Create The Good

“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” ~~Leonardo da Vinci~~


This has been a tough year for a lot of people. Between the aftermath of Irene, the earthquake, the floods… the unemployment, the economy, the debt… it’s hard for me to sit here and tell you that everything happens for a reason.

Personally, I have to hold on to the notion that there’s a greater plan, and that I can’t possibly begin to understand that plan, but that’s not the practical advice that “you can use today” that I’ve become known for.

What if, instead, we look for ways to make something good happen from every situation?

Irene, like many of the recent weather issues, created a need for communities to come together in a way I have not witnessed in a while. Families helping one another, even those they don’t know; municipalities offering free services to entire towns in some instances; it has made room for the possibility of everyone actually working as a team moving towards a common goal.

I had a client tell me yesterday that his recent unemployment has given him the time he has not made in a while to take care of himself and get a few things off of his to-do list. He’s been to the doctor, fixed a few things, did some preventative maintenance… and in light of the recent weather, some of this may have saved his house…

I had another client tell me that her (more long-term) unemployment has given her the opportunity to volunteer. As she tries to stay busy and be useful (as well as keep the gaps off of her résumé) she has been working hard in her town to increase the amount of food in the local food pantry and raise awareness about the hunger issues very close to home.

Even in my own family, since the recent passing of my grandmother, my Dad is spending much more time with his father, and creating happiness in his life he hasn’t seen in the last few years. It’s been awesome to hear joy in my grandfather’s voice again, despite the loss of his partner and wife of 68 years!

On Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, total strangers are reaching across the globe to help others in need. From encouragement and support to resume writing and career help, to fundraising for little-known but highly valuable causes… the world is getting smaller in these times…

I’m not going to pretend that this will always be easy. It will not. I can’t tell you that I always find a silver lining the first time I look. I don’t. But I know that there is one, or at least the chance to create one.

I challenge us all to find a way to make something good happen every day, in every situation, no matter how difficult.

Today I will spread positive energy served with a smile everywhere I go. What will you do today?

Motivation: We all have it in us.

“They are the weakest, however strong, who have no faith in themselves or their own powers.” ~~Christian Bovee

Even when we know things work for us, we don’t always do them. Even though we know there are certain behaviors, actions, activities, rituals and practices that make us feel energized, whole, accomplished, happy… we don’t always remember or take the time to participate in them. Even when we have the tools… we don’t always use them. We’re an interesting species, us human beings.

I had a rough morning yesterday. It seems, in all honesty, that I’ve been a bit off balance for the last few weeks. I’ve been fine; happily working, feeling good about my accomplishments, enjoying my family… just a bit off. But yesterday morning I was particularly unbalanced, and frankly, it was uncharacteristic. So, I decided to take action. (Sometimes us human beings need a swift kick in the pants to take action!) I did some research (read: a quick look through an old notebook) and remembered a meditation I have had great success with in the past, so I took some steps to be prepare for the attitude adjustment I so desperately needed. Thankfully, I already had a fantastic “power breakfast” planned with two colleagues and friends, and that got me off on the right foot. I came back to my office, worked for the rest of the day knowing that it was all going to be better soon. I went to the store and bought a few things that in my past have helped me achieve the most out of the meditation I was planning – a green candle and some new Tigers Eye tumbled stones (that’s a whole other post!) – and just before dinner I found 30 minutes of quiet time. I lit the candle, meditated, did some visualization, and BOY! It was nice! I then had a relaxing evening, and went to sleep knowing that things were changing.

And, change they did! I woke up this morning 40 minutes before my alarm, and I feel great! So, instead of asking myself what took me so long (which believe me, I started to do!) I am grateful that I have the tools I need to get out of my own way and re-energize, motivate and achieve!

And, I ask you – what can you today to get back on track?

Attitude: Your Public Face

“Well we all have a face
That we hide away forever
And we take them out and
Show ourselves
When everyone has gone
Some are satin some are steel
Some are silk and some are leather
They're the faces of the stranger
But we love to try them on.”

~~Billy Joel, “The Stranger”~~

Have you thought about who you are in public? Are you different at home with your family than you are “in business”? Have you considered your online persona? Are you the same? As I talk to more people about the importance of an online presence in today’s marketplace I encounter many who don’t understand who they “should be” online. A few tips: 1. Be yourself. 2. Listen first to what’s going on around you, and then engage in conversation. 3. Add value and insight. And 4, which is the most important advice I can offer, stay positive. No.Matter.What.

