. Sometimes you will win and sometimes you will not, that's a fact of life. But as long as you carry your faith in yourself, you'll always possess that potential to win that some people simply lack. They haven't yet realized that improving their performance begins with improving their feelings about themselves.

One must fully believe in themselves and their creativity, performances, parenting–it’s not all about your job! So choose whatever goal your heart desires, but first choose to believe in your ability to reach it!

March 14, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"We can’t always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future." ~ Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Future Investments

We all think about investing for the future. But what about investing IN the future? It's a worn cliche that "the children are our future," but it's become a cliche for a reason - it's true!

Are you one of many who feel a pang of regret when considering what kind of future we are leaving for our kids? If you don't feel like you can do enough to "build the future," then maybe you could investigate how to "build our youth." If you're apprehensive about the shape of things to come, take some solace in the fact that our world's youth has the power to change the negative impact previous generations may have had.

Think about your own interests and where you would be a great fit. Many places would be grateful for the help–local recreation departments, schools, county/city assistance programs, and mentoring agencies. All it takes is asking where you are needed most, and put in whatever amount of time and effort where your schedule allows.

Help build your children for the future by spending time encouraging their creativity and intellectual curiosity. Even the simple act of going out to a school lunchroom and sitting down for one meal a week can have a big impact. Get to know other students and talk about the news in school, your town, your state, your country, the world.

If you don't have children, consider mentoring or sponsoring a child in need. Offer to tutor, go to a meal or two, attend a sports or entertainment event. Your investment could yield the highest returns you'll ever see - in yourself, our children, and our future!

March 7, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end in an awful hurry.” — John Jensen

The Slow Lane to Success

This weekly column often encourages you to reach high and focus your energy towards achieving your dreams. What happens when the dream eludes you, or you feel that you're not measuring up against the standards of your peers?

Sometimes we do set our sights too high, or expect to reach them in an unreasonably short period of time. Just as important as establishing a goal is to map out an intelligent route. It's not usually all super highway between where we are and where we want to go. There are often plenty of other roads leading to and from that freeway, and you shouldn't drive 70 mph on a narrow two-lane country road!

But...what better place to slow down and enjoy the scenery? It's these paths that define the greatest part of our experience, and we shouldn't overlook them because we're so focused on the ultimate objective. Strangely enough, the things we see and experience along the way often lead us to change our path - or even our destination.

Ignore the worry-warts and over-achievers who want to know why it's taking you so darn long to get there. There is no time limit on success. You'll get there when you get there, and you won't be too old for it when you do. Success is sweet at any age, but it tastes best washing down a lifetime of experience, pleasure, and pride in one's work.

Achievement is a certificate that never expires, and there's no "due date." With the right attitude, you'll find small successes every day to keep your outlook positive and your life moving forward - at your own pace. When you make it clear that you are in the driver's seat and enjoying the trip, others will find themselves wanting to get on board. Happy motoring!

February 28, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Many people avoid risk when it is really fortune's accomplice."~~ Sting

Spin the Wheel of Fortune

When Captain Meriwether Lewis & William Clark led the Corps of Discovery in 1804, what were the risks? Grizzlies? Severe weather? The unknown? In the masterpiece book, Undaunted Courage, it is clear that Lewis & Clark faced those and many other unexpected challenges to their expedition into the great Northwest via the Missouri River. Without their courage, tenacity, and curiosity, much of the northwest corner of our country would likely not be part of the United States.

On a different level, a five-year-old mounts her bicycle and pushes off from the curb. Fear grips her tender heart, yet she makes the effort. Her reward? She has learned to succeed by trying - by taking measure of the risk of a bruised knee vs. the thrill of achievement.

So what risks have you taken lately? Have you dared take a new direction in anticipation of some hitherto unknown fortune? Have you dreamed "outside the box" and then taken steps to bring your dream to fruition? If not - why not?

Perhaps you want to expand your career objectives. You may need to risk capital, effort, and even ridicule from your business associates. When you succeed, you risk standing out from the crowd - an uncomfortable position to some.

Maybe you want to communicate more fully with your children, but dread the risk of alienating them through frank discussions of sensitive issues.

Do we really think about it when we hear common sayings like, "Nothing ventured - nothing gained?" They are sound advice from someone who took the risk and gained the fortune. No matter what fortune you desire, it is available to you only when you are willing to take that all-important first step. Go ahead, spin the wheel of fortune--you just might discover its accomplice.

February 21, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"People fail forward to success." ~ Mary Kay Ash

Failing Forward

Gaining experience is almost like having to take a test before you’ve taken the course, isn’t it? While there is such a thing as a natural talent in just about any field of endeavor, it's probably safe to assume that most people working (or playing) at anything, from the practice of law to the game of tennis, have a long road behind them paved with what they considered (at the time) to be failures.

Every experience we have, however, should be a learning process. And our so-called "failures" are in fact the experiences from which we learn the most. Early on in life, the way we gain our sense of balance is from falling down when we first attempt to walk. Every fall, every "failure," eventually led to success.

It's a rare individual who does well in his or her first attempt at anything. Despite Yoda's philosophy in the Star Wars saga that "There is no try; there is only do," most of us end up "doing" after repeated attempts at "trying." Eventually, we’ll manage to succeed.

Quite expectedly, many of us don't perform well initially when attempting something new. When we finally achieve our goals, it's the end result that matters--because of everything we previously considered, failure simply becomes part of the process of success. Then we have indeed failed forward!

February 14, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"A man's reputation is the opinion people have of him; his character is what he really is."-- Jack Miner, conservationist

How's Your Credit?

It’s not uncommon to hear someone say, “I have good credit.” Of course, they are referring to their financial credit rating, the score bestowed upon them by creditors, banks or rating agencies. Simply stating, "I have good credit" changes nothing, nor does the statement merit the attention of creditors. Credit can only be given by others for service to them, i.e. paying them on time.

In the accounting world of income and expense, a debit is something paid out, while a credit is something received. Thus, all credits are received from others - not by our own making. The debits - what we pay out - are our efforts, persistence, and service. How they are rated is not under our control, but is determined by those served.

So, credit is the result of serving others - in many ways. You cannot claim education, victory, experience, success, reputation, or a suave demeanor. Each of these is a gift from others, as a result of your service to them. Friends recognize your perseverance as a result of your being cool under pressure. Your success is recognized by others only once you have served them well. Knowledge of your career field is recognized by others only after it's been applied to situations in the form of more service.

Without service, there are few rewards. You've seen those who insist on getting more attention than they deserve. They feel they're being short changed, that they are not appreciated, that they are always the victim. If you look more closely at their contributions, you are also likely to see the low-quality service they are offering.

With service, credit follows. It may be subtle or quite visible - but it always follows. Concentrate on what you have to offer and forget the rewards. Only then will you raise your credit score with others!

February 7, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify." -- Henry David Thoreau

Go Retro--Simplify

You've heard that it's good to "take time to smell the roses." You no doubt have also experienced the frustration of trying to find even a spare moment to water the roses, much less taking the time to actually enjoy them.

Why do so many sources advise taking time off for yourself for thoughtful introspection? Don't they know it's impossible in today's fast-paced world of making money, driving the soccer carpool, career challenges, family responsibilities, staying fit, social media and so much more?

In fact, our society is totally preoccupied with all of the above. For those living in a big city, or even the suburbs, the opportunities to stay on the go are even greater. Those who live in rural areas might enjoy a little peace and serenity from their surroundings, but today's culture is becoming the norm, no matter where you live.

How did this happen? It's simple - or at least it was as late as the 1950's. Back then there were two kinds of soap - Lifebouy and Ivory. There were four automakers - GM, Ford, Chrysler, and American Motors. Computers were huge and used by scientists, and long-distance meant an expensive phone call, so letter-writing was more common for keeping in touch. Families watched "I Love Lucy!" together. No Netflix, no gaming systems, no TikTok or Twitter. Children spent more time outside at play.

Today the choices that face us each day are almost overwhelming. Which of many Internet providers or meal kit service is best? Which cell phone or tablet should you have? Where will you find the money for the special outfit, chauffeur, and professional photographer required for your child’s fifth-grade "prom"?

The world is spinning so fast, and isn't likely to slow down soon. Modern technology and inventions are great, but there's nothing wrong with looking back at simpler times for inspiration to slow down. Putting a time limit on yourself or cutting certain things from your schedule can be difficult, as we’ve become so used to running around getting things done or spending our free time scrolling on our smartphones, watching things that truly will not matter later in life.

While you can't change the world's pace, you are free to change and simplify your own.

January 31, 2022

Inspiration for today:

“Other people’s lives seem better than yours because you’re comparing their director’s cuts with your behind the scenes.” ― Evan Rauch

Who's Taking Your Exam?

Ah, the concepts of failure and success. Our perspective on each has an effect on nearly every aspect of our lives - work, play, and relationships. How do we define our failures and our successes, or our potential for each? If you're taking a multiple-choice exam, then the answer is pretty easy - it's how many correct answers you mark versus how many incorrect answers. The more you mark correctly, the more successful you are on the exam.

Although life can be seen as a series of "multiple choice" problems, there is no instructor giving us the answers or who can "grade" our performance once we've chosen. It is really up to us to evaluate our choices and our actions. Yet so many of us look to others to measure our success.

Who's the top producer in your office? Who has the most base hits on your league's softball team? What is influencing our thoughts and minds on social media? We often define success by a single aspect of someone's performance. Every person is an individual, who needs to decide for himself or herself how to define his or her success. If you're simply measuring yourself against everyone else, or what you believe everyone else expects of you, you may be cheating yourself out of true happiness.

Hopefully, you wouldn't allow someone to take a test for you, so don't allow anyone's seeming perfection have an effect on how you choose your answers. Measure success by your own standards. You'll find contentment and self-worth when you do.

