Question for you.
Who are the people that you like to be around? You actually look forward to their call, smile when you see them, and find yourself invigorated when they are gone. Can you picture someone that seems to remove all of the negativity you may be feeling by simply their presence?
I bet I can predict one trait that the person you are thinking about has. It is a positive attitude.
These are the “glass half full” folks. They make “lemonade out of lemons”. They smile a lot, laugh easily, and seem to always be enjoying themselves.
How do they do it? Especially in today’s world. One would assume they have tons of money, great health and lots of love in their life. Yet, my guess is many carry around the same “junk” we all do. The thing that sets them apart is they have figured out one of the most important attributes possessed by all mankind.
It is the ability to control how they react to any situation. These people choose to look at the bright side of things. They find only the good in situations. They speak positive words, act in a positive manner, and focus on positive outcomes.
“Oh, but they aren’t realistic”, some say. It isn’t about facing the facts or denying the truth. It is the manner in which they mentally approach adversity as well as success. They realize that one of the things they have complete control of in their life is how they choose to react to any circumstance. They know the power of a positive attitude and its side effects.
How do they do it? Give this a try. For the next 24 hours do these three things:
1. Replace every pessimistic thought with a positive one
2. Do not speak negatively about anything or anyone. Compel yourself to say something good or nothing at all.
3. Steer clear of people that are depressing or complain. Instead reach out to the person you thought of at the beginning of this message.
Remember it’s all in your attitude and all within your control.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Point the finger in - not out
One of the things we need to do a better job as a society is holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We no longer own up to the things we do.
Think back to your school days. Remember the kid in class that always blamed others for their mistakes? They were the ones who would cry, “But, it’s not my fault”, finding everyone and anyone responsible for their blunder.
As they grew, they strengthened this belief blaming the professor for their ineptness, the boss for their inadequacies, or the spouse for their failed relationship. Throughout their life they point the finger at others for their incompetence. At no time, did they take personal responsibility for how they live their lives.
This “pointing the finger out” mentality has weaved its way through humanity materializing during political campaigns, corporate takeovers, merchandise recalls, and bankruptcies. At what point does a person stop pointing the finger out and start pointing in?
Over the past several months, I have grown tired of watching people not own up. I have become weary just listening to all of the excuses why something went wrong. I find myself less and less tolerant of this behavior to the point that I no longer try to influence their behavior. Now, I simply dismiss them from my life.
Sounds harsh? It may be. But what I have found is when I replace burdensome individuals with those who anticipate the needs of others, we flourish. When I work with people that look for solutions instead of dwelling on the problems, we get more done. When I surround myself by those who have pride in keeping commitments, we thrive.
These are the people that don’t point the finger out but take responsibility and point the finger in.
This blog is dedicated to the “Team of Five”, Maryellen, Matt, Ellen, Headley and Jesus at Plantation General Hospital. They “point the finger in” day in and day out; and, I am truly honored to have the privilege to work with them.
Think back to your school days. Remember the kid in class that always blamed others for their mistakes? They were the ones who would cry, “But, it’s not my fault”, finding everyone and anyone responsible for their blunder.
As they grew, they strengthened this belief blaming the professor for their ineptness, the boss for their inadequacies, or the spouse for their failed relationship. Throughout their life they point the finger at others for their incompetence. At no time, did they take personal responsibility for how they live their lives.
This “pointing the finger out” mentality has weaved its way through humanity materializing during political campaigns, corporate takeovers, merchandise recalls, and bankruptcies. At what point does a person stop pointing the finger out and start pointing in?
Over the past several months, I have grown tired of watching people not own up. I have become weary just listening to all of the excuses why something went wrong. I find myself less and less tolerant of this behavior to the point that I no longer try to influence their behavior. Now, I simply dismiss them from my life.
Sounds harsh? It may be. But what I have found is when I replace burdensome individuals with those who anticipate the needs of others, we flourish. When I work with people that look for solutions instead of dwelling on the problems, we get more done. When I surround myself by those who have pride in keeping commitments, we thrive.
These are the people that don’t point the finger out but take responsibility and point the finger in.
This blog is dedicated to the “Team of Five”, Maryellen, Matt, Ellen, Headley and Jesus at Plantation General Hospital. They “point the finger in” day in and day out; and, I am truly honored to have the privilege to work with them.
Friday, February 19, 2010
What Words Do You Wear?
Most of us have a routine we follow when we begin our day. Whether you work the evening shift, sleep in until noon or watch the sun rise, we have habits that we follow day in and day out. One of those includes choosing our wardrobe. For some, it is based on what is clean and easy to reach. Others take great care in finding just the right outfit.
No matter which category you fall into, I ask you “What words do you wear?”
