Movers and Shakers

It's that time of year when the annual lists of news makers and other noteworthy individuals are published.  It could be Time Magazine's person of the year or CNN's Heroes.  Barbara Walters will reveal who she thinks are the 10 most fascinating people of the year.  Sports Illustrated has already named Lebron James as their Sportsman of the Year.  The thing that all the members of these lists have in common is that they are considered to be movers and shakers in their industry or community.  They make an impact with their contributions.   You don't have to be famous to move and shake the people and things around you.  Consider some of the following things that will get you labeled as a mover and a shaker.

• Move toward your goals and dreams with focus and awareness.  Look for opportunities and be prepared to act on them when you find them. 
• Shake off the frustration of failure.  Replace it with the response of resilience.
• Move from inside your vision to outside of your mission.  Build your brand based on outcomes not intent.
• Shake hands to connect. Consultation and collaboration expand your reach.  
• Move into position to see success ahead and leave disappointment behind.  Don't become limited by circumstances. 
• Shake up indecision with a clear sense of purpose.  When you know what your purpose is, you will make choices to align with it.
• Move through chaos and confusion with the perspective that they are temporary states.  Expect stability and clarity to show up when you look for them.  
• Shake free of unproductive habits. If you do something on a regular basis that does not support, strengthen, or serve your growth, then stop doing it.   

Leave a comment and share what you will move or shake to begin the new year.

Inner Circle

Some of your relationships are environmental.  You interact with certain people because you see them at the same place on a regular basis (work, school, gym, etc.).  Other people may be in your life because you are related to or have history with them.  Regardless of how you met them, some of these people will make their way into your inner circle.  This is often a small group of trusted friends and/or family members that you rely on for advice, support, and the truth.  They have no agenda and want the best for you.  Often, the folks in your inner circle fill specific roles in your life.  There may be a beginner, dinner, thinner, spinner, and winner.

Beginner - Don't think of a beginner as someone that is new to something.  In your circle, the beginner is the person that helps you start things.  They are your sounding board for new ideas and plan changes.  You brainstorm with them and they can usually provide a few tips to launch what you want to do.

Dinner - This may be thought of as the main meal of your day.  However, in your circle, the dinner person is the one that feeds your creativity, resilience, and preparation.  In artistic terms, this individual might be referred to as your muse.  They provide "food for thought" to inspire you to dream big, bounce back, and always be ready to show what you can do. 

Thinner - This is not the person that helps you lose weight.  Think of paint thinner.  This role will serve a similar purpose.  When you add them to your sticky situations, they make things easier for you.  They are able to be objective and help you see past the immediate moment.  

Spinner - This is your public relations person.  You want them to introduce and recommend you to others.  They always speak favorably of you and what you do.  You need a glass half full type of person in your corner. 

Winner - This one is self-explanatory.  You want to be around people that know how to win.  They have won or are winning at something now.  They have a proven pattern, or formula, that can help you to succeed. 

Leave a comment and share who some of the people are in your life that fill your inner circle roles.

5 Ways To Build Esteem

While it is great to have a support system of family and friends to encourage you, it is important that you believe in yourself.  You need to feel that you can and will accomplish the things that you want to do.  If you are your worst critic, then you also need to be your biggest cheerleader.  Your esteem is your responsibility.  Build it with care and perform routine maintenance on it.  There are five things that may help you establish a solid self-esteem.

1. Lay a brick of recognition on top of a brick of impact.  Connect them with the mortar of awareness.  Know that you matter and make a difference when you speak.  Remind yourself of the ways that you make things better.
2. Use a humor hammer to keep things in perspective.  Learn to laugh at yourself when the occasion calls for it.  Don't beat yourself up over silly things that will soon be forgotten by others.  
3. Keep enough experience nails in your bag to join your skills to the appropriate needs.  Where you have been, who you have met, and what you know will fill the blank pages of your esteem journal.  The written word connects thought to action.
4. Don't build the foundation of your esteem based on someone else's measurements.  Mold your thoughts and behavior with a shaping saw that will modify your expectations to fit your story.  As you look and listen to others for guidance and inspiration, apply the things that make sense for you and discard what you don't need.
5. Paint the walls of your personality with a pattern of competence and consistency.  There are things that you do well.   Practice and perfect those skills on a regular basis.  They may be used to describe you to others.  What you display reflects how you view yourself, your environment, and those that interact with you.  

In the next Hearts post (in a few weeks), maintenance of esteem will be covered.  For this week, leave a comment and share which of these esteem building tips can help you.

Within Reach

Are your hopes and dreams within reach?  If you answered yes, then don't delay in your pursuit of them.  Move toward what you want with focus and confidence.  If you answered no, then determine what you need to do to reach them.  Put yourself in a position to extend your reach in multiple directions.  You may not always be able to use the most obvious approach.  Consider different routes that will lead you to your desired finish line.

