I got on a conference call last night. This is remarkable because I was on this call representing someone I no longer work for. I am no saint, I am not superior to those who have the common sense not to work for someone they no longer work for. I made a promise to a client and kept it. The client is a travel agent / tour leader who is bringing some folks to South Florida for a cruise. He had asked if I would get on the phone with his clients and tell them about things to do in the area. I said yes.
Why? It took five minutes and greatly raised my stock in this client's eyes. He lives out on the Left Coast and it never hurts to have friends in the Bay Area. Besides, he's a really nice guy who took it pretty hard when he found out I had moved on.
Part of what I did on this call was shed a positive light on someone for whom I should have no positive feelings. It stands to reason that I am not happy with my former employer or they would be my current employer. The truth is, I have learned over the years that no matter what else happens, you must strive for excellence. I am not talking on a professional level, but on a human one.
Be a person of excellence. Do more than is expected and more than is asked. Do it without the expectation of reward. You'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish and you will discover that doing the right thing is a reward in itself.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you. Stay warm.
- Adolfo
Showing posts with label reputation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reputation. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Day # 190 - Free at Last
For a while now, I've been writing about certain situations, mostly related to business and management, without giving too many details. It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to know I was referring to my own job and my unhappiness with it. I was cryptic because I was being respectful of my employers and protective of my job.
Well, that's all over now. After months of misery, of being under-appreciated, overworked, and underpaid, I resigned. There was no fit of rage, no "Jerry Maguire" speech, no AK-47. I didn't even stop and say good-bye to my co-workers. I simply responded to yet another insulting email written in broken English by a person who is not my boss, with: "Effective immediately, I resign my position as director of sales." I hit send. I walked out. I came home, made lunch, and helped Abby with spring cleaning (I know it's not spring - you get me.)
The calls came after, along with promises that all I deserved was just around the corner, like the drunk who promises his wife as she walks out the door that he was planning to go to the meeting next week. Too little too late.
My former boss asked how I could make a decision as serious as this one in a moment of anger. I told him the moment I walked out was the end of my anger. It was an easy decision, one that instantly brought peace. It wasn't about them or about me; we just weren't the right fit.
I learned more in the time working for this company than in any other similar period of time in my life. I learned:
- Get it in writing. Although we want to believe the best in people, written agreements help define what that is. Although most of us would never steal or kill, knowing there are laws meant to punish those who do provides comfort to us, as well as a behavioral guideline.
- Set the expectations. I gave too much for too little. It's hard to get someone to expect any different once you spoil them.
- Stand your ground. Not an inch of our territory, not a stone of our fortress. If you give someone an inch, they will take you a mile. Draw your boundaries and adhere to them; if you don't, no one else will.
- Respect: Give it, earn it, expect it, demand it. If you allow yourself to be disrespected once, you'd best get used to it.
- Know your value and demand it.
I may eventually sit down and write a memoir of this experience. It has been eye-opening and educational. I learned a lot about what not to do in business and I think the world could benefit from the knowledge - especially younger people coming up in business.
I am free. I know where I've been. I know where God is taking me. I'll let you know when I get there.
God bless you. Make it a great day. Be free.
- Adolfo
Well, that's all over now. After months of misery, of being under-appreciated, overworked, and underpaid, I resigned. There was no fit of rage, no "Jerry Maguire" speech, no AK-47. I didn't even stop and say good-bye to my co-workers. I simply responded to yet another insulting email written in broken English by a person who is not my boss, with: "Effective immediately, I resign my position as director of sales." I hit send. I walked out. I came home, made lunch, and helped Abby with spring cleaning (I know it's not spring - you get me.)
The calls came after, along with promises that all I deserved was just around the corner, like the drunk who promises his wife as she walks out the door that he was planning to go to the meeting next week. Too little too late.
My former boss asked how I could make a decision as serious as this one in a moment of anger. I told him the moment I walked out was the end of my anger. It was an easy decision, one that instantly brought peace. It wasn't about them or about me; we just weren't the right fit.
I learned more in the time working for this company than in any other similar period of time in my life. I learned:
- Get it in writing. Although we want to believe the best in people, written agreements help define what that is. Although most of us would never steal or kill, knowing there are laws meant to punish those who do provides comfort to us, as well as a behavioral guideline.
