What do you do when the wheels come off of your world?
A friend of mine lost a fifty thousand dollar contract recently. When you consider that is more money than most people throughout the world, including the United States, earn in a year, the significance is enormous. He had been working on this major project for over ten months and he was eager to deliver the finished product and collect his fee. Imagine his excitement when he called the company declaring that the work was completed a few weeks ahead of schedule and he was ready to present what he believed was an exceptional product. Bringing a major project in early as well as above and beyond the scope of the contract, feels exhilarating. He was prepared to coordinate schedules with all of the major executives with his schedule. Imagine his shock when he learned that the company was bankrupt and he would not only not be presenting the project but would not be paid.
A flood of emotions flow through your body like electric shock waves. Anger, shock, grief, confusion, and hurt rise and fall like tidal waves until your energy is depleted and you sit stunned and exhausted. A year’s income, a year’s work all evaporated before your eyes.
What do you do? You can scream, cry, pout or even throw things; however none of those do any good. You can go drink but that is never a solution either. Give yourself a few minutes to regain your composure and figure out what happens next. If the company truly is bankrupt and closing its doors, you are probably not the only broken contract and not the only impending lawsuit. Suing in this case would probably be pointless; the only one who usually wins in these situations is the attorney.
An attorney in Steamboat Springs had the picture of a cow on his wall. One person was pulling the head of the cow by the halter, the other pulling the tail of the cow and the attorney sitting there milking the cow. Both ends of the lawsuit lose and the attorney mils the situation. Alternative dispute resolution frequently benefits both parties in the lawsuit more than litigation. A lawsuit would not be recommended in this case.
Look at the work and determine what good could result from it. Could he write a book, teach a seminar, or sell it to another company. A full year’s work must be worth something to someone. Put your thinking cap on and go for it.
Life occasionally hands us a brutal slap in the financial face. Maybe yours was a job loss.
If you are like most people, you have been employed in more than one job throughout your life. Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the center from the top of the paper to the bottom. Start making a list on the left side of the paper of everything you ever liked about any job you ever had. Start making a list on the right side of the paper of everything you ever disliked about any job you ever had. Take a fresh new sheet of paper and list everything which would be ideal for you in a new career. Note that I did not say new job; many people find this is the perfect time to start a business of their own.
After all, you can not possibly be terminated from a company you own without your consent. In a perfect world with zero limitations, what would you enjoy doing for a career? No, do not analyze or go negative, just think and write possibilities.
This technique is a variation of the Ben Franklin problem solving method.
This is exactly the advice given to my friend who lost the fifty thousand dollar contract fee. Look for all of the positives, the known negatives and the potential desirable outcomes. From this method will emerge a pattern; from the pattern will emerge a solution.
We always have a solution just around the corner; our responsibility is to look for it, find it and implement it.
If you lost you job, then determine all of the positives, negatives and desirable outcomes. Now when you go forward to seek a new career you have more experience in selecting the ideal position for you. That is a tremendous advantage to having a few years experience. We have the knowledge to know what we like and what we don’t like. As a professor of mine once said, you can have ten years experience or one year’s experience ten times. You have the benefit of ten years experience. Next time you will make an even better choice.
Maybe this is the perfect time to launch your own business and create the future you desire. Fulfill everything on your ideal career list. Work in your area of strength and passion. Creating your ideal future is far more fun than creating the future of someone else’s dreams.
If you would like assistance in determining your passion, your ideal future career, write me a note in the ‘contact Elaine’ section of www.Elaine4Success.com.
Showing posts with label responsibility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label responsibility. Show all posts
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Statue of Responsibility
New York has its Statue of Liberty. California should have a “Statue of Responsibility” standing as a greeting.