• Reach up to expand your vision.   When you reach up, you tend to look up as well.  You may not be able to fully grasp everything you see at first. However, as you continue to stretch, you will get a better grip on what you will encounter at the next level.

• Reach out to gain information.  Ask questions that will open doors.  Reach out to share information.  Give answers that build bridges that connect you to problem solvers.  Effective communication can establish your foundation and credibility.

• Reach down to find motivation when things don't go according to the plan.   Encouragement can be found beneath failure and disappointment.  Reach down to lift the lesson from the loss.  The floor (bottom) is the launching pad to the ceiling (top).    

Leave a comment and share whether you will reach up, out, or down this week.

Connect the Dots

How do you process information?  Do you interpret things literally or do you try to read between the lines?  While you may think that your thoughts and ideas are not related, you can actually connect the dots of what you want, what you encounter, and what you have.  The dots that you connect may represent various things.  It will depend on what end result you are trying to achieve.  When you look at the D, O, T, and S, consider these possible meanings.



Dreams are a vision of where you want to be.  Obstacles may prevent you from getting there on the route or schedule that you planned.  Tests of your patience, judgement, and confidence occur when obstacles delay your dreams.  Separation of doubt from effort can help you pass any test. 

Decisions are the building blocks of your influence.  Objectives help you measure progress toward your end result.  Timing will play a role in how effective your decisions are in relation to your objectives.  Shifts will occur in the amount of support you receive based on timing.

Details provide answers to questions before they are asked.  Outcomes should be evaluated to gather input for next steps.  Tasks connect successful outcomes to assignment details.  Space for improvement exists in front of attempts and behind achievements.

Leave a comment and share which D.O.T.S. you will connect this week.

Full Of It

Have you ever heard someone tell a story and felt that what they were saying wasn't quite right?  Maybe they left something out or exaggerated the details.  You might have thought, or even told them, that they were full of it.  That's a common expression to indicate that you don't believe something.  It's usually not a flattering statement.  However, there are some things that you would want to be full of in a positive way. Think of yourself as beautiful, grateful, hopeful, cheerful, useful, careful, helpful, tactful, youthful, and wonderful.

• Beautiful - You are full of beauty when you bring out the best in others. When others observe the attribute in you, it causes them to search for it within themselves.  
• Grateful - Be full of gratitude for delays. They strengthen your planning and time management skills. 
• Hopeful - To be full of hope is to be empty of excuses.  Hope makes room for creativity.
• Cheerful - When you are full of cheer, it overflows to produce possibilities.  Be known as someone that carries cheer and is willing to share it.
• Useful - You are full of use when you ask questions that lead to growth and development for others.
• Careful - Be full of care for the impression that you make, image you project, and legacy you leave.
• Helpful - To be full of help is to be a good listener.  You make a difference when you pay attention.
• Tactful - When you are full of tact, you are a builder of esteem.  Recognize the power of your reaction.
• Youthful - You are full of youth as long as you continue to pursue new ideas and embrace change.  Youth does not refer to your age, but to your willingness to learn and teach.
• Wonderful - To be full of wonder is to believe that you matter.  Know the value that you add to your relationships.

Leave a comment and share what you want to be full of this week.

Leaps and Bounds

Are you satisfied with the pace of the progress toward your goals?  If not, you can make adjustments to help you achieve your objectives in a timely manner.  You want to make a conscious decision to grow by leaps and bounds as you pursue success.  While the words are similar, there are subtle differences to the meanings.  Looking at some definitions can help you decide when you need to leap and when you need to bound.


Leap

to spring free from or as if from the ground : jump <leap over a fence> <a fish leaps out of the water>

 

Bound 

rebound, bounce

 

 These are some suggestions that may help you.

 

• Leap at the chance to test what you have learned.  You can't identify areas for improvement until you put theory into practice.  Don't settle for proficiency; strive for prestige.
• Bound forward with enthusiasm when a door opens for you.  What you see on the other side can depend on how quickly and confidently you enter.  Your facial expressions and body language can set the tone for the room when you enter and exit.
• Leap from complaints to decisions.  When you don't like your current circumstance, decide what you are going to do to change it.  If you are not willing to do something differently, then don't continue to complain about it.  Make a decision to adjust your expectations.
• Bound across the gap between disappointment and drive.  When you have a setback, it is normal to wish things had turned out differently.  However, only allow yourself a brief moment of dissastisfaction before you shake it off and start again.  The next step after a letdown is to get up and keep going.
• Leap into the discussion about what you are doing and where you are going.  Don't sit by passively while family, friends, employers, teachers, and others dictate your actions.  Let your voice be heard.  Put yourself in a position to see past your present to get a glimpse of your future.
• Bound up the steps of your daily duties to get to your weekly wins.  That is how you get from  dread to dream.  There is only one letter difference between dread and dream.  The seemingly mundane tasks that are part of your regular routine are necessary to help you reach the top.

Leave a comment and share what leaps and bounds you will take this week.    