It is becoming more and more apparent as online social networking tools increase in popularity that too many people still don’t understand the impact of negativity in public. Say whatever you want to at home behind closed doors, but when you’re out there, whether in person or behind a computer screen, please, I beg you, stay positive. Airing dirty laundry, complaining about your job (or lack of one), dissing the guy you just interviewed with in front of MILLIONS of people online, or otherwise being negative and whiny is just not going to help you. Not in any way.

If you really can’t think of a way to spin it so it’s positive, if you simply cannot find that silver lining, just stay off the computer. You’ll be glad later that you made that choice.

Attitude: More Lessons From My Son

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~~Antonio Smith~~

Do you remember when something as simple as getting to use an electric mixer was sure to be the start of an awesome day? How about when eating pancakes for breakfast was the Best. Thing. Ever. Or, when waiting a WHOLE WEEK until your birthday seemed like an eternity, and you couldn’t think of anything more important than who was coming to your party? Was life simpler then? I don’t think so. 5 year olds struggle enormously with peer pressure (yes, even at that age!), fears, uncertainty, and setting boundaries… That sounds a lot like what most adults suffer from too… so, what’s changed? Personally, I think it’s nothing more than attitude. Sure, the pressure is about more significant things, as are the fears and uncertainty, but you would think that since our power of deduction is also more significant, and our experiences are certainly much more vast, we would be able to handle the pressure as well as the little ones do…

I want to go back to getting excited about the “small stuff”. (And, I’d go as far as arguing that these things really are NOT the “small stuff”!) So, here’s my Attitude Adjustment for today: I will rejoice in what’s REALLY important in my life! I know my day will be awesome because I made pancakes with my son this morning, and we had fun! I’m celebrating the fact that there’s a smile on my face, and one on his too.

Motivation and Celebration

Another thing I learned from my almost-five-year-old son, well, actually from Raffi*… “All I really need is a song in my heart, food in my belly, and love in my family!” (All I Really Need – Baby Beluga)

Celebrating the “simple stuff” instead of sweating the small stuff! What a Monumental Mind Shift!! A relatively easy modification, and yet so powerful and empowering!

Today, I celebrate the things that *really* matter in my life! What will you celebrate today?

*http://www.raffinews.com/raffi/works

Attitude and a Smile

"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives." ~~William James~~

Enough said. I’m continuing my quest for the world’s attitude adjustment… just a little one in most cases, but who couldn’t use a good smile, even if (or especially if) you’re the one usually smiling?

My mission today: to smile and say hello to everyone I see.

Focus: A Productivity Experiment

“When walking, walk. When eating, eat.” ~~Zen Proverb~~

Have you ever read “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield? There is one part that still stands out in my mind, and I haven’t actually read the book in years! Several of the characters are having a conversation, and each turns and completely focuses all of his or her attention and energy on the person speaking. The person speaking, therefore, feels empowered and engaged, and beyond that, experiences clarity of thought and his or her own sense of enchantment. I know people who do this regularly; people who listen to you so intently and seem so truly interested that you feel like the only person in the room.

Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you’re speaking with someone face-to-face and they are focusing all of their attention on you? Have you ever felt the surge of energy when they are not only looking at you while you’re speaking, but they’re intently listening and actively participating (non-verbally) in all you have to say? It’s an incredible feeling, isn’t it? Have you done the same for them in return; basically giving over your energy for the moment?

What if you can turn that focused energy and empowerment into action? What if you *truly* focused on what you were doing at this moment? What if you poured your energy over the tasks at hand? How much more could you get done? How much more fulfilling could it be? The importance of being “present” is something many discuss when it comes to conversation… I’m wondering how much it can impact my productivity. Here’s my experiment: Today I will focus on one thing at a time. Today I will pour all the energy I would direct to a live person standing in front of me to every task I start. I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow…

Attitude: Life is Abundant

“All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions.” ~~Leonardo da Vinci~~

I’ve been working a lot lately on changing my perception. Using tools being taught to me by so many people now that I am open to learning them, I am changing how I look at the world. (E.F.T., short meditations I can do anywhere, pressing “pause”, breathing exercises, and so much more!) I recently wrote about how I was changing my perception on the work load I have. I simply decided that it was time to shift the way I viewed my calendar. I have moved from saying that I’m overcommitted and that I have too much to do, to saying that “life is abundant”. (Full credit on that statement is given to a colleague of mine with whom I was having this conversation!) I have just stopped focusing on the negative stress and focusing on how lucky I am that I have so much influence. It’s all in our attitude. It’s possible to change how we feel about anything just by making our minds up to do so. It’s all about altering our perception about our reality and our circumstances. It’s all in our own control if we would only learn how to shift our mind set. I know most will say that it’s not that easy. I get it. I used to be one of those people. It does sound crazy. If it was so easy to change how you felt about something then everyone would do it. The world would be a happier place. Hmmmm… We may be on to something here…

