Hard work is necessary in any field, but it's important to have fun while you work.
Rather than the standard 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift, they look at each workday as a 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. shift. Oprah Winfrey, for example, said she "would never see daylight."
But it's important to avoid burnout. He writes that successful people aren't workaholics; they're "workafrolics" because they have fun doing what they're doing.
Having an 80/20 split is a good guideline, he says, meaning 80% of your work should be enjoyable and the remaining 20% should consist of the serious, not-so-fun stuff.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Focus
Focus is key.
To be successful, it's important to specialize in a certain area and build your expertise.
"Success means narrowing down and focusing on one thing, not being scattered all over the map.
But there's more to it than just picking a field and focusing on it. You should start out thinking wide and then narrow it down into one specific focus.
"We have a million things on our minds every day, "But we can't succeed at a million things. It's hard enough to succeed at just one thing."
Warren Buffett as an example, who told him that putting money in a lot of things is "a Noah's Ark way of investing — you end up with a zoo that way."
To be successful, it's important to specialize in a certain area and build your expertise.
"Success means narrowing down and focusing on one thing, not being scattered all over the map.
But there's more to it than just picking a field and focusing on it. You should start out thinking wide and then narrow it down into one specific focus.
"We have a million things on our minds every day, "But we can't succeed at a million things. It's hard enough to succeed at just one thing."
Warren Buffett as an example, who told him that putting money in a lot of things is "a Noah's Ark way of investing — you end up with a zoo that way."
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Push Yourself
"I think whatever you're doing in life just push yourself to the limits," Richard Branson said-
Pushing yourself starts with getting out of your comfort zone. You must push through shyness, doubts, and fear, -
There are seven specific ways to help you push yourself toward success:
1. Get a goal to push you.
2. Get a challenge to push you.
3. Get a deadline to push you.
4. Push yourself with self-discipline.
5. Get others to push you.
6. Get competition to push you.
7. Get a tormentor to push you and a mentor to support you.
Pushing yourself starts with getting out of your comfort zone. You must push through shyness, doubts, and fear, -
There are seven specific ways to help you push yourself toward success:
1. Get a goal to push you.
2. Get a challenge to push you.
3. Get a deadline to push you.
4. Push yourself with self-discipline.
5. Get others to push you.
6. Get competition to push you.
7. Get a tormentor to push you and a mentor to support you.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Connect
Connectedness is all about having strong positive relationships at home, at work, and in the community.
Mutually supportive relationships can enhance a feeling of overall well-being and balance.
Creating trusted connections at work helps improve morale and performance, while spending quality time with family and friends leads to a feeling of satisfaction of belonging to a community or being part of something bigger than yourself.
Mutually supportive relationships can enhance a feeling of overall well-being and balance.
Creating trusted connections at work helps improve morale and performance, while spending quality time with family and friends leads to a feeling of satisfaction of belonging to a community or being part of something bigger than yourself.
Monday, July 27, 2015
1955
This Was the Year…1955
U.S. President & Vice President
Dwight Eisenhower
The Vice President
Richard Nixon
Time Magazine Person Of The Year
Harlow Herbert Curtice
Cost of Living and food
New House $10,950 Granulated Sugar $ .85 for 10 lbs
Average Income $4,137 Milk $ .92 per gallon
New Car $1,910 Ground Coffee $ .80 per pound
Gallon of Gas $ .23 Bacon $ .58 per pound
Movie Ticket $ .75 Eggs $ .27 per dozen
Popular Movies
Marty (Academy Award)
Rebel Without a Cause
Lady and the Tramp
To Catch a Thief
SPORTS CHAMPIONS Brooklyn Dodgers (baseball)
Cleveland Browns (football)
Bob Sweikert (Indianapolis 500)
Detroit Red Wings (hockey)
University of San Francisco (NCAA basketball)
NATIONAL AND WORLD NEWS
Hurricane Diane hit northeastern U.S., killing 200 and causing more then $1 billion in damage.
Rosa Parks arrest in Montgomery, AL set the American Civil Rights Movement in motion.
U.S. President & Vice President
Dwight Eisenhower
The Vice President
Richard Nixon
Time Magazine Person Of The Year
Harlow Herbert Curtice
Cost of Living and food
New House $10,950 Granulated Sugar $ .85 for 10 lbs
Average Income $4,137 Milk $ .92 per gallon
New Car $1,910 Ground Coffee $ .80 per pound
Gallon of Gas $ .23 Bacon $ .58 per pound
Movie Ticket $ .75 Eggs $ .27 per dozen
Popular Movies
Marty (Academy Award)
Rebel Without a Cause
Lady and the Tramp
To Catch a Thief
SPORTS CHAMPIONS Brooklyn Dodgers (baseball)
Cleveland Browns (football)
Bob Sweikert (Indianapolis 500)
Detroit Red Wings (hockey)
University of San Francisco (NCAA basketball)
NATIONAL AND WORLD NEWS
Hurricane Diane hit northeastern U.S., killing 200 and causing more then $1 billion in damage.
