Hop, Skip, and a Jump

Are you familiar with the phrase "hop, skip, and a jump"?  It is used to describe how close you are to something.  What you want may be within your sight or reach sooner than you think.  You have to be aware of your surroundings and understand that the opening for you to move forward may not be obvious.  Sometimes it is necessary for you to look beyond what is in front of you and prepare for what is around the corner.  Detours are not always bad.  They expose you to new routes and expand your boundaries.  Have you put some things on hold this year or delayed the pursuit of dreams?  They may only be a hop, skip, and jump away.

Hop in when the practice train slows down and opens it doors for you.  It is important to work on your skill (talent, trade, dream, etc.) as often as possible.  If it is singing, cooking, writing, painting, speaking, or any other gift that you want to pursue, then do it repeatedly in order to perfect it.

Skip over the distractions that will lead to frustration and discouragement.  Learn how to make productive use out of unexpected down time.  If you're stuck in traffic, listen to books on tape that will enrich you.  When someone shares bad, or negative, news with you, determine if you can do something about the situation.  If not, a listening ear or shoulder to lean on may be all that you can offer.  Do what you can without getting overwhelmed by what is out of your control.

Jump on the things that you know that you need to do as soon as possible.  Do not procrastinate.  When you gain momentum, keep going.  Set up a consistent routine and do your best to stick to it.  If you need to make calls, sort mail, study, rehearse, or develop samples of your work, select a time/day to devote your attention to it. 

For the second half of this year, get ready to hop, skip, or jump to make things happen for you.  Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Rubber Bands

Rubber bands are small items that can make a big impact.  They can hold things together or control something that may be out of order.  Sometimes they are used to keep hair out of your eyes or off of your neck.  In other words, the rubber band can clear your vision or help you keep your cool.  What are the symbolic rubber bands that you use on a regular basis?  What helps you clear the clutter from your path as you pursue your goals?  How do you maintain a calm demeanor in the midst of conflict? One of the benefits of rubber bands is that they are elastic.  They have flexibility and can be stretched to fit different shapes.  Similarly, your figurative bands should be able to adapt to meet your needs.   Some common ones that may help you are bite, attitude, nap, and definition.

Bite - As a child, you may have been told not to bite off more than you could chew.  This is still good advice.  Your vision (desire) is sharper when you divide it into smaller, manageable segments.  You are also less likely to become overwhelmed and display frustration when you divide the plan into reasonable bites (tasks).

Attitude - You control your response or reaction to any situation.  If you see the glass as half full, you can focus on how to fill the second half.  When you see it as half empty, you may become stressed trying to figure out how to maintain the level and not lose what you have.  A positive attitude will be one of the keys to your success.  Try to think in terms of possibilities and not limitations. 

Nap - You may not be able to actually take a nap when you lose sight of the finish line or get upset about something.  The point of the nap being referenced here is not to go to sleep.  It is to remind you that sometimes it is wise to step back and take a break.  You can recharge and get a fresh perspective when you have time away from an issue.

Definition - Most words have multiple definitions.  Rarely is there only one way to look at something.  Explore the different meanings that can be used to describe your interactions and experiences.  Once you understand what is really being said or done, you can plan how to make it work to your advantage.

Leave a comment and share which band might benefit you most this week.

Tea Bags

Are you a tea drinker?  It can be a soothing beverage in the winter and the summer.  When the weather is cold or you have a sore throat, a nice cup of hot tea may help you feel better.  On a hot and humid day, a tall glass of iced tea can be very refreshing.  Tea bags come in different sizes and contain leaves with different flavors.  The thing that is consistent is the tag attached to the string.  It allows you to remove the bag from the water once the tea has been brewed, or steeped, to your liking.  Try some of the teas below to see which one quenches your thirst the best.

Teaching others often allows you to learn new things about yourself.  Find ways to share your wisdom, skills, and lessons learned with people that can benefit from your experience.

Teamwork is the foundation that enables someone to accomplish things that may have been beyond their individual grasp.  The collective contributions of the group provide confidence, security, and direction to each team member.

Instead is a word that indicates that you have options.  Get educated regarding your choices so that you can make informed decisions.  Anticipate what will come next if you select "A" instead of "B".

Leave a comment and share which of the above "teas" is your preferred drink.

Stepping Stones

Do you have a green thumb?  Some people have the most beautiful gardens.  While the flowers and plants are the centerpieces of the space, some of the accessories can help make the garden memorable.  Wind chimes, trellises, and stepping stones contribute to the theme, or design, of the area.  Stepping stones are placed strategically throughout to allow you to walk through the garden and not get dirt on your shoes.  Those stones can represent the things that you need to stand on to help you travel the path to growth and productivity.  The labels for your stones might be speech, tenacity, objectivity, negotiation, and environment.

Speech is the stone that allows you to clearly communicate your desires, intentions, and needs.  Your words can travel and open doors for you.

Tenacity is the stone that enables you to keep moving when you lose your balance or take a misstep.   Your determination to succeed will allow you to get back up and keep going.

Objectivity is the stone that helps you evaluate your options based on facts, not emotion.  The ability to see through the clutter of a situation makes you a more effective decision maker.

Negotiation is the stone that provides room for others to walk with you.  Even if you have different destinations, there may be a common path for part of the journey. 

Environment is the stone that can shape your thinking regarding what is around you.  Look for potential, possibilities, and purpose and you will find them.

Leave a comment and share the stones that you will stand on this week.