Dave Ramsey, recently featured on the cover of Success magazine, described his credentials as a PhD in DUMB. Dave said, “My wife and I graduated from college broke and started buying and selling real estate. Since that was the beginning of the ‘go go 80s’ we owned 4 million dollars of real estate and about a million net worth by the time I was 26. We borrowed too much money. Our bank was sold to another bank and they called our notes. We spent the next 2 ½ years losing everything. We were sued and foreclosed upon. Soon we had a new baby, a marriage hanging on by a thread and bankrupt. I know what dumb looks like up close and personal.” Dave took responsibility for his success and then his failure.
Now he has the privilege of take credit for his renewed and intensified success. You can also.
We know our economy is a disaster right now and everyone points the finger at someone else as the responsible party. We blame our parents, our boss, the president, the economy, the congress, or the dog catcher. Jim Rohn, noted business philosopher and icon in the personal development industry, was 25 when he met with his mentor, Earl Schoff. Earl asked Jim to make a list of his problems and the causes of those problems. Earl reviewed the list carefully and with a puzzled expression and a furrowed brow said, “Jim, there is one problem with this list. . . You are not on it.”
You are responsible for your own choices and thus your own results. Playing the blame game instead of taking responsibility just prolongs the agony.
Dave Ramsey, Jim Rohn, and every successful leader accept responsibility for all of their choices – good or bad. We teach children to be responsible for their choices and yet once we become adults, it suddenly becomes some else’s fault. Abigail Van Buren said, “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.”
The issue is not the economy, the political party in office or even your environment; it is clearly your responsibility for your choices. You chose to go to school or not, to study or not, to do your best at work or do the minimum and just skate by.
There are three classifications of employees. These classifications extend beyond employees to almost every phase of life.
White Knights – The white knights go above and beyond their duty assignments. They take total responsibility for every aspect of their professional and personal life. They are always the first ones to lend a helping hand to others. They arrive early and stay a little late. They do their best at all times.
Milk Toast – The milk toast is more typical of the average worker. They show up on time but not a minute early. By 5 o’clock and 30 seconds they are gone for the day. They do their job but nothing extra. Frequently it is just enough to get by. Milk toast workers do not cause any discord but neither are they the cheerleaders of the team.
Red Ants – Red ants are always stirring up trouble. They are the whiners and complainers. Every company and every organization has a few such irritants. Nothing ever quite pleases them. Bottom line is “fire the red ants.” If one of these happens to be in your circle of friends, minimize time with them. Rarely will you change the attitude of a red ant; they will drag you down to their level. Red ants never take responsibility for anything.
You will become the average of your five closest associates. Spend time with White Knights and your life will become more responsible and profitable. Spend time with Red Ants and you will sink down to the grumbling depths.
You are responsible for your choices. You are responsible for your results. For personal assistance on reaching your highest potential, join me at www.Elaine4Success.com.
Dave Ramsey, recently featured on the cover of Success magazine, described his credentials as a PhD in DUMB. Dave said, “My wife and I graduated from college broke and started buying and selling real estate. Since that was the beginning of the ‘go go 80s’ we owned 4 million dollars of real estate and about a million net worth by the time I was 26. We borrowed too much money. Our bank was sold to another bank and they called our notes. We spent the next 2 ½ years losing everything. We were sued and foreclosed upon. Soon we had a new baby, a marriage hanging on by a thread and bankrupt. I know what dumb looks like up close and personal.” Dave took responsibility for his success and then his failure.
Now he has the privilege of take credit for his renewed and intensified success. You can also.
We know our economy is a disaster right now and everyone points the finger at someone else as the responsible party. We blame our parents, our boss, the president, the economy, the congress, or the dog catcher. Jim Rohn, noted business philosopher and icon in the personal development industry, was 25 when he met with his mentor, Earl Schoff. Earl asked Jim to make a list of his problems and the causes of those problems. Earl reviewed the list carefully and with a puzzled expression and a furrowed brow said, “Jim, there is one problem with this list. . . You are not on it.”
You are responsible for your own choices and thus your own results. Playing the blame game instead of taking responsibility just prolongs the agony.
Dave Ramsey, Jim Rohn, and every successful leader accept responsibility for all of their choices – good or bad. We teach children to be responsible for their choices and yet once we become adults, it suddenly becomes some else’s fault. Abigail Van Buren said, “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.”
