Curiosity Cubed

Curious about Transition (s): Good and Also Good for Us!

2011-09-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

Definition of Transition: Passagefrom one place or state to another; charge; as, the transition of the weatherfrom hot to cold. A passing from one subject to another. Change from one formto another.

“Ultimately, your state of minddetermines your circumstances. To realize the outcomes you want, it iscritical to recognize and experience the transition from our present thoughts,habits, and actions to new thoughts, habits, and actions.” - Darren L.Johnson, American author

“Life is pleasant. Death ispeaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.” - Isaac Asimov, American Scientist
You may have wondered where I’vebeen. Well, I have been working on and experiencing the “troublesome” transitionfrom using my eleven year old computer to my brand new computer. WOW! The hoursand hours expended were incredible.

I had been getting stomach-ache-inducingmessages warning me that my “Disk Space Is Low.” I was frantically deletingunneeded programs, transferring large folders and files to my external harddrive, and worrying.

Two of my wonderful childrencame to the rescue. They sent me a new computer for my birthday. It wasloaded with up-to-date programs, lots of space, and new peripherals. However, ifyou are familiar with computers, you may know the work involved with atransition described above by Darren L. Johnson.

I spent at least seven hours onthe phone with technology experts, more hours reading and trying “Help”topics, and even more hours grappling with updates and transferal ofinformation from the old to the new. Anyway, I am back in business and stillgetting used to the new, but really love my new setup.

Thus, I thought it would fun tocheck out and share transition quotations. So, here goes:

· “The interval between the decay of the old andthe formation and establishment of the new constitutes a period of transitionwhich must always necessarily be one of uncertainty, confusion, error, and wildand fierce fanaticism.”- John C. Calhoun, American statesman

· “The transition was difficult. It's hard to stopsomething that you've enjoyed and that has been very rewarding.” - KareemAbdul-Jabbar, Americanathlete

· “History will have to record that the greatesttragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of thebad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” – Martin Luther King,Jr., American leader

· “Community colleges play an important role inhelping people transition between careers by providing the retooling they needto take on a new career.” - Barack Obama, American President

· “My first job in all honesty is going tocontinue to be mom-in-chief. Making sure that in this transition, which will beeven more of a transition for the girls... that they are settled and that theyknow they will continue to be the center of our universe.” - Michelle Obama, American first lady

· “The ambiguities of language, both in terms ofvocabulary and syntax, are fascinating: how important connotation is, what islost and what is gained in the linguistic transition.” – Marilyn Hacker, American poet

In addition, two short quotationsthat say a lot:

“We are the transition from one education to the other.” - AlfredRosenberg, German soldier

“Life is one big transition.” - Willie Stargell, American athlete

What life changing transitions have you experienced? Iknow that I learned a huge amount about persistence – and my new computer, too!

Curious about Stretch and/or Stretching: Many Different Takes on This Important Quality

2011-07-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Definition of Stretch : To reach out; to extend; to put forth. To draw or pull out to greater length; to strain; as, to stretch a tendon or muscle. To exaggerate; to extend too far; as, to stretch the truth; to stretch one's credit. To extend or spread one's self, or one's limbs; as, the lazy man yawns and stretches. To strain the truth; to exaggerate; as, a man apt to stretch in his report of facts. Act of stretching, or state of being stretched; reach; effort; struggle; strain; as, a stretch of the limbs; a stretch of the imagination.

“A good goal is like a strenuous exercise - it makes you stretch.” - Mary Kay Ash, American business woman

I chose “stretch” for this week’s blog, because of all of the benefits it offers. Stretching the body, the mind, the imagination are all so important in our lives. As a fitness instructor, I have always stressed the importance of stretching. Of course it helps to develop and keep us flexible. Most people don’t realize that we automatically lose 10% of our flexibility every ten years.

Over the past three years, I have been involved with Yoga and teaching Yoga. I even teach a Senior Yoga class called YogaStretch. And, yes, you guessed it, it involves a great deal of stretching. I know from how great my students and I feel, how beneficial the poses and stretches are for us. I was also delighted with the stretching quotations I found. Let me know what you think about them.

Here goes:

“What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds.” - Wayne Dyer, American psychologist

“It's a slight stretch of the imagination but most people are alike in most ways so I've never had any trouble identifying with the character that I'm playing.” - Jack Nicholson, American actor

“I think it's important to stretch as you get older, but I try to do basically all the things I did when I played, except I can't do them as well and as much.” - Mike Ditka, American coach

“If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness.” - Les Brown, American businessman

“By asking a novel question that you don't know the answer to, you discover whether you can formulate a way of finding the answer, and you stretch your own mind, and very often you learn something new.” - Walter Gilbert, American scientist

“It is undeniable that a woman's ability to stretch and pursue her total competence outside the home and get paid what she's worth for it makes for happier and more fulfilled women.” - Kyle D. Pruett, American child psychiatrist and expert on parenting

“I am conscious of trying to stretch the boundaries of non-fiction writing. It's always surprised me how little attention many non-fiction writers pay to the formal aspects of their work.” - Alain de Botton, English writer

And more:

“Jazz tickles your muscles, symphonies stretch your soul.” - Paul Whiteman, American celebrity

“Reading is a means of thinking with another person's mind; it forces you to stretch your own.” – Charles Scribner, Jr., American publisher

“Schools must stop being holding pens to keep energetic young people off the job market and off the streets. We stretch puberty out a long, long time.” -Toni Morrison, American novelist

“There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life; some familiar to us and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures.” - Bryant H. McGill, American poet

“In all realms of life it takes courage to stretch your limits, express your power, and fulfill your potential... it's no different in the financial realm.” - Suze Orman, American author

“I love to read. I love to stretch. In the morning, I get up, and if I'm not in a hurry, I will lie on the floor on a rug, look through some books and magazines, and maybe listen to music and try to do stretching exercises to tune up.” - Jackson Browne, American musician

“I still think of myself as a stage actor. When I do film and television I try to implement what I was taught to do in theatre, to try to stretch into characters that are far from myself.” - Tony Shalhoub, American actor

So, in what ways do you stretch yourself? The more you do it, the more you will love it. And the more you will experience the benefits.

Curious about Automatic: How Do You Feel about Things and Reactions that Are Automatic?

2011-06-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

“Good habits, which bring our lower passions and appetites under automatic control, leave our natures free to explore the larger experiences of life. Too many of us divide and dissipate our energies in debating actions which should be taken for granted.” - Ralph W. Sockman, American leader

“Just because it's automatic doesn't mean it works.” - Daniel J. Bernstein, American mathematician

For today’s blog, I was planning to use the theme of automation, but there were only a few quotations, so I chose it’s cousin, automatic, which works even better. Why, though, automation and/or automatic? Mainly, because I question the marketing gurus who sing the praises of automation. They are ecstatic when they can use automation or software programs that “with the click of a button” will create five minute websites, write articles on the topic of your choice, and perform a plethora of other many step – and somewhat boring –tasks.

Well, I am not ecstatic! Why? Because, even though we are working on a machine, I don’t want to be treated like a machine. I thought that the main focus and secret of successful marketing is building relationships with people – not our computers. Yes, it does help to have the programs that produce the amazing results we can expect and experience. I just want to have enough control that others realize that I am a real and caring person. I am not coming to you automatically with the click of a button. I want you to know, like, and trust me as a person.

Is it the human factor that has made video marketing so popular? I know that I enjoy seeing real human beings talking to me, even if they are not perfect – it is almost better if they aren’t.

Following are some of the quotations that address automatic. I found them to have interesting approaches and thoughts. Would love to hear what you think. Here we go:

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Martin Luther King, Jr., American leader

“Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them. Leave them alone.” - Ayn Rand, Russian author

“Repetition of the same thought or physical action develops into a habit which, repeated frequently enough, becomes an automatic reflex.” - Norman Vincent Peale, American clergyman

“For imagination sets the goal picture which our automatic mechanism works on. We act, or fail to act, not because of will, as is so commonly believed, but because of imagination.” - Maxwell Maltz, American scientist

“Racism is taught in our society, it is not automatic. It is learned behavior toward persons with dissimilar physical characteristics.” - Alex Haley, American novelist

“Forget about being world famous, it's hard enough just getting the automatic doors at the supermarket to acknowledge our existence.” - Doug Coupland, Canadian author

And, a few more:

“There are no automatic links between poverty and terrorism. Among millions of poor people in the world, only a few turn to terrorism.” - Gijs de Vries, Dutch politician

“Working with the Kinks, there always seemed to be some kind of automatic process at work. Ray and I had this telepathy happening for a long time, where one of us always knew what the other could do with something.” - Dave Davies, British musician

“The automatic stabilizer is unemployment insurance, food stamps, additional coverage of Medicaid.” – Franklin Raines, American businessman

“Not wishing to be disturbed over moral issues of the political economy, Americans cling to the notion that the government is a sort of automatic machine, regulated by the balancing of competing interests.” - C. Wright Mills, American sociologist

“My lyrics are generated by various peculiar processes. Very random and similar to automatic writing.” – Brian Eno, British musician

“Abundance and vigor of automatic movements are desirable, and even a considerable degree of restlessness is a good sign in young children.” - G. Stanley Hall, American psychologist

I hope you find all of this as interesting as I do. Are we really making our lives better using automation, or are we just dehumanizing others? What do you think? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Advice: How Do You Feel about Receiving It? and Giving It?

2011-06-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Definition of Advice: An opinion recommended or offered, as worthy to be followed; counsel. Deliberate consideration; knowledge. Information or notice given; intelligence; as, late advices from France; -- commonly in the plural.

“The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.” - Henry Ward Beecher, American clergyman

“Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least.” - George Chapman, English poet

I chose “advice” for this week’s blog, because the last few weeks have been so filled with advice. This extensive advice has come from both from the gurus that I trust and revere, along with some so-called gurus and/or experts whom are new to me. However, they have also been recommended by those I trust.

I am someone who is open to learning and self improvement, so I take the time to listen and weigh all of the pros and cons before taking serious action. And, some of that serious action involves large sums of money and time investments. Therefore, I figured that perusing the advice quotations would help me – and hopefully, you too - in deciding how to view, consider, share, and possibly adopt some of my overload of good and new advice.

The quotations have helped a great deal in the clarification of many sides to giving, receiving, and using advice. I would love to hear your thoughts on this rather prickly and varied topic.

Let’s get started with some quotations:

“Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” - Harper Lee, American novelist

“Know when to tune out, if you listen to too much advice you may wind up making other peoples mistakes.” - Ann Landers, American journalist

“Write the kind of story you would like to read. People will give you all sorts of advice about writing, but if you are not writing something you like, no one else will like it either.” - Meg Cabot, American author

“My mother gave lots of good advice and had a lot to say. As you get older, you realize everything she said was true.” - Lenny Kravitz, American musician

“The best careers advice to give to the young is 'Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.'” - Katherine Whitehorn, American journalist

“Don't give advice unless you're asked.” - Amy Alcott, American athlete

“An extreme optimist is a man who believes that humanity will probably survive even if it doesn't take his advice.” - John McCarthy, American politician

“It takes a great man to give sound advice tactfully, but a greater to accept it graciously.” - Logan P. Smith, American writer

And, some more to chew on:

“In real life, the most practical advice for leaders is not to treat pawns like pawns, nor princes like princes, but all persons like persons.” - James MacGregor Burns, American author

“I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.” - Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist

“Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it.” - Benjamin Franklin, American politician

“Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls Royce to get advice from those who take the subway.” - Warren Buffett, American businessman

“Most people who ask for advice from others have already resolved to act as it pleases them.” - Khalil Gibran, Lebanese American poet

“I was told to avoid the business all together because of the rejection. People would say to me, 'Don't you want to have a normal job and a normal family?' I guess that would be good advice for some people, but I wanted to act.” - Jennifer Aniston, American actress

“Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that's no reason not to give it.” - Agatha Christie, English writer

“Whatever advice you give, be short.” – Horace, Roman poet

And, two more to take with you:

“I don't think of myself as a role model. I do try to live in a compassionate, considerate and positive way. The only advice I can offer is to find what you love to do, find the joy in it, and express yourself through your passion.” - Barry Williams, American actor

“The only advice I can give to aspiring writers is don't do it unless you're willing to give your whole life to it. Red wine and garlic also helps.” - Jim Harrison, American writer

So, where do you find and hear great advice? And do you share your advice with others?
I would love to hear from you!

Curious about Plants: Do They Have a Place in Your Life? and What Do They Mean to You?

2011-05-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

“I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.” - David Hobson, American politician

“I hardly have any spare time! But when I do, I garden a lot - I love plants and flowers.” – Soundarya, American actress

I chose “plants” for this blog’s theme, because I spent a good bit of the morning planting on my new balcony. You may remember that I did have a large garden at the side of my former apartment. And, even though there is space designated here for tenants’ gardens, I decided to grow in pots this year. I can really relate to Soundarya without spare time. However, I am planning to spend time out there this summer.

I am even trying a couple of tomato plants along with the flowers. The plants I chose are recommended for pots and patios, so keep your fingers crossed.

When I searched for quotations, not only was there an interesting variety about the plants that grow, but also many relating to plants for businesses – like auto, industrial, power, and nuclear – which I won’t include. I did allow a few where plant was a verb.

Let’s get started:

“The ground we walk on, the plants and creatures, the clouds above constantly dissolving into new formations - each gift of nature possessing its own radiant energy, bound together by cosmic harmony.” - Ruth Bernhard, German photographer

“The historical circumstance of interest is that the tropical rain forests have persisted over broad parts of the continents since their origins as stronghold of the flowering plants 150 million years ago.” - E. O. Wilson, American scientist

“This evidence is overwhelming at this point. You eat more plants, you eat less other stuff, you live longer.” - Mark Bittman, American author

“Much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants.” - John W. Gardner, American educator

“When man learns to understand and control his own behavior as well as he is learning to understand and control the behavior of crop plants and domestic animals, he may be justified in believing that he has become civilized.” - Ayn Rand, Russian writer

“Working with plants, trees, fences and walls, if they practice sincerely they will attain enlightenment.” - Dogen Zenji, Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher

And, now some with a different twist – even a bit of humor:

“Trees and plants always look like the people they live with, somehow.” - Zora Neale Hurston, American dramatist

“Use plants to bring life.” - Douglas Wilson, American entertainer

“If we had paid no more attention to our plants than we have to our children, we would now be living in a jungle of weed.” - Luther Burbank, American environmentalist

“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” - Erma Bombeck, American journalist

“Plant and your spouse plants with you; weed and you weed alone.” - Jean Jacques Rousseau, Swiss philosopher

“My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.” - Mitch Hedberg, American comedian

A few more strong thoughts:

“My father being an outdoors person, he used to take us on quite a few adventures through the wild areas down there, introducing us to alligators and rattlesnakes and all the trees and plants.” - Jim Fowler, American scientist

“Nations, like plants and human beings, grow. And if the development is thwarted they are dwarfed and overshadowed.” - Claude McKay, Jamaican writer

“A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.”- Liberty Hyde Bailey, American scientist

“A man doesn't plant a tree for himself. He plants it for posterity.” - Alexander Smith, Scottish poet

“A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit.” - D. Elton Trueblood, American philosopher, educator and theologian

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” - Saint Basil, Greek saint

So, do you do any planting – inside or outside? I would love to hear about your gardens and why you love them too!

Curious about Marketing: Do You Do It? And, How Important Is It to You and Your Business?

2011-05-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Definition of Marketing: of Market ; The act of selling or of purchasing in, or as in, a market. Articles in, or from, a market; supplies.

“There is probably a perverse pride in my administration... that we were going to do the right thing, even if short-term it was unpopular. And I think anybody who's occupied this office has to remember that success is determined by an intersection in policy and politics and that you can't be neglecting of marketing and P.R. and public opinion.” - Barack Obama – American President

“To me, we're marketing hope.” - Joel Osteen, American clergyman

Why did I choose “marketing” for this week’s theme? One of my favorite gurus was interviewed in the latest version of Entrepreneur magazine. Guy Kawasaki was talking about selling, social media and being enchanting. Read the following excerpt for what he feels about the importance of marketing and enchantment – not enough enchanting quotations to choose it as a theme.

What about the excuse that it takes too much time?
How valuable is your time? Very valuable. But how valuable is making sales? Social media is marketing, and marketing is a core activity of companies. You can sit by the side of the river for a long time before a roast duck flies into your mouth, or you can gain thousands of followers and fans. You've got to go out there and enchant.

Entrepreneurship is synonymous with selling, and being enchanting about it -- by influencing behavior in "ethical, long-lasting ways" - will help you sell, says Guy Kawasaki, founding partner at Garage Technology Ventures, co-founder of Alltop.com and Apple Computer's former chief evangelist. He's also the bestselling author of 10 books, including, most recently, Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions, chock-full of usable startup and social media tips on how to do just that.

I have found that every successful entrepreneur – either online or offline – stresses the importance of marketing. And to succeed, we must love marketing and ABM or Always Be Marketing. As you have probably guessed, I did find many great quotations about marketing.

Here goes:

“Business has only two functions - marketing and innovation.” - Milan Kundera, Czechoslovakian writer

“But, the thing is, since I always had my own little shop and direct access to the public, I've been able to build up a technique without marketing people ever telling me what the public wants.” – Vivienne Westwood, English designer

“Firms need to ensure that their ability to provide effective customer service keeps pace with their growth. If you're marketing your firm to new customers, you better be able to provide them service when they do business with you.” - Arthur Levitt, American public servant

“Google actually relies on our users to help with our marketing. We have a very high percentage of our users who often tell others about our search engine.” - Sergey Brin, American businessman

“I do not believe in censorship, but I believe we already have censorship in what is called marketing theory, namely the only information we get in mainstream media is for profit.” - Sam Sheppard, American scientist

“I don't need somebody behind a desk to tell me what a marketing survey says is funny. I got 3 million miles and 70,000 tickets sold, telling me that I know how to make people laugh.” - D. L. Hughley, American actor

“In marketing I've seen only one strategy that can't miss - and that is to market to your best customers first, your best prospects second and the rest of the world last.” - John Romero, American inventor

And, of course, a few more for fun:

“Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department.” - David Packard, American businessman

“Our co-founder and company president, Jim Levy, came from a record industry background and understood the marketing and promotion of artists as well as products. So the video game business went from absolutely zero designer credit to something approaching rock star promotion.” – David Crane, American Video Game designer and programmer

“Programmers and marketing people know how to get into your subconscious - they spend millions of dollars researching colors, shapes, designs, symbols, that affect your preferences, and they can make you feel warm, trusting, like buying. They can manipulate you.” - Richard Hatch, American actor

“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” - Peter Drucker, American businessman

“The ultimate test of a finished account executive is his ability to write a sound marketing plan.” - Morris Hite, American businessman

“There are certain people who have become better artists, but they're brilliant at marketing. I think someone who's been phenomenal like that is Madonna.” - Michael Bolton, American musician

“There was a period of time in America where the advertising world actually went to the housewives of America and had them write jingles that would appeal to them. It was actually brilliant marketing.” - Julianne Moore, American actress

So, do you have a marketing plan? If so, please let me hear from you. I would love to read your feedback about what it consists of and what works the best for you. Is it enchanting?

Curious about Art: It Is Art that Plays a Huge Part in Our Surroundings and Environment. There Is an Artist in Each of Us and Our Lives

2011-05-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

Definition of Art: A system of rules serving to facilitate the performance of certain actions; a system of principles and rules for attaining a desired end; method of doing well some special work; -- often contradistinguished from science or speculative principles; as, the art of building or engraving; the art of war; the art of navigation. The application of skill to the production of the beautiful by imitation or design, or an occupation in which skill is so employed, as in painting and sculpture; one of the fine arts; as, he prefers art to literature. Skill, dexterity, or the power of performing certain actions, acquired by experience, study, or observation; knack; as, a man has the art of managing his business to advantage.

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” - Albert Einstein, German physicist

I chose art for this week’s blog because yesterday I did what I love doing – visiting an art museum. Akron, Ohio was one of only two North American museums chosen for the M. C. Escher exhibit of his original work – and, I was there. It was a terrific show, and the Akron Art Museum is a tribute to art itself. It has been remodeled, is incredibly modern, beautiful and spacious.

The whole experience was so special, I realized how much I miss doing art (it was my major field of study when I went back to college in 1971).

The quotations are varied, fun and inspiring. Let’s share some:

“The art of acceptance is the art of making someone who has just done you a small favor wish that he might have done you a greater one.” - Martin Luther King, Jr., American leader

“Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse.” – Winston Churchill, British statesman

“Life doesn't imitate art, it imitates bad television.” - Woody Allen, American actor

“Life imitates art far more than art imitates Life.” - Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist

“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.” - John F. Kennedy, American President

“Art is a step from what is obvious and well-known toward what is arcane and concealed.” - Khalil Gibran, Lebanese American poet

“Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring two pence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” - C. S. Lewis, British author

“Winners have the ability to step back from the canvas of their lives like an artist gaining perspective. They make their lives a work of art - an individual masterpiece.- Denis Waitley, American writer

And, a few more:

“Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art.” - Ansel Adams, American photographer

“The great art of life is sensation, to feel that we exist, even in pain.” - Lord Byron, British poet

“The excellency of every art is its intensity, capable of making all disagreeable evaporate.” - John Keats, English poet

“Space is the breath of art.” - Frank Lloyd Wright, American architect

“Art is making something out of nothing and selling it.” - Frank Zappa, American musician

“The capacity to be puzzled is the premise of all creation, be it in art or in science.” - Erich Fromm, American psychologist

“Art is not a thing; it is a way.” - Elbert Hubbard, American writer

“Being an artist is dragging your innermost feelings out, giving a piece of yourself, no matter in which art form, in which medium.” - Henry Rollins, American musician

“An art which isn't based on feeling isn't an art at all.” - Paul Cezanne, French artist

“The art of love is largely the art of persistence.” - Albert Ellis, American psychologist

How much are you affected by art? What are your favorite styles? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Winning: How Important Is Winning to You? – in Games, in Life, in Business, and in all Aspects?

2011-04-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

Definition of Winning: Attracting; adapted to gain favor; charming; as, a winning address. The act of obtaining something, as in a contest or by competition. The money, etc., gained by success in competition or contest, esp, in gambling; -- usually in the plural.

“I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” - Michael Jordan, American athlete

“Winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half.” - Bum Phillips, American coach

Phillips’ quotation really applies to me. As I have mentioned before, a few months ago I moved to a new apartment complex. To get to know some of the other tenants in a fun way, I started attending the Thursday evening BINGO games. I had never played Bingo before and I wasn’t winning – got frustratingly close, but that was it.

And then, this past Thursday, I won a hand. Since I really experienced a thrill, I chose “winning” for this week’s blog theme. I am not sure what made the difference. Never having played Bingo before moving here, I found it to be fun with a good social outlet. I don’t feel that winning is just luck, or even skill, but I have been wondering if mindset helps.

Anyway, the quotations were geared mostly toward sports, but also touched on attitudes. I was surprised by how obsessive – and negative - some of the comments by athletes were – I did not include those.

So, here goes:

“Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” - Paul Bryant, American coach

“I'm competitive with myself, but not with other people. I set goals for myself. I don't really care about winning or losing as long as I do my best.” - Lucas Grabeel, American actor

“The determination to win is the better part of winning.” - Daisaku Ikeda, Japanese writer

“Winning may not be everything, but losing has little to recommend it.” - Dianne Feinstein, American politician

“A winning effort begins with preparation.” - Joe Gibbs, American coach

“Let's try winning and see what it feels like. If we don't like it, we can go back to our traditions.” - Paul Tsongas, American politician

“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.” - Wilma Rudolph, American athlete

“In real life, it is the hare who wins. Every time. Look around you. And in any case it is my contention that Aesop was writing for the tortoise market. Hares have no time to read. They are too busy winning the game.” - Anita Brookner, English historian

And, some more:

“Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all time thing. You don't win once in a while, you don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” - Vince Lombardi, American coach

“I've done the calculation and your chances of winning the lottery are identical whether you play or not.” – Fran Lebowitz, American journalist

“Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward; they may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian actor

“Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning.” - Erwin Rommel, German soldier

“Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown.” - Ross Perot, American businessman

“Personally, I rather look forward to a computer program winning the world chess championship. Humanity needs a lesson in humility.” - Richard Dawkins, English scientist

“Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.” - Denis Waitley, American writer

So, how do you feel about winning? What qualities do we need to prepare to win? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Proof: How Important or Influential Is It? How Do You Establish It?

2011-04-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Definition of Proof: Any effort, process, or operation designed to establish or discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a trial. That degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or arguments that induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration.

“That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.” – Abraham Lincoln, American President

“Confidence in the goodness of another is good proof of one's own goodness.” - Michel de Montaigne, French philosopher

I chose the word “Proof” for this week’s blog for a couple of reasons. First of all, there are so many comments being made about the veracity of the Internet. It is unsettling – at least for me and others I interact with – how much of the information shared is questionable. Right now, I am experiencing so many sites that are pushing systems that will easily – with one click – make you a millionaire. No work, just collect your money. Their proof is copies of bank statements showing large amounts of income daily. These are relatively easy to create. No wonder we are skeptical.

Another reason – and this one is legitimate – is that I watched an excellent video this morning about Social Proof by Greg Habstritt. Social Proof is the name for testimonials and is so important to our success. When we receive incredible service, we tell others. If we experience an outstanding product, we tell others. As I surmised, the quotations I found didn’t address phony sales letters or Social Proof, but were so excellent, I want to share them with you.

