Preparation

“A winning effort begins with preparation.” ~~Joe Gibbs ~~

A little preparation goes a long way! I had an odd expectation last night. I expected to be stressed. I expected not to sleep well. I expected that I would lay in bed and not be able to stop thinking about how much work I had to do today, about how far behind I was, about what I *should* have done over the weekend… I am happy to say that I was WRONG! And I believe this is why:

I planned out my week on Friday. I made a list of everything (and I mean everything) I have to do this week. Personal, work, holiday-related, you name it, I wrote it down. On paper, it just didn’t seem so bad!

I got a lot of my “honey-do” list completed on Saturday. My husband jumped in, and we just got so much accomplished. So, cross off some of that personal stuff, and some of that holiday-related stuff… Nice! And then I RELAXED yesterday. I mentally prepared for this week. A little rest, a little E.F.T. (Thanks Stephanie Dalfonzo!), a little meditation, a lot of visualization…

I slept quite well, and I woke up this morning ready to attack my day! I will accomplish all I set out to do. I am not stressed out. I can get it all done, and it’s not nearly as overwhelming as I expected that it would be. The tools work! A little preparation, both mental and physical, really does go a long way!

Motivation (and Congratulations!)

“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” ~~Oliver Wendell Holmes~~

This post is really about how quickly things can change. I originally wrote about a friend’s day, but due to her “big announcement” not yet being public, I removed the original post by request.

Let’s suffice to say that you should never give up! No matter how your day starts, there is a great chance that it will get better. And, if it doesn’t, there is always tomorrow! It doesn’t matter how bleak things look, I do believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel… and that the tunnel simply leads to another. Keep moving in the right direction, enjoy the journey, and maintain your momentum. Life is good, and even when it feels like it’s not, getting through the day sure beats the alternative!

Congratulations again my friend. You know who you are!

Goals

“If you have a goal in life that takes a lot of energy, that requires a lot of work, that incurs a great deal of interest and that is a challenge to you, you will always look forward to waking up to see what the new day brings.” ~~Susan Polis Schultz~~

And when you keep that goal in mind while remaining flexible in your plan to achieve that goal, the new day can bring so many different things…and you never know what you’re going to get! (Remember that box of chocolates???)

I attended a phenomenal networking event last night. I met some amazing people. I had no idea what to expect when I walked in the door, but I am so thrilled that I attended! I had several fantastic conversations, and I will discuss some of them in the days to come I’m sure, but one really struck me. I was speaking with Lawrence Eisner, ESQ (www.LBEisner.com) about how different people make sense of the chaos in the world. It was fascinating. Some people organize things by geography, remembering occurrences by where they took place. Other people may relate everything to music or art. The premise was that *innately* something helps you put order around what could otherwise be chaotic; that you are born with a way to cope. I had never really thought about it, and actually had a hard time identifying how I make sense of my world. Larry got it! I am a connector! I always have been. I put people together. I remember things by who they happened with. I discuss people by talking about who they know. I introduce people to other people and help make lasting friendships and partnerships. It is second nature to me. And, it’s showing up now! I gravitated to social media tools like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, because they allow me to continue to be the social connector, but now on a larger scale. And I still group people together by who they know or associate with. That may seem like an obvious thing to do, especially on Twitter, but it didn’t seem so obvious at our table last night. My goals on Twitter were vastly different from others’ goals. I am on Twitter with the sole intention of connecting and engaging. I am on Facebook with the primary goal of keeping the people in my world motivated. I am on LinkedIn, and teach people how to use LinkedIn so they can build their networks and get more people to know about them. I’m all about connecting, and it all makes sense to me. More importantly, it’s helped me make some sense of my journey!

How do you make sense of your world? I think once you figure that out, your path to achieving your goal will become much more clear! It did for me!

Focus (and a string of affirmations)

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” ~~Buddha~~

I am focused and efficient! I have what it takes to get what I want. I have the capacity and the knowledge to achieve success as I define it. I achieve my goals and accomplish all I set out to do. I am happy, healthy, wealthy and successful. I give all I can. I am surrounded by love and friendship. I focus on the positive.

What are your thoughts today?

Goals

“The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.” ~~Elbert Hubbard~~

Prioritizing your short term goals can be a challenge this time of year. I, personally, am finding it difficult to get everything that I want to do, done. I say things like, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day!” when what I really mean is that I’d rather spend time decompressing in the evening than I would doing a little extra work. Yes, this may be both true and necessary all of the time, but I find it especially true and frankly, critical, this time of year. I have daycare commitments (PTO, class mom), holiday commitments (we celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas in this house), philanthropic commitments, networking commitments… and then there are competing work demands themselves. The holidays seem to be the time when everything happens all at once and people come out of the woodwork. You know they’re all important, and you know they will all help you achieve at least one of your goals in some way, and this time of year you get an overwhelming desire to be helpful to others…but how do you decide what to say “yes” to when you can’t do it all?

Here’s what I’ve come up with. If you know where you’re going it’s much easier to know how to get there. Write everything down; your goals, your commitments, some scheduled family time, events or parties, any deadlines (including getting the shopping or cooking or prep work done), and anything else that you feel you just “have to” do. Then, make a plan. Once it’s all on paper it’s easier to see what the “musts” are, and you can make them a “priority one.” Rank the rest and you will have a plan you can live with! See which tasks align best with your goals and make sure you do those first. And don’t forget about the procrastination tip: Do the one thing you want to do least early on and just get it out of the way. With a slight attitude adjustment, you may even enjoy doing it! Stay calm, add in some time to relax, and make sure you take care of yourself. You will be no good to anyone if you aren’t healthy, alert and calm.

This time of year can get you down… take some action now to prevent the stress, and enjoy!

Attitude & Gratitude: AThanksgiving Post

“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” ~E.P. Powell

My 4 year old did a Thanksgiving art project in school yesterday. His teachers asked him what he was thankful for, and they helped him write his thoughts on his masterpiece. (I can’t wait to see it!) He told me he was thankful for me, Daddy, and his old and new friends. WOW! I love my kid!

So, typical Thanksgiving-style post here I go!

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful for my colleagues, my clients, and my readers. I am thankful that my business is successful. I am thankful for each and every one of the people with whom I network, have networked, have helped, or in some other way have helped me.

I am thankful that my son often wakes up singing. I am thankful that he loves to learn and that I am learning the patience I need to teach him. I am thankful that my husband is my partner. I am thankful that I have friends who care about me enough to reach out to me when I get so busy that I go “radio silent”. I am thankful that I get reminded to stop and take care of myself.

I am especially thankful that it doesn’t take a holiday for me to express my gratitude.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving full of laughter, joy, peace and gratitude.

Preparation

“Before beginning a Hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it.” ~~Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne~~

Even Pooh learned that preparation (or, maybe I should write Preparation) is critical. This time it comes in the form of research (Research).

Those who follow blindly because that’s what everyone else is doing may be spending a lot of time doing nothing that propels them forward. Taking some time in advance of taking some action, figuring out what your needs are before you make a commitment, is more than worth that time. Identifying the little steps that will help you achieve the big dream takes time, research, and planning, and there are many forms that preparation can take. Sometimes it’s as simple as going online. Sometimes, it’s more about networking and asking a lot of good questions. And I’ve discovered that the more questions I ask, the better I can hone in on what the good questions are. Researching a target and the path that will best help me reach that target will ultimately save me not only time, but energy and effort I can then spend elsewhere.

Do you know how to get to where you want to get to?

Motivation

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” ~~Henry David Thoreau ~~

I was totally inspired yesterday by, yes, another networking contact. I love how true networking works. I had absolutely no idea whatsoever what the purpose of that meeting was going to be. I had no preconceived notion about how I was going to be able to help her, or how she was going to be able to help me. So we sat down and started talking… and let the magic happen! It was an amazing meeting of the minds. It turns out, not surprisingly, that we can really help each other get to the next level. We can really help one another achieve those goals that until yesterday felt only like pipe dreams. So, here’s the lesson I learned… Keep dreaming those pipe dreams, because you just never know when they’re going to become your reality! And, there’s the next quote I hope to be known for!

More about my new networking friend: For anyone who is looking to manage stress, reduce anxiety, quit smoking, lose weight, gain focus, increase motivation or for some other reason just get out of your own way, please check out www.StephanieDalfonzo.com. I really am totally inspired!

Attitude

“You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice.” ~ ~Steven D. Woodhull~~

Everything I really need to know I think I can learn from my four year old.

Every day presents a new opportunity. Wake up singing. Revel in small accomplishments (they feel big at the time.) Go to school (or, in my case to work) and do your absolute best while you’re there. Life happens, so learn how to self-soothe. Petting the cat is calming. Hugs make everything better. Read a good book. Play, and then play some more. Get a good night’s sleep. And then remember that every day presents a new opportunity.

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ~Angela Schwindt

Focus (and Determination)

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” ~~John Calvin Coolidge~~

Focus, razor sharp determination, that’s the key to cutting through the huge pile that is my “to do” list today. I can, and I will remain focused, on task, and determined to accomplish all that I have set out in front of me. I am prepared. I have a plan. I will execute and I will prevail! And I am just as determined to have fun while I do it!! Today is a great day!