Sleep On It

When people have to make a decision, sometimes they will say that they need to sleep on it.  Other phrases with a similar meaning include pray about it, mull it over, and sit with it.  The bottom line is that they need more time to think about it.  When you take additional time to consider things, how do you evaluate your options?  If you look at the word "sleep" backward, it spells the word "peels".  In order to effectively determine the best thing to do, you may need to peel back the layers of any proposal.  As each layer falls away, you get closer to the core of what is being presented.  Three of the common layers for any decision are risk, cost, and effort.

Risk may sometimes be exposed, but not eliminated.   The key point is to be aware of it and be prepared to deal with the outcome.  Use risk to your advantage.  Acknowledge it and how it can help you.  Risk introduces a level, or layer, of uncertainty.  The only way to get to certainty is to peel away the risk and see what is beneath it.  It may not be what you want to see, but it will provide necessary information to determine next steps.

Cost could refer to money or time. 

• The financial cost is often calculated by what needs to be paid.  However, peel back the outer layer and consider less obvious costs.  Will paying more now enable you to save later?  Do you have to pay the money in a lump sum or is there a payment plan?  Is it possible for you to barter services instead of using money?  There are many layers to consider. 
• Please do not underestimate the value of your time.  You might not have much spare, or free, time.  That means that your time costs will often come from other commitments.  Your job, family, friends, and school are just some of the things that need time allocated to them.  As other things come up, lift the time layers to see where you may be able to shift or combine some things in order to have balance. 

Effort has many layers. 

• It is often measured in terms of percentage.  In order to give 100%, you may need to strip away some of the things that decrease your effort.  If there is a layer of tiredness, peel it back with preparation and strategy.  Efficiency experts will tell you to work smarter, not harder.  You only have 100% of your current capacity, not what you had yesterday or this morning.  Be realistic regarding what you have to offer at any given time. 
• Distraction is another layer that can hinder your effort.  Peel it back with patience.  Don't lose your focus when things don't happen as fast as you think they should.  Use the waiting period to make connections that will help you move forward.  Delay allows you to strengthen your position and show your resolve.

Leave a comment and share which layer applies to you.        

Friendship Frames

Friends are an extension of you.  There is a connection that supports and defines you.  Your friends are frames that surround you to give you structure and highlight your value.  Think of them as picture frames, eyeglass frames, and certificate frames. Each type of frame has a similar purpose, but may differ in what it contains and how it is used.

Picture frames hold photographs.  They display moments that were captured to be shared.  You have friends that do the same thing for you.  Some friends can be counted on to remember your best moments, always put a smile on your face, and provide backup when you need it.  You may have heard the phrase that "a picture is worth a thousand words".  If it is that valuable then the frame that holds it needs to be stable, the right size, and able to showcase the contents.  In today's shorthand lingo, this may be your BFF.

Eyeglass frames can hold the lenses to help you see better or simply function as a fashion accessory.  Your inner circle of friends should include people that act as the frames for your prescription lenses.  They have power (authority), listen carefully so that any advice they give is tailored to your personality and situation, and look beyond right now to help you see what is ahead of you.  You may also know some folks that are more like reading glasses.  They may be more direct and help you see the details of risks/rewards of potential opportunities.  Their suggestions won't necessarily be specific to you.  The value of what they say lies in the broad range of experience that they may have.  There also some frames that have no lenses.  These are like the friends you have more for style than substance.  They don't help you see anything, but they help you express your individuality and get noticed. 

Certificate frames hold diplomas, licenses, and other symbols of accomplishment.  These friends may serve as mentors, coaches, or role models.  They are trying to help you achieve something.  There may be different expectations in these relationships.  Work will be involved as well as fun.  When they agree to help you, they invest time and energy into your goals.  They will hold you accountable for what you tell them you want to do.

Leave a comment and share some of the friends/frames that have made a difference in your life. Send this post to them and let them know that they are appreciated.            

No Receipt, No Return

When you shop in some stores, they may have a policy of no receipt, no return.  This means if you do not have the receipt, or proof of purchase, for an item, then you cannot return it for a refund.  Another way to think about the phrase no receipt, no return, is to apply it to attributes that you want to display.  If you do not display certain characteristics to others, they may not be able to share, or return, them to you.  Accountability, consistency, and resilience are traits that lead to success when reciprocated. 

Accountability sends a message that you will own your failures as well as your successes.  When you accept responsibility for your actions and assignments, you set the expectation that others should do the same thing.  Credit is given when things go right and when they go wrong.  Be prepared to acknowledge your part in both outcomes.

Consistency leads to a pattern.  A pattern leads to a plan.  A plan leads to support.  Support leads to resources.  Resources lead to a team.  A team leads to help.  Help leads to efficiency.  Efficiency leads to productivity.  Productivity leads to recognition.  Recognition leads to credibility.  Credibility leads to standards.  Standards lead to consistency.  The circle of success begins and ends with consistency.