January 24, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away." ~ Sir Arthur Helps

Go Ahead, Make Their Day

What does it take to make our day? We don’t have to ask that of ourselves, because we know what it takes. Why not wake up every day and ask ourselves what it takes to make someone else's day?

You might think it challenging to find a way to really pick someone up, but remember that you don't necessarily have to be "down" to be lifted up. The truth is that we have absolutely no idea when we could be making a life-altering impact on somebody, with just a simple word or act of kindness.

Let someone you work with know, out of the clear blue, how much you appreciate their contributions. Or tell them how much confidence you have in their work or their ability to complete an upcoming project with flying colors. You'll be amazed how their expression brightens, their pace suddenly picks up, and everything about them says, "That just made my day!"

We live in an increasingly fast-paced society, where more and better work - completed in less time - is simply expected. Make it clear at work and at home that while performance is expected, it is also nurtured and rewarded, if only with kind words and fair treatment. You might soon find everyone around you meeting and exceeding those expectations.

Take the things that you'd like to see from your desires and expectations of having your day made and use it towards others. Make someone’s day, and they’ll make someone else’s day, and they’ll make another person’s day–you get the picture!

January 18, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"Plan for gradual improvement, not spectacular leaps. A slow and steady stream of water will, in time, erode the hardest rock." ~ John Campbell

Batter Up!

It's exciting to attend a baseball game in any league and see the batter swing into a major home run. It really ramps up the fans, and quickly bumps up the score. What batter wouldn't feel invincible running around the bases knowing they’re home free?

In most baseball seasons, however, there are many more base hits, more runs batted in, and more games won on singles and doubles. Oh sure, the crowd is more subdued, the accolades lower key, and the base-hit batters not as widely recognized. Nevertheless, at the end of the season it's the base hits that win the pennant.

Yet, we’re normally only encouraged to “hit a home run” when we’re about to take on a task or a new venture. This isn’t the best choice of words, as it makes us feel as if the big things are most important when we set off on our plans.

Our journey should consist of hitting singles and doubles - getting an excellent education, saving and investing modest sums, quietly improving ourselves and our skills. Each step forward, no matter the size of the step, will pay larger and larger dividends in the form of gaining knowledge, promotions, added income, or independence later on.

So, when you step up to the home plate of life, swing for the bleachers, but keep in mind that getting a base hit every time will help get you closer to the sought-after pennant than home run after home run. Batter up!

January 10, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"There is no daily chore so trivial that it cannot be made important by skipping it two days running." —Robert Brault

Keeping House or Keeping Home?

How much time are we spending on the dozens of smaller jobs that are done on a regular basis--necessary chores like housework or mowing the lawn or grocery shopping or washing the car. Though some find it satisfying to complete those tasks, have you actually added up how may hours of your time away from your paid job are spent checking off sometimes dreaded tasks?

The fact is that most of us have too much on our To Do lists, and much of our “free time” is spent on what we consider menial work that we often begin to actually resent. When you lament "having no time" for a little fun, stop and consider to what extent that is due to your own personal sense of priorities.

You might re-evaluate what is truly essential. Chances are that duties to which you're giving up your entire Saturday are not as important to family members or friends as spending some down time with you. After all, how many of us are introduced, "This is Joe - he really works hard to have the perfect lawn...” or, “Meet Mary - you can literally eat off her immaculate floors"? How many of our children tell their friends, "You'll really like my mom and dad. They keep all the windows in our house sparkling clean and lint-free…"?

Get your home in order by taking time from housekeeping! Put down the car wax and the mop, and get out and enjoy some time with family or friends, or--here’s a novelty--just yourself. At least set aside one "free time" day per month to do just that--enjoy some free time! It’s quite likely that the sun will still rise the next day, and your To Do list will be there waiting for you!

January 3, 2022

Inspiration for today:

"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend seven sharpening my axe."~ Abraham Lincoln

How Many Trees in 2022?

Many of you have goals for the new year, so let's use cutting down a tree as a metaphor for each goal you have set for yourself. Now, going back to our inspirational quote, how many trees do you plan to chop down in 2022? One? One per month? Twenty-four? The higher you plan to go, the sharper your axe had better be. What's more, most axe blades lose their edge after only a few trees. That means it will be necessary to step back from the hard work of chopping, and hone the blade numerous times throughout the year.

Here are a few suggestions to keep your "edge" in the coming year: Planning is a necessary first step. If you don't know how many trees you want to chop, how will you know when you're finished? Will you be chopping small, medium or large trees? Apple, maple or pine? Will you take long powerful swings, or just hack away 'til they fall? Make some important chopping decisions before you begin.

Education is the next step. It comes in many forms, like books, recordings, videos, seminars, continuing education courses, and so on. Vary your approach to education to avoid boredom. Seminars and courses are an excellent way to boost your attitude by sharing ideas and strategies with colleagues and associates.

A positive attitude is critical too. It is the magnet that brings trees to your doorstep. Recreation is vital to maintaining that attitude. When you find yourself working 60 and 70-hour weeks, you'll also notice your energy level and attitude begin to dull very quickly. Learn to schedule time off for yourself and family members. Choose activities that leave no room for thoughts about work. You'll notice an immediate improvement in your tree chopping. Soon you'll be off to a flying start with a very sharp axe!

December 27, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“Day is over, night has come. Today is gone, what’s done is done. Embrace your dreams, through the night. Tomorrow comes with a whole new light.” --George Orwell

The Night Before Tomorrow

How did you sleep last night? Hopefully, you didn't toss and turn worrying about the start of another workweek. A lot of us have trouble these days getting what our minds and bodies need most - rest. We rush around all day, do chores into the evening, don't eat as well as we should, and go to bed later than we ought to. Then we lie awake thinking about everything we did today, and everything we have to do tomorrow. We're so darned tired when we go to bed that we we can't actually sleep!

It's a modern day dilemma of our fast-paced, do-more-in-less-time culture. The irony, however, is that our periods of rest and relaxation are vitally important to our success. When we sleep, we heal - and we dream. Bedtime is the time to put aside worries of today and plans of tomorrow - to take a reckoning of the day and be satisfied that you made it through.

Try to squeeze in some downtime before turning out the lights - some light reading or a little quiet time on the porch or patio. Anything you do to put the day's cares out of your mind will help you sleep when you finally close your eyes.

A big factor in clearing your mind? Forgiveness. It has been said that "one of the secrets of a long and fruitful life is to forgive everybody everything every night before you go to bed." Whether for ourselves or others, forgiving what's happened today will greatly improve your outlook for tomorrow.

Imagine the beauty of going to bed with no anger or regret in your heart. Imagine waking up in that same state. Forgive our hectic world, forgive yourself for trying to do too much. Tonight, relax and let yourself dream.

December 20, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” John Lydgate

The Pursuit of Holiday Happiness

Here we are in the midst of the holiday rush - buying gifts, attending parties, decorating, sending cards, and preparing for the feast of the season. We're doing all this for whom?

We tell ourselves it's for the ones we love. We want to make them happy, fill them with joy, and make their world bright. We want to make everything perfect for them at this special time of year.

In a way, that's like preparing the holiday feast for those who matter most to us, then eating it for them and commenting on how tasty it was. Truth is, we can't "make them" do anything, we can only spread the table before them.

Epictetus once said, "Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. If you think that you have free rein over things that are naturally beyond your control, or if you attempt to adopt the affairs of others as your own, your pursuits will be thwarted and you will become a frustrated, anxious, and fault-finding person."

December 13, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” ~Tony Robbins

Return This Gift, Please

Two major holidays down, at least one more to go, and then it’s the new year. At this time of year, it’s very easy to get caught up in expectations and to lose sight of reality. Some are trying to squeeze an entire year of visits with friends and family into a one-month time frame, while others may be experiencing that certain melancholy that attends the circumstance of not having friends or family with whom to share the joy of the season.

Why do we feel so overwhelmed during these last months of the year? Partly, it’s the impression that society has commercialized what should otherwise be an opportunity to gather in love, fellowship and gratitude. Regardless of the warmly glowing lights and the gifts wrapped in glittering paper and bows, the magic is absent.

Skeptics of the season find that “nothing is a miracle,” because they feel that the significance and majesty of our holidays have been sucked dry by high prices and higher expectations. However, there are those lucky folks out there who have found that everything is a miracle, not just at the holidays, but also throughout life.

It’s time to put on your “miracle glasses” by shunning the exchange of piles of presents and avoiding the bright and shiny department stores. Those things simply confirm our worst suspicions, and rob us of the joy we’re supposed to feel and share with others.

This year, your gifts to friends and family could take the form of donations to charitable organizations, given in their name. If you give it some thought, you’d recognize that everyone you know has some cause for which they feel strongly.

Remember that philanthropy always comes in the right size and color, and never needs dusting or ironing. If you’re lucky, this gift just might be returned!

December 6, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“Merely complaining without proposing an alternative offers nothing.”
~ Jacque Fresco

How to Get Nowhere

We're all familiar with the idea that the things we really regret are the things that we never did. Our mistakes are easier to live with because at least we dared to achieve something, even if we failed. So when we fear to try, and fear to succeed or fail, what do we do? We complain.

But have you noticed that folks only complain about things that can actually be changed? How useless is it to complain about the weather, after all? A violent thunderstorm may wreck our plans, but we ultimately just accept it and adjust our plans to accommodate Mother Nature. But our real complaints are based on the belief that there is something better out there.

Believing in something better is different from achieving something better. The difference is risk. We may believe there's a better job out there, but we may risk being unemployed to find it. We may believe there is a better partner for us, but we may risk being alone while we search. We may believe there is a better solution to a problem at work, but we risk ridicule when we share our ideas.