Rosa Parks arrest in Montgomery, AL set the American Civil Rights Movement in motion.
Perspective
Perspective is about seeing the big picture of life.
If we know our purpose and direction in life, chances are we have a good perspective and daily stressors don’t get blown out of proportion. To illustrate the concept of perspective, I think about when our kids were young and we would take them to the zoo. Most parents get a little crazy chasing their kids around the zoo, but we loved it because our top priority was to have fun with the kids.
We were able to overlook certain things and just enjoy the day—it was all part of our perspective.
I called it zoo mentality.
Honestly, it still seems strange to me that parents take their kids to the zoo then spend the whole time yelling at them.
Everyone would have more fun if they embraced the perspective of zoo mentality.
If we know our purpose and direction in life, chances are we have a good perspective and daily stressors don’t get blown out of proportion. To illustrate the concept of perspective, I think about when our kids were young and we would take them to the zoo. Most parents get a little crazy chasing their kids around the zoo, but we loved it because our top priority was to have fun with the kids.
We were able to overlook certain things and just enjoy the day—it was all part of our perspective.
I called it zoo mentality.
Honestly, it still seems strange to me that parents take their kids to the zoo then spend the whole time yelling at them.
Everyone would have more fun if they embraced the perspective of zoo mentality.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Unanswered Prayers
"Unanswered Prayers"
Just the other night at a hometown football game
My wife and I ran into my old high school flame
And as I introduced them the past came back to me
And I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be
She was the one that I'd wanted for all times
And each night I'd spend prayin' that God would make her mine
And if he'd only grant me this wish I wished back then
I'd never ask for anything again
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
She wasn't quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams
And I could tell that time had changed me
In her eyes too it seemed
We tried to talk about the old days
There wasn't much we could recall
I guess the Lord knows what he's doin' after all
And as she walked away and I looked at my wife
And then and there I thanked the good Lord
For the gifts in my life
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he may not answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered
Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered...
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
My wife and I ran into my old high school flame
And as I introduced them the past came back to me
And I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be
She was the one that I'd wanted for all times
And each night I'd spend prayin' that God would make her mine
And if he'd only grant me this wish I wished back then
I'd never ask for anything again
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
She wasn't quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams
And I could tell that time had changed me
In her eyes too it seemed
We tried to talk about the old days
There wasn't much we could recall
I guess the Lord knows what he's doin' after all
And as she walked away and I looked at my wife
And then and there I thanked the good Lord
For the gifts in my life
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he may not answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered
Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered...
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Attitude
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more
important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than
circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is
more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company ... a
church ... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the
attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past ...we cannot change the
fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing
we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that
life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in
charge of our attitudes.”
Charles Swindoll
Christian pastor, author, and educator
1934 - Present
Friday, July 24, 2015
Bad things
Why do bad things happen to good people?
It is certainly a mystery - you see people that are not so nice get ahead and other people that are very nice suffer loses or difficulties.
But the thing is most things are temporary and most things are not as they appear.
Those people that you think have it made and achieved their success by hurting others are struggling inside and sooner or later it all catches up.
And those that look like they have a black cloud over their heads will overcome.
Good things do come to those that wait and the wheels of justice do turn..sometimes slower than I like but they do indeed turn.
Why beat ourselves over the head by asking why? It will reveal itself sooner or later, just move on, stay positive and try your best to help others - remember there is always someone worse off than you are. Want prove? Go visit a children's ward at the hospital and talk to some of the parents.
When my daughter was born she was born with a cleft lip and needed a few surgeries. There is no more helpless a feeling than watching your new born baby go through those doors without you to the OR room. My wife and I never left the hospital, sleeping in the chairs in the room and we met many other parents and w all shared our stories. Most of their children had much more severe reasons for being there and I counted my blessings every day. They , the parents and the children, gave me strength and I never complained with what we were going through.
Bad things will happen to you- that much we all know- what matters is how you react and carry on.
It is certainly a mystery - you see people that are not so nice get ahead and other people that are very nice suffer loses or difficulties.
But the thing is most things are temporary and most things are not as they appear.
Those people that you think have it made and achieved their success by hurting others are struggling inside and sooner or later it all catches up.
And those that look like they have a black cloud over their heads will overcome.
Good things do come to those that wait and the wheels of justice do turn..sometimes slower than I like but they do indeed turn.
Why beat ourselves over the head by asking why? It will reveal itself sooner or later, just move on, stay positive and try your best to help others - remember there is always someone worse off than you are. Want prove? Go visit a children's ward at the hospital and talk to some of the parents.
When my daughter was born she was born with a cleft lip and needed a few surgeries. There is no more helpless a feeling than watching your new born baby go through those doors without you to the OR room. My wife and I never left the hospital, sleeping in the chairs in the room and we met many other parents and w all shared our stories. Most of their children had much more severe reasons for being there and I counted my blessings every day. They , the parents and the children, gave me strength and I never complained with what we were going through.