Resilience helps you withstand challenges.  Things will not always go your way, but don't dwell on the defeats.  Use your objectivity to determine what can be learned from the experience to help you the next time.  You might be temporarily down, but you are not permanently out of place. When others see you bounce back, it encourages them to get back on track.

Leave a comment and share if you want to be more accountable, consistent, or resilient.

Word Search

Choose your words carefully.  They have value, impact, and longevity once they are uttered.  You cannot always control where they go or how they will be interpreted.  While some words sound alike, they may have very different meanings.  Do a mental search to make sure that you are using the right words that will benefit you and others.  Some examples of word pairs that can be used for motivation include weak/week, role/roll, hear/here, reign/rain,  meet/mete, coarse/course, pen/pin, and grate/great.


Don't let a weak start keep you from making a strong finish.  Work hard this week to make up any ground that you may have lost.

While it is okay to admire others, seek to be a role model for yourself.  Practice the positive characteristics that you want to strengthen, and break your bad habits when you roll over them with discipline, creativity, and awareness.

If you hear something that you don't understand, get clarification before you try to process it. Ask questions here, so that you will have some answers when you get there.

A reign of success will have peaks and valleys.  There may be a drought when nothing goes your way and other times when a continuous rain of favorable circumstances produces a flood of opportunities.

When sensitivity and communication meet, tact is developed.  Tact will help you mete out your words and gestures to deliver an appropriate message.

You might have to work with coarse material, or people, to remove rust from an abandoned dream.  A detour will have signs to help you get back on course.

A pen is a simple tool to help you record your past and present progress.  Connect them with a purpose pin to establish the base for your future.

Wise counsel can serve as a protective grate to help you avoid productivity holes that will drain and discourage you.  Being a great listener helps you make sound decisions.

Leave a comment and share which words applied to you this week.



 

Show and Tell

Did you have a show and tell day when you were in school?  You would have to bring in something from home and stand in front of the class and tell them about it.  The order of the words is significant.  Sometimes people will tell you about what they have or what they can do, but not be able to show you.  While you may not be in school anymore, there are still times when you need to show and tell. 

• Show up each day ready to work, withstand, and win.  Work on you, withstand distractions, and win strategically.  You can't control the attitudes or actions of others, but you can determine your response.  Circumstances may arise that hinder your progress for a period of time.  Work through and around delays.  Know that victory may come in different formats.  Some battles are not worth your time or energy.
• Tell your success stories with humility, humor, and honor.  Humility from you opens the ears of listeners.  Humor establishes a connection for common ground.  When you honor those that helped you along the way, your credibility increases. 
• Show enthusiasm at the beginning, perseverance in the middle, and focus at the end of a project.  The timing of your display of certain attributes can impact their effectiveness.  Others are more likely to offer support when they see the consistency of your effort.
• Tell yourself that you can; tell your supporters that you will; tell the doubters that you did. 
• Show patience to gain wisdom.  Some things take time to be revealed. 
• Tell what you will risk; tell why you are ready; tell how your skill set is relevant.

Leave a comment and share what you will show and tell this week.

  

Parallel Parking

When you see an opening that interests you, how do you approach it?  Do you rush to fill the spot before anyone else can get to it?  Or do you move slowly and analyze the best way to enter?  Your answer may depend upon what surrounds the space.  If there are no obstacles that you may hit, it makes sense to take a direct approach and move quickly.  However, if there are things (or people) in the way, you should proceed with caution.  You can use parallel parking as an analogy.  There is car in front of your space and one behind it.  You need to go in backwards, at an angle, and at close proximity to the other cars.  Consider how that strategy can work for other opportunities.

When you back up, make sure you keep your target in sight.  Going backward requires more concentration and attention to detail than moving forward.  Your progress can sometimes be assessed better by how close you are to what is behind you rather than what is in front of you.  When you look back, do so with a purpose.  Don't dwell on the past.  Use it to mark the spot for your fresh start.

There are adjustments that need to be made when you try to fit into a space that has limits to it.  Remember that you won't be "parked" there permanently, so leave yourself enough space for an exit.   Don't let others confine your thoughts and aspirations.  You control the wheel of possibility for where you want to go.  Steer it in the direction that allows you to perform productively in your personal and professional roles. 

The phrase "too close for comfort" is often associated with something unpleasant.  However, it can be an indication of a hard fought victory.  Don't avoid tough topics, challenging situations, or high expectations.  These are the things that will bring out your best and build your confidence.  Your success may be found right in the middle of the past failures that are fresh in your memory and future obstacles that are right in front of you.  

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post. 
     

Rated PG

When movies or television shows are rated PG, it means that parental guidance is suggested.  A judgement needs to made as to whether the content is appropriate for a younger audience.  You can apply a different PG rating to how your mind processes information.  The P and the G may change based on the situation.  Your rating will factor in context, along with content.  Consider how you can apply the following suggestions to help you evaluate options and make decisions that will benefit you.


