I Can't Have a Positive Outlook?

A friend of mine recently posted this comment/quote on their Facebook status and made reference to it being "one of the greatest quotes ever" (sorry in advance for a couple of the words, but this was the exact quote):

"No, I'm not a pessimist. At some point the world sh*ts on everybody.
Pretending it ain't sh*t makes you an idiot, not an optimist."

Now I'm the first to agree that everyone has the right to say whatever they feel they need to. And each of us also has the right to either not listen, or not agree. So as I read this post, I pondered on what it meant and wondered if I was filtering it internally the same way they were when they posted it.

I've always thought of myself as an optimist...have even made the comment "eternal optimist" about myself before. I believe there is a positive within every negative regardless (so far) of the situation.

I'll also share that growing up in the South, from a family with all prior generations in the farming industry, I've shoveled untold 5-gallon buckets full of cow manure to use as fertilizer for gardens. So I think I can say I'm an expert in dealing with dung. But even that "dung" was useful for something!

Here's the way I'm wired and how I view things: Life is like a road - there's construction, traffic jams, turns, straight aways, slow lanes, fast lanes, weigh stations, fuel stations, stop signs, go signs, warning signs, steep grades, inclines, don't pass lanes, multi-lanes, one-way roads, toll roads, interstates, scenic highways, vehicles of all shapes/sizes/ages and, of course...the pot holes. And, don't forget that any vehicle on this road is going to need some periodic, scheduled maintenance and of course some upgrades along the way. The more you understand this, the better you mentally prepare yourself for all these...and, the better you'll make it through life when you face them.

I do love quotes, and I thought this one was perfect for this post and in response to the prior one my friend posted:

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Sir Winston Churchill

My question: Are you a glass half full or half empty person?

[Note: photo from http://www.aspirationmag.com/]

“Your Success Is My Business.”™

pondering - "to think about : reflect on"

Please share with others:

Attitude

I’m guessing that like me, you’ve all seen the classic movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”. The movie follows the life of George Bailey from his childhood through marriage, his family and his career. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies.

To me, the movie is really based around prepping George for his career, the trails & turns in the road about his career and then finally the obstacles he faces in that career.

In the rare case you haven’t seen the movie, I will not spoil the story; or if it’s been some time since you’ve seen it, I recommend that you take the time to do it, regardless that the holidays have passed.

But this is the point of my message: In the end, George still had the “mess” he had found himself in when he thought it was the end of his world. But---his attitude had changed and he knew that he was going to make it through his problems.

So, as you begin your new year you’re going to again face challenges (OPPORTUNITIES!) that may cause you to question yourself, but mentally prepare yourself now to have a positive CAN DO attitude through them all.

THANKS! Happy New Year! “Your Success Is My Business.”™

[Note: photo from http://www.dvdbeaver.com/]

Directions

What direction are you going? What is your goal? How are you going to get there? Here’s a quote that provided me a real wake-up call:

“Your DIRECTION, not your intention, determines your destination.”
~Andy Stanley

Having a plan with a goal in mind is the only way you’ll successfully reach your destination. If my INTENTION was to go to the beach, but as soon as I pulled out on ANY highway and headed north, my destination just became so far off I’ll probably give up before I ever reach where I wanted to go.

For this year end, and New Year beginning, I ask that you reflect on your direction. Is it written? Who have you shared it with? Who is helping you with your directions?

I know everyone here has the best intentions---but let’s spend some time working on the directions, so we can be best assured of reaching our destination.

THANK you & don't forget: “Your Success Is My Business.”™

[Note: photo from http://upload.wikimedia.org/]

How You Can Choose to Make a Difference

Gratitude…a recurring topic in these posts. Giving to others without expectation of reward.

One of my favorite quotes is “Give without remembering, receive without forgetting.”

Today, I share a message I received via e-mail and I can’t confirm who the author is, and also a short video I hope you view:

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers.

They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies…

Awards tarnish.

Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials…the most money...or the most awards.

They simply are the ones who care the most. Be sure to THANK someone today. I knew you'd think that was a great message! Here is the video presentation I wanted you to view as well.

Who are you thankfull for today? More importantly, have you told them?

Until next time, remember “Your Success Is My Business."™

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Positive Attitude

The topic of attitude seems to keep coming around doesn’t it (one example)? I constantly look at all my environments and listen with focus, I seem to filter anything positive or negative down to a person’s attitude.

But how do we have a positive attitude? It’s easy when we’re on top of the mountain, but when you’re in the valley it’s a different story---and that's when we need to focus on our attitude the most!

Judy Williamson wrote a great article about attitude and I hope you take a moment to read it:



Be Your Very Best Always!

Having and maintaining a positive mental attitude should be first on your daily list of items to accomplish just like taking a bath and brushing your teeth. It’s more important than taking out the garbage, giving the cat a bath, preparing a gourmet dinner, or paying your bills. Sounds unreasonable, doesn’t it? Not really, because without a Positive Mental Attitude the items on your to-do list won’t matter anyway. Unless you predispose your life for success, it won’t happen spontaneously. Conditioning your mind for PMA is like watching for a shooting star, expecting to see a rainbow after a storm, anticipating the rose inside of the bud, counting the days until your new kitten purrs, and deciding on dessert before you finish your main course. There is nothing wrong and everything right with setting your mind on a course of positive action. It’s the expectation that makes the event extra-special, not only the event itself. As you color your world the way you desire it, more often than not you are stepping into the future one positive thought at a time.

What are some simple ways that you can secure a positive outcome for yourself on a daily basis? Perhaps the list below can give you some ideas that can be put into practice.