As you stand in front of the mirror how are you dressing your mind? Are you draped in words of happiness filled with the anticipation of a new day? Or, are you covered in gloom and negativity?
Are you wearing the same words each day as if they are a uniform? Or, do you experiment with new selections of thought that bring joy and pleasure into your life?
Use this simple exercise to uncover the wardrobe of your mind. Think of the first three words that best describe you. Write them down somewhere in the order that they entered your mind. Look at the first word and picture it as if it could wrap itself around you. Imagine it is so close to your skin that you can feel yourself absorb the word into your body.
This, my friend, is your self talk.
Now, envision the next word you wrote down enfolding you. Again, it becomes such a strong mental garment that it sets the tone of your feelings and exemplifies your view of you.
Complete your ensemble with the last word you listed making it a tight fit. Do you wear it well or is it choking off possibilities?
This is your own collection. It has your signature. It is a line only you can carry. And, these words that you bear shape the way you live your life
Do you like what you have on? Or, do you need a makeover?
No matter which category you fall into, I ask you “What words do you wear?”
As you stand in front of the mirror how are you dressing your mind? Are you draped in words of happiness filled with the anticipation of a new day? Or, are you covered in gloom and negativity?
Are you wearing the same words each day as if they are a uniform? Or, do you experiment with new selections of thought that bring joy and pleasure into your life?
Use this simple exercise to uncover the wardrobe of your mind. Think of the first three words that best describe you. Write them down somewhere in the order that they entered your mind. Look at the first word and picture it as if it could wrap itself around you. Imagine it is so close to your skin that you can feel yourself absorb the word into your body.
This, my friend, is your self talk.
Now, envision the next word you wrote down enfolding you. Again, it becomes such a strong mental garment that it sets the tone of your feelings and exemplifies your view of you.
Complete your ensemble with the last word you listed making it a tight fit. Do you wear it well or is it choking off possibilities?
This is your own collection. It has your signature. It is a line only you can carry. And, these words that you bear shape the way you live your life
Do you like what you have on? Or, do you need a makeover?
Friday, February 12, 2010
I don't like Hope.
Hope feels like I may get it and I may not. It leaves me with the impression that although there are possibilities of achievement, there is also an implication of potential failure. Hope seems like maybe or maybe not.
No, I don’t like Hope at all.
I prefer Faith. Faith implies my beliefs will happen. It is a knowing that my desires will come true. It is an understanding that I will receive what I want. There is no doubt with Faith. Instead of Hope’s “Maybe’, Faith represents “Definitely”. It signifies my wishes will become a reality.
In the 1999 popular movie, The Matrix, one of the main characters, Morpheus, tells Neo, “Don’t think you are, know you are.” This is Faith at its finest. It is the powerful belief that overcomes all odds. It can be disguised in miracles. It is the underlying power of positive thinking.
Faith even feels different than Hope. Think of something you really want in your life. Be very clear in your mind’s eye of this desire. Now, Hope that you have it. Really Hope. Experience the feeling of Hope as strong as you can possibly envision. Say over and over to yourself, “I Hope I have it. I Hope I have it.”. As this exercise comes to a finish you end with a feeling of partial closure.
Now, change direction in your thought process. Again, clearly picture your desire in your mind. Using Faith as a knowing, confirm that you have it. Repeat to yourself, “I have Faith it will be done. I have Faith it will happen.” Draw passion from this phrase and notice the emotion you feel. It is very different than the feeling of Hope, isn’t it? Faith mentally moves you to the sensation of victory.
Hope versus Faith – which one do you believe in? Comment back! I am interested in your thoughts.
No, I don’t like Hope at all.
I prefer Faith. Faith implies my beliefs will happen. It is a knowing that my desires will come true. It is an understanding that I will receive what I want. There is no doubt with Faith. Instead of Hope’s “Maybe’, Faith represents “Definitely”. It signifies my wishes will become a reality.
In the 1999 popular movie, The Matrix, one of the main characters, Morpheus, tells Neo, “Don’t think you are, know you are.” This is Faith at its finest. It is the powerful belief that overcomes all odds. It can be disguised in miracles. It is the underlying power of positive thinking.
Faith even feels different than Hope. Think of something you really want in your life. Be very clear in your mind’s eye of this desire. Now, Hope that you have it. Really Hope. Experience the feeling of Hope as strong as you can possibly envision. Say over and over to yourself, “I Hope I have it. I Hope I have it.”. As this exercise comes to a finish you end with a feeling of partial closure.
Now, change direction in your thought process. Again, clearly picture your desire in your mind. Using Faith as a knowing, confirm that you have it. Repeat to yourself, “I have Faith it will be done. I have Faith it will happen.” Draw passion from this phrase and notice the emotion you feel. It is very different than the feeling of Hope, isn’t it? Faith mentally moves you to the sensation of victory.