Let’s get started:

“To have the sense of creative activity is the great happiness and the great proof of being alive.” - Matthew Arnold, English poet

“We must never assume that which is incapable of proof.” - George Henry Lewes, English philosopher

“We're living proof that nice guys always finish last.” - Matthew Cooper, American journalist

“You actually can make it, no matter what. I truly am a firm believer in that. Eminem's living proof.” - Brittany Murphy, American actress

“You know that I am living proof that the American Dream is real. Growing up, our congressman cut through government bureaucratic red tape to help my mom buy our first house. That's the kind of congressman I'll be.” - Geoff Davis, American politician

“Anything that won't sell, I don't want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success.” - Thomas A. Edison, American inventor

“Achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness, not pain or mindless self-indulgence, is the proof of your moral integrity, since it is the proof and the result of your loyalty to the achievement of your values.” - Ayn Rand, Russian writer

“I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof.” - Rodney Dangerfield, American comedian

And, a few more for fun and interest:

“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” - Benjamin Franklin, American politician

“Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.” - Khalil Gibran, Lebanese American poet

“Aviation is proof that given, the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.” – Eddie Rickenbacker, American aviator

“Do not be fooled into believing that because a man is rich he is necessarily smart. There is ample proof to the contrary.” - Julius Rosenwald, American businessman

“Do not consider it proof just because it is written in books, for a liar who will deceive with his tongue will not hesitate to do the same with his pen.” – Maimonides, Spanish philosopher

“Euclid taught me that without assumptions there is no proof. Therefore, in any argument, examine the assumptions.”- E. T. Bell, Scottish mathematician

“In matters of truth the fact that you don't want to publish something is, nine times out of ten, a proof that you ought to publish it.” - Gilbert K. Chesterton, English writer

“The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment.” – Elbert Hubbard, American writer

So, what do you think? What kind of proof do you need before making a decision? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Influence: How Important Is It? How Much Do You Have and Use?

2011-04-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Definition of Influence: The bringing about of an effect, physical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence of education on the mind; the influence, according to astrologers, of the stars over affairs. Power or authority arising from elevated station, excellence of character or intellect, wealth, etc.; reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of influence in the community. To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to move; to persuade; to induce.

“You can never really live anyone else's life, not even your child's. The influence you exert is through your own life, and what you've become yourself.” - Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady

I chose “Influence” for this week’s blog, because recently there have been several books and articles written about it. I also am interested in what has influenced us in our lives to become who we are. I just experienced a TED talk by Caroline Casey at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyBk55G7Keo . I suggest that if you have 20 minutes, you will find this no limits talk incredible.

I found many thought-provoking quotations. I know you will love them. A couple that I want to share right away are:

“Influence is like a savings account. The less you use it, the more you've got.” - Andrew Young, American clergyman

And, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” - Wilma Rudolph, American athlete

Ready for more? I am:

“The forbidden things were a great influence on my life. I was forbidden from reading A Catcher in the Rye.” - Amy Tan, American novelist

“I think maybe the rural influence in my life helped me in a sense, of knowing how to get close to people and talk to them and get my work done.” - Gordon Parks, American photographer

“I have been trying to point out that in our lives chance may have an astonishing influence and, if I may offer advice to the young laboratory worker, it would be this - never to neglect an extraordinary appearance or happening.” - Alexander Fleming, English scientist

“If you examine this, I think that you will find that it's the mechanics of Japanese architecture that have been thought of as the direct influence upon our architecture.” - Minoru Yamasaki, American architect

“Another cause for the increase in alienation and cynicism is a feeling that too many policy decisions that affect individuals have been taken out of any system that has accountability or that they can influence.” – Robert Teeter, American politician

“Ted Turner is still a leader. And he sets a great example. His ability financially has been reduced, but his influence and his example still is an important asset to the whole environmental movement.” - Maurice Strong, Canadian businessman

“There is no influence like the influence of habit.” - Gilbert Parker, British politician

“I really do believe in the influence of your surroundings.” - Matt Sharp, American musician

And just a few more – they are so good!

“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions.” - John Hancock, American politician

“Our chief justices have probably had more profound and lasting influence on their times and on the direction of the nation than most presidents.” - Richard M. Nixon, American President

“The secret of my influence has always been that it remained secret.” - Salvador Dali, Spanish artist

“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” - Mark Twain, American author

“Whatever we do or fail to do will influence the course of history.” - Arthur Henderson, British politician

“Picasso's always been such a huge influence that I thought when I started the cartoon paintings that I was getting away from Picasso, and even my cartoons of Picasso were done almost to rid myself of his influence.” - Roy Lichtenstein, American artist

“Dreams have as much influence as actions.” - Stephane Mallarme, French poet

So, what has been a big influence in your life? And who, how, and when have you influenced? Remember, I would love to hear your feedback.

Curious about Title: How Much of a Difference Does It Make? To a Book, Person or Other?

2011-04-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

Definition of Title : The inscription in the beginning of a book, usually containing the subject of the work, the author's and publisher's names, the date, etc. An appellation of dignity, distinction, or preeminence (hereditary or acquired), given to persons, as duke marquis, honorable, esquire, etc. A name; an appellation; a designation. That which constitutes a just cause of exclusive possession; that which is the foundation of ownership of property, real or personal; a right; as, a good title to an estate, or an imperfect title. The instrument which is evidence of a right.

“A good title is the title of a successful book.” - Robert C. Gallagher, American sportswriter

You've got to realize. In the western world, regardless of what color you are, what title the music is, it's all played by the same notes.” - Ornette Coleman, American musician

I picked title for this week’s theme, because it sets the tone for acceptance – whether for a book, any kind of written material, a person, a movie or play, or music. I also wanted to introduce you to a fascinating and helpful website. At http://www.aminstitute.com/headline/index.htm , when you enter your title and/or headline (with 20 words or less), The Headline Analyzer goes to work.

This free tool will analyze your headline to determine the Emotional Marketing Value (EMV) score. As you know, reaching your customers in a deep and emotional way is a key to successful copywriting, and your headline is unquestionably the most important piece of copy you use to reach prospects.

Your headline will be analyzed and scored based on the total number of EMV words it has in relation to the total number of words it contains. This will determine the EMV score of your headline. In addition to the EMV score, you will find out which emotion inside your customer's your headline most impacts. It is a fun and great way to find out more about your title and/or headline.

As usual, I found an interesting variety of quotations. Let’s take a look:

“The beauty of a main title is that you establish your main theme and maybe a bit of your secondary theme. You plant the seed that you're going to go water later in the score. And so, having that removed just made it so much more difficult.” - Danny Elfman, American musician

“The word actress has always seemed less a job description to me than a title.” - Gene Tierney, American actress

“Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am? It's just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title. I'd appreciate it.” - Barbara Boxer, American politician

“J. Lo is also an homage to my fans. That's what fans call me on the streets, and I like it. So giving the album this title is my way of telling them that this is for them, in appreciation of their support.” - Jennifer Lopez, American musician

“Jigsaw Lady is the working title of a science fiction novel I've had in my head for darn near 15 years. I think I'll start work on it next year (in all my spare time) but I'd like to get it finished some day.” - Raymond E. Feist , American author

“Seven is a lucky number, so I plan to do a lot of lucky things with my seventh place title.” - Anwar Robinson, American musician

“That is what the title of artist means: one who perceives more than his fellows, and who records more than he has seen.” - Edward Gordon Craig, British actor

And, a few more:

“Titles are but nicknames, and every nickname is a title.” - Thomas Paine, English writer

“Oh, that lovely title, ex-president.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower, American President

“Let me tell you about being executive producer. It is not a job, it's a title. Don't go around asking executive producers what they do because they don't do anything, alright?” - Morgan Freeman, American actor

“Each has his past shut in him like the leaves of a book known to him by his heart, and his friends can only read the title.” - Virginia Woolf, British author

“When I was in college, I was the editor of the literary magazine and insisted neither the editors nor the writers be specifically identified-only our student numbers appeared on the title page. I love that idea and still do.” - Jonathan Carroll, American author

“When you won that title you should know now that you are representing a whole country or nation with your actions and you are now in a glass house or under a microscope and you better be ready to make your people proud.” - Alexis Arguello, Nicaraguan athlete

“My bad habits aren't my title. My strengths and my talent are my title.” - Layne Staley, American musician

I also found it interesting that some authors title their books when finished while others title at the start of writing. “We don't have to think up a title till we get the doggone book written.” - Carl Sandburg, American poet and writer “I do not believe in inspiration, but I must have a title in order to work, otherwise I am lost.”- Guillermo Cabrera Infante, Cuban novelist Do test out the headline analyzer and let me know what you think.

Curious about the Two Sides of Content: That Which Is Contained, and That Which Is Felt

2011-02-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

Definition of Content: Contained within limits; satisfied; contented; at rest. That which is contained; the thing or things held by a receptacle or included within specified limits; as, the contents of a cask or bale or of a room; the contents of a book. To satisfy the desires of; to make easy in any situation; to appease or quiet; to gratify; to please.

“Content is often the reason users come to your site.” - Jesse James Garrett, American businessman

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” - Martin Luther King, Jr., American leader

“Content has been king – and even queen – since I started working on the Internet in the early 90s.” So, I found what Doug Schumacher, President and Creative Director of Basement Inc., wrote the following about content in an IMEDIA article today:

“Recognize that content is the new marketing.
The content a company produces is probably the most accurate form of marketing communications a company can deliver. If the company really understands its industry, then it should be able to produce good content. If not, it will show. Another plus to content development is that when your content is remarkable, you've already answered many of the questions around what your marketing messages should be.”

This is what led me to choose content – even though it has two sides – for this week’s blog. As usual, the different approaches covered by the quotations shone many lights on the subject.

Here is the first group:

"The next wave of the Web is going to be user-generated content.” - John Doerr, American businessman
“The refusal to rest content, the willingness to risk excess on behalf of one's obsessions, is what distinguishes artists from entertainers, and what makes some artists adventurers on behalf of us all.” - John Updike, American novelist
“The role of the musician is to go from concept to full execution. Put another way, it's to go from understanding the content of something to really learning how to communicate it and make sure it's well-received and lives in somebody else.” - Yo-Yo Ma, American musician
“A company like DreamWorks, all we do is make product. That's all we do. We don't own distribution. We are purely in the creation of content.” - Jeffrey Katzenberg, American producer
“A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and time in which it is used.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., American judge
“After closely examining my conscience, I venture to state that in my historical novels I intended the content to be just as modern and up-to-date as in the contemporary ones.” – Lion Feuchtwanger, German novelist
“There is just so much stuff in the world that, to me, is devoid of any real substance, value, and content that I just try to make sure that I am working on things that matter.” - Dean Kamen, American inventor

And some with a very different spin:

“What progress we are making. In the Middle Ages they would have burned me. Now they are content with burning my books.” - Sigmund Freud, Austrian psychologist
“What really decides consumers to buy or not to buy is the content of your advertising, not its form.” - David Ogilvy, English businessman
“Most novices picture themselves as masters - and are content with the picture. This is why there are so few masters.” - Jean Toomer, American author
“People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.” - Andrew Carnegie, American businessman
“People who cannot invent and reinvent themselves must be content with borrowed postures, secondhand ideas, fitting in instead of standing out.” - Warren G. Bennis, American psychologist
“The teller of a mirthful tale has latitude allowed him. We are content with less than absolute truth” - Charles Lamb, English critic
“I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.” - Anna Quindlen, American journalist

And a couple more:

“I think my capacity to change has given me tremendous happiness, because who I am today I am completely content to be.” - Jamie Lee Curtis, American actress

“It's hard to be ambitious if you're content, isn't it?” - Tucker Carlson, American journalist

So, what do you think? How important is content? And, how content are you?

Curious about Moving: Pros and Cons and Lessons Learned

2011-02-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

Definition of Moving: The act of changing place or posture; esp., the act of changing one's dwelling place or place of business.

“Human beings are the only animal that thinks they change who they are simply by moving to a different place. Birds migrate, but it's not quite the same thing.” - Doug Coupland, Canadian author

“We're all moving, moving, moving. Isn't it nice?” - Charles Olson, American poet

I did choose my topic (theme) a couple of weeks ago, but as you probably know, I have been in the throes of moving, packing, unpacking, and organizing for the whole month of February and before. When I looked up the moving quotations, I did find many good directions, which I will introduce in this week’s e-newsletter – coming to your mailbox in a couple of days.

So far, I am thrilled with my new location. But, even so, I have been heard to proclaim, “I will never move again.” Yes, not being a bird, I do feel that I have changed with this move. I am closer to the two gyms where I teach fitness and am now part of a Senior Community. The people I have met so far are delightful and welcoming.

I have found my favorite grocery store in duplicate, twice the size, and with the same reasonable prices I am used to. The library is within walking distance and my favorite big box store is bigger and boxier. Both my banks are on my route to and from the gyms along with several variety packed shopping centers.

But that’s not all! I have a balcony (a bit cold right now for lounging) that overlooks the Lake (Erie), so this Spring, Summer, and Fall will find me celebrating the water and the breathtaking sunsets. As I have said before, “I love Cleveland, Ohio,” and it just got even better!!

Since I am planning to use my “moving” theme and quotations in this week’s Portfolio Potpourri, I will start sharing some of them here:

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney, American cartoonist
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” - Henry Ford, American businessman
“If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it's moving you away from your goals.” - Brian Tracy, American author
“The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.” - Elbert Hubbard, American writer
“Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” - Denis Waitley, American writer
“The important work of moving the world forward does not wait to be done by perfect men.” - George Eliot, British author
“Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.” - Samuel Butler, British poet

And, just a few more:

“For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction.” - Michelle Obama, American First Lady
“I'm trying to get in the habit of, you know, picking up a book and learning how to write my feelings down, not my feelings but my thoughts, about things, and hopefully I'll moving toward the writing and directing thing soon.” - Corey Haim, Canadian actor
“You are always a student, never a master. You have to keep moving forward.” - Conrad Hall, American artist
“Risk means everything from being honest about your faith, to moving, to quitting a job that's paying you a fortune but it's not what's in your heart. Risking things is one of the biggest fears we have.” - John Tesh, American musician
“Dr. King is so inspiring, so impressive, so moving as a human being.” - Michael Bolton, American musician
“To me, if life boils down to one thing, it's movement. To live is to keep moving.” – Jerry Seinfeld, American comedian

And, I don’t agree with Sean Connery, Scottish actor, who said, “I haven't found anywhere in the world where I want to be all the time. The best of my life is the moving. I look forward to going.”

How about you? Have you moved lately? There are many ways to move – some eye opening and rewarding – others loaded with work and change. However, I am glad I have moved and am looking forward to an exciting future.

Curious about Resolve: What Does It Mean to You? And Do You Have and Use It?

2011-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Definition of Resolve: To separate the component parts of; to reduce to the constituent elements; said of compound substances; hence, sometimes, to melt, or dissolve. To be settled in opinion; to be convinced.

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” - Helen Keller, American author

I chose “resolve” for this week’s theme, because I was so inspired by Dan Kennedy’s excellent article in his monthly, marketing letter.

To quote him, “For most, the legitimacy of resolve is an unwelcome idea. Whether or not you take a midnight utterance at a party seriously isn’t important, but to what extent you subscribe to the legitimacy of resolve is vital. The sports cliché is that big games tend to be won by the team that wants it most and refused not to win. Yes, talent matters, but less than resolve. Personally, I think I have little if any talent, but I’ve had a whole lot of resolve throughout my life.”

I started to think about the power of the word resolve as I was finding so many great quotations. Don’t you feel that you would be more likely to achieve your goals and intentions if you stated, “I resolve to accomplish this?”

Let me share some of the quotations I found:

“To make our way, we must have firm resolve, persistence, tenacity. We must gear ourselves to work hard all the way. We can never let up.” - Ralph Bunche, American diplomat
“Wise to resolve, and patient to perform.” – Homer, Greek poet
“Resolve to edge in a little reading every day, if it is but a single sentence. If you gain fifteen minutes a day, it will make itself felt at the end of the year.” - Horace Mann, American educator
“The function of a genius is not to give new answers, but to pose new questions which time and mediocrity can resolve.” - Hugh Trevor-Roper, English historian
“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” - Ella Wheeler Wilcox, American writer
“Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it.” – Rene Descartes, French mathematician
“Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you.” - Denis Waitley, American writer

And a few more:

“I was only the servant of my country and had I, at any moment, failed to express her unflinching resolve to fight and conquer, I should at once have been rightly cast aside.” - Winston Churchill, British statesman
“This is the moment when we must come together to save this planet. Let us resolve that we will not leave our children a world where the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands.” - Barack Obama, American President
“There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love; there's only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.” - Wayne Dyer, American psychologist
“However, lifestyle intervention requires discipline with a tangible end result that is within reach. It requires personal resolve, a lifelong commitment.” - Tim Holden, American politician
“I just think that there are those people that their resolve is strengthened by what it is that's keeping them down, and there are some people that will buckle under it. You never know which one is which until you get into the eighth or ninth round of the fight.” - Ron Perlman, American actor
“If you resolve to give up smoking, drinking and loving, you don't actually live longer; it just seems longer.” - Clement Freud, British writer
“In life there are no problems, that is, objective and external choices; there is only the life which we do not resolve as a problem but which we live as an experience, whatever the final result may be.” - Alberto Moravia, Italian novelist

And I do love two more for you to think about this week:

“Resolve and thou art free.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet

“Resolve not to be poor: whatever you have, spend less. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult.” - Samuel Johnson, English author

What do you resolve to achieve? I would love to read your feedback.

Curious about TRANSFORMATION: What Creates It? And Is It Worthwhile in Our Lives and Careers?

2011-01-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Definition of TRANSFORMATION: (1)The act of transforming, or the state of being transformed; change of form or condition. (2) Change of one form of material into another, as in assimilation; metabolism; metamorphosis. (3) A change in disposition, heart, character, or the like; conversion.

“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then tr of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.” - Napoleon Hill, American writer

Even though I used it previously, I chose “TRANSFORMATION” for this week’s theme because, for me, 2011 will be a year of TRANSFORMATION. In less than a month, I will be moving into a different apartment. It is on the lake and closer to the two YMCAs where I teach my 12 fitness classes a week. However, the move is only the start.

I am also updating my marketing direction. This past year I joined a cutting edge marketing group and also an Internet Skills and Mastermind group. The great news is that the leader shares a plethora of information and holds several pure learning webinars a week. He also assigns challenges for us to complete.

Notice that each of the parts of the definition above use the word, “change.” We all know how difficult it is to change. And, yet, we have heard again and again that if we don’t change we will continue to have the same results over and over. If we are happy with our results, we should continue doing what we have always done. However, most of the people I know would be thrilled with a change for the better, but are afraid to try.

Have you experienced or started to work on a transformation? It may consist of different areas of your life: physical, financial, educational, family, and emotional. The great news is that if one works on transforming one of these areas, transformation will occur in other areas, too. I have witnessed this so often at the gym. When a student of mine works on losing weight and achieving a high level of fitness, the benefits color other areas.

What do the experts have to say about transformation:

“Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.” - Marianne Williamson, American author
“History is the transformation of tumultuous conquerors into silent footnotes.” - Paul Eldridge, American educator
“Transformation in the world happens when people are healed and start investing in other people.” - Michael W. Smith, American musician
“Transformation literally means going beyond your form.” - Wayne Dyer, American psychologist
“It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.” - Edgar Degas, French artist
I especially like American actress, Judith Light’s quotation, “The message of transformation and how we all can live from our heart, not just from our head, was a very important message for me to learn in my own life.”

And a few more quotations to chew upon:

“I never told a victim story about my imprisonment. Instead, I told a transformation story - about how prison changed my outlook, about how I saw that communication, truth, and trust are at the heart of power.” - Fernando Flores, Chilean politician
“When we quit thinking primarily about ourselves and our own self-preservation, we undergo a truly heroic transformation of consciousness.” - Joseph Campbell, American author
“Art is magic... But how is it magic? In its metaphysical development? Or does some final transformation culminate in a magic reality? In truth, the latter is impossible without the former. If creation is not magic, the outcome cannot be magic.” - Hans Hofmann, German artist

Let me hear about your work on transformation and what started it. Change isn’t always easy, but it is exciting!

Curious about Calendar and Calendars: How Much Effect Do They Have on You and Your Life?

2011-01-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

“My wife's jealousy is getting ridiculous. The other day she looked at my calendar and wanted to know who May was.” - Rodney Dangerfield, American comedian

“No other date on the calendar more potently symbolizes all that our nation stands for than the Fourth of July.” - Mac Thornberry, American politician

You are curious, I am sure, about my choosing “Calendar” for this blog’s theme. I have several reasons. First of all, I love calendars – the monthly change of the main image, the variety in subjects featured in calendars, and the wonderful messages sported by many.

The other main reasons are that for years, I have been following my tradition of purchasing a calendar for each of my five children as one of their Christmas gifts. I know it may sound odd, but I thoroughly enjoy taking the time to see and consider all of the variety of themes that will fit taste and personalities.

While I am picking out the gift calendars, I also am choosing my calendars. I actually have five places I hang them plus a one-a-day box calendar that sits next to my computer. Then, the first of January is always a delight, because it is the day that I unpackage my calendars and place them in their new homes.

This year I even had requests for certain theme calendars which made the whole process even more fun and rewarding.

There wasn’t a plethora of calendar quotations, but I think that you will find the ones I chose to be quite interesting and in some cases, humorous. Here goes:

“I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.” - Robert Brault, Software writer and poet
“I've been on a calendar, but I've never been on time.” - Marilyn Monroe, American actress
“I've found a formula for avoiding these exaggerated fears of age; you take care of every day - let the calendar take care of the years.” - Ed Wynn, American entertainer
“Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.” - Charles Richards, Canadian politician
“Ethics and equity and the principles of justice do not change with the calendar.” –
David Herbert Lawrence, English writer
“Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress.” - Charles Kettering, American inventor

And, a few more:

“I've never been one of those who wanted to fill my calendar up 90 percent of the time.” - Gilbert Gottfried, American comedian
“If we carry on filling up the calendar, we keep on pushing the athlete, we shorten the athletes longevity. The risk is to shorten a career that could have lasted 10 years because the athlete is burnt out.” - Alberto Juantorena, Cuban athlete
“My 2005 calendar we actually did a shoot in Lake Las Vegas. Since I had requests do some swimwear and athletic shots we tried them and they came out good so we inserted them into the new calendar.” - Natalie Gulbis, American athlete
“The main thing is healthy eating, exercise, which I do for special events, like if it's Sports Illustrated, or the swim suit catalogue for Victoria's Secret, or my own calendar that I did for the year 2000.” - Heidi Klum, German model
“Tomorrow is only found in the calendar of fools.” - Og Mandino, American author
“You are right that I don't have a lot of spare time because I love to stay busy and keep my calendar full.” - Kiana Tom, American model
“You have to calendar time for yourself even if you have no idea what you're going to do with it.” - Susie Bright, American writer

So, how about you? Do you use and/or enjoy your calendars. I would love to read your Feedback.

Curious about Fraud: Have You Experienced It? How Do You Feel about It? What Do You Do to Avoid It?

2010-12-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

Definition of Fraud: Deception deliberately practiced with a view to gaining an unlawful or unfair advantage; artifice by which the right or interest of another is injured; injurious stratagem; deceit; trick. An intentional perversion of truth for the purpose of obtaining some valuable thing or promise from another. A trap or snare.

“But I'm acutely aware that the possibility of fraud is even more prevalent in today's world because of the Internet and cell phones and the opportunity for instant communication with strangers.” - Armistead Maupin, American novelist

This week’s blog is about fraud. Why? Because this past week I was a victim and I want to warn as many people as possible so they won’t also become victims. It’s not any fun, but I realize that it can be avoided. I admit that I had become rather complacent and, like you, I tend to trust everyone. Oh, yes. I do have updated virus protection and a strong firewall. I am also careful about phishing. I don’t go to sites that ask for passwords and other information in my e-mails.

I have been working on and answering a variety of surveys. Some are interesting and fun, and some don’t warrant any extra attention. But, I did give information to a survey that supposedly would send you your free credit scores. I say “supposedly” because I did not receive them. And then, a couple of days ago, I noticed a strange addition to my bank account activity – a charge for $14.95.

When I stopped at the bank to find out what it was, I was told that it came from Mini Credit Report.com. I looked it up on Google to discover hundreds of complaints from other victims. They suggested that this fraudulent group continues to recharge and recharge you again and again. I called the bank’s customer service number and cancelled my current debit card and will receive a new one in three or four business days. I hope that this is the end. I learned the importance of checking out everything on Google before becoming involved, and to become more diligent about sharing information.

When I looked up fraud quotations to share with you, I found a large number that address political fraud – including voter fraud – and corporate fraud. So, I will share only a few in this blog, that I think are interesting:

“Things gained through unjust fraud are never secure.” – Sophocles, Greek poet
“There are three things in the world that deserve no mercy, hypocrisy, fraud, and tyranny.” - Frederick William Robertson, English clergyman
“Style is a fraud. I always felt the Greeks were hiding behind their columns.” - Willem de Kooning, American artist
“Some people think that prayer just means asking for things, and if they fail to receive exactly what they asked for, they think the whole thing is a fraud.” - Gerald Vann, British theologian
“Whoever is detected in a shameful fraud is ever after not believed even if they speak the truth.” – Phaedrus, Roman poet
“Why, I ask, isn't it possible that advertising as a whole is a fantastic fraud, presenting an image of America taken seriously by no one, least of all by the advertising men who create it?” - David Riesman, American sociologist

And a few more:

“Identity theft involving these cards is a growing form of white collar crime, facilitating illegal immigration, banking and accounting fraud, tax evasion, and other nefarious activities.” - Ron Lewis, American politician
“Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.” – Sophocles, Greek poet
“With a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a fraud I try to be a fraud and a half.” - Otto von Bismarck, German leader
“Cinema is the most beautiful fraud in the world.” - Jean-Luc Godard, French director
“For the most part fraud in the end secures for its companions repentance and shame.” - Charles Simmons, British gymnast
“The greatest threat to the constitutional right to vote is voter fraud.” - Lynn Westmoreland, American politician

Yes, after working on this blog article, I have become more skeptical than ever before. I hate the fact that there are so many scams on the exciting Internet and that we can’t be trusting of the majority of people. How about you? Have you had to deal with fraud? If so, do tell us about it.

Curious about Dreams: What Are Yours? And, What Do They Mean to You?

2010-12-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” - Jesse Owens, American athlete

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.” – Henry David Thoreau, American author

I chose “dreams” for this week’s theme, because this is the time of year when I make plans for the upcoming year. Part of the planning involves setting and stating the goals and dreams I want to accomplish in the coming year. I know that several self development gurus scoff at dreams – they feel that they are just wishes and don’t have the power of goals. So, I was delighted and surprised by the positive quotations about dreams, along with the certainty of realizing them.