The issue is not the economy, the political party in office or even your environment; it is clearly your responsibility for your choices. You chose to go to school or not, to study or not, to do your best at work or do the minimum and just skate by.
There are three classifications of employees. These classifications extend beyond employees to almost every phase of life.
White Knights – The white knights go above and beyond their duty assignments. They take total responsibility for every aspect of their professional and personal life. They are always the first ones to lend a helping hand to others. They arrive early and stay a little late. They do their best at all times.
Milk Toast – The milk toast is more typical of the average worker. They show up on time but not a minute early. By 5 o’clock and 30 seconds they are gone for the day. They do their job but nothing extra. Frequently it is just enough to get by. Milk toast workers do not cause any discord but neither are they the cheerleaders of the team.
Red Ants – Red ants are always stirring up trouble. They are the whiners and complainers. Every company and every organization has a few such irritants. Nothing ever quite pleases them. Bottom line is “fire the red ants.” If one of these happens to be in your circle of friends, minimize time with them. Rarely will you change the attitude of a red ant; they will drag you down to their level. Red ants never take responsibility for anything.
You will become the average of your five closest associates. Spend time with White Knights and your life will become more responsible and profitable. Spend time with Red Ants and you will sink down to the grumbling depths.
You are responsible for your choices. You are responsible for your results. For personal assistance on reaching your highest potential, join me at www.Elaine4Success.com.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Gratitude Journal
Regardless of whether we like the President, the economy or anything else in our current lives, we still have so much to be grateful for every day.
We live in a great country. We enjoy tremendous freedom. We are totally free to worship as we choose. Gratitude for our health or the medical professionals who are available to assist us in restoring that health must never be taken for granted.
A roof over our head presents another opportunity for gratitude. When I hiked the Inca trail with my 60# backpack in 1999, I had the opportunity to meet so many locals. They were warm, welcoming and happy even though many lived in “lean-to” homes which appeared to be fragile enough to blow down with a stiff breeze. When we look around us, we are so fortunate and yet we hear complaints.
Happiness is a state of mind, a way of thinking. Our circumstances do not determine our attitude. Over 90 per cent of our emotional reaction to an event is determined by our attitude toward it. Yesterday I wrote about my computer challenges changing over to a new operating system. I ended that article with the statement, “. I’m also grateful for an inquiring mind and desire to learn.” The bottom line of the situation still revolves around an attitude. First of all, I am grateful that I have a computer. Second, I’m grateful I can pick up the phone and call people with more technical expertise than mine to assist me in resolving the issue. Third, the technicians were patient, knowledgeable and persistent until we solved the situation. Fourth, I took responsibility that I chose to change operating systems; neither the technicians nor the company nor the software were responsible for the issue. It was my issue and they were helping solve it.
I am grateful technicians were available. I knew when I installed a new operating system which has not been officially released, that a few challenges would likely occur. To expect all technicians to be totally familiar with a “not yet released” operating system would be unrealistic. Once again, it was my choice to upgrade. I am responsible.
Life happens. Challenges occur. Not everything goes perfect 100 per cent of the time. That is simply a fact of life. How you choose, and yes it is a choice, to respond to life little dilemmas is totally within your control. You can choose to be Oscar the grouch from Sesame Street or view it as an opportunity to learn or exercise patience. You can be grateful for the good things in the situation or find something about which to complain and whine. The choice is yours.
The technicians will be far more inclined to persist in helping you when you maintain an attitude of appreciation rather than being cranky. Bottom line remains that it is in your best interest personally and professionally to adopt a positive attitude. If you choose to be grouchy, the technician may choose to hang up on you. That certainly will not solve your issue. The technician may not persist as willingly when you are not appreciative. Your blood pressure may go up when you choose to get all upset and angry. None of these factors will help anyone and your problem may not become resolved.
