There are a lot of things I want to accomplish in life. Sometimes that is to my detriment. I want to do so many different things that I get nothing accomplished. I just sit there being overwhelmed by the load I am putting on my shoulders to carry. I don't even know where to begin.
And of course, this is when the days turn into weeks. Weeks turn into months and I'm still sitting in the same place.
If you can relate to this, then it's time to take action. If you give yourself too much at once, that's when you have to organize and prioritize. Better yet, prioritize and organize. See...I just did it!
Okay, maybe that was an easy one. I know there are times when it's very difficult to define your priorities in life. Even so, you have to try and you have to take action. No one ever said that once you define your priorities that they are set in stone. You can set them, try them out, and adjust them as needed.
There are also times when your priorities have already been defined. You have to ask yourself this question. Do my actions reflect my priorities? I know that my first priority is my family. In the past, my actions did not reflect my priorities.
I was taking college courses...I was working for a promotion...I was partying with friends...all the while ignoring or not providing enough attention to my first priority.
Along with that point, I just want to say priorities change. When I was younger, partying and having fun was a high priority. Nowadays, it's very low on my list.
In closing, take the time to identify your priorities in life and then live your life with those priorities in mind. Make sure your actions match your priorities. Don't take your number 1 priority for granted. Remember, take action! Don't let your days turn into weeks.
What Means the World to You?
This week I had to take some time to reflect and think about what means the world to me. What means the world to you? That's an interesting question because it really makes you think.
When I think about this question, the first thing that instantly takes over my mind is family. These are the people that have always stood by my side through whatever. These are the people that love me unconditionally. And even when they are mad at me, they still love me. I know they would never turn their backs on me because they have always been there for me. This is my close knit family and the loved ones I have invited to join my family. These are the people that know my personality, my secrets, my quirks...they know me.
Next, I think about my friends...not just any acquaintances, but the friends that I've let get so close to me that I consider them family. The friends that no matter how much distance or time is between us, when we talk, we effortlessly pick up where we left off. It's the people that are just being themselves and it meshes so easily with me while I'm just being myself. My friends are the ones that make you laugh uncontrollably and make you feel like a kid again. The ones that can connect with me mentally and understand how I feel. The ones that took the time to learn how to make me feel better. The ones that give so much and expect nothing in return.
Then, I think about my priorities and see that family and friends are at the top of my list. So, I wonder why has it been so long since I've spoken to family and friends. I try to reach out occasionally, but that sounds weird to me. If these are my top priorities, why am I letting lesser priorities have the majority of my time?
Sometimes it takes that time to reflect to see how you have veered off path. Maybe you're not completely off track, just a little off track. Either way, it still helps to reflect because if you're a little of track now, it may become a lot later if it goes unnoticed.
There are 2 parts to this puzzle. The first is knowing what means the world to you. The second is taking the appropriate actions for what means the world to you.
Don't Forget to Celebrate the Small Victories!
In life, we typically have large goals and dreams. It's great to aim for the sky. I think that's awesome! While you do that, don't forget about the small victories. These are the victories along the way to completing your goals.
Think about it. If you have a large goal, more than likely you're going to need a plan for how you will reach that goal. You can lay it out how ever you prefer but there will still be tasks you need to complete to get to the final goal. You can't just focus on the final goal; look at each task. Once you have completed a task, that's a small victory and you can appreciate it because it makes you that much closer to reaching your goal.
Some of the small victories can be pretty tough. Imagine if one of your tasks is public speaking and you really dislike speaking in public. That could be a really difficult task to overcome so you should take the time to enjoy that small victory. It's not normally something that you accomplish overnight. It takes persistence and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. Okay, i may be using myself for this example so think about something that you have had to do along your journey to something bigger. And think about the task that was very challenging. There is always at least one task that tests what you are made of. I welcome those tasks!
A small victory is still a victory. In business, in relationships, in life, there are challenges we face to get to where we want to be. We can't shy away from those challenges because we won't get to where we want to be. They are a part of the journey. We must challenge ourselves and push through them. This doesn't mean it always has to be alone. Teamwork is awesome. Some tasks are very difficult and you may need help to achieve it or to achieve it in the time you require. Just because you had help doesn't prevent it from being a victory to enjoy.
The small victories add up to the large victories. To stay motivated to achieve your larger goals, recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way.