I am not even sharing my dreams with family members this year, because I fear there will be negative reactions. I am heeding American journalist Erma Bombeck’s quotation, “It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.”

I am also considering involvement with a different home business company that provides every member a coach. My coach is set to call me on Monday night to discuss my dreams and how to realize them. I am excited and ready!

Now, for some of the great and uplifting quotations:

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney, American cartoonist
“All the things one has forgotten scream for help in dreams.” - Elias Canetti, Swiss author
“Dream manfully and nobly, and thy dreams shall be prophets.” - Robert Bulwer-Lytton, English statesman
“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet
“Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you.” - Marsha Norman, American dramatist
“Dreams are necessary to life.” - Anais Nin, American author
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady
“There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” - Robert Kennedy, American politician

And a few others with a different "twist”

“Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.” - Michel de Montaigne, French philosopher
“If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams.” - Les Brown, American businessman
“In dreams begins responsibility.” - William Butler Yeats, Irish poet
“Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real.” - Tupac Shakur, American musician
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” - Christopher Reeve, American actor
“The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.” - Paul Valery, French poet
“Only in our dreams are we free. The rest of the time we need wages.” - Terry Pratchett, English author
“People need dreams, there's as much nourishment in 'em as food.” - Dorothy Gilman, American novelist

And, a couple more to chew upon this coming week and as you prepare for next year:

“I don't design clothes, I design dreams.” - Ralph Lauren, American designer

“I tell people I'm too stupid to know what's impossible. I have ridiculously large dreams, and half the time they come true.” - Debi Thomas, American athlete

What do you dream about? I wish you big, huge dreams that even more than half the time come true.

Curious about Environment: There Are So Many Features and Issues That Pertain to Our Environment. What Are Yours?

2010-12-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

Definition of environment: That which environs or surrounds; surrounding conditions, influences, or forces, by which living forms are influenced and modified in their growth and development.

“The environment is everything that isn't me.” - Albert Einstein, German physicist

“We begin to see, therefore, the importance of selecting our environment with the greatest of care, because environment is the mental feeding ground out of which the food that goes into our minds is extracted.” - Napoleon Hill, American writer

I am thinking of moving to a new apartment, but also realize that I love my current one. I have created an environment that I love – spacious, modern, and minimalist. It actually is on the large size for one person and sports eight large closets, two baths and two bedrooms. And yet, because of its size and accommodations, it is a bit pricey. I go from thinking about a smaller space to setting goals for working harder, so that the rent won’t be a monthly strain.

Have you ever made a list of what kind of environment is important to you? What features are necessary and what are nice to have, but not a necessity? And, there are other environmental concerns, like our location, the type of community that surrounds us, and even the people we hang out with. Everything has an impact, influence and shapes us and our futures.

As I suspected, I found many excellent quotations about environment. Of course, there were many that addressed recent environmental concerns – I must admit that we are having unusual weather conditions here in Ohio. I chose quotations with a good variety of focus, so let’s go:

“There's a kind of dynamic quality about theater and that dynamic quality expresses itself in relation to, first of all, the environment in which it's being staged; then the audience, the nature of the audience, the quality of the audience.” - Wole Soyinka, Nigerian writer
“That's the great thing about having your friends around you. I've known these guys forever. I really enjoy their company just as people. You couldn't ask for a better work environment.” - Drew Carey, American actor
“If my parents had discouraged me, I would have turned out very differently. They raised me in an open-minded, liberal environment.” - Tom Ford, American designer
“If you're not adapting to the very rapidly changing environment, if you can't think creatively, you lose big in this society because there are very few jobs for you left.” - Robert Sternberg, American educator
“My wife and I now live in the summers in northern Michigan in an environment which is wonderfully conducive to research, and where most of my work in the last 15 years has been done.” Douglass North, American economist
“But I think you have to - whatever the environment looks like, it does enter into people's art work one way or another; it's very remote or it isn't. It's remote in my work but it has to have a certain degree of ordinariness.” - Donald Judd, American artist
“I think the younger generation, the people poised to dominate the workforce, are more socially conscious. They are more demanding in terms of environment and how that environment contributes to their life.” - Helmut Jahn, German-American, architect
“Words are chameleons, which reflect the color of their environment.” - Learned Hand, American judge
“It's important to determine which surroundings work best for you, and then build that environment to suit your needs.” - Marilu Henner, American actress

And, a few more:

“Man is largely a creature of habit, and many of his activities are more or less automatic reflexes from the stimuli of his environment.” - G. Stanley Hall, American psychologist
“We grew up in a very creative environment and were exposed to the arts at a very young age, so it's not a surprise that all of us are in some form of the arts.” - Spike Lee, American director
“Your outlook upon life, your estimate of yourself, your estimate of your value are largely colored by your environment. Your whole career will be modified, shaped, molded by your surroundings, by the character of the people with whom you come in contact every day.” - Orison Swett Marden, American writer
“What is sacred among one people may be ridiculous in another; and what is despised or rejected by one cultural group, may in a different environment become the cornerstone for a great edifice of strange grandeur and beauty.” - Hu Shih, Chinese philosopher
“After all, sustainability means running the global environment - Earth Inc. - like a corporation: with depreciation, amortization and maintenance accounts. In other words, keeping the asset whole, rather than undermining your natural capital.” - Maurice Strong, Canadian businessman
“If people have a basic understanding of right from wrong, possess a strong desire to better themselves and persist in there cause, they can break the chain of any negative environment.” - Dave Pelzer, American writer
“There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish.” - Warren G. Bennis, American psychologist
“Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.” - Earl Nightingale, American entertainer

So, is your environment working with and for you? Or, could it be holding you back. Just a few tweaks and adjustments can make a huge difference! What can you add or take away?

Curious about Significance: Do You Know and Understand What Holds Significance for You? Are You Working on Your Own Significance?

2010-11-27T07:41:00.000-08:00

“What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything!” - H. P. Lovecraft

“Significance” - what a loaded and important word and concept! Why do I make this statement?

In this issue, I am re-purposing a blog from the past. I chose to update the theme of significance because I am listening to the updated version of Zig Ziglar’s, The View from the Top, where he addresses the importance of having significance – not just success.

Also, I realize that it is time to determine what actions hold the greatest significance for me and my progress. As I thought more about this, I realized that I already practice this sorting in a plethora of ways. I receive many e-mails and e-newsletters. For each one, I distill the main thoughts and messages down to the idea(s) with the most significance. I have also learned to do this with magazines, books, teleseminars, presentations and meetings. I also realize that I need to do this with my writing, speaking, training, storytelling and marketing.

I believe that the more succinct we can be with ourselves when we are stating our purpose, our mission, our values, our intentions and our goals, the more significance our lives and work will hold.

I found some differing quotations that, I feel, will get you thinking and, hopefully, spur you on to decide what holds significance for you:

“Progress is measured by richness and intensity of experience - by a wider and deeper apprehension of the significance and scope of human existence.” - Herbert Read
“The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to ourselves they find their own order the continuous thread of revelation.” - Eudora Welty
“Art teaches nothing, except the significance of life.” - Michael Korda
“But novels are never about what they are about; that is, there is always deeper, or more general, significance. The author may not be aware of this till she is pretty far along with it.” - Diane Johnson
“I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.” - Pablo Casals

And, then there are the quotations that are a bit more unusual:

“For me, the number three seems to have a particular significance, relevant in some strange ways to the relation between man and nature.” - Erno Rubik
“Full, saturated colors have an emotional significance I want to avoid.” - Lucian Freud
“A modern building should derive its architectural significance solely from the vigor and consequence of its own organic proportions. It must be true to itself, logically transparent, and virginal of lies or trivialities.” - Walter Gropius
“If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what is the significance of a clean desk?” - Laurence J. Peter
“Even if you wanted to be a hermit, people come out looking for you. I don't want to cloister myself away, but it is important for me to write about issues that have universal significance. One of them that has resonated with me all my life has been the theme of injustice.” - Iris Chang
“Just as we could have rode into the sunset, along came the Internet, and it tripled the significance of the PC.” - Andy Grove
“I believe every era has its significance and the same holds true for players and coaches.” - Sachin Tendulkar

Ask yourself what holds significance for you? What messages and parts of your life and work are significant for you and others? I believe that we are all significant and that we can pursue significance for ourselves and everyone who is affected by us.

“Life would be stunted and narrow if we could feel no significance in the world around us beyond that which can be weighed and measured with the tools of the physicist or described by the metrical symbols of the mathematician.” - Arthur Eddington

Curious about Diversity: How Much Do You Experience in Your Life, Work, and Community?

2010-11-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Definition of Diversity: A state of difference; dissimilitude; unlikeness. Multiplicity of difference; multiformity; variety. Variegation.

“Society is unity in diversity.” - George H. Mead, American philosopher

“The diversity of the phenomena of nature is so great, and the treasures hidden in the heavens so rich, precisely in order that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment.” - Johannes Kepler, German scientist

I chose “diversity” for this week’s issue because being a member of the Glazer-Kennedy Marketing group, I am thrilled with their marketing principle, “Diversity Leads to Stability.” Bill Glazer writes that this “means that you want as many different things in place to market and grow your business as possible, instead of one or two which leaves you very vulnerable to specific types of media used, and to your competition copying what you do.”

Also, having many different careers – and different streams of income – as part of my “Portfolio Career,” gives me the diversity and stability that I thrive on. I love the variety and diversity of careers. I can have one career that is lucrative and another that isn't, so I don't have to worry about income.

Of course, when we think of diversity – and many of the quotations reflect this – we think of race and cultural differences. I chose quotations that reflect this along with other approaches.

Let’s get started:

“We need to reach that happy stage of our development when differences and diversity are not seen as sources of division and distrust, but of strength and inspiration.” - Josefa Iloilo, Fijian statesman
“We are the only country in the world that has taken people from so many different backgrounds, which is a great achievement by itself, but an even greater achievement is that we have turned all of that variety and diversity into unity.” - Lamar Alexander, American politician
“I love the diversity of America. I love the plain, normal sense of humor Americans have. It is not wicked, like in some countries. And I also love how new America is.” - Antonio Banderas, Spanish actor
“My father was the son of immigrants, and he grew up bilingual, but English is what my father taught me and what he spoke to me. America's strength is not our diversity; it is our ability to unite around common principles even when we come from different backgrounds.” – Ernest Istook, American politician
“Nonetheless, I sense that it will be the task of the future to somehow synthesize the sheer diversity of our present resources into a more organic and well-ordered procedure.” – George Crumb, American composer
“One day I undertook a tour through the country, and the diversity and beauties of nature I met with in this charming season, expelled every gloomy and vexatious thought.” - Daniel Boone, American explorer
“Our cultural diversity has most certainly shaped our national character.” - Julie Bishop, Australian politician
“The Internet offers authors and their readers a new diversity of opportunities and freedom.” - Frederick Forsyth, British author

And some more. I love how much these quotations make me think and see the world in a different way:

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” - Maya Angelou, American poet
“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” - John F. Kennedy, American President
“All my life I've been looking for diversity.” - Max von Sydow, Swedish actor
“Among those who are satisfactory in this respect it is desirable to have represented as great a diversity of intellectual tradition, social milieu and personal character as possible.” – Talcott Parsons, American sociologist
“Bring diversity back to agriculture. That's what made it work in the first place.” –
David R. Brower, American environmentalist
“Common sense tells us that this explosion of media sources should eliminate any concern over a lack of diversity of views in the marketplace and competition.” - Fred Upton, American politician
“Diversity in the world is a basic characteristic of human society, and also the key condition for a lively and dynamic world as we see today.” - Jinato Hu, Chinese leader
“Diversity on the bench is critical. As practitioners, you need judges who 'get it!' We need judges who understand what discrimination feels like. We need judges who understand what inequality feels like. We need judges who understand the subtleties of unfair treatment and who are willing to call it out when they see it!” - Debbie Wasserman Schultz, American politician

What do you think? How do you feel about and define diversity? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Being a Hero: Do You Have Any? What Makes a Hero in Your Mind or Heart?

2010-11-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Definition of Hero: A man of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering; a prominent or central personage in any remarkable action or event; hence, a great or illustrious person. The principal personage in a poem, story, and the like, or the person who has the principal share in the transactions related; as Achilles in the Iliad, Ulysses in the Odyssey, and Aeneas in the Aeneid.

“The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by.” - Felix Adler, German educator

I chose “hero” for this week’s theme for several reasons. First, I am close to finishing Keith Ferazzi’s book, Who's Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships That Create Success--and Won't Let You Fail. As Ferazzi took me through his relationship journey to success, he became one of my present day heroes. I highly recommend the book. It is filled with so much truth, it almost hurts.

I realized that very few people talk about heroes today. Do you have any?

Secondly, I belong to a group that is voting for those they feel have hero status. Most are from the past and include those like Jefferson, Edison, and even super heroes like Superman. There are three rounds of voting, which I think is a shame because several I chose have been eliminated already.

Besides Ferazzi, I have found many wonderful heroes on the Internet. They are those willing to help others. They share information that works, rather than just makes money for them. And, they are masters of honesty and strong opinions.

I found the hero quotations to be quite different from what I expected. Let me know what you think.

“Nothing is given to man on earth - struggle is built into the nature of life, and conflict is possible - the hero is the man who lets no obstacle prevent him from pursuing the values he has chosen.” - Andrew Bernstein, American philosopher
“One must think like a hero to behave like a merely decent human being.” - May Sarton, American poet
“See, heroes never die. John Wayne isn't dead, Elvis isn't dead. Otherwise you don't have a hero. You can't kill a hero. That's why I never let him get older.” - Mickey Spillane, American author
“She was in a difficult position being the widow of a great American hero, a role that carried high expectations but she did a credible job of continuing Dr. King's dream especially in the face of a changing and often hostile American public.” - Morris Dees, American lawyer
“A boy doesn't have to go to war to be a hero; he can say he doesn't like pie when he sees there isn't enough to go around.” - Edgar Watson Howe, American editor
“A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.” - Gilbert K. Chesterton, English writer
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” - Christopher Reeve, American actor
“My belt holds my pants up, but the belt loops hold my belt up. I don't really know what's happening down there. Who is the real hero?” - Mitch Hedberg, American comedian

And, of course, some more:

“It's kind of ironic that the two sports with the greatest characters, boxing and horse racing, have both been on the decline. In both cases it's for the lack of a suitable hero.” - Dick Schaap, American journalist
“It's silly to say it about a tennis player, but I'm an unbelievable hero in Germany. And Germany needs heroes more than any place.” - Boris Becker, German athlete
“Love of glory can only create a great hero; contempt of glory creates a great man.” – Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, French diplomat
“Luck is everything... My good luck in life was to be a really frightened person. I'm fortunate to be a coward, to have a low threshold of fear, because a hero couldn't make a good suspense film.” - Alfred Hitchcock, English director
“Muhammad Ali is a combination of personality and athlete who is probably better known around the world than any other. He became a great hero.” - Will McDonough, American writer
“Dr. Martin Luther King is not a black hero. He is an American hero.” - Morgan Freeman, American actor
“Eisenhower was my war hero and the President I admire and respect most.” - Ethel Merman, American actress
“Hard times don't create heroes. It is during the hard times when the 'hero' within us is revealed.” - Bob Riley, American politician

And, a couple to take home with you:

“A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, who just tries to give back as much as possible and help people. A hero to me is someone who saves people and who really deeply cares.” - Debi Mazar, American actress

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell, American author

So, if I asked you who are your heroes and why, what would be your answer or answers? What designates someone as a hero for you? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Design: How Important Is Design to You? And How Often Do You Design – Especially Your Life and Activities?

2010-11-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

Definition of Design: To draw preliminary outline or main features of; to sketch for a pattern or model; to delineate; to trace out; to draw. To create or produce, as a work of art; to form a plan or scheme of; to form in idea; to invent; to project; to lay out in the mind; as, a man designs an essay, a poem, a statue, or a cathedral.

“If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” - Jim Rohn, American businessman

I chose “design” for this week’s theme, because it touches so many areas of our lives and businesses. We design our days, our schedules, our plans – marketing, health and fitness, education, finances, our appearance, our surroundings, social activities, and so much more.

Even if we feel that we are not artistic, we all have a sense of our design preferences. We all have certain colors and styles to which we are drawn. Personally, I feel that we should all remain true to ourselves – our own likes and dislikes. I found so many wonderful and empowering quotations concerning design – there were 14 different pages – so you can imagine the job of picking and choosing.

So, let’s get started:

“I don't start with a design objective, I start with a communication objective. I feel my project is successful if it communicates what it is supposed to communicate.” - Mike Davidson, American designer
“Web users ultimately want to get at data quickly and easily. They don't care as much about attractive sites and pretty design.” - Tim Berners-Lee, English Inventor
“What is design? It's where you stand with a foot in two worlds - the world of technology and the world of people and human purposes - and you try to bring the two together.” - Mitchell Kapor, American businessman
“Design, in its broadest sense, is the enabler of the digital era - it's a process that creates order out of chaos, that renders technology usable to business. Design means being good, not just looking good.” - Clement Mok, American businessman
“Good design begins with honesty, asks tough questions, comes from collaboration and from trusting your intuition.” - Freeman Thomas, American designer
“Good design is making something intelligible and memorable. Great design is making something memorable and meaningful.” - Dieter Rams, German designer
“Graphic design is the paradise of individuality, eccentricity, heresy, abnormality, hobbies and humors.” - George Santayana, American philosopher
“I design for real people. I think of our customers all the time. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothing or accessories that are not practical.” - Giorgio Armani, Italian designer

And, some more:

“I design for the woman who loves being a woman.” - Diane von Furstenberg, Belgian designer
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” - Steve Jobs, American businessman
“Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple definitions; there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated.” - Paul Rand, American designer
“Design must reflect the practical and aesthetic in business but above all... good design must primarily serve people.” - Thomas J. Watson, American scientist
“Design must seduce, shape, and perhaps more importantly, evoke an emotional response.” - April Greiman, American graphic designer
“I don't design clothes, I design dreams.” - Ralph Lauren, American designer
“Color does not add a pleasant quality to design - it reinforces it.” - Pierre Bonnard, French artist
“Design can have such a positive impact on the way people live and on their relationships and moods.” - Genevieve Gorder, American designer

And, just three more to set the design tone for the week:

“All those years of skating and dancing have carried over. I can't design anything without thinking of how a woman's body will look and move when she's wearing it.” - Vera Wang, American designer
“Almost all quality improvement comes via simplification of design, manufacturing... layout, processes, and procedures.” - Tom Peters, American businessman
“Also note that invariably when we design something that can be used by those with disabilities, we often make it better for everyone.” - Donald Norman, American scientist

So, what are you designing right now? I submit to you that all of us are always designing. We can make it fun with a successful outcome or we can struggle. How about you?

Curious about Success: What Does It Mean to You? How Do You Define It?

2010-10-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

“What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.” - Margaret Thatcher, English leader

“Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.” - Dale Carnegie, American writer

I chose “success” for this week’s blog theme, because it is a word that pops up several times daily. I suddenly realized, however, that I had not yet written about it in this blog, even though it has such a place in my life.

In my fitness classes I talk about successful fitness results – achieving success for activities of daily living. In my e-newsletters and articles, I write about career success, successful skills giving presentations, sharing stories, and living as a freelancer, free agent, and independent contractor.

I found wonderful and meaningful success quotations, but was surprised to find only three pages of “success” quotations as compared with fourteen pages of “failure” quotations. Why is that?

Let’s share the positive:

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” - David Brinkley, American journalist
“Action is the foundational key to all success.” - Pablo Picasso, Spanish artist
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” - Abraham Lincoln, American President
“Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.” - David Frost, English journalist
“Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it... Success is shy - it won't come out while you're watching.” - Tennessee Williams, American dramatist
“Success is dependent on effort.” – Sophocles, Greek poet
“Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” - George S. Patton, American soldier
“Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time.” - Arnold H. Glasow, American author

And some more excellent thoughts. Don’t you just love them?

“Failure is success if we learn from it.” - Malcolm Forbes, American publisher
“Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown.” - Ross Perot, American businessman
“Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil.” - J. Paul Getty, American businessman
“How can they say my life is not a success? Have I not for more than sixty years got enough to eat and escaped being eaten?” - Logan P. Smith, American writer
“I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it.” - Jonathan Winters, American comedian
“Success is that old ABC - ability, breaks, and courage.” - Charles Luckman, American businessman
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” - Booker T. Washington, American educator
“The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind.” - W. Somerset Maugham, British playwright

And, three more to chew upon in upcoming weeks:

“The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity.” - Ayn Rand, Russian writer

“The man who has done his level best... is a success, even though the world may write him down a failure.” - B. C. Forbes, Scottish journalist

“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” - Theodore Roosevelt, American President

So, how would you define success? It is interesting that when I am teaching an Adult Education Class, and ask the participants how they would define success, money is never mentioned. I am not knocking having money, but am interested that for many people it doesn’t define success for them.

Curious about a Gift: Do Your Share Yours with Others? What Gift Do You Give Away Consistently?

2010-10-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Definition of Gift: Anything given; anything voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation; a present; an offering. The act, right, or power of giving or bestowing. A preeminent and special talent or aptitude; power; faculty; as, the gift of wit; a gift for speaking.

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha, Indian leader

“Writing is an extreme privilege but it's also a gift. It's a gift to yourself and it's a gift of giving a story to someone.” - Amy Tan, American novelist

I chose “gift” for this week’s blog theme for a couple of reasons. First, today I finished reading Seth Godin’s newest book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensible? Godin is not only one of my favorite writers, he is also one of my favorite thinkers. He writes about ideas that make me think on a different plane and level. In this book, he talks a great deal about the importance of gifts created by the “artist.” And, it isn’t our standard interpretation of an artist.

Godin’s artist – of which he is definitely one – is the linchpin who creates a multitude of “gifts.” They are new ideas, writings, presentations, approaches, teachings – not rules, maps and/or manuals on how to do something. We give them freely, not expecting any gifts in return. They can even be a friendly smile, the warmth of listening and responding, helping with a problem, a special hand-written note, appreciation and understanding. Use your imagination.

My second reason for picking “gift” is that my eldest daughter has a birthday on November 1st. Last year I visited her and her husband in Hawaii to celebrate. It was more of a gift for me, I think. A wonderful reunion and exciting journey! This topic has brought extra joy because of the memories. But also the fun of picking quotations from the more than 14 loaded pages. The quotations were positive, uplifting, thought provoking and fun.

So, let’s get started:

“If you can give your child only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.” - Bruce Barton, American author
“That's the goal, to survive your gift.” - Itzhak Perlman, Israeli musician
“Having good health, being able to breathe and be happy, that's one of the most beautiful gifts. On top of that, I have the gift to play music and make people happy through that. I'm just telling you from my heart, I'm so in love with life.” - Roy Ayers, English musician
“I believe that we are here for each other, not against each other. Everything comes from an understanding that you are a gift in my life - whoever you are, whatever our differences.” - John Denver, American musician
“Books! I dunno if I ever told you this, but books are the greatest gift one person can give another.” – Bono, Irish musician
“For my confirmation, I didn't get a watch and my first pair of long pants, like most Lutheran boys. I got a telescope. My mother thought it would make the best gift.” - Wernher von Braun, German scientist
“The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention.” - Julia Margaret Cameron, British photographer

And, some more:

“When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.” - Albert Einstein, German physicist
“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” - Tony Robbins, American motivator
“We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it.” - John Lennon, English musician
“I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity.” - Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady
“If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.” - Charles M. Schulz, American cartoonist
“The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” - Meryl Streep, American actress
“What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it - would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.” - Ralph Marston, American athlete

And three more for fun and because I love them:

“You can do anything you think you can. This knowledge is literally the gift of the gods, for through it you can solve every human problem. It should make of you an incurable optimist. It is the open door.” - Robert Collier, American publisher

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” - Jim Valvano, American coach

“I know a man who doesn't pay to have his trash taken out. How does he get rid of his trash? He gift wraps it, and puts in into an unlocked car.” - Henny Youngman, American comedian

So, what about you? I do believe that there is genius in all of us, and we can use it to create special gifts for everyone. Do, let me hear from you. It will be your gift to me.

Curious about the Alternative: Often Times We Are Faced with Alternatives. How Do Pick the Best One?

2010-10-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Definition of Alternative: Alternate; reciprocal. An offer of two things, one of which may be chosen, but not both; so that if one is taken, the other must be left. Thus when two things offer a choice of one only, the two things are called alternatives. The course of action or the thing offered in place of another. A choice between more than two things; one of several things offered to choose among.

“A long apprenticeship is the most logical way to success. The only alternative is overnight stardom, but I can't give you a formula for that.” - Chet Atkins, American musician

“So that the record of history is absolutely crystal clear. That there is no alternative way, so far discovered, of improving the lot of the ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by a free enterprise system.” - Milton Friedman, American economist

I chose the theme of “alternative” for this week’s blog because I feel that for everything we do and/or think, there is an alternative. I was also pleased with the above definition which included, “a choice between more than two things.” Yes, I know that often there are only two alternatives, but it is innovative and fun to work on finding more than two. That is one of the many reasons I love working on the computer – finding alternative work-arounds.

For fun, the American entertainer, Robert Orben said, “In prehistoric times, mankind often had only two choices in crisis situations: fight or flee. In modern times, humor offers us a third alternative; fight, flee - or laugh.”