Keep a gratitude journal every day. Record the big and small attitudes, events or opportunities which present themselves in your day. Write at least 10 items in your gratitude journal every day. Look them over from time to time when you hit a snag in your schedule. A gratitude journal helps you focus on the positives in your day.
We live in a great country. We enjoy tremendous freedom. We are totally free to worship as we choose. Gratitude for our health or the medical professionals who are available to assist us in restoring that health must never be taken for granted.
A roof over our head presents another opportunity for gratitude. When I hiked the Inca trail with my 60# backpack in 1999, I had the opportunity to meet so many locals. They were warm, welcoming and happy even though many lived in “lean-to” homes which appeared to be fragile enough to blow down with a stiff breeze. When we look around us, we are so fortunate and yet we hear complaints.
Happiness is a state of mind, a way of thinking. Our circumstances do not determine our attitude. Over 90 per cent of our emotional reaction to an event is determined by our attitude toward it. Yesterday I wrote about my computer challenges changing over to a new operating system. I ended that article with the statement, “. I’m also grateful for an inquiring mind and desire to learn.” The bottom line of the situation still revolves around an attitude. First of all, I am grateful that I have a computer. Second, I’m grateful I can pick up the phone and call people with more technical expertise than mine to assist me in resolving the issue. Third, the technicians were patient, knowledgeable and persistent until we solved the situation. Fourth, I took responsibility that I chose to change operating systems; neither the technicians nor the company nor the software were responsible for the issue. It was my issue and they were helping solve it.
I am grateful technicians were available. I knew when I installed a new operating system which has not been officially released, that a few challenges would likely occur. To expect all technicians to be totally familiar with a “not yet released” operating system would be unrealistic. Once again, it was my choice to upgrade. I am responsible.
Life happens. Challenges occur. Not everything goes perfect 100 per cent of the time. That is simply a fact of life. How you choose, and yes it is a choice, to respond to life little dilemmas is totally within your control. You can choose to be Oscar the grouch from Sesame Street or view it as an opportunity to learn or exercise patience. You can be grateful for the good things in the situation or find something about which to complain and whine. The choice is yours.
The technicians will be far more inclined to persist in helping you when you maintain an attitude of appreciation rather than being cranky. Bottom line remains that it is in your best interest personally and professionally to adopt a positive attitude. If you choose to be grouchy, the technician may choose to hang up on you. That certainly will not solve your issue. The technician may not persist as willingly when you are not appreciative. Your blood pressure may go up when you choose to get all upset and angry. None of these factors will help anyone and your problem may not become resolved.
Keep a gratitude journal every day. Record the big and small attitudes, events or opportunities which present themselves in your day. Write at least 10 items in your gratitude journal every day. Look them over from time to time when you hit a snag in your schedule. A gratitude journal helps you focus on the positives in your day.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Are You Busy or Productive?
Ever have days when you seemed to be busy all day long, but at the end of the day you did not have much to show for the time? There is a distinct difference between activity and accomplishment. Do you relate to that feeling? Me too.
My solution revolves around time management. Each evening I write my “to do” list for the next day. Back in my property management days, it meant looking at not only new items to be accomplished but reviewing the completed work orders to determine what had been completed. Frequently it also involved a site visit to personally inspect the work performed. With a home based business, the buck stops right here at my own desk.
I am responsible for the action items placed on the schedule and I am responsible for the follow through to be certain they are completed. Anyone who has ever owned a small business understands this very well. Owning a home based business generally means one person, or perhaps a couple in the case of a partnership or marriage, shoulders all of the responsibility. In this case, “if it is to be, it is up to me” has absolute significance.
Scheduling time slots for specific tasks and committing to a complete and focused performance of that specific activity and only that activity during that time slot is imperative. Avoid answering personal emails or personal phone calls or any other distraction. If you have to lock your office door and seclude yourself, then do it.
Schedule specific times for the five things every successful entrepreneur does every day.
- Meditate and visualize your goals in absolute detail using all 5 senses. Be certain your goals are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely)
- Income producing activity – lead generation, conversations with potential business partners and follow up conversations.