Plug Gaps - Recognize when you have the skills or knowledge to meet a need for someone else.   Look to be of service and provide value.  Make contributions, or deposits, to help solve problems rather than withdrawals that will hinder progress.  When you are missing something that is needed to get from Point A to Point B, find a bridge to connect the two sides.  If a bridge doesn't exist, take the initiative to build one. 

Polish Glass - What serves as the mirror that reflects the image that you want to project?  It could be your job, education, or relationships.  Make sure that whatever you use provides a clear view.  You can't take an accurate self-inventory when you have to deal with clutter and distractions.  Clean your mental mirror by reading material that will inspire you, listening to people that motivate you, and helping others to realize their full potential.

Price Guarantee - A common retail sales tactic is to match the prices of competitors.  Just as there is cost for merchandise, there is also a cost of success.  In order to achieve your goals, you must be willing to pay the price, or meet the requirements.  It will cost you time to build your knowledge base, make the right connections, and practice your skills.  It will cost you patience to deal with the inevitable delays and detours.  It will cost you rest when you have to keep going when you are tired.

Proper Greeting - Your actions and reactions should be proportionate to what has happened.  When an issue can be addressed with a gentle nudge, don't give it a big shove.  For example, if you need help with an assignment, ask someone to assist you.  Asking for help is a gentle nudge.  Don't neglect your responsibility and use lack of understanding as an excuse.  That is a big shove because when it doesn't get done, it is noticed and impacts all of the activities connected to it.

Leave a comment and share which PG stood out to you this week.

Weight Loss

Do you want to lose weight?   There are numerous programs, books, DVDs, and other tools to help you get your body in shape.  But what do you do when you have a heavy heart?  When you are weighed down by regret, anger. or disappointment, it is hard to see beyond the current circumstance.  It may seem like the feelings will continue indefinitely.  However, just as the model of exercise and diet can help you shed body weight, there are things you can do to reduce your heart weight.

Regret is a self-improvement trigger.  When you regret your behavior or the outcome of a situation, ask yourself what you could have done differently.  Identify the adjustments you will make when you encounter similar situations in the future.  Move on to the next thing that requires your attention.  Do not get bogged down with guilt and blame.

Anger is a natural reaction when you are attacked or mistreated.  Control the emotion; don't let it control you.  Handle disagreements in a way that allows room for resolution.  You can usually direct your displeasure at a circumstance rather than a person.  When you are on the receiving end of someone else's anger, try to understand before your overreact.

Disappointment may be linked to how you measure yourself.  It is okay to use an established plan, or template, for success.  However, you need to modify the pattern to fit you.  Don't continuously compare yourself or your achievements to someone else.  That leads to frustration.  When you are disappointed, try again.  You can change your approach, pace, and target.  Your choices affect your chances. 

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Your Two Cents

What does it mean to you when someone asks for your two cents?  They probably aren't asking you for a couple of pennies.  The phrase usually refers to your thoughts, or opinion, on a situation.  However, you do have two cents that have nothing to do with money or opinion.  The path to what you want will require ascent and descent.  There are always ups and downs on the way to your accomplishments.  Both are necessary in order to maintain balance.

Ascent indicates you are moving upward.  When you encounter mountains (obstacles) that block your progress, don't become discouraged.  Lift your head so that you can see what is in front of you.  Think of ways that you can climb the mountain and reach your destination.  Let your confidence rise to meet the challenge.  Establish a foundation, or plan, that will allow you to build your skills and relationships to open doors for you.  Notice the words that were used:  lift, climb, rise, and build.  They keep you focused on moving higher.

Descent implies a downward direction.  There may be times when you will need to shift to a lower level in order to recharge for your next move.  An airplane doesn't stay in the sky indefinitely.  At some point, it must start its descent and land safely.  The pilot will communicate with the air traffic control officers to get instructions.  Likewise, consult your mentors and advisors before lowering your expectations, barriers, or time commitment regarding your goals.  They can help you determine if it is time to take a step back to reassess things.

Do you need to focus on ascent or descent this week?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts on the post. 

Pillow Cases

When you take a power nap during the day or go to sleep for the night, you want to lay your head on something comfortable.  There are different shapes, sizes, and styles of pillows.  Some people like a soft pillow, while others prefer something firmer.  However, before your head adapts to the pillow, it encounters the pillow case.  The texture of the pillow case can contribute to the quality of your rest as much as the pillow.

There are figurative pillow cases that can impact you on a daily basis.  These are the things that have the potential to touch your head (mind) and influence your thoughts.  Examples include reading materials, conversations, and environments.


What you read (books, articles, etc.) influences your thoughts.  It is okay to read for entertainment and fun.  However, make sure that your reading list includes selections that will inspire you to move, create, and grow.  Create action items for yourself after reading so that you will benefit from what you read.

