Take a break...

"To overextend yourself is to invite defeat."

G. William Domhoff

I determined long ago that the things that tire me most are those things that I've needed to do but just couldn't seem to find the time for because of my busy schedule!  You see, "doing" those things is not what tires me.  It's the idea of "NOT doing" them that really wears me down! 

When something seems important enough to be on the"to do" list, leaving it undone can cause anxiety and stress. Especially, if it's something that seems to be lingering on the list for a long time. It's a  really good feeling to know that something that's been left undone has finally been done!

A few years ago, I began to look at the overabundance of activity in my life and I was surprised to see that there were some things I spent valuable time on that were things that didn't improve quality of life for anyone, but still took up an incredible amount of time. It was during that time I decided to learn how to say, "No."

I made myself believe that I did not have to say "Yes" to every invitation to serve on a committee or work on a project that came along.  It was liberating to spend a few more evenings at home and I found I had more time to invest in things that were more important.

There are still times when I catch myself raising my own stress level by overextending myself and spending too much time on things I'm not convinced are vital. Therefore, my goal for the rest of this year is to take a good look at the "things" in my life, weigh their importance compared to the people in my life, and make adjustments where necessary!

You should do the same!

Blessings!

Sharon

A leader is....

He who thinketh he leadeth 

and hath no one following him 

is only taking a walk.

Anonymous

It's fairly easy for most of us to list the qualities of a good leader.  When you read the words "good leader" you probably thought of at least one person you consider a good leader.  Let me ask you this question: What is the very first word that comes to mind to describe that person?

Is that person you're thinking of right now honest? Intelligent? Confident? Passionate? Kind? Do you try to emulate that person?  

I've worked with many different people I consider to be great leaders over the years and I've come to the conclusion that while all the qualities listed above are certainly valuable,  the most important quality of a leader is the ability to inspire others to follow!

There are professed leaders who can talk about leadership and seem to know all the right answers when asked about team building, strategic planning building a vision for the future, yet they never seem to see their ideas come to fruition. They may have read all the right books and they may be able to quote another leader's ideas verbatim, but they can't seem to get those who are supposed to be following to fully embrace the vision.

The successful leader is one who can "lead" others to embrace a vision and set a course for true progress.

The successful leader leads by inspiration, not intimidation. 

The successful leader has enough confidence to know it's important to train other leaders in an organization to become a leader worthy of a following!

Do you know someone who displays these leadership qualities?  What other qualities must a leader posses? I would love to know what you think about leadership!

Blessings,

Sharon

My Goals for 2014

It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. 

The tragedy in life lies in having no goal to reach.

Benjamin E. Mays

I find myself, once again, writing a blog post and wondering how it could have been so long since I last posted something here!  It's a little disappointing to know I've let a busy lifestyle and dealing with life in general get in the way of doing something I really enjoy!  Maybe it's because I never really set a goal for how many posts I would write in a year's time.

Benjamin E. Mays believed the real tragedy comes when one has no goal set, so I am going to set a goal for blogging in 2014!  But, let's make this achievable....hmmmm....how about 36 posts for 2014?  That's 3 posts per month, an improvement on 2013!

I've thought about goals for the upcoming year and other than writing 36 blog posts, my overarching goal is to focus on one word in 2014. That word is  peace.  There are many tasks and projects I need to finish and a certain level of productivity and equanimity I am hoping to achieve.  Finishing those tasks and projects and increasing my ability to feel a better sense of stability and composure will go a long way towards helping me feel peaceful.  Undone tasks have a way of zapping my energy levels!

What are your goals for 2014? What if you set some new kinds of goals this year?  Goals for relationships with family and friends? Goals for improving your spiritual well-being? Goals for improving your health?  What if, like me, you set a goal to strive for peace in your life this year?What will have to happen to achieve your life of peace?

Blessings!

Sharon

"Insanity is expecting a change 

when you're doing everything the same way."

