2009 - The New Year

New Year's Traditions

Where did they come from?

The image of the old year is represented by Father Time, known in Greek mythology as the god Chronus, and depicted as an elderly, bearded man, dressed in a robe, carrying an hourglass representing time's constant movement. He also carried a scythe, linking time's passage with the inevitability of death.

The symbol of the New Year is often depicted as a baby, and this custom has it's own interesting history. The ancient Greeks paraded a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of Dionysus, the God of wine, as the spirit of fertility.

The custom of sharing a kiss at midnight comes from ancient masked balls. The mask symbolized the evil spirits of the old year, and the kiss the purification into the new year.

The song we sing comes from a poem written in the 1700s by a Scottish poet Robert Burns. "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago."

Well I declare! Now you know.

May your 2009 be the best ever.

Survival of the Fittest

Managing your career in an unstable economy requires most of the same strategies you need during a strong economy. The working smarter strategy will go a long way in helping insure you will keep your job during these troubled economic times. Here is a list of important ways to work smarter shared by “Mind Tools”.

1. Connect your work with the bottom line.
2. Be flexible with your priorities.
3. Stand out from your co-workers.
4. Be visible.
5. Promote yourself.
6. Build interpersonal skills.
7. Keep track of what you do.
8. Maintain a clean work area.
9. Control costs.
10. Keep working positively.

Survival action.

Copy this list. Then begin the next 30 days by reviewing the list and selecting at least one item each day to work on. Keep a journal of your actions.

Why is fire engine red??

Interesting factoid...
My dad was a Chief in the Newport News Fire Department. He spent 30 years as a professional fire fighter. He never told me why the Fire Engine was red, but if he were alive, I am sure he'd chuckle at the reason stated below.

Why is fire engine red??

The fire engine has a ladder...
Ladder has steps.

Steps are a foot and is measured by a ruler.

A ruler can be a King or queen.

Elizabeth was a queen of England.

Elizabeth was also name of the ship.

Ship floats on water.

Water has fish.Fishes have fins.

Fins are people of Finland.

The national flag of Finland is red,
so fire engine is red.

Ho Ho Ho. Happy Holidays.

Peggy and I are looking forward to Santa's visit and welcoming in 2009.
Our best wishes to you.

"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

Napoleon Hill

Getting ready for 2009.

Don't whine in 2009 and you will shine.

Are you preparing for the New Year?

Some thoughts:

1. As usual you will have to deal with a lot nonsense. Check out some advice from my good friend James McIntosh at - www.nonsenseatwork.com.

2. Goals for 2009 are important. Need some help in writing goals that are SMART. Go to http://www.goal-setting-guide.com/smart-goals.htm

"Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination."Fitzhugh Dodson

3. Give yourself a Christmas Gift.

You won't regret it. "Getting Things Done" - David Allen

http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280/ref=sr_1_1 ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229276128&sr=1-1

4. Bribe Santa with candy...

Go for it!

Improve your ROE - top 10

Improve your Personal ROE? (Return On Energy)

I posted this list on October 11, 2008.
In subsequent postings I gave some details on each item.

Now, review the list and select one you want to improve.
Write a goal and just do it!
After 30 days pick another item.
Keep it up until you have completed the list.

Here are my top 10 little things you can do.

____10. Every day do something nice for somebody.
____9. Think positive thoughts about yourself.
____8. Accept that life isn’t always fair.
____7. Stop blaming other people.
____6. Work smarter not harder.
____5. Listen more talk less.
____4. Don’t make excuses.
____3. Say thank you.
____2. Be on time.
____1. Smile.

The best way to predict 2009 is to plan it!!!

Improve your ROE - Smile

Number 1 on my list.

1. SMILE!

Smile

It will make you feel good.

I said smile darn it!

An exercise to use while you fake it til you make it.

Say out loud EASY CHEESE and hold it for the count of 10.
Are you ready? Here we go ---

SAY - EASY CHEESE

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

That was great. Now do this at least 3 times a day for the next week until you get the feel of what a big smile is all about.

Research indicates that when you smile it increases your Sertonin. That's the stuff in your brain that make you feel good. By just smiling some people have actually been able to stop taken their daily dose of Prozac.

Here's are 10 reasons to Smile by Dr. Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com.