Preparation

“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.” ~~Ivy Baker Priest~~

That’s an interesting perspective. Much like Seneca (and then Semisonic) said, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.” Since we have no real idea of what our new beginning may be, we cannot possibly prepare for every outcome. So, here’s another new perspective; prepare for the best. “If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for.” ~~Florence Scovel Shinn

Preparation

“If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.” ~~Olin Miller~~

I find it very easy to procrastinate. People ask me often how I have the self-discipline to work from home, and the answer is, truthfully, I don’t. Not innately anyway. I find it. What I do have is a strong desire to succeed, and not enough of a need to rent office space. It is the preparation, both physical and mental, which allows me to appear disciplined. I know what I have to do, and I am prepared to get it done. It is my “to do list”, the picture of my 20-year plan, the mental affirmations and the consistent positive messaging that helps me at least get started. Then the rest of the week (and my writing of this blog) helps me with the rest. Staying focused, staying positive, pushing towards the goal and staying motivated make it all possible. Starting my day HERE sets my path. It is the very mental preparation I need to not procrastinate! So look out Monday! Here I come!!

Preparation

“It's not what if, it's what now.” ~~Author Unknown~~

What NOW is what’s important. Learn from your past; plan for your future; but live for today. Hmmm… maybe that one will become a quote *I* am known for!

Motivation

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~~

Today I remind myself to get out of my own way!!

I had a great coaching session this morning. I had a client come in who was feeling a bit demoralized about her job search. She’s in what she called a holding pattern… She’s waiting to hear back from a final round of interviews and she was really struggling with moving forward with her search while she was waiting. We talked through some of this as much as we could, and then I started talking to her about her 10-year plan. She really does have a dream, and thinking about it kind of made her smile, but it has no real shape or form. She couldn’t really define it and as such has no idea what it will take to achieve. (I’ve already talked about the importance of a plan… here is a great “case in point”.) As we looked at her dream, talked about it in some detail, and put some thought around how to actually make it possible, she started to get excited again. We talked about what proficiencies she might need to acquire, what certifications she could get, what alliances she could build, and what she could be doing now in order to make that 10 year dream actually possible. ** I suggested she think more about this. I suggested she do some research. I suggested she talk with her husband and her kids to get their input on this plan. I suggested that she graph out what she can do between now and then to really help her get there. And then I suggested that she make it “look pretty” and hang it on her wall! Maybe she could even cut out pictures or take photos of what this could “look like” in 10 years, and remind herself why she is doing what she is doing now. This visual could be just the motivation she needs to stay ON in this job search…

Well, fast forward to one of my favorite sayings, “physician, heal thyself!’

I have a dream… in fact, I have several. And sometimes I lose sight of them. Sometimes I forget why I am working so hard, and I forget what I’m working for! So, today, I remind myself to get out of my own way because my dreams CAN be my reality, and I am worth it!

“Grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me. ~Author unknown, variation of an excerpt from "The Serenity Prayer" by Reinhold Neibuhr

** 10—year plan format credit goes to Linda VanValkenburgh at www.MyExecutiveCareerCoach.com. If you want to talk with a phenomenal career coach about developing an individualized career campaign, I highly recommend giving her a call!

Goals

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” ~~Stephen A. Brennan

Back to Basics Part Three: The importance of a Plan! I was privileged to attend a breakfast this morning held by the Women’s Business Development Council, and honoring some very special and inspirational women in our local community. It was moving, and also rather timely. The theme of the breakfast was about accessing capital (really geared toward small business owners and entrepreneurs) but there was another point routinely made that I think is so critical… you need a plan! Whether it’s a business plan, a 10 year plan, a life plan, plans to build an addition or a deck… you need a plan. Whether you are running your business, running your job search, or running your life… you are in control, As it was said today and many times before, you need to be your own Chief Executive Officer. You need to run the business of being you. Totally empowering! And perfect for today’s “basic”.

Attitude and an Affirmation

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” ~~Scott Hamilton~~

I may have used this quote before, but think it’s so relevant to my “back to basics” concept from Monday. It really is all in how you look at things, and all in how you choose to react to your circumstances. I talk about this often. I remind myself frequently that it really is up to me how I react to things and it really is up to me to choose to be positive and optimistic. I tell myself (and anyone else who will listen) that staying upbeat, smiling, being kind and helping others really are the best ways to achieve success and happiness. And sometimes I forget. I won’t get a good night’s sleep, or I have a particularly crazy day, or my 4 year old acts like, well, like he’s 4, or…or…or…. And I forget. So, back to basics! Today I remember that I have the ability and the power and the desire to choose a positive attitude. My affirmation today: I choose to be happy, spread joy and exude confidence. I have a great mental attitude.

So, happy Wednesday everyone! Let’s make the most of it!

Goals

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” ~~Anna Quindlen~~

This week I am getting back to basics. I was inspired by a local Fall Festival we attended this weekend. They had simple games like a bean bag toss and some face painting. They had a clown making balloon animals. There were no fancy rides or crazy food vendors. It was simple. And it was awesome.

Work, the job search, raising a family, running a household, LIFE… things seem to have gotten complicated, and I’ve decided that they really don’t need to be. It seems the really simple things are the things that have the biggest impact. A smile, a helping hand, a kind word, a guiding light, a hug – these are my goals this week. I will offer at least one of these to all I encounter. And my life will be better for it.

Preparation

“If your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.” ~~Henry J. Kaiser~~

PREPARE: transitive and intransitive verb make something ready: TO TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTION to put something into a state where it is fit for use or action, or for a particular event or purpose Synonyms: get ready, arrange, organize, plan, set up, practice, put in order*

I’m taking action! It’s Columbus Day. Public schools around here are closed, as are many businesses. Thankfully, my son’s daycare is open. I have decided to use today as an “administrative” day; a day to prepare for not only the week ahead, but the rest of the year. Today is a day to get organized (again), to plan, and to adjust previous plans. Lately I’ve been thinking that if I spent half as much time preparing my work trajectory as I have my upcoming Halloween Party, I’d be a very wealthy woman! So, today’s the day! Decisions will be made, coaches will be consulted, and my advisory board will be addressed. It’s a new day at HireEffect!

How else can YOU prepare?

*Content above provided by: http://www.bing.com/Dictionary/search?q=define+prepare&FORM=DTPDIA&qpvt=Synonyms+for+Prepare Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] © & (P) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Goals

“It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy of life lies in having no goal to reach.” ~~Benjamin E. Mays~~

Sometimes I lose sight of the goal. Sometimes I forget why I do what I do and I wallow in the self-pity that I create. Sometimes it takes just getting off my a$$ and doing “it” anyway to remind me of why I do what I do and how much I love doing it.

Today, I am grateful for the woman who called me yesterday, out of the blue, and asked for my help. She was referred to me by someone else she didn’t really know, and had the courage, strength and conviction to pick up the phone and ask a perfect stranger for assistance. I respect that tremendously. And, in offering her some basic job search advice and the names of some networking contacts, my mood changed. My attitude shifted. I love helping people! That’s why I do what I do. So, thank you person who shall remain nameless because I didn’t ask you if I could blog about you… Thank you, also, the person who gave you my name in the first place.

My goals, all of them, even the one in my long term 20-year plan, are about helping people and having fun while doing so! Sure, there‘s some level of selfishness in there… I deserve to have fun and to be happy.  So, here’s to my goals and to the journey of discovery along the path to reach them!

Attitude

“Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thoughts, and habits can be acquired. An action repeated becomes an attitude realized.” ~~Paul Myer~~

I observed a phenomenal training session* yesterday where participants were asked to examine not only how they speak, but also how they listen to information. There was a fascinating exercise where after learning about two basic patterns of reasoning the participants needed to identify not only which pattern they thought they responded best to, but which pattern they thought their team members would respond best to. As an observer, (and the HR Consultant for the organization receiving the training) I noticed a very real phenomenon. Each person’s attitude towards another team member significantly affected how they assumed that person wanted to hear/receive information. This may seem obvious, but think about the implications… If you dislike someone, or if you think they’re a pessimist, or a bully… this significantly sways how you deliver information to them, and could very well create a self-fulfilling prophecy. You could in effect be hurting yourself, or preventing yourself from getting what you need from the person with whom you are communicating…

What if, on the contrary, you went into every conversation, every interaction, with a positive attitude? How much more effective do you think you could be?


*A very heartfelt “thank you” to Tori Aiello and The Speech Improvement Company, Inc. for their generosity, time and commitment to excellence.

Preparation

“In the future, instead of striving to be right at a high cost, it will be more appropriate to be flexible and plural at a lower cost. If you cannot accurately predict the future then you must flexibly be prepared to deal with various possible futures.” ~~Edward de Bono~~

This may be the best quote ever! Well, OK, maybe not, but so relevant for me today on so many levels.

1. How important is it to be right? Is it worth being angry? Is it worth a fight? Is it worth losing a friendship? Is it worth wasting time and energy that could somehow otherwise be spent? Maybe, maybe not… I guess it depends on what you’re hell-bent on being right about…

2. How important is it to be prepared? How much time should you spend preparing vs. actually doing? What if you spend an enormous amount of time preparing for something that doesn’t happen? Alternatively, what if you spend no time at all preparing for something that does happen?