-- Albert Einstein

Several years ago, I decided, along with millions of others, that I needed to start prioritizing my time with a daily planner.  I took all the right steps!  I purchased the best planner, with the most appealing cover AND a matching tote bag!

I read dozens of different articles about time management and spent too much money on books about managing time and getting organized.  I was spending so much time trying to get organized, I didn't have time to get anything checked off my list!  

I made it a priority to get stylish new calendar pages at the beginning of each new year, always faithful to write family birthdays, annual events, and anniversaries on the crisp clean pages of my new calendar! Then, something  would happen and my priority lists, carefully labeled with "A", "B", and "C" priorities were soon vast lists filled with "A" priorities...most of which were "C" priorities at one time that weren't accomplished on the day I assigned them to myself so I moved their priority level to  "B"..... then to "A"!

After several years of doing this, I realized I was spending more time trying to manage my tasks than I was actually spending doing my tasks!  That's when I began making a list of tasks based on my mindset, temperament and personality.  My organizational style may not match yours, or anyone else for that matter, but even when I catch myself getting behind and tasks seem to be overwhelming me, I can sit down and tackle my list and my calendar and work it all out based on changes I made in my organizational style.

Some of the best advice I got as I was reorganizing my priorities and my busy schedule was from Dan Chiodo of Impact Training and Development. http://impactbydan.com/ He showed me a sample calendar with time set aside for family, career, self-improvement, professional development, and relaxation. The times and dates were clearly marked and his advice was to keep my calendar balanced, give each area of my life its proper time and focus on becoming the person I wanted to be.  

I accepted the fact that I would  never be the A, B, C priority type person and I began to simply block out specific times for faith, family, work, study, community service and relaxation.  I found that I had more time for everything when I set specific times for each of those important things in my life.

Think about your style of organizing. Are you a detail person who works best with prioritized lists, or are  you someone who might appreciate the visual organization of color coded markers on your calendar pages? 

Take the time to find your own style of organization. You might find one particular style that's already been tested, you might develop a combined plan of several different methods, or you might come up with the next "best thing" when it comes to a way to keep a busy person organized!

Blessings,

Sharon

P.S. Dan Chiodo also has a great book dedicated to the task of organizing your busy day entitled Perfect Timing: Here's the Secret to Gaining Two Hours in Your Day available at http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Timing-Heres-Secret-Gaining/dp/1449737390/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375822166&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=dan+ciodo

Investing in the Future....

This blog is a reprint of a post I wrote on  February 27, 2012.  I changed the title for this reprinting because of a major legislative issue making the headlines in Missouri news. HB253 will benefit only the very wealthy in Missouri and will be harmful to public schools as well as every other program in Missouri  that receives state funding. 

Each of us must be diligent to devote the time required to research this issue rather than let our minds "latch on" to the first well-done commercial or catchy headline we see. We are bombarded with so much information every time we turn on the computer or walk by a television that happens to be on hitting us with 15 second sound bytes of information, that it's difficult to focus on the actual issues at hand.

With so much information out there, it's difficult to sort fact from fiction, but it's vital that conscientious citizens take responsibility and base their decisions on factual information. When you've finished reading this, whether you are a fellow Missourian, or not, I encourage you to visit http://www.missourifuture.net/ and take a look at the information provided there as well as the list of groups and associations who are committed to making good things happen for the kids of Missouri! 

We are at a crossroads in Missouri.  We must  put divisions aside and make the effort to do what's best for everyone concerned, especially when it involves our children....our future.

Here's the blog....

Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen,

but give us the determination to make the right things happen 

-- Peter Marshall

Over the years, I've spent quite a bit of time as an advocate for public education.  I do this because I believe, as many of our founding fathers did, that an uneducated public is a quick way to put an end to a free society. I do this because I have grandchildren who will attend public schools.  I do this because I want to remind our legislators that when they appropriate money for public education, it's not "paying for" education for our students, it's "investing in the education of" our students.

And, let's just talk about the "return on investment" when it comes to our kids! 