- Set the expectations. I gave too much for too little. It's hard to get someone to expect any different once you spoil them.
- Stand your ground. Not an inch of our territory, not a stone of our fortress. If you give someone an inch, they will take you a mile. Draw your boundaries and adhere to them; if you don't, no one else will.
- Respect: Give it, earn it, expect it, demand it. If you allow yourself to be disrespected once, you'd best get used to it.
- Know your value and demand it.
I may eventually sit down and write a memoir of this experience. It has been eye-opening and educational. I learned a lot about what not to do in business and I think the world could benefit from the knowledge - especially younger people coming up in business.
I am free. I know where I've been. I know where God is taking me. I'll let you know when I get there.
God bless you. Make it a great day. Be free.
- Adolfo
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Day # 187 - Know Your Value
I witnessed something yesterday that left me feeling a little sick to my stomach. I can't go into too many details, but I want to share the lesson with you: know your value, your worth. Women, especially, should know their worth and see themselves as complete human beings, not T & A.
In a world that has become increasingly superficial, where pornography has become mainstream and thought is not so much outlawed (yet) as out of fashion, it's more important than ever to know your value and to instill a sense of value in your children. We have been trained to believe that if you're not famous, you're worthless. At the same time, we have blurred the line between fame and infamy. It doesn't matter what you're doing, as long as lots of people see you doing it.
I hate to continue on the TV rant, but because it is primarily a visual medium, the greater emphasis is on being seen, not heard or worth hearing, further encouraging the intellectual laziness that is railroading us toward becoming property of China. I have nothing against the Chinese, but I am not interested in becoming one of them.
America is in decline and that decline begins at home, just as this much-needed revolution must. Generations of Americans living in poverty, living for the momentary pleasures of parties and gadgets with no thought to the future and a blindness to the need to improve, and a political system that benefits from their suffering. Those in the middle are content to spend all their money plus what they can borrow to have hi-def, hi-fi, and high performance, but not a thought to the future. People are determining their worth by the stuff they have, the clothes they wear, the cars they drive. If your value is determined by things that can be taken away, it isn't really value, is it? It's just crap.
Value yourself. Respect yourself. Earn the respect of others by being a person worthy of respect. Look within for your value, count your blessings, knowing that blessings rarely come with a receipt or a money-back guarantee. Become a person of value and set the example for your children or for other young people - or just do it because you should. You are created in the image of God, your value has been determined by a much more credible source.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
- Adolfo
In a world that has become increasingly superficial, where pornography has become mainstream and thought is not so much outlawed (yet) as out of fashion, it's more important than ever to know your value and to instill a sense of value in your children. We have been trained to believe that if you're not famous, you're worthless. At the same time, we have blurred the line between fame and infamy. It doesn't matter what you're doing, as long as lots of people see you doing it.
I hate to continue on the TV rant, but because it is primarily a visual medium, the greater emphasis is on being seen, not heard or worth hearing, further encouraging the intellectual laziness that is railroading us toward becoming property of China. I have nothing against the Chinese, but I am not interested in becoming one of them.
America is in decline and that decline begins at home, just as this much-needed revolution must. Generations of Americans living in poverty, living for the momentary pleasures of parties and gadgets with no thought to the future and a blindness to the need to improve, and a political system that benefits from their suffering. Those in the middle are content to spend all their money plus what they can borrow to have hi-def, hi-fi, and high performance, but not a thought to the future. People are determining their worth by the stuff they have, the clothes they wear, the cars they drive. If your value is determined by things that can be taken away, it isn't really value, is it? It's just crap.
Value yourself. Respect yourself. Earn the respect of others by being a person worthy of respect. Look within for your value, count your blessings, knowing that blessings rarely come with a receipt or a money-back guarantee. Become a person of value and set the example for your children or for other young people - or just do it because you should. You are created in the image of God, your value has been determined by a much more credible source.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
- Adolfo
Monday, September 27, 2010
Day # 123 - Show me the MONEY!
