Play with all your heart 'til the very end...

“Sometime around 2:10 a.m. as the Titanic began settling more quickly into the icy North Atlantic, the sounds of ragtime, familiar dance tunes and popular waltzes that had floated reassuringly across her decks suddenly stopped as Bandmaster Wallace Hartley tapped his bow against his violin.   Hartley and his musicians, all wearing their lifebelts now, were standing back at the base of the second funnel, on the roof of the First Class Lounge, where they had been playing for the better part of an hour.  There had been a few moments of silence, then the solemn strains of the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee” began drifting across the water.  It was with a perhaps unintended irony that Hartley chose a hymn that pleaded for the mercy of the Almighty, as the ultimate material conceit of the Edwardian Age, the ship that “God Himself couldn’t sink,” foundered beneath his feet.  As the band played, the slant of the deck grew steeper, while from within the hull came a rapidly increasing number of thuds, bangs and crashes as interior furnishings broke loose, walls and partitions collapsed–the Titanic was only moments from breaking apart.”¹

 

I’m sure you recognize the story that is told here.  The band, while employed on the ship, were not crew members of the ship.  They were in fact employed by a Liverpool music agency who was employed by the ship.  Thus, the musicians were just ‘passengers’ like everyone else outside of the ship’s crew.  They could have left at any time they wanted, just like the passengers were leaving.  Note that the entire band perished in the icy North Atlantic waters that morning along with 1495 fellow passengers and crew.

 

When you look at the lives of these men (short descriptions here), you don’t find anything that would have caused you to believe that they would possess such courage. Yet, when the time came, the gave all.

 

When you stop and think, I would say that our survival instincts would prove to be one of our highest, so knowingly going to your ‘grave’ just isn’t something the overwhelming majority of people would ever do. How was it that Wallace Hartley was able to lead his team in a way that caused them to stay and play (work) when everyone around them was panicking?  They obviously saw something in this leader that caused them to follow him, to the very end.

 

So as you lead your team today, ask yourself these questions:

 

o   Am I hiring top talent for the positions I’m filling?

o   What culture am I instilling within the team concerning the customer experience, comradery, and the company mission & vision?

o   Am I a leader that people believe in and trust?

o   Do I lead by example?

o   Am I a leader that people willingly follow?

o   Am I a leader that inspires?

o   Am I seen as a servant leader or a task master?

o   Everyone leaves some type of legacy – what will mine be?

 

 

“A man who wants to lead the orchestra
must turn his back on the crowd.”
~Max Lucado

¹From RMS Titanic Remembered

Lessons I Learned - From a SunBurn

It was Memorial Day...must have been around 1989. I went out on a water skiing trip with some friends and in about a two hour time frame, became so sun-burnt that I had to miss a week of work and take (internally and externally) so many medications. It was without a doubt the worst pain I've even been in throughout my life (so far, no broken bones!).

As I ponder on that, with Memorial Day quickly approaching, I thought about the leadership lessons I learned from this event. They are:

• Always be sure to consider the consequences of your decision. I often discuss with my son that every decision has a consequence - some positive, some negative, but there's always a consequence. Our job is to try to make as many decisions that will produce positive results as possible.
• Go into the action prepared. I should have known better than to go out on the water, in the middle of a hot, cloudless sunny day, without sun-screen. Anything you're going to do needs a plan, regardless of how simple or how meaningless you believe it is.
• Have a "replacement" plan in affect. You are never guaranteed another day. I had no plan for being out unexpectantly for a week. You never know when something is going to happen, possibly even good (a promotion or the career of your dreams comes along), that will cause you to not be able to perform your current role. All great leaders are always working to replace themselves so that they can move on to the next challenge. Create a program that immediately begins to fill your role...in case.
• Set your team up for success. I've seen so many micro-managers in my life. They're the leader who has to have their hand in everything. They work from the philosophy, "If I want it done right, I'll do it myself." This is the worse path you can create for your team, and for the success of what you do. Prepare your team every day to work, decide and to lead as if you were not there. Then, when/if something happens, the team can continue to be successful.
• Be accountable. When something happens to you, the majority of the time it's because of some decision you've made. Just like with me going to the river in the middle of the day without sun-screen...that was my decision to do, regardless of whether I thought about it or "forgot it". My actions, my accountability. I couldn't blame anyone else for what happened to me that day. I hear so many people, and unfortunately a majority being the younger population, blaming others for things that happen to them. Be accountable for your actions...you'll learn more in the long run when you do.