You may also like:
No Regrets
Aspiration: What are you working for?
Shine like a diamond
A Different Level
So today, I was running some errands. After I finished, I was on the highway heading home when I saw a car like the picture above pass me. As soon as I saw the car, I knew this was something I don't normally see and it stood out. Then as it continued to pass, I saw the emblem on the back that said Bentley. As I looked at my car and the rest of the cars on the highway, it was easy to tell that this car was on a different level...and so was the driver.
The weird thing is that I saw a Porsche (sorry, not sure of the model) earlier in the parking lot of where I was running errands. I looked at it twice and then kept going, but the Bentley was something different. I was mesmerized by it. Not because I want one. I'm not really a Bentley kind of guy but because I would like to have that option to decide whether or not I would like to buy a Bentley. Right now, it is not an option.
While watching the car, I began to wonder:
1. What does the owner do?
2. How does he think and make decisions?
3. How do I meet him?
I would like to know if I think like a millionaire. Am I making the right decisions for a brighter future? I think I am on the right track but only time will tell. Or I could find a mentor...someone that has already achieved what I want to achieve and find out how they make decisions...and what they think about my decisions. I think that's a better option than just going in a direction that may be wrong and not finding out until it's too late.
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| Bentley |
Even though the Bentley is a fascinating car, I'm more intrigued by the person (and their mindset) driving it. It's not about the car, it's about the person. The car stands out...it's on a different level...but so is the person.
This encounter was enough to increase my motivation. Now, I'm focused and ready to do and learn more. I already have a plan to find a mentor but before I do that, I need to do my homework. I need to be prepared and knowledgeable so I can get the most benefit out of the experience. This is just one thing I am doing so that one day I will have the Bentley option...so someone can see me and say he's on a different level and they are inspired to get there!
Other articles you may enjoy:
My Introverted Self
What You Can Learn From NBA 2K!
Don't Let Anxiety Get the Best of You
My Introverted Self!
More than knowing other people, you first have to know yourself. I, like probably everyone else, am still learning about myself. Each day, we may test ourselves to find out how much we can achieve. I like to push myself to reach new heights but at the same time, I have to be mindful of my introverted self.
I am introverted. It's not something I strive to be...it's part of who I am. Because of it, I sometimes have trouble in social settings. I'm not anti-social, not at all. I once thought I was but now I realize that's not the case.
Recently, I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I've stepped into the spotlight. I have met new people and I have spoken in large groups. And I enjoyed it! It made me excited and it made me want to do more of it.
But...after a lot of social interaction, I began to feel the results on my introverted self. It was fun until it wasn't. All of a sudden I was worn out and I needed time to myself. I felt drained. I needed to relax and think.
That's when I realized I need to pace myself. I can't change from introverted to extroverted. I can push myself to be more social but it is a bit more stressful for me. If I'm being more social every day, then I'm stressing myself to push myself out of my comfort zone. Like I said before, it works for a while until it doesn't.
It's most important to learn and understand yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses. It's great to push yourself to be more and to achieve more. Equally important is to know when to pull back.
I was able to relax and recharge. Then I was ready to get out of my comfort zone again. It all started with learning a little more about me and my introverted self.
Other articles you may enjoy:
What You Can Learn From NBA 2K!
Don't Let Anxiety Get the Best of You
Don't Miss It Until It's Gone
Recently, I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I've stepped into the spotlight. I have met new people and I have spoken in large groups. And I enjoyed it! It made me excited and it made me want to do more of it.
But...after a lot of social interaction, I began to feel the results on my introverted self. It was fun until it wasn't. All of a sudden I was worn out and I needed time to myself. I felt drained. I needed to relax and think.
That's when I realized I need to pace myself. I can't change from introverted to extroverted. I can push myself to be more social but it is a bit more stressful for me. If I'm being more social every day, then I'm stressing myself to push myself out of my comfort zone. Like I said before, it works for a while until it doesn't.
It's most important to learn and understand yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses. It's great to push yourself to be more and to achieve more. Equally important is to know when to pull back.
I was able to relax and recharge. Then I was ready to get out of my comfort zone again. It all started with learning a little more about me and my introverted self.
Other articles you may enjoy:
What You Can Learn From NBA 2K!
Don't Let Anxiety Get the Best of You
Don't Miss It Until It's Gone
What You Can Learn From NBA 2K!
