Season's Greetings

When you hear the word "season", do you think of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall?  It can also be used more generally to refer to the holidays ('tis the season to be jolly), retail sales (slow or busy season), or weather patterns (hurricane, tornado, or rainy season).  One thing that all seasons have in common is that there are defined beginning and end times.  Sometimes it can be helpful to view some situations like a sports season.  You can learn something from both wins and losses.  Greet each outcome with wisdom and insight to help you keep things in perspective.  The following quotes are examples of Season's Greetings that you can use to remind yourself or someone else of the value of wins and losses.

You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.
 Zig Ziglar 

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There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that lost by not trying.

Francis Bacon, Sr

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Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.

Denis Waitley How you think when you lose determines how long it will be until you win.  G. K. Chesterton

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Winners have simply formed the habit of doing things losers don't like to do.

Albert Gray If you lose money you lose much, If you lose friends you lose more, If you lose faith you lose all.  Eleanor Roosevelt Leave a comment and share which of the quotes about winning and losing made an impression on you this week.

Go For It

As the end of the year approaches, do you have unfinished business?  Did you make resolutions at the beginning of the year that still have not been accomplished?  Maybe you are working on your to do list for next year  Either way, stop thinking of reasons not to pursue your goals.  Go for it!  Your "it" may be different from someone else's "it".  However, there are some common elements to consider when you go for it.  Think about the benefit, habit, and transit of what you want to do.

Benefit - Consider the impact that your achievement will have on you and those around you.  When you reach your target, what will you gain that will help others?  You may have a wider reach and more influence than you realize.  When people see you succeed, it inspires them to keep moving toward their goals.    

Habit - Consistency is an important part of your process for self-improvement and growth.  If you do something on a regular basis, it becomes part of your routine.  You may be familiar with the saying "practice makes perfect".  Athletes, doctors, and lawyers are just some of the groups that openly practice their skills to enhance them.  Establish good habits that give you the tools needed to be productive.

Transit - Progress is often measured by movement.  When you take a step toward something, you send a signal that you believe you can have it.  There is a time to think about the pros and cons of an option.  It makes sense to talk about your plans with others that may have knowledge to share.  However, at some point, you have to take some type of action to put yourself in a position to get what you want.

Leave a comment share what you will do to go for it this week.   

Fashion Show

The focal point of a fashion show is usually the clothes.  That is why people attend the event.  They want to see what the trends and styles will be for the upcoming season.  The models and catwalk are needed to showcase the designs.  There must be someone to wear the clothes and a platform for them to be displayed.  The same framework applies if you have a fashion show for your ideas, talents, and experience.  Think about it.  You share these things in order to expose them.  Your words, spoken and written, are the models.  The catwalk is the mechanism that you use to share your creativity.  It could be a blog, podcast, photograph, volunteer service, or other demonstration of your ability.

Know Your Size - Grand ideas are great, but they usually have to be broken down into smaller concepts.  Don't be overwhelmed by the big picture.  Tailor the tasks to fit your strengths.  Measure your expectations, words, and actions to fit each individual situation.  One size does not always fit all.

Wear It Well - The visible output of your efforts is a reflection of you.  When people hear or read your words, see your photographs, taste your food, or see evidence of anything you have done, they form an opinion about you.  Be aware that your reputation is built on your associations and the perceptions of others.  When those closest to you understand your purpose and passion, they are able to be effective representatives for you. 

Location, Location, Location - It is common knowledge in real estate that location is a key factor in the value of a property and how quickly it sells.  The same principle applies to the products and philosophies that you want to showcase.  Where you present your services and ideas affects how they are received.  Choose a stage that is long enough, has plenty of light, and can endure the pressure that will be put on it.

Leave a comment and share which element of the fashion show you will focus on this week. 

Care Packages

Care packages are often sent to college students and military personnel.  They contain items to let the recipients know that you miss them and are thinking of them.  It is important to reach out to people to show that you care.  You may think you don't need to let someone know how you feel about them because you assume that they already know.  Everyone likes to be reminded occasionally that they are special.  You don't always have to put food, magazines, pictures, and gifts in a box to be mailed.  Sometimes the people that need a care package from you are the ones you interact with regularly and may take for granted.  Care is made up of credibility, availability, recognition, and expression.

• Credibility means that people can believe what you say.  When you care about someone, they should be able to trust you.  

• Availability means that you make time for others.  When you show up, you show that you care.

• Recognition means that you acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of others.  When you care, you pay attention and offer the appropriate sentiment (encouragement, congratulations, or compassion).

• Expression means that you let people know how you feel.  It can be done with words or actions.  The important thing is to do something meaningful to an individual to let them know how much you care.

Leave a comment and share what element of caring you will demonstrate this week.