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?

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.

The Significance of Dorothy

Tuesday July 21, 2009 #139

“I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”  

~Edward Everett Hale

Frequent contributor LT shared with me “5 Life Lessons” from a gentleman named Geir Ove Knutsen.  Now I share them with you.  Here’s #1:  The Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one: ‘What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?’
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50’s, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
‘Absolutely,’ said the professor. ‘In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say ‘hello.’
I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

The Lesson:  In our life we will meet many people. All are significant. They all deserve our attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say “hello.”

Rest, reflect, embrace

Thursday June 25, 2009 #132

“Following action, it is important to rest, to reflect, and to embrace those things that give energy for the next day.” ~anon

I JAM often about the need to take action; to move purposely toward your goals with energy and passion.  It is equally important to know when to pause and reenergize yourself for the next course of actions.  The key is to do so in ways that nourish your body, mind, heart and soul.  What will you do this weekend to reenergize?

What we need

Tuesday June 23, 2009 #131

“What we know is no match for what we need”

~Elizabeth Edwards

Today’s quote and JAM is from fellow JAMmer MD:

I ”know” and have learned a lot of things.  Every day is learning.  But it doesn’t mean that everything I’ve learned is what my soul needs.  I can get very caught up in what I want to be “entertained” by.  I can figure out how to entertain myself, well, from outside myself.  But, maybe, I need to figure out what got me where I am in the first place.  That is where the growth is and where the “need” is met.  Have you ever looked at someone and decided that they couldn’t see the need in their own life?  Like it was more clear to you than them?  I’m xx years old.  I am just now getting comfortable with what I need and how much more beneficial it is to embrace that need.

Thank you for sharing this wisdom, MD.  We will all seek to embrace what we need.

A smoother ride

Thursday June 18, 2009 #130

“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” 

~Clarence Budington Kelland

Just in time for Father’s Day, Today’s JAM comes from fellow JAMmer SN:

I have a quote from my Dad. When he could see the pressure mounting in our business environment he would say “When traveling down the road of life, sometimes you need to take a little air out of the tires and ride on a little less pressure. It makes for a smoother ride.” It took me awhile but I am starting to grasp his meaning. Have a great day….SN

A great lesson for all of us as we navigate these turbulent times.  Thanks, SN, for sharing your Dad’s wisdom.

The world is waiting

Thursday May 28, 2009 #124

“To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s doing its best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight.  Never stop fighting” 

~E E Cummings

Thanks to JAMmer JTO for today’s quote. 

This is not a time for status quo, for fitting in, for acquiescing to societal demands.  It’s time to step out, to be unique, trendsetting, interesting.  Don’t settle for someone else’s idea of you or what you can be.  Fight to be the most you.  The world is waiting.

Forever Young

Thursday April 23, 2009 #114

 “The idea is to die young as late as possible.” 

~Ashley Montagu

Why not take a short break from all that serious work you’re doing?  From the worries, concerns and anxieties?  Remember from your childhood, when you could simply while away the afternoon on your belly watching an ant colony go about their business?  Just take a moment to reconnect with your childish wonder and simple enjoyment of life’s mysteries.  Never stop being young.

Don’t be so certain

Thursday February 26, 2009 #99 

“I am certain there is too much certainty in the world.”

~Michael Crichton

The general population was certain that the price of housing and commodities would go up forever.  Now they are certain that the stock market will never recover and that American-style capitalism is dead.  Hmmm…

The “certain” will learn in the end that nothing is certain other than our own character and our ability to make a difference through consistent, intentional actions.  Of that, I am certain.

Wisdom Listens

Thursday February 19, 2009 #97

“Knowledge speaks. But wisdom listens.”  

~Jimi Hendrix

A message to the leaders reading today’s JAM:  Spend some time today listening.  Most leaders believe that they must consistently tell their teams where to go, what to do, and how to do it.  However, successful leaders know that true wisdom comes from asking good questions and listening intently to the answers – both verbal and through body language.

You do possess tremendous knowledge.  When you are asked for advice, perspective, or direction, give it.  Otherwise, ask questions, be quiet, and listen.