Okay, I must admit I am a gamer. Not all the time. There are only a few games that I play and NBA 2K is the main one. I like that you can be the players and the coach. I decided to take the game I enjoy and tell you some valuable things you can learn from NBA 2K.
Sure, Kobe Bryant can take over a game and force his will to earn a victory but I've learned that the game flows better and is often easier when I get the whole team involved. It's interesting how by getting everyone involved, you can swing the momentum and have a wonderful game.
You have 24 seconds to setup your offense and get a good shot. This takes time management. You have to be aware of how much time you have available and figure out what you can do and cannot do in that time. On defense, you have 24 seconds to defend against scoring. You don't want to make bad defensive moves when times almost up.
What is the risk if you take a high percentage shot? Low. You're very likely to make it and if you miss it, your team will have time to recover for defense. What is the risk of a low percentage shot? High. You'll probably miss and you usually won't have time to recover for defense. You'll have to balance your risk to have a strong game. You want more close, high percentage shots but some 3 pointers can really open the game up. You just have to weigh the risks and benefits.
Whether you're playing offense or defense, you have to maintain focus. That focus could result in a block or a steal on defense or an alley-oop on offense. With the control you have over your players, focus comes into place when making passes and making shots. For some shots, you have to release the ball at the best time while avoiding a blocked shot. You could include patience here also because I try to steal the ball a lot but that gets me in foul trouble sometimes. Also, you have to be patient against shot fakes. If you jump at a shot fake, you can get embarrassed!
You need to know the strengths and weaknesses of your team to use them most effectively. You can learn which players are good 3 point shooters and where they prefer to shoot from and how much space they require to launch a good shot. You can learn what post moves work best for your players. Not only is it important to learn your players, but you also have to learn about your opponents. When I first started playing, I used the Lakers and thought I had enough talent to defeat any team. How can you defeat a team when you don't know their strengths and weaknesses? If you play the wrong team, that team may be great at fast breaks and then they score every time you miss a shot. The team may have great shot blockers and you keep trying to take it to the hoop.
Some players may shock you the more you use them. They may have more skills than you realize. You may think a player sucks because he's missing a lot of shots but maybe you're not taking the right shots. You may think a player doesn't have talent because he's deep into the bench. That player may surprise you. Look at what happened with Linsanity!
Some people say I'm wasting time playing NBA 2K. I would disagree. I'm reducing stress and I'm honing valuable skills with what I learn. It's all about how you look at it.
Other articles you may enjoy:
Don't let anxiety get the best of you
Don't miss it until it's gone
Don't kick the cat!
Be a team player
Sure, Kobe Bryant can take over a game and force his will to earn a victory but I've learned that the game flows better and is often easier when I get the whole team involved. It's interesting how by getting everyone involved, you can swing the momentum and have a wonderful game.
Time management
You have 24 seconds to setup your offense and get a good shot. This takes time management. You have to be aware of how much time you have available and figure out what you can do and cannot do in that time. On defense, you have 24 seconds to defend against scoring. You don't want to make bad defensive moves when times almost up.
Risk management
What is the risk if you take a high percentage shot? Low. You're very likely to make it and if you miss it, your team will have time to recover for defense. What is the risk of a low percentage shot? High. You'll probably miss and you usually won't have time to recover for defense. You'll have to balance your risk to have a strong game. You want more close, high percentage shots but some 3 pointers can really open the game up. You just have to weigh the risks and benefits.
Focus
Whether you're playing offense or defense, you have to maintain focus. That focus could result in a block or a steal on defense or an alley-oop on offense. With the control you have over your players, focus comes into place when making passes and making shots. For some shots, you have to release the ball at the best time while avoiding a blocked shot. You could include patience here also because I try to steal the ball a lot but that gets me in foul trouble sometimes. Also, you have to be patient against shot fakes. If you jump at a shot fake, you can get embarrassed!
Know your team
You need to know the strengths and weaknesses of your team to use them most effectively. You can learn which players are good 3 point shooters and where they prefer to shoot from and how much space they require to launch a good shot. You can learn what post moves work best for your players. Not only is it important to learn your players, but you also have to learn about your opponents. When I first started playing, I used the Lakers and thought I had enough talent to defeat any team. How can you defeat a team when you don't know their strengths and weaknesses? If you play the wrong team, that team may be great at fast breaks and then they score every time you miss a shot. The team may have great shot blockers and you keep trying to take it to the hoop.