There was a huge variety of quotations from the experts, so let’s examine and learn from them:

“Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative.” - Maurice Chevalier, French actor
“People are learning to feel more comfortable hearing one another's dreams. It used to be that if you told a dream in public, someone had to make a joke to relieve the tension introduced by that alternative reality.” - Henry Reed, English writer
“With optimism, you look upon the sunny side of things. People say, 'Studs, you're an optimist.' I never said I was an optimist. I have hope because what's the alternative to hope? Despair? If you have despair, you might as well put your head in the oven.” – Studs Terkel, American journalist
“A theory has only the alternative of being right or wrong. A model has a third possibility: it may be right, but irrelevant.” - Manfred Eigen, German scientist
“Education must, be not only a transmission of culture but also a provider of alternative views of the world and a strengthener of the will to explore them.” - Jerome S. Bruner, American psychologist
“Even as we work to develop more sources of petroleum for the United States, we must continue our vigorous pursuit of alternative fuels, so that we can be powered by cleaner, more efficient sources of energy.” - Virgil Goode, American politician
“I never fit in. I am a true alternative. And I love being the outcast. That's my role in life, to be an outcast.” - Meat Loaf, American musician

And some more for those of you who love quotations, as I do:

“In war as in life, it is often necessary when some cherished scheme has failed, to take up the best alternative open, and if so, it is folly not to work for it with all your might.” – Winston Churchill, British statesman
“For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.” - Mary Kay Ash, American business woman
“Moderation is a virtue only in those who are thought to have an alternative.” – Henry A. Kissinger, American statesman
“We have always said that in our war with the Arabs we had a secret weapon - no alternative.” - Golda Meir, Israeli leader
“The political arena leaves one no alternative, one must either be a dunce or a rogue.” – Emma Goldman, Lithuanian activist
“Liberalism is, I think, resurgent. One reason is that more and more people are so painfully aware of the alternative.” - John Kenneth Galbraith, American economist
“I want to warn anyone who sees the Peace Corps as an alternative to the draft that life may well be easier at Fort Dix or at a post in Germany than it will be with us.” - Sargent Shriver, American politician

When you are faced with making a decision and/or choosing a direction, how often do you stop and consider the alternatives? Taking the time to consider may help with setting you up for adventure and success. Try it, you’ll like it!

Curious about Discussion: How Do You Feel about It? How Important Is It to You?

2010-10-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Definition of Discussion: The act of discussing or exchanging reasons; examination by argument; debate; disputation; agitation.

“I think that in the discussion of natural problems we ought to begin not with the Scriptures, but with experiments, and demonstrations.” - Galileo Galilei, Italian scientist

“Discussion in America means dissent.” - James Thurber, American comedian

I chose this week’s blog theme as “discussion” for several reasons. I just started re-reading Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great, in which he applauds his team of helpers and their weekly discussions of the data collected. He makes these meetings sound, not only inspiring and eye opening, but also lively and fun.

Secondly, I am going to be involved tomorrow in a wrap-up discussion of the committee for a recent event gathering of a wonderful organization to which I belong. Our discussion should also be lively and fun. The group worked hard and the event was well attended and a success on all fronts – at least, in my opinion. Having a discussion as the wrap-up is such a great idea, because we will be able to document what worked well and what we can do in the future to make this excellent event even better.

And, then there are those discussions as described in the words above by James Thurber – filled with “dissent.” I also found that many of the quotations were filled with negativity and warnings. Personally, I have always felt that when a group of people disagree, it is a good idea to hold a discussion and get all of the negative connotations, as included in the definition, out in the open. What do you think? I will be interested in your reactions to the quotations which are all over the map.

Let’s get started:

“Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate.” - Hubert H. Humphrey, American Vice President
“Frequently the more trifling the subject, the more animated and protracted the discussion.” - Franklin Pierce, American President
“Group discussion is very valuable; group drafting is less productive.” - Jon Postel, American scientist
“One good analogy is worth three hours discussion.” - Dudley Field Malone, American politician
“Power is action; the electoral principle is discussion. No political action is possible when discussion is permanently established.” - Honore De Balzac, French novelist
“Discussion is just a tool. You have to aim; the final goal must be a decision.” - Harri Holkeri, Finnish politician
“Human and moral factors must always be considered. They must never be missing from policies and from public discussion.” - Herman Kahn, American scientist

And some more:

“The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.” - Joseph Joubert, French writer
“The aspect of congresses and such meetings generally to which I attach the greatest importance is the discussion. That is why people assemble: to hear different opinions, rather than to pass resolutions.” - Fredrik Bajer, Danish writer
“The next four years, there won't be a week that goes by without a discussion of climate change. It's a naturally Conservative issue.” - Tim Yeo, British politician
“If a teacher does not involve himself, his values, his commitments, in the course of discussion, why should the students?” - Paul Wellstone, American politician
“I think that the U.S. does have this very much more open attitude, and I admire it very much and I think it's very important to the world. But the information and the discussion sometimes come too late, after the effective decision has been made.” - E. P. Thompson, British historian
“If somebody comes to a neighborhood coffee hour, or goes to a discussion group, and they have a discussion, I do think that people really walk away with a real understanding of the issues.” - Mike Lowry, American politician
“In the Bhagavad Gita, there is no long discussion, nothing elaborate. The main reason for this is that everything stated in the Gita is meant to be tested in the life of every man; it is intended to be verified in practice.” - Vinoba Bhave, Indian educator

And a bit of humor to lighten the subject:

“Democracy means government by discussion, but it is only effective if you can stop people talking.” - Clement Attlee, English leader

“A rattlesnake loose in the living room tends to end all discussion of animal rights.” –
Lance Morrow, American journalist and writer

So, how do you feel about discussion? Do you get involved with many? And, if so, do you enjoy or dislike them? Are they necessary?

Curious about Improvement: So Important in Our Lives, Relationships, and Businesses. What Do You Do to Improve?

2010-10-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Definition of Improvement: The act of improving; advancement or growth; promotion in desirable qualities; progress toward what is better. The act of making profitable use or applicaton of anything, or the state of being profitably employed; a turning to good account; practical application, as of a doctrine, principle, or theory, stated in a discourse. Increase; growth; progress; advance.

“The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they're mutually reinforcing.” –
Michael Porter, American educator

I have been listening to a CD by one of my all-time favorite speakers – Zig Ziglar. On it, he describes the importance of making your car a learning university. I second that. He says that the biggest room we have is the room for improvement. How true, and how exciting, too. I know that my life is filled with learning how to improve continuously. It helps us, our lives, our relationships, and our careers.

Nowadays, with the Internet and easily available interaction with the world, we can access information about any subject we choose. My only warning – and especially for me, too – is not to overdo and become both overwhelmed, scattered, and unfocused. The opportunities and programs abound and are all tempting. I have found that if I rein myself in and focus on one area at a time, I can really experience improvement and noticeable change.

As usual, I found a plethora of interesting quotations about improvement:

“A collection of good books, with a soul to it in the shape of a librarian, becomes a vitalized power among the impulses by which the world goes on to improvement.” - Justin Winsor, American writer
“All this improvement is great, but all that does is get us in the game to play for improvements that we need in the future, so that we can be aggressive in the marketplace.” - Rick Wagoner, American businessman
“We assume that everything's becoming more efficient, and in an immediate sense that's true; our lives are better in many ways. But that improvement has been gained through a massively inefficient use of natural resources.” - Paul Hawken, American environmentalist
“Change is vital, improvement is the logical form of change.” - James Cash Penney, American businessman
“Doubt, the essential preliminary of all improvement and discovery, must accompany the stages of man's onward progress. The faculty of doubting and questioning, without which those of comparison and judgment would be useless, is itself a divine prerogative of the reason.” - Albert Pike, American lawyer
“Exercise is the chief source of improvement in our faculties.” - Hugh Blair, Scottish theologian
“Excellent firms don't believe in excellence - only in constant improvement and constant change.” - Tom Peters, American businessman

And some more:

“We need improvement in the style of performance. There is no more advantage in a musician who plays and conducts than in one who is only a beater of rhythm.” - Franz Liszt, Hungarian composer
“For many years, I have lived uncomfortably with the belief that most planning and architectural design suffers for lack of real and basic purpose. The ultimate purpose, it seems to me, must be the improvement of mankind.” - James Rouse, American businessman
“For me, there is a lot of room for improvement and there are a lot of things I would like to be better at.” - Geddy Lee, Canadian musician
“He who asks of life nothing but the improvement of his own nature... is less liable than anyone else to miss and waste life.” - Henri Frederic Amiel, Swiss philosopher
“Resolutions are popular because everyone feels they could use a little improvement.” – Marilu Henner, American actress
“Spend some time this weekend on home improvement; improve your attitude toward your family.” - Bo Bennett, American businessman
“Human improvement is from within outward.” - James Anthony Froude, English historian

Two more that I especially love:

“Improvement begins with I.” - Arnold H. Glasow, American journalist

“Strive for continuous improvement, instead of perfection.” - Kim Collins, St. Kittsian athlete

Tell me what do you do to improve? I know that you are a lifetime learner. Do you have a university in your car? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Games and Gaming: Do You Have Favorites? What Are the Advantages of Being a Game Player?

2010-09-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

“Games lubricate the body and the mind.” - Benjamin Franklin, American politician

“Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about rock-n-roll.” - Shigeru Miyamoto, Japanese designer

I chose the word game(s) for this week’s topic for several reasons. First, because I love playing games. Growing up, I had parents and friends that played games with me. They taught me how to play cards and chess, and my dad even paired me up with a neighbor who taught me better chess strategy. Then, I always played lots of games with my children, and know that they now play games together still.

But, this weekend really brought games and gaming back into the forefront. I belong to Mensa and we had our Cleveland Regional Gathering where the game playing started early on Friday afternoon, and was still prominently being enjoyed last night when I left around midnight. I actually was so busy with other duties, I didn’t get to play a lot, but did enjoy other members’ involvement vicariously.

Games have been around for a long time, and I agree completely with the above quotations, especially Benjamin Franklin’s. As I looked up and picked quotations, I was struck by the different meanings, outcomes, uses, and approaches to and from games. I think you will find a lot to think about.

Let’s get started:

“I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” - Michael Jordan, American athlete
“No matter what business you're in, you can't run in place or someone will pass you by. It doesn't matter how many games you've won.” - Jim Valvano, American coach
“All my games were political games; I was, like Joan of Arc, perpetually being burned at the stake.” - Indira Gandhi, Indian stateswoman
“I'm a games and theory kind of guy. I love puzzles, so it was fun dissecting Shakespeare's prose.” - Neil Patrick Harris, American actor
“If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good, then you did it. That's all it takes to get people to win football games for you.” – Paul Bryant, American coach
“You must invent your own games and teach us old ones how to play.” - Nikki Giovanni, American poet
“Most other competitions are individual achievements, but the Olympic Games is something that belongs to everybody.” - Scott Hamilton, American athlete

And, some more:

“I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else.” - Earl Weaver, American coach
“What I was proud of was that I used very few parts to build a computer that could actually speak words on a screen and type words on a keyboard and run a programming language that could play games. And I did all this myself.” - Steve Wozniak, American businessman
“Video games are so popular these days, getting the opportunity to star in one is something special. More people should do it.” - Carrot Top, American comedian
“Also, after people play these Sim games, it tends to change their perception of the world around them, so they see their city, house or family in a slightly different way after playing.” - Will Wright, American scientist
“People never knew we were poor, but out of that poverty came the most incredible inventions - board games, recipes... we never stopped inventing.” - Lynn Johnston, American cartoonist
“I completely love playing and designing games and always will. I am so into games that I listen to game music all day. That may sound strange, but you can guarantee I'm a hardcore gamer and would never let you down by designing a crappy title.” - John Romero, American inventor
“Our approach to making games is to find the fun first and then use the technology to enhance the fun.” - Sid Meier, American scientist

Three more with a completely metaphoric slant:

“Oh, the miraculous energy that flows between two people who care enough to get beyond surfaces and games, who are willing to take the risks of being totally open, of listening, of responding with the whole heart. How much we can do for each other.” - Alex Noble, Australian artist
“Take a look at your natural river. What are you? Stop playing games with yourself. Where's your river going? Are you riding with it? Or are you rowing against it? Don't you see that there is no effort if you're riding with your river?” - Frederick Carl Frieseke, American artist
“If you never concede a goal, you're going to win more games than you lose.” - Bobby Moore, English athlete

What is your background with games and gaming? How about watching games others are playing? Playing games on the computer? I feel that we can become easily addicted to the time spent. How about you? I would love to hear your comments.

Curious about Culture: What Cultural Influences Have You Experienced? How Have They Contributed to Your Success?

2010-09-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Definition of Culture: The act or practice of cultivating, or of preparing the earth for seed and raising crops by tillage; as, the culture of the soil. The act of, or any labor or means employed for, training, disciplining, or refining the moral and intellectual nature of man; as, the culture of the mind. The state of being cultivated; result of cultivation; physical improvement; enlightenment and discipline acquired by mental and moral training; civilization; refinement in manners and taste. To cultivate; to educate.

“Culture is the process by which a person becomes all that they were created capable of being.” - Thomas Carlyle, Scottish philosopher

This week’s theme of culture has been an incredible adventure of learning and thinking. It started with my reading of Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers: The Story of Success. This is one of those books you just can’t put down. Gladwell proves that the usual personal explanations of success don’t work.

In his words, “The culture we belong to and the legacies passed down by our forebears shape the patterns of our achievement in ways we cannot begin to imagine. It’s not enough to ask what successful people are like, in other words. It is only by asking where they came from that we can unravel the logic behind who succeeds and who doesn’t.”

And then, looking up and choosing the quotations about culture – as the quotations so often do – provided additional education and wisdom. I hope that the selection will do the same for you, too.

Here goes the additional journey:

“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.” - Margaret Mead, American scientist
“Art at its most significant is a Distant Early Warning System that can always be relied on to tell the old culture what is beginning to happen to it.” - Marshall McLuhan, Canadian sociologist
“The worth of a civilization or a culture is not valued in the terms of its material wealth or military power, but by the quality and achievements of its representative individuals - its philosophers, its poets and its artists.” - Herbert Read, English poet
“A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” - Mohandas Gandhi, Indian leader
“I’m just trying to tell a good story and make thought-provoking, entertaining films. I just try and draw upon the great culture we have as a people, from music, novels, the streets.” – Spike Lee, American director
“New needs need new techniques. And the modern artists have found new ways and new means of making their statements... the modern painter cannot express this age, the airplane, the atom bomb, the radio, in the old forms of the Renaissance or of any other past culture.” - Jackson Pollock, American artist
“You can't walk alone. Many have given the illusion, but none have really walked alone. Man is not made that way. Each man is bedded in his people, their history, their culture, and their values.” - Peter Abrahams, South African novelist

And some more for your and my adventure with culture:

“My experiences have been, from the very beginning, cultural and creative. And my business has been a way of exposing the culture, exposing the artists so that the world could hear and see them.” - Russell Simmons, American businessman
“Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs.” - Tom Wolfe, American journalist
“The chief function of the city is to convert power into form, energy into culture, dead matter into the living symbols of art, biological reproduction into social creativity.” - Lewis Mumford, American sociologist
“There has to be innate circuitry that does the learning, that creates the culture, that acquires the culture, and that responds to socialization.” - Steven Pinker, Canadian scientist
“The moment you give up your principles, and your values, you are dead, your culture is dead, your civilization is dead. Period.” - Oriana Fallaci, Italian journalist
“Science is an integral part of culture. It's not this foreign thing, done by an arcane priesthood. It's one of the glories of the human intellectual tradition.” - Stephen Jay Gould, American scientist
“There are things in American culture that want to wipe the class distinction. Blue jeans. Ready-made clothes. Coca-Cola.” - Leslie Fiedler, American critic

So, what do you think? I would love to read your comments about the cultures that have helped to create your success. Travel on!

Curious about Greatness: We All Possess the Power of Unique Greatness. How Do You Use Yours?

2010-09-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

Definition of Greatness: The state, condition, or quality of being great; as, greatness of size, greatness of mind, power, etc. Pride.

“Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness - great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy.” - Jim Rohn, American businessman

A quick story about why I chose greatness for this week’s blog theme. As you may have guessed, I sign up for many webinars and teleseminars. Some of them are good and some are not so good, but I often learn or am reminded of a golden nugget that I can use. Last night I watched a replay of a webinar given by Julie Ann Turner (click on her name) that was so good, I couldn’t take my eyes and/or ears off it for a second.

A quotation from her website: “GREATNESS lives within you ... and your most AMAZING life awaits ... Now is the time to shift your life and work to the next level of purpose, profitability and potential - not only at the level of your work or business, but at the level of your ultimate life contribution ... your LEGACY.”

It has been such an exciting time searching for greatness quotations:

“Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve.” – Marianne Williamson, American author
“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” - Wilma Rudolph, American athlete
“No student ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him: it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required, that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction.” - Charles Kendall Adams, American educator
“The greatness of art is not to find what is common but what is unique.” – Isaac Bashevis Singer, American novelist
“The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.” - John Buchan, Scottish politician
“The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom in a happy mind.” – Ella Wheeler Wilcox, American writer
“There is as much greatness of mind in acknowledging a good turn, as in doing it.” - Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Roman statesman

And some more – they have been so inspiring:

“Words alone cannot fully convey the realities of the soul or the greatness of the human spirit.” - William Shirley, British politician
“If any man seeks for greatness, let him forget greatness and ask for truth, and he will find both.” - Horace Mann, American educator
“Greatness and goodness are not means, but ends.” - Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet
“Integrity is the first step to true greatness. Men love to praise, but are slow to practice it. To maintain it in high places costs self-denial; in all places it is liable to opposition, but its end is glorious, and the universe will yet do it homage.” - Charles Simmons, British gymnast
“Monuments and archaeological pieces serve as testimonies of man's greatness and establish a dialogue between civilizations showing the extent to which human beings are linked.” - Vincente Fox, Mexican statesman
“Big dreams create the magic that stir men's souls to greatness.” - Bill McCartney, American celebrity
“By constant self-discipline and self-control you can develop greatness of character.” – Grenville Kleiser, American author

And one more to take with you and live by:

“Every day, people settle for less than they deserve. They are only partially living or at best living a partial life. Every human being has the potential for greatness.” - Bo Bennett, American businessman

I urge you to define and live by and with your greatness. It will give you a new lease on life! And, please leave a comment.

Curious about Organization: Are You Organized and Does It Serve You Well? What about the Organizations to Which You Belong?

2010-08-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Definition of Organization: The act of organizing; the act of arranging in a systematic way for use or action. The state of being organized; also, the relations included in such a state or condition. That which is organized; an organized existence; an organism. An arrangement of parts for the performance of the functions necessary to life.

“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.” - Napoleon Hill, American writer

I picked organization for this week’s theme, because I feel its importance in my life, my writing and products, my websites, my classes, my programs, my apartment and garden, my appearance, my health, the groups to which I belong and also work for, and much, much more.

How about you? With our lives moving so incredibly fast today, you and I must call upon organization to keep from constant overwhelm and always feeling behind in everything we want to accomplish. Time management does play a role, but the organization of those parts of my life that I listed above is more than that.

I find that the better my planning and organizing for the day, week, and future, the more control and productivity I experience. Also, having systems in place for my Portfolio Career – many careers at the same time – has helped with organization. And, surprisingly, Yoga provides structure, clarity, and focus, along with calmness and control.

When I started reading the plethora of quotations from the experts, I found more about organizations and their success than about how we, as individuals, can organize. However, these were also helpful for running or being part of an organization.

Let’s get to them:

“The five separate fingers are five independent units. Close them and the fist multiplies strength. This is organization.” - James Cash Penney, American businessman
“I don't think anybody anywhere can talk about the future of their people or of an organization without talking about education. Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future.” - Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee stateswoman
“The Girl Scouts is an organization that constantly gives you new goals to achieve and that's what life is all about.” - Maria Bartiromo, American journalist
“The five essential entrepreneurial skills for success: Concentration, Discrimination, Organization, Innovation and Communication.” - Harold S. Geneen, British businessman
“Routine is not organization, any more than paralysis is order.” - Arthur Helps, British historian
“Reduce the layers of management. They put distance between the top of an organization and the customers.” - Donald Rumsfeld, American politician
“Life is like a cobweb, not an organization chart.” - Ross Perot, American businessman

They were all so interesting and varied, here are some more:

“Once an organization loses its spirit of pioneering and rests on its early work, its progress stops.” - Thomas J. Watson, American businessman
“To take photographs means to recognize - simultaneously and within a fraction of a second - both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one's head, one's eye and one's heart on the same axis.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson, French photographer
“It is because the body is a machine that education is possible. Education is the formation of habits, a superinducing of an artificial organization upon the natural organization of the body.” - Thomas Huxley, English scientist
“The person who figures out how to harness the collective genius of his or her organization is going to blow the competition away.” - Walter Wriston, American businessman
“The clarification of visual forms and their organization in integrated patterns as well as the attribution of such forms to suitable objects is one of the most effective training grounds of the young mind.” - Rudolf Arnheim, German artist
“The secret of all victory lies in the organization of the non-obvious.” - Marcus Aurelius, Roman soldier
“Executives owe it to the organization and to their fellow workers not to tolerate nonperforming individuals in important jobs.” - Peter Drucker, American businessman

Do you have some favorite organizational tips that you could share with us. I know that everyone can learn and benefit from them. Thanks!

Curious about Involvement: In What and How Involved Are You?

2010-08-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

“The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.” - Martina Navratilova, American athlete

Martina’s quotation is humorous, but also sums up perfectly the difference between involvement and commitment. I chose the theme involvement for this week’s blog, because I find that it is so easy for me to become over involved in volunteer activities. Yes, I think it is great to be known for one’s commitment to an organization or group, but when it starts to drain you and take you away from your involvement in your own business, you should consider pulling back.

That’s what I am working on doing now.

If you are at all like I am, I find it hard to say, “No” when asked to volunteer, to run for a club office, to write an article – or even to edit a newsletter, to be membership chair or any other time consuming position. And, I have done them all. I rationalize that they will help me become known and then, in turn, help my business. And they do. But I suggest that we must find a workable and productive balance.

The quotations I found cover a wide range of types of involvement, so here goes:

“Family involvement is a valuable thing and playing together actively can be the '90s version of it. Instead of just watching, you can do it together... something we don't spend enough time on. We can motivate and excite each other about fitness.” - Alan Thicke, Canadian actor
“I love children, and most of my involvement now has to do with children or youth programs.” - David Dinkins, American politician
“I recognized that teaching and research institutions vitally depend on the involvement of active scientists also in management functions.” - Richard Ernst, Swiss scientist
“I recommend limiting one's involvement in other people's lives to a pleasantly scant minimum.” - Quentin Crisp, English writer
“Just as the development of earth art and installation art stemmed from the idea of taking art out of the galleries, the basis of my involvement with public art is a continuation of wall drawings.” - Sol LeWitt, American artist
“Past conference topics have included strengthening the role of fathers in children's lives, the impact of the media culture on children, the delicate balance between work and family, and family involvement in education.” - Tipper Gore, American celebrity

And, a few more:

“The printed page conveys information and commitment, and requires active involvement. Television conveys emotion and experience, and it's very limited in what it can do logically. It's an existential experience - there and then gone.” - Bill Moyers, American journalist
“We have to provide good teachers, good environment, community involvement with schools.” - David Selby, American actor
“What people really want in the theater is fantasy involvement and not reality involvement.” - Edward Albee, American dramatist
“A good basic selling idea, involvement and relevancy, of course, are as important as ever, but in the advertising din of today, unless you make yourself noticed and believed, you ain't got nothin'.” - Leo Burnett, American businessman
“Democracy is the only system capable of reflecting the humanist premise of equilibrium or balance. The key to its secret is the involvement of the citizen.” - John Ralston Saul, Canadian author
“As all of us with any involvement in sports knows, no two umpires or no two referees have the same strike zone or call the same kind of a basketball game.” - Herb Kohl, American politician

So, how involved are you in your life? How? In what? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Impact: Are You Creating an Impact? How? What Impacts You?

2010-08-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Definition of Impact: To drive close; to press firmly together: to wedge into a place. Contact or impression by touch; collision; forcible contact; force communicated. The single instantaneous stroke of a body in motion against another either in motion or at rest.

“The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.” - Tony Robbins, American author

Let me tell you the story that prompted this week’s theme of impact – my impact and what impacted me. As I have mentioned before, I teach 12 fitness classes a week. These classes are part of a program called SilverSneakers. The participants are members of health clubs hand picked by the program. They are paid for by their health insurance companies and are all 65 years of age and above.

Our goal is a functional one to prepare the students for their activities of daily living. Our mission includes fitness, friends, and fun. We work with resistance tools for muscular strength and range of movement, along with cardiovascular health. The size of the classes – 30 to 35 participants – indicates part of the impact I am making and the participants’ enthusiasm and fitness progress provides me with impact from them.

On Monday – when I teach three classes in a row – I was informed when I got to the club, that the workout studio’s air conditioning wasn’t working and they wanted to cancel all my classes. The participants were devastated and begged me to teach. I made them promise that if they stopped feeling well from the heat that they would leave. I ended up teaching all three classes and no one left. What an impact that had on me and on them! Commitment won! Hooray!

So what makes an impact on you? I am impacted by the Internet and all of what I am learning there. I am impacted by superior customer service. Aren’t we all? I am impacted by genuine smiles, by positive words, by sincerity and by caring.

Now, let’s share what some of our experts had to say about impact:

“Design can have such a positive impact on the way people live and on their relationships and moods.” - Genevieve Gorder, American designer
“Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” - Solomon Ortiz, American politician
“I think journalism is a great way to do public service, to have an impact on your community.” - Bob Schieffer, American journalist
“We're at unique point in history where the things that we are building are going to significantly impact our social, political, economical, and personal lives.” - Anita Borg, American scientist
“Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness.” - Harold Kushner, American clergyman
“I have not fully had the opportunity to evaluate the impact of cameras in the courtroom.” - Lance Ito, American judge

And, a few more:

“It is important to remember that all business has an impact on the lives of real people.” – Lee R. Raymond, American actor
“Pictures can and do make a difference. Strong images of historical events do have an impact on society. They can help with change.” - Charles Moore, American photographer
“So I started chanting when I was nineteen, which was about twelve years ago, and it really had a huge impact on my outlook, happiness, and general creativity.” - Duncan Sheik, American musician
“We expect all our businesses to have a positive impact on our top and bottom lines. Profitability is very important to us or we wouldn't be in this business.” - Jeff Bezos, American businessman
“Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change - it can not only move us, it makes us move.” - Ossie Davis, American actor
“I can't imagine a more fulfilling thing for a writer than that you've made a strong impact on the lives of other people. Just because I've heard it before does not mean I don't want to hear it one more time.” - Armistead Maupin, American novelist

And a true, but humorous, one from English business woman, Anita Roddick, “If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito.”