- Personal development – personal development always precedes financial results
- Mastermind with other leaders who have the same forward-thinking goals and mindset for success
- Cultivate the expectation of leadership. BE the leader, DO what the leaders do, and you will HAVE what the leaders have.
These rules apply whether you have a home based business, a small business, or a franchise. These principles apply regardless of the industry.
Schedule your time in 30 to 60 minute blocks depending on the task. Plan ahead so that you know you can and will adhere to the schedule.
Time management insures that your time will be more productive rather than just busy. If it helps, you can set a kitchen timer or the alarm on your watch or the timer on your phone.
No one wants to face themselves in the mirror night after night and admit that nothing was actually accomplished that day. A day is a precious commodity, don’t waste it.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Razor Thin Line
The difference between the results of the mediocre and the extremely successful is such a fine line. So much depends on receiving the right information at the right time and taking massive action.
We know that the right information is available to everyone in WMI and CCP. We also know you are receiving it at exactly the right time. Regardless of the business or job you currently hold, the crucial question is "What action are you taking? Are you playing the game? Even more important, Are you playing the game to win?
In my role as coach, mentor, sponsor and leader, the question is exactly how much support to provide. We have tremendous training, resources, and examples in the back office combined with extensive live support. I personally hold an additional live question and answer webinar every week.
In the past and currently, I wonder if I have unintentionally handicapped some of you by providing too much support. If I do too much of it for you, then you do not learn to be self-reliant and learn how to do it for yourselves. If I provide too little support then people feel overwhelmed, frustrated and lost. This is not only a fine line but it differs from person to person.
My goal is always to work with each person from their individual starting point. Your first two weeks in any new business will require more mentoring time. That is a basic fact which flows across all business, including new jobs. If you are taking the action, placing yourself into the training with focus. and receiving the information with an open mind, you will succeed.
Having your own business or even a job requires you to focus, learn and take action if you choose to prosper. The bottom line of everything is "You are responsible for your results." Now if that sounds harsh, maybe you will look deep in yourself and find out why that seems harsh. Every time I have taken less than full responsibility for all of my actions and results, my results have suffered.
I am here to coach, mentor, support, encourage and provide leadership. You are still doing the work on yourself and for yourself to insure your success.
I'll walk the razor thin line but you must walk it beside me if success is important to you.
Every struggle and learning curve helps you grow and take your life either up or down. It is your choice which direction you choose to go.
We know that the right information is available to everyone in WMI and CCP. We also know you are receiving it at exactly the right time. Regardless of the business or job you currently hold, the crucial question is "What action are you taking? Are you playing the game? Even more important, Are you playing the game to win?
In my role as coach, mentor, sponsor and leader, the question is exactly how much support to provide. We have tremendous training, resources, and examples in the back office combined with extensive live support. I personally hold an additional live question and answer webinar every week.
In the past and currently, I wonder if I have unintentionally handicapped some of you by providing too much support. If I do too much of it for you, then you do not learn to be self-reliant and learn how to do it for yourselves. If I provide too little support then people feel overwhelmed, frustrated and lost. This is not only a fine line but it differs from person to person.
My goal is always to work with each person from their individual starting point. Your first two weeks in any new business will require more mentoring time. That is a basic fact which flows across all business, including new jobs. If you are taking the action, placing yourself into the training with focus. and receiving the information with an open mind, you will succeed.
Having your own business or even a job requires you to focus, learn and take action if you choose to prosper. The bottom line of everything is "You are responsible for your results." Now if that sounds harsh, maybe you will look deep in yourself and find out why that seems harsh. Every time I have taken less than full responsibility for all of my actions and results, my results have suffered.
I am here to coach, mentor, support, encourage and provide leadership. You are still doing the work on yourself and for yourself to insure your success.
I'll walk the razor thin line but you must walk it beside me if success is important to you.
Every struggle and learning curve helps you grow and take your life either up or down. It is your choice which direction you choose to go.
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