The students enrolled in our high schools right now will be the teachers, doctors, truck drivers, law enforcement officers, soldiers, parents, farmers, engineers, business owners and a myriad of other professionals who  will be the first in line to take the torch of leadership from our generation.  As we "age out" of the work force and "into" retirement, home health care, nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living communities, it is the students we're investing in right now who will "run the show"!

I want them to do well!

I have been very busy, personally and professionally, but when it comes to doing what's right for the 900,000 children in the state of Missouri, I feel a strong sense of urgency when it comes to legislative issues affecting education!  I think they are worth the investment!

At the Missouri School Boards Association Governmental Relations Center, in Jefferson City, there is a quote on the wall that reads: "Education is the foundation of democracy."  This quote, long attributed to Thomas Jefferson sums up my strong feelings regarding public education. 

Thomas Jefferson believed in a society where talent and virtue should be educated regardless of wealth, birth or any other condition.  He believed that democracy could not long exist without education. He believed the education of our children should come at the common expense of our people. He also believed that without wise elected officials at every level, our education system could not thrive. 

Thomas Jefferson saw public education, quite literally, as the means of insuring political liberty for every generation!

My challenge to you is to go online right now and start gathering information about legislation you're interested in. Whether it's education, [such as the issue I mentioned earlier] or another area that affects your life,  see to it that your voice is heard in your state capitol and in the nation's capitol. Develop a determination within you to give your best, do your best, and to encourage others to do the same.

Blessings!

Sharon

Some good sites to visit if you're interested in the education of our future leaders.

http://www.missourifuture.net/

http://www.msbanet.org/

http://www.mo.gov/

http://dese.mo.gov/

http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/

http://www.usa.gov/

It's all about perception....

We don't see things as they are. 

We see things as we are.

Anais Nin

It has been my experience in getting to know people that those individuals who always look for negative things are the same people who seem to be in a constant battle with managing the simple details of life. They seem to be critical of nearly everyone around them and they seem to have a "better way" of doing everything yet managing their own life seems to be an insurmountable task.

I'm not trying to draw attention to anyone in particular, and it's factual to say that there are times when I let negative influences affect me.  There have been times when I feel as though life situations "catch up" to me and knock me to the ground....sometimes, it seems, literally!

When I find myself focusing on overwhelming, negative things,  the attention I pay to those bad things coming my way  sets the tone for how I see other situations and other people.  When I'm feeling negative, I see things that really aren't so bad at all as big, bad, terrible things!

I attempt to remind myself at those times of the Anais Nin's quote above: "We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are." 

It's those times when I pray, do some self-talk and reflect on my life.  Changing my own attitude, counting my blessings, and focusing on good things...true things...beautiful things......helps me see more good, true, and beautiful things in the world around me.

Try focusing on the good and counting your blessings in the face of overwhelming, negative issues and let me know what happens!

Blessings,

Sharon

What are you doing?

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. 

I acted and behold, service was joy.

Rabindranith Tagore

I just finished reading excerpts from an  article that was posted in August 2011 in the journal Health Psychology.  The writers quoted statistics from a study that was done in Wisconsin, where a random sample of over 10,000 Wisconsin residents who had graduated from high school in the late 1950's were interviewed over a 16 year period.


The article states: *** "In 2004, the participants reported how often they had volunteered within the past 10 years. They also explained their reasons for volunteering, or, in the cases of those who had not volunteered  but were planning to, the reasons they would.

Some of the participants' motives were more oriented toward others, such as "I feel it is important to help others" or "Volunteering is an important activity to the people I know best." Other respondents, however, had more self-oriented reasons for volunteering, such as "Volunteering is a good escape from my own troubles," or "Volunteering makes me feel better about myself."

Researchers then compared the participants' responses with physical health information that had mostly been collected in 1992. The researchers also considered the respondents' socioeconomic status, mental health, social support, marital status and health risk factors, including smoking, body mass index and alcohol use.

