How much time are you wasting?

Thursday July 28, 2011 #337

 “I keep on seeing this daily in my life, hence I need to emphasize: It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste. How much time are you wasting?” 

 ~Henry Ford

As we come to the end of July, it is a good time to assess where we are on our top goals for 2011.  Hopefully you have one clear priority in each of the key areas of your life:  health, wealth, relationships, organization, community, etc.  Give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made so far, no matter the amount.  Give gratitude to yourself and those who have provided assistance of any kind.  Then, think how you will use your time wisely over the next few months to progress further.  Two quick pointers:  avoid time spent on consumption of negative media, and avoid time spent with negative people.  We are what we consume.  Choose positive media and positive people.

The obligation to be you

Tuesday July 26, 2011 #336

 “Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this.”

 ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Today’s JAM is from frequent JAMmer MD.  Enjoy!

In gathering quotes for my classroom, I came across this one from Dr. Seuss.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true.  There is no one alive that is Youer than you.”

Reading this quote makes me wish everyone can see and appreciate how original we all are and how we all have something to bring to the table.

May we all hear MD’s words and realize our unique value.

Being the best you

Thursday July 21, 2011 #335

 “Time invested in improving ourselves cuts down on time wasted in disapproving of others.”

~unknown

It is human nature to notice all the imperfections of those around us – family, friends, co-workers, politicians, and celebrities.  Stop.  Your job in this life is not to fix others.  It is to work on you.  Why don’t we do this?  It is much harder to face yourself and do the hard but rewarding work of determining your own strengths and using these to help overcome your own imperfections.  Today, endeavor to focus solely on how you can help yourself be the best you.

Being grateful for the experience

Tuesday July 19, 2011 #334

 “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

~Dr. Seuss

When wonderful experiences end, we often grieve in sadness wondering why they can’t last forever.  It could be a relationship, a great job, or a child moving away to college.  Rather than grieve, reflect on why the experience was so wonderful and revel in the fact that you were able to be present in that moment.  Smile.  Be grateful and look forward to the wonderful experiences yet to come.

Taking time for reflection

Thursday July 14, 2011 #333

 “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.”

 ~Peter Drucker

Today’s world has us moving at incredible speed, juggling competing priorities, and striving for more.  At this pace, when a problem arises, we react with tools that have worked for us in the past – and then are surprised when they don’t work, or don’t work as well.  The key for effectiveness in today’s high paced environment is to force reflection time into our days.  New ways of thinking and new tools are made available to us daily – but only if we take the time to reflect on them and have them ready to use when the next opportunity arises.

Listening for alternative views

Tuesday July 12, 2011 #332

 “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read & write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”

 ~Alvin Toffler

There is an incredible amount of information flowing at us constantly via our smart phones, tablets, computers, and more.  Sometimes it is even in real human conversations!  In any case, it can all become overwhelming and we often protect ourselves by turning off our openness to learning.  You can see it happening in politics, in the board room, and in families, where people hold onto staunch beliefs and stop listening for alternative views and possibilities.  This is not a healthy state, causing unnecessary rancor and inflexibility.  It is important to moderate your information intake and also to intentionally stay open to differing viewpoints as situations evolve.  To be effective, we must continue to learn, unlearn and relearn.

The power to change

Thursday July 7, 2011 #331

 “To change one’s life:  Start immediately.  Do it flamboyantly.  No exceptions.”

~William James

Often times we hear ourselves or others complaining mightily of their place in life.  It can be a personal or professional situation, but in either case it is causing the sufferer great distress.  If this is you, the power to change is in your hands.  If you are really ready to make a significant change in your life, personally or professionally, be bold and take that first step:  decide to act.  Then act.  Only by taking action will you move from the current state to the one you desire.

Sometimes life takes care of itself

Tuesday July 5, 2011 #330

“Many people die with their music still in them.  Why is this so?  Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live.  Before they know it, time runs out.”

~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Today’s JAM is a terrific contribution from JAMmer AP.  Enjoy!

I love the action – oriented nature of your jams.  They are great reminders to take control of one’s life to make good things happen.  Sometimes, though, life takes care of itself.  My dad, ever the optimist, on cloudy, overcast days was fond of saying “it’ll burn off,” and inevitably it always did.  My daughter, who must have inherited something from my dad, recently posted on Facebook this status: “Clouds are temporary, but blue skies are permanent.”   Taking control of one’s life: absolutely important.  And, so is staying positive and recognizing those situations where time allows good things to develop.  In the meantime, focus on things within your control.

Great wisdom AP, thank you for sharing!

Get busy with you

Thursday June 30, 2011 #329

 “People who wait for changes to occur on the outside before they commit to making changes on the inside will never make any changes at all.”

 ~unknown

Everything you need to become the person you want to be, or to reach the goal you wish to attain, is already in your possession.  It is up to you to develop and use the talents and strengths you have to overcome any obstacle between you and the outcomes you desire.  Get busy with you – you’re all you’ve got.  And that’s a lot!

Choosing sunshine

Tuesday June 28, 2011 #328

 “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

~Anthony J. D’Angelo

Have you ever noticed those individuals who, despite difficulties and challenges, remain steady, positive and even hopeful?  While I don’t always succeed, I’ve tried to live my life in this way.  I have found that by focusing on my own actions and keeping my attitude positive and hopeful, I am able to get through challenges quickly and help others around me do the same.  The next time you are faced with challenges, choose to feel hopeful and positive despite the circumstances and see how this impacts you and those around you.