Have you ever noticed how rich you are? Seriously. Put down your $5 cup of coffee and your $1,000 computer and think about it for a moment. When was the last time you went to bed hungry? When was the last time you denied yourself something you wanted? The million-dollar Bugatti doesn't count! Do you know hunger? Do you know need? Have you ever worried that a lack of rain meant a lack of food for your family? Or do you complain that rain means no beach, no baseball game, a slower drive to your cushy job, or whatever?
Do you share your blessings? You know, 10% to church, a little to the homeless lady, sponsor a child, donate to a homeless shelter, any of that hokey stuff? Can't afford it? Wow, that must be rough.
I know as well as anyone that times are rough. I was unemployed for a while and fell behind, burned through my savings, etc. I understand the feeling that you have no money, but it is just a feeling. If you believe you are broke, you will always be broke. If you believe in abundance you will attract it into your life, and then you can do all the things I mentioned above. You will be able to make donations to charity and tithe to your church and help those less fortunate and then you will understand the true meaning of being rich. To hell with the toys, I want to touch lives. Think about it. Do you want a nice car in the driveway or an endowment with your name on it that will help kids get through college long after you've moved on to the next dimension?
Think of what you want and you will attract it. Share what you have and you will multiply it. Continue this pattern and God will bless you until your storehouses run over.
This works. I have experienced it. Be grateful for what you have and take care of it. Share it and reap the rewards. Forget recycling, if you want to save the planet, save the people.
God bless you. Make it your best day by making someone else's day better.
- Adolfo
http://ayearwithoutnews.blogspot.com
http://www.honeybeepartyrental.com
http://www.facebook.com/adolfojimenez1
http://www.twitter.com/adolfojimenez
Do you share your blessings? You know, 10% to church, a little to the homeless lady, sponsor a child, donate to a homeless shelter, any of that hokey stuff? Can't afford it? Wow, that must be rough.
I know as well as anyone that times are rough. I was unemployed for a while and fell behind, burned through my savings, etc. I understand the feeling that you have no money, but it is just a feeling. If you believe you are broke, you will always be broke. If you believe in abundance you will attract it into your life, and then you can do all the things I mentioned above. You will be able to make donations to charity and tithe to your church and help those less fortunate and then you will understand the true meaning of being rich. To hell with the toys, I want to touch lives. Think about it. Do you want a nice car in the driveway or an endowment with your name on it that will help kids get through college long after you've moved on to the next dimension?
Think of what you want and you will attract it. Share what you have and you will multiply it. Continue this pattern and God will bless you until your storehouses run over.
This works. I have experienced it. Be grateful for what you have and take care of it. Share it and reap the rewards. Forget recycling, if you want to save the planet, save the people.
God bless you. Make it your best day by making someone else's day better.
- Adolfo
http://ayearwithoutnews.blogspot.com
http://www.honeybeepartyrental.com
http://www.facebook.com/adolfojimenez1
http://www.twitter.com/adolfojimenez
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Day # 107 - Change of Venue
Lead us not into temptation... We've all heard it before. I went into the office yesterday and just wasn't feeling it. So... I went home to work. I didn't come home and put on my Superman jammies and bunny slippers, I kept my work ensemble on. I fired up the laptop and went to work.
I was more productive yesterday than any other day in this incredibly long short week. I wasn't getting up to go to the fridge every five minutes. No one walked into my office to chat. No questions that should answer themselves. No B.S., no nonsense. Just work.
I made two sales, set two appointments and sent out three contracts yesterday. I also revised an agreement for what is becoming a very big and important client. In my business, that's a busy day. Better than busy, it was productive. The kind of productivity that translates directly to the bottom line.
I know not everyone has the option of taking work home, or to a coffee shop, but you can always come to the office a little early to avoid the crowd. When people ask if you have a minute, say NO! Or tell them yes, you have exactly one minute. For years I have wasted so much time because I never understood the power of No. Learn it, you'll be better at your job, and you will find the work-life balance we all need.
I would also recommend putting yourself in a position where you are not lead into temptation. Don't keep a lot of junk food in your house or in your desk, so that the Oreos don't call your name when you have work to do. It's human nature to be lazy and if your lazy brain has to convince you you're hungry to get you to stop working, it will. Avoid the pitfalls.