The findings showed that those who volunteered for more altruistic reasons had lower mortality rates as of 2008 than people who did not volunteer. Of the 2,384 non-volunteers, 4.3 percent were deceased four years later, compared with 1.6 percent of altruistic volunteers who had died.

However, people who said they volunteered for their own personal satisfaction had nearly the same mortality rate (4 percent) as people who did not volunteer at all.

"It is reasonable for people to volunteer in part because of benefits to the self; however, our research implies that, ironically, should these benefits to the self become the main motive for volunteering, they may not see those benefits," said study researcher Andrea Fuhrel-Forbis, also of the University of Michigan." ***

My  mother-in-law, who is 78 years old still volunteers one day a week at the local food pantry and does volunteer sewing for the charitable organization, Newborns in Need.  She does this because she loves to help where help is needed! The added benefit is that she is healthier and happier because of her service to others!

My challenge today is this: Look around your community and find something that needs to be done.  We all have opportunities to help.  


You may find, like my mother-in-law and many others that the blessings of volunteerism are worth it!

Blessings,

Sharon

*** To read the entire article about the benefits of volunteering go to: http://news.yahoo.com/people-volunteer-live-longer-study-suggests-115806902.html

Here's what I want....

A positive attitude focuses on what you do want.
A negative attitude focuses on what you don't want.

Connie Podesta & Jean Gatz

Have you ever noticed when there's perceived trouble the conversations seem to focus on the very thing that no one seems to want?  


Whether it's an elected official, or some other leader that people are disappointed in or a situation that simply needs to change to improve the quality of life for everyone involved, we find ourselves listening to people reiterate the same negative information over and over.


To a certain extent, maybe we've all been caught up in the cycle of negativity at one time or another.


As we begin this new week, my challenge to you is to think about the negative things you've heard in the past few weeks, then write down something positive you would like to see happen in that very situation.  It may be something you need to accomplish or it may simply be an overarching goal of improvement in yourself,  your family, or your career.


When negative things are brought up to you, or when they work their way into your thought processes, stop, remind yourself of that good thing you would like to see come about, then move toward doing something that can help make that good thing a reality!


Have a good week!


Blessings!


Sharon

Practice makes perfect...

Moral virtues we acquire through practice; like the arts.

Aristotle

Benjamin Franklin was a true polymath!  His wide variety of talents and skills combined with natural leadership abilities propelled him to the forefront during the birth of our nation, and beyond. Not only was he one of our nation's Founding Fathers, he was a prolific author, inventor, postmaster, musician, scientist, civic activist, political theorist, politician, statesman, and diplomat.  


His theories and discoveries regarding electricity had a major impact on the world of science during the American Enlightenment age and some of his inventions revolutionized the very existence of the citizens living in our young nation!


Franklin was the inventor of many things. Some of his inventions included the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, and the carriage odometer. He also formed both the first public lending library in America and first fire department in Pennsylvania!  


As wise, and diversely talented as he was, Benjamin Franklin knew that there were things in life, such as moral virtues that must be practiced diligently.  He knew that learning the definition of a virtue would in no way prepare him to have that quality in his life.


He wrote down, and defined,  13 virtues he believed mankind should aspire to and acknowledged that he must read the list over and over and truly practice each virtue.  


His list of 13 virtues included: 

1. Temperance
2. Silence
3. Order
4. Resolution
5. Frugality
6. Industry
7. Sincerity
8. Justice
9. Moderation
10. Cleanliness
11. Tranquility
12. Chastity, and
13. Humility

Several years ago, I copied Franklin's list, along with his definitions of each virtue, and made it a point to spend some time each week focusing on one virtue and I started looking for ways that "virtue of the week" could apply to my life.  I've noticed on several occasions that as a particular virtue was my focus, I would have an opportunity to practice that character-strengthening quality in a way I might have missed had I not been really thinking about it during that phase of my life.


I challenge you to "Google" Franklin's 13 Virtues right now and read the definitions for yourself. You may want to add some of your own to Franklin's list of 13 and begin practicing those life qualities.  I can promise you will begin to notice changes very soon!


