“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.” ~Ursula K. LeGuin ~~
As important a role preparation plays along the path to success, and as much as it is not only useful, but sometimes imperative to survival, it is not possible to be physically prepared for everything. Life happens. And you need to be able to roll with it.
I’ve been asking myself lately how to deal with that, and how that fits in to my premise… Is it true that you need to be prepared to be unprepared sometimes? Or, can it be that you need to be mentally prepared to handle whatever comes your way? Maybe “being prepared for anything” is more about preparing your mind and choosing your attitude than making your lists and checking them twice… Now, I’m not suggesting that lists are not important. And, I’m not suggesting that you don’t need to study before the exam… but maybe, just maybe there’s more to it than that.
I’ve written a lot about preparation through planning, and through clearing clutter and removing physical distractions. I’ve written about “to do” lists, and daily, weekly and monthly roadmaps. I’ve suggested getting mentally prepared through meditation and getting a good night’s sleep... and I still believe all that to be necessary and real. But I am now also exploring the possibility that preparation goes way beyond those things. Being prepared to handle whatever comes your way, being able to navigate through uncertainty and hardship takes a lot more. And it may be even more important. It takes confidence and a strong sense of self. It takes learning from our past and applying what we’ve learned to new situations. It takes adaptability and flexibility. It takes friends and family helping you through. It takes a coach or an advisor acting as a sounding board. It takes a village.
So today, prepare to be successful. Build your network, build your support system, and take charge of building your self-esteem. Believe you can, and you will, no matter what happens next.
“Uncertainty will always be part of the taking charge process.” ~~Harold S. Geneen
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Goals
Physician, heal thyself.
So, I snapped last night. In a good way, I think. While wallowing a bit in self-doubt (and self-pity) my wonderful husband reminded me that all I really needed was a swift kick in the pants! I write all this great stuff in here! I know WHAT to do… I just actually have to do it. How many times have I said that preparation is critical? And yet… I was feeling unprepared. I know that focus is necessary and I know how to minimize distractions, and yet I was feeling “all over the map.” I have a great attitude (most of the time) and I certainly know how to motivate others… so allowing myself that pity party was just unacceptable! I have a confession to make; I’m human. I make mistakes. I say I’m going to do something, and it doesn’t always get done. I have intentions that don’t always get realized. The best laid plans…Well, so what?!?!? I’m human. Good. That makes me real. That means that I have room to improve! That means that I can grow, and learn, and be excited, and have passion! So, I turned over a new leaf last night. I am actually going to take my own advice. All of it. I will do what I say I will do. I will practice what I preach. No more lip service. I am determined. And, oh yeah… I am focused and efficient! I achieve my goals!
So, I snapped last night. In a good way, I think. While wallowing a bit in self-doubt (and self-pity) my wonderful husband reminded me that all I really needed was a swift kick in the pants! I write all this great stuff in here! I know WHAT to do… I just actually have to do it. How many times have I said that preparation is critical? And yet… I was feeling unprepared. I know that focus is necessary and I know how to minimize distractions, and yet I was feeling “all over the map.” I have a great attitude (most of the time) and I certainly know how to motivate others… so allowing myself that pity party was just unacceptable! I have a confession to make; I’m human. I make mistakes. I say I’m going to do something, and it doesn’t always get done. I have intentions that don’t always get realized. The best laid plans…Well, so what?!?!? I’m human. Good. That makes me real. That means that I have room to improve! That means that I can grow, and learn, and be excited, and have passion! So, I turned over a new leaf last night. I am actually going to take my own advice. All of it. I will do what I say I will do. I will practice what I preach. No more lip service. I am determined. And, oh yeah… I am focused and efficient! I achieve my goals!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Attitude
“Consider how much more you often suffer from your anger and grief, than from those very things for which you are angry and grieved.” ~~ Marcus Antonius~~
Loss is hard to handle. There is no way around it. True, there are varying degrees of loss, and some substantially more debilitating than others… and true, everyone processes things differently… but loss is hard to handle. Period. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, the loss of a pet, the loss of a job, or even just losing your wallet or keys, coping skills are required to get through.