Bad things will happen to you- that much we all know- what matters is how you react and carry on.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Define expectations
Define clear expectations and outcomes; then let us work.
People want freedom and flexibility, but too much autonomy can be crippling.
Remember, almost everything in our lives has been outlined for us up until this point.
We enter the workforce after being told exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. It can be a shock for people to learn the real world doesn’t operate in syllabuses and semesters.
At the same time, we loathe the idea of being micro-managed. How do you find the balance?
Set clear expectations, tell us what outcomes we’re responsible for producing, and then let us work.
People can quickly become frustrated when it’s unclear if we’re doing a good job, but we don’t want you to hold our hands. Clarity creates the focus we need to accomplish our goals.
Flexibility allows us to use our creativity to find a new way to accomplish them. -
People want freedom and flexibility, but too much autonomy can be crippling.
Remember, almost everything in our lives has been outlined for us up until this point.
We enter the workforce after being told exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. It can be a shock for people to learn the real world doesn’t operate in syllabuses and semesters.
At the same time, we loathe the idea of being micro-managed. How do you find the balance?
Set clear expectations, tell us what outcomes we’re responsible for producing, and then let us work.
People can quickly become frustrated when it’s unclear if we’re doing a good job, but we don’t want you to hold our hands. Clarity creates the focus we need to accomplish our goals.
Flexibility allows us to use our creativity to find a new way to accomplish them. -
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Owning your own business
Owning your own business means you are on 24/7
It also means that you are responsible for all others that work for you.
Ultimately if something goes wrong the buck stops with you so you need to be in constant training mode.
It is impossible for you to be in all places at one time so you need to trust others. To trust others you need to know that they know what they are doing and they are doing things the way you would do them.
In need to constantly Inspect what You Expect-
You never really actually grab that brass ring because things and people will be constantly changing and evolving- you need to change and evolve with them.
You need to anticipate what may happen before it happens- always have a plan B and probably a plan C ready- remember the buck stops with you.
That only happens if your head is in the game and you are in charge.
It sure isn't easy- but if you are up for the challenge the bright side is you are your own boss-
That said to succeed you come to realize that your customers are now your boss..and everybody is your customer.. or at least that is how you should approach it.
It also means that you are responsible for all others that work for you.
Ultimately if something goes wrong the buck stops with you so you need to be in constant training mode.
It is impossible for you to be in all places at one time so you need to trust others. To trust others you need to know that they know what they are doing and they are doing things the way you would do them.
In need to constantly Inspect what You Expect-
You never really actually grab that brass ring because things and people will be constantly changing and evolving- you need to change and evolve with them.
You need to anticipate what may happen before it happens- always have a plan B and probably a plan C ready- remember the buck stops with you.
That only happens if your head is in the game and you are in charge.
It sure isn't easy- but if you are up for the challenge the bright side is you are your own boss-
That said to succeed you come to realize that your customers are now your boss..and everybody is your customer.. or at least that is how you should approach it.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Shared information
I still think that the social media thing can be a good thing.
It can be a wonderful tool to share information and to help each other.
It can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and relatives, to watch their kids grow and share moments.
Unfortunately people will always take something good and positive and try to use it for negative or hate.
That comes with the territory- I still think that you do not throw out the baby with the bath water.
Just use discipline.
Do not get fished in to the negative or someone else's issues.
Stay positive- only use social for positive and sharing of information and it is a great tool.
It can be a wonderful tool to share information and to help each other.
It can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and relatives, to watch their kids grow and share moments.
Unfortunately people will always take something good and positive and try to use it for negative or hate.
That comes with the territory- I still think that you do not throw out the baby with the bath water.
Just use discipline.
Do not get fished in to the negative or someone else's issues.
Stay positive- only use social for positive and sharing of information and it is a great tool.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Give More
Try this for a honorable goal-
Always Give More than You Get-
If you enter each day with that thought you cannot help but succeed.
What can YOU do to help a somebody? To help solve a problem or a situation?
To quote the Beatles- " In the end the love you take is equal to the love you make"
Give More Than You Get
Always Give More than You Get-
If you enter each day with that thought you cannot help but succeed.
What can YOU do to help a somebody? To help solve a problem or a situation?
To quote the Beatles- " In the end the love you take is equal to the love you make"
Give More Than You Get
Sunday, July 19, 2015
15 ways to tap the power of gratitude:
15 ways to tap the power of gratitude:
Gratitude is about liking things and being happy.
- Recall some of the stupid things you’ve done. Aren’t you thankful things weren’t worse?
- Begin meetings by having everyone around the table say, “I’m thankful for … “ Or, “I’m thankful that …”
- Remember the dark days you worked through. Aren’t you thankful things are better today?
- Set a thank you quota for your team. Just start saying it.
- Be thankful you’re not who you used to be, even though you’re not who you hope to become.