Motivation: The Power of Frustration

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” ~~ Pope John XXIII~~


Negative motivation… I’m wondering if there’s a better word for that. Typically when I talk about motivation, I talk about inspirational, positive things. I write words that make us feel good, things that make us smile. I communicate excitement, share passion… It’s certainly how I prefer to be motivated. But I’m beginning to recognize a flip side to motivation. It’s frustration, feeling “fed up”, feeling overwhelmed (before or after the point of paralysis), and while not nearly as much fun, it might be just as effective for getting things done.

Then I remember that life’s far too important to take seriously, as my Dad would say.

Personally, as mentioned, I much prefer positive motivation, so here’s to the “new me”… again. And, I wish you all the joy in rediscovering the “new you” whenever you need to!

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

Happy Friday Everyone!

Attitude: A Reflection in the Mirror

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

I attended a fantastic networking event last night, and spoke with some incredible people. Some I had “known” for several years, even spoken with by phone, but had never actually met, and others I wished I’d met earlier and am grateful to have met now. I also had the opportunity to catch up with people I know quite well, and that’s always a great thing. As a connector* I really enjoy meeting people in general, but there was something in the air last night. Everybody was happy to be there! Everybody had a great, positive attitude. Everybody was asking how they could help someone else and not at all thinking about who was going to help them (at least not outwardly!) The energy in the room was nothing short of spectacular. More than one person said something about the importance of having fun. More than one person believed that anything was possible if you just put your mind to it. More than one person commented on the effects of maintaining a positive attitude. More than one person talked about how critical they felt it was to align your passion with your work. More than one person talked about feeling good about what you do so you can look yourself in the eye in the morning and know you’re going to have a great day. I was reminded how empowering it is to surround yourself with positive people. I felt invigorated; like I was on top of the world. And, I know my own positive energy and focus just added to the mix.

I pass that on to you today. Stay positive. Surround yourself with positive people and positive influences. Believe that anything is possible. Believe that you can do it.

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~Winston Churchill


*A quick note to say that this event was the same event, now held monthly, where I discovered that I was a connector, referenced here: http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2010/12/goals_09.html

Motivation: Know You Can! (many quotes today!)

"The barrier between success is not something which exists in the real world; it is composed purely and simply of doubts about ability." ~~Franklin D. Roosevelt~~

“I am not a has-been. I’m a will-be.” ~~Lauren Bacall~~

“The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do.” ~~James Allen~~

When you believe you can, you can. When you think you can, maybe you can. Know you can… and you will! You are what you believe you are, and it doesn’t much matter what anyone else thinks.

“When you have decided what you believe, what you feel must be done, have the courage to stand alone and be counted.” ~~Eleanor Roosevelt

Attitude: An Invincible Summer

“In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” ~Albert Camus, Lyrical and Critical Essays~

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~Winston Churchill

Affirmations help. Believing what you say is a huge step. I know I can. I know I’m capable. I know it’s possible. I know I will. I’m off to find my summer. Are you coming with me?

Preparation: Are you prepared for success?

**prep•a•ra•tion [ prèppə ráysh'n ]

NOUN
1. preparing something or somebody: the work or planning involved in making something or somebody ready or in putting something together in advance (often used before a noun) "a preparation time of about 45 minutes"
2. readiness: a state of readiness "Twenty place settings lay carefully arranged in preparation for the guests."
3. preparatory measure: something done in advance in order to be ready for a future event ( often pl ) "Preparations for the next Olympic Games are already under way."

The work or planning involved in making myself ready for success…putting something together in advance of success… preparing for success… experiencing success… these were the thoughts on my mind last night while laying in a relaxation yoga pose for about 30 minutes. Yes, I know I’m supposed to clear my mind and concentrate on my breathing, but it seemed much more productive (and proactive) to contemplate my success. I “saw myself” successful, stress-free, and exactly where I wanted to be. Call it the belief in the power of positive thinking, call it affirmation, call it “calling on the universe”, call it what you will. I’m calling it “awesome!” It was invigorating as well as relaxing. I felt focused, confident and powerful, and because I was also extremely relaxed, I slept really well. I even dreamt of coaching someone through the attitude adjustment process and readying them for success. I kept asking them, “How good are you willing to have it?” It was a wonderful dream! I woke up feeling well-rested and eager to start my day! I am re-energized, ready for anything, and prepared to take in all the great things coming my way! What a great way to prepare for my own success! How will you prepare for success?