I am a firm believer in the power of a positive attitude when coping with loss. Logically I know it’s helpful. Emotionally I’ve benefited from the freedom of maintaining a bright outlook. Realistically, I also know it’s not easy. In fact, it’s near impossible to stay focused on the positive when you feel sad, dejected, or beaten down. It’s hard to not be negative when you’re experiencing loss. It might even seem like you’re not honoring the loss if you don’t suffer a little… But can’t you honor the loss by appreciating the good things? I’ve lost loved ones. It sucks. But once I’ve cried, can’t I focus on all the good things that person shared with me, and be happy they’re no longer in pain or unhappy? I’ve even chosen to “lose” loved ones… “dissolved a friendship” so to speak. That’s also hard, but instead of being bitter, can’t I choose to focus on the things that were good, when they were good, that made that person special? I’ve lost a pet, in fact my first pet of 12 years recently passed, and I was really sad. Now I’m choosing to focus on the love I felt for her, and am adopting two new pet. And, I’ve lost jobs. More than I’d like to think about. And while I was angry and felt beaten down, I am now able to focus on all of the great experience I gained, and how I held progressively responsible positions which have enabled me to do what I do today.
I am not preaching. This post is serving as my reminder that I do not have to suffer. I can choose to maintain a positive attitude even while I allow myself to feel the pain of loss. And, I dedicate this post to a dear friend who today, is undoubtedly suffering the loss of her dad.
Today I choose to stay positive.
Loss is hard to handle. There is no way around it. True, there are varying degrees of loss, and some substantially more debilitating than others… and true, everyone processes things differently… but loss is hard to handle. Period. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, the loss of a pet, the loss of a job, or even just losing your wallet or keys, coping skills are required to get through.
I am a firm believer in the power of a positive attitude when coping with loss. Logically I know it’s helpful. Emotionally I’ve benefited from the freedom of maintaining a bright outlook. Realistically, I also know it’s not easy. In fact, it’s near impossible to stay focused on the positive when you feel sad, dejected, or beaten down. It’s hard to not be negative when you’re experiencing loss. It might even seem like you’re not honoring the loss if you don’t suffer a little… But can’t you honor the loss by appreciating the good things? I’ve lost loved ones. It sucks. But once I’ve cried, can’t I focus on all the good things that person shared with me, and be happy they’re no longer in pain or unhappy? I’ve even chosen to “lose” loved ones… “dissolved a friendship” so to speak. That’s also hard, but instead of being bitter, can’t I choose to focus on the things that were good, when they were good, that made that person special? I’ve lost a pet, in fact my first pet of 12 years recently passed, and I was really sad. Now I’m choosing to focus on the love I felt for her, and am adopting two new pet. And, I’ve lost jobs. More than I’d like to think about. And while I was angry and felt beaten down, I am now able to focus on all of the great experience I gained, and how I held progressively responsible positions which have enabled me to do what I do today.
I am not preaching. This post is serving as my reminder that I do not have to suffer. I can choose to maintain a positive attitude even while I allow myself to feel the pain of loss. And, I dedicate this post to a dear friend who today, is undoubtedly suffering the loss of her dad.
Today I choose to stay positive.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Focus
“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success; that is way great spiritual giants are produced.” ~~Swami Vivekananda~~
Staying focused amid distractions may be one of the most difficult things to do. At least it is for me. It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a work task, a household task, a strictly “for fun” activity or a conversation with a friend… Being “present”, staying focused only on what’s in front of me is sometimes really hard! And it’s not just the physical distractions that cause problems for me. Mental distractions are equally as difficult for me to ignore. Not letting my mind wander is one of my biggest challenges. And sometimes I just get frustrated and let little, petty thoughts take over. I guess it stands to reason, or Murphy’s Law, then that arguably the best thing you can do for yourself is focus. Being present, truly focusing on the person or task in front of you might just be the one thing that sets you apart. If you can master that, you can likely master anything! It’s like studying to be a Jedi! Or a Yoga Master! A surgeon needs focus and precision… well so do I! And, that’s my new mission! I’ll repeat my affirmation again today, “I am focused and efficient!” This may become my new mantra! It seems to be working for me!!
Again, I ask you, how do you stay focused? Do you have tricks or tips you’d like to share? I’m all ears!!
Staying focused amid distractions may be one of the most difficult things to do. At least it is for me. It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a work task, a household task, a strictly “for fun” activity or a conversation with a friend… Being “present”, staying focused only on what’s in front of me is sometimes really hard! And it’s not just the physical distractions that cause problems for me. Mental distractions are equally as difficult for me to ignore. Not letting my mind wander is one of my biggest challenges. And sometimes I just get frustrated and let little, petty thoughts take over. I guess it stands to reason, or Murphy’s Law, then that arguably the best thing you can do for yourself is focus. Being present, truly focusing on the person or task in front of you might just be the one thing that sets you apart. If you can master that, you can likely master anything! It’s like studying to be a Jedi! Or a Yoga Master! A surgeon needs focus and precision… well so do I! And, that’s my new mission! I’ll repeat my affirmation again today, “I am focused and efficient!” This may become my new mantra! It seems to be working for me!!