- Be grateful for lessons learned and opportunities to learn more. You’re wiser than you used to be. Right?
- Have gratitude for the hardworking, imperfect people on your team.
- Be thankful for the people who moved on, or you fired.
- Take a short break. Go for a gratitude walk. This post is the result of a gratitude walk I took this morning.
- Schedule something to anticipate. Lunch with a friend. A golf outing. You’ll be more thankful today, if you have something to look forward to tomorrow.
- Spend more time in the present and less in the future.
- Improve what you don’t like, rather than complaining about it.
- Take action; focus on things within your control. Inactivity is great for short bursts, but turns to darkness eventually.
- Believe in next time.
- Trust you have a place and purpose in this world.
Successful leaders navigate tensions between discontent, aspiration, and gratitude.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
I want what he has..
There must be a medical term for- " I want what he has" because so many people suffer from it.
My guess is today's generation suffers from it much more than our great great grand parents because we know more and today we know it a wrap speed.
You don't miss what you don't know.
Back before TV and way before the internet people pretty much only knew what went on their street, and it was probably dirt and had a half dozen houses spread out over 100 acres.
Today everybody flaunts what they have and others think - wow, what am I doing wrong- I want what he has.
But know this- everybody has their own burdens and sad stories. It may not always be what it appears to be.
Just look at Robin Williams or Bill Cosby, you do not have to look far to see that people are not always who they appear to be.
So the best medicine against this disease is to just worry about yourself and be thankful for what you do have.
That my friends is the true meaning of success and will lead you down the road of less stress- just worry about your house.
What can you do to help somebody else today?
What can you improve on with your personality and outlook?
Remember that Less is More...
My guess is today's generation suffers from it much more than our great great grand parents because we know more and today we know it a wrap speed.
You don't miss what you don't know.
Back before TV and way before the internet people pretty much only knew what went on their street, and it was probably dirt and had a half dozen houses spread out over 100 acres.
Today everybody flaunts what they have and others think - wow, what am I doing wrong- I want what he has.
But know this- everybody has their own burdens and sad stories. It may not always be what it appears to be.
Just look at Robin Williams or Bill Cosby, you do not have to look far to see that people are not always who they appear to be.
So the best medicine against this disease is to just worry about yourself and be thankful for what you do have.
That my friends is the true meaning of success and will lead you down the road of less stress- just worry about your house.
What can you do to help somebody else today?
What can you improve on with your personality and outlook?
Remember that Less is More...
Friday, July 17, 2015
7 ways smart leaders get even smarter:
7 ways smart leaders get even smarter:
#1. Treat negative feedback like a romantic partner. Seek it. Welcome it. Explore it. Love it.
Kiss the people who correct you.
Negative feedback confronts and changes you; positive affirms and confirms.
Defensiveness makes you dumb.
#2. Compare up, not down. Compare yourself with smart people. Dumb people think they’re smarter than everyone else.
Don’t think of yourself as dumb, just find brilliance in others.
#3. Honor achievers. When you honor achievers, you open your mind to learn from them. Dumb leaders minimize the grit, skill, and intelligence it takes to make progress and achieve results. “Oh! That was easy.”
The need to win closes hearts to the achievement of others.
Respect for the achievement of others is a step toward learning from them.
#4. Stop repeating dumb behaviors. Everything that feels right, isn’t. Blunt-skulls ignore the message of recurring frustration. You haven’t reached higher because you’re hoping the same ineffective behavior will magically become effective.
#5. Acknowledge frailty. Your sharp brain will fade, sooner than you think.
Arrogance makes you dumb. Humility opens your heart.
Wisdom is a matter of the heart, not the head.
#6. Listen longer than necessary.
#7. Control your temper. Outbursts are a fools solution.
Bonus: Make the pursuit of wisdom the first pursuit of life.
The ultimate pursuit of life isn’t happiness, love, or success, it’s wisdom.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Half full
I was born and raised in New England and here everyone always talk about the weather, what is is today, what it suppose to be tomorrow , the past winter etc
The crazy part is most people are just never happy, if it is raining they are unhappy, if it is sunny they say yea but just wait it suppose to bad tomorrow.
And the crazy part is mostly all of these people do not ever go outside except to run to their car so really what difference should it make to them if it is raining or not. They allow it to effect their mood and their attitude.
I saw a driver post something the other day that soon it will be winter and discounts will be right back to being higher, here it is early July and he is already depressed about what MAY happen in December..crazy- right?
Why do we do that? Why can't we just enjoy the day and be thankful for what we have rather than being negative and for goodness sake ...smile.
The crazy part is most people are just never happy, if it is raining they are unhappy, if it is sunny they say yea but just wait it suppose to bad tomorrow.
And the crazy part is mostly all of these people do not ever go outside except to run to their car so really what difference should it make to them if it is raining or not. They allow it to effect their mood and their attitude.
I saw a driver post something the other day that soon it will be winter and discounts will be right back to being higher, here it is early July and he is already depressed about what MAY happen in December..crazy- right?