Blessings,


Sharon

If I only had a brain....

I not only use the brains I have, but all I can borrow.

Woodrow Wilson

In the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, Ray Bolger's character, Scarecrow, believes he must go in search of  a brain.  He travels with Dorothy,  Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion down the yellow brick road, facing perils and mortal danger to reach the Land of Oz to see if the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will give him the brain he so desires!


As the friends travel and face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, an interesting dynamic develops. Scarecrow, working with his friends begins to come up with some very good ideas!  Remember the scene where he uses reverse psychology to get the trees to "give up" their apples?


As Scarecrow is encouraged and sometimes challenged by his friends, his own mental aptitude seems to grow! He found himself surrounded by good people who were smart, truthful and didn't mind entering into a healthy debate to challenge him to think!


So, don't  surround yourself with people who are "yes-men" who will  mindlessly agree with your every statement and action.  Instead seek out people who will be honest and will inspire you to develop your own belief system to the point that you know who you are and what you believe. 


Go ahead!  Use your brain....and borrow some wisdom from those around you!


Blessings,


Sharon

Learn a new trick....

Everyone thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.

Leo Tolstoy

It's so simple to see the need for changes in other people!


When an issue is unresolved, or things just aren't working out right, it's very easy to look at the other person and find the error in their ways.  We are usually quick to focus on how much better our relationship with that person would become if only that person would make the necessary changes.


An annoying co-worker, a tyrannical supervisor or even a family member can sometimes be the one person who just seems to be that one who gets on your very last nerve!  A conversation with them can be painful... like listening to fingernails on a chalkboard!


My challenge to you is to think very carefully about some of the exasperating conversations you've had with that individual, then spend a few minutes thinking of something you could have said differently.  It may be that you could have simply used different body language, or possibly diffused a bad conversation with a bit of pleasantry.


I learned something from a business leader in the direct sales field that has helped improve the nature of many dialogues I've had over the years. It's quite simple. All you have to remember is the acronym F.O.R.D.


It stands for Family, Occupation, Recreation and Dreams!


It only takes a few minutes to engage someone in speaking about their family, their occupation and their recreational hobbies.  In that few minutes you've let them know you are interested an what's going on in their  personal and professional life.  Knowing that you've shown an interest can soften the hardest heart and it usually causes them to smile!


(I haven't forgotten "Dreams".  It's just takes a little more time and focus to get someone to share about their dreams -- realized or unrealized.  Consider that the "next step" in your plan to make a change for the better to see if your new attitude can improve the situation!)


Blessings!


Sharon

I'm investing in.....

I attract to my life whatever I give my attention, energy, and focus to, 

whether positive or negative.

Adam McGinness

Have you ever been around someone who seems to belittle the things you deem important?  Is there someone in your office or a group you have membership with, who seems to constantly  "talk down" your ideas or  belittle your dreams and future plans?


I copied the quote you just read at the top of this blog from the Facebook page of a friend the other day and I've thought of the wisdom it holds many times since discovering it there!


What do you give your attention to?  Do you expend the largest amount of energy to working toward solutions, or just talking about the problems?  Where is your focus?


I believe we actually do become like the things we think about....the things we focus on.  If you are facing relationships, personal or professional, that are negative, take time to seriously consider the impact they have on your mental and physical well-being.


Distance yourself from the negative if you can.  If you can't see a way to make a change at this time, at least spend a bit of time every morning before you even get out of bed, and every evening just before you drift off to sleep, thinking of the most positive, uplifting relationships in your life.  


Those things you think of just as your mind begins to rest, will help determine how you rest! And, it's always easier to face the negative if you've "filled the tank" with lots of positive first!


A lady I used to work would share with us periodically about her prayer time and how valuable it was to her to start and end each day in prayer.  She was a part-time seamstress so it seemed especially descriptive when she would say to us, "A day hemmed on both ends with prayer is less likely to unravel!"