So even though I went through a very painful, very memorable event, there were valuable lessons learned (again, the eternal optimist in me). And this isn't the only event that's happened to me where I've learned something (here and here).

My question: What personal event has lead you to do life a little differently, with more focus?

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

“Your Success Is My Business.”™

pondering - "to think about : reflect on"

Please share with others:

Motivation for Enduring the Pain

I saw something that caused me to ponder and I wanted to share it with you:

(Note: As for the "...this happened before..." mention at the end of the video, here are the details about it.)

My question: What motivates you to keep going?


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

“Your Success Is My Business.”™

pondering - "to think about : reflect on"

Please share with others:

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

What motivates you to get out of bed each morning? Is it debt? Is it because you have a career that is also your passion? Something gets you going each day.

I was pondering on this as I was reflecting on something my son recently told me.

Since he's been out of school, he's struggled with his life purpose - his career, where to live, adjusting to being a responsible adult and paying his bills, etc. He's recently had an opportunity with a new career which will lead him to a new location to live and a new life adventure ahead of him. His comment to me was, "You know I wake up every morning wondering what and why I'm doing that day. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a purpose now." Awesome!

My question: I'd like to know what gets you out of bed every day.


[Note: photo from https://www.naturalbalancenow.com/]

“Your Success Is My Business.”™

pondering - "to think about : reflect on"

Please share with others:

Starting the day

I'm always fascinated to hear how some folks start their day off. It causes me to stop and ponder.

There's the crowd that get up and start exercising. The group that can't get going 'til they've consumed some coffee. The group that has to hit the "snooze" button several times before they can rouse themselves from the covers. Then there's the group that has to have all of the above!

For me, I'm one of those "the alarm goes off and my feet hit the floor" people. I'm up, ready and out the door within 30 minutes off to work, pumped about the day ahead. There's just to much to do, so much to accomplish and never enough time to get it completed (in the day and during your life!).

My question: What is your normal method of getting up and started in the morning?

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

“Your Success Is My Business.”™

pondering - "to think about : reflect on"

Please share with others:

Hey, why don't we go and ...

So what if I watched "Julie & Julia"!

It wasn't my pick to rent, but I viewed it and actually enjoyed it (and yes, have even recommended it!). In fact I was pleasantly shocked that I enjoyed it. The acting was first rate (I always like Stanley Tucci) and it was a great story. Plus, I guess if you're my age you remember watching Julia Child on the ol' Black & White TV so the history there was enjoyable to learn. WHO KNEW? (You'll understand when you watch the movie.)

I think the part that most interested me from the film was the back-story of "Julie" (Julie Powell) and how she decided to blog about her adventure. About how she had no "readers" to her blog for so long, and then one day, that magical number happened: 1

That singular inspiration. That unique moment. That blast of encouragement. That first, "someone is watching" realization. It finally happened!!

I knew how she felt.

And then, I saw the short film "Lemonade" as well. WOW!

All these folks were pressed, against their will to begin with, into a situation as well were they were about to begin a new adventure.

The adventure for them as they discovered, much like Julie, was to go after their passion and to share that passion with others. What an interesting concept!!! (sarcasm intended)

I was speaking with a friend the other day about "stepping off the mountain". About hanging "out on a rope, and unable to see the floor beneath you". About the faith it takes to make that leap.

Sure its scary! If you viewed the movie "Lemonade", none of the people interviewed actually chose to take their "adventure" to begin with because it was scary...uncomfortable. But, as you saw in the end, all were full of smiles and happiness.

I'm thinking of an adventure.

My question: Do you have an adventure you've been pondering on? I'd like to hear about it if so.


[Note: photo from http://popculturenerd.files.wordpress.com/]

“Your Success Is My Business.”™

pondering - "to think about : reflect on"

Wise Words

A friend of mine shared this message with me recently and I found it very inspiring so I wanted to share it as well.

From the book, "Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life":

“An old man is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old man replied simply, “The one you feed.”