I am not advocating workaholism. I am advocating productivity. If you want to move up in your career, grow your business, or just prosper and be successful at everything you do, learn to be more productive. I learned this lesson late, but I plan to make up for it.
So, turn your desk away from the window, stay away from the water cooler and coffee station and get your work done! The right people will notice.
God bless you. Make it your best and most productive day yet.
- Adolfo
http://www.facebook.com/adolfojimenez1
http://ayearwithoutnews.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/adolfojimenez
I was more productive yesterday than any other day in this incredibly long short week. I wasn't getting up to go to the fridge every five minutes. No one walked into my office to chat. No questions that should answer themselves. No B.S., no nonsense. Just work.
I made two sales, set two appointments and sent out three contracts yesterday. I also revised an agreement for what is becoming a very big and important client. In my business, that's a busy day. Better than busy, it was productive. The kind of productivity that translates directly to the bottom line.
I know not everyone has the option of taking work home, or to a coffee shop, but you can always come to the office a little early to avoid the crowd. When people ask if you have a minute, say NO! Or tell them yes, you have exactly one minute. For years I have wasted so much time because I never understood the power of No. Learn it, you'll be better at your job, and you will find the work-life balance we all need.
I would also recommend putting yourself in a position where you are not lead into temptation. Don't keep a lot of junk food in your house or in your desk, so that the Oreos don't call your name when you have work to do. It's human nature to be lazy and if your lazy brain has to convince you you're hungry to get you to stop working, it will. Avoid the pitfalls.
I am not advocating workaholism. I am advocating productivity. If you want to move up in your career, grow your business, or just prosper and be successful at everything you do, learn to be more productive. I learned this lesson late, but I plan to make up for it.
So, turn your desk away from the window, stay away from the water cooler and coffee station and get your work done! The right people will notice.
God bless you. Make it your best and most productive day yet.
- Adolfo
http://www.facebook.com/adolfojimenez1
http://ayearwithoutnews.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/adolfojimenez
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Day # 82 - What's in a name?
The sweetest sound you will ever hear is the sound of your own name. I guess that means the worst sound is the sound of someone getting your name wrong. When your name is Adolfo, it happens all the time. I'm not sure why. It's not complicated. Six letters, evenly split between vowels and consonants. I thinks it's a pretty nice name, actually.
But man, do people mess it up.
I woke up this morning unsure what I would write about. In fact, I had no idea. Then I checked my crackberry, and saw where someone responded to my generosity with, "Thanks, Alfredo." They dropped an "O" from my name and added "R" and "E" and completely changed the tone of the letter. The message was to thank me for a donation. Maybe I'm being hypersensitive, but the impact of the letter was lessened because the sender didn't take the four seconds required to get my name right. In fact, I don't remember anything else about the message.
Details will make the difference in anything you do. I know this mostly because I have never been a detail person. I know what this has cost me over the years. Perhaps it's because my name is somewhat unusual, but I have always been pretty good about proper pronunciation and spelling of names. As a sales guy, and knowing that it is the sweetest sound to its owner, it has always been a major point for me.
A month or two ago, I got a message on facebook from a website designer who started by screwing up my name: "Adolpho" I think, and then telling me my business website looks like it was designed in 1994. He didn't get the sale not only because of the name thing, but his ham-fisted approach was offensive. I designed the website myself and it has made me a lot of money over the years. He was wrong and insulting.
Whether you are in sales or just want to make more friends, make the effort to get people's name right and improve your communications skills. It's an easy investment in improving your career and your personal life.
Thought for today:
- As always, it's the seemingly little things that make all the difference in the world.
- If names aren't your strong suit. Learn some memory tricks, like repeating a person's name when you meet them and imagining them with someone else of the same name so you associate their name with the more familiar person. Little things. It's always the little things.
Remember: Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
- Adolfo
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But man, do people mess it up.
I woke up this morning unsure what I would write about. In fact, I had no idea. Then I checked my crackberry, and saw where someone responded to my generosity with, "Thanks, Alfredo." They dropped an "O" from my name and added "R" and "E" and completely changed the tone of the letter. The message was to thank me for a donation. Maybe I'm being hypersensitive, but the impact of the letter was lessened because the sender didn't take the four seconds required to get my name right. In fact, I don't remember anything else about the message.
