I had lunch this week with my insurance agent and friend of many years. He mentioned that he and his wife were struggling with the decision of what school would be best for their daughter next year. Ah, the decision making process! Such a challenge but one we all have to deal with.
He mentioned that she had been accepted to two very wonderfuls schools. How to choose? One factor that he mentioned resonated with me. One school had sent an acceptance letter. The other had sent a lovely packet with brochures describing all the school offered, letters of welcome from various parties and much more. Interesting. It reminded me of a quote that is said repeatedly at any Peak Potential seminar, "How you do anything is how you do eveything." Or when Oprah says love is in the details.
That wonderful packet says much about the quality of the school. If they're willing to take the time to create such a welcoming invitation to their school, then they probably pay as much detail to everything else they do there.
Are you paying attention to the little details of life? Showing the people you care about how much they mean to you by the little extras you do? Applying for jobs with good quality paper, sending a thank you note to follow up? Despite the economy, despite how busy we are, despite the time it takes - take a moment to think about how important the little things are. And in difficult times, they mean even more because so many of us feel overwhelmed by circumstances and events.
Be well and don't forget to check out the Survive & Thrive page for tips to help you along!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Adversity and you
Problems...they're all around us. In fact, some would say that life is a series of problems. Others would say opportunities. Guess it depends on your outlook on life. My horoscope in the paper the other day said, "The beautiful part about having problems is who you become because of them. The ancient philosocopher Horace said, 'Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant.'"
I believe that. I've known that for a long time. Comfortable times make us complacent, satisfied with the status quo. Nothing wrong with comfort - just not what you'll remember most about your life when you look back. In those times, creativity dwindles because it's not needed.
But aversity makes us dig deeper to discover our talents and forces us to do things we never would have challenged ourselves to do. I became a better teacher because of the struggles I faced selling my beloved flight school after the untimely death of my business partner. So much of my strength, determination, creativity, and compassion evolved during that horrific year that saw the loss of a my close friend, the loss of an airplane on September 10 (no injuries gratefully), owning a flight school on 9/11 and all that implied both emotionally and from the sharp decline in business because we weren't flying at all, trying to find a buyer since my partner left no will (who would want a flight school after 9/11??),and ultimately having to leave a business and the employees that I truly loved.
Who will you become during these turbulent times? Who do you want to become? We are capable of so much more than most of us believe. If we choose to look at the problems as opportunities to grow, to change, to step up then these are times we'll be grateful for because they opened the doors to the person we most want to be. If you're following the goal a month plan, maybe March can be the time you decide to step a bit out of your comfort zone. Don't jump out, don't freak out, just step out slowly, patiently, determindly...because those talents that lay dormant within you are just waiting to emerge.
MD
PS...check out the new additions to the Survive & Thrive list including how to get over fear of flying at http:www.horizon4success.com/survive&thrive.htm
I believe that. I've known that for a long time. Comfortable times make us complacent, satisfied with the status quo. Nothing wrong with comfort - just not what you'll remember most about your life when you look back. In those times, creativity dwindles because it's not needed.
But aversity makes us dig deeper to discover our talents and forces us to do things we never would have challenged ourselves to do. I became a better teacher because of the struggles I faced selling my beloved flight school after the untimely death of my business partner. So much of my strength, determination, creativity, and compassion evolved during that horrific year that saw the loss of a my close friend, the loss of an airplane on September 10 (no injuries gratefully), owning a flight school on 9/11 and all that implied both emotionally and from the sharp decline in business because we weren't flying at all, trying to find a buyer since my partner left no will (who would want a flight school after 9/11??),and ultimately having to leave a business and the employees that I truly loved.
Who will you become during these turbulent times? Who do you want to become? We are capable of so much more than most of us believe. If we choose to look at the problems as opportunities to grow, to change, to step up then these are times we'll be grateful for because they opened the doors to the person we most want to be. If you're following the goal a month plan, maybe March can be the time you decide to step a bit out of your comfort zone. Don't jump out, don't freak out, just step out slowly, patiently, determindly...because those talents that lay dormant within you are just waiting to emerge.