How could it be better to just complain about something, when you can actually risk having everything you desire? Charles Dubois wrote that "The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become." Why have a problem letting go of mediocrity? Why fear accomplishing your dreams and becoming the person you want to be?

Stop complaining to colleagues about your personal life, stop complaining to your spouse about work! Stop complaining to anyone who cannot help you make a change. Go straight to the source of your unhappiness and start working fearlessly toward your vision. If you know it can better, make it so, or simply remain where you are. Complaining about it is getting you nowhere.

November 29, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"I care not so much what I am to others as what I am to myself. I will be rich by myself, and not by borrowing." ~ Michel de Montaigne

Personal Bankruptcy

We spend a lot of time worrying about how others see us, how we appear and how we act. It’s a form of self-awareness, perhaps, but how much help does it offer us as we try to appraise our own value? Our personal worth lies not so much in other people’s estimation, but in how comfortable we are with ourselves.

Several years ago, a convention's keynote speaker suggested to the audience to think of their life as a bank account. Keep making withdrawals without making any deposits, you’ll end up bankrupt.

Withdrawals might include things like working late hours, handling emergency situations, mental anguish over money or relationships – you get the idea. We all have a list of activities that drain our energy, whether or not they are for our good or the good of others.

Then there are deposits, like taking a vacation, spending time on a favorite hobby, a romantic evening with our spouse or partner. Surely you can think of a lot things you’d love to do, but don’t feel you’ve got that much time to devote to just yourself.

It's been said that the most important relationship you have in your life is with yourself. It’s true – how can you possibly nurture successful personal and business relationships if you aren’t happy with who you are and how you feel? Unless you put yourself first, you’ll end up physically and emotionally bankrupt – leaving you with nothing to invest in your relationships with others.

You can’t borrow from others what you need to achieve success. You’ve heard it before that it’s never too late to begin building equity – in yourself!

November 22, 2021

Inspiration for today:

Living Gratefully

But what if we lived like we were grateful?

If you thank your children for taking out the trash or keeping their room clean, they will be more apt to continue that kind of behavior, maybe even happily.

Be thankful at work, as hard as it can be sometimes. Make an effort to voice your appreciation to a few people every day for what they do, whether they do it for you or someone else.

November 15, 2021

Inspiration for today:

Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
-A Psalm of Life, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Ever Notice the Change?

You may have noticed that towards the end of the warm months, your energy level begins to sag. Depending on the average temperature in your area, your tendency to accomplish less may be obvious or even quite subtle. Nevertheless, when that first fresh breath of autumn passes through, drying up the humidity, you suddenly feel rejuvenated. Your energy returns, your objectives come back into focus, and you're back on track.

What a great time of year to formulate some positive autumn “resolutions” - to literally turn over a new leaf. In a 1949 issue of Good Housekeeping, an author notes that we make negative resolutions in January, i.e. "lose" weight, "quit" smoking, etc. - and we do it at a time when many are "worn out in spirit, body, and pocketbook, and have no real urge to do anything but rest."

So, why not use the changing of the clock from Daylight Savings to Standard Time as your excuse to formulate some new goals? Instead of concentrating on the negatives (as in January), take some time alone to work on the positives you want to invite into your life. It can include everything from simple joys of time with family and loved ones to a complex plan to pump up the production level of your business.

Best of all, you won't be distracted by blaring horns, confetti, or a Champagne hangover. In fact, there's no need to share your revitalized outlook with anyone. Work quietly, think outside the box, and plant some new seeds for future growth. Use the time change to change how you spend your time.

November 8, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"I believe that a negative statement is poison. I'm convinced that the negative has power. It lives." ~~Maya Angelou

Where Seldom is Heard...

Have you ever found yourself saying anything discouraging--not only to others, but to yourself? Do you downplay your hard-earned accomplishments to luck or find multiple flaws?

November 1, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate." ~ Joseph Priestly

Who Has the Time?

Anything that “saves time” is simply making more time that you can then devote to some other pursuit. Dishwashers and clothes dryers were supposed to be modern time- and effort-reducing marvels, but did people just sit around and relax after the cleaning was done? No, because all the “extra time” created by technology has only served to increase the hectic pace of our lives, allowing us to do more and more in less and less time.

What about the cell phones, which are just as important as our wallets and keys when we leave home? Promoted as easy and inexpensive ways to communicate, they have ultimately diminished the personal aspect of communication. Ever gotten a phone call from someone who was killing time in line at the grocery store, or even worse, in traffic? Critical for emergencies and conducting business, cell phones otherwise give us an excuse for quick calls on the run, before the battery dies or the signal drops out (or another calls beeps in).

Texting is another beast altogether, having reduced our language skills to nothing more than emojis and run-on sentences without a care for proper grammar. Email and smart phone messaging apps have replaced the answering machine as the new way to ignore communication. The sender feels good because at least they made an effort to get in touch, but the recipient is in the privileged position of responding whenever they wish.

Ideally, we would all be able to sit down at home with undivided attention and give someone an hour of quality time on the phone. Or perhaps sit down with pen and paper and actually handwrite a personal letter to a friend or relative who lives at some distance. But really, who has the time?

October 25, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“It is time I stepped aside for a less experienced and less able man.” ~~Scott Elledge, (upon his retirement)

Masters of the Universe

Today's quote has got to make you laugh. Professor Elledge had a clear concept of his intelligence and qualifications, but also a sense of humor about his confidence in himself (or lack of confidence in others!). Then his words make us start to think about how we perceive our own talents, and how unwilling we might be to "let go" of some of our control, meaning our control over our responsibilities and tasks - what we are expected to do and how well we are expected to do it.

What happens when the time comes to relinquish some of that control? Perhaps you have finally gotten to the point of needing an assistant or - horrors - training someone else to perform your duties. Personal confidence is a superb trait, to be sure, but what happens when that confidence makes you feel like you're the only person in the world who can handle what you do? Maybe it's time for a reality check.

If you have these feelings, it's possible that you've already got too much responsibility in the first place. Sometimes it is very difficult to give up some of your responsibilities out of the fear that someone else will just "screw it up." Did you know how to do everything your job involves on the first day you started? A time always comes to let someone else learn how to do things, and allow them to help you if necessary.

Chances are that we all started out as "less experienced and less able," and along the way we surely made our own mistakes, learned and coped and ended up where we are today - masters of the universe! So don't worry about relinquishing some control - in the end it often proves to be better for you and for whomever needs to develop the experience that led to your own success!

October 18, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“You will become a great philanthropist in your later years.”~ Chinese Fortune

Sharing the Fortune Cookie

Today’s quote was lifted from an actual fortune cookie that a friend opened after a recent dinner at the local Chinese restaurant (Lucky Numbers: 34, 15, 26, 38, 17, 8). It’s got to be the best cookie fortune ever! Its positive message is twofold, a doubly wonderful possibility for the future.

Becoming a philanthropist is hopefully founded on the premise of becoming very wealthy, so the fortune seems to imply that not only will my friend become rich, but that he'll also be responsible enough to put that wealth to good use.

Capitalism is a “necessary evil” of this global age, and for some, it creates a sense of obligation to help those less fortunate. Or to help them to help themselves, primarily through the improvement of education and health systems throughout the world.

The idea of the dog-eat-dog corporate mentality is becoming outdated. Selfishness is no longer in style, and trampling everyone else down is no longer seen as the best road to success. More and more well-known people like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are, via philanthropy, teaching a message of social responsibility.

Even if my friend never attains the kind of wealth those mentioned have built, it's still certain that the cookie’s fortune can come true, because everyone has a responsibility to help others, no matter who you are, where you live, or the balance in your bank account.

October 11, 2021

Inspiration for today:

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. ~ Unattributed

Pace Yourself

With the arrival of the fall season, life’s pace picks up a bit. With the dog days of summer behind us, we look toward the seasonal shifts in life in general and the approaching holidays. Our To Do lists start to get longer, and our enthusiasm sometimes wanes when we get overwhelmed.

So as the days get shorter, how do we increase our productivity? The short answer is “a little bit at a time.” Specifically, just fifteen minutes at a time, according to many time management experts.

The argument is simple: you get more done by organizing your day into small chunks of time, instead of devoting three hour blocks to a project. It’s only when we’ve fallen too far behind that we force ourselves to spend so much time and effort on an unfinished task. Then we burn out and can’t seem to get anything done at all.

Take something as routine and unexciting as catching up on phone calls or email messages. Put it off all week, and suddenly you’ve got thirty calls to return and ninety messages in your Inbox. But just fifteen minutes a day spent on each of these two tasks adds up to two and half hours of quality work during the week. Extend that concept to other things like exercise and reading, both of which improve the rest of your day and your labor.

Devoting fifteen minutes isn’t difficult, and once you’ve begun, you might find yourself working even longer. Maybe you’ll feel that the project at hand isn’t so overwhelming after all, and once it’s behind you, you’ll feel renewed enthusiasm for the next item on the To Do list.

Ultimately, just remember that fifteen minutes a day is better than nothing at all, and in one hour you can begin to attack up to four different responsibilities. One old proverb says that a minute of time is like an inch of gold. Invest just a few minutes and discover your reward!

October 4, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can't be done." ~ Henry Ford

Are You Listening to the Critics?

If you've ever had a dream - you've also had critics. It seems they show up right on cue every time that special new dream begins to form. Critics come in the form of family members, employers, friends, and associates.

Interestingly, the only opinion worth listening to is your own. The opinions of others simply reflect their own limitations - and have nothing to do with the achievement of your dreams. Just imagine how shallow the world would be today if the following individuals had listened to their critics:

Arnold Schwarzenegger's family said, "How long will you go on training all day in a gymnasium and living in a dream world?"