My challenge to you is to make an attempt to eliminate the negative and spend your time and energy focusing on the positive things in your life!  


Let me know how that works for you!


Blessings,


Sharon

Everyone needs one.....

"I always feel smarter after talking to Carter."

-- Me

Who do you think of when you think of the word "mentor"? 


A successful business man...an inspiring teacher...a true statesman...an inspiring leader... a family matriarch who is the fountain of family wisdom?


In Homer's The Odyssey, we see the  first use of the word "mentor" and it was actually the name of a man who was a "teacher" and "overseer" of Odysseus' son, Telemachus.     In The Odyssey, Mentor was a trusted friend and counselor...someone whose experience and success gave credence to his ability to teach.


Over the years, having a mentor has evolved into something deemed necessary for success in business, education, entertainment or virtually any other career.  Mentoring programs are commonplace because over the years it's been proven that a good way to learn how to do the thing that needs doing is to learn from someone who has done it before!


Years ago, I had a chance to begin watching  a man by the name of Carter Ward lead Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA)  as its Executive Director.  I began attending MSBA meetings as a locally elected school board member and through a desire to serve at a different level and an interest in working with the leaders of the association, I worked my way up to become one of four statewide elected officers of the association and was able to work closely with Dr. Ward and his staff.


One thing I have always admired about Dr. Ward is  his uncanny ability to find the right direction for Missouri School Boards Association.  I've always heard that managers do things right and leaders do the right things -- that statement seems to apply to virtually all the efforts of the association under his guidance. 



Throughout the years I have watched him set an example of leadership rivaled by none.  Whether it was through a difficult situation that required wisdom and discernment or a celebratory moment when it was time to simply enjoy a mission accomplished, I have watched him lead - not manage -- but truly lead our association.


As a result of his professional success,  inspirational advice, and his attitude of humble, servant leadership, I, and many others  have turned to Dr. Ward for guidance -- viewing him as mentor, colleague,  and friend.


As I embarked on a career as an executive director of a non-profit association, I found I relied heavily on the wise counsel and good advice of several leaders involved in the business, but when the time came for a difficult decision, or I found myself facing a monumental task, I found myself making a  call to this very wise mentor of mine.


As  time went on, I found that when tempted to let emotions like disappointment, fear, or even anger unduly influence a decision, I would always think back to a conversation I had with this trusted mentor late one evening as I worked into the night, struggling with a difficult decision.  


I had faced some rather overwhelming issues for a period of time and placed a call to Dr. Ward and left a somewhat desperate sounding voice message telling him I felt I had arrived at a  point where I simply did not know what to do!  


He returned my call, and after hearing me out, and listening to a very detailed description of the dilemma I felt I was facing, he said to me, very simply, "Sharon, I know you, and I know that you know what you're doing.  All you need to do is think it through, decide what's right, and do it!  There is never a wrong time to do the right thing!"


Think of that!  What if everyone of us ascribed to that simple, yet powerful idea?  


"There is never a wrong time to do the right thing!"


As you are faced with decisions in your personal and professional life, I challenge you to take the words of my trusted mentor to heart and find the right thing -- then do it!


Blessings,


Sharon

Be prepared...

The way to prepare for the future is to invent it. 

John Scally

Many times, we are bound only by our thoughts of our own inability to get something done.  Most of us, at one time or another, feel subject to feelings of inadequacy. There are times when thinking about financial hardships, failing relationships or any number of other kinds of obstacles sends us into a mental "tailspin" and facing the next day's work, or the next encounter with someone who is antagonistic, or negative,  is just  too overwhelming to face!


As you look at the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, do you like what you see?  Do you have plans for tomorrow that will help you move closer to goals you've set for yourself for a year, or five years from now?


It's great to have someone helping you set goals, and it's great to set some basic goals such as exercise & diet plans, professional development, better relationships with family members and friends.  But, relying on goals that basically "belong"  to someone else leaves little room for your passion for achieving those goals to grow.  It leaves little room for the feeling of satisfaction when you accomplish something that will move you one step closer to the goal you've created for yourself!