MD
PS...check out the new additions to the Survive & Thrive list including how to get over fear of flying at http:www.horizon4success.com/survive&thrive.htm
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What have you forgotten?
A friend let me pick out a book as part of my birthday present. I found one titled
101 Things You Already Knew But Had Forgotten which I really liked. That title made sense to me. We all know so much these days. It's really easy to forget the simple lessons that get pushed into the background, lessons that could really help us get through each day a little easier and happier.
I got reminded of that lesson twice today unexpectedly. First, I was sitting by the water today editing the Strategies of Success textbook I wrote a few years ago so that I have a more updated version. I was reading one of the lessons that I wrote and that I had taught over 20 times, the one about physiology. How we hold our bodies partly determines how we feel. Ok...yeah, I remembered that but didn't really focus on it.
Later in the day, I got a phone call from an old friend who lives far away. We hadn't seen each other in a long time and I felt the loss. I also read a pretty negative article which made me feel less than peppy. Between those two events and a few other issues that came along, I was not having the happiest of afternoons. But then I came into my living room and put on the TV. One of my favorite old movies was on - a musical - and I started watching it. I grabbed my mini-trampoline (yes, I bounce around for exercise - just not too high because I have a low ceiling and there's no point in knocking myself unconscious). Between those two activities, I began to feel better. Not just a little better...a lot better. Why? Two reasons - I had changed my physiology by bouncing and had set myself up with a movie that always made me feel good. I had forgotten that I have these tools on hand whenever I need them. I may have studied this, taught this to teens, written about it...but I forgot it. And it's so easy to do.
Feeling low? Take a minute and remember what makes you happy and find a way to experience it, if only for a few moments. And find a way to move..change that physiology...get the body moving...and you'll be amazed how different you feel.
ps...My thoughts and prayers to my Australian friends on this email list as you deal with the terrible fires that have swept through your country.
pps...Don't forget to check the Survive & Thrive page on my website. I'm adding new links to help you do both in these tough times. You can find them on my Horizon4Success website by clicking here.
101 Things You Already Knew But Had Forgotten which I really liked. That title made sense to me. We all know so much these days. It's really easy to forget the simple lessons that get pushed into the background, lessons that could really help us get through each day a little easier and happier.
I got reminded of that lesson twice today unexpectedly. First, I was sitting by the water today editing the Strategies of Success textbook I wrote a few years ago so that I have a more updated version. I was reading one of the lessons that I wrote and that I had taught over 20 times, the one about physiology. How we hold our bodies partly determines how we feel. Ok...yeah, I remembered that but didn't really focus on it.
Later in the day, I got a phone call from an old friend who lives far away. We hadn't seen each other in a long time and I felt the loss. I also read a pretty negative article which made me feel less than peppy. Between those two events and a few other issues that came along, I was not having the happiest of afternoons. But then I came into my living room and put on the TV. One of my favorite old movies was on - a musical - and I started watching it. I grabbed my mini-trampoline (yes, I bounce around for exercise - just not too high because I have a low ceiling and there's no point in knocking myself unconscious). Between those two activities, I began to feel better. Not just a little better...a lot better. Why? Two reasons - I had changed my physiology by bouncing and had set myself up with a movie that always made me feel good. I had forgotten that I have these tools on hand whenever I need them. I may have studied this, taught this to teens, written about it...but I forgot it. And it's so easy to do.
Feeling low? Take a minute and remember what makes you happy and find a way to experience it, if only for a few moments. And find a way to move..change that physiology...get the body moving...and you'll be amazed how different you feel.
ps...My thoughts and prayers to my Australian friends on this email list as you deal with the terrible fires that have swept through your country.
pps...Don't forget to check the Survive & Thrive page on my website. I'm adding new links to help you do both in these tough times. You can find them on my Horizon4Success website by clicking here.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Survive & Thrive days...
