Have you ever noticed we are a society of people who speak in the negative? We say things like “wrecker” instead of “tow truck”, “stop light” instead of “go light.” A UCLA survey from a few years ago reported that the average one year old child hears the word, “no”, more than 400 times a day! Talk about negative programing from the get go. Do yourself a favor and pay attention, whether it is for an hour, day or week to see if you speak more positive words or negative words. If you can make even a slight mental shift from the negative words to the positive you WILL see a difference. For example, rather than “no, I can’t eat that,” try “I can eat something better.” If you make the effort to eliminate the ‘no(s)’ and ‘can’t(s)’ from your vocabulary not only will you notice a difference in yourself, but you will feel and see the difference in others’ reactions to you. “Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.”~Napoleon Hill
Failure
Once again a wonderful post on how failure is not a negative/bad thing. Not trying, not moving forward, etc., now those are much more frightening to me. http://succcess.org/2008/09/certainty-and-failure-concepts-more-than-words/
Difficult People
I was reading a human resources article regarding dealing with difficult people. The article had a very textbook approach. While interesting and perhaps a great jumping off point, can the practical address the emotional? Afterall dealing with difficult people is a challenge based on the emotions that well up in us. I am a big fan of education, practical solutions, etc.; however, I think it is important that we know not one template addresses all situations. The last thing anyone needs when they feel they are being painted into a corner by someone difficult is to feel they have also failed in the solution. Where is the line in between self-examination, education and action? How long does one seek before acting? It is important to touch base with YOURSELF, not just others to see where YOU are and what YOU feel is the right solution for any situation. Because in the end, the consequences belong to you, not any of the sources that provided you input. In the end after all, isn’t this how we grow? “A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.”~ English Proverb
Feeling Overwhelmed?
I saw the blog post below and thought it was lovely. As we cruise into mid January and the excitement of the holidays dies down and we can be accosted by the feeling of too much weight, too much debt and/or too much emotion it is always a welcome reminder that one act or one step can make all the difference. Find your one act of kindness today, whether it is for yourself or another. http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/pay-it-forward-how-to-make-more-of-a-difference-than-you-ever-thought-possible/
Organizing
My favorite part about the following article is the point of it being hard to put everything in its place if everything does not have a place 🙂 . Still there is some good information in it! http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20110108/NEWS01/101080331
Why You Are The Coolest
“Instead of asking what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive, and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~Howard Thurman I wonder how many people made New Year’s resolutions based on what they really believed and wanted compared to what they feel they ‘should’ do or want or even look like. So many times we fold under the crush of external messages from media, family, friends, employers, etc. We live our lives so often on the path of expectations, unfortunately, they are the expectations others have for us. As you can imagine, and perhaps have experienced, living under the expectations of others will most likely not end happily for you. Subsequently, it will also most likely not end up happily for those who you feel you are pleasing either. I love the quote by Buddha, “There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” You were put on earth to shine and contribute in a manner only you can contribute in. You do all, including yourself, a disservice when you ignore your own internal voice and calling for others. When you do not contribute in the manner that only you can, a void is created. Listen to your own internal compass and let it guide you to where you will not only contribute greatly, but also enjoy doing so, further empowering others to do the same.
Take It
As much as a reminder to myself as anyone… You can have the world at your feet, everything you have ever wanted, but if you do not pick it up, and you do not take it, you will remain stuck. TAKE IT! Because you deserve it.
Smart & Inspiring
What a great post for the New Year! http://laurajuarez.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/happy-new-year/ This year, my wish for you is to live your life authentically knowing you are being true and conveying the best, not necessarily the easiest, but the best you there is. That is the greatest example and gift you can give all at home and work. I believe people get confused about what ‘the best’ is sometimes because along the way we have made less than optimal choices for ourselves. That is what makes us human. Being authentic and true to ourselves is what helps us realign and correct our path, rather than continuing to build upon mistakes. You wouldn’t throw good money after bad would you? Well being authentic is infinitely more important and impactful than any monetary action. Let your authenticity guide you as you walk down the path into 2011.
Smart & Inspiring
What a great post for the New Year! http://laurajuarez.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/happy-new-year