April, 17 2012

Wrong? Are you sure?

I have been hearing a lot of "judging" lately. Of course, the 24 hour news cycle is more than a little to blame. The media carp endlessly about one thing or another day and night. However, us folks -- you and me --are only too eager to judge -- we make the other guy wrong. That's what judging is really all about -- My point of view is right therefore you are wrong. Nnnnnnnnn...maybe not so.

Many years ago I worked for a very difficult woman. I could and would point out to anyone who would listen what she did that I didn't like (my opinion, obviously!) One day someone said to me -- Beth, you are making her wrong. Well, I was sure that she was but I hadn't thought of our disagreements that way. When I heard my cohort say, "you are making her wrong," I felt that someone had splashed cold water in my face. The statement hit me hard. I had to take a breath. Yes, I was making her wrong. In my righteousness, I had no room for her position at all. I took a look at her situation and I saw how intractable I had become.

Since that time, I have learned to examine the judgments that I make. I may not agree with someone, but I can soften my "rightness" and I can do it without wimpiness. I have alternatives for expressing my opinion and certainly for following my own guidance.

I don't need to make anyone wrong. It's amazing how being less judgmental has helped me in business and in my personal life.

March, 22 2012

Confidence is Everything

If we don't believe in ourselves, it is going to be difficult to have anyone believe in us. It's a fundamental truth. In business especially, one needs to believe in his/her service and product and MORE --

Confidence is the belief in one's excellence and desire to be excellent.

I'm not sure what has happened to confidence. Parents speak of building self esteem in their children but their children are watching them -- WE ALL ARE. If we don't see you believing in yourself then why should we believe in you?

The way to strengthen confidence in yourself is by watching the language you use. All too often our words doom us to being intimidated when we don't know answers or have a plan. How often do you or someone you know say, "It's hard to...." By starting a sentence that way, one takes the joy away from a new project or idea...Try substituting upbeat and positive words in your language and watch your confidence build.

Constant Vigilance -- It will pay huge dividends.

January, 03 2012

Welcome 2012

I'm all for putting more "WooHoo" into everything I do.

Putting in "WooHoo" to me means looking for the exclamation point in all my efforts -- work, personal relationships, fun (especially fun), health, movement and all actions good and wonderful.

Say the words -- WOO HOO -- it seems to take me to a different place in my brain. That place is very present. That place has energy. That place doesn't dispute my plan. THAT is a gooooooooood place.

I heard the word, Woo Hoo, on a webinar over the New Year. I adored the excitement of the Woo Hoo.

We are always going to be taking risks in life. We mustn't continue to fear them.

We live in a world that gives high ratings to very stupid television programs -- we don't need to watch them.

Lifelong learning is easier than ever -- go for it.

Find the Woo Hoo -- the joy -- the exuberance every day this year. We owe it to ourselves.

October, 25 2011

Hello

Statistics stink right at the moment. However, many business owners aren't looking at those facts and they could be doing just fine.

I hope you love the business you are in. I hope that you enjoy (at least most of the time) your clients. I hope that at the end of every week you feel fulfilled while at the same time being pretty spent from doing your job @ 100%. I hope you look forward to the next week.

I know that business owners are under the gun more now than perhaps at any time in the last 50 years but I also know we had periods in the 70's and 80's that were just as challenging.

It's about focus and persistence and drive and energy.

Hang in there.

And, it helps when one is secure in his/her mission and committed to providing service.

No wise words for today...