1. Smiling makes us attractive.We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood. Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling is Contagious. When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress. Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System. Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure. When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin. Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger. The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful. Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive. Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!"

Just do it!

Planning for success in 2009

You can't hit a target you can't see.

What targets do you want to hit in 2009?

It's that time again to get ready to go for the gold in 2009.

Here are some steps to take to help you insure hitting your targets in the New Year.

1. Develop your Goals, directly aligned with your Mission.
2. Make realistic Plans to support each goal.
3. Have an Attitude that is positive and enthusiastic.
4. Maintain a focus on your Priorities and have the physcial Energy to
    take the Action necessary to produce exceptional results.

Want some help?
I can help you with this process! My focus at Wilson Motivational is to help you increase your personal and business productivity.

My record of success helping others to improve their personal discipline, leadership, communication and motivation skills is outstanding. Just call or email and let's set up a time at a Panera's so we can get together and talk about how I can help you.

The Real JimWilson

Click -- Here's Brian Tracy with a powerful thought on goal setting.

Improve your ROE - Time

Here's number 2 on my list.

2. Be on Time.



"I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!" -The white rabbit.

My mother use to say, "you can never be on time - you are either early or late, so just be early and you will be on time."

I believe most people are much more irritated by lateness than they show or will admit; it can dampen everything from promotions and raises to friendships. Late people crowd you, physically and mentally. When people show up late, it undoes your schedule and disrupts your day. Showing up late or sending something in late -- no matter how well done -- still means a black mark against you.

Yogi Berra on time," I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early."

Just remember, if you are early you will always be on time.

Yogi Berra "Pair up in threes"

Yogi Berra's baseball career record:
15 All-Star Game appearances

10 World Championships, and
three MVP honors

WOW!!!!

But, Yogi is probably remembered most by his famous phrases. Berra's hilarious and insightful malaprops have become ingrained in everyday language.

Here's a collection of some of his most (given credit for) famous phrases.

Read and enjoy the fun contained within...

YOGI-ISMS

"Pair up in threes"
"It ain't over 'til it's over"

"It's deja vu all over again"
"When you come to a fork in the road ... take it"
"I usually take a two hour nap from one to four"
"Never answer an anonymous letter"
"I didn't really say everything I said"
"I want to thank you for making this day necessary"
"We made too many wrong mistakes"
"You can observe a lot by watching"
"The future ain't what it used to be"
"It gets late early out here"
"If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be"
"If the people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's going to stop them"
"Why buy good luggage, you only use it when you travel"

My favorite - "It's deja vu all over again."

What's your favorite?

Amazon.com: The Wit and Wisdom of Yogi Berra

Thanksgiving before Expectations

My professorial looking friend James Henry McIntosh, consultant, speaker, coach and writer, has allowed me to post the following article during this Thanksgiving week. (A thanks gift.)
Look further at his volume of outstanding work at http://www.nonsenseatwork.com/.


Thanksgiving before expectations.

This week we enter the period of gratitude and then we jump straight into the period of great expectations.

Actually, this is the correct order of things. Gratitude first, then expectation.

A common mistake we make is to withhold gratitude until we have received. In other words, until we can judge whether what we have received is worthy of our gratitude.

Imagine being served by a waitress who treats you poorly because she doesn’t know whether your gratuity will be worthy of better service. Or by a salesman who is aloof because he does not yet know how much you plan to spend.

Successful businesses don’t treat customers that way. They do two things differently. They are pleased to serve you before they expect you to reach for your wallet.

And their understanding of the word ‘expectation’ is different. They ‘look forward to’ you reaching for your wallet; they don’t act as if ‘it is their due’.

Copyright: 2008 James Henry McIntosh
www.nonsenseatwork.com

Improve your ROE

Here is number 3 on my list.

3. Say Thank You

Hello! How will this increase my ROE?

Here's a just do it and find out exercise:

1. Tomorrow count the number of times you say "thank you".


2. The next day double the number times you say "thank you" from the day before.


3. The next day double the number of times you say thank you" from the day before.


4. By the fourth day you will be a NICER different person.

The people around you will notice a more pleasant you but won't know why.

Research shows that, people who are encouraged to express gratitude report feeling happier, more excited and joyful, and even have fewer headaches and colds.
—"Counting blessings vs. burdens: Experimental studies of gratitude and subjective wellbeing in daily life," by R.A. Emmons and M.E. McCullough (2003).