Mary Kay Ash's attorney advised two weeks before her first store opening, "Liquidate the business right now and recoup whatever cash you can. If you don't, you'll end up penniless."

His teachers to Ray Charles: "You can't play the piano, and God knows you can't sing. You'd better learn how to weave chairs so you can support yourself."

What Diana Ross heard her teacher say when auditioning for a high school play: "You have a nice voice, but it's nothing special."

Have a dream? Live it, pursue it, and achieve it - with a passion!

September 27, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Some people want it to happen; some wish it would happen; others make it happen." – Michael Jordan

Build Your Own

"Follow the yellow brick road," sang Dorothy and her unusual entourage in The Wizard of Oz, as they marched toward the Emerald City. The road was clear and their direction set. What they didn't know was that the good witch and the joyful munchkins had sent them down a road leading to a wanna-be fake wizard behind a curtain.

Have you ever had friends or family direct you to take a "yellow brick road" of their imagining? If you blindly followed their advice, you may have ended up in your own Emerald City of disappointment. The truth is that you have the power to create and follow a yellow brick road of your own, one that leads to the realization of your dreams.

The hard part is that you must also lay the paving stones of that road. You must first decide on a destination, and then be certain that each brick faces in that direction. Along the way, you may be distracted by winged monkeys or a wicked witch of your own making. If you succumb to those distractions, you may look back to find that your paving stones are uneven and lead in the wrong direction.

Only by having your destination clearly in mind will you arrive unscathed by life's many dead-ends and hairpin twists and turns. You must also be committed to the work involved - choosing only the right bricks, having the patience and perseverance to lay them straight, and the strength to avoid life's temptations as you work.

While there's nothing wrong with following sage advice, there is something wrong with putting all of your faith into every suggestion your receive along the way. Building your own yellow brick road to success is a DIY job if you want it done right and you want to get to your destination.

September 20, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Set your purse to fattening."~ George S. Clason

Rise to the Occasion

In 1926, George Clason introduced a series of pamphlets on thrift and financial success which were widely distributed by banks and insurance companies. He used fables, set in ancient Babylon, to make his points. The most famous of them, "The Richest Man in Babylon," is familiar to millions.

So, who are you most like - Arkad . . . or his friends? If you know and practice Arkad's teachings, your primary obligation now is to teach your children, and their children. If you have not been so fortunate as to learn the "laws" and practice them, take heart. It is not too late.

In simple terms, "spend less than you earn" is the critical element that produces wealth. It also requires self-discipline, learned behavior, persistence, wisdom, knowledge, integrity, and more. For some, it will be easy, while others will have to make some great changes, but it will be worth it in more ways than wealth. Rise to the occasion, and start putting on some weight in your wallet!

September 13, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.”~ Henry Ford

Puzzled By the Details?

Ever felt overwhelmed by the details? Like there are just too many little things to be done on the way to something big? If you haven't tried one recently, think back to the last time you tackled a 1000- or 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle.

Pursuing your goals is like opening up that box and dumping out all the pieces. You concentrate on that picture of the completed puzzle on the front of the box. You start sorting out the pieces according to what part of the puzzle they'll complete. You spend endless hours diligently working, but you know you'll never finish it unless you are enjoying the process of piecing it all together.

Small successes inspire you to continue. Maybe you have a "team" of others who help you put it together, or maybe you enjoy working alone. If you have a lot of responsibility at work, and are expected to run the show and perform without constant supervision, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember as you work that you carefully place one piece at a time, and you know that you are in charge and that you will enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Taking care of the little things can be extremely satisfying, especially when you know that's what it takes to keep the operation going and progressing toward your goals. A study published in Human Kinetics (Orlick, 1998) actually showed that "life satisfaction" is 22 percent more likely for those with a steady stream of minor achievements than those who express interest only in major accomplishments!

So keep at it - one piece at a time - with an eye toward the big picture. Enjoy the pleasure from all of your accomplishments, remembering the unattributed phrase, "True worth is doing each day some little good, not dreaming of great things to do by and by."

September 7, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Men are disturbed not by things that happen, but by their opinions of the things that happen." ~ Epictetus (55-135)

Lighten Up

Maybe it's time to slow down a bit. We can control only one thing - our own actions. If there is something to be judged, it would be our reaction to things that happen, not the events themselves.

In Stephen Covey's Seven Habits, Habit #5 says, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." In explaining, Covey states, "People do not see the world as it is; they see it as they are - or as they have been conditioned to be." In other words, understanding removes judgement.

August 30, 2021

Inspiration for today:

Sometimes we miss happiness by looking too far for things nearby. ~~Anonymous

Just Ask Dorothy

You've probably seen it a dozen times or more - The Wizard of Oz. It's a delightful tale of fantasy, complete with a castle the color of emeralds, a scarecrow in need of a brain, a yellow brick road, a wicked witch and a mythical wizard with the imagined power to send Dorothy home to Kansas.

Regardless of the fantasy, the beautiful color, the unusual characters, and the whimsical plot, there is a powerful message that comes as one of Dorothy's last lines as she prepares to leave Oz. She says, "If ever again I go looking for my heart's desire, I won't look any further than my own backyard." It's such a simple statement, yet it carries a lesson for all of us.

How often do we look outside our own world of home and family for "our heart's desire?" There are so many distractions that lure us out of our own backyard: careers, shopping, powerful people, sports, clubs, binge-watching, social media, and the list goes on. There's so much to do and so little time. Then one day we look and our own backyard no longer seems to exist.

We should take time to smell the roses in our own garden, rather than looking over the fence and down the yellow brick road to see the roses of others. We need to let go of the imagined - the tin man, lion, and scarecrow of our own making - and appreciate the real Auntie Ems in our lives. If we don't, we may wake up one day to realize we're not in "Kansas" anymore.

August 23, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there”~~George Harrison

Making Your Circumstances

From well-known author Napoleon Hill (Think & Grow Rich) comes this story about Napoleon Bonaparte. It seems that he was called the "100,000 man" because despite the size of his army, it seemed to the enemy that he had 100,000 men going into battle with him every time. Just before one successful battle, Napoleon called his officers to discuss the impending clash. One of them told him the battle would have to be delayed because "the circumstances were not just right." Napoleon's answer was, "Circumstances-what are circumstances? I make circumstances.”

Napoleon created the situations required for him to be successful. He was proactive rather than reactive. He acted upon others, instead of re-acting to them.

No matter what your objectives, your success is as close as your ability to act upon your circumstances. In business, that means choosing to cause others to be attracted to you, rather than waiting for them to call. In your personal life, it means acting upon your family and loved-ones in such a way that peace, harmony, and love are the result.

Want to lose weight, have more energy, enjoy greater stamina? Maybe it's time to act upon your own body. That can mean grocery shopping for fruit and nuts rather than snacks and sodas. It can mean treating your body to a brisk walk or strength training rather than binge-watching that Netflix series (while you're gorging on those snacks & soft drinks).

As has been said many times, "Think you can, think you can't - either way, you're right." It's your choice: financial success or failure, stressful living or family peace, low blood pressure and trim body or . . . well, you get the picture.

It's not necessary to suddenly become a human dynamo. Choose to act in favor of small changes at first. Watch what happens. For every action, you will see an equal and opposite reaction. Try delivering a cheerful "Good morning!" to the first person you meet today. Chances are they'll return the gesture with a smile. Go ahead, take your circumstances and make things happen the way you've imagined it!

August 16, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is." ~~Ernest Hemingway

A Blue Ribbon Effort

Have you ever surprised yourself with a moment of creativity or lucidity, just when you were sure you didn’t have it in you? Take in consideration a woman who had to use what she had. She had just returned from vacation the day before her garden club’s competition to discover that unwelcome pests had ravished most everything in her garden.

Trying to back out, she explained that there was nothing in her yard but weeds, but a friend insisted, “I’m sure you’ll find something.” Lacking inspiration, she headed out to the yard with her tools and bucket anyway. She worked, recalling the words of her mother. “You will not always have the things you would like, but you can always make do with what you have.”

She discovered a vine with little blue flowers crawling up the trellis. She realized how pretty the bright yellow dandelions were. Other plants she considered to be weeds had surprisingly beautiful blooms, and one perennial had blossomed sooner than usual, so she took cuts from every plant that was in bloom.

She headed back to the house and began her arrangement, using a coffee can as a pot, hidden inside a sewing basket. She then rushed over to meet the submission deadline. Glad that everyone else had already deposited their entries, she sneaked in her less-than-blue-ribbon quality candidate. She didn’t even stick around for the judging.

When she returned to pick up her entry bouquet, she was shocked to discover a blue ribbon pinned to it, with a note that read, “This entry gets the blue ribbon because it meets all the contest requirements for proportion, suitability of container to its contents and beauty, as well as originality.”

This woman “made do” with what she had, although she thought she didn’t have a chance. So remember that your own strength and creativity are always there, you just never know just how much you’ve got until you are called upon to put it to use!

August 9, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." ~ Annie Dillard

Losing Your Marbles?

It’s Monday morning, and we’re back at the office or factory or wherever we work for a living. How was your weekend? Did you do anything important, or fun, or that you’ll remember for some time to come? Were you away from family because you needed to work? You need to remind yourself that you’re losing your marbles.

No, no, you’re not going crazy!

The explanation lies in this story of a very perceptive gentleman: He sat down one day and did some arithmetic. Figuring the average person lives seventy-five years, he multiplied 75 times 52 and came up with 3,900. That would be the number of Saturdays the average person would have to experience during their lifetime.

He was already fifty-five years old when he first figured this out, so by that time he had already spent over 2,800 Saturdays. Doing the math, he realized he had only a little over 1,000 Saturdays left if he lived to seventy-five.