You never know
Some players may shock you the more you use them. They may have more skills than you realize. You may think a player sucks because he's missing a lot of shots but maybe you're not taking the right shots. You may think a player doesn't have talent because he's deep into the bench. That player may surprise you. Look at what happened with Linsanity!
Some people say I'm wasting time playing NBA 2K. I would disagree. I'm reducing stress and I'm honing valuable skills with what I learn. It's all about how you look at it.
Other articles you may enjoy:
Don't let anxiety get the best of you
Don't miss it until it's gone
Don't kick the cat!
Don't Let Anxiety Get the Best of You
It's been a weird few days for me. I felt like I have anxiety but I couldn't pinpoint the reason. At first I was thinking that I couldn't pinpoint the reason because maybe I have spread myself too thin by being involved in so many things. Then I thought maybe the reason I have anxiety is because I'm involved in so many things.
I've always taken on lots of tasks at work and I've also volunteered a lot. So what makes this time so different? I'm not sure. Maybe it's the additional weight of having a business that rests solely on my shoulders. I have help but the responsibility is still mine whether it succeeds or fails.
Normally, I don't feel the anxiety because I usually balance out my nervousness and stress with exercise. For the last month or so, I haven't been able to run and that's my main way to relieve stress. I usually run until it's gone. Faster, farther until I feel tired and relaxed.
But now, it's not an option for me. My mistake is that I didn't have a backup plan. I relied on running and took it for granted.
Now, my stress levels have gotten higher than expected. I didn't see it coming. Now, that anxiety is trying to take over, it's time for some action to combat it.
First, I'm going to take some much needed time off. I think an extended weekend should be a good start. Then I'm going to reflect on all the things that I think are causing me stress and look for ways to balance everything better. Lastly, I'm going to the gym. Even though I can't run at the moment, I can do other things like weight lifting and riding a stationary bike. I hope the bikes are ready to handle the stress and anxiety I'm about to release on them.
In closing, I'd just like to say, don't let anxiety or stress get the best of you. There are lots of ways to relieve it. You just have to find what works for you. Once you find methods you enjoy, make sure you have backup options because you never know when one of your stress relief options may not be available. You are ultimately in control. It's up to you to recognize it and correct before it's too late!
Other articles you may enjoy:
Don't Miss It Until It's Gone
We All Get Lost Sometimes
Anger Management: Don't Kick The Cat!
Don't Miss It Until It's Gone
This is a beautiful song! Thank you Tamia. The title is "Almost" if you don't know. But aside from that, I like the way the video displays different items where something is missing. Examples include the teddy bear missing an eye or the bicycle missing a wheel.
This reminds me that it's about the sum of all parts working together to create something great. Sometimes, we take things for granted. I don't think it's intentional; I think some people, places, or things are just always there. It's rare when they are not.
For example, if you are right handed, you probably think you rarely use your left arm. Now, if you were unable to use your left arm, you would realize that you use it more than you thought. It would probably aggravate you once you can't use your arm and you realize how much you need it.
The same can apply in business. Whether you are the boss or an employee, it takes everyone's involvement to achieve success. It is possible to reach goals without everyone performing at their highest level but it may take longer to reach that goal. Remember, everyone has value and something to contribute to the team. When someone goes on vacation or takes a sick day, it's easy to see what is missing and what they bring to the group. Just make sure you tell them when they return.
Lastly, in love, this is something that is often taken for granted. Sometimes, we don't say the words enough or we just say them but they don't really have any meaning behind them. Don't just say "I love you" to say it. Think about all the reasons why you love that person. Then tell them why you love them. Everyone likes to hear those three words but I think it's stronger if you give those three words with a few extra words. This last bit of advice is something I can use as well. It's often the ones closest to us we take for granted.
In closing, don't wait until it's too late to appreciate the small things because they often have a large impact on life, business, and love.
Looking Back on My Week: The Importance of Social Interaction
As I look back at my week, there are a few things that stand out. This week, it seemed like some parts were moving at high speeds while other parts were moving in slow motion. Some things made me happy while others did not. With all the connections that we have in life, it's awesome when everything is working and clicking but the reality is it's difficult for everything to align perfectly. When it does, it's a wonder to behold and everything feels great. I'm not saying I experienced this wonder this week but I think I may be getting closer. This week I understood the importance of social interaction a little more.
