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.