Maybe what’s most important is to be flexible… Fight for what you know is right when it’s really worth fighting for. Prepare for what you can, and then let it go. But, be prepared to present yourself in the best way you know how. At some point it will benefit you, even if that point is not exactly how you pictured it.

“I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.” ~~G. K. Chesterton

Motivation

“The world always looks brighter from behind a smile.” ~~Author Unknown~~

I’m still reading BLINK by Malcolm Gladwell (sorry, not a lot of free time around here!) and continue to be fascinated! It turns out that studies have shown that your facial expressions can actually change your emotions! Seriously! Apparently your facial expressions, even when you make them on purpose, cause significant changes to you autonomic nervous system! So, my whole thing about “fake it ‘til you make it”, or “put a smile on your face…” really DO have validity! I am so excited!

So, go ahead, SMILE! I dare you!

Attitude and Action

“Action is the antidote to despair.” ~~Joan Baez~~

Taking action, stay positive. Procrastinate, stress. Hmmmmm… Seems like an obvious choice. GO GET ‘EM! I'm off to work!

Preparation

"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." ~~Stephen King~~

Fall is definitely in the air here this morning. While it is supposed to up to a high of 72, it was 57 when we woke up. I love this weather. I find it invigorating. It’s also the beginning of a New Year according to the Hebrew Calendar, so I feel like (just like in January) it’s time to make a fresh start. We also had a personal family scare this weekend… which I am very happy to say seems to all be OK now… but definitely reminded me that life is both precious, and short. I woke up this morning with a determination I feel I’ve been missing for the last few weeks. It’s nice to be back on track. Preparation, Focus, Hard Work and Determination; I’m ready to conquer anything!

Whatever your reason; make a great new start!

Motivation

“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” ~~Malcolm S. Forbes~~

Your circumstances do not define you. Employed; in transition; executive; entrepreneur: these are all just circumstances. Titles are meaningless. It’s what you do that counts. Be proud of who you are, believe in what you can do, and make it count.

Goals

“To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.” ~~Kofi Annan~~

Choice. It’s really quite the concept. You have the power to choose and your choices will absolutely affect the outcomes you face. And then you have the choice again on how to face those outcomes… OK. Too deep, even for me. The point is that even making a choice not to choose is choosing something… so keep your goals in mind, reflect on where it is you are headed and what you’re trying to achieve, and choose wisely. Every choice is a meaningful one.

Attitude

“But what minutes! Count them by sensation, and not by calendars, and each moment is a day.” ~~Benjamin Disraeli~~

A little time off is good for the body and the soul, not to mention the attitude!** Sometimes “taking a break from all your worries” really does help a lot. (Credit: “Cheers “theme song). Sometimes, even just walking away from the computer for 20 minutes, or going to the gym really can help you change your attitude and ultimately get back on track.

Sometimes it feels like there is just so much to do and accomplishment feels so far away that it seems irresponsible to take time off. So, in case you need it, here’s your permission slip. If the time you’re taking off is to take care of yourself such that when you return you are rejuvenated and can accomplish even more, then I say, GO FOR IT! It will all still be here tomorrow, so enjoy the moment!

“Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day. Rich people can't buy more hours. Scientists can't invent new minutes. And you can't save time to spend it on another day. Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.” ~Denis Waitely

**A note of special thanks to my friends and family who made my recent mini-vacation possible!

Motivation

“Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.” ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You~

Celebrating Labor Day (weekend) a bit early… Here’s to you! May the fruits of your labor bear much success.

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” ~Ovid

Goals

“The major reason for setting a goal is for what it makes of you to accomplish it. What it makes of you will always be the far greater value than what you get.” ~~Jim Rohn~~

Who I become, not where I go, is the important part of my journey. Hmmm… I may quote myself on that one!

Attitude

“Reach for the stars, even if you have to stand on a cactus.” ~~Susan Longacre~~

Sometimes you have to give a little to get a lot. Sometimes you don’t know what good will come out of things and you just need to take a leap of faith. Sometimes the path to success is a little rocky and doesn’t look like the path to success at all. It would be nice to have a yellow brick road paved for us, or that line to follow in the financial services TV ads, but that’s just not reality. So, make your own road, trust your instincts, follow the signs, and believe that you will get there; wherever “there” is for you!

Preparation AND Focus

“Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.” ~~Aesop~~

This quote may best sum up the discussion from last week. Focus and knowing your desired outcome may be the most critical components of actually achieving your goals. I guess I’ve come full circle. Preparation is critical to knowing what your desired outcomes are and actually achieving that focus. Preparation may include research, due diligence, having conversations, networking… and it also may include mental training such as mediation, affirmations and other exercises to help you get and stay focused. Zeroing in on the substance is only really possible when you can successfully “weed out” excessive information.

I am reading Blink by Malcolm Gladwell right now, and he actually talks about this quite extensively. It‘s in a different context, but it’s gotten me thinking… Gladwell gives several examples when having too much information in fact causes incorrect action. He says, “…truly successful decision making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.” Deliberate thinking comes from preparation. Instinctive thinking comes from focus. Put them together, and you have a winning combination.

Goals

“We are kept from our goal not by obstacles but by a clear path to a lesser goal.” ~~Robert Brault~~

It was brought to my attention yesterday that my plea for no whining at a Whine and Dine event was rather ironic. While linguistically this is very true (and very funny!), in the reality of those in transition, it is a real problem. Which brings me to my “goal” post… (hehehe)

When entering into any situation, you need to understand your goals before going in. This is true whether it is joining a live networking event, creating a profile on LinkedIn, engaging followers on Twitter, talking with a coach, going on a sales pitch, or even going to see a doctor. Thinking about your goals, having an idea of what you want to get out of the situation, will help you act accordingly during the situation. If the person in my Whine and Dine example believed that the goal was to network with a potential hiring manager to be considered for that ideal job, then being negative was not the best course of action. If, however, that person’s goal was to vent with like-minded professionals in a judgment-free environment, then they should not have been upset or worse, not have any idea why they were not selected to interview for the opportunity. My point, in case it is not yet clear, is that your actions should reflect your desired outcome. Actually knowing what your goals are in advance will significantly increase your chances of achieving them.

Attitude

Here’s a MUST do for you: if you’re not happy, upbeat and energetic, FAKE IT! When you’re down, angry, frustrated, disturbed, pissed off, etc… IT SHOWS! And that is NOT the face you want the world to see! So, fake it until you make it! Act “as if”! Put on your game face! Whatever you want to label it; “put a smile on your face and a song in your heart” (Thanks PAT!) and you’ll notice the change in how people respond to you!

I run a networking group for HR practitioners (www.whineanddine.org), and I am consistently surprised by the people who come in to the room with their shoulders slumped over, a frown (or worse, a scowl!) on their face and consistently complain about their lot in life (or their job search.) they wonder why they’re still unemployed, or why the didn’t get that great opportunity even though they networked with the hiring manager… Think for a moment if in that same event the hiring manager for the perfect opportunity was out sourcing candidates. Do you think that bummed out, seemingly depressed individual would even be considered? I’ll tell you as a recruiter, the answer is no!

And what about online? If you’re using Twitter, Facebook, or worse, LinkedIn to vent, complain, or otherwise be negative, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. People ARE looking, and they will take note. Be kind. Be helpful. Maintain your positive attitude, and watch the magic happen!

Preparation

“What we do upon some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline.” ~~ H.P. Liddon~~

This twist on the preparation theme today stems from a rather inspired conversation I just had. I am thrilled that I found this quote! Here’s what I was reminded:

Everything we experience helps shape us for who we become. Every past experience helps us create the responses to the things that will happen in the future. And those responses will create new experiences which may change the way we respond tomorrow. We’re forever learning, adapting, and growing, which in turn helps us to shape bigger and better responses and reactions. So, even though the negativity sometimes gets the best of us, even when our circumstances aren’t what we want them to be, we’re still able to glean something positive. Our trials help prepare us for who we are to become. It seems then, that *life* is the best preparation of all.

Preparation

“When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people.” ~~Proverb~~

Training and educating is my intention. I am passionate about teaching you to fish instead of giving you dinner… OK, bad metaphor for me if you know me and know how much I love to cook, but the concept is real! I want to help you plan for your success. I want to help you prepare for your next best opportunity. I’m all about helping you help yourself, so when I saw this quote today I just had to work it in. It isn’t my typical “preparation” post… but hey! I hope it helps nonetheless!

“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.” ~~Denis Waitley

Motivation

“The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice that which we are for what we could become.” ~~Charles DuBois~~

Every moment we’re awake can be a learning experience. I was reminded yesterday through a series of events, that even (and maybe “especially”) the most challenging of situations are fantastic opportunities for learning and practicing what we learn. I silently cheered as I noticed that what I DID was not at all what I normally do. I sacrificed a habit. I learned from my past, applied what I learned to my present, and noticed a significant difference in how people responded to me. It was a great experience. It did not at all change the challenging situation. But in changing how I responded, I took responsibility for how I felt about the situation, and THAT made all the difference in the world!

What behaviors or beliefs can you sacrifice to become a better you?