He went to every toy store in town, buying out all the marbles they had in stock, and he managed to collect 1,000 marbles. Taking them home, he placed them in a large clear container positioned in plain view. Every Saturday since that day, he removed one marble and threw it away.

If you start now, no matter how many marbles you have, watching those marbles diminish week after week will, without doubt, inspire and motivate you to focus on what’s really important in your life. There is nothing like having a physical manifestation of your remaining time on Earth to get your priorities straight.

In his seventy-fifth year, that gentleman took the last marble out of the jar. He figured if he made it to the next Saturday, he’d been given a little extra time. And isn’t that one thing we could all use a little more of?

August 2, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"‘I can’t’ is a limit, and life is about breaking through limits." ~Heather Vogel Frederick

In Memory of "I Can't"

There's a wonderful story in a Chicken Soup For The Soul edition about a 4th grade teacher who decided to have a funeral. The teacher asked her students to fill a sheet of notebook paper with all the things they couldn't do. They wrote furiously for quite a while filling their paper with "I can't do ten push-ups," or "I can't kick the soccer ball past second base," or "I can't get anyone to like me."

The students were then instructed to fold their papers and place them into a shoe-box at the front of the room. The teacher then tucked the box under her arm, and invited the students to follow her out into the playground. There, they each took a turn at the shovel and dug a hole four feet deep. The box was placed in the hole and quickly covered with dirt.

The students then held hands while the instructor delivered a eulogy in memory of "I can't." In it, she noted that "I can't" was survived by his brothers and sister, "I can," "I will," and "I'm going to right away."

"I can't" is a close relative to most of us, yet maybe with a little extra effort we can finally let them go. It won't be easy since they've been such a close relation, yet maybe by dwelling on their brothers and sister and their importance to us, we can!

July 26, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"To have a friend, you must first be a friend." - Unknown

Are You Related?

In the long distant past, all generations of a family lived in the same town, if not just across the road or down the lane. Each member of the family knew all the good--and the bad--about every other member (as well as all of the neighbors). They worked together, played, and prayed together.

Today, families are scattered throughout the country. What we call relationships now are often only acquaintances introduced through business situations or chance meetings. They may be casual and based only on a single shared interest, i.e. golf, fitness, children's school activities, etc. These relationships may lack depth and rarely go beyond that single shared interest.

Even with family relations more scattered and unavailable to us on a day-to-day basis, our human side still has a need and desire for deeper relationships. The good news is that they are not only possible but also available to us with just a little effort.

A single common interest through school-aged children may result in having lunch together. The lunch may reveal that both parents appreciate the arts, with one being an amateur photographer and the other a proficient watercolor artist. Further conversation may find that both are caring for aging parents, have endured similar life challenges, or witnessed brilliant successes.

In short, deep relationships, akin to those shared by families in the past, are still possible. Yes, they must be cultivated. They don't just passively occur as in the daily activities of a family. The result is the same, however, as these relationships can provide a richness to life that is missing in their absence. Try to find some missing relations today!

July 19, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow." ~ from "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder

Learning and Earning

Economists continue to predict that the months ahead will be somewhat tough. What better time to size everything up and rearrange our plans for the future. If you have children, maybe now is the time for you to begin to prepare them for their future by holding a family summer school that offers an economic education.

In this age of debit and credit cards, online shopping and in-your-face advertising, an excellent place to start is by teaching your kids the difference between saving and investing. Explain the difference with this comparison: saving is for a short-term goal like buying the latest video game, and investing leans towards a long-term goal like college.

You can make it fun for everyone by setting up a mock portfolio, containing companies your children are already familiar with. With that done, show them how to find the stock prices in the newspaper or on the web. Perform some weekly monitoring for a few months, so they can learn to observe market trends. Look into reputable apps that feature smaller investments as well.

Once they've got their brains around the concepts of diversification, liquidity and the relationship between risk and reward, you and your financial prodigy may be ready to open a mutual fund. Some are actually designed for young investors and provide educational materials.

If you don't know enough about investing to teach your child, then this will be a great project for both of you! Franklin Roosevelt observed that "happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." By making investing fun and creative, you can encourage children (and yourself) to be more involved.

July 12, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Learning is the fountain of youth.
No matter how old you are,
You mustn't stop growing." ~ Taoist Meditation, Deng Ming-Dao

Don't Stop Growing

Don't believe the phrase "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Creativity isn't only for artists, writers, or musicians. Creativity isn't just what is represented by a canvas or a novel or a song. We can all be creative in our own way, and the most common way that we can all do this is through learning.

As long as we continue to learn and to try new things, we keep our minds fresh and young, and we engage in the act of "creating ourselves" continually. Today's world presents plenty of opportunities for learning, especially about the environment, other cultures, and technology. Technology itself provides ever-easier ways of accessing knowledge through the Internet. And no one is too young or too old to start!

Look around you at the most vital and energetic seniors you know. What do they have in common? A continuing interest in learning and sharing their knowledge and experience with others - so they are engaged constantly in the process. They keep their minds challenged and young, and in so doing, feel younger in body and spirit. They are certainly different than in their youth, but they continue the learning that began there.

Each new phase of our lives brings us new challenges and opportunities for growth. Growing older necessarily means learning new things. We are constantly creating ourselves in this way, and we can adapt ourselves to any situation by that continuing act of creativity that keeps us young.

July 6, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"If you’re not getting it perfect, life is still going to go around. The world still turns. It’s going to be OK. Tomorrow is a new day.”~~Katy Mixon

The Sun Also Rises

Have you lost sight of the big picture? Has every little detail, every little brush stroke, taken on such importance that you no longer remember what you set out to create?

Don't ever lose sight of tomorrow - today and its cares will be over soon enough. No matter how it feels sometimes, there really are only twenty four hours in any given day and they always pass sixty minutes at a time. Time and fear are easily overcome by your faith in the ultimate outcome.

June 28, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Money often costs too much." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Consumers or The Consumed?

An editorial that ran in a local newspaper looked like this: a very large sport-utility vehicle was releasing a large belch while a hand desperately reached out from inside the fuel door, a gas pump lying on the ground beneath. This humorous observation on rising gas prices immediately brought to mind the question: "Are we the consumers, or the consumed?"

As fuel and other prices rise, we are forced to consider just how much we're willing to consume and at what cost. As you plan for your future and retirement, forget about depending solely on Social Security and consider another strategy: Don't spend your money--or at least not as much of it as you have been!

Think what you might get for $1,000: a new sectional sofa, a ticket to the Super Bowl, a riding lawnmower, or maybe a three-day weekend getaway. Regardless of how useful or entertaining any of these options might be, imagine how much $1,000 could really cost you.

Let's say you're thirty years from retirement and are lucky enough to be managing a mutual fund with a steady return of 10% (which is not unreasonable if you are highly pro-active and educated in your investments). If you spend that $1,000, instead of contributing it to your investment fund, you'll have reduced your future savings by at least $17,400!

Do you want that $1,000 now or do you want that $17,400 in the future? Play around with the figures all you want, but the truth will remain constant: wealthy people get that way and stay that way by pinching pennies. Keep your goals well in sight, and avoid the temptation to be consumed by consumerism!

June 21, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out." ~ Anton Chekhov

Halt the Daily Grind

Conventional Wisdom tells us that life’s most traumatic moments provide opportunity for personal growth and discovery. More often, however, it’s the mundane everyday trials and tribulations that really push us to discover the scope of both our achievements and our patience.

We undervalue our daily functions, simply because we do them on such a regular basis. But consistently performing those “menial” jobs, and consistently performing them well, is the real gauge of accomplishment.

Just trying to prevent boredom is a real challenge. You have to be careful not to neglect the small stuff as you look ahead to bigger and more exciting things. You needn’t be in crisis mode all the time, but simply aware that even your most routine responsibilities are important--that’s why you have to do them so often!

If you’re becoming bored by your day-to-day living, then you need to change things up. Don't insult yourself with boredom – you have it within you to educate and entertain yourself, to fill your time with activities that develop your mind or your body.

This is why so many people actually fear retirement. They’ve spent so long on autopilot that they have trouble imagining new routines. But there’s always volunteerism, continuing education, recreational activities and hobbies, second careers, and more, and it doesn't take a retirement to get started!

Put your daily grind to a halt by imagining what you would try to do if you discovered you had one year to live, then get out and do it!

June 14, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"The only people to get even with are those who have helped you." ~ Anonymous

Getting Even

Most of us can probably look back over our lives and careers and recall people who have either helped or hindered us along the way. Which group do you think is more worthy of your consideration?

Unfortunately, many people spend too much time worrying about how they’ve been wronged. The bad stuff tends to stick in our minds, and we’re less inclined to recall the positive deeds and actions. While we may learn from our negative experiences, we can actually teach by demonstrating our positive attitude.

Instead of focusing on those around you who make decisions that set you back, or whose incompetence is driving you nuts, try to take some inspiration and guidance from those who have mentored you or shown an exceptional level of performance. Fight back against those negative influences by raising yourself to the next level.

The most successful and inspirational people around us generally achieve their accomplishments for a greater good. They’re unselfish in their success. They work hard to promote the strength of their company, not just themselves. They volunteer by helping to feed the hungry, visit the lonely, and support those in need. One is not selfish for pursuing one’s own good – selfishness comes from neglecting the good of others.

John Andrew Holmes said, "The entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." No matter how much you focus on your own goals and achievements, you’re not a fully developed individual until concern for others starts to become more important than concern for yourself.

So don’t dwell on getting even when you’ve been wronged – it’s a waste of your time, and can’t produce any positive results. Think more about getting even when you’ve been done right! Then you’ll find more and more good things coming your way!

