Lock and Key

Do you watch any of the criminal investigation procedural shows that are so popular now?  There is usually a similar storyline each week that involves analysis of DNA evidence.  The combination of science and technology can use a lock of hair to identify a suspect or a victim.  The data produced may be the key to solving the case. While you may not solve crimes on a regular basis, there are probably certain dilemmas that you face that have similar attributes.  Do you have the keys (answers) to the locks (questions) that may hinder your progress?

Locks represent a symbol of security.  They are used to help you feel safe and comfortable. However, you may need to step outside of your comfort zone to succeed.  Open questions sometimes provide excuses for lack of activity.  The best answer may not be revealed until you try something and see if it works.  Notice that the phrase "best answer" was used instead of  "right answer".  So much of what you encounter is like a multiple choice test.  There may be more than one correct response.  Another option might be none of the above.  However, you cannot get credit (benefits) if you select nothing.  Sometimes you need to use the process of elimination to discover the option that works for you.  It is okay to skip a question and come back to it later.  Just make sure that you move on the next one instead of getting stuck on what you don't know.

Keys represent possibilities.  You have the opportunity to explore what is behind closed doors or start engines to put the wheels of your ideas into motion.  Make sure there are keys on your chain for these characteristics and actions:

• Optimism - Look for the reason why something will work instead of focusing on everything that might go wrong.  While it is important to have a contingency plan to handle problems, you also need to have an implementation plan for when things go well.

• Perseverance - You have heard the old adage that if at first you don't succeed, then try again.  When you experience resistance along your path, recognize that there are other routes to your destination.  

• Expression - People will support what you are trying to do if they understand what it is and how they can contribute to it.  You must be able to share your vision with others.  If you cannot clearly articulate it, then learn how to display it visually.  Your expression of your goals impacts the impression that others have of them.

• Navigation -  As you pursue your goals, you will need to make adjustments along the way.  A right turn may help you avoid heavy traffic.  Use your creativity to set yourself apart from the crowd.  If you go left, there may be unexpected shortcuts to help you avoid delays.  Learn from others that have blazed the trail before you.  

Leave a comment and share how you will use the lock and key analogy this week.

March Madness

Are you a college basketball fan?  If so, then this is one of your favorite times of the year.  It is NCAA tournament time, or what is affectionately known as March Madness.  The intensity of the single elimination games is very exciting.  Even if you don't normally watch basketball, the analogies in this week's post will still make sense to you.  The phrases buzzer beater, Cinderella team, and final four can be applied to other scenarios that are not related to sports. 

Buzzer beaters are those game winning shots that go through the basket just as time expires.  The clock goes to zero, the backboard lights up, and the horn sounds to indicate the end of a half.  You don't have to play basketball to encounter buzzers on a regular basis.  What do you want to do before your window of opportunity closes?  Do you want to go back to school, start a business, or achieve some other milestone that you would consider a victory?  You have to play the game to win it.  You can beat the buzzer if you take the shot.  It's time to get off the bench, launch the ball toward the basket, and celebrate as it goes through the nets.

Cinderella teams are those underdog squads that were not expected to do well in the tournament, but surprised the naysayers by advancing to the next round.  It can work in your favor when people underestimate your ability, connections, and determination.  They don't prepare adequately to compete with you because they don't consider you to be a threat.  Don't try to convince them of your merit with words.  Let your play (actions) speak for you.  Take care of the ball (your advantage) and don't let the opponent steal it.  Only pass it to those that can help your team score.

The final four consists of the teams that have defeated the contenders in their regions to advance to the semi-finals.  They have proven that they are competitors and winners.  Make it a point to work toward the final four (elite status) of your field.  If you cook, sing, teach, consult, write, or do any other occupation, practice it regularly to sharpen your skills.  You want to be a leader among your peers.  The term practice is commonly associated with doctors and lawyers because they have to apply what they have studied and learned everyday.  Do not become complacent.  Keep training and striving for new pinnacles of success. 