**Content above provided by Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] © & (P) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Motivation

“Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.” ~~Mark Twain~~

I guess it’s kind of obvious that different people are motivated in different ways, by different things. While deadlines may motivate one person, they may completely overwhelm someone else. While some find affirmations helpful, others believe they’re nonsense. People spend a lot of time figuring out what motivates them, or, at least I hope they do… One thing seems to be true, however, across the board. Momentum breeds motivation. For even the most negative, unmotivated person, staying motivated in the heat of the moment is easy. I find that once I get going, and those proverbial juices start flowing, there’s no stopping me! When you can multiply that energy it becomes even more powerful. When you bring likeminded people together to work towards a common goal, it’s virtually impossible NOT to be motivated. Brainstorming becomes fun. Planning becomes exciting. Things get done! Whether it’s in a networking group or a one-on-one meeting with someone inside your sphere of influence, find and tap into that energy. Surround yourself with great people and take action!

Preparation + Taking Responsibility

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” ~~Norman Vincent Peale ~~

I could have worked all weekend. That’s a powerful statement for me, because a week ago, I might have said, “I *should* have worked all weekend.”

I could be entirely stressed out right now… and I’m not. I am prepared to tackle the challenge of fitting a week’s worth of work into two days since I have chosen to go on vacation.

I started to stress last night as I was preparing for my week. I started to feel “overcommitted” and was wondering how I would get it all done. But, I stopped. (Kudos to me!) And, I took a deep breath. And, I remembered that I myself set these deadlines. I myself set the priorities. I not only *can* get it all done, I will get it all done. I am prepared. I am focused and efficient. (Yes, that one is still going strong!) And, I have help! There will be no slacking off. There is no need to stress out. Being overwhelmed doesn’t help the situation. I am motivated to achieve, thanks in part to my awesome new accountability group, and thanks in part to some new acquaintances I made (soon to be friends I am sure!) But even more, thanks to me! I am happy that I remembered to stop and breathe. I am grateful that I took the time last night to prepare for today. And I am proud that I believe that I can and WILL get it done. My thoughts do affect my actions, and I am in control of my thoughts!

Attitude

I’m actually sorry that I missed yesterday’s post. And, I’m not apologizing to YOU for my not blogging yesterday (although if you missed it, I *am* sorry…)… I’m actually sorry that I didn’t write because I could really use some focus. Here’s what I’m remembering today… It’s not hard to get focused. It’s hard to get focused on the right things! I made my list, have my Pandora trance station playing softly, and have been 100% focused since 9:30 this morning… and while I did complete a deliverable that I really needed to get out today, I have spent the last hour cleaning out my office closet… and that is NOT what I should be focusing on. So, I decided to blog to set myself straight.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled program!

“Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” ~~Albert Einstein ~~

It’s all about the attitude! I know… I say that all the time. But please don’t tell me that you’re tired of hearing it, because I will simply reply that it’s all about your attitude! How about saying, “thanks for the reminder!” And who couldn’t use a friendly reminder about something that will only help you feel better?

I attended a great networking event last night* and found myself surrounded by people who really get that it is all about their attitude. This event is fashioned to be a mix of employed executives, entrepreneurs, and those in transition, or “between successes”. Everyone, the working and the not, is invited because they add value. And, everyone last night added so much value. There were no sales pitches; there were no sob stories; no contacts were held back; there was absolutely no shortage of great advice, gentle reminders, and sincere help. I spoke with someone who has been unemployed for over a year. I spoke with someone who owns his own (and quite successful) business. I spoke with someone who is just staring her own business. I spoke with someone who is a successful VP of HR. And frankly, the only thing different about each of them was what they happened to be passionate about. They were all so positive. They were upbeat and grateful to be included in this well-orchestrated meeting of the minds. So, once again, my hat’s off to networking, and the power of the positive attitude. I have no doubt that every person in that room last night who was in transition made at least 3 connections that will help them land their next role. I have no doubt that each of those connections will be better off themselves for making it so! And I have no doubt that if the attitudes had been different in that room last night, none of that would have happened…


*Thanks to Jay Rovert, Financial Services Representative, MetLife for setting up these renowned dinners!