June 7, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Just because you're the lone voice in the wilderness, it doesn't mean you're wrong." ~ Ghandi

All Alone, or a Group of One?

Our world has few leaders and many followers. The stand you take alone may provide the inspiration needed by followers who agree, but who do not have the ability to speak out on their own. As Ghandi advised, you’re not wrong just because you’re the lone voice.

June 1, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes softly and sits on your shoulder." ~ Anonymous

Draw Your Own Map

Imagine you've planned the trip of your dreams - say from North Carolina to Colorado. You've charted all the roads, have alternate routes stored on your map app, and have your priorities straight in your mind. You get started on a beautiful sunny day, and begin enjoying the ride.

Late in the day, as you approach the Mississippi River, you drive straight into a bank of heavy fog. You turn on your lights, but still cannot see ten feet ahead. Just because the highway is out of sight doesn't mean you've lost your way. Continuing on the path you've set for yourself, you soon break out into the sunshine again - still headed in the direction of your dreams.

In perspective, consider that the trip represents your life's goal - your first priority. Steering your vehicle down the highway hour by hour represents your efforts to reach your goal. The fog bank illustrates the momentary interruptions and obstacles encountered on your journey.

As day #2 begins, you find that you've come to an unexpected intersection - one that's not on your map. Confused, you pull over and scroll through the alternate routes closely. Stay to the right and you'll end up in Colorado. Take a left and you may arrive at an unanticipated, yet equally wonderful destination.

Let's just cut to the chase! Sometimes your priorities change, don't they? Just as you think your goal is in sight, a new opportunity arises. Remember the saying that "life is a journey - not a destination"? What's exciting is that you are in control of the steering wheel, and whatever destination you choose is fine - so long as it's you who has made the choice.

May 24, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur."~ Vince Lombardi

Winning Isn't Everything

Good ol' Vince Lombardi - always a great source for motivating words! Success on the football field was the result of the spirit he had and developed within himself, not the other way around! Sometimes we have a tendency to put the cart before the horse, thinking that we become better people through achieving success. What an egocentric and near-sighted notion! We really achieve success by becoming better people!

Successes can be fleeting, but the will to succeed is everlasting.

May 17, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"The best laid plans o' mice and men often go astray." - Robert Burns

Don't Get Too Comfortable

Do you feel like you're in a place in life where you've achieved your goals and become comfortable in the knowledge that you have reached--or are close to reaching--the zenith of your life and career? Wait--hold on a minute! What if things were to change suddenly . . . and you ended up back at square one?

Maybe that's already happened to you a time or two. Perhaps your career took a sudden turn you hadn't anticipated, or a health problem caught you totally by surprise. What did you do then? Were you paralyzed by fear? Did you feel cheated or angry? Did you blame circumstances for your new situation?

No doubt you are able to rationalize objectively that all of us face change from time to time, that it's a part of life. It's difficult, however, to be objective when change suddenly stares you straight in the eye.

Some years ago, there was a surprise best-seller booklet written by Spencer Johnson called Who Moved My Cheese? It's the story of two mice and two mouse-sized humans and it traces the whimsical challenges faced by these tiny characters as they travel through the maze of life. One of the takeaways of this simple story is
“Sometimes...things change and they are never the same again. This looks like one of those times. That's life! Life moves on. And so should we.”

Our goals and dreams are never achieved without adversity--unless you win the million-dollar lottery. But if you have ever been challenged by change in your world, you know that things simply do not stay the same. Just remember that staying comfortable goes both ways--times of struggle don't last, so don't get too comfortable.

May 10, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“You may have a fresh start any moment you choose…” —Mary Pickford

A Personal Commencement

Have a child, grandchild or friend’s child who will be graduating soon? Whether it's high school or college, commencement exercises mark the end of a full curriculum of education - or do they?

After four or more years of study, homework, reports, science projects, and exams, many graduates would quickly answer that commencement marks the end of their education. In fact, you can often hear students reinforce that line of thinking in their lament, "I'll never pick up another book as long as I live!"

The word commencement however, doesn’t mean the end of anything. Miriam-Webster dictionary defines the word “commence” as a verb meaning “to enter upon : begin.” And that means that a commencement can be the beginning of a new quest for knowledge, not the slamming shut of the books that opened so many doors.

If it's been a few years since you graduated, perhaps you might benefit from a commencement of your own. When's the last time you attended a workshop, bought a recorded educational series, or thought about taking college courses or embarking on a new degree track?

Take a good look at distance learning. Online and virtual learning opens the doors to take a course with an interesting subject, start a degree or certification, or simply learn a new skill. Let your graduating family member be the inspiration for your own commencement!

May 3, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"If you take too long in deciding what to do with your life, you'll find you've done it." ~ George Bernard Shaw

"Before enlightenment - chopping wood, carrying water. After enlightenment - chopping wood, carrying water." ~ Buddha

Plans, Dreams, Life...

Oh - the frustration of it all. The first quote for today deals with the importance of having direction - goals - in your life. You know - we've all heard it for years - our life will be happier, more prosperous, more meaningful if we have a plan, know where we're going, and work systematically at getting there.

If you've tried to do that, you've undoubtedly met with a great deal of frustration along the way. It's like the expression "Life is what happens to you while you're planning other things." No matter how hard you work at your plan, there are those constant interruptions that get in the way, and make it seem so difficult. You are not alone.

As important as the first quote is, think about the second one. A modern paraphrase might go like this: "Before setting and achieving your goals, and having control over your life, your days are filled with trivia, interruptions, hassles, disappointments, family responsibilities, etc. After working your plan and achieving all your dreams and goals - your life is filled with trivia, interruptions, hassles, disappointments, family responsibilities, etc."

Taking control of your life can result in great personal satisfaction, provided you understand it does not bring you to perfection. Intertwined in our desire to achieve peace, success, and enlightenment, there is still plenty of wood to chop and water to carry. The day-to-day responsibilities of life do not disappear. We simply gain the strength to bear them more readily - and with a smile.

So - carry on with your plans and your dreams. Life will happen anyway!

April 26, 2021

Inspiration for today:

“The pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand.”~~Irene C. Kassorla

Investing in Your Investments

In Rich Dad's Guide to Investing, the author talks about taking risks. As an example, "Rich Dad" says, "There is risk driving a car. But driving the car with your hands off the steering wheel is really risky." With regard to driving a car, his point is easily understood.

His real message, however, goes a little deeper. He's really speaking of the risks people associate with investing. While there are inherent risks in any investment (just as there are in driving to the grocery store), if you don't take control of the risks (keeping your hands on the wheel), the risks can quickly overwhelm you. Rich Dad goes on to say that, "It is not necessarily investing that is risky, it is the investor who is risky."

Whether you are investing in yourself, your business, your health, or a stock portfolio, Rich Dad advises that you first gain control over yourself. This is accomplished in two steps: first by creating a written financial plan, and second through intensive study. Both make it possible to get a firm grip on your investment wheel. The written plan is your road map to successful investing, while study provides the knowledge level needed to invest wisely. Collectively, they put you in the driver's seat, giving you control over your investing direction.

If the idea of investing your way to wealth, health or happiness appeals to you, you must first commit to pay the price in time. You do not necessarily have to "have money to make money." Like any successful endeavor, however, you must be willing to invest your time, and we all realize just how valuable that can be!

April 19, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something." - Henry Ford

It's More Than a Job

There’s a suggestion that’s commonly offered to people who have suffered some degree of trauma or tragedy. You’ve probably heard or even said it yourself: “You’ll begin to return to normal once you get back to work.”

But why is that, exactly? Why would working make us feel better? Researchers in Sweden have been studying what makes us happy, and they’ve discovered an interesting twist. Working to achieve a goal, even more than attaining that aim, is what makes people most satisfied.

Of course, there is a caveat. Hard work is satisfying, but only if it suits you, by using your particular strengths and skills. Otherwise, it can be downright demoralizing if you’re working at something you don’t enjoy.

A small business magazine recently interviewed Jim Koch, founder and chairman of what began as a craft beer producer, and is now a nationally-recognized company. Koch’s choice of career dismayed his father, and others thought he was crazy for trying to craft and market a great American beer.

However, his pursuit of what he loved ended up paying big dividends. While his success story might not be typical, he offers this advice: “I always tell people that if you are going to start a business, the chances that it is going to make you rich are actually very small, almost infinitesimal. But if you pursue something that you really love, the odds that you make yourself happy are really pretty good, and that’s the real prize.”

Hopefully, you love--or at least enjoy--your work, whether it’s writing, managing the household, or any variety of activity or employment. If not, you might need to reassess, and discover and pursue what it is that will make you happy. Don't wait - start now!

April 12, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who divide the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't." ~ Gloria Steinem

Opposites Detract

Don't you just love the irony of today's quote? Steinem implies that simply separating people into two categories is too simplistic, but at the same time, she uses that very same technique to convey her meaning!

Learning what something is by defining what it is not has been an age-long practice in education. It's hard to understand light without knowing darkness. How could we appreciate quiet without suffering through loud and constant noise?

While dichotomies or contradictions help us in our understanding, it's very dangerous to define everything we experience in this way, that it's simply one way or the other. Is every declaration either true or false? If so, what do you make of the next two sentences?

The following statement is true. The preceding statement is false!

Okay, all philosophical joking aside, it's easier to categorize the world into "is" and "is not," but we also realize that there are "shades of grey" between the black and the white. If we always expect people to act in just one of two ways, we're in for some nasty surprises.

This world cannot be divided into two kinds of people, no matter how simply you look at it. Can we say that if you make war, you must hate peace? Or that if you love peace, you must not make war? This isn't politicizing - it's a simple observation that we all have within us the capacity for understanding and appreciating not both sides of a situation, but ALL sides.