Why do we do that? Why can't we just enjoy the day and be thankful for what we have rather than being negative and for goodness sake ...smile.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Your Values
Pay attention to absorption.
Ever find yourself completely absorbed in an activity, where you’ve lost all track of time? You look at the clock and can’t believe you’ve been doing it for hours. Often when we find ourselves completely engrossed in something, it means we are living one or more of our values. When this happens, stop and take note of what you are doing to see what values may be in play.
Why bother with all this? Because whether you are conscious of them or not, your values strongly influence how you show up in the world. Identifying your values allows you to gauge whether or not you are living your life in line with them.
When your values and the way you live your life are in harmony, you are in the flow versus fighting to swim upstream. You are being true to yourself and to who you are. And there’s no better feeling than that.
Ever find yourself completely absorbed in an activity, where you’ve lost all track of time? You look at the clock and can’t believe you’ve been doing it for hours. Often when we find ourselves completely engrossed in something, it means we are living one or more of our values. When this happens, stop and take note of what you are doing to see what values may be in play.
Why bother with all this? Because whether you are conscious of them or not, your values strongly influence how you show up in the world. Identifying your values allows you to gauge whether or not you are living your life in line with them.
When your values and the way you live your life are in harmony, you are in the flow versus fighting to swim upstream. You are being true to yourself and to who you are. And there’s no better feeling than that.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
There are no Failures..
Taking yourself out of the game altogether can be costly.
Coaches stress that players need to have the courage to take the big shot, to reach for the prize instead of giving in to failure. Research shows that task-focused thinking after failure leads to improved performance. Self-talk that focuses on correcting errors and attaining goals will motivate you to keep trying and move on from a setback. The fear of failure can prevent employees from trying new things and achieving their personal best, so managers can help make it safe for employees to fail by emphasizing that failure does not define them, and by alleviating their self‐doubt by encouraging them to try again.
As Michael Jordan said, “I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But, I can’t accept not trying.”
Managers must recognize that in business, as in sports, failure is possible and frequent.
What happens afterward is what is important. I offer you these words to live by from coach Tom Krause, the co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul”: “There are no failures – just experiences and your reactions to them.”
Coaches stress that players need to have the courage to take the big shot, to reach for the prize instead of giving in to failure. Research shows that task-focused thinking after failure leads to improved performance. Self-talk that focuses on correcting errors and attaining goals will motivate you to keep trying and move on from a setback. The fear of failure can prevent employees from trying new things and achieving their personal best, so managers can help make it safe for employees to fail by emphasizing that failure does not define them, and by alleviating their self‐doubt by encouraging them to try again.
As Michael Jordan said, “I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But, I can’t accept not trying.”
Managers must recognize that in business, as in sports, failure is possible and frequent.
What happens afterward is what is important. I offer you these words to live by from coach Tom Krause, the co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul”: “There are no failures – just experiences and your reactions to them.”
Monday, July 13, 2015
Rally
Recognize when to rally.
Don Shula is the all-time winningest coach in the NFL. Spending 31 years as a pro football coach, he holds the record for most career wins and is the only coach to have had teams in six Super Bowls. Shula had a “24 hour rule,” a policy of looking forward instead of retreating from the loss. He allowed himself, his coaching staff and his players only 24 hours to celebrate a victory or wallow over a defeat. During those 24 hours, Shula encouraged them to feel their emotions of success or failure as deeply as they could. The next day, it was time to put their focus and energy into preparing for their next challenge.
Like the best coaches, managers should routinely stress to employees that everyone makes mistakes, and the sooner they accept this fact, the easier it will be to recover.
As Margie Warrell noted in a recent article: “If you’ve made a mistake – whether taking the wrong job, or not delivering the right result, or simply not managing yourself or others as well as you’d have liked – the most important thing is never to let it define you.”
Don Shula is the all-time winningest coach in the NFL. Spending 31 years as a pro football coach, he holds the record for most career wins and is the only coach to have had teams in six Super Bowls. Shula had a “24 hour rule,” a policy of looking forward instead of retreating from the loss. He allowed himself, his coaching staff and his players only 24 hours to celebrate a victory or wallow over a defeat. During those 24 hours, Shula encouraged them to feel their emotions of success or failure as deeply as they could. The next day, it was time to put their focus and energy into preparing for their next challenge.
Like the best coaches, managers should routinely stress to employees that everyone makes mistakes, and the sooner they accept this fact, the easier it will be to recover.
As Margie Warrell noted in a recent article: “If you’ve made a mistake – whether taking the wrong job, or not delivering the right result, or simply not managing yourself or others as well as you’d have liked – the most important thing is never to let it define you.”
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Move On
Fail fast and move on.