I learned long ago that there's no one who knows my heart and my goals quite like I know them! Are you setting goals that can happen...goals that are attractive to you?  



As you think about your future, right now, in this very moment, plan something you would like to accomplish in the next 5 years.  Invent a picture of what your life can be professionally and personally!  Do so in vivid detail so you will have a clear picture!


You've invented your future!  I wish you all the best and I would love to hear about a new goal you've set for yourself!


Blessings,


Sharon

I need a plan!!!

I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacation 

with better care than they do their lives.

Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change. 

Jim Rohn

Every leadership book, magazine and webinar we read tells us we must set goals.  We've all learned about setting S.M.A.R.T. goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound.


So many times we "set" our goals then tuck them away into the flap inside the cover of our planner and pull them out only when the little pocket gets so full of notes and brochures that the cover won't snap shut!


It's very easy to say, "I've set my goals, written them down and now I'm ready to move on!"


The question  you must ask is, "What am I willing to do -- what kind of changes am I willing to make to realize the accomplishment of my goals?" 


Mr. Rohn is absolutely right!  We plan so carefully for vacations --  we make reservations, get confirmations, make multiple lists, purchase vacation clothes, research motels and attractions and try to plan for every possible scenario. I know of people who set a countdown timeline for when things need to be accomplished to make a vacation possible!

Yet, when it comes to our careers, and even the well-being of our family, we forget to really get a plan together!  

Spend some time  thinking about your goals -- personal and professional, then make a plan.   Once the plan is made, take the necessary steps to "work" your plan!

Your family, your relationship with your friends,  and your career deserve the special kind of planning it takes to make any changes needed!  From simple changes like getting up an hour earlier to more complicated ones like getting additional training, or meeting with a life coach to work on relationships, it's a worthwhile investment to  spend time planning for your whole life - not just the escapes!


Blessings!


Sharon

Give it your best shot....

"If a man is called to be a street sweeper, 

he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, 

or Shakespeare composed poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'" 

---Martin Luther King, Jr.

Is facing Monday and a new week exciting for you?  Do you look forward to what the new week will bring?  


No matter what you will be doing Monday morning, it's good to make up your mind ahead of time that you will be doing it with gusto! 


 It's great if you have a career, or a job you love, but even if you're not exactly where you want to be,  you can make your week better by facing the beginning of each new week with a determination to focus on positive, uplifting things.  You can resolve to give your best effort to each new task or project, and you can be a person who touches someones life in a very real way by giving your best in every circumstance.


I was reminded this past week that life is short and not one of us knows what the future holds. When I think of some of the projects and tasks I have planned  for the upcoming weeks in the light of that thought, I realize I must commit to getting those things accomplished and doing my very best in every area of my life.


Whether it's personal, or professional, each task should be given its time.  Every part of your life should have time devoted to it to make certain things are  in order -- that responsibilities are given proper consideration and that time is given to your family and friends.  


True rest  comes at the end of the day when you know that you have set about completing each new task as if you were Beethoven composing a beautiful symphony or Michelangelo creating another masterpiece. Contentment and peace come when  you have taken time to invest in good relationships with your family and friends. 


Give it your best shot!  You'll be glad you did!


Blessings,


Sharon

The Way We Were......

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. 

His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, 

and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example. 

Niccolo Machiavelli

When I was a teenager, I remember hearing my grandparents and parents talking about the "good 'ol days" and at the time it seemed unimportant and almost embarrassing!  As an adult, I have to ask myself, "What were they really talking about?"


Did they see that our society was changing for the worse in the areas of integrity and compassion for one another?  Did they see some of us, in the United States, in particular, were living a life of conspicuous consumption at some level that would be harmful to our way of life? Or, were they in fact, just wishing for a return of the chance to enjoy visits on the front porch of the closest neighbor? Could they have been remembering the days when families got together more often so they didn't find themselves with a "mini family reunion" at each family wedding and funeral?