Leave a comment and share which March Madness concept you will focus on this week.

DVR

Technology has introduced multiple ways to track your comings and goings.  The GPS, or global positioning system, in your car can store directions you have requested.  When you use your mobile phone, the signal can be traced to the vicinity of potential towers.  The credit card companies know where you shop because the stores transact with them for payment.  However, you can also monitor your steps without using electronic intervention.  Your shoes can be used as a DVR (digital video recorder).  When you walk you pick up traces of the places that you go and leave impressions of where you have been.  If we look at the DVR (shoes) as a delivery vehicle report, the example may become clearer to you.

Delivery - Wherever you go, you bring your collective experiences with you.  You can deliver peace to chaos, answers to questions, and encouragement to doubt.  Walk with a sense of balance, purpose, and confidence.  When these attributes are displayed regularly, others will be receptive to what you have for them.  Be sensitive to the timing, location, and content of the delivery.  Some packages may contain fragile or perishable items.  Your intent should be to strengthen the recipient, not frustrate or confuse them.

Vehicle - How do you transport, or convey, your intentions, abilities, and accomplishments?  Do you put them in boots to limit their exposure and shield them from harmful elements.  Maybe you use a loafer method where the casual and comfortable approach is evident.   'You don't make formal announcements of what you can do and have done.  You let your actions speak for themselves.  There is also a sandal analogy that relies on style over substance.  There may not be a lot of material to evaluate, but what is there looks good.  This doesn't mean that you don't have the goods.  The point is that you may need to get noticed for how you operate before you get the opportunity to display what you can do.  Remind yourself continually of the desired outcome of your efforts.  Change shoes regularly to help you put your best foot forward.

Report - Be aware that you pick up residue when you take steps.  As you walk through certain situations, remember to wipe off any traces of mud, sand, or gum.  Don't let the mud (negative words) of your critics adversely influence your decisions.  Listen to the constructive input of those who want to see you succeed.  Sand (poor treatment) may be harder to detect than mud.  It is more about what is not being said or done.  Some people will not recognize your commitment or effort.  Don't worry about them.  Focus on the ones that are trying to help you.  Scrape away the gum (sticky connections) that cause you to be guilty by association.  There is some truth to the saying that you are the company that you keep.  Manage your reputation carefully.

Leave a comment and share how you will use your DVR this week.

Ups and Downs

How often do you change your hair style?  As the weather gets warmer and spring approaches, will you wear it up more?  Maybe you like to wear it down for comfort.  When it is down, you can run your fingers through it and adjust it during the day.  It may also be relaxing to feel gentle breezes blowing through your hair.  You can pull it up, or back, into a ponytail when you are in hurry.  For a more formal appearance, it can be gathered up into an elegant bun or roll.  The point is that there are benefits to both ups and downs when talking about hair.  The same principle applies with life experiences.  Make an effort to get something positive out of some of the common ups and downs that you encounter on a regular basis. 

Ups - When you hear bad news (job loss, illness, car repair, etc.), listen up so that you don't miss important details.  Often, people are so shocked by what is being said that they don't hear additional instructions or options.  Follow up with the person you spoke with (or someone else that may be able to help) after you have had time to process the information.  Focus on what you can do to improve the situation.  Your positive attitude will make a difference.  Cheer up and remember that you have the ability to come out on top.  Keep up the good work. 

Downs - What are your goals for this month?  Write down what you want to do and the steps needed to accomplish it.  Make sure that you are doing something each day to work toward your desired results.  Break down large, time consuming efforts into smaller pieces that are more manageable.  Don't worry if you encounter some obstacles along the way.  That is to be expected.  Calm down, assess the issue, and decide how to address it.   Be open to input from others that have encountered and solved similar problems.  Roll down the windows (barriers) that may prevent the necessary assistance from reaching you.

Leave a comment and share how you will use your ability to follow up and break down to make progress this week.