A positive part of my week is that I continued to grow socially. I attended a meeting to strengthen my public speaking. Normally, I would not have subjected myself to this situation. You have to stand in front of people and talk about random topics...and you don't always get a choice of the topic. I prefer to have more control over what I speak about as well as ample time to prepare. This time I was just thrown into the spotlight. And I stumbled...I couldn't find all the right words. There were many awkward pauses and "ums" as I searched for the correct words to complete my story. A few words came out correctly and they had more power behind them but overall I thought it was a mess...but I survived. Later, I found out this episode only lasted 1 minute and 20 seconds. It felt like an eternity when the spotlight was on me. I had the honor of watching 2 seasoned speakers speaking as eloquently as I strive to reach. It's amazing to see someone controlling their fear and easily expressing their thoughts to an audience of strangers. I realize that this comes with time and practice.
Still outside of my comfort zone, I attended another meeting that focused on networking. This time I wasn't speaking in front of a large group of strangers but just meeting new people. The more I spoke to people, the more I enjoyed it. One conversation that stood out was a guy I spoke with that said he's not a very social person like me. I told him I am the same way and he almost could not believe it because I had been talking so much. I was just a little hyper from how my week was going. He also spoke a lot for a non social person. At the end of the day, I met a business contact as well as a potential friend.
Maybe I mention stepping out of your comfort zone a lot, but I honestly believe you'll be a stronger and wiser person for it. The next time something makes you uncomfortable and you want to run away, try it and see how you feel afterwards.
A positive part of my week is that I continued to grow socially. I attended a meeting to strengthen my public speaking. Normally, I would not have subjected myself to this situation. You have to stand in front of people and talk about random topics...and you don't always get a choice of the topic. I prefer to have more control over what I speak about as well as ample time to prepare. This time I was just thrown into the spotlight. And I stumbled...I couldn't find all the right words. There were many awkward pauses and "ums" as I searched for the correct words to complete my story. A few words came out correctly and they had more power behind them but overall I thought it was a mess...but I survived. Later, I found out this episode only lasted 1 minute and 20 seconds. It felt like an eternity when the spotlight was on me. I had the honor of watching 2 seasoned speakers speaking as eloquently as I strive to reach. It's amazing to see someone controlling their fear and easily expressing their thoughts to an audience of strangers. I realize that this comes with time and practice.
Still outside of my comfort zone, I attended another meeting that focused on networking. This time I wasn't speaking in front of a large group of strangers but just meeting new people. The more I spoke to people, the more I enjoyed it. One conversation that stood out was a guy I spoke with that said he's not a very social person like me. I told him I am the same way and he almost could not believe it because I had been talking so much. I was just a little hyper from how my week was going. He also spoke a lot for a non social person. At the end of the day, I met a business contact as well as a potential friend.
Maybe I mention stepping out of your comfort zone a lot, but I honestly believe you'll be a stronger and wiser person for it. The next time something makes you uncomfortable and you want to run away, try it and see how you feel afterwards.
Today Was A Good Day! Relationships and Opportunities
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| Relationships and Opportunities |
I have had a few good days recently but I'm very excited about today. I'm sure you're wondering why and I don't want to prolong your wait so here we go...
First of all, I went to a going away lunch for a coworker. You may be thinking, "How is that good?" Well, I don't mean the part about the person leaving. He will be missed and I'm sure he will do great things at his new location...plus he's coming back! I heard this coworker speak a few times and he always repeated something that stuck with me. He said, "It's not about the work you did and the deadlines you meet or bust. It's about the relationships you build and the people you meet. Those are the things most people will remember." I think that is a very valid point. When I think about the places I've been, I automatically start thinking about the people I met and the fun we had. I remember the jobs but not as clearly as the relationships. I have met some great people in my life...my early life...I still have a lot left!
Next, I want to talk about seizing opportunities. In life, we may see a lot of forks in the road. These are our options and our course in life is shaped by the actions we take. Today, I hit a fork in the road. I attended a meeting and during it, I noticed there were some great people that I could meet and possibly network with because...it's about the relationships we build! After the meeting was over, everyone had the opportunity to meet and greet each other. Well, I'm still a bit shy so networking is out of my comfort zone. It was easier for me to walk away...and that's what I did. I left the building and went to my car.