Goals

“Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes.” ~~Author Unknown~~
“Goals are dreams with deadlines.” ~~Diana Scharf Hunt~~

Update from yesterday’s post as promised: While I did wake up briefly, I fell back to sleep pretty quickly, with no anxiety! My affirmation last night (and then again when I woke up a bit too early this morning was, “I am in control of my desk. I am focused, efficient and effective in accomplishing my tasks.”

I got out of bed before my alarm, was ready to go much earlier than usual, and my goal is to have a fantastic day!

Proof enough to try some bedtime affirmations? I hope so! I know I’ll keep them up.

Attitude and Affirmations

“Make it so.” ~~Captain Jean-Luc Picard~~

Famous for this phrase, Captain Picard made it all seem so easy aboard the Enterprise. He exuded confidence. He epitomized the power of positive thinking. We can all use a little of his determination now and then.

Recently I’ve started having mini-anxiety attacks in the middle of the night. I wake up for whatever reason, and then I can’t get back to sleep because I start thinking about all the things I have to do. That’s so unlike the “me” of late, so I took a good look in the mirror this morning… Reality Check: I stopped my bedtime affirmations. I know I’ve written about these before, but to serve as a reminder, my bedtime affirmations are simply the things I repeat to myself over and over in my head until I fall asleep. They are typically things like: “I am diligent, focused, and accomplish great things.” Or, “I am happy, healthy, successful and wise.” You know, the things of Saturday Night Live’s Stuart Smalley fame. Poke fun, if you must, but I’m telling you, it’s the only thing that’s changed. So tonight I return to my “habit”. I will sleep through the night. I will wake up well-rested. I will accomplish my goals. I will make it so.

And, I’ll report back tomorrow.

Preparation

“Success will never be a big step in the future. Success is a small step taken just now.” ~~Jonatan Mårtensson~~

We may never be really prepared to take that step. But if we wait until we’re ready, we may miss the opportunity. Some things we just have to do. Some things we just have to jump into. And, what we find along the way, even though we weren’t “ready” may be even better than what we were actually waiting for! It’s sort of like a good game of “hide and seek”. We plan, we seek out the best hiding spot, we crouch down and prepare to be as still as possible for the long haul, and then we hear, “ready or not, here I come!” and we hold our breath waiting to see what will happen. But think about it. How would you really feel if all that planning worked, and you missed out on all the fun because you were still hidden? Getting found is half the joy, even though you planned and prepared for the exact opposite.

Now, I’m not suggesting that preparation isn’t necessary; quite the contrary. Preparing for the small steps is critical. Mental preparation, physical preparation, and careful planning will help you know which small steps to take and feel really good about taking them. Just don’t let yourself get so caught up in the planning and preparing that you forget to actually “do.”

Motivation

“The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs.” ~~Joan Didion~~

Two topics I love rolled into one quote; accepting responsibility and self-respect. I really like this one. I’ve never thought about self-respect as tied to being 100% responsible… but it makes perfect sense. I certainly respect myself more when I take responsibility for my self and my actions. I certainly find it easier to be 100% responsible when my ego is intact. I wanted to explore this further. I even went as far as looking up the “root word” or suffix “resp” to see if there were some deeper meaning, and I found this, the suffix for breathe is: “resp” (respiratory, respirator, respiration)… hmmm… very interesting. So here’s a leap of faith: being 100% responsible for yourself helps you build your self-respect, which in turn helps you breathe (read: live). OK, it really is a leap, but one I’m willing to take.

“They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

Don’t give up that power. Be responsible for your own actions. Build your sense of self. Be proud of who you are. Live. Breathe. Enjoy!

Goals

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” ~~Les Brown~~

I had a great conversation with a great friend last night, and for whatever reason we started talking about lottery tickets. (Really we were talking about money, but whatever!) I was asked if I ever actually bought them (lottery tickets, that is.) Honestly, occasionally I do, and my reasoning is that you have to keep the dream alive… which gout me to thinking… I keep the dream alive anyway! I set my sights high and do what it takes, and I am a firm believer that there isn’t anything that I “can’t” do. If you’re familiar with the Winnie the Pooh characters, this may ring a bell…

“They're quite a critter, those furry beasts
Why, to himself he's a mystery
He cannot think of one thing he can't do
Be it climbing trees or bouncing games
It doesn't matter, it's all the same
That's what Tiggers do best
Yes, that's what Tiggers do
It doesn't matter how or who
That's what Tiggers do best”

Winnie the Pooh: Take My Hand – “That's What Tiggers Do Best” Lyrics
Singers: The Owls

So, shoot for the moon, my friends! Keep dreaming, keep setting goals, and believe that achieving those goals is exactly what you do best!

Preparation

“Sometimes it seems your ever-increasing list of things to do can leave you feeling totally undone.” ~Susan Mitchell and Catherine Christie, I'd Kill for a Cookie~

Preparing for the day ahead is sometimes a challenge. It frequently takes too much self control and discipline for me to stop what I am doing right now, and plan for later. Sometimes it’s easier to plan for the week, month, or year ahead, because they seem so much more abstract. I’ve decided that while I know it’s a very good thing for me to have a plan and be as prepared as possible for the immediate tasks at hand, it’s sometimes just as much a good thing for me to have no short term plan at all, and just go with it. My long term plans are solid. The preparation to help me achieve my longer term goals has been ongoing. I know where I want to end up and feel really good about how I am going to get there. So, when I find myself stressing out about the utter lack of planning I have done for tomorrow, I can handle it. I simply remind myself that sometimes the best things happen by accident.

“Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.” ~Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

“Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way.” ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You

Attitude

“[People] who never get carried away should be.” ~~Malcolm Forbes~~

I had the distinct pleasure of networking this morning with an entrepreneur extraordinaire. I don’t call her that because she’s “made it”. I call her that because she will! I’ve been witness to a transformation unlike many I have seen before. With more drive and determination to thrive than I have ever seen in one person, I have no doubt she and her new business will be a huge success. She is enthusiastic, gung-ho and working her tail off. Being “carried away” to higher heights is her new mission, and her enthusiasm is contagious. That’s one thing I love about networking with positive people!

“Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?” ~Dennis and Wendy Mannering

Preparation

“When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” ~Seneca~

Preparation: any proceeding, experience, or the like considered as a mode of preparing for the future.*

Preparing for what future? That may be the question. I had a conversation late last week about the importance of a plan; of being as prepared as possible, but directing the possibilities with that preparation. It was interesting. It was sort of a “chicken or egg” conversation. If you don’t know where you want to end up, how can you plan your path to get there? Contrarily, some of the best things happen when there is no plan. Synchronicity! Spontaneity! Surprise! So, while I agree with Seneca, maybe a better way to look at it would be that no wind is the wrong wind either.

*"preparation." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 26 Jul. 2010. .

Motivation

“Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” ~~Walter Anderson~~

I’m going to semi- (and probably mis-) quote my dad again. It’s not the first time I’ve heard him say it, or, maybe it really was… Anxiety (fear) is the same emotion as excitement. The day I wrote about changing my internal dialogue (http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2010/07/preparation.html) we had this conversation. And, it’s been on my mind ever since. I think I’m really getting it.

I love feeling excited about things; whether it’s a meeting with someone I haven’t seen in a while, or it’s a celebratory event, that kind of excitement is a lot of fun. Well, why can’t the anxiety I feel about the amount of work that lies ahead, or the challenges I’m facing be called “excitement”? Why not choose to feel “excited” about all the things I have on my plate? Why not choose to have my work be a source of fun? Anxiety really does go away when you “just do it”. And it’s so much easier to do things that you’re excited about than it is to do things you’re anxious about. What will you have fun with today?

Attitude

"There is importance in today; not so much in what happens to us, but in how we respond." ~~Melody Beattie~~

Just the word “importance” could spark an entire post! My dad posted this on Facebook yesterday. Coincidentally one of my long-time friends posted “Mind over matter, right?” as her status update last night. I knew there was a message there for me. Yes! Mind over matter! Choosing how we respond to whatever happens to us is, in fact, entirely up to us. And the important thing about today really may be that we can choose differently today than we did yesterday if we want to. I get chills just thinking about that! How empowering! If you live each day choosing to improve over the day before then even when you feel like it can’t get any better, it does!

What can you improve upon today?

Goals

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." ~Life's Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it!

Preparation

“If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.”
~~ from The Man Who Thinks He Can by Walter D. Wintle~~

I’ve been thinking a lot about mental preparation. Do you say things like, “You’re killing me!” when someone annoys you or does something you don’t agree with? Do you say things like, “I’m never going to get all this done!” when you’re overwhelmed? Or, “I’m so stressed out!” when you’re feeling that way? I do. I have forever. And, that changes now. I am committed to practice speaking positively regardless of my current feelings. I can say things like “WOW! I have so much to accomplish today!” or “I am really feeling the excitement of being busy!” This may sound silly, but it’s my little experiment. I started this morning, and I already feel better!

What will you do to mentally prepare?

Motivation

“I CAN is 100 times more important than IQ.” ~~author unknown~~

I know I can, and therefore I will. Challenges will always present themselves. If everything was easy, life would get boring. I always say that I’m happy in the chaos, because when chaos is NOT present, the chaos I create in its place is always so much more chaotic than that which would have been there naturally! So, in the presence of chaos, in the face of the fear of “there’s just too much going on”, I am motivated by the fact that I CAN. And, I will. How about you?

