Love

Thursday February 13, 2014 #602

 

Someone has written, Love is a verb. It requires doing – not just saying and thinking. The test is in what one does, how one acts, for love is conveyed in word and deed.

 

~David B. Haight

 

Yes, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.  And yes, if you are fortunate to have a partner in your life, you ought to do something to celebrate your gratitude for this special someone.  However, I urge you to consider your daily acts and gestures.  Why wait for this one day?  Or their birthday, or your anniversary?  Most people agree that simple expressions of love outside of these holidays carry far greater meaning and will contribute to a healthy, intimate, and long-lasting relationship.  Still, he or she will still appreciate a Valentine’s gesture – so don’t forget that too!

Luck

Tuesday February 11, 2014 #601

 

I believe that you tend to create your own blessings. You have to prepare yourself so that when opportunity comes, you’re ready.

 

~Oprah Winfrey

 

“Luck” and “good fortune” are myths.  While seemingly lucky things do occur, the vast majority of fortune, success, and victories come to those who relentlessly prepare themselves mentally and physically for eventual opportunities they can then take advantage of.  Don’t leave the potential of your life to “luck”.  Create your own blessings by your own focus, effort, and persistence.

A Worthy Purpose

Thursday February 6, 2014 #600

 

If you would find happiness and joy, lose your life in some noble cause. A worthy purpose must be at the center of every worthy life.

 

~Jack H. Goaslind, Jr.

 

As human beings, we all want to feel that what we are working towards and fighting for is something of meaning. Our hard work, and even achievement, rings hollow when unaccompanied by a meaningful purpose or cause.  If you find yourself lacking enthusiasm for your work, or see this in your people, try to redefine your work as being in the service of a real and meaningful purpose.  If you can’t, you may need to consider a change.  If you can authentically attach a purpose to your work, you will find joy and even happiness in the work to achieve it.

 

This is JAM #600 – I keep going after 6 years due to my purpose:  Helping people find theirs.  Thank you for always inspiring me to continue my quest to help individuals, teams and organizations bring their best to what they do every day.

Fighting Through Discouragement

Tuesday February 4, 2014 #599

 

What we do not see, what most of us never suspect of existing, is the silent but irresistible power which comes to the rescue of those who fight on in the face of discouragement.

 

~ Napoleon Hill

 

It is all too common for those with supposedly strong convictions to cave in when confronted with obstacles – human, financial, or otherwise.  But often, we see strength and perseverance in the face of these challenges as people fight on and ultimately prevail.  What is the difference?  Those who push through their fears and challenges utilize an internal, silent, powerful force – courage. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to push on despite it.

Making it Happen

Thursday January 30, 2014 #598

 

“If things are not going well with you, begin your effort at correcting the situation by carefully examining the service you are rendering, and especially the spirit in which you are rendering it.” 

~Roger Ward Babson

 

Already one month through 2014!  How is your year progressing so far in terms of your personal and professional goals and aspirations?  Chances are, some area of your life is being neglected, or at least not attended to with the focus you intended.  Before you begin thinking about what external forces are conspiring against you, I suggest you begin your reflection by looking at how you are servicing your goals, and whether your spirit is really in it.  Don’t give up on what you deemed important on January 1^st.  Rather, determine if these goals feed your most deeply held beliefs and aspirations.  If so, think how you can reenergize yourself and push on.  If not, cast aside those goals that do not serve you, and redouble your efforts on those that do.  In short, make it happen.

Attitude

Tuesday January 28, 2014 #597

 “Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.” 

~Charles Swindoll

 

Our circumstances, wealth, appearance, and even skills do not determine our successes and failures.  It is what we choose to do with our unique set of circumstances and attributes that determines our reality.  I think most of us know this logically, but our human nature typically drives us to long for attributes we think we lack, and/or envy of those who we believe possess them.  It is up to you to push through this very human longing and envy and choose your own attitude of positivity, potential, and hope.  You may not be able to choose all of your attributes and circumstances, but the choices you make and most importantly, the attitude you carry with you, will allow you to achieve what you are capable of – beyond your wildest dreams.