Hi Everyone,
I read this quote today. "If you have the courage to step outside of your comfort zone, you will not only be amazed by the marvel and sights of the world, but also with the wonders that lay deep within yourself." Rosanna Ienco
I've spent time this past week talking to people looking for work, all for very different reasons. Although they range in age from 19 to 60, my advice to them was similar. Maybe some of these tips will help you this week whether you're looking for work or just working on your 2009 goals (got a new one for February?)
* Look at this as a chance to create a new life for yourself. We get to create our life every moment by what we choose to think, say and do.
* Look at the things you do best and enjoy doing. Is there anyone who would pay you to do that for them? I've made a part time career on this tip. I'm pretty good at computers so I taught myself web design. Now I ask small biz people who don't have a web site if they need one. I've never advertised but I'm working steadily (www.horizoninternet-marketing.com). Do you like to shop? Bake? Are there people you could do this for? If you have a job, maybe start this biz on the side to see if it flies.
* Keep learning. The more you know how to do, the more valuable you are. Remember that www.lynda.com I mentioned? Use it to teach yourself how to do something that other people might need and are willing to pay you for.
*Some of the best opportuntities present themselves in tough times. The Today show featured the Snuggie today - perfect for keeping warm when we're saving a bit of energy and keeping our houses cooler. As Al Roker said, "Some guy woke up in the middle of the night, put his robe on backwards and created a business." Look around...what do people need (not want, need) right now? How can you give it to them and get paid in the process?
* If you're in need of a job, go somewhere that isn't advertising and offer your skills to help them fill a need - maybe even one they weren't aware they had. Tell them how you're just the person to help their business. I've gotten quite a few jobs that way. Works because you're not competing with all those people who are answering an ad.
OK, I could keep on going but then this would be much longer than it already is...but you have the idea. I'm collecting lots of ideas to survive and thrive in this new world we're in. Check out the page I made for you at www.horizon4success.com/survive&thrive.htm Check back often as I am going to try to add things weekly from all sorts of resources(my February goal).
Hang in there everyone - get out of your comfort zone and stay positive!!
I read this quote today. "If you have the courage to step outside of your comfort zone, you will not only be amazed by the marvel and sights of the world, but also with the wonders that lay deep within yourself." Rosanna Ienco
I've spent time this past week talking to people looking for work, all for very different reasons. Although they range in age from 19 to 60, my advice to them was similar. Maybe some of these tips will help you this week whether you're looking for work or just working on your 2009 goals (got a new one for February?)
* Look at this as a chance to create a new life for yourself. We get to create our life every moment by what we choose to think, say and do.
* Look at the things you do best and enjoy doing. Is there anyone who would pay you to do that for them? I've made a part time career on this tip. I'm pretty good at computers so I taught myself web design. Now I ask small biz people who don't have a web site if they need one. I've never advertised but I'm working steadily (www.horizoninternet-marketing.com). Do you like to shop? Bake? Are there people you could do this for? If you have a job, maybe start this biz on the side to see if it flies.
* Keep learning. The more you know how to do, the more valuable you are. Remember that www.lynda.com I mentioned? Use it to teach yourself how to do something that other people might need and are willing to pay you for.
*Some of the best opportuntities present themselves in tough times. The Today show featured the Snuggie today - perfect for keeping warm when we're saving a bit of energy and keeping our houses cooler. As Al Roker said, "Some guy woke up in the middle of the night, put his robe on backwards and created a business." Look around...what do people need (not want, need) right now? How can you give it to them and get paid in the process?
* If you're in need of a job, go somewhere that isn't advertising and offer your skills to help them fill a need - maybe even one they weren't aware they had. Tell them how you're just the person to help their business. I've gotten quite a few jobs that way. Works because you're not competing with all those people who are answering an ad.
OK, I could keep on going but then this would be much longer than it already is...but you have the idea. I'm collecting lots of ideas to survive and thrive in this new world we're in. Check out the page I made for you at www.horizon4success.com/survive&thrive.htm Check back often as I am going to try to add things weekly from all sorts of resources(my February goal).
Hang in there everyone - get out of your comfort zone and stay positive!!
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