Family Feud

When you watch the Family Feud game show on television, do you usually get all of the answers right?  Do you ever wonder where they find the 100 people that take the survey?  The responses are often funny and unexpected.  Who would you take with you to compete on the show?  Which relatives would give you the best chance to win?  Think about it carefully.  The people that you love the most may not be the best choices.  You need four teammates that will help you beat the other family.  Remember, this is a feud so pick your best weapons.

Pass or Play - This person has to be fast enough to hit the button first and give a high ranking answer (preferably number one).  Who do you know that is quick to respond with relevant information?  Once you have control of the board, or situation, you must make a decision.  Do you want to run with it from start to finish or turn it over to someone else to do the preliminary work for you?  Sometimes it is more beneficial to take a step back and watch what the competition can do.  Just be ready to step in if they stumble.

Good Answer - Inevitably, your family will have two strikes and someone will have to provide a possession saving answer under pressure.  Who do you call on when your back is against the wall?  When you have tried multiple ways to solve a problem, who usually gives you a viable option that hadn't crossed your mind?

Fast Money - If you reach this stage of the game, it means that you defeated the other family.  It is now time to select your best two players to try to win $20,000.  Great teamwork is needed in order to reach the required 200 points.  You need to pair your best Pass or Play (speed) person with the best Good Answer (pressure) person for success.  When your family, or team, is at a make or break point, assign your resources wisely to achieve the desired result.

Leave a comment and share who the Pass or Play, Good Answer, and Fast Money people are in your life.  Share this post with them and let them know you value the strengths they bring to the table.

Spice Rack

Do you use spices when you cook?  They can add flavor and personality to a dish.  Spice racks contain the diverse tastes of many regions.  You can travel to Italy, Mexico, or the Mediterranean just by selecting the corresponding spice.  What are the figurative spice racks that you use to help you sample different destinations?  Your family and friends can represent different seasonings for your travel itinerary. Spend time with the people that make your taste buds happy.  Music is another source of spice in your life.  What is playing on the radio, compact disc, or MP3 player can change your attitude.

Identify the basil (finisher) and cumin (spicy) people in your life.  Basil should be applied to food near the end of cooking in order to maximize the flavor.  You have advisors that should be used in the same fashion.  Consult them when what you are doing is almost done.  Their job is to tweak, or enhance, a finished product.  They are not the ones to help you build something from the beginning.  Cumin makes any meal hotter.  It adds the kick to food.  There is someone in your circle that lights a fire under you.  They hold you accountable for assignments and deadlines.  When it looks like you are losing focus, they push, pull, and harass you until you are back on track.

There are also spice songs that can help you move forward.  What are the cinnamon (sweet) and thyme (starter) tunes that motivate you to take risks and explore unknown territory?   Cinnamon is commonly used in desserts.  It has a distinct aroma and taste.  You may get a warm and fuzzy feeling when it hits your tongue.  Is there a particular type of music that has the same effect on your ears?  Maybe listening to jazz or classical selections puts a smile on your face.  It could be a popular theme song from a television show or movie that reminds you of your wins and makes you want to stay in the game.  Thyme releases it flavor slowly so it needs to be added at the beginning of the meal.  Are there songs that you need to hear in the mornings to get your day off to a great start?  If you play I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly before you leave the house, those words may remain with you all day.  The beat and words of I Feel Good by James Brown can energize you and set the tone for the day.  Use music to season your mood the way you use spices to season your food.

Leave a comment and share the people and music that are on your spice rack.

Key Chains

Key chains contain a diverse assortment of items.  There are usually some standard keys that open locks or start cars.  Often you also see the shopping reward cards that can help you save money.  All of these things coexist on the key chain and are at your fingertips when you need them.   Similarly, your actions and reactions can help you in a variety of ways.  Choose the one that is the best fit for what you what to accomplish.

Your actions are the keys that control the access to the information and people that you need to know.  The things that you do establish a record and perception of you for others to evaluate.  Remember that the results, or consequences, of your actions can provide opportunities for you to grow.  The keys on your chain should include an investment, signature, and greeting.  You must invest your time in order to discover what works for you.  Do not provide your signature, or endorsement, to anything without a clear understanding of what you are supporting.  What you approve or recommend influences the opinion that others have of you.  How you greet a situation can set the tone for how you deal with it.  Try to meet challenges calmly and treat them as learning experiences.

Reactions are tools that can help you impact the environment around you.  Like the customer reward cards, the appropriate reaction can earn you points, or benefits.  Sometimes the best reaction is no reaction at all.  Allow yourself time to process what is said or done to you before responding to it.  Decide whether a verbal or nonverbal expression is needed.  A warm smile might yield better results than trying to find the right words.  An understanding nod can establish a bond that will be useful at another time.  When a verbal response is necessary, be mindful of the tone, volume, and length.  Your reactions can stoke the flames of a fire or lay the foundation for an amicable discussion.

Leave a comment and share how you have used the actions and reactions on your key chain.

Pots and Pans

How do you use your pots and pans?  Do you boil water or saute vegetables?  You probably use them to cook nourishing meals for your body.  When you apply heat to pots and pans, the contents change temperature and texture.  The pots and pans discussed in this week's post can also be used to refresh and strengthen you mentally. 

Potato - This "pot" is a side dish that can be baked, fried, or mashed.  The appearance and presentation may change, but the content remains the same.  There is more than one version of your ideas and dreams.  Be informed and observant enough to recognize when what you want is right in front of you. 

Pancake - This "pan" is commonly eaten for breakfast.  You need to flip it at the right time during preparation so that it will cook evenly.  Once it is done, it can be topped with something sweet to enhance the taste.  As you juggle the many responsibilities that you have, remember to flip between them at regular intervals in order to maintain a balance.  Pour appreciation on your friends and family to let them know that they matter to you.  Sprinkle preparation and intent on your career and education in order to work efficiently and effectively.

Spotlight - What do you do when you need to renew your focus on a goal?  Do you shine a spotlight on what you are trying to achieve or what has distracted you?  You control how you distribute your attention.  Do not allow temporary setbacks to overshadow the display of your confidence, perseverance, and adaptability. 

Panorama - Do you look at the big picture when deciding on a course of action?  A panoramic view exposes multiple angles and dimensions.  There may be something in the corner or background that can help you evaluate your options.  Build relationships to help you widen your opportunity circle.

Leave a comment and share what pots and pans you will use to help you this week.