Irregardless of their meaning, it's my belief that all of the above questions are good reasons to long for a return to the principles our nation was founded on, personally, professionally and politically!  


It seems to be a "short trip" down the proverbial slippery slope for each of us to rude instead of strong in our convictions...to be arrogant instead of proud of our heritage and our morals...or to be a bully instead of being bold, yet considerate of our fellow man.


Spend a few moments right now and think about your commitment to integrity, compassion and ethics.  Are you where you want to be in those three areas of your life? 


 If you are, keep it up and find someone to help!  You will be the example of the good and virtuous person who causes others to be ashamed of their unkind words or unethical practices!


If you aren't where you want to be in those areas of life, set some goals and make a new commitment to be the kind of good person my dear old Granny would admire!


Blessings,


Sharon

A really great attitude...

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." -- unknown

After having his mommy read "The Little Engine That Could" to him dozens of times, my 2 year old grandson, loved to repeat certain lines in the book. From "All aboard!" to "Chug-Chug-Chug-Chug....Choooo!  Chooo!"  (He was genuinely excited about the book and  still loves trains!)


One evening my daughter called me with a story about him repeating lines from the book that really caused me to think about the origins of a positive attitude.  It seems she was pushing him toward the park in their jogging stroller and as she was jogging behind the stroller and came to a hill, she slowed down to a walk to push the stroller up the incline.  As she slowed and was leaning into the stroller to push harder, she heard him repeating, "I think I can!  I think I can! I think I can!"


His positive attitude, and the fact that he was leaning forward in the stroller, was the only way he knew to say, "I'm with you, Mommy!  We can do this!"


In the mind of that 2-year old the only thing needed to achieve the goal of getting to the park at the top of the hill was the attitude of the little train engine who talked himself into making it over the mountain to deliver toys to the good little girls and boys!


I've often wondered how different life would be, if at every difficult passage, and every uphill battle, our first response could be, "I think I can!  I think I can!"


Blessings!


Sharon

Achieving Success

"The backbone of success is usually found in old fashioned, basic concepts like hard work, determination, good planning and perseverance."

Merlin Olsen

Merlin Olsen graduated summa cum laude with a degree in finance from Utah State University.  He was drafted into the NFL by the Los Angeles Rams and played for them  for 15 years.  During his football career he missed only two games and played in 14 Pro-Bowl Games.  Even more interesting to me is the fact  that while he was at the height of his football career he earned a masters degree in economics and an honorary doctorate in business.


Following his very successful football career, Olsen earned continued success as a broadcaster, actor and businessman. (Who can forget his years as pitch man for FTD Florists?  The big, tough football player loved flowers!)


Clearly, Mr. Olsen understood the value of  hard work, perseverance and good planning.


Make time today to look at your goals and your reality.  Be determined to make a good plan and be prepared to persevere to accomplish personal and professional goals.  You may have to go to work earlier, spend more time at the gym, or even make a career move, but when you make a good plan and set achievable goals, you can make a difference in your career, your family life and your relationships with friends.


Have a good week!  

Sticks and stones......

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.
David Brinkley

It's difficult to succeed when you focus on the things people say, or do, that are meant to discourage or maybe even halt your forward progress!

My dad used to say, "It only takes a little bit of cold water to ruin a hot bath, but it takes a whole lot of hot water to fix a cold bath!" He knew that a little bit of "negative" could be very harmful and that at times, it seems next to impossible to assuage the effects of negativity with "positives".

When you've been hit with those "bricks" thrown at you by others, don't focus on them. Instead take one look at them, determine whether or not they have merit, then either learn from the situation and move on, or take your focus off the situation and move on.  

It has been my experience that sometimes the people who talk about you, only talk about you because they can't (or won't) talk to you.  Is that the case? If so, make the difficult call -- take the first step-- face your detractor and have that crucial conversation about your aims and purpose.  Let that person know that you are focused on success for yourself and your organization.  Let them know that although words can be hurtful, they will in no way stop your forward progress!