[Note: photo from http://www.wltc.org/]

“Your Success Is My Business.”™

Believe!

During this time of year, as we close out one phase of our accomplishments and begin a new one, I wanted to share something with you that I felt was important.

For me personally (and related to the following story below), I have a lot of WWII stuff in my office. If you’ve never seen it before, I have paintings, newspaper articles, posters, photos, helmets, patches, money, books, models, rocks, medals, leggings, maps, etc., etc., etc.---all from and/or about WWII. For me, WWII was a defining moment in US history, and in World history (of course not “the” defining moment, but one of the major).

When I think about how the “greatest generation” lived through the great depression, then went straight to war on a global scale…the sacrifices these men & women gave---with a national joint effort---will (IMHO) never be seen again.

One of the paintings I have is of Leonard Lomell at the top of Pointe-du-Hoc, Normandy, France on D-Day. He was part of the 2nd Rangers that had to scale the 100’ cliffs at the point, with German fixed defenses firing on them, and he personally took out four 155mm artillery guns which won him the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on that day.

The courage that Lomell and the other 16 million Americans provided during the largest conflict in human history inspires me every day.

What do you have in your office or home that inspires you? That makes you believe? What would the affect be if you had something, regardless of how small or seemingly insignificant to others, to inspire you each day? What would that inspiration cause you to think? To dream? And, ultimately, to dare?

Now, I want to share this story with you:

Believe it is Possible
By John M. Rowley

“Think, Believe, Dream, Dare.”
~ Walt Disney

This quote by Walt Disney has been hanging on my office wall for decades. Also in my office are two checks that paid my membership many years ago when I first joined R&J Health Studio, LONG before I realized my dream of owning it, and a jar of coal my Dad gave me for Christmas. I know it sounds like an odd combination, but let me explain. All of the above are there because I was bold enough to take the challenge from Walt Disney to Think, Believe, Dream and Dare.

I grew up being told not to dream. “You are such a dreamer, why don’t you grow up!” I would be told time and time again as a child. Then when I got older and had a family, I constantly had people close to me reminding me that I shouldn’t dream. I had a family to support. I am being selfish and childish. I am not smart enough, educated enough or good enough to do the things I want to achieve. I should just settle for my lot in life. People will discourage you because they know they can’t do it. Let me tell you right now, if you are hearing things like that, don’t listen! Those words are right out of the pit of hell. Let no man dictate what you can and cannot do. You were created for greatness. I am very fortunate that the most important person in my life, my beautiful wife Cathy, has always encouraged me and told me to focus on my dreams and to be all I could be. I am truly blessed with a wonderful encourager for a wife.

The reason I have Walt Disney’s quote hanging on my office wall next to the check to R&J Health Studio and a jar of coal sitting on my desk, is for a daily reminder to myself that if I DO think, believe, dream and dare, I can achieve what seems to be the impossible. When I was a young man, I talked about owning a gym just like R&J Health Studio and I was constantly shot down by everyone but my wife. You may be getting the same thing with your dreams. When others can’t do it they want you to fail as well. They may start by discouraging you and then by offering you what seems to be “good advice” to short circuit your success. It is your job to push through to success.

Yes, I did buy R&J Health Studio and the years I owned it were some of the best years of my life. The coal on my desk was given to me by my dad. I had just gotten into Manhattan real estate at William B. May on Madison Avenue, and that very Christmas Dad gave me and my brothers a jar of coal to remind us of our family roots. My dad’s ancestors were coal miners in Pennsylvania. But for me it held an additional meaning. One of my duties while working in a New York City Public School was to shovel coal into boilers to heat the building. A LOT of coal. Not only did I shovel the coal into the boiler, but I had to bring the coal from the coal pit to the boiler. Then after the coal was burned, I had to clean out all the ash, put it into the cans and bring the ash cans up out to the street for pick up. It was physically exhausting, filthy work. I kept that jar of coal on my desk as a reminder that regardless of how many challenges I may have in the business world, it could be worse. I could be back in the boiler room, breathing in coal dust and shoveling coal into a boiler. There is nothing wrong with shoveling coal, it is good, honest work, but the thought leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth (pun not intended). You see, I had people telling me that I should be doing just that – ONLY that - all the while trying to discourage me from trying to “conquer the world.” For me, I would rather not have to do it again...ever.