Conversations are give and take interactions.  Participants talk and listen.   When you speak, try to add something productive to move the dialogue forward.  Choose words that are representative of how you want to be viewed.  When it is your turn to listen, do so with purpose.  Listen to comprehend, not to respond.

Your environment often plays a role in how you perceive situations.  When deciding on what to do next, always consider where you are and how long you will be there.  It is important to be able to adjust your thought process to fit the moment.  This will help you deal effectively with unexpected issues. 

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Flower Arrangements

Flowers are symbolic of recognition and appreciation.  Sending flowers is a simple, yet thoughtful, gesture to let someone know you are thinking of them.  When you receive flowers, how do you feel? Do you like the fragrance that emanates from the bouquet?  Or does the beauty of the blooms appeal more to you?  Do you have a favorite flower?   Your floral preference may provide a clue about your personality.

The Society of American Florists has compiled a list of flowers and their historic meanings.  It is interesting to see what attributes are associated with each flower.  There is a color distinction for the flowers.  One flower may have multiple meanings as it is commonly found in several colors, or shades.  There is also a section that tells you the flower for your birth month.  Just as each month is assigned a birthstone, it also has a designated flower. 

Visit the site, http://aboutflowers.com/flower-a-plant-information-and-photos/meanings-of-flowers.html, and answer the following questions:

1. What is flower for your birth month?
2. What does it mean?
3. Does the meaning fit you?
4. What is the flower for your state?

Leave a comment and share your answers with other readers.

Pep Rally

Did you go to pep rallies when you were in school?  The cheerleaders, band, and student body were usually all assembled to encourage one of the athletic teams before a game.  You can have your own pep rally to help you reach your goals. 

P.E.P stands for perseverance, endurance, and position.  You may not have a pep band to play at your rally.  However, there are certain songs that may inspire you to keep going.  These are some suggestions that have lyrics that will keep you focused on getting there and winning.

Perseverance - Get Here by Oleta Adams issues the memorable directive, "I don't care how you get here, just get here if you can".  This statement is uttered after she suggests several transportation options.  While she is speaking about a romantic relationship, the words can also be applied to your dreams and destinations.
   Get Here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hB16oDxpbc

Endurance - Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Diana Ross lists obstacles that will not impede her progress.  When you hear "no rain, no wind, no winter's cold can stop me", the determination to succeed is evident by the choice of words.  The description is symbolic of a storm.  Push through the elements to reach your prize on the other side.
   Ain't No Mountain High Enough:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph5iadqH3Eg

Position - Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Patti Labelle references a place that she is trying to go.  She states "That's where you will find me".  The confident declaration implies that she believes she will find a way to get there.  The target is identified.  Sometimes you might be vague about the location of your finish line.  Where will you be found in victory?
   Somewhere Over the Rainbow:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2LDNIYxzUQ

Leave a comment and share a song that helps you persevere, endure, and strive toward your desired position. 

Say When

When someone is serving you food or drink, they may tell you to "say when" to indicate that you have enough.  In that type of situation, saying when is a signal to stop.  However, the word "when" can be a powerful declaration for self motivation.  Instead of talking about "if" certain things happen for or to you, reference what you will do "when" opportunities or obstacles present themselves.  The word "when" indicates a confidence that you will get the chance to meet the challenge.  It is the beginning of an affirmation of what you can do.


When you look in a mirror, reflect on what you are looking forward to and/or what went well that day.  You control the content and flow of your thoughts.  Send them in a direction of anticipated accomplishments.

When you make a request, be clear, concise, and specific.  Don't make others wonder what you are asking for or what you need.  You only get relevant answers and sufficient help when those providing assistance understand what is required of them.

When you listen, pay attention to what is not being said.  Sometimes the absence of a word or statement is significant.  Realizing what was not said can help you determine the relevant follow up questions to ask.

When you are frustrated, recognize it and release it.  There will be times when things don't go your way.  Acknowledge that you are bothered and move on to something else that needs to be done. 

When you are overwhelmed, stop, drop, and roll.  Those are the commands to help someone that is on fire.  Fire can be an appropriate analogy when multiple problems are occurring simultaneously.  Stop to prioritize your responsibilities, drop the things that are not urgent, and roll with what's left on your list.

When you give advice, be willing to invest in it.  Words have power, but actions produce results.  When others see that you use the same principles that you speak to them, it adds validity to your suggestions.

When your size is not available, verify your measurements.  Maybe you have outgrown your current box.  It may be time for you to expand your expectations.  If something seems too large for you, tailor it to fit you.

When you lack energy, focus, or motivation, plug in and recharge.  Connect yourself to people and activities that will remind you of what you want and what you need to do to get it.  Take a balanced approach to reduce the chance of burnout. 

When you think you are right, it doesn't mean someone else is wrong.  Consider that their background, consequences, and ability to see the big picture may differ from yours.  It doesn't mean that they are stubborn or misinformed.  Those attributes may apply to you.