So, how are you making an impact? And, what is impacting you? I would love to read your feedback.

Curious about Skill: What Is Your Skill or Are Your Skills? Is It True That We Love Using Our Skill and/or Skills?

2010-08-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

Definition: The familiar knowledge of any art or science, united with readiness and dexterity in execution or performance, or in the application of the art or science to practical purposes; power to discern and execute; ability to perceive and perform; expertness; aptitude; as, the skill of a mathematician, physician, surgeon, mechanic, etc.

“I really believe that everyone has a talent, ability, or skill that he can mine to support himself and to succeed in life.” - Dean Koontz, American author

I chose skill for this week’s theme, because I have been working on my new e-book, How to Reap the Rewards of a Portfolio Career, which in actuality makes use of the many skills we have developed. Because I have also discovered that entrepreneurs thrive on the variety afforded by having more than one career, they love making use of many different skills.

It is also known that when we are doing something we enjoy and have the skill and/or skills to do it easily, well, and successfully, we will experience the world of flow and automatically work with passion.

As I checked out the quotations using skill, I found a treasure trove to share with you. They are varied, thought evoking and special. Let’s start:

“Learning how to learn is life's most important skill.” - Tony Buzan, English educator
“Let each man pass his days in that wherein his skill is greatest.” - Sextus Propertius, Roman poet
“No skill shapes a child's future success in school or in life more than the ability to read.” – Bob Riley, American politician
“Only those who have patience to do simple things perfectly ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily.” - James J. Corbett, American athlete
“It is insight into human nature that is the key to the communicator's skill. For whereas the writer is concerned with what he puts into his writings, the communicator is concerned with what the reader gets out of it. He therefore becomes a student of how people read or listen.” - William Bernbach, American businessman
“It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill.” - Wilbur Wright, American Inventor
“We're all given some sort of skill in life. Mine just happens to be beating up on people.” – Sugar Ray Leonard, American athlete

And some more – they are so good:

“If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it's the best possible substitute for it.” –
James A. Garfield, American President
“If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.” – Samuel Johnson, English author
“It is a great piece of skill to know how to guide your luck even while waiting for it.” –
Baltasar Gracian, Spanish philosopher
“There is no question that knowing someone in the business will get you in the door. But it is your skill that will keep you in the room.” - Vic Mignogna, American actor
“There's many times this year I've sat back and thought, I'm making a living from making things up. It's the only skill I have so I've been really lucky.” - Colin Mochrie, Scottish actor
“To know how to hide one's ability is great skill.” - Francois de La Rochefoucauld, French writer
“Also, they don't understand - writing is language. The use of language. The language to create image, the language to create drama. It requires a skill of learning how to use language.” - John Milius, American director

Because I have a garden, I just have to share the following from American cartoonist, Doug Larson, with you, “A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.”

Take time to make a list of your special skills. I am sure you have many. And, if you have been thinking of changing careers, you might use your favorites in a part-time business of your own.

Curious about the Theme: Do You Ever Make Use of One? How Has a Theme Directed Your Life, Business and Purpose? Or Has It?

2010-08-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Definition of Theme: A subject or topic on which a person writes or speaks; a proposition for discussion or argument; a text. Discourse on a certain subject. That by means of which a thing is done; means; instrument. The leading subject of a composition or a movement.

“We must have a theme, a goal, a purpose in our lives. If you don't know where you're aiming, you don't have a goal. My goal is to live my life in such a way that when I die, someone can say, she cared.” - Mary Kay Ash, American business woman

I picked this week’s blog theme to be “Theme” mainly because I use a theme in so many different areas of my life, my purpose, my communications, my designs and websites, and my businesses along with much, much more.

A theme helps hold everything together, gives us direction and inspiration, flow and meaning, and – especially for me – focus and clarity.

Before I share some of the enlightening quotations I found, let me tell you how I make use of themes. First, picking a theme for a storytelling performance helps with choosing the stories to tell, the marketing of the program, and keeping on track. It works the same way with presentations, speeches and workshops. A great way to create an effective presentation is to pick a theme and use three strong examples of the theme in action.

And, many of you know and read my bi-weekly e-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, which always has a theme which it revolves around.

Of course, on the Internet, having popular themes for information products, like e-books, special reports, white papers, and articles helps with sales, search engine rankings, and traffic. Remember, that “content is still king.”

By now, you may be wondering how I use a theme for my life. Several years ago, one of the e-newsletters I subscribed to suggested that instead of making resolutions, we should set a theme for each year. The American photographer, Dorothea Lange, reminded me of it when she said, “Pick a theme and work it to exhaustion... the subject must be something you truly love or truly hate.” My theme for this year has been “remarkable” – being, writing, teaching, and health. Note: it still isn’t too late to pick a theme for the rest of the year!

Now, on to some great and interesting quotations:

“The idea that we cause harm by doing what we perceive to be the right thing, that's another theme that interests me. Because most people don't intend to cause harm, they cause harm by doing the right thing - in their mind.” - Andrew McCarthy, American actor
“Ultimately, your theme will find you. You don't have to go looking for it.” - Richard Russo, American novelist
“I really don't have a theme when I start a sculpture. The rock guides me to the final sculpture. I think that is true for many creative sculpture artists.” - Jimmy Carl Black, American musician
“I set about seeking a thread, a theme, a style, in the realm of legend. Something that might allow me to give free rein to my juvenile sense of romanticism and the beautiful image.” – Leni Riefenstahl, German director
“I would say my theme has always been paradise lost, always the lost cause, the lost leader, the lost utopia.” Marguerite Young, American author
“If there were only one truth, you couldn't paint a hundred canvases on the same theme.” - Pablo Picasso, Spanish artist

And, a few more I love:

“If you look at music, you see theme, variation, you see symmetry, asymmetry, you see structure, and these are related to skills in the real world.” - Dave Van Ronk, American musician
“A film is - or should be - more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what's behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later.” - Stanley Kubrick, American director
“To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be that have tried it.” - Herman Melville, American novelist
“You can't tell any kind of a story without having some kind of a theme, something to say between the lines.” - Robert Wise, American producer
“Even on the drum level, it's all about stating your theme, going back to certain things that need to be emphasized, not doing fills for the sake of doing fills.” - John Otto, American musician
“Evil hiding among us is an ancient theme.” - John Carpenter, American director

How about you? Do you ever pick a theme for your day? It does help set the tone and path. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Curious about Facts: What Kind of Influence Do They Have on Our Lives, Thoughts, and Businesses. How Do You Use Them?

2010-07-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.” - Abraham Lincoln, American President

“There are no facts, only interpretations.” - Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher

I picked facts for this week’s blog theme for several reasons. With the Internet today we have so many facts and/or information at our fingertips, it is almost impossible to avoid overwhelm and overload. Because of this, a good number of marketers warn us to avoid the facts when writing sales letter copy. And yet, others say to always include the facts, because they give buyers the rationale for buying after they have emotionally decided they want the product.

Then, there is the question about truth and the facts. I found 14 pages of quotations and quite a few brought up the question about truthful facts – even though many were of the age before the Internet. There were also quotations about the influence from facts upon education, creativity, and imagination.

The British writer Arthur Conan Doyle stated, “Depend upon it there comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before. It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.” My father always stressed the importance of leaving room for useful information, rather than memorizing a bunch of facts that you could look up in the library, a phone book, a dictionary, and/or a cookbook. Fortunately, I attended a college that believed the same way.

Now, onto some of the interesting facts quotations:

“My business is to teach my aspirations to confirm themselves to fact, not to try and make facts harmonize with my aspirations.” - Thomas Huxley, English scientist
“General principles... are to the facts as the root and sap of a tree are to its leaves.” –
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet
“The telephone book is full of facts, but it doesn't contain a single idea.” - Mortimer Adler, American philosopher
“When you seek advice, do not withhold any facts from the person whose advice you seek.” - Abu Bakr, Saudi Arabian statesman
“Nothing in education is so astonishing as the amount of ignorance it accumulates in the form of inert facts.” - Henry B. Adams, American historian
“When you have the facts on your side, argue the facts. When you have the law on your side, argue the law. When you have neither, holler.” - Al Gore, American Vice President
“Just as houses are made of stones, so is science made of facts.” - Henri Poincare, French mathematician

And a few more:

“One of the virtues of being very young is that you don't let the facts get in the way of your imagination.” - Sam Levenson, American author
“We don't focus as much in schools on educational knowledge which requires thinking and application, as we do on acquiring facts.” - William Glasser, American psychologist
“As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use.” – Gustave Flaubert, French novelist
“Get the facts, or the facts will get you. And when you get ‘em, get ‘em right, or they will get you wrong.” - Thomas Fuller, English clergyman
“Facts can be turned into art if one is artful enough.” - Paul Simon, American musician
“The truth is more important than the facts.” - Frank Lloyd Wright, American architect
“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” - Aldous Huxley, British novelist
“You can never get all the facts from just one newspaper, and unless you have all the facts, you cannot make proper judgments about what is going on.” - Harry S. Truman, American President

Tell me. Do you thirst for facts? When writing an article, do you spend time researching for facts? How many facts do you share with others? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Number and Numbers: Number Affects Us in a Plethora of Ways. How and What Numbers Are Important to You?

2010-07-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Definition of Number: That which admits of being counted or reckoned; a unit, or an aggregate of units; a numerable aggregate or collection of individuals; an assemblage made up of distinct things expressible by figures. A collection of many individuals; quantity, regarded as made up of an aggregate of separate things. To give or apply a number or numbers to; to assign the place of in a series by order of number; to designate the place of by a number or numeral; as, to number the houses in a street, or the apartments in a building. To amount; to equal in number; to contain; to consist of.

“Small is the number of people who see with their eyes and think with their minds.” – Albert Einstein, German physicist

Numbers have always held an important place in my life. Early on – actually in kindergarten – my parents let me know that I would be majoring in mathematics. I had been tested and had shown that I had natural ability for numbers. And yes, I did major in math and admit that I always enjoyed it.

I picked number for this week’s theme, because I realized the plethora of areas where number affects my outcomes, strategies, and plans in my life, careers, and businesses. Let me share a few:

My Portfolio Career – having a number of different careers at the same time.
Presentations – an effective speech is one with a dominant theme broken into three areas that address that theme.
Writing – we are urged to share numbers in our headlines - Three Secrets, or Seven Steps, I even have a Special Report that pinpoints 125 Ways to Develop STYLE.
Selling on the Internet – prices that end with a 7 do better than those that end with a 5. $9.97 is more popular than $9.95.
Storytelling – three is the magic number for most stories – three characters, three parts, three challenges. Seven is also a number that pops up, but not as often as three.
Social Networking on the Internet – many question how important it is to have a large number of friends on Facebook, Followers on Twitter, and Contact Connections on LinkedIn. I have been working on all three. The marketer that got me started feels that the more, the better for credibility and visibility.
Group Fitness Classes – I love the reaction when I tell people that I teach 12 classes every week. And most of those classes are filled with between 15 and 35 participants.

Yes, as you can see, numbers do play a big part in my life. Now, I want to share some of the variety I found in the numerous quotations:

“A tremendous number of people in America work very hard at something that bores them. Even a rich man thinks he has to go down to the office everyday. Not because he likes it but because he can't think of anything else to do.” - W. H. Auden, English poet
“In America everything's about who's number one today.” - Bruce Springsteen, American musician
“There are things which a man is afraid to tell even to himself, and every decent man has a number of such things stored away in his mind.” - Fyodor Dostoevsky, Russian novelist
“I've always felt that a person's intelligence is directly reflected by the number of conflicting points of view he can entertain simultaneously on the same topic.” - Abigail Adams, American First Lady
“I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed; and the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep on trying.” - Tom Hopkins, American businessman
“For one who reads, there is no limit to the number of lives that may be lived, for fiction, biography, and history offer an inexhaustible number of lives in many parts of the world, in all periods of time.” - Louis L'Amour, American author
“Number is different from quantity.” - Gregory Bateson, British scientist

And, several more:

“It has always been my belief that a man should do his best, regardless of how much he receives for his services, or the number of people he may be serving or the class of people served.” - Napoleon Hill, American writer
“It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you're not a winner.” – Vince Lombardi, American coach
“When we turn to one another for counsel we reduce the number of our enemies.” – Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese-American author
“It is not once nor twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance in the world.” – Aristotle, Greek philosopher
“In Vegas, I got into a long argument with the man at the roulette wheel over what I considered to be an odd number.” - Steven Wright, American comedian
“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.” –
Henry David Thoreau, American author
“The value of a principle is the number of things it will explain.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet

How about you? How important are numbers and number to you. I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Exercise: How Important? How Often? How Hard? How Long? What Kind?

2010-07-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Definition of Exercise: Exertion for the sake of training or improvement whether physical, intellectual, or moral; practice to acquire skill, knowledge, virtue, perfectness, grace, etc. That which is done for the sake of exercising, practicing, training, or promoting skill, health, mental, improvement, moral discipline, etc.

“Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning. Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very fast.” - Thomas Jefferson, American President

You may have guessed by now that exercise is one of my top, favorite subjects. Because I teach 12 group fitness classes a week, I am always bringing at least one book on health, nutrition, and exercise home from the library every trip. These are mainly books on CDs that I listen to in the car.

This week’s book is Younger Next Year for Women: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley, Henry S. Lodge M.D., and Gail Sheehy. You can find out more about it at http://www.youngernextyear.com/

The focus of the book is health for those of us 50 and older - both women and men. Toward the very beginning we learn “Harry’s (the doctor) number one rule: exercise six days a week!” The information is excellent and up-to-date. Chris and Harry explain – in detail – the important hows and whys. One part that I especially appreciate is all about starting (slowly), working at one’s own pace, and finding our different fitness levels.

Of course, I was not surprised to find a plethora of good and meaningful quotations about exercise, so let’s share:

“In terms of fitness and battling through cancer, exercise helps you stay strong physically and mentally.” - Grete Waitz, Norwegian athlete
“In times of life crisis, whether wild fires or smoldering stress, the first thing I do is go back to basics... am I eating right, am I getting enough sleep, am I getting some physical and mental exercise everyday.” - Edward Albert, American actor
“In youth, we get plenty of exercise through games and running around, but as middle life approaches, we settle down, literally and figuratively.” - Gene Tunney, American athlete
“Never hurry. Take plenty of exercise. Always be cheerful. Take all the sleep you need. You may expect to be well.” - James Freeman Clarke, American clergyman
“Nothing lifts me out of a bad mood better than a hard workout on my treadmill. It never fails. Exercise is nothing short of a miracle.” – Cher, American actress
“True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.” - Wilhelm von Humboldt, German educator

And a few more:

“If you're asking your kids to exercise, then you better do it, too. Practice what you preach.” - Bruce Jenner, American athlete
“Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young.” - W. Somerset Maugham, British playwright
“I really believe the only way to stay healthy is to eat properly, get your rest and exercise. If you don't exercise and do the other two, I still don't think it's going to help you that much.” - Mike Ditka, American coach
“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.” – Hippocrates, Greek scientist
“Turn resolutely to work, to recreation, or in any case to physical exercise till you are so tired you can't help going to sleep, and when you wake up you won't want to worry.” - B. C. Forbes, Scottish journalist
“Exercise is really important to me - it's therapeutic. So if I'm ever feeling tense or stressed or like I'm about to have a meltdown, I'll put on my iPod and head to the gym or out on a bike ride along Lake Michigan with the girls.” - Michelle Obama, American First Lady

So, listen to the wise words of the experts. And let me know what your favorite form of exercise is.

Curious about Drive: A Book about Motivation. What Drives Us and Our Work, Life, and Day-to-Day Activity?

2010-07-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

Definition of Drive: To urge, impel, or hurry forward; to force; to constrain; to urge, press, or bring to a point or state; as, to drive a person by necessity, by persuasion, by force of circumstances, by argument, and the like. To press forward; to aim, or tend, to a point; to make an effort; to strive. Driven.

“Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.” - Denis Waitley, American writer and motivator

What motivates you? What do you think motivates others?

I chose drive for this week’s blog, because I am reading a fabulous book by one of my favorite authors, Daniel Pink. From the front flap, “Most of us believe that the best way to motivate ourselves and others is with external rewards like money – the carrot-and-stick approach. That’s a mistake, Daniel H. Pink says in Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, his provocative and persuasive new book.”

“Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does – and how that affects every aspect of life.”

I suggest that you visit http://www.danpink.com/ to find out more about him and the book. Also, take the time to watch and listen to his TED presentation.

Of course, I looked up the experts’ quotations that include the word drive, and there were lots. Unfortunately, however, the majority focused on driving a car or being “driven crazy.” I did find some interesting ones that I am including here:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” - Martin Luther King, Jr., American leader
“Basic philosophy, spirit and drive of an organization have far more to do with its relative achievements than do technological or economic resources, organizational structure, innovation and timing.” - Marvin Bower, American businessman
“Too many people feel that where you start out dictates where you should end up. I was on welfare and just shy of 19 when my first daughter was born, but I was encouraged to take advantage of my ability and drive and remained in school.” - Gwen Moore, American politician
“A competitor will find a way to win. Competitors take bad breaks and use them to drive themselves just that much harder. Quitters take bad breaks and use them as reasons to give up. It's all a matter of pride.” - Nancy Lopez, American athlete
“Shame is such an intense emotion. It just can drive you.” - Kyra Sedgwick, American actress
“Writing children's books gives a writer a very strong sense of narrative drive.” –
Helen Dunmore, British poet
“Reason is a passion; an instinct, a drive.” - Bette Howland, American writer and critic

And a few more that I found interesting:

“If I drive myself to the brink of my ability, then I don't get stale or bored.” - Dean Koontz, American author
“There's a drive in me that won't allow me to do certain things that are easy.” - Johnny Depp, American actor
“Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” - Thomas Hardy, English novelist
“The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.” - Roger Bannister, British athlete
“The painter's obsession with his subject is all that he needs to drive him to work.” – Lucian Freud, British artist
“I've said it before, but it's absolutely true: My mother gave me my drive, but my father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.” - Liza Minelli, American actress

So, what gives you the drive and the motivation to succeed? I would love to hear from you, and also those of you who have read Daniel Pink’s books. He is amazing!

Curious about Presence: What Is It? Do You Have a Successful Presence? And, How Do We Establish One?

2010-06-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Definition of Presence: The place in which one is present; the part of space within one's ken, call, influence, etc. The whole of the personal qualities of an individual; person; personality; especially, the person of a superior, as a sovereign. Port, mien; air; personal appearance.

“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” – Epictetus, Greek philosopher

“As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson, American author

When my daughter and I started attending the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, we would spend hours discussing why, even though we enjoyed all of the tellers, we were more captivated by certain ones. We came to the conclusion that the outstanding tellers possessed a special presence that shone through the minute they would take to the stage.

As I was considering what theme I would choose for this week’s blog, I realized that our presence can affect the impact we make on others. And, there are many qualities of presence that work together to enhance our memorability and that all time important first impression. All the details work together.

Important is how we speak, how we hold ourselves, how we dress, how we listen, how we move, and especially how confident we are – quite different from being arrogant.

I think you will enjoy the quotations. They help a great deal with defining true presence:

“We convince by our presence.” – Walt Whitman, American poet
“You find yourself refreshed in the presence of cheerful people. Why not make an honest effort to confer that pleasure on others? Half the battle is gained if you never allow yourself to say anything gloomy.” - Lydia M. Child, American activist
“You've got to work hard for your success and you've got to have a steady presence. That's the secret.” - Kid Rock, American musician
“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” - Jesse Jackson, American activist
“Luck is not something you can mention in the presence of self-made men.” - E. B. White, American comedian
“Meryl Streep does things I would never have thought possible... Her presence on screen is outstanding.” - Leonardo DiCaprio, American actor
“Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness.” – Margaret Millar, Canadian writer

And a few more:

“Presence is more than just being there.” - Malcolm Forbes, American publisher
“The best effort of a fine person is felt after we have left their presence.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet
“People also leave presence in a place even when they are no longer there.” – Andy Goldsworthy, British artist
“It is by presence of mind in untried emergencies that the native metal of man is tested.” - James Russell Lowell, American poet
“Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.” - George MacDonald, Scottish novelist
“Arnold Schwarzenegger, I don't know if you'd call him a great actor, but he's amazing in terms of his presence, and he is interesting enough that you want to watch him.” – F. Murray Abraham, American actor

So, what kind of presence do you have and leave behind you? I suggest asking someone you trust – a good friend or family member – to describe your presence in their estimation. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

Curious about Stress: Most of Us Are Dealing with Stress. How Do We Handle It? and How It Is Affecting Us?

2010-06-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

Definition of Stress: Distress. Pressure, strain. To press; to urge; to distress; to put to difficulties. To subject to stress, pressure, or strain.

“Stress is basically a disconnection from the earth, a forgetting of the breath. Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important. Just lie down.” - Natalie Goldberg, American author

“It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” - Hans Selye, Canadian scientist

If you are wondering why I would choose stress for this week’s blog, it results from listening to a fascinating book called Ultra Metabolism by Dr. Mark Hyman. Besides sharing his seven myths of losing weight, he shares that “stress makes you fat, relaxing makes you thin.” How can that be?

And, yes I am guilty of telling my students that the recipe for losing weight is, “Eat less and exercise more.” Hyman shows how wrong I have been. The whole book – 11 CDs – is long and filled with great stories and “why” facts. However, the part that fascinated me the most was Key #2 which follows.

"Key #2: Subdue Stress. The second key is to understand how stress makes you fat and how to overcome its effects. Under any physical or psychological stress, the body is designed to protect itself. It stores calories and conserves weight (you might need that energy reserve to run from a predator). It pumps hormones into your system that increase blood fats, sugar and insulin to prepare you for fight or flight. Without eating more or exercising less, stress alone will cause weight gain."

Thank goodness I have been teaching Yoga classes for more than two years. Perfect way to reduce stress and relax.

I also found a plethora of great “stress” quotations. Here goes:

In times of life crisis, whether wild fires or smoldering stress, the first thing I do is go back to basics... am I eating right, am I getting enough sleep, am I getting some physical and mental exercise everyday.” - Edward Albert, American actor
“It seems that we have it backward in our society. We tend to look up to people who are under a great deal of stress, who can handle loads of stress, and those who are under a great deal of pressure.” - Richard Carlson, American author
“The key to winning is poise under stress.” - Paul Brown, American coach
“I've chosen to treat my life more like a party than something to stress about.” - Martin Short, American actor
“If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn't ask me, I'd still have to say it.” - George Burns, American comedian
“Well, I think probably the main reason people overeat is stress.” - Jenny Craig, Australian celebrity
“What basically happens is your hormones get out of whack. Because of the stress in your life your body says, 'I need more hormones.' So, your hormones are trying to produce and produce and produce, and it's even more stressful and it is this wicked cycle.” - Marie Osmond, American musician

And three more to chew upon:

“The components of anxiety, stress, fear, and anger do not exist independently of you in the world. They simply do not exist in the physical world, even though we talk about them as if they do.” - Wayne Dyer, American psychologist
“The life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, is the easiest type of existence.” - Norman Vincent Peale, American clergyman
“Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian actor

So, what do you think? About stress, losing weight, and the stress of losing weight? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Virtue(s): Do You Know What Yours Are? Do They Ever Oppose Each Other?

2010-06-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Definition of Virtue: Strength or courage; bravery; daring; spirit; valor. Active quality or power; capacity or power adequate to the production of a given effect; energy; strength; potency; efficacy; as, the virtue of a medicine. Excellence; value; merit; meritoriousness; worth. Specifically, moral excellence; integrity of character; purity of soul; performance of duty.

“Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know.” - Charles Kingsley, English clergyman

Today I was listening to a CD featuring the words and thoughts of Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone. They were speaking of virtue and virtues and that sometimes we are forced into situations where our virtues are challenged as opposites. An example of this in my case is that I pride myself on my honesty and integrity. However, when one of my fitness students who has been working diligently asks me if I notice a difference in his or her physique.

I notice and have noticed that they look a good bit heavier than when they started the classes. How honest should I be? In a kind way I usually suggest that to notice a big difference, exercise is not enough and that they should also work on their eating plan and lifestyle. I also share that even though I teach twelve classes a week, I have realized that I have to be more careful of my food intake as I get older.

In my search for effective quotations, I found a wide variation. There were comparisons between virtues and vices. Courage was mentioned often as the top virtue. And in many instances, virtues carried negative connotations.

Let me share several of all of the above types:

“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” - Elizabeth Taylor, American actress
“The strangest, most generous, and proudest of all virtues is true courage.” –
Michel de Montaigne, French philosopher
“He that is good, will infallibly become better, and he that is bad, will as certainly become worse; for vice, virtue and time are three things that never stand still.” - Charles Caleb Colton, English writer
“Choose silence of all virtues, for by it you hear other men's imperfections, and conceal your own.” - George Bernard Shaw, Irish dramatist
“Industry, economy, honesty, and kindness form a quartet of virtues that will never be improved upon.” - James Oliver, British politician
“It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” – Abraham Lincoln, American President

And several more for interest:

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” - George Washington, American President
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” – C. S. Lewis, British author
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.” - Marcus Aurelius, Roman soldier
“Who sows virtue reaps honor.” - Leonardo da Vinci, Italian artist
“One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” - Maya Angelou, American poet
“As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue.” - Albert Einstein, German physicist
“Virtue is harmony.” – Pythagoras, Greek mathematician

And three more for fun:

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet
“When you are younger you get blamed for crimes you never committed and when you're older you begin to get credit for virtues you never possessed. It evens itself out.” - Casey Stengel, American athlete
“Whenever there are great virtues, it's a sure sign something's wrong.” - Bertolt Brecht, German poet

So, what virtues do you have? And how have they served and worked for you? Let me hear from you.

Curious about Joy: Are You Filled with Joy? What Constitutes a Joyful Life for You?