Attitude

“Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” ~~A.A. Milne~~

It’s all in how you see things. Choose to see the positive instead of the negative; choose to see the possibilities instead of thinking things are impossible; choose to see the challenge instead of feeling stressed. Enjoy the journey! And, don’t worry about what anyone else thinks… you take care of you; the rest will take care of itself.

Motivation

“When you know what you want, and you want it badly enough, you'll find a way to get it.” ~~Jim Rohn~~


Too much work; not enough hours in the day… but I know what I want, so I will get it done, and I WILL enjoy my weekend!

To those of you in the US… Happy Independence Day!

“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” ~~William Faulkner

Goals

“A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.” ~~Author Unknown~~

I would like to shake the hand of the person who first said this. That would be, to me, even more empowering and inspiring than the quote, and the quote is awesome!

Goals, desires, even dreams can grow and change; we’ve discussed that. But it is possibly even more important to remember that WE change too. And, sometimes we have to in order to achieve our goals, desires and dreams. People change. That’s a fact. We grow; we move; our circumstances create new feelings and emotions. We may change hobbies; jobs; thoughts about vacations or spending habits. We may change styles; political parties…we may even change friends. Such is a part of life.

If you have a dream, don’t let anything stand in your way from realizing that dream. It’s ok to focus on yourself once in a while. In fact, some will argue that in order to focus on anyone or anything else, you have to focus on yourself. I’m pretty sure that was the topic of a previous post.

So, make the turn. Take the chance. Be true to yourself. And, the rest will fall into place.

Attitude

“Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene.” ~~Arthur Christopher Benson~~

A little more on being 100% responsible:

I was reminded again yesterday after a situation during which I could have reacted better, that I am 100% responsible. I am responsible for creating my actions, my reactions, my responses and my results. I am responsible for how I feel, how I live, and how I work. If I am not getting what I want, I need to take steps to fix that.

It is hard to take responsibility for yourself, and so easy to blame others. But, where does that get you?

Preparation + Taking Responsibility

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” ~~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~~

As I prepare for the work-week ahead, a short one at that, and look at the sheer magnitude of my TO DO list, I admit, I’m a little overwhelmed. This post is really to help me remember that I am 100% responsible for myself and my actions. I can freak out, or I can be thankful that I have so many opportunities in front of me. I can blame my circumstances for not getting as much done last week as I had hoped, or I can appreciate that I had some extra time with my family and get busy now. This post is to help remind me that I can accomplish whatever I set out to accomplish, because I believe that I can, and I am ready to take responsibility for my success. Are you ready to take responsibility for your success?

“You can awaken each day to obligations you never chose - or you can decide now to choose them.” ~~Robert Brault~~

Motivation (many quotes and a few affirmations)

“I make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes.” ~~Sara Teasdale, from "The Philosopher" ~~

It’s sometimes hard to stay motivated when you’ve hit a “plateau” whether it’s about your diet, building your business, or staying on top of your job search, but we know we need to keep going, even when we don’t feel like we’re making progress. It can be even more difficult to stay motivated when we feel like we’ve made a wrong decision, or we start second-guessing our decisions. We can get stuck. I think then, it’s even more important to stay motivated and keep going. As Thomas Edison once said, "I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward." I really like that sentiment, and coupled with the knowledge that, "We have a choice every day - to act on yesterday's good intentions or get an early start on tomorrow's regrets," (via Robert Brault), I am committed to not losing steam!

Some affirmations on this topic might be:

I work well with what I am given and make the best of any situation.
I am encouraged by my learning process and know I am on the right track.
I am enjoying my journey.

Happy Friday, everyone! Enjoy your weekend and make the best of your time. And, remember the words of John Lennon, “Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.”

Goals

“Success is 10% inspiration, 90% last-minute changes.” ~From a billboard advertisement~

Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals! You never know what life is going to throw your way, and if you won’t even consider the possibilities because they might upset your current plan, who knows what you may miss. Remember to enjoy the journey, do your due diligence, keep an open mind and your eyes open too, and you never know what you might see!

Preparation + Affirmations

“All things are ready, if our minds be so.” ~~William Shakespeare~~

Some affirmations for today:

I am energized, focused and take action on the tasks that get me closer to my dreams.

The more grateful I am, the more reasons I find to be grateful.

I do everything necessary to reach my best and improve on what I’ve already accomplished.

"My unique and creative talents and abilities shine through in all that I do."

I am _SO_ ready for this week! What affirmations will help you prepare for what lies ahead?

Motivation

“We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.” ~~Frank Tibolt~~

So, what are we all waiting for? Ready! Set! GO!!

“An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.” ~Arnold Glasow

Goals

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” ~~Jim Rohn~~

I mentioned yesterday that dreams are critical to success and that if you knew how to get there, or knew how to do it, it would be a TO DO, not a dream. Something else I learned from Brad Sugars two nights ago was that once a dream gets within 5 years of happening, it becomes a goal.

Accomplishing goals requires planning, and then requires action. Here’s what I learned yesterday and today; planning requires discipline. I have ideas about what I want. I have visualized my future. I know my 20 year plan. But I have no idea how I’m actually going to REALLY accomplish my next goal. I have broad stroke thoughts on how I’m going to get there, and I have my nitty-gritty TO DOs to get my daily work done. What I don’t have is a real plan. I have a lot of work to do, and today, with you as my witness, I am beginning to plan the way to accomplish my goals, devoting myself to the discipline needed, and frankly, calling my coach!

I know I don’t have to do this alone. I am grateful to my network, and to all of those who support me.

Have you tapped your network today?

Attitude

“Positive attitude without positive action equals positively nothing.” ~~Brad Sugars at the Business Is Booming Event last night~~

Thanks to the invite from Action Coach, Tom Maier I had the privilege of participating in Brad Sugars’ Business Is Booming event in Bridgeport, CT last night. What a success! Not only was it a fantastic networking opportunity, but I took home pages of notes on ways I can help make my business, and my life, more of what I want them to be!

In addition to the quote above, which I found very powerful, there are some tips I’d like to share, that I feel apply to life, not just business.

1. GRATITUDE is so important! SHOWING GRATITUDE is even more important. Who can you thank today? HOW can you thank them?
2. DREAMS are critical to success. You have to have a dream, and you have to write it down. You don’t have to know how achieve the dream. If you knew how to get there, or knew how to do it, it would be a TO DO.
3. PLAN! A sad, but all-too-true fact: Most people spend more time planning their wedding than they do their life. (or their job search, or their career track…)
4. You have to BE more and DO more to HAVE more.
5. It’s all about RELATIONSHIPS!

As I process all my thoughts, I may have more to write on these topics… but in the meantime, for more information about Brad Sugars and Action Coach, please visit http://www.actioncoach.com/ and http://bradsugars.com/.

Preparation

“Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.” ~~Peter F. Drucker~~

I am once again amazed (not surprised, just amazed) by the power of the affirmation and the drive that I have when I am mentally prepared for greatness. Preparation for a great day, a great week, and in conjunction, great success comes from within, and help to realize that power within does exist!

Committed to taking advantage of the enthusiasm I gained after networking with an Action Coach late last week, and once again re-energized beyond my norm, I feel ready to conquer even the largest obstacle (my own tendency towards procrastination!) and know that I will be successful! The power of networking, be it with one colleague or a whole accountability group, really helps me mentally prepare for the greatness I know I can achieve.

Planning for this week actually started last Friday. Over the weekend, instead of stressing about what I still hadn’t done, I wrote down things on my “to do” list as they entered my mind. Last night, I organized my desk a bit, downloaded my email from the weekend and deleted the junk, and prioritized my to do list for today. I went to bed last night repeating to myself, “I am healthy, well-rested, energized and focused. I stay on track and successfully accomplish my tasks.”

As I said, I am again amazed by the power of affirmation… My allergies, which were really starting to get the best of me, seem to have cleared quite a bit, and I have gotten more done already this morning than I expected.

I am jazzed, and I love this feeling! So, THANK YOU to my network, my readers, my family, and specifically, my friend and Action Coach. I’ve always said that every great player needs a coach, and I’m so happy that at least in this instance, I took my own advice!

“Happy people plan actions, they don't plan results.” ~Dennis Wholey

Preparation

“The most important day ever is TODAY.” ~~James Allen~~
…and “tomorrow is another day” ~~Scarlett~~

Preparation for having TODAY be the best day it can be may be difficult. I *swear* sometimes I spend half of my day preparing, and then feel like I wasted half my day! And even when I am prepared, there’s often some monkey-wrench thrown in to my great big plan. Even still, it really does help to prepare a bit ahead of time. You wouldn’t go into a formal business presentation without at least a few notes, would you?

I prepare my workspace (less clutter = fewer distractions), my to-do list, and my mindset. A few affirmations before bed and in the morning really help me feel ready to tackle whatever life throws at me.