By avoiding generalizations that reduce everything said or done into good or bad, we open ourselves up to varieties of interpretation that allow us to make truly educated decisions. Sure, it's more complicated and challenging that way, but it keeps us from morphing into the very stereotypes we’re trying to avoid. Vive la difference!

April 5, 2021

Inspiration for today:

A Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: "Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time." When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, "The one I feed the most."

Has the Dog Been Fed?

When was the last time you had a vivid, golly-gee-wow, gotta-do-it-now type of dream - a dream that made you come alive at the very thought of it? Did you put a plan in motion to achieve that dream?

OK - forget about the dream for a moment. What about the rest of your life? Do you know where you're going and which principles you've adopted to get you there?

Sometimes dreams and plans fail to mature into reality by neglect. The good dog isn't fed properly, becomes weak and tentative, and eventually loses out to the mean dog - the one that is all too happy to fill our life with meaningless trivia.

The good dog we're discussing here is your personal constitution, that quiet inner voice that directs your life in the right direction. It's the part of you that thrives on hope, knowledge, service to others, perseverance, honesty, commitment and many other worthy principles. It's the "you" that knows you can make the world a better place for all, and sets out to accomplish the task.

The mean dog thrives on fear, deceit, worry, irresponsibility, and ignorance. This ugly dog can flourish and take over by simply filling the void left when the good dog is too weak to eat. Surely you've seen this dog face-to-face. He sometimes appears as a "friend" who douses your latest brainstorm with cold water, or encourages you to shade the truth a bit to make the deal work.

So how do you feed and encourage the good dog? Inspiration and knowledge are excellent ingredients to build strong hopes and sound dreams. Inspiration is available in many forms ranging from personal relationships with those we admire and trust to biographies of others who have succeeded in spite of the odds. Incidentally, you can easily starve the mean dog by avoiding negative relationships altogether.

Increased knowledge builds skill levels and ultimately confidence and self-esteem. It is difficult to feel vulnerable and defensive when you have all the facts. Knowledge combined with inspiration strengthens principles already adopted, and may introduce you to new ones. Remember, the mean dog thrives on ignorance and fear, both of which can rob your constitution blind.

March 29, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Men stumble over pebbles, never over mountains."~ Emilie Cady

Great and Small

We see Big Things and Little Things using a filter called Perspective. While our personal Perspective is useful in analyzing situations and actions in a meaningful way, it has the potential to be a detriment, denying us alternative and refreshing outlooks and solutions.

Sometimes we get confused about What Is Important. All our lives we are programmed with a Perspective that tells us what we believe is the best course of action. We’re told that we should focus on achieving Big Things, especially in highly competitive professions and fields. But how exactly are we supposed to reach the Top Of The Mountain if we cannot even clear the pebbles along the way? And what happens if you reach the mountaintop and you find that it’s lonely and that there’s nowhere else to go?

We either pay too much attention to the little things and get tripped up along the way, or we don’t pay enough attention to the little things and get tripped up along the way! We focus so hard on reaching the mountain top that we forget how important it is to do the Small Stuff well.

Becoming accomplished at the Small Stuff will eventually change your perspective so you’ll appreciate how truly important your achievements are. Suddenly, there are no more mountains and no more pebbles. You assail each problem and task with the same enthusiasm, effort, and success. Your perspective has changed, and you realize that you better pay attention to the Small Stuff, because really, it’s all Small Stuff.

Charles Simmons summarized it perfectly: "Life is made up of little things. It is very rarely that an occasion is offered for doing a great deal at once. True greatness consists in being great in little things."

March 22, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"We stand at the crossroads each minute, each hour, each day, making choices. We choose the thoughts we allow ourselves to think, the passions we allow ourselves to feel, and the actions we allow ourselves to perform. Each choice is made in the context of whatever value system we've selected to govern our lives. In selecting that value system, we are, in a very real way, making the most important choice we will ever make." - Benjamin Franklin

The Pride of Ownership

Remember the day you made the decision to go to college? What about the day you decided to buy that sporty red car? Surely you remember the day you decided you would get married. What about your present career path? Did you purposely decide it's what you want to do? Do you remember making a conscious decision to have three children?

Some decisions are relatively simple. You decide to buy a TV, go to the store, pay for it - and it's yours. You own it! Other decisions are also easy to make, i.e. the luxury car, but carry a higher price. The decision comes quickly, but entails both a down payment and a commitment to make payments on time for several years. Again, you make the decision to buy and the car is yours - you own it!

At some point in life come decisions that shouldn't have been made, but were, as well as those you should have withheld. In high school, a day of classes skipped may have resulted in grades lower than acceptable to your choice of colleges. Later, a poor choice of friends may have resulted in a blemish on your "permanent" record. As an adult, poor decision-making not only may reduce the quality of your life, but of those you love.

Regardless, each decision made is yours to keep - you own it! You also own the responsibilities created by the decision, i.e. following a healthy lifestyle to stay trim, working two jobs to keep your commitment to the mortgage company, giving up poorly chosen friends and activities to provide your children with a happy, nurturing home life.

Every decision made can turn positive or negative, depending on the actions taken once the decision has been made. Either way - making the decision is followed by ownership of the results. Does "pride of ownership" appeal to you? Buy it, own it, love it!

March 15, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Success is counted sweetest by those who never succeed." ~ Emily Dickinson

How Green is Your Grass?

March 8 , 2021

Inspiration for today:

"The moment of change is the only poem."~ Adrienne Rich

Spring Forward

The beginning of spring always seems like a good time to appreciate the changing of the seasons, and to ruminate on how the cycle of life continues. The shrubs and flowering plants are all green now, and we're just waiting to see those first beautiful blossoms that symbolize another cycle of death and rebirth.

Sooner than we know it, spring will blend into summer, which will likewise end, and then autumn, and finally winter again. While we certainly look forward to spring during the chill of winter, it must be said that even during the summer we sometimes find ourselves longing for a view through the leaf-barren trees and the first flakes of snow.

But we have to be careful not to look so far ahead that we're missing what's right in front of us! Don't wait to take an opportunity to watch the plants bloom and the hummingbirds return. Waiting until next spring just won't do.

Ponder how the fluidity of the seasons gives us the chance to realize change in our own lives. It teaches us to learn to accept how everything changes, everything passes, and everything eventually returns. It reveals a spirituality that goes beyond, and yet includes, any religion. We begin to recognize and embrace these ever-changing yet never-changing cycles in nature and ourselves.

If you already abandoned your New Year's resolutions a couple months ago, why not look at spring as truly the ideal time to imagine changes you'd like to make? It seems to make more sense at this time of year anyhow, when everything is transforming and thriving and beginning anew, while winter passes away behind us. And when winter does come again, will it find you different? Now is the "moment" to write the first line of your "poem of change."

March 1 , 2021

Inspiration for today:

"You can't keep blaming yourself. Just blame yourself once and move on." ~ Homer Simpson

The Blame Game

Ever made a mistake, or failed at what you set out to do? Here’s some big news that you should already know: You’re not alone!

How many times have you kicked yourself in the pants for screwing up? Fessing up to your mistakes is a mark of maturity, self-confidence, and even progress. Whether admitting it to yourself or acknowledging your fault to others, you know that you simply must pick up from that point, regroup your efforts, and with any luck, not make the same mistake twice.

Cicero wrote, "Any man can make mistakes, but only an idiot persists in his error." We could add that only an idiot persists in his blame. Acknowledge your fault, but once is enough. How will you ever feel competent if you can’t manage occasional mistakes? You’re human, right? So is everybody else, and they will understand.

Don’t dwell on your mistakes, or you’re just making another mistake! You’ll garner more respect if you fail, admit your failure and then avoid another error. Anyone engaging in constant self-blame or over-willingness to accept blame is perceived as weak and ineffectual.

Remember that the winner is the one who made the next-to-last mistake! You and your competition will continually experience challenges that will be managed skillfully or be mishandled. Make sure that your last effort is carried out capably!

Think of your life as a series of games or matches in a long sports career, and consider Bill Vaughan’s words: "In the game of life, it's a good idea to have a few early losses, which relieves you of the pressure of trying to maintain an undefeated season." Nobody wants to lose, but nobody wants to be expected to win every time, either! Be realistic in your expectations, modest in your failures and gracious in your victories!

February 22, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"The path you're on looks different when you turn around." - Cynthia Copeland Lewis

Look Back--to the Future

Look back--look at the curves, twists and turns, and think about how and why you took them. Then look ahead, and plan your route with the knowledge of where you've been.

February 15 , 2021

Inspiration for today:

Fear knocked at the door, faith answered. No one was there. ~ Unattributed

Replacement Therapy

Ever received one of those irritating chain emails that contains a touching message, then suggests that if you share it with ten people you'll receive a "special blessing" by the end of the day? It usually also warns that the person who doesn’t forward it will experience some unknown tragedy. Those types of chain letters or generic social media posts perpetuate because someone was afraid of the awful “what if?” of not sharing it with others, so they shared, just in case!

We've been told many times that our worst fears are of the unknown. An unidentified fear sends our imagination into high gear, conjuring up vivid mental pictures of dastardly plots against us. We ruminate endlessly over the possibilities. Such fear is disruptive to our well-being, and leaves us tired and wrung-out.

So, how do you handle fear? One method is to identify the fear, so that once you do, it is no longer "unknown." That also means it is measurable, and can be logically quantified. Once you know what it is, your imagination can no longer dream up worse things that it is not. Once identified, it is possible to determine possible outcomes.

Most fears will never come to fruition. Those that do are divided into two categories: those we can control, and those we can't. If we have control, we also have the ability to survive our fears, and change their outcomes. Most fall into that category.

The opposites of fear is hope and faith, which also gives us courage. The next time you experience fear of the unknown, try replacement therapy. Think positive, hopeful thoughts when fear knocks at the door, but when you open the door--no one is there!