Hope versus Faith – which one do you believe in? Comment back! I am interested in your thoughts.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Diversity – Managing the Differences
Dr. Delores Smiley, Dean – Community Education and Diversity Affairs at Nova Southeastern University is a colleague that I have worked with in the past. She recently asked me: “Do diversity education and training enhance teacher preparedness and leadership skills?” Here is my response…
When it comes to leadership skills, I believe diversity no longer focuses on race, age or gender. It is simply acknowledging the differences between all human beings. Because, isn’t there something unique about every one of us that makes us all diverse?
A key ingredient in being a great leader is the ability to manage the difference of all employees. First, you need to know what your employees need from their job to accomplish their career and personal goals. Next, you need to understand the difference in how people learn, how they communicate, and what they expect from you as a leader.
The strongest teams of employees produce the greatest results when all members are given the opportunity to contribute as individuals. When each person is valued for who they are and a leader encourages individuality, managing the differences turns in to utilizing resources.
When it comes to leadership skills, I believe diversity no longer focuses on race, age or gender. It is simply acknowledging the differences between all human beings. Because, isn’t there something unique about every one of us that makes us all diverse?
A key ingredient in being a great leader is the ability to manage the difference of all employees. First, you need to know what your employees need from their job to accomplish their career and personal goals. Next, you need to understand the difference in how people learn, how they communicate, and what they expect from you as a leader.
The strongest teams of employees produce the greatest results when all members are given the opportunity to contribute as individuals. When each person is valued for who they are and a leader encourages individuality, managing the differences turns in to utilizing resources.
Friday, January 22, 2010
When it is good to leave something behind!
Repeat business is a must in today’s economy. We spend too much time getting a new customer to have them only buy from us once. One guaranteed method you can use to increase your odds of another order is to give the buyer immediate access to you. Whether you sell a product or service make sure your contact information is being left behind.
Where is the first place most people go when their garage door breaks down? Typically, they will look for “The Number” on the sticker that has been left behind near the button that opens the door. No matter if they bought the house with the door already installed or had it put in, that is typically the first number they will call for repair.
What about reordering cartridges for your printer, another sign for your office, or making a call to have your computer repaired? The chances increase immensely when the buyer has an easy way to contact you.
A friend of mine, Elsa Chaviano, is a Mary Kay consultant and she puts stickers on every item she sells to make it easy to reorder. Another friend, Scott Mulheron, is in the home remodeling business and he leaves a magnet behind on the customer’s refrigerator to assure another call.
Whether it is a small label or a customized magnet, make sure you leave something behind for repeat business!
What “leave behinds” work for you? Post to this blog and share your ideas with others.
Where is the first place most people go when their garage door breaks down? Typically, they will look for “The Number” on the sticker that has been left behind near the button that opens the door. No matter if they bought the house with the door already installed or had it put in, that is typically the first number they will call for repair.
What about reordering cartridges for your printer, another sign for your office, or making a call to have your computer repaired? The chances increase immensely when the buyer has an easy way to contact you.
A friend of mine, Elsa Chaviano, is a Mary Kay consultant and she puts stickers on every item she sells to make it easy to reorder. Another friend, Scott Mulheron, is in the home remodeling business and he leaves a magnet behind on the customer’s refrigerator to assure another call.
Whether it is a small label or a customized magnet, make sure you leave something behind for repeat business!
What “leave behinds” work for you? Post to this blog and share your ideas with others.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Making a Difference through Personal Branding
Eight tips from my presentation to small business owners today. It was sponsored by the NFL in alignment with the South Florida Super Bowl XLIV.
1. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you are your brand! Act and dress accordingly at all times.
2. Learn how to set yourself apart to be favorably remembered.
3. Be consistent. Use the same language, colors, themes “voice” everywhere: business cards, web, print, etc.
4. Always give more value than what is expected of you.
5. Take personal responsibility for everything your company represents.
6. Be mindful of what people think when they simply hear or read your name.
7. Keep commitments and don’t over promise.
8. Remember everyone is a possible customer, employee or vendor – if not, they know someone that could be!
1. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you are your brand! Act and dress accordingly at all times.
2. Learn how to set yourself apart to be favorably remembered.
3. Be consistent. Use the same language, colors, themes “voice” everywhere: business cards, web, print, etc.
4. Always give more value than what is expected of you.
5. Take personal responsibility for everything your company represents.
6. Be mindful of what people think when they simply hear or read your name.
7. Keep commitments and don’t over promise.
8. Remember everyone is a possible customer, employee or vendor – if not, they know someone that could be!
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