Thank you for reading this blog.

ROE = Return On Energy

>

A metaphor for success.

At 211 degrees, water is hot.
At 212 degrees, it boils.
And with boiling water,comes steam.
And with steam, you can power a train.

One degree more =Exponential results.

What a great metaphor for success. Operate at 212 degrees in all you do and steam your way to the top.

Watch the 3-minute video.

Written and directed by Sam Parker

Economy in Turmoil

Go for it!

Go for the opportunities.

In an article written by Gayle Turner, a consultant with Catch Your Limit Consulting, points out...

"The Chinese symbol for crisis contains the symbols for danger and opportunity. With the global economy in turmoil most people are sitting around holding their breath; hoping and praying they will be able to survive the threat. There’s no question this time of change is threatening. But, this is also a period of great opportunity; one of which is the opportunity to get to know your customers better and to strengthen your relationship with them."

Go for the opportunities.

You have just gotta check out ... http://catchyourlimit.com/. Lots of ideas available to help you "Catch Your Limit" in these Down Times.

Improve your ROE

Here's number 4 on my list.

4. Don’t make excuses.

Don't make excuses. Make things happen. Make changes. Then make history.

Doug Hall
The only man who is really free is the one who can turn down an invitation to dinner without giving an excuse.
Jules Renard
Don't make excuses - make good.
Elbert Hubbard
He who excuses himself accuses himself.
Gabriel Meurier
Maybe you don't like your job, maybe you didn't get enough sleep, well nobody likes their job, nobody got enough sleep. Maybe you just had the worst day of your life, but you know, there's no escape, there's no excuse, so just suck it up and be nice.
Ani Difranco
How strange to use "You only live once" as an excuse to throw it away.
Bill Copeland
No one ever excused his way to success.
Dave Del Dotto


ROE= Return On Energy

Flying on a Wing and a prayer.

This is what I call skill at the heavenly level.
Just another day in the sky.

Improve your ROE

Here's number 5 on my list.

5. Listen more talk less.

God gave you two ears and one mouth. Why not use them in that proportion.

Ask lots of questions and actively listen to the response. Active listening goes like this:

1. Look at the person, and suspend other things you are doing.
2. Listen not merely to the words, but the feeling content.
3. Be sincerely interested in what the other person is talking about.
4. Restate what the person said.
5. Ask clarification questions once in a while.
6. Be aware of your own feelings and strong opinions.
7. If you have to state your views, say them only after you have listened.

These steps, quoted from The Self Transformation Series, Issue no. 13, are simple; however, becoming skilled in active listening requires considerable practice.

So practice, practice, practice and become a "Magician in listening".

ROE=Return On Energy

Be a kind boss.

It's just common sense - Right?

Kind bosses inspire greater effort and loyalty from their employees, according to a study completed by the American Management Association.

Of people who described their boss as kind, 84% reported that they planned to stay in their jobs. Of people who described their boss as a "bully," only 47% planned to stay in their jobs.Click here to learn more about kindness in management.

Coaching available for Managers. Check out www.wilsonmotivational.com

Improve your ROE

Here’s number 6 on my list.

6. Work smarter not harder.

So how can you start to work smarter? Well, its very simple. If you just step back and analyzed everything you did during the day you could probably see a better way to do many of the things you did. Just by making a few small changes you can make things work out better.

ROE = Return On Energy

Good times ahead.

Do you see problems or possibilities?

Stay Positive and Thrive in Any Economy!

Action plan...
Reframe your thinking. See difficulties not as problems, but as possibilities.

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.

Consider the lesson you'll find in meeting each new challenge.

Improve your ROE.

Here’s number 7 on my list.

7. Stop blaming other people.

Everyone blames someone else at one time or another. Nobody's perfect. And you may even be thinking, "But it WAS my spouse's/parent's/boss' fault that I missed my plane/don't trust others/don't make enough money."

And it very well may be, but the key to living a long and happy life is knowing how to accept personal responsibility and not blame others -- even when it may be their fault. This does not mean you have to go through life letting others walk all over you. On the contrary, accepting personal responsibility means you have to take the high road and be the bigger person, even when it's hard.

ROE = Return On Energy