Preparation

“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”
~~Maya Angelou~~

Preparing for your attitude adjustment:

I had an interesting conversation this weekend about the “attitude adjustment” movement. We were discussing ways to become more positive ourselves in order to be a more positive influence on others. It was said that it is imperative that you take care of yourself. I agree wholeheartedly. It is critical to your own happiness that you are, and that you stay, aware of your own needs, and that you do not lose your sense of self in a world that is so chaotic and often cruel. I was asked how one could be a positive influence to others; how one could help someone else have an attitude adjustment, if they themselves are unhappy. I raised the possibility that the act of helping someone else feel better in its own right could help you feel better yourself. Giving to someone else could help lift you out of your slump. The process of helping someone adjust their perceptions could be just as helpful to you as it is to them. So, if you’re not quite yet feeling up to it, prepare for your own attitude adjustment by helping someone else adjust theirs. You just might be surprised at how good you both feel.

I would like to add a special note of gratitude and acknowledgement to someone who inspired me to write about the “attitude adjustment” movement… Paul Sutherland, known on Twitter as @BreakThruGuy. Thanks Paul, for allowing me to be part of your “positive posse”.

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~~

Today’s call to action: Rekindle someone’s inner spirit! Be part of their “positive posse”!

I want to take this time to thank all of you who rekindle my inner fire every day. Some through reading this blog, some through inspiring its posts, some by just being there… I am grateful for you all.

Goals (and The Attitude Adjustment Movement)

“You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world…” from “Revolution” – The Beatles


Well, I want to change the world! And to quote another legendary musician “I’m starting with the man (or woman) in the mirror!” So to start my “attitude adjustment” movement off on the right foot, I’m setting a goal! (Well, I had to tie it in somehow to Thursday’s Theme!) My goal is this: To help at least one person feel happier every day.

My plan is to express my positive attitude by seeing the good everywhere possible and by inspiring others to help make this world a better place for all of us!

Are you with me? Let’s start a “positive posse”! It’s the beginning of a revolution!

Read yesterday’s post http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/02/attitude.html for further details.

Attitude

“We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.” ~~ Phillip E. Berstein~~

I’ve noticed a lot of people complaining lately…. I think it has a lot to do with the weather. It’s been the snowiest month on record here in Connecticut. It’s cold, it’s gray, roofs are laden with snow and ice…and the economy is still in “recovery”. There are a lot of things out there that could be better. People’s attitudes are one of them. Complaining about your situation will not actually change your situation any more than complaining about the weather will change that.

I propose a shift in consciousness. Let’s start a movement. Sort of like the “pay it forward” or the “random acts of kindness” movements. Let’s start an “attitude adjustment” movement!

My dad often asks the question, “How good are you willing to have it?” The concept is this: what if, no matter how good things are, you believe they can get better? What if no matter how bad things are, you believe they *will* get better. This is two sided; let’s look at two very different sets of circumstances.

1. You have a great job. You love going in to work every day. It’s fulfilling, it pays well, and you’re appreciated. On a scale of 1 to 10, you figure you have a 10! Well, what if could get even better? How good are you willing to have it? What if you decide that it’s not a 10, it’s a 2. What can be done to improve upon an already good thing? Maybe you can begin a special project that will have even more of an impact. Maybe you can suggest something that will improve efficiency and output. Maybe you can bring in an apprentice or let someone job shadow so you can train the future of the organization… Things get even better, because you allowed yourself that possibility.

2. Now, consider this: You don’t have a great job. You’re unemployed. You can still put food on the table, but it’s rough out there. On a scale of 1 to 10, you figure you’re at about a 3. So ask yourself, how good are you willing to have it? Is complaining about your circumstance going to help you make things better? Unlikely. Instead focus on what can be done to make it better? Think about what you can be doing to improve your situation. Are you networking? Are you asking for help? Have you increased your online presence? Have you looked at your resume and made sure it was targeted to the right kinds of opportunities? Have you hired a coach to help improve how you articulate your value to a prospective employer? Are you surrounding yourself with positive people, and positive energy to help keep you out of the slump?

I know it’s hard to stay positive in the face of challenge. I also know it’s easy to rest on your laurels. So here’s how this will work: If things are good, relish in them, enjoy them, appreciate them, but don’t stop improving upon them. I believe that positive attitudes are contagious and that the happier we are, the happier those around us will be. And on the flip side, if things are not so good, find ways to stay positive. Surround yourself with helpful, positive people and strive to make things better. Agree to adjust your attitude, and commit to always focus on how good you’re willing to have it.

Spread the word. The world will thank you for it!