And, when all else fails, know that it will all still be here tomorrow…

Motivation

“It's too big a world to be in competition with everyone. The only person who I have to be better than is myself.” ~~M*A*S*H-Colonel Potter~~

And a few more quotes:

“I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'.” ~~Henry Moore~~

“If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average.” ~~M.H. Alderson~~

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” ~~Winston Churchill~~

Goals

“It is never too late to be who you might have been.” ~~George Eliot~~

I have decided to work towards a new goal. Well, not entirely new. And, while I am certainly not changing my long term personal goals, or my business goals (at least not today), I am focusing on something different. I’m trying a new tactic, I guess. My “new” goal is to do and be my best. Simple, right? If I do my best all the time how can I not accomplish my other goals? If I am my best all the time, how can I not achieve success? I’ve struggled with this in the past because I felt like I had to define “my best”, but I came to the realization today that “my best” isn’t a constant. I’m evolving; learning more every day about who I am and what “my best” is. So, as of today, I am committed to “my best” and look forward to becoming who I am.

Attitude

“A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.” ~~William Arthur Ward~~

A positive attitude really can make a difference! A friend of mine posted on Facebook this morning about the person who serves her coffee with a smile, and how that smile and a kind word help get her going in the morning. Coincidentally, it’s that same friend who, no matter how bad things may get for her, will always tell you that she’s well, and always has a smile on her face.

I quoted recently that “attitudes are contagious” and I believe that! Let’s start an epidemic!

I have an overwhelming need to quote another favorite kids’ song:

"Zippity doo dah, Zippity ay,
My, oh my what a wonderful day!
Plenty of sunshine coming my way,
Zippity doo dah, Zippity ay. "

Goals (plus some affirmations)

“The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.” ~Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead~~

Nothing can stand in your way unless you let it. Who’s stopping you?

Some affirmations for today:

I have all that I need to achieve my goals.
I get out of my own way and let success happen.

Attitude

“There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate.” ~~Robert Brault~~

Choose to make it a great day! Choose to celebrate the small successes. Choose to celebrate the fact that you woke up this morning. Choose to celebrate your family, your friends, your path and your journey. Choose to view your current situation as an opportunity for learning, no matter how bad, or how good your current situation is. Choose kindness and compassion. Choose to give and be helpful. Choose to give back. Celebrate life. Celebrate you!

Motivation

“I would not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum.” ~~Frances Willard~~

Momentum: an interesting word. Dictionary.com defines it as “force or speed of movement; impetus, as of a physical object or course of events”. Linguistically, and I am NOT a linguist, so if you are, cut me some slack, please; I think “momentum” is moments building on moments. Days are made up of moments. Moments are truly momentous…

Here is an excerpt from “Moments in the Woods” from the musical Into the Woods:

"Just a moment,
One peculiar passing moment...
Must it all be either less or more,
Either plain or grand?
Is it always "or"?
Is it never "and"?
That's what woods are for:
For those moments in the woods...

Oh. if life were made of moments,
Even now and then a bad one-!
But if life were only moments,
Then you'd never know you had one.

Let the moment go...
Don't forget it for a moment, though.
Just remembering you've had and "and",
When you're back to "or",
Makes the "or" mean more
Than it did before.
Now I understand-

And it's time to leave the woods."

So, go make your moments!

Preparation

“You don't become a winner by mistake.” ~~Joe Atkins~~

…wondering if today’s topic should really be “Practice” instead of “Preparation”; or maybe it should be called “Do Your Homework”…

Success, albeit certainly assisted by luck, takes work. And, it takes commitment. It also takes time, energy, drive and focus. And, no, you’re not expected to do it all by yourself. Every great player has a coach. Who is yours?

Motivation

“There is no success but your own success.” ~~Terri Guillemets~~

Don’t let others define for you the things that will make you feel successful. Only you can do that. There is no real definition of success, as success is what you make of it.

Here’s another quote for you: “Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.” ~~Author Unknown~~

So, are you successful, happy, or both?

And one I think I’ve used before, but bears repeating: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. ~~Booker T. Washington~~

So, keep overcoming those obstacles… YOU CAN!

Goals (plus some affirmations)

“The most important thing of all is working on living more consciously, moment to moment and day to day.” ~~Shakti Gawain~~

I was reminded, not once, but four times so far today about the significance of recognizing what is really important in life. Usually when things happen like that, there’s a reason I should write about it, so here goes.

A wise friend of mine has on her Facebook page the following quote, “Someone will always be prettier, smarter, have a bigger house or a better car. Their children will do better in school or their husband will fix more things around the house. So just let it go and love yourself, your life and your circumstances.”

An inspirational colleague of mine reminded me that every cloud really does have a silver lining and you can always find something good in every situation if you look hard enough. (And sadly, she would know!)

Too many people want to point fingers and place blame. Taking accountability for ones own actions is critical as you begin to live more consciously and be more engaged. Living more consciously and being more engaged, in turn will help you love yourself, your life and your circumstances, and find that silver lining.

My affirmations for today:

I am accountable for my actions. I do not make excuses for my behavior. I actively see the gifts in my life. I live consciously, in the present, and achieve my goals.

Attitude

“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.” ~Herm Albright, quoted in Reader's Digest, June 1995 ~~

I’ve been passing this one up for about a year now, but it just seems so fitting today. Sometimes it’s really hard to have a positive attitude. Sometimes you want to be grumpy. Sometimes you want to be disagreeable. Sometimes you want to be angry or sad. OK… so be it. We all have those days. Our emotions can be very helpful, and are very ok to feel.

Growing up I listened to “Free to Be You and Me” a lot. Now I listen to it with my son. This morning one song came on as we were on our way to daycare…

***
ARTIST: Carol Hall
TITLE: It's All Right to Cry

It's all right to cry
Crying gets the sad out of you
It's all right to cry
It might make you feel better

Raindrops from your eyes
Washing all the mad out of you
Raindrops from your eyes
It's gonna make you feel better

It's all right to feel things
Though the feelings may be strange
Feelings are such real things
And they change and change and change

Sad 'n' grumpy, down in the dumpy
Snuggly, hugly, mean 'n' ugly
Sloppy, slappy, hoppy, happy
Change and change and change

It's all right to know
Feelings come and feelings go
It's all right to cry
It might make you feel better
***

So, feel your feelings. Embrace them. And, when you’re ready choose to be positive, and move on.

Focus

“Like sheep that get lost nibbling away at the grass because they never look up, we often focus so much on ourselves and our problems that we get lost. “ ~~Allen Klein

Focus can be a double-edged sword. I write every week about the importance of focus. Focusing on your goals, on your direction, on the task at hand, on choosing a positive attitude… but what happens when you focus so much on the wrong thing that you become paralyzed? I was speaking with a colleague yesterday about time management, and she offered this tip, “If you have multiple tasks to do in one day, do the one that you want to do least, first. If you procrastinate about that one all day, you actually won’t accomplish anything, because you’re too focused on not wanting to do anything.” Brilliant! She didn’t actually take credit for the thought, but said it was the best tip she ever heard regarding time management, and I thought it was completely appropriate to share here today. Focus is key, as long as you are focusing on the right things, and not burying your head so far in the sand that you can only focus on the sand… It’s ok to check out now and again, regroup, and then refocus.

Preparation

"Think of yourself as a toy train. All toy trains de-rail now and then. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on track." ~~unknown

Though I’d prefer not to admit it, it’s impossible to be prepared for everything. Even when you have time to prepare and feel as if you’re ready, life can still throw you a curve-ball. You can be totally and completely prepared for one thing, and then something totally and completely different happens that you’re totally and completely NOT prepared for… YIKES! The important thing is how you deal with it; how you roll with it… Do you stay de-railed? Or do you get back on track?

“The most important day ever is TODAY.” ~ James Allen

Motivation

"Even the woodpecker owes his success to the fact that he uses his head and keeps pecking away until he finishes the job he starts." ~~Coleman Cox~~

Or, as Dory in “Finding Nemo” says, “just keep swimming…” One step at a time; baby steps, even. Just. Keep. Going!

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” ~Epictetus

Goals

"Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." ~~John F. Kennedy~~

As I settle in to my new home and my new office I am reminded once again that everything truly does happen for a reason, even when we have no idea what that reason is. Change is good. It keeps us on our toes. Embrace the change, adjust your goals, and keep moving toward the future.

Motivation

“Little by little one walks far.” ~~Peruvian Proverb~~

Today I am reminded to take it one step at a time. With so much going on and some goals just seeming as if they are almost unreachable, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s very easy to almost become paralyzed by the sense that there is no way to accomplish it all. When the tasks at hand seem like they are just too big, when things look like they are near impossible, just take them one at a time until you whittle them down. I had a conversation with a candidate yesterday who offered a great perspective. We were actually talking about Lean principles (operational excellence and continuous improvement). We were discussing something called “Hoshin Kanri”, a Lean method used to capture and cement strategic goals, and she said in the scenario that I presented, that would be like trying to run a marathon before you learned to walk. You have to learn to crawl; then take your first steps; then walk; then run; then train; and then maybe you’ll be ready for that marathon… One step at a time. First things first. Little by little. You will reach your destination!

Goals

“It isn't where you come from; it's where you're going that counts.” ~~Ella Fitzgerald~~

I heard this song this morning... seems rather fitting.

Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?

Do you get what you're hoping for?
When you look behind you, there's no open doors
What are you hoping for?
Do you know?

"Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)" written by Michael Masser and Gerald Goffin, and recorded by Diana Ross

Preparation + Confidence Affirmations

“Confidence is preparation. Everything else is beyond your control.” ~~Richard Kline~~

When you believe in yourself, and you are confident in your ability to do something well, you are very likely to succeed. In the midst of things beyond my control, it’s really hard to hold on to that. As a believer in things happening for a reason, I am really trying to find the lesson that I apparently need to learn in the face of NOTHING going according to plan right now. Meanwhile, I will maintain my composure and protect my self-confidence.

I am reliant, self-confident, determined and successful.
I will remain confident and unaffected by the chaos around me.

Motivation

“Promise yourself to live your life as a revolution and not just a process of evolution.” ~~Anthony J. D'Angelo~~

Revolution: a sudden, complete or marked change in something. Evolution is much more gradual. While I do think success often comes in small doses and builds gradually, I also believe in sudden changes that boost instant wins! Today I am reminded to look for instant wins! I will make significant strides on the days that I can, so on the days that I do not, it’s not such a problem. Today my revolution begins!

Goals

"The most important thing about goals is having one." ~~Geoffry F. Abert~~

I think there is a lesson to be learned from my apparent inability to stick to my “plan of the day” on the days I write about goals. Yesterday, I had a very clear plan for today. Then life got in the way. A Honda minivan was driven directly into a classroom in my son’s daycare center; over the curb, across the sidewalk, through the bushes, and right through the wall. Miraculously, nobody was hurt. The teachers, for some inexplicable reason, had decided to take the kids outside early. The classroom was empty. I am eternally grateful to them for that decision.

Needless to say, daycare was closed today, and my “plans” changed. And, while this may be one of the more extreme situations I’ve faced recently (and, yes, really, everything is fine!), it certainly isn’t the only time that my goals were usurped by my reality.

Back to the lesson… I think I need to learn to better be that “river” I’ve written about. I think I need to learn to be more flexible, and “go with the flow” while keeping my eyes on the longer term goals and bigger picture. I know where I want to end up, but I need to stop being so hard on myself when my day’s plans are altered. I have a goal. And, I will get there…someday.

Attitude and an Affirmation

“What you think means more than anything else in your life. More than what you earn, more than where you live, more than your social position, and more than what anyone else may think about you." ~~George Matthew Adams~~

“I think, therefore I am” - Descartes - from Discourse on Method

What I think matters. What I think determines what I do. What I think drives how I react, respond, and move forward. What I think helps shape how I live, and helps create my reality.

An affirmation for today “I am energized, focused, and effective.”

What do YOU think?

Preparation

"Life is like a combination lock; your job is to find the right numbers, in the right order, so you can have anything you want." ~~Brian Tracy~~

Have you figured out your winning combination? If you have, consider yourself extremely lucky. Most of us are still working on ours. Even when I think I have determined mine, something changes and I need to figure out a new one. That’s life. I have often heard the sentiment that the only thing that is constant is change. (I would love to give credit so if you can figure out who said that first, please let me know…) In light of that, here’s my next attempt at my winning combination. It’s a lot less specific than others have been in the past. Maybe that’s the answer… Prepare. Plan. Stay flexible. Bend. Prepare. Might that work for you?

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

“Lighten up, have fun, and remember; life is much too important to take seriously.” ~~Joel Pashkin~~

Who’s that, you ask? He’s my dad. And in times when I have serious trouble maintaining a positive attitude, he likes to remind me to laugh a little, and lighten up. I know that when I have a positive attitude, when I just KNOW that I’m going to have a great day, it really impacts my productivity and often even my results. When I go into my day feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and gloomy, well, my day doesn’t typically turn out so well and I end up wasting an awful lot of energy. I KNOW I need to change my attitude! This morning I am reflecting not only on my dad reminding me to lighten up, but also on my son’s book, “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen. It starts, “Deep in the water where the fish hang out lives a glum gloomy swimmer with an ever-present pout.” And as the story goes on, and the pout-pout fish spreads the “dreary-wearies”, much to his own chagrin, he eventually is able to turn his frown upside down and become the “kiss-kiss fish” who spreads “cheery-cheeries” instead. Today, I am the pout-pout fish, and you are my catalyst. Thank you for helping me to find my positive attitude. And, Dad, thanks for listening and laughing. I wish you all a cheery-cheerie day!

Tuesday: Focus (and determination)

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.” ~~Sonia Johnson~~

I am once again feeling inspired, empowered, revitalized and excited by the sheer determination and focus I witnessed today. There are some people out there doing some really great things, and these things are often thankless and random. Whether it’s sharing your network, assisting someone through a rough time, or otherwise giving of yourself in some way, how can you help someone today? It’s amazing how taking your focus off of yourself for a time can really help you actually get things done!

Monday: Preparation

“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. There is a very great distinction because when you are planning for an emergency you must start with this one thing: the very definition of 'emergency' is that it is unexpected, therefore it is not going to happen the way you are planning.” ~~Dwight David Eisenhower~~

Truer words may have never been spoken! All the preparation in the world may not actually prepare you for reality. However, being prepared can certainly help you feel more in control of your uncertainty! OK, that sounds esoteric… I’m not trying to be cryptic. Here’s where I’m coming from: I sat down last night, as I do on “good Sundays”, and planned out my week. I put some things in place that would allow me to stay focused on the work I have to do. I paid some bills, cleared out my physical inbox, and cleared off and organized my desk. I deleted “junk” emails, cleared out personal emails that had come through over the weekend so as to minimize distractions for Monday morning, and even set out some hardcopy resources and reference materials. I had a solid plan for today. And, at 7:30 this morning, they all went out the window. So be it. The good news is that I was so well prepared, that even with a two hour delay, I am confident that I will accomplish everything I set out to do today. And, since I was comfortable with the planning I did, I got a good night’s sleep and didn’t stress about the amount of work I have to do. So, plans may be worthless, but preparation is priceless! In the words of Tim Rice (The Lion King) Be Prepared!

Friday: Motivation

“We cannot discover new oceans until we have the courage to lose sight of the shore." ~~Muriel Chen~~

Fear is often a motivator, but in my opinion, the wrong kind of motivator. While it can certainly be powerful, I’m not certain it’s truly helpful. Fear of not being able to pay your bills is surely motivation to find a job; but will it be the motivation you need to find the right job? While I get that fear might be the push you need to get moving, but it is not a healthy long-term motivator, and more likely is the thing that’s holding you back from being your best and accomplishing all that you are capable of accomplishing. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is hard. Examining your fears can be overwhelming. Expanding your horizons, living in the possibility, and overcoming that which historically overcame you is liberating! Step away from the shore! It’s time to discover new oceans! In fact, GO SWIM!

Thursday: Goals

“Map out your future, but do it in pencil.” ~Jon Bon Jovi, quoted in Reader's Digest, "Quotable Quotes," September 2002 ~~ I’ve been doing a lot of talking lately about the importance of a 10 year (or 20 year) plan. How can you know how to get where you’re going, if you don’t *know* where you’re going? It has come to my attention that one thing that holds people back from creating a 10 year plan, is the fear that once they “write it down”, they have to stick to it. And, nobody wants to feel stuck. So, here’s my solution. Give yourself permission to change your mind. It’s ok. You need a plan; you need goals. They help you map out your future. It’s much easier to know what you should be doing now if you know where you want to end up. It’s wise to think about the steps you can take now that will help you get to where you want to be later. And be secure in the knowledge that nothing is set in stone. Things change. People change. Life happens.

Monday: Preparation

“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” ~Tony Robbins

You never know what curveball life will throw your way. Being flexible may, on the outside, look like the antithesis of preparation, but in my opinion, it is because of proper preparation that I maintain the ability to stay flexible… in spite of my circumstances…

Flexibility is another key principle of success.

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” ~Lao Tzu

Friday: Motivation + Affirmations

“Lots of things that couldn't be done have been done.” ~Charles Auston Bates

Today, some affirmations:

I accomplish my goals.
I have razor-sharp focus.
I am productive now.
I am motivated and encouraged.
I am inspired by the kindness of others.
I am worthy of success.

Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy your motivation to accomplish something great!

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

“In response to those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say keep dreaming and make reality.” ~Kristian Kan

It is all in the attitude! I missed yesterday’s post on focus, ironically, because I was completely focused on a new project, and I have to tell you, it is going to be an awesome project! And, in so many conversations I had yesterday, in fact, possibly in every one of them, I was reminded that it truly is ALL in the attitude! I was with a group of people who, no matter how hard a day they’re having, no matter what kind of struggles they are facing, they keep a positive, upbeat, and encouraging attitude, because that’s their job! It’s their duty to be the face of hope to others who feel they have none. And, they do it in spite of what they have going on in their own lives. They are making a new reality for others, and they continue to dream even bigger, so they can continue to help make that reality even better. I was inspired. And today, in spite of all my challenges, and the sheer amount of work I have piled in front of me, I am choosing to make my own reality!

What does your dreamed reality look like?