Most people are not being malicious when they try to discourage you from striving for outstanding success. They are just voicing their own fears. To them, failure is the worst thing that can happen. To ME, failure is simply a part of success and not trying is failure. Let them keep their fear and negativity, I don’t want any part of it and neither should you. Remember, success and failure aren’t opposites, they are neighbors separated by a thin line… by a single decision… the decision not to quit.

I once heard that Walt Disney wouldn’t even take on a project unless every person on his board of directors told him not to do it! You heard right…not to do it! He believed that if everyone agreed with him, that he wasn’t thinking big enough. He also said, "We did it (referring to Disneyland), in the knowledge that most of the people I talked to, thought it would be a financial disaster - closed and forgotten within the first year." Good thing for us old Walt didn’t listen to those people. What should you be doing that you are holding back on, out of fear? What great dream have you had that others told you was impossible or that you were nuts to even consider? If Walt Disney is any example, the very things you “aren’t” doing may be your road to greatness. Go for it! Pursue your dreams with passion and enthusiasm and I will see you on top of your ladder of success!

THANKS! And until next time, remember “Your Success Is My Business.”™

[Note: photo from http://media.photobucket.com/]

Half full or half empty?

We've all heard the old cliché about whether you're a " glass half full or half empty" kind of person. Have you ever spent any time pondering this about yourself & why you think you see things the way you do?

I love the enthusiasm and positive outlook of the "glass half full" person. But at the same time, I appreciate the cautiousness and need of reassurance of the "glass half empty" person.

But here's the thing...if you see a glass, regardless of "half full or half empty", why not take the time to fill that glass for someone else?

Because it's not what you have when you exit this world, it's the legacy you leave behind that's most important.

I'd really love to hear your thoughts about this. Add them in the comments section (below).

Thanks and...“Your Success Is My Business.”™

[Note: photo from http://farm4.static.flickr.com/]

"Where they going...where they been?"

This blog is going to be a little different than normal. You'll find it a little longer than I normally provide, and not necessarily about customer service, motivation or leadership. I thought I'd speak from the heart here and share some thoughts I had about the movie "Forrest Gump".

I'm sure you have a list of favorite movies just like I do. If someone pinned me down and made me submit my Top 10 all-time favorite movies, it would probably look like this (in no particular order):

1. Dances With Wolves
2. Forrest Gump
3. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
4. The Longest Day
5. It's A Wonderful Life
6. Oh Brother! Where Art Thou
7. Cold Mountain
8. Glory
9. Band of Brothers
10. The Matrix

Okay, I know: There's no artsy films listed, and some of the others ones that I really like (Ben Hur, Spartacus, Aliens, 50 First Dates, etc.) just didn't quite make the top list. But these are really the ones that I find myself watching over & over & over again.

So recently I'm watching Forrest Gump, and I realized that of all the movies I've ever seen, and for so many that I really, truly enjoy, this is the one that probably takes the #1 spot in my list.

And with that statement, I wanted to share all the reasons why:

Right at the beginning of the movie, Forrest utters one of the most memorable lines ever (for me) when speaking with the nurse while sitting on the bench in Savannah, GA. He's talking to her about her shoes and how comfortable they look. He stops for a moment & ponders something his mother told him, about how you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, "...where they going, where they been." So I thought, maybe we could tell a lot about others if we just take the time to notice, to listen, to pay attention. To hear not only what they're saying, but what they are feeling and what they mean.

Here are some other lines from the movie that really stand out for me:

"I gotta find Bubba!" Even in the middle of a real mess, (or like the case when Forrest stated these words, the middle of a real nightmare) our family, our friends, those closest to us need our help regardless of what it might mean to us. Are we willing to run into the fire to find our friends?

"You still Lt. Dan." How profound. Regardless of what happens to you in your life, you are still who you are. Sure, we grow and experience events, but in the end, we're still "us".

"Her dream had come true. She was a folk singer." We all saw Jenny, naked up on the stage in a men's club and thought "how horrible that it's come to this". Yet, Forrest knew what her dream was (she had told him while in college) and from his perspective she had accomplished it. We so often think something negative about someones circumstances but from OUR PERSPECTIVE. Each person has there own perspective & view of life and we can truly never fully understand what that looks like --- only from our own point-of-view.