When you achieve one goal, use it as a building block for the next one.  Capitalize on the hard work and sacrifice that were required to get to the finish line.  Don't start over to reach the next target.  Note the relationships, lessons, and creativity that helped you previously.

Leave a comment share which "when" statement stood out to you.

Laugh Lines

Do you have laugh lines?  When you hear that question, you might think of lines around your eyes that indicate that you have laughed a lot.  Laughter is therapeutic.  It is contagious.  Sometimes just thinking about laughter can lighten your mood.  This week the phrase "laugh lines" will refer to quotes that deal with laughter.  When you read them, it may trigger a humorous memory for you.

If you can't make it better, you can laugh at it.
Erma Bombeck

I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful.
Bob Hope

To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.
William Arthur Ward

Nobody says you must laugh, but a sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected, and smile through the day”

Ann Landers

We don't laugh because we're happy - we're happy because we laugh.
William James

A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows, and bubbles all around”.

Carolyn Birmingham

A laugh, to be joyous, must flow from a joyous heart, for without kindness, there can be no true joy.
Thomas Carlyle 

Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.

Mary Anne Radmacher Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. Kurt Vonnegut

 

 

The best way of removing negativity is to laugh and be joyous.
David Icke

Who or what has made you laugh recently? Did any of the quotes motivate you to view laughter differently?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Designer Bags

Often, the perfect complement to a nice pair of shoes is a designer bag.  For ladies, it might be a handbag.  For men, it could be a briefcase.  For students, it may be a backpack.  The bag is not as significant as the contents carried in it.  What you carry around influences how and where you are able to move.  Your bag may be packed with a variety of items, both good and bad.  Take an inventory of what you are carrying and identify what needs to be kept and what should be discarded.  Think of bags in terms of the following: blame, ambition, gamble, and stamp.

Blame - There is usually a negative connotation associated with the word blame.  It is used to assign responsibility for something that has gone wrong.  Remove blame from your bag.  It is heavy and will slow you down and restrict your mobility.  Focus on correcting the problem and helping the person learn something positive from the mistake.

Ambition - It is good to have personal and professional goals.  They can be connected to your purpose and may contribute to your confidence, relationships, and success.  Ambition can be a healthy tool for your development.  It is important to remember that you need to control your ambition and not let it control you.  Make sure there is room for other things in your bag other than ambition.

Gamble - A gamble, or risk, is something that has the potential to benefit you or cost you.  There should always be a supply of calculated gambles in your bag.  You may be familiar with the saying, "nothing ventured, nothing gained".  Timing, consequences, and experience are key factors to help you determine if a risk is worth it.  When you take appropriate action regarding the risks in your bag, they should ultimately mature into rewards.

Stamp - When you approve of something, you can choose to give it a stamp of approval.  Your stamp is personal and is indicative of your support.  It can move things forward in a timely manner.  Use it wisely so that it has value.   Make sure that it always accessible in your bag.  It may be needed for unexpected opportunities.

Leave a comment and share which item in your bag will be used this week.

Fair Question

The best way to get answers is to ask questions.  Questions are often characterized as being good, relevant, or fair.  If a question is fair, then it is probably relevant.  Whether it is good or not will vary and depends on the perspective of the person that has to respond.  When you are asking or answering questions, try to be fair.  What you say should have characteristics of a science fair, health fair, and job fair.



Science Fair - When you were in school, the science fair was the event that allowed you to use your creativity to invent something that would impress the judges.  You were evaluated on originality, execution, and presentation.  Use that same criteria when assessing how your ideas will be received by others.  You want your efforts to be remembered in a good way.

Health Fair -A health fair offers services and information to attendees.  You can check your vital signs, talk to professionals. and create a plan to improve your physical and mental health.  Your thoughts contribute to your overall well being.  When they are positive and help you grow, the impact is felt by those that interact with you.  Do regular checks to make sure what are you are sharing makes others feel better.

Job Fair - Typically at a job fair, companies have needs and you attend in the hope that you will be selected to fill an opening.  Do you think of ways that you can be of service to others?  Let your words be a platform to support people and their attempts to prove themselves.  Give feedback that will enhance their chances of making a favorable impression. 

Leave a comment and share which fair you will focus on this week.

Handle With Care

When you see the words "handle with care" on packaging,  the implication is that the contents are fragile and may break easily.
You do not want to drop the container or let it bang against anything.  However, sometimes things can be damaged without being broken.  Your feelings, confidence, and reactions may need to be handled with care.  The following quotes illustrate the significance of how you handle things and what happens when you care.

Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.   Henry Ward Beecher

If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.  Maya Angelou

Flying off the handle sometimes causes hammers and humans to lose their heads, as well as their effectiveness.

William Arthur Ward Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. Theodore Roosevelt If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit. Bill Clinton If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me. Dwight L. Moody  The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way. Robert Kiyosaki Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work. William Arthur Ward Leave a comment and share which of these quotes spoke to you.