In his book “Players First,” University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari stresses the need for players to “fail fast” so they can learn from their mistakes, make corrections and move on. He explains that bouncing back faster leads to success faster. This advice also holds true in the business world. Gail Kelly, the CEO of Australia’s second‐largest bank, explains, “How are you going to learn and how are you going to innovate unless you fail? You need to fail fast, quickly, and then get up and off you go again.” Adapting to a rapidly‐changing world requires the ability to fail fast, make the necessary adjustments and move forward with confidence.
Managers can play a valuable role by helping their employees learn how to bounce back.Even successful companies embrace failures and figure out how to move past them proactively. The history of business has consistently shown the utility of failure a as springboard to success.
Grey Advertising actively promotes the idea that one must try and often fail in order to succeed. On its company culture page, Grey highlights the quarterly Heroic Awards, noting that innovation occurs “by embracing the importance of trying, failing, dusting yourself off, and trying again.” The award serves as a strong symbol for employees to know that it is okay to be imperfect and to keep working toward success.
Similarly, in an October 2013 Forbes article, Halah Touryalai profiled the odyssey of the Domino’s pizza chain, which in 2009 put its CEO in a commercial to distinctively acknowledge that Domino’s pizza did not taste good. Patrick Doyle publicly apologized for Domino’s failure to deliver a quality product and promised to improve the recipe.
This risky and honest move paid off. Domino’s 2013 revenue was $1.8 billion, it is growing faster than its competitors and opening more locations.
In his book “Players First,” University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari stresses the need for players to “fail fast” so they can learn from their mistakes, make corrections and move on. He explains that bouncing back faster leads to success faster. This advice also holds true in the business world. Gail Kelly, the CEO of Australia’s second‐largest bank, explains, “How are you going to learn and how are you going to innovate unless you fail? You need to fail fast, quickly, and then get up and off you go again.” Adapting to a rapidly‐changing world requires the ability to fail fast, make the necessary adjustments and move forward with confidence.
Managers can play a valuable role by helping their employees learn how to bounce back.Even successful companies embrace failures and figure out how to move past them proactively. The history of business has consistently shown the utility of failure a as springboard to success.
Grey Advertising actively promotes the idea that one must try and often fail in order to succeed. On its company culture page, Grey highlights the quarterly Heroic Awards, noting that innovation occurs “by embracing the importance of trying, failing, dusting yourself off, and trying again.” The award serves as a strong symbol for employees to know that it is okay to be imperfect and to keep working toward success.
Similarly, in an October 2013 Forbes article, Halah Touryalai profiled the odyssey of the Domino’s pizza chain, which in 2009 put its CEO in a commercial to distinctively acknowledge that Domino’s pizza did not taste good. Patrick Doyle publicly apologized for Domino’s failure to deliver a quality product and promised to improve the recipe.
This risky and honest move paid off. Domino’s 2013 revenue was $1.8 billion, it is growing faster than its competitors and opening more locations.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Clearly Define Success
Clearly define success.
Dictionaries define failure as a lack of success, but its true definition is personal and subjective. Amanda Scarborough, ESPN softball analyst and coach, stresses that coaches and managers must clearly define what constitutes success, mediocrity and failure. Lack of clarity from the coach about the ultimate goal sends conflicting messages and creates confusion and insecurity. Good coaches tell and show their players what they expect. Amanda also points out that winning the game may not be the only definition of success.
Similarly, business managers must clearly define success, failure and mediocrity and outline specific outcomes and directions. Just as coaches review winning plays and techniques, strong managers provide examples of successful projects and outcomes, and coach their employees to the desired outcomes.
John Wooden, the famous basketball coach, once said that the journey (the practice) is better than the end (the game).
Wooden’s philosophy was never to stress winning; he believed the outcomes would simply be a result of the team’s collective preparation.
Dictionaries define failure as a lack of success, but its true definition is personal and subjective. Amanda Scarborough, ESPN softball analyst and coach, stresses that coaches and managers must clearly define what constitutes success, mediocrity and failure. Lack of clarity from the coach about the ultimate goal sends conflicting messages and creates confusion and insecurity. Good coaches tell and show their players what they expect. Amanda also points out that winning the game may not be the only definition of success.
Similarly, business managers must clearly define success, failure and mediocrity and outline specific outcomes and directions. Just as coaches review winning plays and techniques, strong managers provide examples of successful projects and outcomes, and coach their employees to the desired outcomes.
John Wooden, the famous basketball coach, once said that the journey (the practice) is better than the end (the game).
Wooden’s philosophy was never to stress winning; he believed the outcomes would simply be a result of the team’s collective preparation.
Friday, July 10, 2015
You're Human
You're human..
Don't expect that you will be perfect.
Garner-known as a relaxation expert-is sometimes asked if he ever experiences stress and finds it hard to relax. The answer is yes, he says, and that's OK. "That, for me is really key: always remembering that I'm human, that I'm learning, and that being mindful means being present in life as it occurs." We all need to treat ourselves with this sort of compassion he adds, because inevitably we will fail some of the time, at relaxing and just about everything else.