I was at the fork in the road and I made my choice. Was it the right choice? I didn't think so. While at my car, I kept thinking, "I should have stayed and networked." Based on a book I recently read, the word "should" is normally negative because most of the time when it's used, it's describing something you regret. So, as soon as the word "should" came out of my mouth, I recognized it and I changed it to "could". So my statement was "I could have stayed and networked." Then I thought, "Well, I haven't left yet! I still can!" So I took my nerves, pushed them aside, and decided I would not walk away. That's not who I am! I walked inside the building...still somewhat shy...I'm not going to force my way into a conversation. When the time was right, I introduced myself and I had a good conversation. Then I introduced myself again and had a good conversation. This happened repeatedly. In the end, I think I made some good connections and had the chance to meet and talk to some great people.
To some this may seem like a small feat, but to others, this may give them the strength in a similar situation. Maybe you can tell in my writing, I am really excited about this! I almost ran away from the opportunity but I recovered. Regardless of how the relationships and connections I made today turn out in the future...I grew today! So, today was a good day!
We All Get Lost Sometimes
Today, I drove to a shopping center. I was having a craving for some Korean food. I was so focused on getting the food that I parked my car basically in auto-pilot. I didn't look around to make sure I had a clear picture in my mind of where my car was parked.
I went inside and ordered the food I wanted. When my order was ready, I grabbed it and left the shopping center. I walked outside and into the huge parking lot. While walking I realized I wasn't sure where I parked at. I knew roughly wear the car was parked in the row but I could not remember which row. From the row I was currently walking, I didn't know if the car was to the left or the right of me so I walked around confused for a few minutes until I finally found the car.
Now, why am I telling you my silly story about me losing my car? Because like the title says, we all get lost sometimes. Maybe you can relate to forgetting where you parked your vehicle or maybe you can't. I'm sure there are other ways you have gotten lost in your lifetime.
Sometimes we get lost on our way to our goals. Maybe we didn't clearly define our goals. This will definitely get you lost. Or perhaps, we are easily distracted and unfocused. Then we can get derailed from accomplishing our goals. There are people in this world right now that are lost. When you are lost, it can be a very confusing time. And you may not know what actions to take to fix the situation.
Just as when you're lost and in need of direction, you ask for directions. Well, hopefully, you do. I don't always. I often try to figure it out on my own. Solving the problem on your own is an option if you're lost in life but it's not the best option. It's okay to ask for help...and you usually find a quicker resolution. So the next time, your life feels like a huge parking lot of confusion, remember, it's okay to ask for help.
Anger Management: Don't Kick The Cat!
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| Don't kick the cat! |
We all have days like this. You think you're completely relaxed. You think you are going to have a great day. Then the first person you see just says or does something to ruin your day. All of a sudden you're upset...you just can't manage your anger. How and why do we go from 0-60 like this? Don't kick the cat!
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| Don't kick the cat! |
Or maybe, your day just started off poorly. Your alarm clock didn't go off and you wake up and instantly have to rush out of the house skipping breakfast. You're already running late and then you get stuck in traffic. Your stomach is rumbling with hunger and someone cuts you off. You want to go faster but you have no control over the traffic. When you finally make it to work, the last person you want to see when you walk in the door is your boss. Guess who is the first person you see? Your boss! And what do they say? You're late! You're mad at everyone at that moment. You're mad at yourself for waking up late. You're mad at your clock for not working right. You're mad at the traffic, the drivers that cut you off, and your boss for acknowledging something you already knew. Don't kick the cat!
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| Don't kick the cat! |
Regardless of the cause of your anger, don't kick the cat! This is a story I heard in an audiobook by Zig Zigler: See You At The Top. I'll just give you a quick version of it because I can't do it justice the way he does. You'll have to read the book for the best rendition.
Let's say the boss arrives late and because he's mad and doesn't want to draw attention to him being late, he enters the office and yells at his vice president for not completing a sale. Now, the vice president is mad and he walks by his secretary. He yells at her for not providing the files he asked for yesterday. Now, the secretary is upset. When she gets home, she sees mud tracked across the floor. She finds her son and yells at him for not removing his shoes at the door. Now her son is upset. As he's storming off, their pet cat crosses his path. And you guessed it! He kicks the cat!