High Five

Have you ever been excited about something and given someone a high five?  The high five can used to acknowledge a good job, completion of something, or agreement with another person.  It is a symbolic gesture of success.  Do you have some high places that you want to reach?  Try these five tips to help you get there.

1. Climb at a pace that allows you to carry your responsibility without experiencing burnout or extreme fatigue.  You will need an energized body and fresh mind when you reach the top of the mountain.  Endurance leads to resolve.  Resolve facilitates creativity.  Creativity produces flexibility to maneuver around stumbling blocks.
2. Display humility, focus, and enthusiasm.   Every encounter that you have is a potential interview to get you from Point A to Point B.  Strive to been seen as an asset, not a liability.  Know and be able to communicate the benefits that you bring to the table. 
3. Choose your battles strategically.  Some things are not worth the effort you will expend on them.  You may miss the moment you have been waiting for because you're busy paying attention to a mild annoyance that won't matter to you next week. 
4. Believe that you can do something new.  Do not become complacent where you are.  Be ready, willing, and able to change.  Move in the direction of progress, possibility, and productivity.
5. Differentiate yourself from the crowd.  Others may be able to do what you do, but they cannot do it the way that you do it.  Use your perspective to your advantage.          

Leave a comment and share which of the five tips you will use this week.

Well Wishes

Well wishes can be sent for a variety of reasons.  They apply if someone has health issues or if they are pursuing their goals.  You demonstrate compassion and support when extend well wishes.  However, there will be times when you are the recipient of the wishes.  When that occurs thank the person for the expression and activate the wishes.  You can activate the wishes you receive when you work, invest, study, and help.

Work on enhancing your strengths and improving your weaknesses.  Work with others that are willing and able to help you.  Work through disappointment, distraction, and discord.

Invest your time in order to gain knowledge and experience about what you want to do and where you want to go.  Invest your money in people and things that are growing.  Invest your words to build credibility, connections, and opportunities.

Study patterns related to your objectives to determine an approach.  Study your challenges to identify your purpose.  Study your environment to find the positions, advantages, and choices to support your efforts.

Help yourself by being aware of the specific things that you have to offer.  Help others to see how they fit into the big picture.  Help the situation with productive participation.

Leave a comment and share how you will pursue your wishes this week.

Free Apps

There is an app for almost everything today.  Technology advances have transformed the way we live, work, and play.  How often do you hear the phrase, "there's an app for that"?  Applications, or apps, can be downloaded on computers, tablets, and smartphones.  You have access to multiple programs at your fingertips.  However, there are certain free apps that do not require technology.  They are activated by how you perceive certain situations.  Your feelings determine if you demonstrate approval, appreciation, appeasement, apprehension, or appetite.

• Approval encourages the recipient of it and engages the provider of it.  Do not give it lightly or take it for granted when you get it.  It bridges the gap between trying and succeeding.  Knowing that someone supports what you are doing energizes you. 

• Appreciation is a building block for learning and development.  It casts a reflection that allows you to be noticed.  When you recognize the efforts, skills, and strength of others, you are often inspired to work on things to make you better.

• Appeasement involves temporary strategic compromise.  It is not total surrender.  Keep the big picture in mind.  Weigh the way.  In other words, consider the consequences of getting your way in the moment.  Is it worth it in the long run?  

•  Apprehension can be a useful tool for decision making.  Don't let fear stop you from taking calculated risks.  However, it is okay to proceed with caution when you are unsure about something.  Concern makes you more observant and sharpens your focus.

•  Appetite is an indication that you require something to satisfy a desire, or dream, that you have.  Identify what you need to do to meet the need in a timely, organized manner.  Once you achieve an objective, make sure you have a plan to repeat the process.

Leave a comment and share which app you will use this week. 

Wind Chimes

How fast are you moving to pursue your goals?  Your pace will dictate the sounds that you hear when you reach certain milestones.  Think of wind chimes as a way to measure your progress.  The harder the wind blows, the louder the chimes will sound.  Is your effort comparable to a soft breeze, a mild gust, or a strong gale?  There is a time and place for each level of intensity. 

A gentle breeze will cause the chimes to sway slightly and provide a harmonious tone.  There is no significant disturbance to cause a lot of noise.  It is important to know when to move in the background as opposed to out front.  Sometimes you can have a greater impact by treading lightly and not disrupting the environment. 

A mild gust blows hard enough to move the chimes in a steady, rhythmic motion.  The pipes collide with one another and produce a continuous clang.  The contact is hard and is about maneuvering for position.  Do not let people run over you or push you around.  Your thoughts, words, and actions have value.  Focus on the self worth that you determine, not the conditional affirmation from others.  

Strong gale force winds are normally present in damaging storm systems.  In those situations, the chimes are whipped around so forcefully that they may break apart or blow away.  Extreme pressure can cause things or people to behave in a destructive manner.  Don't let the chaos of outside conditions drown out the voice of your wisdom and common sense.

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.