2010-06-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

Definition of Joy: The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; pleasurable feelings or emotions caused by success, good fortune, and the like, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exhilaration of spirits; delight. To rejoice; to be glad; to delight; to exult. To gladden; to make joyful; to exhilarate.

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” – Buddha, Indian leader

I have been teaching a senior Yoga stretch class for two years. When I started – and also took the specialized training – I was not a Yogi and hadn’t even taken more than one Yoga class in my years of working out and teaching group fitness. Honestly, I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy teaching it.

Surprisingly for me, I fell in love with every part of it and the wonderful way I feel because of the benefits. And, there are many including improved flexibility; awareness of the body and mind connection; increased strength, suppleness, and stamina; enhancement of balance, posture, agility, grace, and digestion; and improved breathing leading to clarity, stillness of mind, and concentration. Besides the calmness and reduced anxiety, I experience an overwhelming joy while practicing the various postures.

I am basically a joyful person living a joyful life, and that is why I chose joy for this blog’s theme. Happily, I found a plethora of wonderful quotations that should make your day and days to come.

Here are a few:

“When work is a pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is slavery.” - Maxim Gorky, Russian novelist
“Part of the joy of looking at art is getting in sync in some ways with the decision-making process that the artist used and the record that's embedded in the work.” - Chuck Close, American artist
“There are some people who have the quality of richness and joy in them and they communicate it to everything they touch. It is first of all a physical quality; then it is a quality of the spirit.” - Tom Wolfe, American journalist
“The joy of the mind is the measure of its strength.” - Ninon de Lenclos, French celebrity
“I don't really care how I am remembered as long as I bring happiness and joy to people.” - Eddie Albert, American actor
“I want to thank all the women who have worn my clothes, the famous and the unknown, who have been so faithful to me and given me so much joy.” - Yves Saint Laurent, French designer

And some more for their uplifting and joyous qualities:

“When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” – Tecumseh, American leader
“True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery, French novelist
“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” - Marianne Williamson, American author
“Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian
“There's a great joy in my giving. It's thrilling. It's exhilarating. It's important to be a part of sharing. It is my love. It is my joy.” - W. Clement Stone, American businessman
“There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go.” - Jean Paul, German author

This theme really made my day. I do hope it did for you, too. Remember to live with joy. And, do reread the wonderful and uplifting quotations!

Curious about Anticipation: What Are You Anticipating? How Is Anticipation Working in Your Life?

2010-05-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Definition of Anticipation: The act of anticipating, taking up, placing, or considering something beforehand, or before the proper time in natural order. Hasty notion; intuitive preconception.

“An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.” - Samuel Smiles, Scottish writer

I chose anticipation for this week’s blog, because my whole weekend has been filled with anticipation. You may be wondering what anticipation. It is actually my anticipation of the beautiful garden I have been planning, shopping for, and doing all the work that will make it happen.

Even though I live in an apartment complex, I enjoy a large garden outside the side door to my building. When I moved here five years ago, I mentioned to the manager that the only thing I was going to miss from my former apartment was my roof garden. For my “housewarming gift” he had the garden dug up. And, I have been gardening ever since.

I also know that there can be down sides to anticipation as the Roman statesman, Seneca, points out, “Expecting is the greatest impediment to living. In anticipation of tomorrow, it loses today.” Yes, if we are always living in the future, we will lose the beauty of the present day.

This also speaks to looking forward with exciting anticipation to events and travel. How many times has the anticipation been greater than the event or trip? But, the anticipation can also be rewarding. And, what about visualization of a goal or intention?

For example, the English actress, Anna Neagle has a completely different take, “But if we learn to think of it as anticipation, as learning, as growing, if we think of the time we spend waiting for the big things of life as an opportunity instead of a passing of time, what wonderful horizons open out!”

Here are a few more of the interesting quotations I found:

“If pleasures are greatest in anticipation, just remember that this is also true of trouble.” -Elbert Hubbard, American writer
“Such is the state of life, that none are happy but by the anticipation of change: the change itself is nothing; when we have made it, the next wish is to change again.” - Samuel Johnson, English author
“He who matures early lives in anticipation.” - Theodor Adorno, German philosopher
“Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.” - Norman Cousins, American editor
“There is no more respected or influential forum in the field of journalism than the New York Times. I look forward, with great anticipation, to contributing to its op-ed page.” - Ted Koppel, American journalist
“Conscience in most men, is but the anticipation of the opinions of others.” - Jeremy Taylor, English clergyman
“I have good anticipation, and good reaction to the ball because I've played so many matches in my life.” - Martina Hingis, Czechoslovakian athlete

So, what do you think of anticipation? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Complexity: How Does It Harm or Help You? Or Just Puzzle You? How Do You Deal With It?

2010-05-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Definition of Complexity: The state of being complex; intricacy; entanglement. That which is complex; intricacy; complication.

“I love to work. I love to have complexity.” - Mary McDonnell, American actress

“Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.” - Alan Perlis, American scientist

Because I spend many hours on the computer, I repeat many of the same techniques often. I find it is easy to become a bit smug as I whip through the technology tasks I assign myself. That is until I experience a week like this past one. Yes, you guessed it. It was filled with complexity.

I was preparing a high tech presentation for a computer user’s group, using a program that is unfamiliar. I gave the presentation on Thursday night, and it went well. Then a member of their group gave a presentation that I found was filled with so much complexity for me, I can’t begin to give you a slim idea of what it was all about.

And, that wasn’t enough. Since then, I have been grappling with updating a local website – already complex – using a new, updated program that used to be familiar and fun to use. Now it is the epitome of complexity and mystery.

The positives of all of this complexity are that I am learning new techniques, along with giving myself many big “pats on the back” when I successfully jump another hurdle. It has also made me love Yoga even more for helping to keep me calm throughout.

I didn’t find a huge number of complexity quotations, but I love the ones I did. Here are some of them:

“Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves.” - Edwin Way Teale, American naturalist, photographer and writer
“The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.” - Douglas Horton, American clergyman
“It doesn't matter how much you want. What really matters is how much you want it. The extent and complexity of the problem does not matter was much as does the willingness to solve it.” - Ralph Marston, American athlete
“Dealing with complexity is an inefficient and unnecessary waste of time, attention and mental energy. There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple.” - Edward de Bono, English psychologist
“I don't really have preferred roles except those with some complexity.” - Richard Roxburgh, Australian actor
“I have been interested in phenomena involving complexity, diversity and evolution since I was a young boy.” - Murray Gell-Mann, American physicist
“The purpose of narrative is to present us with complexity and ambiguity.” - Scott Turow, American novelist

And just a couple more to think about:

“And so from that, I've always been fascinated with the idea that complexity can come out of such simplicity.” Will Wright, American scientist

“Everything from airplanes to kitchen blenders and even chopsticks comes with an instruction manual. Children, despite all their complexity, do not.” - Lawrence Kutner, American child psychologist

So, how do you deal with complexity? Let me hear about it.

Curious about Activity: How Much Do You Handle in a Day? Too Little or Too Much?

2010-05-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Definition of Activity: The state or quality of being active; nimbleness; agility; vigorous action or operation; energy; active force; as, an increasing variety of human activities.

“All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.” - Calvin Coolidge, American President

“Fresh activity is the only means of overcoming adversity.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet

I chose “activity” for this blog’s theme, because I not only encourage those in my fitness classes to embrace activity, I am also passionate about it. The senior group fitness classes I teach – 12 a week – stress the importance of preparing for ADL. What is ADL, you ask. It stands for Activities of Daily Living.

And, it doesn’t just apply to seniors. We all desperately need action and activity.

In the words of American athlete, Bill Toomey, “Realize that from the start, every activity that comprises the journey has value and the ability to teach you something.”

So often, it is easy to turn on the TV for relaxation. To avoid taking action on a new program or going to the gym. I know that many people are frowning today on the word “busy.” However, being active and busy solves many of our problems. In the words of American writer, Paul Goodman, “Enjoyment is not a goal, it is a feeling that accompanies important ongoing activity.”

I found a plethora of great and insightful quotations:

“Study with desire is real activity; without desire it is but the semblance and mockery of activity.” - William Godwin, English writer
“The society which scorns excellence in plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy: neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.” - John W. Gardner, American educator
“It takes great wit and interest and energy to be happy. The pursuit of happiness is a great activity. One must be open and alive. It is the greatest feat man has to accomplish.” - Robert Herrick, American poet
“It's the journey toward doing these harder climbs that really gives value to the whole activity of climbing.” - Alex Lowe, American athlete
“It makes no sense to worry about things you have no control over because there's nothing you can do about them, and why worry about things you do control? The activity of worrying keeps you immobilized.” - Wayne Dyer, American psychologist
“I never could have achieved the success that I have without setting physical activity and health goals.” - Bonnie Blair, American athlete

And a couple more to chew upon and consider:

“My experience as a school nurse taught me that we need to make a concerted effort, all of us, to increase physical fitness activity among our children and to encourage all Americans to adopt a healthier diet that includes fruits and vegetables, but there is more.” - Lois Capps, American politician

“I like to use my hands and make things... It might seem pretty stupid or pointless but that doesn't matter... some of the most interesting work is the stuff that starts like that - out of a raw need for activity.” - Bruce Nauman, American sculptor

So, what activities do you pursue in your life, work, and community? It is never too late to start. Let me hear what you are experiencing.

Curious about Distraction(s): Our Lives Are Filled with Distractions. How Do You Deal with Yours?

2010-05-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Definition of Distraction : The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation. That which diverts attention; a diversion. A diversity of direction; detachment. State in which the attention is called in different ways; confusion; perplexity.

“You can always find a distraction if you're looking for one.” - Tom Kite, American athlete

Yes, in this fast paced world of today, with so much to learn, experience, and enjoy, there is no dearth of distractions. And, I feel that Tom Kite is totally correct about the ease of finding a distraction. Could it be that a distraction helps us procrastinate?

I also feel that those people – like myself – who have a plethora of interests and a deep curiosity about life, learning, and the new discoveries taking place daily, have to guard against being distracted on a regular basis. We can’t embrace every “bright shiny object” that comes our way. If we stop to try every new idea and strategy, we will find that we are always busy, but not accomplishing much – if anything.

The best advice I have received for dealing with – or avoiding – distractions is to set aside two hour blocks of time to work on the important project(s). Our brains can successfully function for two hours. Then we should take a short 15 minute break. Walk, drink some water, do some Yogic breathing, and then come back to the next two hours. You will be amazed by the number of tasks completed by the end of the day.

I did not find a huge number of quotations, but the ones I did find are extremely interesting:

“I think there's always a call for people who are bucking the norm. But I don't expect it to happen now because I think that more than ever the entertainment industry is trying to serve as a distraction, to keep people from thinking too hard.” - Guy Picciotto, American musician
“If there was a distraction I'd get up and jump out the window. I was quite out of hand. In schools like that I don't think they expect that girls are going to behave in such an outrageous fashion.” - Diane Cilento, Australian actress
“It should be clear by now that my focus here is not freedom of speech or the press. This freedom is all too often an exaggeration. At the very least, blind references to freedom of speech or the press serve as a distraction from the critical examination of other communications policies.” - Mark Lloyd, American public servant
“Multi-tasking arises out of distraction itself.” - Marilyn vos Savant, American writer
“I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” - Hilaire Belloc, English poet
“Acclaim is a distraction.” - James Broughton, American director
“Art is the fatal net which catches these strange moments on the wing like mysterious butterflies, fleeing the innocence and distraction of common men.” - Giorgio de Chirico, Greek artist

And, a couple more for fun:

“I think the best thing I can do is to be a distraction. A husband lives and breathes his work all day long. If he comes home to more table thumping, how can the poor man ever relax?” - Jackie Kennedy, American First Lady

“At painful times, when composition is impossible and reading is not enough, grammars and dictionaries are excellent for distraction.” - Elizabeth Barrett Browning, English poet

So, what are your biggest distractions and how do you deal with them? Let us hear from you.

Curious about Strategy: Do You Have One for Your Business, Life, and Marketing? How Important Is It for You?

2010-05-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Definition of Strategy: a careful plan or method; a clever stratagem; the art of devising or employing plans or stratagems toward a goal.
Definition of Tactics: the art or skill of employing available means to accomplish an end; a system or mode of procedure.

I have included both definitions, because I have found in articles and on CDs that there is a fine distinction between them, even though they do go hand in hand. Following are two interesting and partially informative quotations:

“Strategy is buying a bottle of fine wine when you take a lady out for dinner. Tactics is getting her to drink it.” - Frank Muir, English writer

“Strategy requires thought, tactics require observation.” - Max Euwe, Dutch celebrity

I chose strategy for this week’s blog because I have been working diligently on devising a new marketing strategy for my portfolio career. I have hooked up with two new mentors and several other gurus to accomplish this exciting task. Yes, you read that correctly. I am excited. Everything is moving so fast that I feel that we must keep taking a lot of action every day.

The French leader, Charles de Gaulle, was right when he said, “You have to be fast on your feet and adaptive or else a strategy is useless.”

As I pull together my list of tactics, I realize that I must take effective control of my time. The American writer Ted W. Engstrom is helpful, when he wrote, “What do you want to get done? In what order of importance? Over what period of time? What is the time available? What is the best strategy for application of time to projects for the most effective results?”

If we answer and apply every one of his questions, we will be on our way.

Some of the other strategy quotations that I found extremely helpful:

“In marketing I've seen only one strategy that can't miss - and that is to market to your best customers first, your best prospects second and the rest of the world last.” - John Romero, American inventor
“The strategy of my coach and me was that we looked at pictures of all the best pole vaulters from around the world, and we took the best parts from them, and we created a person that had never existed. We then started to work toward being such a person.” - Sergei Bubka, Ukrainian athlete
“Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there.” – John P. Kotter, American educator
“However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” –
Winston Churchill, English statesman
“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.” - Michael LeBoeuf, American businessman
“Finally, strategy must have continuity. It can't be constantly reinvented.” - Michael Porter, American educator

And, just a couple more for you to chew upon:

“If you look at the various strategies available for dealing with a new technology, sticking your head in the sand is not the most plausible strategy.” -Ralph Merkle, American scientist

“My whole career strategy has been to build a base so that I could take the roles I want to play. I'd hate to think that a shorter part might not be available because I was worried about my billing.” - Jack Nicholson, American actor

So, do you have a strategy in place that you are using successfully. I would love to hear your feedback.

Curious about Authority: How Do You Feel about Having It and/or Experiencing Someone Else with It?

2010-04-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Definition of Authority: Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised by a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization. The power derived from opinion, respect, or esteem; influence of character, office, or station.

“Those who enjoy responsibility usually get it; those who merely like exercising authority usually lose it.” - Malcolm Forbes, American publisher

“Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out.” - Ronald Reagan, American President

I chose “authority” for this week’s theme because it popped up a couple of times in the books I was reading and the CDs I was listening to, and then in my fitness classes. Let me tell you the story.

The classes have all grown in size – as many as 35 people in some. I am quite time oriented and start right at the scheduled time. Most of the participants arrive early, pick up their tools and get settled in their spots. However, there are several – and usually the same ones – who arrive late and after we have started. They still have to pick up the tools of the class and then get settled.

Quite a few of the on-time students pointed out to me that these late-comers cause distractions. They urged me to say something about it. “After all, it is your class and you have the authority.” So, at the end of each class I pointed out that, especially in the Yoga class, coming in late was causing an interruption to the flow of the classes. So, if they could arrive even a few minutes early, we would all – including them – benefit.

It has been better since, and many of the on-timers have thanked me. I learned that I don’t need to be a heavy-handed authority figure, but I should make use of it when called for. How about you? If you are in a position of authority, how and when do you use it?

As usual, the quotations were plentiful and eye opening:

“That's why editors and publishers will never be obsolete: a reader wants someone with taste and authority to point them in the direction of the good stuff, and to keep the awful stuff away from their door.” - Walter Jon Williams, American writer
“There is no moral authority like that of sacrifice.” - Nadine Gordimer, South African novelist
“Where the people possess no authority, their rights obtain no respect.” - George Bancroft, American historian
“The wisest have the most authority.” – Plato, Greek philosopher
“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.” - Leonardo da Vinci, Italian artist
“Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.” - Robert E. Lee, American soldier

And a few more with a different twist:

“Authority has every reason to fear the skeptic, for authority can rarely survive in the face of doubt.” - Vita Sackville-West, English novelist
“Authority without wisdom is like a heavy ax without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.” – Anne Bradstreet, American poet
“If you look to lead, invest at least 40% of your time managing yourself - your ethics, character, principles, purpose, motivation, and conduct. Invest at least 30% managing those with authority over you, and 15% managing your peers.” - Dee Hock, American businessman
“My only purpose is to teach children to rebel against authority figures.” - Sherman Alexie, American writer
“Since when have we Americans been expected to bow submissively to authority and speak with awe and reverence to those who represent us?” - William O. Douglas, American judge
“But because our organization has grown so much and in so many different ways, the delegation process places responsibility and authority on the shoulders of people you can watch grow and watch the way they treat others.” - Vince McMahon, American entertainer

How do you feel about authority? I would love to hear about times when you were called upon to use yours.

Curious about Preparation: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance – It That True for You?

2010-04-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Definition of Preparation: The act of preparing or fitting beforehand for a particular purpose, use, service, or condition; previous arrangement or adaptation; a making ready. The state of being prepared; preparedness; readiness; fitness. That which prepares the way, or introduces; a preparatory act or measure. Accomplishment; qualification.

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius, Chinese philosopher

“I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” - Oprah Winfrey, American entertainer

As a girl scout, I was always told to “Be Prepared.” I just finished one of the best books I have read on preparation. It is David Allen’s, Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Work and Life. He is a master of productivity and preparation for “anything.” Allen is succinct, straight forward and an excellent task master.

As I started work on this week’s blog, I realized how important proper preparation is to me and how it has colored my life and accomplishments for years. In college I wasn’t a crammer – I was a reviewer. As a speaker and storyteller I am prepared with more information than I need and extra stories just in case. As an instructor – either in fitness or continuing education classes – I feel better practicing ahead of time and arriving early to set up everything. Yes, I do write out lists along with using many of Allen’s project techniques.

I found so many glowing and helpful quotations to remember and follow:

“I'm a big believer in the fact that life is about preparation, preparation, preparation.” - Johnnie Cochran, American lawyer
“If you don't have talent or preparation for whatever you want to do, you will not be successful in anything.” - Alicia Machado, Venezuelan celebrity
“It is only after years of preparation that the young artist should touch color - not color used descriptively, that is, but as a means of personal expression.” - Henri Matisse, French artist
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” - Arthur Ashe, American athlete
“Preparation for old age should begin not later than one's teens. A life which is empty of purpose until 65 will not suddenly become filled on retirement.” - Dwight L. Moody, American clergyman
“You hit home runs not by chance but by preparation.” - Roger Maris, American athlete
“There is no short cut to achievement. Life requires thorough preparation - veneer isn't worth anything.” - George Washington Carver, American scientist

And a few more with a bit of a twist:

“Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” –
Robert H. Schuller, American clergyman
“Running a school where the students all succeed, even if some students have to help others to make the grade, is good preparation for democracy.” - William Glasser, American psychologist
“Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren't enjoying today's sunshine.” - William Feather, American author
“Stretching was a major part of my preparation.” - Edwin Moses, American athlete
“But to me the bottom line is the more education you can give yourself, and the more preparation you can do, the less chance of failing.” - Stuart Pearce, English coach
“Confidence is preparation. Everything else is beyond your control.” - Richard Kline, American actor
“Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is, not a preparation for life; education is life itself.” - John Dewey, American philosopher

So, how much do you prepare? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Abundance: Do You Believe That There Is Abundance for All? What Are Your Areas of Abundance?

2010-04-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Definition of Abundance: An overflowing fullness; ample sufficiency; great plenty; profusion; copious supply; superfluity; wealth: -- strictly applicable to quantity only, but sometimes used of number.

“The world is full of abundance and opportunity, but far too many people come to the fountain of life with a sieve instead of a tank car... a teaspoon instead of a steam shovel. They expect little and as a result they get little.” - Ben Sweetland, American author

“Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving.” - W. Clement Stone, American businessman

I am still hearing about the “lack of abundance” surrounding us – the persistent focus on today’s doom and gloom. Therefore, I decided to investigate the theme of abundance for this week’s blog. Yes, I have tightened up on my spending and am working diligently on my forthcoming book, How to Reap the Rewards of a Portfolio Career.

The quotations I found are excellent and thought provoking. However, they were in short supply compared with the quotations that are not as positive – for example, I only found two and a quarter pages of “abundance” quotations, whereas I found fourteen full pages of “lack” quotations with approximately twenty quotations on a page.

I feel strongly that we should enjoy abundance in as many or even more areas as we experience lack. Doesn’t it follow our mindset and/or our attitude? What do you think? Let’s all agree with Sarah Ban Breathnach, the American author who wrote, “Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.”

Here are some more of the great quotations I found:

“Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.” - Wayne Dyer, American psychologist
“Expect your every need to be met. Expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on every level.” - Eileen Caddy, English celebrity
“What is called genius is the abundance of life and health.” - Henry David Thoreau, American author
“What we need to do is really improve energy efficiency standards, develop in full scale renewable and alternative energy and use the one resource we have in abundance, our creativity.” - Lois Capps, American politician
“Not what we have. But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” – Epicurus, Greek philosopher
“Talent is always conscious of its own abundance, and does not object to sharing.” – Alexander Solzehnitsyn, Russian novelist
“When you're in danger of losing a thing it becomes precious and when it's around us, it's in tedious abundance and we take it for granted as if we're going to live forever, which we're not.” - John McGahern, Irish writer

So, I suggest making a list of everything you have in abundance. I think you will be surprised. And, do let me hear from you.

Curious about Contemplation: Do You Take Time to Contemplate? What Are Your Areas for Contemplation?

2010-04-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

Definition of Contemplation: The act of the mind in considering with attention; continued attention of the mind to a particular subject; meditation; musing; study. Holy meditation. The act of looking forward to an event as about to happen; expectation; the act of intending or purposing.

“An art aims, above all, at producing something beautiful which affects not our feelings but the organ of pure contemplation, our imagination.” - Eduard Hanslick, German writer

Inspiration for this week’s theme came from my re-listening to Michael Gelb’s fascinating book, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci. Besides introducing us to the genius da Vinci, Gelb describes the seven principles that help define how Leonardo thought. And yes, contemplation is one of those.

I love writing this blog, because it not only forces me to pick a theme, it also – through my investigation of the theme’s quotations – but also lets me read how others have felt about it. This is incredibly enlightening and does lead me to heavy contemplation.

You will find the following interesting and invigorating:

“The wise man knows how to run his life so that contemplation is Possible.” - Gabriel Marcel, French philosopher
“Soon silence will have passed into legend. Man has turned his back on silence. Day after day he invents machines and devices that increase noise and distract humanity from the essence of life, contemplation, meditation.” - Jean Arp, German sculptor
“That pleasure which is at once the most pure, the most elevating and the most intense, is derived, I maintain, from the contemplation of the beautiful.” - Edgar Allan Poe, American poet
“The act of contemplation then creates the thing created.” - Isaac Disraeli, English businessman
“The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.” – Aristotle, Greek philosopher
“Action is greater than writing. A good man is a nobler object of contemplation than a great author. There are but two things worth living for: to do what is worthy of being written; and to write what is worthy of being read.” - Ross Perot, American businessman
“Art is contemplation. It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature and which there divines the spirit of which nature herself is animated.” - Auguste Rodin, French sculptor

And, a few more with a different twist:

“I think a lot of contemplation happens in bathtubs. It does for me. Nothing like a hot bath to ease the tension and think about what's going to happen next.” - Sarah McLachlan, Canadian musician
“If there is a special Hell for writers it would be in the forced contemplation of their own works.” - John Dos Passos, American novelist
“If we know the divine art of concentration, if we know the divine art of meditation, if we know the divine art of contemplation, easily and consciously we can unite the inner world and the outer world.” - Sri Chinmoy, Indian philosopher
“There are few things more pleasing than the contemplation of order and useful arrangement.” - Arthur Phillip, British soldier
“Contemplation often makes life miserable. We should act more, think less, and stop watching ourselves live.” - Nicolas de Chamfort, French writer
“Contemplation seems to be about the only luxury that costs nothing.” - Dodie Smith, English dramatist

I hope this article moved you to contemplate. And I do recommend the da Vinci book highly. They also offer a companion workbook, which I have placed on my Wish List. I would love to hear how it is working for you.

Curious about Commitment: What Does It Mean to You? What Are You Committed To? How Much?

2010-03-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Definition of Commitment: The act of committing, or putting in charge, keeping, or trust; consignment. The act of referring or intrusting to a committee for consideration and report; as, the commitment of a petition or a bill. The act of pledging or engaging; the act of exposing, endangering, or compromising; also, the state of being pledged or engaged.

“The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.” - Tony Robbins, American author

“My commitment is my commitment.” - Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spanish statesman

I will ask again. “What is your commitment and how committed are you?” I feel fortunate to live in Cleveland, Ohio, and to be working in the fitness and health field. Why? Because our own Cleveland Clinic is sponsoring a program called “Go-Fit.” This is their commitment to helping residents get healthy and fit.

Participants get 90 days of interactive membership at their local YMCA. The goal is to help them realize and enjoy the benefits of working out – and, in my opinion, hook them into exercise for life. They must be committed enough to come to the club three times a week, have a weekly assessment, and undergo a more comprehensive assessment at the end of each month.

So many signed up, waiting lists were created for spaces left by those who were not committed enough to stick with the 90 day procedures. The good news is that many on the waiting list are now starting. But, the bad news is that so many were not committed enough to stick with the program. It does make me sad.

Yes, I know that it is hard work. Muscles can hurt and ache the next few days. You are tempted to stay home and rest.

Don’t! No matter what you are committed to – especially a challenging goal, for example – stick with it. You will be so glad you did. And, your self confidence will soar.