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| Don't kick the cat! |
The main thing to take away from this story is that we all have days where we get angry for whatever reason. It's often difficult at the time but you have to realize why you're angry or who you're really angry with. You don't want to take your anger out on the wrong person...especially if you really care about this person. It's better to use anger management than to start the anger domino affect that will end with a cat getting kicked.
Carnival
For most people, Natalie Merchant is a well-known name. I've recently become acquainted with her music. I heard one of her songs on VH1 and instantly liked the way she delivered it. VH1 said Tigerlily was a really good (perhaps classic) album by Natalie Merchant so I decided to find it.
I don't think it was the first time I've heard Natalie Merchant's songs. I used to work in a local supermarket when I was a teenager and I remember hearing lots of 80's songs playing. Some songs spoke to me but I didn't know the artists. I was also young and heavy into Rap and RnB so I only listened to what I'm guessing would be called Alternative music while I was at work. When I hear songs a few times and they are catchy, I learn them quickly.
Back to Natalie Merchant, Tigerlily, and Carnival, I listened to her album and enjoyed the entire album. When Carnival first came on, I didn't recognize the song, especially not the lyrics. Once it got to the hook, I recognized the song. I had heard it before but I had never really listened to it.
"Have I been blind? Have I been lost? Inside myself and my own mind? Hypnotized? Mesmerized by what my eyes have seen?" (Natalie Merchant, Carnival)
Natalie is comparing a part of what she's seen in life to a carnival. It is a very interesting outlook. It makes me wonder, "Are we just going through the motions?" Are we living our lives or are we just going along the road set for us? I think there are definitely times in our lives that we are just on auto-pilot. There are also times in our lives where we get to a point where we can choose to continue down that road or take a different route. The problem with that is that you have to be alert to notice when that time comes. Otherwise, you'll just pass right by it.
While a carnival can be entertaining, I don't want to spend my whole life inside one. I don't wan't be be "Hypnotized, mesmerized by what my eyes have seen." (Natalie Merchant, Carnival). I want to be awake and surprise life and myself by taking some different paths.
Prevent Burn Out
Prevent Burn Out
It's good to be motivated! It's great to be a hard worker. Along with all the effort, you also have to take some time to relax and recharge your batteries from time to time. It doesn't help if you constantly push yourself to the burn out point. I know from experience. Sometimes, it's very hard to recover. What do you think about when you see this picture?
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| Prevent Burn Out |
Most people would probably think that looks pretty cool. If you're thinking that looks awesome right now or that you could really use a vacation, you may want to be careful. It sounds like you may have a lot of stress in your life. You probably need to take a vacation. It doesn't have to be this elaborate and expensive. You may just need a few days away. Sometimes the weekend is just not long enough. Think about coordinating with your boss to take an extended weekend occasionally. This may prevent burn out.
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| Prevent Burn Out |
You should also think about what relaxes you. Identify stress relievers and take time to use them. I'm a NBA 2K (video game) player. I like basketball and it relaxes me to play after work. If I'm having a bad day, and then I lose the game, it adds to my stress. Therefore, I have other activities that help me relax and prevent burn out. They include running, driving, going to the beach, listening to music, and of course blogging.
We all have so much we want to accomplish. At times, the mountain looks too large to tackle. Some days, you just feel like you're in quicksand. The more you fight, the more you sink. Remember, you're not alone. That is the most important thing to keep in mind to prevent burn out. Don't let your stress cause you to lash out at those closest to you.
If you're an overachiever, that's a good thing. Keep doing what you're doing, just know your limits. I've seen too many hard workers with ailments from pushing too hard. Some people don't realize the impact stress can have on their health until it's too late. Take the time now to prevent burn out for a happy, healthy life.
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| Prevent Burn Out |
Work Hard, Play Hard
Work Hard, Play Hard
Work hard, play hard. In life, you have to be balanced. It's often easier said than done. I mean...how do you know what is the perfect balance? It can change from day to day or month to month. My balance changes daily because I may think in the morning I'm going to only work a normal shift and then I can do something I enjoy after work. Then, a new assignment may pop up that needs to be resolved quickly. It may take a while to complete and then the day may go by quickly. All of a sudden, you're done with the new task but you haven't accomplished anything that you had planned originally.
There were times when I spent more time playing instead of working. It was my choice to work hard instead of play hard. Oh, it was great and a lot of fun! I did whatever I wanted with no worries about the consequences. The funny thing about consequences is that even when you don't worry about them, they are still there. Because of my choice, I fell behind in accomplishing my goals during that time. Sure, I was happy in the present, but it wasn't good for my future. Time moves faster than you think.
