The lens of gratitude

Thursday November 24, 2011 #371

 “Life is always going to contain a little darkness, but we get to decide whether or not we recognize and appreciate the light.´

~Lori Deschene

Happiness and satisfaction in our lives is often dependent upon how we choose to perceive our circumstances.  Your life with all of its challenges would be a dream life for millions of others who face true misery.  The point is not to ignore challenges, but rather to see them in context and with gratitude for all that is good and right in your life.  It is through the lens of gratitude that we can work through most challenges we face.  Choose to see the possibilities and take action to better your situation despite the darkness.

Ask and answer “why?”

Tuesday November 22, 2011 #370

“If your why is clear, you will bear any challenge and beat any odds to get where you want to be. When the why excites you, you will find a how, solve the what and trust the when. Why is intimately related to who you are. Rest in the why that creates a frame for all your whats, wheres, whos, whens and hows.”

 ~Ian Lawton, SoulSeeds

“Why” is always the most important consideration.  Without a clear purpose, all other elements of potential forward movement will fail to motivate.  Before embarking on any project, mission or goal ask the “why” question.  When your vision is clear, the rest of the elements will fall into place.

Being your best self

Thursday November 17, 2011 #369

“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

~Oprah Winfrey

In every moment we have the choice to muddle through mindlessly or to approach this unique moment with intention and determination to be our best.  In particular, I challenge you to think about your moments with other people – your children, partner, friends, employee, co-workers, or boss.  What if we decided to be our best self in each of these interactions?  Imagine the impact it would have on you if others decided to be their best selves when they were with you?  Choose to be fully present with your best self in all your interactions today.  Feel the difference in the moment, and how it positively impacts your approach to the next interaction.

Your power to choose

Tuesday November 15, 2011 #368

“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.”

~Bernice Johnson Reagon

When we are faced with a challenge we have a choice to make.  We can allow it to stop us in our tracks, give up, and maybe depress us.  Or, we can use our power to choose and spend time to reflect on what got us here, determine how we could have avoided the challenge, determine possible actions to move beyond the challenge, and then take action with one or more options.  I urge you whenever you are challenged, to use your power and never allow a challenge to paralyze you.

Succeeding after success

Thursday November 10, 2011 #367

“The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success.  Talent is only a starting point in business. You’ve got to keep working that talent.”

~Irving Berlin

It may seem unfair, but yes, even when you achieve a goal you efforts cannot cease.  Certainly take time to pause and reflect on your success and celebrate your achievement and good fortune.  And then?  Charge ahead toward the next goal.  It is easy to find examples of “one hit wonders” who worked hard and made a name for themselves in some endeavor – and then were never heard from again.  Often, they expected their success to automatically continue without the incredible drive and passion that led them to their initial success.  Our work is, indeed, never done.  The good news is that continuous effort leads to continuous success more often than not.  And after each victory, a celebration can be enjoyed to the fullest – right before we get back to work!

Dare to be contagious

Tuesday November 8, 2011 #366

“The tribute to learning is teaching”

~unknown

I believe strongly in the trademarked tagline of my consultancy, “Dare to be Contagious ^TM” The idea is to not only invest in learning about yourself, your industry, and your interests, but to also share your knowledge with others who can benefit from it.  The next time you learn something of value, share it with someone you care about – a subordinate, co-worker, friend, or family member.  Let the benefits of your learning multiply with others.  Dare to be contagious.

Between you and success

Thursday November 3, 2011 #365

“The barrier (to) success is not something which exists in the real world; it is composed purely and simply of doubts about ability.”

~Franklin Roosevelt

Often the only thing standing between you and success is simply your own limiting beliefs.  Before you start seeking for fixes outside of yourself, reflect on your own opinion of your chances for success.  If you don’t believe in your capacity to learn, grow and achieve, any tools or techniques you try can only be marginally effective.  But attach a strong personal belief in your ability to succeed and even simple tools can be enormously helpful.  Believe in yourself.  You really are that good!

Be a dealer in hope

Tuesday November 1, 2011 #364

“A leader is a dealer in hope.”

~Napoleon Bonaparte

There are many competencies that a leader must have to be effective.  However, the great leaders of this or any time are those who focus their teams on a hopeful vision of the future and of their capabilities.  Positive, optimistic and visionary, these men and women help their followers to achieve consistent, significant, and even amazing results.  Be a dealer in hope.  Make a difference for your subordinate, peers and your entire organization – today.