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.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Yikes! I'm being tested!!
Ok..I know some of you think I've got everything figured out and that I'm never stressed. I do have a lot of strategies that get me through tough times and even mundane times but I sure have been tested lately!! Why? Two words - technology and winter!
These past 2 weeks have been fraught (sp?) with cold and snow up here in New England. My car has slipped and slid all over the place and I never seem to warm up. It's not as bad as other places to be sure and it's nothing compared to the fact that technology has waged war on me!! I've lost internet at home, then on my wireless and to top it off, all my web sites (about 20 of them counting mine and the people I make them for) went down in the last 2 weeks!
Ok...that's it for complaining! Here are some random things I've learned lately in no particular order that I hope you will find helpful:
* There's a great site to teach you info about your computer programs. Stuck on Excel or PowerPoint or any other program? Just go to www.lynda.com. Some of it is free and the rest you have to pay for. They actually show you how each thing works with video. It's relatively inexpensive compared to going back to school which I had been contemplating but didn't want to spend the bucks or the time. Search for a coupon online if you decide to buy the training. I got $50 off the $250 year fee.
* An Allstate commercial said that they began their business in the middle of the depression in 1932. They have survived 12 recessions and noticed that once the fear subsides, people notice that a funny thing happens - people start enjoying the small things in life. It's back to basics and the basics are good and worth protecting. Yes, the basics ARE good. They are part of the reason why I created my leadership/success course - common sense, civility, ethics, leadership, team building... Thanks All State for reminding us of what's important
* So much tough news. When they say that's it's the worst...or the coldest...or the snowiest...since whatever year...take that in stride. If we got through it years ago.. and we did...then we will again.
* If you're a business owner, be sure your company goes back to the basics. Treat your customers right! I went to a baby shower Sunday that had free coffee, free food, free dessert. But if you wanted a cup of tea, you had to pay $2.50!! What??? Is that good business? Why would a tea bag cost $2.50??? A simple little decision is going to hurt their business because the women there thought the 'pay for tea' policy made no sense. And when things don't go right, we tell EVERYONE!!
* If you're an employee, this goes for you too. You are the face of the company and a company that does not do well in this business climate fails. No company - no job. How you perform even the simplest job matters. As one of my mentors T Harv Eker says, "How you do anything is how you do everything!"
* How are those changes coming along for the new year? Have you tried the one small thing a month strategy? I've added on morning exercise which I have always hated. I started REALLY small. But I add one additional rep/stretch/crunch/minute a week and already feel the need to do it every morning. Even I'm shocked and I know how well this 'one small change a month' works! Even if you haven't started changing something you've always wanted to change, why not start something small for February? You deserve the results!! And what better time than the love month...love yourself and start creating a change that will make you happy and proud of yourself.
Ok..that's it for this week. Panera is going to kick me out if I stay much longer!!
These past 2 weeks have been fraught (sp?) with cold and snow up here in New England. My car has slipped and slid all over the place and I never seem to warm up. It's not as bad as other places to be sure and it's nothing compared to the fact that technology has waged war on me!! I've lost internet at home, then on my wireless and to top it off, all my web sites (about 20 of them counting mine and the people I make them for) went down in the last 2 weeks!
Ok...that's it for complaining! Here are some random things I've learned lately in no particular order that I hope you will find helpful:
* There's a great site to teach you info about your computer programs. Stuck on Excel or PowerPoint or any other program? Just go to www.lynda.com. Some of it is free and the rest you have to pay for. They actually show you how each thing works with video. It's relatively inexpensive compared to going back to school which I had been contemplating but didn't want to spend the bucks or the time. Search for a coupon online if you decide to buy the training. I got $50 off the $250 year fee.
* An Allstate commercial said that they began their business in the middle of the depression in 1932. They have survived 12 recessions and noticed that once the fear subsides, people notice that a funny thing happens - people start enjoying the small things in life. It's back to basics and the basics are good and worth protecting. Yes, the basics ARE good. They are part of the reason why I created my leadership/success course - common sense, civility, ethics, leadership, team building... Thanks All State for reminding us of what's important
* So much tough news. When they say that's it's the worst...or the coldest...or the snowiest...since whatever year...take that in stride. If we got through it years ago.. and we did...then we will again.
* If you're a business owner, be sure your company goes back to the basics. Treat your customers right! I went to a baby shower Sunday that had free coffee, free food, free dessert. But if you wanted a cup of tea, you had to pay $2.50!! What??? Is that good business? Why would a tea bag cost $2.50??? A simple little decision is going to hurt their business because the women there thought the 'pay for tea' policy made no sense. And when things don't go right, we tell EVERYONE!!
* If you're an employee, this goes for you too. You are the face of the company and a company that does not do well in this business climate fails. No company - no job. How you perform even the simplest job matters. As one of my mentors T Harv Eker says, "How you do anything is how you do everything!"
* How are those changes coming along for the new year? Have you tried the one small thing a month strategy? I've added on morning exercise which I have always hated. I started REALLY small. But I add one additional rep/stretch/crunch/minute a week and already feel the need to do it every morning. Even I'm shocked and I know how well this 'one small change a month' works! Even if you haven't started changing something you've always wanted to change, why not start something small for February? You deserve the results!! And what better time than the love month...love yourself and start creating a change that will make you happy and proud of yourself.
Ok..that's it for this week. Panera is going to kick me out if I stay much longer!!
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