Learning to be compassionate-with others and ourselves-can be frustratingly difficult at times, such as when we're stuck in traffic, in the middle of a contentious meeting, or have just had a fight with a loved one.
At such moments, remind yourself that compassion is path we should try to follow, not a destination where we will arrive and always stay.
Don't expect that you will be perfect.
Garner-known as a relaxation expert-is sometimes asked if he ever experiences stress and finds it hard to relax. The answer is yes, he says, and that's OK. "That, for me is really key: always remembering that I'm human, that I'm learning, and that being mindful means being present in life as it occurs." We all need to treat ourselves with this sort of compassion he adds, because inevitably we will fail some of the time, at relaxing and just about everything else.
Learning to be compassionate-with others and ourselves-can be frustratingly difficult at times, such as when we're stuck in traffic, in the middle of a contentious meeting, or have just had a fight with a loved one.
At such moments, remind yourself that compassion is path we should try to follow, not a destination where we will arrive and always stay.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
A Work Ethic..
To Mr. Arpin-
We are moving
from San Diego, CA to Pensacola, FL with the Navy, and we just had our big
moving day. Paul Chavez led the crew
during the moving process, and it was a fantastic experience! The crew was incredibly efficient. They got everything in our 2.5bed/2bath
apartment packed and loaded into the truck in about 8 hours. I was really impressed. The team was professional, courteous, and
very thorough. They took the extra time
to make sure every single piece of furniture, every painting or wall hanging
art, every piece of electronics, and all of my big power tools were padded
safely and loaded in a manner that would ensure they arrive at the destination
intact. They really went the extra mile
to make sure that all of our belongings were protected. Paul led his crew expertly and it was easy to
tell that they enjoy working for him. I
would definitely trust him to move our household goods again if needed. Thanks for sending us such a professional to
ensure that our move went smoothly.
These guys get 10 out of 10, 5 stars, and a home run from me!!! Thanks so much!
Very Respectfully,
Brent , M.D.
Chief of Gastroenterology
Naval Hospital of Pensacola
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Apprehensive
Why do most people start by being apprehensive?
I notice that most people do not welcome people they do not know with a sincere smile and tend to start the relationship with much apprehension and pessimism.
Why is that?
Is it that they have gotten burned in the past and or lied to?
Dis they get hurt by trusting too much?
Either way it is sad that because of past actions we do not start every encounter more positive.
We should embrace those we meet and pull them in not push them away.
Some may feel that they simply do not need more friends or cannot be bothered.
Again it is a loss because the more we know about a person the more we connect, we all have commonality and overall want the same thing.
Try to not bring your past negative experience along with you, remember that they all lessons.
Good or bad it is all part of the ride.
Give a sincere smile and handshake next time you meet a stranger, be the first to extend the olive branch, you just me surprised.
I notice that most people do not welcome people they do not know with a sincere smile and tend to start the relationship with much apprehension and pessimism.
Why is that?
Is it that they have gotten burned in the past and or lied to?
Dis they get hurt by trusting too much?
Either way it is sad that because of past actions we do not start every encounter more positive.
We should embrace those we meet and pull them in not push them away.
Some may feel that they simply do not need more friends or cannot be bothered.
Again it is a loss because the more we know about a person the more we connect, we all have commonality and overall want the same thing.
Try to not bring your past negative experience along with you, remember that they all lessons.
Good or bad it is all part of the ride.
Give a sincere smile and handshake next time you meet a stranger, be the first to extend the olive branch, you just me surprised.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Trust
Leaders can become game changers if they build powerful trust, not to mention the respect and loyalty of their people.
As well, the opposite is true: Leaders who lack the trust of their people will ultimately lose any potential to influence those beyond their department in any meaningful way.
Trust is the seed of power, influence, and change.
As well, the opposite is true: Leaders who lack the trust of their people will ultimately lose any potential to influence those beyond their department in any meaningful way.
Trust is the seed of power, influence, and change.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Forgiveness and Simplicity
If there are two things to live by they are Forgiveness and Simplicity.
My mom was not a well educated woman, at least school wise, she never finished high school, she had to help her family with chores. When she was a child she grew up in a very modest two bedroom house with her mom and dad three sisters and a brother back in the early 1900's. They did not have a indoor bathroom till she was older or TV or lights in every room. She grew up very poor but she did know that, she just thought that is what life was. She grew up and met my dad in her early teens and got married. Turns out my dad struggled with the devel called alcohol, so my mom had a tough life bringing up me and my two sisters. He was a good man just bitten by the disease that many of have experienced in our families, meanwhile my mom was a rock.
My mother never said a harsh word about anybody, never swore or drank, worked third shift so she could take of the house and us and she NEVER complained. She never talked I'll about anybody, even my dad. She never held a grudge or gossiped. She helped others, my neighbor worked at the same mill as my mom on the third shift and had very bad arthritis, my mom picked her up every day and took her to work and helped her get up the stairs on the third floor of this monstrous factory and my mother never complained and wanted anything.