There were also times when I just worked too hard. I couldn't enjoy life; work consumed me. I may have had success at work during this time but I was over stressed without an outlet. "Sometimes when you win, you actually lose or tie." (Rosie Perez, White Men Can't Jump)
I survived both scenarios but only because I or people around me noticed that I was veering too much one way or the other. Without the intervention, I hate to imagine what would have happened. Finding the proper balance is the key. Too much of anything is unhealthy. Even today, I'm still learning when to work hard and when to play hard.
Shine Like a Diamond
Shine Like a Diamond
When it comes to life, I want to shine like a diamond. I have so much belief in myself. I don't think anything is beyond my reach. I know that no matter what I accomplish, I did and will not accomplish it alone. I had help from parents that loved me, pushed me when needed, and gave me freedom to make my own choices when needed. I had help from siblings that showed me other perspectives for situations. I have friends that have offered helping hands so I could achieve my goals. I have friends that engage me in meaningful conversations to help me grow and learn. I have someone special in my corner that believes in me and encourages me. They all helped me shine like a diamond. That's the loving side. I have past bosses that showed me how not to lead. I have past bosses that were tough on me and pushed me to be better. I have "Dream Killers" that told me I couldn't do something. A few times, I was a "Dream Killer" and told myself I couldn't accomplish something. Boy, was I wrong! It took the support of loved ones and the toughness to help me shine. I have learned that sometimes great things fall in your lap, but also, there are many times when you have to work extremely hard to achieve your goals. I will enjoy the simple paths but won't shy away from the difficult paths. Both paths are required to get to the top. I know that in the end, I will get there and I will shine like a diamond!
Happy New Year 2013!
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| Happy New Year! |
Happy New Year 2013
A new year has arrived! This is a day that we can take time away from work and our busy schedules and reflect over the previous year. Did we accomplish everything we planned? If not, what happened? Regardless, it is now in the past. Our new focus should be on how can we improve for the new year. Whether 2012 was a great year for you or it left more to be desired, we have a new year to achieve our goals. We have a new year to spend with our families and friends. So cheers everyone, let's welcome 2013 and all the great things that are to come during this new year!
No Different But So Different
| No Different but So Different |
No Different but So Different
As I take a look at myself in the mirror, there is really nothing that
stands out about me. I'm not the most handsome guy but also not the
least. I'm not the strongest; I'm not the weakest. I'm not the tallest
nor the shortest. Still, there is a reason that I stand in this place at
this time while someone else stands in another place at the same time. Was
that person smarter? Perhaps, but I don't think so. I think they were average...just
like me. Did they have more ambition? I don't think so. I think they were
average...just like me. So to me, that means, they are no different...but
the outcome is so different. Did we once stand at the same place at the
same time...or perhaps different times? Could it be the decisions we made
when we stood there? Is that what makes us no different but so different?
I feel like I'm searching for an answer that doesn't exist. Is it something
so minute that puts me in this location and another person in a different
location? Everything feels no different...but so different.
Dream Big!
It all starts with an idea. It starts with a dream. It's up to you to take that idea to the next level. Often, I thought it was too difficult or too far out of reach to make it happen. Perhaps, I ignored my ideas so long, I didn't even recognize the ideas or pay attention to them when they appeared. Life can be hectic; there are a lot of priorities to balance. I always had an active imagination, but I didn't think there was a purpose for it. I thought it was a distraction. Everything has a purpose. Now, I realize I am a Dreamer. I may say something that I know is impossible. Some people will just say, "That's impossible.", and dismiss it. I ask, "Why is it impossible?" Now, that I understand I am a Dreamer, I recognize my ideas when they appear. I never knew how many ideas I had before. I just ignored them. Now, they display vividly in High Definition. I have more ideas than I know what to do with. So I am a Dreamer and now I know the purpose. If you are a Dreamer as well, don't ignore your ideas. Dream big! Then try to make them into reality. Just start with one. Like I said at the beginning, it all starts with an idea. So don't let it end with that idea. Take action. Make that dream into reality to fulfill the purpose. The world can always use more Dreamers! Someone inspired me to dream and I hope this inspires others to dream.
Happy Thanksgiving
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