February 8, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"Those who don't think outside the box are easily contained." ~Nicolas Manetta

Get Rid of the Box

February 1, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust

Pack Your Insight

How wonderful it is to learn new things and see new places! How would we ever grow as individuals if we never experienced anything different from that which we see and do in our daily lives? Two different voyages come to mind, however, when considering the discovery of that which is "new" - an outward journey, and one which turns inward.

Your outward "voyage of discovery" takes you to different places and new people. You begin to understand other things outside yourself. This can be as simple as discovering new-found beauty on a wilderness "adventure," or having an engaging conversation or correspondence with someone from a completely different part of the country or the world. The ultimate goal here is not just looking at new things, but looking at things in a new way! A change of scenery can affect a change of mind.

But you can still experience a voyage of discovery even if you don't travel anywhere, even if you don't meet anyone new. You don't have to change your surroundings, just the way you look at them - with "new eyes!" Sometimes stepping back and looking again at the Big Picture can reveal things that you never saw before. The solution to an ongoing problem can suddenly manifest itself.

This can often be the key to unlocking the door to your happiness - finding a way to change yourself instead of changing what surrounds you. For all those situations that seem to be out of your control, you have to realize that you are always in control of yourself. So much stress comes from frustration. Don't keep running up against that rock that represents your problems. Try to act like the water that simply flows around the rock as it continues its journey downstream. Your inward voyage of change can have dramatic results on how you see what's around you! Enjoy your new outlook!

January 25, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"If someone wrote a book about your life . . . would anyone want to read it?" ~ TV Recruiting Ad (U.S. Navy)

Write Your Own Story

Fast-forward your life 20, 30, even 40 years. Now . . . imagine someone writing a book of your life story. Think of the possibilities. Would it be motivational, a mystery perhaps, or even science fiction? What about reference, a novel, true crime, short story, or an expose? Would it be found in the children's section of the library, the reference section, or under biographies?

Wow - the possibilities are endless. The good news is you are the lead character, and get to make all the choices! Close your eyes and visualize how it would read. Assume that the author is an unrelated third-party who knows every detail. That's a scary thought, isn't it?

If you could skip to the end of your own book, how would it read? Summarizing the entire book, would you say it was a thriller, a shocker, a spell-binder, a tragedy, a romance, or an inspiration?

Your life is a book waiting to be written - write it well!

January 19, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"You will be what you will to be." ~~James Allen

Start Sowing Good Seeds

You say to yourself, "I think I'll go shopping," and you do. You say, "I think I'll buy a new smart television," and you do. You say, "I think I'll put it on my credit card," and you do.

James Allen lived from 1864 until 1912. As was popular in the early 1900s, he wrote a series of short essays known as pamphlets. The best known, "As A Man Thinketh," was his most famous work. In it, he provided timeless inspiration on the value of thought as it motivates us to action.

In his pamphlet, Allen states that, "All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts." Speaking of mankind, he continues with, "They themselves are makers of themselves." Thought precedes all action; thus, he reasons that by controlling our thoughts, we also control our destiny.

Notice in the first paragraph above that the "I think" part always seems to lead to the action of "doing." Rarely do we hop in the car, drive aimlessly around, accidentally arrive at a music store, plunk down our credit card, and then say to yourself, "I think I'll go shopping."

If we are the sole controller of our thoughts, it stands to reason that we can also control our actions - and our outcomes in life. Our mind and our thoughts are the seedbed of our futures. What a novel thought. Plant some great thoughts in your mind. Do it today!

January 11, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." ~ George Bernard Shaw

Make Something From Nothing

When's the last time someone told you it's okay to screw things up? Well, unless you're a neurosurgeon or a ballot counter, it's okay! For most of us, a mistake is an action that can be corrected - it's not usually the end of the world, although we're sometimes made to feel that way. Everyone makes mistakes, so don't let somebody else tell you that your mistakes are any worse than theirs.

Of course, we all prefer to succeed rather than to fail. Just remember that most successes actually are the result of at least one failure, if not dozens. Just imagine the realm of scientific discovery - almost every step forward in the name of science really came from taking a lot of steps back! Although trying does not always mean you'll succeed, you'll obviously never succeed without at least trying.

Our mistakes are at least a sign of effort (and of room for improvement!). We just have to keep going until we get it right - study harder, pay more attention to details, listen more carefully. There is honor in persistence - you can't be faulted unless you just give up. We're taught from an early age that mistakes are acceptable as long as you learn from them.

By focusing only on successfully reaching our destination, we tend to overlook the journey and all we can learn (and teach) along the way. Every mistake is an opportunity from which either we or our peers can learn something. In "Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun," author Wess Roberts illustrates that "every hun is useful, if only to serve as a bad example."

We all know the adage about "nothing ventured, nothing gained." If we do nothing, then we teach nothing, learn nothing, and gain nothing. If we are afraid of failure, then we are ultimately doomed to experience it. Embrace life's challenges, do the best that you can do, and be willing to accept the consequences! Make mistakes, but at least make something!

January 4, 2021

Inspiration for today:

"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority." ~Ralph W. Sockman

A League of Your Own

Then he set another goal and refused to waiver from it: He would only join a team that offered him a position as the top backup – setting a reasonable goal, but “kicking it up one notch.”

December 28, 2020

Inspiration for today:

"You got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." ~ Yogi Berra

Fast Forward

Finally, apply that “six month” mentality to your long-term goals. Determine what buttons to push in the coming new year to fast forward yourself toward your destination, and get busy!

December 21, 2020

Inspiration for today:

You're the Photographer

By simply framing a picture in your mind of the person you would like to become, then acting like that person - you are that person! It's like the fake-it-til-you-make-it philosophy: just by "acting" like the person you want to be, you actually become that person.

Your life is whatever you imagine it to be. Create a masterpiece!

December 14, 2020

Inspiration for today:

"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." ~ Edmund Burke

Less Is More

December 7, 2020

Inspiration for today:

"If you keep on saying things are going to be bad, you have a good chance of being a prophet." ~ Isaac Bashevis Singer

Prediction vs. Production

If you’re familiar with many “motivational” speakers and writers, you’ve probably heard or read a hundred times that you must make a “declaration.” It seems that without uttering your deepest desires, they will not come to fruition. Want a better job? Then you must declare that it will be so. Want a fitter body? First you must affirm you will have one.

But be aware of the definition of motivation, “the reason one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.” Just stating that something will happen is not enough – you must “act” or “behave” in a very specific fashion to make that dream come true.

Declarations comfort us, enthuse us, and even energize us, but only for a short period of time. After the initial emotional rush of acknowledging our desire to pursue something, our energy wanes, other issues become more pressing, and we lose sight of our goals. Unfortunately, when the outcome we visualized doesn’t happen, we feel disappointed and our self-esteem takes one on the chin.

The vicious circle completes itself when we make our next declaration, recalling previous shortfalls, and losing our enthusiasm even more quickly. We say, “Ah, these affirmations don’t work. Just saying it doesn’t make it true.” See what we do there?

Now you realize that success doesn’t come from motivational “tricks,” but from a profound effort to produce the desired outcome. Of course you must acknowledge (if only to yourself) what you want in this world, or you’ll just drift aimlessly. But be sure to follow through with a solid plan that anticipates plenty of detours.

Want a better job? Declare it will be so, and then start taking courses in that field, find a mentor, polish your resume, and apply for the positions for which you have qualified yourself. Want a fitter body? First affirm that you will have one, and then sign up for a fitness club membership, actually go to the club regularly, stock your shelves with healthy food, and eat less of it.

So, become a prophet of positivity! Go ahead, predict your future success! But make sure your prophecy is self-fulfilled!

November 30, 2020

Inspiration for today:

"If you want to learn something new, concentrate on getting that 'right feeling' that is true to yourself. Take the risk of letting go the precious little control you've struggled to gain, letting go enough to immerse yourself in what you are doing. Then - do it!" ~ Drs. Tom Rusk & Randy Read

The Search Is Over

Have you ever read Shel Silverstein's wonderful book, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O? It's a whimsical fable that has touched readers of all ages. It chronicles the search most of us have undertaken at one time or another in our lives to find the one person who can make us whole.

As the Missing Piece searches, it encounters other shapes that seem to have a notch made just for the Missing Piece. Some of them fit, but cannot roll. Others have too many pieces missing - while still others have too many pieces. The Missing Piece continues the futile search until one day it meets the Big O - a whole round shape (not a part) with no pieces missing.

Thinking it had, at last, found its whole, there is a profound exchange between the Missing Piece and the Big O:

“I think you are the one I have been waiting for,” said the missing piece. “Maybe I am your missing piece.”

“But I am not missing a piece,” said the Big O. “There is no place you would fit.”

“That is too bad,” said the missing piece. “I was hoping that perhaps I could roll with you…”

“You cannot roll with me,” said the Big O, “but perhaps you can roll by yourself.”

Eventually, a transformation takes place in the Missing Piece once it moves on without its own missing piece.

How often have we all felt that we needed someone else to be whole (or to roll) - not realizing that we are all in fact already the Big O. We are already self-contained, have the ability to roll in any direction we like, and need nothing else to achieve every dream we've ever had. Then, unexpectedly, we find that there are others who are also Big O's, with whom we can share our own wholeness.

If I've lost you with this mysterious tale, find a copy of this unusual story at the library, or look for a read-aloud animation on YouTube. Trust me - you'll understand. It's the type of book wherein you find encouragement and inspiration or give to a loved one who may be feeling like the Missing Piece.

November 23, 2020

Inspiration for today:

"...a grateful attitude...is essential." ~from Gratitude Works! by Robert A. Emmons