Monday: Preparation

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

One step at a time… Put it all on paper, lay it out, and then take it one step at a time. When it just feels like there is too much to do, planning and preparation are more important than ever. I’ve written many times about the challenges of prioritizing priorities, especially when everything is a “Priority One”! But when you really examine your tasks, when you really evaluate the priority, you need to ask yourself, “is it”? Will it really matter in five years, or even in five weeks? Usually not! The important thing is to get them all done… but that doesn’t mean they all have to happen RIGHT NOW! One of my mentors used to tell me not to worry… it will all still be here tomorrow. I’m not suggesting that you blow things off. I’m certainly not suggesting that you ignore your responsibilities. I am, however, suggesting that when you feel overwhelmed, you need to prepare, plan, and then check things off as you go. You’ll get there!

Thursday: Goals - A Rant

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice. Not something to wish for, but to attain.” ~William Jennings Bryan

Warning: I am climbing up on to my soap box. I don’t do this often, but alas, even I am only human.

THIS IS YOUR CAMPAIGN! I cannot do this FOR you! I’m here to help. I’m here to support. I’m here to steer. I’m even here to direct on occasion. I will help you choose your path. I will help you stay the course. I will help you gain the tools you need. I will help you in any way that I can, but I CANNOT DO THIS FOR YOU! YOU need to take control. YOU need to do the work. It’s not going to happen without you.

OK. I’m getting off my soap box now. To those of you who are working hard at attaining… please let me know how I can help you!

Wednesday: Positive Attitude (and Affirmations)

“Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different.” ~Katherine Mansfield

Maintaining a positive attitude is not always easy. In fact, it can seem downright impossible at times. Life can throw us great challenges. Stress, guilt, sorrow, fear, anger, and even despair are all real feelings… but they ARE just feelings. And while it certainly doesn’t FEEL like we’re in control of those feelings sometimes; it’s important to remember that we are. When we remember that we have the power to choose our attitudes about our circumstances it becomes possible to deal with those circumstances effectively. When the feelings of sadness, fear and the like become overwhelming, it’s extremely difficult to be effective at handling the very things that are seemingly causing the feelings. It’s only when we step back, acknowledge our fear for what it is, and then change our attitude about the circumstances, can we begin to overcome…

Some possible affirmations might be: “I have the power to replace chaos with calm.” And, “I accept and incorporate change in my life.”

We do have the power to choose and change our attitudes.

Tuesday: Focus + Affirmation

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways." ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Self-discipline, focus, and clear direction are critical to success. Minimizing distractions and staying on the track let you know that you’re going forward.

My affirmation for today: I drive my success and move forward, closer and closer to my goals.

Monday: Preparation

"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." ~Abraham Lincoln

Well, I don’t know if I’d go *that* far… Obviously I think preparation is important. And, if you’ve been reading for any length of time, you know that I am a firm believer in careful planning… but sometimes, you have to JUST DO IT! Making a list (and checking it twice) is certainly helpful, often critical, in certain situations. But it can also be time consuming and overwhelming. And if making your list, to too much planning actually gets in the way of accomplishing anything, well, that’s not a good thing. Sometimes, the best place to start when you don’t know where to start is right in front of you! Just jump in. If you’ve planned for long term, and are relatively prepared for the week, sometimes it’s ok to roll with it…

Friday: Motivation

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." ~Albert Schweitzer

Ahhh…. The power of networking! Who’s inner spirit can you rekindle today?

Thursday: Goals

"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." ~Mario Andretti

It is so much easier to stay focused and positive when you have goals set and you see yourself achieving them! Causing things to come to fruition is a powerful motivator!

When you’re “on a roll”, you roll faster!

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

"Up is never where you are now." ~Belasco & Stayer

I had to stop and think about that one. WOW! I love it! It doesn’t matter how good things are now. It doesn’t matter how bad they may seem. It’s all in how you look at it. It can always be better. You can always go up!

“If you will call your troubles ‘experiences’, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be." ~John R. Miller

Tuesday: Focus

“I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.” ~Larry Bird

Focus, focus, focus! “100% all of the time” is not that hard when you concentrate all your efforts on the task at hand.

“Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” ~Swami Sivananda

Monday: Preparation

"It's not the will to win that matters; everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." ~Paul Bryant

I had a great networking session on Friday with Action Coach Tom Maier (www.actioncoach.com/tommaier) and reaffirmed my strong belief in the importance and power of a plan. I followed that great meeting with a fantastic lunch with a friend who is struggling to crate the path to his 20 year plan. He used to have one, he told me, but lost sight of it somewhere along the way. I started thinking again about my own long term plan. Given what I know about where I want to be, and Tom’s guidance around breaking down my long term plan into 30, 60, and 90 day bites, I am reenergized, recommitted, and reengaged! Here are three take-a-ways: 1) You really do need a plan. 2) You need to be able to break that plan down into steps that will help you actually see that plan through. 3) Networking Rocks! The energy is incredible and the encouragement is priceless! Happy Monday everyone!!

Tuesday: Focus

“The key is not to prioritize your schedule but to schedule your priorities.” ~ Stephen R. Covey

Everything seems like a Priority One when you’re under stress and pressure. So, let them be. I have always struggled with figuring out what to do first when I have competing priorities. But what I’m starting to come to terms with, is that “first things first” doesn’t always work. Of course it does sometimes… I’m not going to post my blog until I write it. I’m not going to send a business letter out until I research. But it’s not always that cut and dry. So, instead I’m working on scheduling my priorities. From 9 – 10, I’ll do THIS; from 10 – 11, I’ll do THIS, etc. So far, it’s working! Do you know which priorities you’ll focus on today?

Monday: Preparation

“Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am prepared for a great week! A little planning over the weekend, coupled with an extremely positive outlook this morning and some momentum from last week… and I’m ready! Happy Monday Everyone!

Friday: Motivation

“Life is not about discovering our talents; it is about pushing our talents to the limit and discovering our genius.” ~Robert Brault

I believe that we all have genius. I believe that we humans are capable of achieving unbelievable things, overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles and challenges, and truly shocking ourselves by what we can accomplish. And, I’m not just referring to the rocket scientists who launched us into outer space successfully, or the brain surgeons who have saved countless lives, or the emergency first responders who risk their lives every day for that of someone else. I’m talking about us; you and me. If we let ourselves, we can recognize our inner strength, acknowledge our inner beauty, and unlock our inner potential.

Have you unleashed your hidden genius lately?

Thursday: Goals

“You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals.” ~Booker T. Washington

When I look back at the things I am proudest of, they are in fact, the things that required the most work, or the longest endurance. There is a silver lining… maybe even a platinum one. And, this too shall pass…

Stay on it, and keep moving forward.

Tuesday: Focus

“The essential question is not, "How busy are you?" but "What are you busy at?"“ ~Oprah Winfrey

What ARE you busy at? Are you focused on your goals, or did you get distracted while you weren’t looking? Good intentions are great… as long as you stick to your intentions… And, if you didn’t yesterday, don’t beat yourself up over it; try again today!

“We have a choice every day - to act on yesterday's good intentions or get an early start on tomorrow's regrets.” ~Robert Brault

And, don’t get distracted by not looking ahead towards your goal…

“Always watch where you are going. Otherwise, you may step on a piece of the Forest that was left out by mistake.” ~Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

Yes, one more quote for you today, “The most valuable lesson man has learned from his dog is to kick a few blades of grass over it and move on.” ~Robert Brault

Monday: Preparation

“I get up every morning determined to both change the world and to have one hell of a good time. Sometimes, this makes planning the day difficult." ~E. B. White

If it were easy, they wouldn’t call it work! Planning the day or the week isn’t always easy. Sometimes we have to make hard choices. Sometimes we have to choose between competing priorities. And, sometimes life just gets in the way of what we have planned out and prepared for. But it’s still the first step to success. A well thought out plan and the preparation and drive to tackle the tasks are critical. Preparing your workspace, preparing your mind (and mindset), and preparing for the possibility that you can’t prepare for everything, well, that’s our challenge! Are you prepared for the week that lies ahead?

Friday: Motivation

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. “ ~ Og Mandino

I participated yesterday in a great conversation on twitter around being “bold”. @TechTrak took issue with a re-tweet of the quote, “Hope is the power that gives a person the confidence to step out and try.” by Zig Ziglar. @TechTrak feels that it is being BOLD that has the power. I feel that without hope, dreams, goals... there is little reason to be bold; that these things provide the necessary motivation to take action and accomplish things. He partially agreed saying that, “Motivation is closer to boldness than hope”, but that you are, “skirting issues if you don't have GUTS.” So, on this “Motivation Friday”, I ask you: Are you bold? Do you have guts? Is your determination to succeed strong enough?

“Nature decrees that we do not exceed the speed of light. All other impossibilities are optional.” ~Robert Brault

Thursday: Goals

“The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially a part of it.” ~Charles DeLint

Sometimes the path is as exciting as the destination! I remember fondly and vividly riding in the back (WAY BACK) of my grandparents’ car as we drove to South Florida from New Jersey. I can still smell the hot chocolate in the thermos my grandfather packed for me. It wasn’t really a “fun” ride for a kid. Frankly, we were in the car for two days! And the destination, actually getting to Florida, seemed like it was too far away to grasp. Yet, years later, it’s not the hotel I recall. It’s not the beach or the pool I think about first when I look back on those trips. It’s the car ride. Are you enjoying the journey?