My mother enjoyed the simple things in life even though she had a rough ride, she always smiled and was kind. She SHOWED me by example the power of forgiveness and that you can be happy with the simple things. Just like the man who walked the earth thousands of years ago born in a barn he showed us by his life the power of forgiveness and simplicity.
Forgiveness is not easy but once you learn to live it you realize it is quite satisfying and that it actually frees you.
Live simple and Forgive.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Building a Team of Leaders
Building a Team of Leaders
The Team of Leaders concept operates under the idea that working in a team is so much more than simply making peace with the people around you. Instead, the most effective team is made up of professionals with cultivated leadership qualities who embrace the opportunity to own their collective and personal success. Creating a team of leaders in your organization may not be simple, but it’s one of the most important strategies a company can implement.
To create a company culture that embraces those who work independently as effective team members, it is important to ensure every employee has a voice. Rather than simply delegating and communicating news from executives, you develop a work design that gives team members input on all key decisions affecting them. This design also provides them with a way to voice concerns, ideas and constructive criticisms. With an outlet through which frustrations can be addressed, it’s easier for difficult people to set their qualms aside.
In order for an individual to prove his leadership abilities, it is also important to provide opportunities for all individuals to exert authority.
Whether this means allowing a team member to follow through on a suggestion or project, or rotating prestigious or powerful responsibilities, the only way an employee can see himself as a leader is to prove to himself that he can handle the challenge.
The Team of Leaders concept operates under the idea that working in a team is so much more than simply making peace with the people around you. Instead, the most effective team is made up of professionals with cultivated leadership qualities who embrace the opportunity to own their collective and personal success. Creating a team of leaders in your organization may not be simple, but it’s one of the most important strategies a company can implement.
To create a company culture that embraces those who work independently as effective team members, it is important to ensure every employee has a voice. Rather than simply delegating and communicating news from executives, you develop a work design that gives team members input on all key decisions affecting them. This design also provides them with a way to voice concerns, ideas and constructive criticisms. With an outlet through which frustrations can be addressed, it’s easier for difficult people to set their qualms aside.
In order for an individual to prove his leadership abilities, it is also important to provide opportunities for all individuals to exert authority.
Whether this means allowing a team member to follow through on a suggestion or project, or rotating prestigious or powerful responsibilities, the only way an employee can see himself as a leader is to prove to himself that he can handle the challenge.
Friday, July 3, 2015
Approaching solutions for difficult people
Approaching solutions for difficult people
Identifying difficult people in the workplace is often quite straightforward, but working to transform a struggling team member may take an inspired approach.
The first instinct of many professionals may be to simply let these individuals go, cutting dead weight to create room for new up-and-comers. While this can be and often is an effective strategy, a better approach is to create an environment where people can flourish. That is because, while some difficult employees are born that way, many others are created by a work environment that stifles employee enthusiasm and creativity and frustrates them along the way, making them feel they are simply not valued by the organization.
The ideal scenario is to build teams of leaders where everyone is involved, engaged, committed, well developed and valued. Under this design, difficult people are not created; rather, they are elevated and often become productive employees who are leaders, because of the design under which they operate.
As a result, instead of devoting resources to get rid of them, the organization is working as an integrated unit to pull them up. Meanwhile, for the few remaining employees, if any, who remain difficult, they will become the responsibility of the team to deal with. It will no longer be management versus the employees.
Everyone will be in it together to deal with a problem person.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Help Develop
Developing:
Helping others to develop is part of your job.
Yes, you still need to get results – but you’ll discover as you mentor, coach, teach, and train others, the results will follow.
And what follows that is significant satisfaction as they become skilled and you find you don’t need you to “push” them to meet goals; they’ll know how to get there.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
This is why you do what you do..
This is why you do what you do- it has to make you feel good to know that you can make a difference in someone’s life.
Thank you Dana Query !
Subject: Moving Experience Feedback
Hello David,
I wanted to give you some feedback on a recent moving experience with one of your drivers from Arpin. My name is Michael Schmidt, and we are relocating from Kansas City to southern California. One of your drivers, Dana Query, was highly recommended to us for our move. This is the first time we have ever used a professional moving company, and I was blown away at how easy the process was. Dana and his crew were prompt, courteous, and extremely professional throughout the packing and loading aspect of our move. It is rare to find contractors from any industry who can make you feel that you are friends by the end of the process. I truly felt this was the case with Dana. It was amazing to see the efficiency of a professional moving team in action. At one point, I thought “There’s no way these guys are going to be done on time. We have so much stuff.” And to add to the degree of difficulty, the temperature was in the upper 90’s with extremely high humidity. Not only did Dana and his crew finish the loading before our 5pm deadline, they left the house clean as if they were never there. All of this while slaving away in the extreme heat. I would definitely recommend Arpin, and Dana in particular, to any of our friends and family should they require the services of a professional moving company. This was a great experience for us during a very stressful time in our lives. I
Thanks,
Mike
Senior Engineer
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