Details will make the difference in anything you do. I know this mostly because I have never been a detail person. I know what this has cost me over the years. Perhaps it's because my name is somewhat unusual, but I have always been pretty good about proper pronunciation and spelling of names. As a sales guy, and knowing that it is the sweetest sound to its owner, it has always been a major point for me.
A month or two ago, I got a message on facebook from a website designer who started by screwing up my name: "Adolpho" I think, and then telling me my business website looks like it was designed in 1994. He didn't get the sale not only because of the name thing, but his ham-fisted approach was offensive. I designed the website myself and it has made me a lot of money over the years. He was wrong and insulting.
Whether you are in sales or just want to make more friends, make the effort to get people's name right and improve your communications skills. It's an easy investment in improving your career and your personal life.
Thought for today:
- As always, it's the seemingly little things that make all the difference in the world.
- If names aren't your strong suit. Learn some memory tricks, like repeating a person's name when you meet them and imagining them with someone else of the same name so you associate their name with the more familiar person. Little things. It's always the little things.
Remember: Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
- Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
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Sunday, August 8, 2010
Day # 73 - Honest dealings
We have all dealt with people who are less than honest. Chances are you are dealing with someone right now who is less than honest. We are all guilty of omitting the occasional detail. We have all told a lie. No one's perfect. It's when dishonesty becomes policy that we're headed down a slippery slope.
A friend of mine was just put into an awkward situation with his employer. My friend is a hard worker, and he knows his business. He had decided to quit over a disagreement with his bosses, a disagreement over which he was expecting to be relieved of his position. They convinced him to stay, convincing him things would be different. Less than two weeks went by. He finished a big project and was told to hit the bricks. Literally, he had just finished the project thirty minutes prior to his dismissal. That's rough.
It's important to play your cards close to your chest, but to manipulate a person's entire life to suit your short-term goals is an awful abuse, particularly if you are the person's employer because we're talking about a person's life and livelihood.
Liars and thieves are among the worst people to deal with and the line between the due is barely perceptible. You wouldn't leave a known thief alone in your home for obvious reasons. You wouldn't believe someone you know to be a liar because you don't know where the truth ends and the lying begins. Once you have experienced this, the relationship is strained.
***DISCLAIMER***
I am not implying that I have never lied. I've told my share of lies and maybe more. But I have learned from my past experiences (read: mistakes) and have made honesty my policy. The truth eventually finds the light of day so why bother? Think of how many details you have to remember when you lie. Anyone who knows me knows I am not a detail person. I'm just going to level... with everyone.
Now, the situation my friend found himself in does not affect me in any real sense. I happen to know his employer (I know lots of people) but I don't know their side of the story. The truth is I don't want to know it. I am not indicting anyone, I am taking what I know about the situation and squeezing a few drops of wisdom from it. I don't think anyone would argue with my goal here.
Today's Lessons:
- Honesty is the best policy.
- When you're a liar, you have to remember every detail of every conversation. What hassle!
- Pinocchio. Enough said.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I will be honest in my dealings with family, friends, co-workers, clients, and everyone I come in contact with.
Just be honest. Speak the truth. You'll sleep better, you'll feel better. You'll be better.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
-Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
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A friend of mine was just put into an awkward situation with his employer. My friend is a hard worker, and he knows his business. He had decided to quit over a disagreement with his bosses, a disagreement over which he was expecting to be relieved of his position. They convinced him to stay, convincing him things would be different. Less than two weeks went by. He finished a big project and was told to hit the bricks. Literally, he had just finished the project thirty minutes prior to his dismissal. That's rough.
It's important to play your cards close to your chest, but to manipulate a person's entire life to suit your short-term goals is an awful abuse, particularly if you are the person's employer because we're talking about a person's life and livelihood.
Liars and thieves are among the worst people to deal with and the line between the due is barely perceptible. You wouldn't leave a known thief alone in your home for obvious reasons. You wouldn't believe someone you know to be a liar because you don't know where the truth ends and the lying begins. Once you have experienced this, the relationship is strained.