"...'cause you my girl." Forrest was fully devoted to Jenny, regardless of all she had done and all she had put herself through...for better or worse, he had never given up on her.

"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." I don't know if there's any better way to describe life other than this incredible statement.

Sure there are many, many more quotes from the movie I could go over but I'll leave it at this for now. Each time I watch the movie, something new seems to cause me to ponder...maybe for you too.

What a great movie. Thanks for allowing me to share.

What if your favorite Forrest Gump quote and why?

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

[Note: photo from http://www.thing-a-day.com/]

Taking the Risk

The Entrepreneur...I really have to believe that all of us have something burning deep down inside us that creates an "entrepreneurial" mindset within us.

Haven't you ever seen something on TV, on a store shelf, in a friend's or family member's home and you thought, "Hey, I had that idea! I can't believe someone did that!?!?!"

I really enjoy talking with business owners, regardless of the size of their business, to find out what it was that drove them to start the business and what experiences they had along the way.

The information entrepreneur's have, especially the failures they've experienced along the way, are such great lessons for all of us.

But, isn't it the RISK that holds us back. The thought that we'll fail, that no one will believe in us, that someone will think we're crazy for going after our passion?

If you've got an idea, a passion, and you want to pursue it then begin "feeding" yourself positive, motivating thoughts. Let your creative mind go!! Sites like Smartbrief for Entrepreneurs provide a daily newsletter about some of the greatest minds out there who are doing incredible things --- JUST LIKE YOU COULD BE DOING!

Whether you want to start a traditional brick & motar store or an on-line business, don't let the nay-sayers hold you back; because one day while you're at your friends house and he tells you about how they just purchased the greatest product ever...and its something you once dreamed about doing, you're really gonna (mentally) kick yourself.

What are you dreaming about?

Thanks and remember: “Your Success Is My Business.”™

[Note: photo from http://www.501cweb.wordpress.com/]

I Don't Have Too...

Through out life, we're afforded many opportunities & challenges. We recognize these. Many we look forward too with high expectations and anticipation while others we look on with dread & hopes that they don't come to pass.

But not all are large projects, are all pre-planned and/or foretold. Many items become routine to us and part of our normal life. I know that I'm as guilty as the next with the "I have to..." comments.

I've been pondering a lot on our attitude towards these events or tasks, regardless of their size.

And the more I ponder on these, the more I realize that I don't have to do them, I get too!

And so do you!

I get to go to work doing something I really am passionate about.
I get to serve others in helping them succeed.
I get to help out around the house.
I get to spend time with my family and friends.
I get to help my Dad with little projects he's no longer physically able to do alone.
I get to serve in the different community and church organizations I am part of.
I get to cut the grass.
I get to grill.
I get to take the garbage out to the road.
I get to do a lot of things, to numerous to mention here, that I'm blessed to do.

What are some things you get to do that others might feel they have too?

Remember: “Your Success Is My Business.”™

[Note: photo from http://gritsngrace.files.wordpress.com/]

Motivated to Blog!

Isn't it funny how sometimes the little things can motivate us? Like today...

I'm surfing the net, reading blogs, following "the trail" as we often do when clicking from one link to the next in our search of the "golden nugget" of information we're seeking...and there it was: AllBlogTools.com!

I had already earlier in the day found a site with "follow me" links FLOATING along the side, so I worked diligently to figure out the code and created some for myself on my blog (note right side of page). I couldn't believe I pulled that off!!!

Then I'm thinking, 'what else can I do to spiff the place up and make it more inviting for visitors, and what could I do in hopes of getting people to share these messages? So I started my hunt through all the blogs I already subscribe too.'

This lead me to open one of these blogs and from there I started clicking on links and the chase began!

Now, finding out little tricks of the "smart folks" is something I enjoy doing, but it's not always easy. I can't tell you how many people I've e-mailed and asked, "how'd you do that", with very few replies. That's why I wanted to share not only the AllBlogTools.com site with you, but also one from CSSReflex as well.

So, with the new tools I've found today, and the upgrades I'm incorporated into the site, I'm really motivated to pound on the keyboard and share some more of my ponders with you.

So help me out and share what sites you use to help yourself be creative & get motivated?