Again, I ask you, how do you stay focused? Do you have tricks or tips you’d like to share? I’m all ears!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Motivation
“Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit.” ~~Author Unknown~~
There are days when nothing seems to go right. This morning was starting out that way. But I followed a car home from dropping my son off at day care, and there was a bumper sticker on the back that read, “Laugh Every Day!” That inspired me. 5 minutes ago I certainly did not feel like I had anything to laugh about. And then I thought of you. Those of you reading this at least make me smile. So, thanks. And then I thought of the GREAT group of people I spoke with last night at my presentation on Social Media for the Job Search. You all made me smile, and at times last night, we definitely laughed. So, thanks! And my friends; you all help me laugh so often that there is certainly enough laughter “on credit” to last a lifetime. So, thanks! A little motivation for my day today… laughter may really be the best medicine, and remembering that is a great way to choose my attitude!
What can you laugh about today?
There are days when nothing seems to go right. This morning was starting out that way. But I followed a car home from dropping my son off at day care, and there was a bumper sticker on the back that read, “Laugh Every Day!” That inspired me. 5 minutes ago I certainly did not feel like I had anything to laugh about. And then I thought of you. Those of you reading this at least make me smile. So, thanks. And then I thought of the GREAT group of people I spoke with last night at my presentation on Social Media for the Job Search. You all made me smile, and at times last night, we definitely laughed. So, thanks! And my friends; you all help me laugh so often that there is certainly enough laughter “on credit” to last a lifetime. So, thanks! A little motivation for my day today… laughter may really be the best medicine, and remembering that is a great way to choose my attitude!
What can you laugh about today?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Goals
“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.” ~~Lyn Yutang~~
After a not-so-unexpected day off yesterday thanks to almost 30 inches of snow(!!!), there is much to do on my to do list today! I am grateful for the preparation and short-term goal setting process I complete weekly! It sincerely helps me prioritize and feel substantially less stressed about my workload. I know what needs to get done, and I’m happy to say that it all will! Anything else after that is a bonus! Short term goals, even day-to-day goals, are crucial in managing my stress level and helping me feel like I am accomplishing something. I really appreciate celebrating small successes. My affirmation again today, “I am focused and efficient!” And, my goals help me stay that way!
Have a great day all!
After a not-so-unexpected day off yesterday thanks to almost 30 inches of snow(!!!), there is much to do on my to do list today! I am grateful for the preparation and short-term goal setting process I complete weekly! It sincerely helps me prioritize and feel substantially less stressed about my workload. I know what needs to get done, and I’m happy to say that it all will! Anything else after that is a bonus! Short term goals, even day-to-day goals, are crucial in managing my stress level and helping me feel like I am accomplishing something. I really appreciate celebrating small successes. My affirmation again today, “I am focused and efficient!” And, my goals help me stay that way!
Have a great day all!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Focus - your opinions, please
“Most of the time multitasking is an illusion. You think you are multitasking, but in reality you're actually wasting time switching from one task to another.” ~~Bosco Tjan~~
True or False?
I loved the responses I got on yesterday’s post! Thank you! It seems most share my views on the importance of preparation. I enjoyed reading about how people prepare; research, writing things down, cleaning (really?) and meditation were a few. I also thought it was interesting to learn about when they feel preparation is necessary, versus when they feel “winging it” or “coming from the heart” was more appropriate.
So, today I ask, “How do you stay focused?” When you have 30 things to do and multitasking in ingrained in us from birth, how do you (or DO you) do one thing at a time? What tools do you find helpful? Do you listen to music, do you meditate? Does yoga or breathing exercise help you? How about “to do” lists; are they enough to keep you on track? When you have so much on your mind that you can’t seem to stop thinking, how do you get to sleep? Any tips or tricks you have to share are most appreciated! Thanks again!
True or False?
I loved the responses I got on yesterday’s post! Thank you! It seems most share my views on the importance of preparation. I enjoyed reading about how people prepare; research, writing things down, cleaning (really?) and meditation were a few. I also thought it was interesting to learn about when they feel preparation is necessary, versus when they feel “winging it” or “coming from the heart” was more appropriate.
So, today I ask, “How do you stay focused?” When you have 30 things to do and multitasking in ingrained in us from birth, how do you (or DO you) do one thing at a time? What tools do you find helpful? Do you listen to music, do you meditate? Does yoga or breathing exercise help you? How about “to do” lists; are they enough to keep you on track? When you have so much on your mind that you can’t seem to stop thinking, how do you get to sleep? Any tips or tricks you have to share are most appreciated! Thanks again!
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