Articles
Eliminating Needless Worry
Do you ever fret over things that don’t really matter? Ever fear that people think less of you or do you doubt yourself and your abilities even though you know you’re very capable? This is what experts call self-sabotaging behavior. I call it worrying about things that you can’t control instead of what you can control.
Are your moods....ruining the mood?
Are you aware of your moods? Become aware of your moods, and don't allow yourself to be fooled by the low ones. Your moods can be extremely deceptive. When you're in a good mood, life looks great. When you're in a bad mood, life looks unbearable. Here's the catch: Moods are always changing. The truth is, life is almost never as bad as it seems when you're in a low mood.
What do we got? A Victim!
My boys love NBC’s hit series – Law and Order. The show always starts out the same. New York City’s finest arrive at a crime scene and utter the same phrase every time, "What do we got?" Unfortunately, it’s usually a victim.Are you a victim? Do you ever feel held captive by circumstances? Do you find yourself blaming others? Failing to confront the critical issues that you face? Whenever you get stuck in the victim cycle, you can’t get unstuck until you first acknowledge that you’re acting like a victim and probably paying a price for it. Ask yourself the following questions:
Piece on Lance Armstrong
Piece on Lance Armstrong: Throughout the Tour de France, a Colombian rider on the Kelme - Costa Blanca Team, Santiago Botero, has been keeping a diary for the newspaper. Each day the newspaper publishes his diary from the previous day. Unfortunately, the only diary entry I have seen appeared in this past Sunday's edition. However, it was worth the read.
To be or not to be - Accountable
Do you ever ask others for feedback? Do you know what your associates, customers and others think of you? Are you continually surprised when you don’t meet your goals or you receive negative performance reports? Do you ever go home and complain about your bosses (and company) because of what you perceive to be unfair treatment? Are you putting off doing something (or making a change) that you know you need to do or make?
The End of an Era
Last Friday, many local newspapers ran a story reporting that the buyer of my former business was throwing in the towel and selling to my longtime, former competitor. Although neither company confirmed, nor denied the rumor, according to the newspaper, I have reason to believe it’s true. I happen to know the new buyer fairly well. I have no doubt that the surviving locations will be in good hands. But the story (and the resulting emails and calls) brought me back approximately 30 months to when I sold the business to a private equity firm....
Marathon Sunday: A Day Tailored for Flexible Runners
Sunday was the 2007 Chicago marathon, and it was a dangerously hot day. The temperature was 70 degrees at the start, and in the mid-to high 80’s, with humidity, by mid-day. 26.2 miles in the heat! Did I run? No, 26.2 feet would be a challenge these days. I never ran a marathon under such extreme conditions, although I came close. I ran the marathon in 1979, as an insane 13 year old. That year, the mercury topped off at 84 degrees, and I remember the challenges those conditions presented.
5 Tips for Better Listening
The comment "listening is a skill" is very true. It is a valuable tool. How are your listening skills? Do you actively listen during conversations or does your mind wander? Are you thinking of what to say when your turn rolls around? When I teach companies how to "Hit the Grand Slam" with their customers and associates, I stress the importance of listening, learning, and loving. In this article, we will discuss the value of good listening.
The Power of Positive Thinking
Situations in life can either be positive or negative, happy or sad. You’ve all heard the expression, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." It’s true! It’s your frame of reference that makes the difference. Had I chosen to be upset by this fiasco, it would have been my choice.....