Always trying to help you, because: “Your Success Is My Business.” ™

[Note: photo from http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/]

"Go to the Buick and turn around."

I'm watching "Any Given Sunday" the other night on AMC, not one of my favorite movies but there was nothing else on and I hadn't seen it in a long time. I did get motivation from the inspirational speeches that happens throughout the movie...in fact the speeches are so popular that you find many of them posted on YouTube.

The one that stood out to me this time, was one that happens early in the movie when Tony D'Amato (Al Pacino) pulls 3rd string quarterback Willie Beamen (Jamie Foxx) off to the side after he's pulled off numerous bad plays and attempts to settle him down.

The thing that calmed Willie down was when D'Amato reminded him of playing back home in his youth. He said, 'Don't you remember telling the guy to go to the Buick and to turn around' so that he could make the throw?

"Go to the Buick and turn around." So simple.

Is there something going on in your life now that's got you over anxious, not properly focused and maybe even those around you questioning your ability to deliver? If so, maybe you need to go to your Buick and turn around.

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

[Note: photo from http://www.library.jhu.edu/]

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The Greatest of the "New Hire"

The "new hire". Don't you love them? The brand new team member (employee) at your business --- all happy, excited, energetic, optimistic and enthusiastic. They come in like a sponge looking for every drop of information they can get. Their minds are fresh & full of creative thoughts - even if some of them won't fly, they voice ideas about ways they believe will grow and prosper the organization.

Everyone they meet or are introduced too around the office they're smiling and shaking hands with, all seemingly amped up on caffeine or some magic "new hire" drug. They get home and tell their friends & family about how they've just landed the best job every. They share all the incredible opportunities ahead of them and what a super company it is they're associated with.

But somewhere along the line, something happens to these new hires. Haven't you seen this happen? Did it even happen to you?

What is it?

Somewhere along the path they stop smiling at everyone, they stop shaking hands, end all their enthusiasm and energy, quite coming up with creative ideas...and have none of the excitement or motivation like they used too. Now, the career that they once thought was a blessing has suddenly caused them to curse it.

As the leader or business owner, you have the more difficult task in all this: Keeping everyone motivated and acting like "new hires" each and every day!

As a leader, here is a list for you to review:

• Are you, the leader, constantly sharing the vision?
• Are you constantly talking about the culture?
• Are you removing roadblocks that create frustration?
• Are you the great communicator within your company?
• Do you immediately resolve internal conflicts?
• Do you constantly carry the rallying cry of the purpose of your company?
• Do you provide constant, regularly scheduled employee evaluations so that people know exactly where they stand?
• Do you eliminate incompetence?
• And finally, do you make work fun?

As the leader, it's up to you to continue to fuel your team and to help them maintain that "new hire" mentality regardless of how long they've worked with you. Do so and watch your business grow!

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

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

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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/]

What Stops You?

What is your ‘brick wall’? The better question is, ‘how do you get around it?’

All of us have brick walls in our lives. No one is immune to them. The people who aspire to great things are the ones who understand this, prepare for them, and then work to get around them versus letting them stop them in their tracks.

Being prepared, doing your homework, staying up on current technologies, knowing everything about your prospect/customer, being relentless about customer service, and thinking with a world-class mindset are all small parts of not letting the brick wall stand in your way.

What "wall" do you have in your life? What is slowing you down? Who can you reach out too that could help you remove that wall? I'd love to hear your stories (click comment below).

Here's a short video by Jeffrey Gitomer with some additional points for you:

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

http://joeypeacock.com/

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

How Will You Finish

You face challenges every day. Whether you consider them ‘brick walls’, ‘pot-holes in the road’, ‘mountains & valleys’, ‘the rollercoaster of life’, or anything else, every day you face some challenge (or better yet, some opportunity to grow!).

But how will you finish when you face these opportunities?

Finishing strong is the only way to finish.

Just like with your monthly business goals, and any personal goal that you have in your life, you should finish not just at your goal, but always exceeding your goal!

Do you have a story to share about some goal you had that was a huge challenge, but not only did you finish you finished so strong and so far exceeding your goal that you were even amazed? I'd love to hear!

Take a few minutes to view the following short video presentation about finishing strong.

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

http://joeypeacock.com/