Second Opinion

When people receive unwelcome medical news, they often seek a second opinion.  This involves seeing a another physician to verify that the initial diagnosis and recommended treatment are correct.  There are other times when someone may want to hear what you think about a decision that they have made.  When you are asked to provide a second opinion on something, give it some thought and use the IMHO model.  IMHO is commonly used as shorthand for In My Humble Opinion.  However, for this post it will mean Inquiry, Moderation, History, and Objectivity.

Inquiry - When you are asked to give your opinion, you should ask questions before you give any answers.  It is important to understand the motives of the person seeking your input.  You also need to know the consequences of your response.  An informed opinion has value and influence.

Moderation - A balanced opinion recognizes the pros and cons of different options.  Try to stay away from extremes and absolutes.  Make sure that alternatives are evaluated with an eye on achieving the end goal.

History - If you are being asked to provide an opinion on something, you probably have experience in that area.  Use your background and connections to give relevant feedback when you are consulted.  Your history gives you a unique perspective on any given situation.  Share what you have learned so that others may benefit from it.

Objectivity - Be an impartial listener and observer of the facts.  Do not react emotionally.  Be the voice of reason to help others see through the distractions that could lead them to make unwise choices. 

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

Her Songs

It is sadly ironic that Whitney Houston passed away days before Valentine's Day.  So many of her songs dealt with matters of the heart.  She had an amazing voice that will live on through her music.  When she covered songs originally recorded by other artists, she made them her own.  Her versions of popular songs by Chaka Khan, George Benson, and Dolly Parton are magnificent.  What emotions come to mind when you hear Whitney sing these lyrics?

Her slow, melodic introduction to "I'm Every Woman" captures your heart from the very first note. It is a female anthem about confidence and self-esteem.  What line resonates with you?  A resounding theme throughout the song is "It's All in Me".  Do you feel empowered when you hear it, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7_sqdkaAfo?

When she proclaims in "The Greatest Love of All" that she decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow, it is a profound declaration.  The lyrics reference dignity, finding love inside yourself, and
self-reliance.   These are admirable qualities at any time, but her voice makes them even more desirable.  What is your favorite part of the song?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYzlVDlE72w

In "I Will Always Love You", she blesses the subject of the song when she says "I wish you joy, and happiness, but above all this, I wish you love".  The poignancy of that statement is often lost because it is uttered right before the big finish.  Is there someone in your life that you want to have joy, happiness, and love?  Let them know about it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QaI-M9sxW4

Leave a comment and share your favorite Whitney Houston song.

Bells and Whistles

Do you like to have all of the bells and whistles when you purchase a product?  The added enhancements usually increase the cost.  Sometimes you get more functionality for your money. Other times the value may be in cosmetic changes.  Either way, you will notice the difference between the standard version and the improved one.  Actual bells and whistles make distinct sounds that have actions associated with them. 

Bells ring to signal the start of something.  Students know it's time to go to class when they hear the bell.  The New York Stock Exchange opens trading with the ringing of a bell. Common events that cause you to reflect on your life can function as bells and motivate you to start doing something.  Examples might be birthdays, funerals, or reunions.  These occasions mark the passage of time.  Make every second, minute, hour, day, week, month, and year count toward the fulfillment of your dreams.

Whistles are often blown to indicate that something is finished.  Teapots whistle when the water is done.  In sports contests, referees blow a whistle to signal that there is a problem and play should stop.  Do you hear the whistles that let you know it is time to stop doubting and start doing?  Procrastination can overwhelm you if you only focus on potential failure.  Everyday there are news stories about people that overcome setbacks and reach their goals.  In order to move past the roadblocks, they had to believe it was possible.  When you hear or read of someone's achievement, let it serve as a whistle to help you stop saying "no, I can't" and begin to say "now, I will".

Leave a comment and share the bells and whistles you have heard recently.             

End Tables

Do you have end tables in your home?  They are usually located beside sofas and have lamps, photos, and books or magazines on them.  End tables hold the light, memories, and knowledge to help you recognize and take advantage of the opportunities that you may encounter.  You decide what is worth your time and effort.  Don't overlook challenges that can be turned into building blocks for your next level.

Your reputation is a light that shines to help others see what you have to offer.  It is your representative when you are not in the room.  Build it with care, nurture it with deeds, and protect it with good judgement.

The word remember means to think of again.  Focus on your good memories.  In other words, remember the triumphs.  Know the triggers that bring past good times to mind.  Spend time in environments and with people that will remind you of when you were at your best.

There is always something new that you can learn.  Knowledge is available everywhere.  Be open to receive it from unexpected sources.  There will always be things that you do not know.  Use what and who you do know to help you ask and answer the right questions.

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