Thriving on change

Thursday September 10, 2009 #154

“In times of rapid change, experience could be your worst enemy.” 

~J. Paul Getty

The times we live in are unique in our lifetimes and require a new way of thinking.  Individuals, enterprises and communities that are prospering are those not relying on experience and working harder at what used to bring success or solve problems.  They are the ones who thrive on change, and thrill at uncovering new ideas and ways of thinking.  Are you relying on your “experience” to work through the challenges of our current day?  Or are you staying hungry and thriving on change?

Optimism with action

Tuesday September 8, 2009 #153

“Optimism, unaccompanied by personal effort, is merely a state of mind, and not fruitful.” 

~E Curtis

I admire people who remain positive in the face of adversity, who always see the cup as half-full.  But if they stop there and put no action behind their positivity, my admiration stops as well.  Only those who combine their optimism with action deserve admiration for they can change the world.

A better destination

Thursday September 3, 2009 #152

“You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.”

 ~Jim Rohn

It is time to make a change from a bad habit or from moving in a direction that is clearly not producing the result you need.  You haven’t made the change yet because the habit is hard to break and/or you’ve invested so much in the direction you’ve been heading that you can’t imagine how you can move to a different path now.  But today you will realize that the only thing you have to change is your direction.  That can be done instantly.  Now.  You’re now on the way to a new and better destination.

Upward and onward

Tuesday September 1, 2009 #151

“Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.” 

~Elizabeth Harrison

It is a common human reaction to our own feelings of self-doubt to find faults in others, to look for and call out the negative, to point out how we are better than others.  In so doing, we create a comparison that makes us feel better about ourselves.  Unfortunately, this path not only tears others down, it damages us in the process and only proves the assumption of self-doubt.  Instead, embark on a path of seeing and calling out the positives in others and soon you will find that not only will these people reach higher heights, you too will build your own confidence and sense of well being.

Patience

Thursday August 27, 2009 #150

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them–every day begin the task anew.”

~Saint Francis de Sales

It is extraordinarily rare for projects to go the way we hope and expect them to transpire.  Usually anything worth attempting requires many small, if not large, failures along the way to ultimate gain a successful outcome.  In fact, “success” will likely be being defined in a wholly different manner than you originally envisioned.  It is for these reasons that we must be patient with ourselves, recognizing our failures and imperfect efforts, and celebrating them for the lessons they provide.

Troubles? Bring ‘em on.

Tuesday August 25, 2009 #149

“Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.”

~Horace

Why is it that we so often fail to recognize the gift that adversities give us to grow, mature, challenge conventional wisdom, create new solutions, and more?  There is apparently a common human reaction to adversity to see it only for the immediate pain it causes us.  Break from this paradigm.  If there is a challenge you are facing, and it is likely that you are, face it with the enormous optimism it deserves.  You’re about to find talents you didn’t know you had and reach a new level of competence and exhilarating success.  Troubles?  Bring ‘em on.

Feel the Gain

Thursday August 20, 2009 #148

“All men’s gains are the fruit of venturing” 

~Herodotus

It is time to break out of your routines and try a different direction.  It needn’t be radical (but it can be).  The project you’re working on, the relationship you’re trying to develop, the new venture you’ve been thinking about…  All of these require a step out, from the direction you’ve been going, in order to step forward.  Make the change, venture out, experience the gain.

Mike Schmidt Remembered

Tuesday August 18, 2009 #147

“There is no such thing as a self-made man. You will reach your goals only with the help of others.” 

~George Shinn

Today’s JAM is dedicated to a man who was instrumental in my development as a leader and as a person.  Mike Schmidt’s passing on Saturday was unexpected and a cause of sadness for his family, friends, and the thousands of people he touched as a leader.  I am one of those and am grateful to have known him well and worked closely with him.  Whether you knew Mike or not, please pause for a moment and reflect with gratitude on the people in your life who have provided you with the lessons and examples that have made you who you are.

Effective relationships through trust

Thursday August 13, 2009 #146

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” 

~Theodore Roosevelt

The key to effective relationships in business and at home is trust.  Without trust, no matter how brilliant you are, how convincing your argument, how impressive your title, the best you can hope for is grudging acceptance.  More likely you will face lack of interest, or even active opposition as people assume your motives are not trustworthy.  Take time to build trust, demonstrate you care, and then and only then will people care how brilliant you are.

Enthusiasm for a lifetime

Tuesday August 11, 2009 #145

“One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another has it for 30 days, but is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life.”

 ~Edward B. Butler

We are bombarded daily by ‘options’:  How to spend our time, money, effort. Who to associate with personally and professionally.  It is easy to get distracted by the latest thing, develop enthusiasm for it/them, and focus our energies and passion on this newest distraction.  But how much meaning does this new infatuation truly hold?  How long does the enthusiasm last?  I submit that those things & people that hold our passion for the long term have the most meaning and lead to true and deep satisfaction and happiness.  So take the time to reflect on what truly holds your interest and ensure that the ‘new’ distractions are in harmony with your long term passions.  Those things are fun to get enthusiastic about for 30 minutes!