I found a plethora of commitment quotations, so here goes:

“You need to make a commitment, and once you make it, then life will give you some answers.” - Les Brown, American businessman
“The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.” - Martina Navratilova, American athlete
“Through this additional support, we must renew our commitment to provide talented young people with the opportunity to build scientific careers based on their curiosity, the same opportunity that was provided to me when I began my work.” - Kenneth G. Wilson, American scientist
“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” - Zig Ziglar, American author
“It was not until I had graduated from college that I made a professional commitment to it. Frankly, I didn't think it wise. I was my own interior parental force, and it's very difficult to justify a profession as a dancer.” - Twyla Tharp, American dancer
“Growing up on a dairy farm, you certainly learn discipline and a commitment to purpose.” - Mike Johanns, American politician
“Hardcover books are fairly expensive these days and to read one requires a significant commitment of time in our busy society. So I want to make sure that when readers buy one of my books they get something they're familiar with.” - Jeffery Deaver, American writer

And a couple more to add some spice to the article:

“The capacity to combine commitment with skepticism is essential to democracy.” - Mary Catherine Bateson, American scientist

“Journey with me to a true commitment to our environment. Journey with me to the serenity of leaving to our children a planet in equilibrium.” - Paul Tsongas, American politician

I ask again. What are you committed to? Make a list. If you are at all like I am You will be surprised how long it is.

Curious about Initiative: Do You Have It and Take It? John C. Maxwell Lists Initiative as One of the Qualities of a Leader

2010-03-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Definition of Initiative: Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory; preliminary. An introductory step or movement; an act which originates or begins. The right or power to introduce a new measure or course of action, as in legislation; as, the initiative in respect to revenue bills is in the House of Representatives.

“Success comes from taking the initiative and following up... persisting... eloquently expressing the depth of your love. What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?” - Tony Robbins, American author

I am close to finishing the excellent book, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow, by John C. Maxwell. One of the chapters addresses the importance of initiative – never leaving home without it. I started thinking about the courage that is necessary in most instances of taking initiative.

Maybe you serve on a Board, are thinking of starting your own business, considering returning to school for an advanced degree, writing a book, running for a community office – all of which take initiative. I know because I have tried all and even more. In some instances, I moved fast. In others I actually procrastinated. Why? And why don’t we take the initiative when we have the desire?

I feel that it is fear that is holding us back. We don’t want to fail or be criticized or told, “You can’t do that. Who do you think you are, anyway?” Yes, there will be hard times and obstacles along the way. But I urge you to keep on keeping on. Read Tony Robbins' quotation again and the other quotations I am about to include below.

Pick your favorite or favorites:

“The four cornerstones of character on which the structure of this nation was built are: Initiative, Imagination, Individuality and Independence.” - Eddie Rickenbacker, American aviator
“The important thing is to concentrate upon what you can do - by yourself, upon your own initiative.” - Harry Browne, American writer
“When you believe in what you're doing and use your imagination and initiative, you can make a difference.” - Samuel Dash, American lawyer
“Genius is initiative on fire.” - Holbrook Jackson, English writer
“I've always had confidence. It came because I have lots of initiative. I wanted to make something of myself.” - Eddie Murphy, American comedian
“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” - Victor Hugo, French writer
“It takes more than capital to swing business. You've got to have the A. I. D. degree to get by - Advertising, Initiative, and Dynamics.” - Isaac Asimov, American scientist

A couple more to chew upon:

“Organization can never be a substitute for initiative and for judgment.” - Louis D. Brandeis, American judge

“Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative, leaders change things.” - Jesse Jackson, American activist

When and how have you used your initiative? Send me the story. I would love to read about it.

Curious about the Brain and Brainpower: What Are You Doing to Keep It Active and Young?

2010-03-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

“An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.” - Arnold H. Glasow, American humorist

“Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power.” - Barbara Jordan, American lawyer

I am fascinated with the brain and our brainpower. How about you?

There was a time when people were talking about the death of brain cells. And, even using that myth to explain why – as we mature – we start forgetting. Yes, forgetting facts, names, where we left our keys, why we went to a certain room, and, for me, forgetting the perfect word to use while speaking, teaching, or telling a story.

Well, the great news is that there is presently a lot of interest in our brains. From the article, Boost Your Brain Health, in the current issue of AARP’s magazine, “Studies show that diverse, mentally stimulating tasks result in more brain cells, and a greater ability to bypass age: or disease–related trouble spots in the brain. The more you work your mind, the greater your cognitive reserve . . . thus the greater your ability to withstand the inevitable challenges of aging.”

As I read on in the article, I was thrilled to find that the habits suggested to maximize brain health are the same habits I have been suggesting to my senior students all along: walk and talk; vary your routine; get smart; play; de-stress; sleep; imagine; party; eat right; and watch your numbers.

The quotations I found were wide and varied – and not scientific and/or technical – but also helpful for attitude and activities of daily living (ADL):

“It is good to rub and polish our brain against that of others.” - Michel de Montaigne, French philosopher
“Money is the last enemy that shall never be subdued. While there is flesh there is money or the want of money, but money is always on the brain so long as there is a brain in reasonable order.” - Samuel Butler, British poet
“A strange thing is memory, and hope; one looks backward, and the other forward; one is of today, the other of tomorrow. Memory is history recorded in our brain, memory is a painter, it paints pictures of the past and of the day.” - Grandma Moses, American artist
“The beautiful part of writing is that you don't have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon. You can always do it better, find the exact word, the apt phrase, the leaping simile.” - Robert Cormier, American author
“Genetics is crude, but neuroscience goes directly to work on the brain, and the mind follows.” - Leon Kass, American educator
“If only we could pull out our brain and use only our eyes.” - Pablo Picasso, Spanish artist

And, some more for fun and interest:

"You have to have conviction and completely question everything and anything you do. No matter how much you study, no matter how much you know, the side of your brain that has the smarts won't necessarily help you in making art.” - Maya Lin, American architect
“I think that cognitive scientists would support the view that our visual system does not directly represent what is out there in the world and that our brain constructs a lot of the imagery that we believe we are seeing.” - Galen Rowell, American photographer
“We are not interested in the fact that the brain has the consistency of cold porridge.” - Alan Turing, British mathematician
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.” - Theodor Geisel, American writer
“My own brain is to me the most unaccountable of machinery - always buzzing, humming, soaring roaring diving, and then buried in mud. And why? What's this passion for?” - Virginia Woolf, British author
“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.” - Nikola Tesla, American inventor

So, how is your brain faring? I am so excited to be living in a time period where brain aging is but a memory of the past. Keep exercising, learning, playing, and taking care of your health. And, let me know how you are doing.

Curious about the Core: It Has Many Meanings and Impacts Us In Many Different Ways

2010-03-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

Definition of Core: heart or inner part of a thing, as of a column, wall, rope, of a boil, etc.; especially, the central part of fruit, containing the kernels or seeds; as, the core of an apple or quince. The center or inner part, as of an open space; as, the core of a square. The most important part of a thing; the essence; as, the core of a subject.

“The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.” - Max Lerner, American journalist

“Human beings crave freedom at their core.” - John Ensign, American politician

I chose the core as this week’s theme for several reasons. First of all, I mention our core in all of the group fitness classes I teach (12 a week). It is so important to our health, fitness level, alignment, and energy that we have a strong and lean core.

Next, I reviewed the excellent book by the Heath brothers, Made to Stick. Their first suggestion for making an idea or a story is to determine and state the core. Keep it simple and straight forward. Keep asking yourself, “What is the main idea? How can I simplify?”

The third reason is the strongest. Frank Kern is one of my favorite marketing gurus. He has always seemed to be the most real of the bunch. On Friday night I watched for close to two hours – without multi-tasking or straying from focus – his presentation of his program, “Core Influence.” It was incredible and, unlike so many other marketing guru programs, it did speak to my core and show how and why Kern is real. Note: Kern sometimes uses rough language and is a bit “off the wall” so be prepared.

As you can imagine, I found a good variety of wonderful core quotations:

“My core beliefs revolve around the idea that we should live to the best of our abilities-we should live and let live.” - Enya, Irish musician
“My athleticism was really the core to social acceptance, because in those days the overwhelming number of students came from more of a public school background than I did.” - Roger Bannister, British athlete
“I'm fortunate in that I'm a lecturer too and this gets me out and about and away from the computer. I also have loads of friends all around the world, plus a core group of special people in my life that I can lean on, chat to, or just hang with.” - Paul Kane, English writer
“If our core belief is based on what other people think, then we eventually will allow their opinions to become our reality.” - Darren L. Johnson, American author
“If the Internet teaches us anything, it is that great value comes from leaving core resources in a commons, where they're free for people to build upon as they see fit.” -Lawrence Lessig, American educator
“I admire the fact that the central core of Buddhist teaching involves mindfulness and loving kindness and compassion.” - Ron Reagan, American journalist

And two more that I especially love and relate to:

“For books are more than books, they are the life, the very heart and core of ages past, the reason why men lived and worked and died, the essence and quintessence of their lives.” -
Gene Fowler, American journalist

“Health is the core of human development.” - Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norwegian politician

How about you? How do you describe your core – values, beliefs, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial? I find that it is an ongoing project that I always need to stop and consider.

Curious about Aging: It Happens to All of Us. How Do You Feel About It? I Love It!

2010-02-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” - Betty Friedan, American activist

“Aging is an inevitable process. I surely wouldn't want to grow younger. The older you become, the more you know; your bank account of knowledge is much richer.” - William M. Holden, American actor

Yesterday, as I was driving home from an all day fitness training program, I was thinking about how happy I was that I am a part of it. I am referring to the excellent SilverSneakers Fitness program.

Four years ago I was approached by the fitness director at the YMCA where I was a group fitness instructor, teaching all ages of participants. She told me about the new program for seniors they were starting and asked if I would be interested. Saying, “yes,” was one of the best decisions I have made in my fitness career. I now teach 12 classes a week at two YMCAs and love every minute.

What is so special about SilverSneakers? First of all, being a senior myself, I am staying fit, making wonderful friends, and having fun (the three bolded words are our main goals). Secondly, the instructor training is superb – safe and effective. Best of all, the participants who attend the classes are incredible. They are all upbeat, work as hard as they can, laugh often, help each other, and spread enthusiasm for the classes.

For us, aging is a treat!

There were not a lot of aging quotations. However, the good news is that most were super positive. Let’s share a few:

“Every industry is going to be affected (by the aging population). This creates tremendous opportunities and tremendous challenges.” - Pat Conroy, American writer
“No one can avoid aging, but aging productively is something else.” - Katharine Graham, American business woman
“Older women are like aging strudels - the crust may not be so lovely, but the filling has come at last into its own.” - Robert Farrar Capon, American author
“Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life.” - Kitty O'Neill Collins, Irish creator of quotations
“Ava Gardner was the most beautiful woman in the world, and it's wonderful that she didn't cut up her face. She addressed aging by picking up her chin and receiving the light in a better way. And she looked like a woman. She never tried to look like a girl.” - Sharon Stone, American actress
“Being here allows me to make the case that not all aging, narcissistic movie actors whose children could be mistaken for their grandchildren necessarily act with the same motivation.” - Warren Beatty, American actor

And, three more for fun:

“The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.” - Doug Larson, American cartoonist

“We are not victims of aging, sickness and death. These are part of scenery, not the seer, who is immune to any form of change. This seer is the spirit, the expression of eternal being.” - Deepak Chopra, American philosopher

“You can't stop the aging process. There's only so much oil you can put on your body. I've always just tried to go with my age. If the part requires somebody a little younger or older, I can probably get away with that.” - Angie Dickinson, American actress

I hope you are enjoying or will enjoy aging as much as I am. There are so many advantages that accompany it. I would love to hear how you feel.

Curious about Belief(s): How Do Yours Direct You, Your Life, Your Business and Your Relationships?

2010-02-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

Definition of Belief: Assent to a proposition or affirmation, or the acceptance of a fact, opinion, or assertion as real or true, without immediate personal knowledge; reliance upon word or testimony; partial or full assurance without positive knowledge or absolute certainty; persuasion; conviction; confidence; as, belief of a witness; the belief of our senses. A tenet, or the body of tenets, held by the advocates of any class of views; doctrine; creed.

“It has always been my belief that a man should do his best, regardless of how much he receives for his services, or the number of people he may be serving or the class of people served.” - Napoleon Hill, American writer

I chose belief(s) as this week’s theme, because with all of the new information I am receiving through the Internet, CDs, and books, I realize that many of my long time beliefs are being challenged and may not be accurate.

One example is my belief about how to lose weight. For years I have told my fitness students that the answer is a five word phrase, “Eat less and exercise more.” Many of the current fitness gurus challenge this – both the eating part and the exercise part. I would probably dismiss their claims, except that there are plenty of people who have succeeded with the new approaches.

And then there is the rampant business fraud so prevalent in our society today. It seems that almost daily we read or hear about a well known executive and/or politician being questioned in court for shady practices. The products we have purchased and depended upon are being taken to task for known imperfections. What has become of ethics? And, who can we believe?

I certainly don’t want to be negative, but I admit that I am confused about a lot of my former beliefs. I used to scoff at the skeptics, but now find a bit of skepticism sneaking into my beliefs. How about you? Have you lost some of the certainty you once possessed?

On to quotations about beliefs. There were many that touched on faith, belief and religion. I have skipped those, rather than getting into an area of contention, but think you will enjoy those quotations I will include – there were many to choose from:

“Money motivates neither the best people, nor the best in people. It can move the body and influence the mind, but it cannot touch the heart or move the spirit; that is reserved for belief, principle, and morality.” - Dee Hock, American businessman
“There is no greater level and form of belief than believing in yourself.” - Darren L. Johnson, American author
“Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” - William James, American philosopher
“If you believe you can, you probably can. If you believe you won't, you most assuredly won't. Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad.” - Denis Waitley, American writer
“It is my belief that we all have the need to feel special. It is this need that can bring out the best in us, yet the worst in us.” - Janet Jackson, American musician
“Most executives, many scientists, and almost all business school graduates believe that if you analyze data, this will give you new ideas. Unfortunately, this belief is totally wrong. The mind can only see what it is prepared to see.” - Edward de Bono, English psychologist
“Good advertising does not just circulate information. It penetrates the public mind with desires and belief.” - Leo Burnett, American businessman

And three more to chew on and think about:

“We are all captives of the picture in our head - our belief that the world we have experienced is the world that really exists.” - Walter Lippmann, American journalist
“I am confident that, in the end, common sense and justice will prevail. I'm an optimist, brought up on the belief that if you wait to the end of the story, you get to see the good people live happily ever after.” - Cat Stevens, British musician
“The four characteristics of humanism are curiosity, a free mind, belief in good taste, and belief in the human race.” - E. M. Forster, English novelist

What beliefs of your have be questioned or challenged? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Color: Have You Ever Considered How Important Color Is In Our Lives?

2010-02-13T18:20:00.000-08:00

Definition of Color: A property depending on the relations of light to the eye, by which individual and specific differences in the hues and tints of objects are apprehended in vision; as, gay colors; sad colors, etc.; The hue or color characteristic of good health and spirits. That which is used to give color; a paint; a pigment; as, oil colors or water colors. That which covers or hides the real character of anything; semblance; excuse; disguise; appearance. To change or alter the hue or tint of, by dyeing, staining, painting, etc.; to dye; to tinge; to paint; to stain.

“In nature, light creates the color. In the picture, color creates the light.” - Hans Hofmann, German artist

“Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up.” - Allen Klein, American businessman

I have had such a mesmerizing and exciting time with this week’s theme. It all started when I received an e-mail from one of my storytelling friends. He had taken a career test that focuses on color and – as he pointed out – is amazingly accurate. You will find it HERE. Of course, once I took it, I couldn’t get my mind off color.

And, once I started looking up the color quotations, I could barely make myself stop. Yes, there were many that dealt with skin color, such as Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous, “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Then, there were many quotations by artists, writers, and all sorts of creatives. It was like reading a beautiful book of poetry.

Let me start sharing some:

“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” –
George Burns, American comedian
“We are like chameleons, we take our hue and the color of our moral character, from those who are around us.” - John Locke, English philosopher
“I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast. I wanted to know where it got its color, where it got its life - but there was no one to tell me.” - George Washington Carver, American scientist
“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” - Rabindranath Tagore, Indian poet
“The soul is dyed with the color of its leisure thoughts.” - Dean Inge, English author
“Color is for me the purest form of expression, the purest abstract reality.” - Jim Hodges, American politician
“Truth knows no color; it appeals to intelligence.” - James Hal Cone, American theologian
“It is generally admitted that the most beautiful qualities of a color are in its transparent state, applied over a white ground with the light shining through the color.” - Maxfield Parrish, American artist

And, just three more:

“First of all, I always see the sun! The way I want to identify myself and others is with halos here and there halos, movements of color. And that, I believe, is rhythm.” - Robert Delaunay, French artist
“In March of 1933 we witnessed a revolution in manner, in mores, in the definition of government. What before had been black or white sprang alive with color.” - Emanuel Celler, American politician
“What interested me was not news, but appraisal. What I sought was to grasp the flavor of a man, his texture, his impact, what he stood for, what he believed in, what made him what he was and what color he gave to the fabric of his time.” - John Gunther, American journalist

How important a part of your life revolves around color? Take the test – it’s short – and let me know what you think.

Curious about Questions: Do You Ask Good Ones? And Are They Expanding Your Horizons?

2010-02-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

“'How do you know so much about everything?' was asked of a very wise and intelligent man; and the answer was 'By never being afraid or ashamed to ask questions as to anything of which I was ignorant.'” - John Abbott, British statesman

“Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” - Tony Robbins, American author

This weekend, I have been preparing for a workshop called, “Breaking the Conversation Barrier – What to Say after Saying ‘Hello.’” An important portion of the class is a section on questions. I even have cards that we use with conversation producing questions. I find that even with strangers, good questions can establish rapport almost immediately.

I have also found that when we ask thought provoking questions – rather than just a “How are you?” or “What do you think of this weather?” – we will find out so much more about a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone we have just met. People love to talk about themselves, so when we ask an open ended question that focuses on them or their opinion, they will usually open right up.

Good questions are also helpful when marketing, selling, networking, or socializing. We also need to ask ourselves good questions which help us to clarify, set worthwhile goals and intentions, and focus. The answers are not always what we want to know or hear.

In checking out the quotations containing “questions,” I found 14 filled pages of great quotations, so let me share a few:

“In order for answers to become clear, the questions have to be clear.” - Abdolkarim Soroush, Iranian philosopher
“I love the early process of asking questions about a story and deciding which questions matter most.” - Diane Sawyer, American journalist
“I found I wasn't asking good enough questions because I assumed I knew something. I would box them into a corner with a badly formed question, and they didn't know how to get out of it. Now, I let them take me through it step by step, and I listen.” - Alan Alda, American actor
“Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.” - Og Mandino, American author
“The simplest questions are the most profound. Where were you born? Where is your home? Where are you going? What are you doing? Think about these once in a while and watch your answers change.” - Richard Bach, American novelist
“You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.” - Naguib Mahfouz, Egyptian novelist
“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” – Voltaire, French writer

And three more to think about and chew upon:

“If you are going to ask yourself life-changing questions, be sure to do something with the answers.” - Bo Bennett, American businessman
“Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions.” Edgar Cayce, American celebrity
“There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of men.” - John Locke, English philosopher

So, how useful are your questions? My suggestion to be prepared every day with a good question to ask everyone you come in contact with. Just make sure that it is a question that you are comfortable with asking yourself first.

Curious about Addiction: Why, What and How Do We Develop and Have Addictions? And, Are All Addictions Bad?

2010-01-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

Definition of Addiction: The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination.

“I really love to act; I love everything about it. I've never had this addiction to being known. I mean, sure, if you go into acting, there's part of you that is saying, 'I want attention' but I was brought up to work to deserve attention, and it is the work, not the trappings that are important.” - Christopher Meloni, American actor

“I love making people laugh. It's an addiction and it's probably dysfunctional, but I am addicted to it and there's no greater pleasure for me than sitting in a theater and feeling a lot of people losing control of themselves.” - Jay Roach, American director

You are probably wondering why I ever chose addiction as this week’s theme. It started yesterday as I was driving home from two fitness training sessions. I heard a discussion on the radio about a boy who has become so addicted to computer games that his grades have gone from all A’s to all F’s. Physically, his health is deteriorating because he stays up all night many nights. And, he has lost interest in everything except these computer games.

The program started by telling about centers and camps that have sprung up to work with youngsters and even adults to help them overcome their addictions to computers.

I think that when we hear the word, “addiction” we immediately think of drugs, and yet there are many other addictions like TV watching, food and eating, chocolate and other candy and sweets. Are most addictions bad for us, or how about Meloni’s and Roach’s addictions to their work?

Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, thinks so. He said, “Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism.”

I feel that most of us have addictions, even mild ones. Some are good and others are bad. But I also feel that we can overcome the bad ones, even though it might take a lot of hard work and bring on an addiction to breaking addictions or accomplishing goals.

The quotations I found – and not the usual plethora – were all quite varied and interesting. They should make you think as they did for me:

“We may think there is willpower involved, but more likely... change is due to want power. Wanting the new addiction more than the old one. Wanting the new me in preference to the person I am now.” - George A. Sheehan, American writer
“For decades the American people have had an addiction to oil and gas.” - Lee H. Hamilton, American politician
“I admire anyone who rids himself of an addiction.” - Gene Tierney, American actress
“I have a bit of a traveling addiction, and, ah, yeah. I went to, ah, Bali this summer.” - Fisher Stevens, American actor
“The book can produce an addiction as fierce as heroin or nicotine, forcing us to spend much of our lives, like junkies, in book shops and libraries, those literary counterparts to the opium den.” - Phillip Adams, Australian writer
“We are taught to consume. And that's what we do. But if we realized that there really is no reason to consume, that it's just a mind set, that it's just an addiction, then we wouldn't be out there stepping on people's hands climbing the corporate ladder of success.” - River Phoenix, American actor

I submit to you that we all have some addictions. I love working out, so spend a good bit of time teaching group fitness classes – actually 12 a week so that some would feel it is an addiction. I am also addicted to books and reading, the Internet, and my Portfolio Career – many careers at the same time. As long as I can remember, I have worked at staying slim – is food control an addiction?

Two more to think about:

“People who have never had an addiction don't understand how hard it can be.” – Payne Stewart, American athlete

“She goes from one addiction to another. All are ways for her to not feel her feelings.” - Ellen Burstyn, American actress

What are your good addictions? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Journals: Do You or Have You Kept a Journal? What Are the Benefits?

2010-01-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

I receive the “Early to Rise” e-newsletter Monday through Saturday. It is so good that even though I am often pressed for time, I read it word for word. Yesterday, my hero Michael Masterson wrote the article (I think of his articles as life’s lessons), “Tracking Your Success: Why You Should Keep a Daily Journal.”

Masterson wrote, “It may seem a self-centered pastime, but keeping a journal is actually an excellent career-building tool. It can help you figure out new directions for your life and then guide you as you go. . . . I've been keeping journals for more than 30 years now, and the pleasure of writing them has only increased over the years. In my earlier years, I kept journals sporadically.”

I have just returned to keeping a daily journal and find that it is like having someone keeping you accountable. Several years ago, I religiously, wrote “Morning Pages” (three pages written every morning, by hand, in a journal) and the results were fabulous. If I had worries, gripes or problems, once they were down on paper, they disappeared. And the good events and successes were always fun and enlightening to write about.

However, as I became more time strapped, I became a sporadic journaler. I am thrilled that I am back to it and the guidance and clarity I am enjoying. For today’s quotations, I am only including those that relate to the kind of journal Masterson and I refer to. Not the Journal of Medicine or the Wall Street Journal.

Here goes:

“I write journals and would recommend journal writing to anyone who wishes to pursue a writing career. You learn a lot. You also remember a lot... and memory is important.” - Judy Collins, American musician
“American Splendor is just an ongoing journal. It's an ongoing autobiography. I started it when I was in my early 30s, and I just keep going.” - Harvey Pekar, American writer
“Keep a journal, and learn how to see how you as an individual sees information so you can learn your own sign language. Meditate and practice psychic self defense and surrounding yourself with prayer.” - John Edward, American entertainer
“My job in space will be to observe and write a journal. I am also going to be teaching a class for students on earth about life in space and on the space shuttle and conducting experiments.” -Christa McAuliffe, American astronaut
“When we saw our plane on TV as breaking news, it was the most surreal experience. A lot of the women were crying. There was a gentleman who was writing in his journal and crying. Seeing that isn't easy.” - Taryn Manning, American actress
“After the writer's death, reading his journal is like receiving a long letter.” - Jean Cocteau, French director

And one more for fun:

“A page of my journal is like a cake of portable soup. A little may be diffused into a considerable portion.” - James Boswell, Scottish lawyer

Do you keep a journal? How about daily? It doesn’t have to be a fancy, leather bound version. It can be a straight forward spiral notebook. I suggest hand writing it. I feel that there is a better connection between the hand and mind. And, let me know how it goes for you.

Curious about Status: What Is Yours? Do You Have a Status Quo?

2010-01-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

“Status quo, you know, is Latin for 'the mess we're in'.” - Ronald Reagan, American President

“For years my wedding ring has done its job. It has led me not into temptation. It has reminded my husband numerous times at parties that it's time to go home. It has been a source of relief to a dinner companion. It has been a status symbol in the maternity ward.” - Erma Bombeck, American journalist

I chose “status” for this week’s theme because in the past week I have heard it used as status quo, status symbol and our status statement on Facebook. Thinking about it, I realize that our status in a company, on the Internet, in a group to which we belong, our location and/or in our profession helps define us to others and ourselves.

When I first joined Facebook, the marketing leader with whom I was working suggested that I work on creating a large group of friends for both credibility and status. If we also work on becoming an expert in our chosen career or careers (as I have), we will establish a status that will bring readers, subscribers, and buyers to us. In addition, it will help us to find joint venture partners both on and off line.

The ultimate advantage will happen once you and I achieve status in a field of our choice. For example, I am a professional storyteller. I want other storytellers and listeners to suggest me for events, gigs and for information about storytelling, both on my Storytelling Power website and through my e-mail address.