1. Get a head start by affirming to your subconscious mind before you fall asleep that when you awake it will be a fantastic day! Create a little rhyme like: “When I awake it will be great!” Repeat it as you fall asleep.


2. Before getting up stretch and linger as you become conscious. When fully awake, remind yourself that today will be just spectacular.


3. Take a few minutes for quiet time before you jumpstart your routine. Have a lingering cup of coffee, witness what is occurring out-of-doors, watch the birds at the feeder, and then express a prayer of gratitude for all you have been given today and every day.


4. Make time to list in writing what you intend to accomplish this day. Keep your primary to-do list reasonable and under five items. Have some easy, medium, and hard things to accomplish this day. Challenge yourself to move through your list and complete the items one by one.


5. Be less serious. Allow humor to enter your life. Laugh and laugh again. A good laugh is like a massage for the soul.


6. Give up perfection and be satisfied with good enough on things that are really not that important. Polishing the silver is good for the family heirloom, but is it making a profound difference in your life?


7. Focus daily on something that makes your heart expand not contract. If you are not living for something spectacular, then why are you living for less?


8. Extend yourself daily by doing a kindness for another that is not meant to be reciprocated. Do it and forget it!


9. Elevate your spiritual nature by reading a section of a classical book. Better yet, make a list of 12 classics that you decide to read this year. Challenge yourself to one good book a month.


10. Remember to pay it forward! Stockpile your harvest for your future needs. Do not let the well run dry for lack of priming the pump! Give before you get!

That's some great advice! These little techniques may not make you an overnight success, but they will set your feet in motion toward a better life.

Do you have some processes or "rituals" you use to get yourself in a positive state of mind? What are they and do you use them each day?

Until next time, remember “Your Success Is My Business.” ™

[Note: photo from http://www.wittysparks.com/]

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Confidence

Do you go through-out your day with the confidence in yourself to know that you are a winner? Do you truly believe that you are the best partner for your customers and that your products are the best answers to their problems? Do you train yourself daily like a world-class athlete does?

I love listening to Rush Limbaugh. I’m not saying I totally agree with everything that he says, but is that guy confident in himself or what? In each show, he always states, “Talent on loan…from God”. Now if that’s not confidence, I don’t know what is. And the name of his station is EIB---Excellence in Broadcasting. Another statement of confidence.

So, get your confidence (and attitude) right and go out & sell someone on YOU!

Until next time, remember “Your Success Is My Business.” ™

[Note: photo from http://www.fivegulf.com/]

Sales People - Take Action!

Take Action!

I know each of you constantly think about how to work better, how to create more success and generate more wealth (for your customers and for yourself). Well, what it all boils down to---it’s all about attitude and how you think.

John Maxwell says, "We choose what attitudes we have right now. And it's a continuing choice."

So, here’s an important MILLION DOLLAR attitude question that I want you to answer: Are you a salesperson in business, or are you a business owner making sales?

When you think of your role as if you’re the business owner---act like you’re the CEO of your own company---then things will take on an entirely new perspective for you.

So then, let’s work on the mind-set change.

From this point forward, you should walk, talk, act and sell with a World-Class mindset as the CEO of your business.

Now that we’ve established our mindset, let’s work on our World Class thinking.

Why world-class thinking? Because you have to understand there’s a difference between you and your competition. What is it that seperates you from every other person offering the same products? The biggest difference from the client’s point-of-view is the difference they perceive in YOU! The difference then is, the competition is average and ordinary while you’re a world-class thinker! Here are (some of) the differences in average business thinkers and world-class CEO thinkers:

• Average thinkers don’t buy stuff for themselves to help them succeed if they can’t expense it out.
  World-class thinkers equip themselves for success, even if it comes out of their own pockets.
• Average thinkers wait for training until their company provides it.
  World-class thinkers have a personal growth program that is in conjunction with, and regardless of, their company’s efforts.
• Average thinkers are more concerned with activity.
  World-class thinkers are more concerned with results.
• Average thinkers provide customer service.
  World-class thinkers produce customer loyalty.
• Average thinkers are more concerned over the client’s cash.
  World-class thinkers are concerned about the client’s confidence in them.
• Average thinkers know everything about themselves.
  World-class thinkers know everything about their clients.
• Average thinkers avoid risk.
  World-class thinkers manage risk.
• Average thinkers love to be comfortable.
  World-class thinkers are comfortable being uncomfortable.
• Average thinkers hunger for security.
  World-class thinkers don’t believe security exits.
• Average thinkers sacrifice growth for safety.
  World-class thinkers sacrifice safety for growth.
• Average thinkers look for short-cuts.
  World-class thinkers know there are no short-cuts.
• Average thinkers handle work as it’s given to them.
  World-class thinkers work at growing their business.
• Average thinkers work on time management.
  World-class thinkers work on self-management.
• Average thinkers are reactive.
  World-class thinkers are proactive.
• Average thinkers work on getting the next sell from the customer.
  World-class thinkers work on getting all future sells from the customer.
• Average thinkers work on trying to sell the customer.
  World-class thinkers work on trying to serve the customer.
• Average thinkers work to increase the size of the transaction.
  World-class thinkers work to increase the amount of satisfaction.
• Average thinkers work to satisfy the customer.
  World-class thinkers work to amaze the customer.
• Average thinkers give criticism.
  World-class thinkers provide coaching.
• Average thinkers have reason.
  World-class thinkers have faith.
  
  Until next time, best wishes and remember that...

“Your Success Is My Business."