Let me share some of the variety covered by quotations I found on status:

“In a way, the sense of quality has improved, the status symbol of the small things is gone, and it is acceptable to use stainless steel, even if the neighbor uses silver.” - Arne Jacobsen, Danish architect
“I find celebrity status difficult to bear when I am in the company of my mother.” – Phil Donahue, American TV personality
“I have no nationality - the best possible status for an intellectual.” - Emile M. Cioran, Romanian philosopher
“I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.” - Niccolo Machiavelli, Italian writer
“The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it.” - Warren G. Bennis, American psychologist
“The bicycle is a former child's toy that has now been elevated to icon status because, presumably, it can move the human form from pillar to post without damage to the environment.” - Brock Yates, American editor
“I'd like to believe that the women who wear my clothes are not dressing for other people, that they're wearing what they like and what suits them. It's not a status thing.” - Marc Jacobs, American designer

And three more to think about and chew upon:

“Any woman who chooses to behave like a full human being should be warned that the armies of the status quo will treat her as something of a dirty joke. That's their natural and first weapon. She will need her sisterhood.” - Gloria Steinem, American activist
“I think I've matured to a great extent. I think that I want different things now. That it's not about the celebrity status that you receive because you're doing the next hot movie. It's about doing good work.” - Emilio Estevez, American actor
“I think the sexiest thing on anybody is intelligence. I respect somebody who has a brain and wants to use it more than a pretty face and status.” - Sophia Bush, American actress

I can relate to all three of the above quotations. How about you? What are your feelings and aspirations concerning status? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Control: Happiness or Pain? (a reprint from 2005)

2010-01-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

Today, while I was driving home from the gym coupled with running a few errands, I heard snippets of a National Public Radio (NPR) show about happiness. The parts that I heard were not only interesting, but also affirming.

It was stated that discoveries are being made that whether or not we are disposed to happiness, depression or anxiety is being traced to our genetic makeup. And also, that even if we feel there is something - like achieving great material wealth - that would make us happy, once we accomplish it, we find that it just becomes a common and accepted part of our lives.

The part of the discussion that held the most meaning and affirming quality for me was when the panel was asked what produced the most happiness. The answer was “control.” They were not referring to someone else controlling us - I have worked for several “control freaks” which only produces pain and frustration. They were talking about us being in control of our lives and our destiny.

I know that this is why I am so happy - even though I sometimes feel guilty that I am not striving to become a millionaire. I control how I spend my days and nights. I am also in control of my health, my living conditions, my work, my social life, my entertainment, my involvement in activities, and the list goes on and on.

As you know, I love to find out what other people think and have said about a topic, so here are a few of the wonderful “control” quotations that I found:

Barbara De Angelis expressed my thoughts completely, “No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change.”
Albert Bandura mirrored what I tell my fitness classes, “By exercising control over a few healthy habits, people can live longer, healthier lives and slow the process of aging.”
And even Buddha expressed, “To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.”

I would be remiss if I didn’t also include some of my favorite self-improvement gurus.

Yes, I know this is a bit repetitious, but as Jane Fonda wrote, “We cannot always control our thoughts, but we can control our words, and repetition impresses the subconscious, and we are then master of the situation.”
My life-changer, Tony Robbins, said, “The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you're in control of your life. If you don't, life controls you.”
Another influencer, Brian Tracy, said, “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.”
And, finally, Mark Victor Hansen suggests, “You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands - your own.”

That’s enough for now, but before I close and because I have you, I hope, in a happy state, let me direct you to a website that was mentioned on the NPR program today. You know how the news is generally “bad.” Well, there is now a website called Happy News that puts a positive spin on the news. I think you will enjoy it.

And, take control! You will be happy you did.

Curious about The Zone: What Does It Mean to You? What Is the Impact of Your Zone?

2010-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Definition of Zone: A life zone; as, Littoral zone, Austral zone, etc. A series of planes having mutually parallel intersections. Circuit; circumference. To girdle; to encircle.

“That's the best thing about writing, when you're in that zone, you're porous, ready to absorb the solution.” - Michael Chabon, American author

When I picked “zone” for this week’s blog, I was thinking about the zone that Michael Chabon is writing about. When we are so involved and passionate about what we are doing we lose complete track of time and anything else that is happening around us. It has also been referred to as “being in the state of flow.”

However, when I started investigating zone quotations, I was reminded of comfort zones – which can be both helpful and detrimental – and other types of zones. I will not use the quotations about war zones, and, thankfully, there weren’t many. I do want to question the good and the bad of comfort zones.

Yes, we can rely upon our comfort zones too much and therefore lose the benefits that results from taking risks. And yet, I submit to you that maintaining and using certain comfort zones can establish rewarding routines. For example, I was watching a “productivity” video presented by one of my favorite gurus, Eben Pagen. He extolled the virtues of establishing healthy routines – especially the first hour of the morning. I teach fitness classes five days a week and even though I am working hard physically, I am in one of my comfort zones. Nothing wrong with that - considering the great payoff!

I know that you will be prompted to thinking in different ways about zones, after reading some of the following quotations:

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” - Brian Tracy, American author and motivator
“I'm at a point where I don't have to wait for the income from the record to survive, so I'm in a comfortable zone, but I'll make rap records as long as I feel I have something to rap about.” - Ice T, American musician
“Working out is my biggest hobby. It's my Zen hour. I just zone out.” - Zac Efron, American actor
“To the degree we're not living our dreams, our comfort zone has more control of us than we have over ourselves.” - Peter McWilliams, American writer
“I was deep in the zone of practicing almost constantly.” - Pat Metheny, American musician
“You lose your habitual behavior, which allowed you to sort of zone out. You have to be here, you have to be now, you have to be present.” - Sally Field, American actress
“So I had to just kind of go back to the hotel, take a shower, sit quiet, dig down deep, warm up, and allow myself to move into some kind of zone. And then I remembered that a lot of my favorite musical moments are not about perfection.” - Kathy Mattea, American musician

And three more to chew on:

“So you have to force yourself out of a comfort zone and really try to figure out what are the key ingredients, the key skill sets, the key perspectives that are necessary, and then figure out a way to attract the very best people to fill those particular roles.” - Steve Case, American businessman
“Light is meaningful only in relation to darkness, and truth presupposes error. It is these mingled opposites which people our life, which make it pungent, intoxicating. We only exist in terms of this conflict, in the zone where black and white clash.” - Louis Aragon, French poet
“If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness.” - Les Brown, American presenter and motivator

So, what are your zones? Do you have some comfort zones that help you, or some that are holding you back? Are there types of zones that I have failed to mention? Share them with us.

Curious about Magic: Do You Believe in It? Use It? Or Feel that It Is Baloney?

2009-12-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

Definition of Magic: A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret forces in nature attained by a study of occult science, including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, incantation, etc.

“A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” - Colin Powell, American statesman

You are probably wondering why I, a believer in the Law of Attraction with a background in mathematics and science, would choose “magic” for this week’s theme. Well, I do believe that we make our own magic. We do have to believe that it will work and take Colin Powell’s formula to heart.

Each year, I like to set a theme for that year. Last year’s was “remarkable” and when I list all of the good and bad experiences in my 2009, it was a remarkable year – actually life changing in many ways. I suggest that you make a two column list – experiences on one side and what you gained and learned from the experience on the other side. What a magical eye opener!

So, why “magic?” One of my goals for this holiday window was to create a new blog to accompany the e-book I am writing about “How to Reap the Rewards of a Portfolio Career.” It is a wordpress.org blog, and I have been learning and grappling with the ins and outs involved. When I picked the domain name, I decided on www.MagicInTheMix.com because I feel that through this blog I will be able to encourage those who want to or are pursuing a Portfolio Career (many careers at the same time).

Down with the nay-sayers! I feel that with the right attitude, tools, and focus, that we will find “Magic in the Mix.” I know that I do already. Yes, I am even more determined than ever to have a magical year.

The quotations I found were many and showed that the experts vary in how they view magic. What about you? Here goes:

“There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” - Norman Vincent Peale, American clergyman
“Words to me were magic. You could say a word and it could conjure up all kinds of images or feelings or a chilly sensation or whatever. It was amazing to me that words had this power.” - Amy Tan, American novelist
“Real magic in relationships means an absence of judgment of others.” - Wayne Dyer, American psychologist
“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.” -
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet
“Magic lies in challenging what seems impossible.” - Carol Moseley Braun, American politician
“Our time here is magic! It's the only space you have to realize whatever it is that is beautiful, whatever is true, whatever is great, whatever is potential, whatever is rare, whatever is unique, in. It's the only space.” – Ben Okri, Nigerian poet

And, some more with a little different twist:

“Dream no small dream; it lacks magic. Dream large. Then make the dream real.” -
Donald Wills Douglas, American aviator
“Every great man, every successful man, no matter what the field of endeavor, has known the magic that lies in these words: every adversity has the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” - W. Clement Stone, American businessman
“An idea can turn to dust or magic, depending on the talent that rubs against it.” –
William Bernbach, American businessman
“And where does magic come from? I think that magic's in the learning.” - Dar Williams, American musician
“Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable.” - Margot Fonteyn, English dancer
“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.” - J. B. Priestley, British writer

One more to chew upon:

“Believe in love. Believe in magic. Hell, believe in Santa Clause. Believe in others. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. If you don't, who will?” - Jon Bon Jovi, American musician

So, do you believe in magic? And how about choosing a theme for 2010? Do you have one? Let me hear from you.

Curious about Meditation: Have You or Do You Practice It? How Does It Work for You?

2009-12-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

Definition of Meditation: Close or continued thought; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind; serious contemplation; reflection; musing. Thought; -- without regard to kind.

“Meditation is painful in the beginning but it bestows immortal Bliss and supreme joy in the end.” - Swami Sivananda, Indian philosopher

“Yoga is a great thing and meditation is also great to get connected to yourself more.” - Ziggy Marley, American musician

Both of the above quotations could be credited to me. If you had asked me a year ago if I meditated, I would have answered with an emphatic “no.” Even though I have heard and read how healing and important meditation is, I felt it was not for me. However, a large majority of those mentors I revere and follow practice meditation daily. And swear by it and its benefits.

Swami Sivananda’s reference to “pain” describes my first real attempt at meditation. I was attending a storyteller’s retreat and every morning before breakfast we would meet in the large front room of the lodge for 30 minutes of meditation. We would take our places on large floor pillows and were then expected to rid our minds of thoughts (totally impossible). I found out very quickly that this practice was terribly painful for me, even though I was and am fit and flexible.

In the past two years, I have been teaching a Yoga class for Seniors that has not only become quite popular, but has also convinced me of yoga’s power to make me and the other
participants feel wonderful, relaxed, and, yes, has also helped me “connect to myself” more. I am convinced that it results from the deep breathing and the meditative effect of the positions.

And then, two weeks ago I found the audio version of Mark Thornton’s book, Meditation in a New York Minute: Super Calm for the Super Busy. Wow! I am following his rules and techniques for meditation – and I am meditating with joy. I now know why so many sing its praises.

While hunting through the meditation quotations, I found it interesting that the originators’ names were unfamiliar for the most part. Let’s share some:

“This life that has been given to us as a gift, as such a precious gift. To really try to understand it, really try to recognize it, is the greatest meditation. Through the media of this Knowledge we can tap into our inner sources that are so beautiful.” - Prem Rawat, Indian yogi
“Yoga introduced me to a style of meditation. The only meditation I would have done before would be in the writing of songs.” – Sting, British musician
“Meditation is the soul's perspective glass.” - Owen Feltham, British author
“The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation.” - Milarepa, Tibetan yogi
“Meditation is the tongue of the soul and the language of our spirit.” - Jeremy Taylor, British clergyman
“No great work has ever been produced except after a long interval of still and musing meditation.” - Walter Bagehot, English author

And three more for good measure:

“The execution of any thing considerable implies in the first place previous persevering meditation.” - William Godwin, English writer
“The seated lotus postures are an amazing way to go into meditation, or simply just to take a moment to ground oneself.” - Christy Turlington, American model
“The more intense the nature of a man, the more readily will he find meditation, and the more successfully will he practice it.” - James Allen, British author

If you have meditated before, or are just interested in trying it out, I suggest getting a hold of Thornton’s book. Let me know how it works with and for you.

Curious about Empathy: How Important Is It to You? Do You Have It or Need to Work on It?

2009-12-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

“When you start to develop your powers of empathy and imagination, the whole world opens up to you.” - Susan Sarandon, American actress

“We need somebody who's got the heart, the empathy, to recognize what it's like to be a young teenage mom, the empathy to understand what it's like to be poor or African-American or gay or disabled or old - and that's the criterion by which I'll be selecting my judges.” - Barack Obama, American President

I have been reading Daniel Pink’s fascinating “mind altering” book, “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future.” Being more of a right brained person (creative, imaginative, artistic, and a storyteller), I am excited about Pink’s approach.

In his words, “The last few decades have belonged to a certain kind of person with a certain kind of mind – computer programmers who could crank code, lawyers who could craft contracts, MBAs who could crunch numbers. But the keys to the kingdom are changing hands. The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind – creators and empathizers, pattern recognizers, and meaning makers. These people – artists, inventors, designers, storytellers, caregivers, consolers, big picture thinkers – will now reap society’s richest rewards and share its greatest joys.”

Pink devotes a whole chapter to empathy, listing assessments, learning about facial expressions from Paul Ekman, evesdropping, playing an interactive “whose life?” exercise. He also suggests that we empathize on the job, take an acting class, get mind reading, don’t outsource our empathy, and volunteer.

I didn’t find many quotations using the word “empathy” but the ones I did find were all quite positive in flavor. Let me share a few:

“There is also a natural and very, very strong empathy with the underdog, with people who have suffered, people who have been pushed around by foreigners in particular, but also by their own people.” - Lakhdar Brahimi, International Public Servant
“True contentment comes with empathy.” - Tim Finn, New Zealand musician
“If your emotional abilities aren't in hand, if you don't have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.” - Daniel Goleman, American author
“Learning is a result of listening, which in turn leads to even better listening and attentiveness to the other person. In other words, to learn from the child, we must have empathy, and empathy grows as we learn.” - Alice Miller, Swiss psychologist
“Poets have to be sensitive to their audience, but it does not mean that they censor themselves. I realize my audience is diverse. Some will read with empathy and curiosity while others will take offense.” - John Barton, Canadian poet
“The discoveries of how we can grow and the insights we need to have really come from the inside out. To have genuine empathy, not as a make-nice tool but as an understanding, is essential to the next step.” - Patricia Sun, American philosopher and communicator
“The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” - Meryl Streep, American actress

And one that should put a smile on your face:

“I have absolutely no empathy for camels. I didn't care for being abused in the Middle East by those horrible, horrible, horrible creatures. They don't like people. It's not at all like the relationship between horses and humans.” - Rachel Weisz, British actress

So, check yourself. How empathic are you? I also suggest reading this refreshing book by Daniel Pink. Let me know what you think.

Curious about the Element: What Is It? Have You Found Yours? Or Has It Found You?

2009-12-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

“The Element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. When people arrive at the Element, they feel most themselves, most inspired, and achieve at their highest levels.” From: The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Ken Robinson, Ph.D. - one of the world's leading thinkers and speakers on creativity and innovation, Robinson’s The Element is a breakthrough book about talent, passion, and achievement.

I chose this theme because I am in the middle of listening to the audio version of The Element and am completely blown away by the stories that Ken Robinson is sharing.

I have always been distressed to learn that so many people are working and/or living lives that they hate or find distasteful, because they don’t pursue their passions. So many of us have bought into doing what we are expected to do by society. Our parents and teachers mean well and really want the best for us.

Robinson describes the epiphanies that have spurred creatives to pursue what they love with a passion, despite the discouragement and negative reactions of others. Are you doing what you love – often using your natural abilities? I feel that it is never too late or too early to start.

I did not find many quotations that fit “element” the way Robinson defines it, but I did find many worthwhile quotations that I feel are worth reading. Here goes:

That was a real learning element for me, because I realized that the more true you are to yourself, the more you will lose people.” - Bill Sienkiewicz, American artist
“The essential element in personal magnetism is a consuming sincerity - an overwhelming faith in the importance of the work one has to do.” - Bruce Barton, American author
“No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination.” – Edward Hopper, American artist
“Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet
“Time is the most precious element of human existence. The successful person knows how to put energy into time and how to draw success from time.” - Denis Waitley, American writer
“Without the element of uncertainty, the bringing off of even, the greatest business triumph would be dull, routine, and eminently unsatisfying.” - J. Paul Getty, American businessman

And, some more for those of you who love quotations and learn from them as much as I do:

“In theory there is a possibility of perfect happiness: To believe in the indestructible element within one, and not to strive towards it.” - Franz Kafka, Austrian poet
“It is energy - the central element of which is will - that produces the miracle that is enthusiasm in all ages. Everywhere it is what is called force of character and the sustaining power of all great action.” - Samuel Smiles, Scottish author
“I'm still excited at being at a microphone and talking to listeners. I love that. It's the most basic element of what I do and I still enjoy it very much.” - Bob Edwards, American journalist
“A creative element is surely present in all great systems, and it does not seem possible that all sympathy or fundamental attitudes of will can be entirely eliminated from any human philosophy.” - Morris Raphael Cohen, Russian philosopher
“Always in my books, I like to throw that rogue element into a stable situation and then see what happens.” - Jeanette Winterson, British novelist
“An element of exaggeration clings to the popular judgment: great vices are made greater, great virtues greater also; interesting incidents are made more interesting, softer legends more soft.” - Walter Bagehot, English author

So, what do you think? Robinson has reinforced for me the importance of finding and pursuing our passion – and I do. Hooray!

Curious about Worry: Does Worry Ever Attack You? What Do You Worry About, If You Do?

2009-11-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

Definition of Worry: To harass or beset with importunity, or with care an anxiety; to vex; to annoy; to torment; to tease; to fret; to trouble; to plague. To feel or express undue care and anxiety; to manifest disquietude or pain; to be fretful.

“It makes no sense to worry about things you have no control over because there's nothing you can do about them, and why worry about things you do control? The activity of worrying keeps you immobilized.” - Wayne Dyer, American psychologist

I pride myself on not being a worrier. When I am teaching my Yoga class, I always urge participants to clear their minds of worries, concerns, and unnecessary thoughts. And, I have always agreed with and practiced what Wayne Dyer states in the above quotation.

But, during this past week, I let worry attack me. On Wednesdays I teach three fitness classes in a row. After the first one, the young man who handles the desk at the club where I was teaching, came in and handed me a note to call the woman who is the regional director for the classes at the present club and another club where I teach. He said that there was some sort of problem with confusion at the other club. Not having time to call between classes – and they don’t allow us to make long distance calls and she is long distance – I waited until after the classes. Then, I got her voice mail.

Even though I know better, I had already started to worry through the second and third classes, and then the rest of the afternoon. Both Bo Bennett and John Lubbock express how I reacted. American businessman Bennett said, “While we are focusing on fear, worry, or hate, it is not possible for us to be experiencing happiness, enthusiasm or love.” And, British statesman Lubbock said, “A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work.”

When I finally made contact with the director, I discovered that her call was over a minor glitch and we had a delightful conversation. All that worry for nothing! So, I am writing this blog to remind all of us – and me in particular – of the futility of worry.

Let’s share some great quotations:

“It is not the end of the physical body that should worry us. Rather, our concern must be to live while we're alive - to release our inner selves from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a facade designed to conform to external definitions of who and what we are.” - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, American psychologist
“I think the most important thing for an artist is to not worry about what anybody else thinks. You just have to do what comes from your heart and your being and put it out there-that's true in any of the arts.” - Rosanna Arquette, American actress
“Worry is a useless mulling over of things we cannot change.” - Peace Pilgrim, American activist
“If you can't sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It's the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep.” - Dale Carnegie, American writer
“Success is having to worry about every damn thing in the world, except money.” Johnny Cash, American musician
“If you ever have the good fortune to create a great advertising campaign, you will soon see another agency steal it. This is irritating, but don't let it worry you; nobody has ever built a brand by imitating somebody else's advertising.” - David Ogilvy, American advertiser

And a couple more to take with you for your upcoming week:

“Do not worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older it will avoid you.” - Joey Adams, American comedian

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” - Leo Buscaglia, American author

I learned that we are all susceptible to worry – even when we know it doesn’t do us a bit of good. How does it affect you? And, how often? I would love to hear from you.

Curious about Standards: What Standards Have You Set for Yourself, Your Life, and Your Work?

2009-11-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

Definition of Standard: That which is established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, extent, value, or quality. That which is established as a rule or model by authority, custom, or general consent; criterion; test. Having a recognized and permanent value.

“You can become an even more excellent person by constantly setting higher and higher standards for yourself and then by doing everything possible to live up to those standards.” - Brian Tracy, American author

I just finished the audio recorded book, “Think Like a Champion – An Informal Education in Business and Life” by Donald J. Trump with Meredith McIver. I have heard and read both complimentary and uncomplimentary statements about Trump, and will admit that I enjoyed and learned a great deal from his approach.

Throughout the book, Trump referred to his “Standard” and sticking to his “Standard.” After hearing his words, I started thinking about the standards that were stressed for me by my parents, teachers, and the environments in which I grew up and still live by.

I feel that we all set our own standards – hopefully high - and that it is not always a smooth life and road when we stick with them. However, when we are firm about them, we will find that our outcomes, relationships, and reputation will thrive. I know that after finishing the book, I do have a high opinion of Donald Trump and what he has accomplished.

I have a new daily journal now for recording goals, a list of what I am grateful for, and I am using it to also list my standards and the “higher and higher standards” that Brian Tracy is suggesting that we set for ourselves.

I also found some excellent quotations about standards, so let me share them with you:

“The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” - Ray Kroc, American businessman

“When you're around someone good, your own standards are raised.” - Ritchie Blackmore, English musician

“Let us be about setting high standards for life, love, creativity, and wisdom. If our expectations in these areas are low, we are not likely to experience wellness. Setting high standards makes every day and every decade worth looking forward to.” - Greg Anderson, American athlete

“What matters is that you are doing what you think is right based on the standards which you hold.” - Walter Annenberg, American businessman

“We have to set our own agenda, we have to set our own standards, we have to be very strong about what we want, we have to be very strong about our passion and if it's not right for you, you shouldn't do it just because you're advised by so-called geniuses.” - Jackie DeShannon, American musician

“If there are flaws they are in ourselves, and our task therefore must be one not of redesign but of renewal and reaffirmation, especially of the standards in which all of us believe.” - Elliot Richardson, American lawyer

And, a few more with a bit of a different approach:

“People mistake their limitations for high standards.” - Jean Toomer, American author

“Sam Walton was a master storyteller who used illustrative stories to reinforce his cultural standards.” - Michael Bergdahl, American author

“Soldiers, when committed to a task, can't compromise. It's unrelenting devotion to the standards of duty and courage, absolute loyalty to others, not letting the task go until it's been done.” - John Keegan, English historian

“It's hard not to play golf that's up to Jack Nicklaus standards when you are Jack Nicklaus.” – Jack Nicklaus, American athlete

“Standards of beauty are arbitrary. Body shame exists only to the extent that our physiques don't match our own beliefs about how we should look.” - Martha Beck, American author

“The nicest thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from.” – Ken Olsen, American businessman

What are your standards? They rank up there with values and principles. I know that some gurus call them “golden bricks.” Make your list – and add a couple of new ones that are higher than the others.

Curious about Systems: We All Have Systems for Our Lives. What Are Yours? And Are They Working Effectively?

2009-11-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

“The way to build a complex system that works is to build it from very simple systems that work.” - Kevin Kelly, American editor

“Man's striving for order, of which art is but one manifestation, derives from a similar universal tendency throughout the organic world; it is also paralleled by, and perhaps derived from, the striving towards the state of simplest structure in physical systems.” - Rudolf Arnheim, German artist

I know that I have written previously about “Systems.” However, I am thinking a lot about them because I just visited my daughter and her husband in Hawaii, where they have created and make use of systems in their successful Hawaiian basket business. The baskets, which sell abundantly, are beautiful and striking with each one being unique.

When I asked my daughter about how they produce and sell so many baskets, she answered immediately with the seven steps they take for each. They have devised the systems that work, starting with collecting the natural ingredients to the final mailing of the baskets to purchasers. She and her husband have the procedure in place, and each knows and fulfills their step and/or steps for which they are responsible. Note that there is overlapping of some of the steps.

This successful organization of systems started me thinking about my “Portfolio Career” – many careers at the same time – and how I do have systems in place for many of the careers and yet not for others.

For example, in teaching my group fitness classes I definitely follow systems and notice that my students enjoy the organization. When it comes to writing, I have systems in place for my e-newsletters, but not so for my e-books which lag behind. I am developing systems for handling social media networking and one-on-one coaching. I also realize that once I develop systems for each of my careers, I become more and more productive in that area.

What about you?

Let’s share some of the great quotations I found:

“A cardinal principle of Total Quality escapes too many managers: you cannot continuously improve interdependent systems and processes until you progressively perfect interdependent, interpersonal relationships.” - Stephen Covey, American businessman

“A creative element is surely present in all great systems, and it does not seem possible that all sympathy or fundamental attitudes of will can be entirely eliminated from any human philosophy.” - Morris Raphael Cohen, Russian philosopher

“All physical systems can be thought of as registering and processing information, and how one wishes to define computation will determine your view of what computation consists of.” - Seth Lloyd, American educator

“Human beings, viewed as behaving systems, are quite simple. The apparent complexity of our behavior over time is largely a reflection of the complexity of the environment in which we find ourselves.” - Herbert Simon, American scientist

“Systems are to be appreciated by their general effects, and not by particular exceptions.” - James F. Cooper, American novelist

“In simple terms, we are aligning our business today with the way we believe future systems are going to be designed, acquired and maintained.” - Phil Condit, American businessman

And a couple more for you to chew upon:

“I believe that our very survival depends upon us becoming better systems thinkers.” - Margaret J. Wheatley, American writer

“In my case, I used the elements of these simple forms - square, cube, line and color - to produce logical systems. Most of these systems were finite; that is, they were complete using all possible variations. This kept them simple.” - Sol LeWitt, American artist

So, how about you? Do you have systems that work for you? We would love to have you share them.