***DISCLAIMER***
I am not implying that I have never lied. I've told my share of lies and maybe more. But I have learned from my past experiences (read: mistakes) and have made honesty my policy. The truth eventually finds the light of day so why bother? Think of how many details you have to remember when you lie. Anyone who knows me knows I am not a detail person. I'm just going to level... with everyone.
Now, the situation my friend found himself in does not affect me in any real sense. I happen to know his employer (I know lots of people) but I don't know their side of the story. The truth is I don't want to know it. I am not indicting anyone, I am taking what I know about the situation and squeezing a few drops of wisdom from it. I don't think anyone would argue with my goal here.
Today's Lessons:
- Honesty is the best policy.
- When you're a liar, you have to remember every detail of every conversation. What hassle!
- Pinocchio. Enough said.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I will be honest in my dealings with family, friends, co-workers, clients, and everyone I come in contact with.
Just be honest. Speak the truth. You'll sleep better, you'll feel better. You'll be better.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
-Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
Follow A Year Without News
Monday, July 19, 2010
Day # 53 - A little more
Jim Rohn once defined success as doing what the other guy won't do. It's true. We are all equal to a certain point. It's what we do beyond that point that determines whether we will succeed.
Success happens when you:
Work one more hour.
Run one more mile.
Fight one more round.
Make one more call.
Read one more book.
It's the little bit extra that makes the difference. It's the above and the beyond. It's the extra. The finish, the extra effort, are what define us. If you do not give extra effort, you are not going to be noticed, at least not in a positive way.
How many golf balls has Tiger Woods hit in front of TV cameras? I don't know the answer but I would bet it's just a fraction of what he's hit when no one was around. How may hours does a performer rehearse for each hour on stage? How many hours does an "A" student spend studying for a test that will probably be over in less than an hour? How much time does a "C" student spend studying? How about a "D" student?
Your results, your success or failure, are a direct result of how hard you are willing to work. If you feel like you aren't where you want to be, work a little harder, put in a little more effort. Spend a little more time preparing. Do a little more than you've ever done before. Do what the other guy won't do.
Today's Lessons:
- "The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work." - Harry Golden
- "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all." - Sam Ewing
- "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Colin Powell
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I will succeed by doing more than I have ever done, and by doing more than is expected of me.
- I will work harder than my colleagues. I will not complain. I work hard and when my work is done, I will ask for more.
I am not telling you to be workaholic, but I am telling you that the road to success is long and hard and forty hours is not enough time to get there.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
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Success happens when you:
Work one more hour.
Run one more mile.
Fight one more round.
Make one more call.
Read one more book.
It's the little bit extra that makes the difference. It's the above and the beyond. It's the extra. The finish, the extra effort, are what define us. If you do not give extra effort, you are not going to be noticed, at least not in a positive way.
How many golf balls has Tiger Woods hit in front of TV cameras? I don't know the answer but I would bet it's just a fraction of what he's hit when no one was around. How may hours does a performer rehearse for each hour on stage? How many hours does an "A" student spend studying for a test that will probably be over in less than an hour? How much time does a "C" student spend studying? How about a "D" student?
Your results, your success or failure, are a direct result of how hard you are willing to work. If you feel like you aren't where you want to be, work a little harder, put in a little more effort. Spend a little more time preparing. Do a little more than you've ever done before. Do what the other guy won't do.
Today's Lessons:
- "The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work." - Harry Golden
- "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all." - Sam Ewing
- "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Colin Powell
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I will succeed by doing more than I have ever done, and by doing more than is expected of me.
- I will work harder than my colleagues. I will not complain. I work hard and when my work is done, I will ask for more.
I am not telling you to be workaholic, but I am telling you that the road to success is long and hard and forty hours is not enough time to get there.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
Follow A Year Without News
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day # 46 - Habits revisited
Monday and I am draggin' my behind. I don't really feel like writing but here I am. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I have done 21 days twice and I can tell you writing this blog - writing, period - has become a habit. I am reading more than ever before and it has become a habit for me like it used to be. I have always read, it's just that I'm back to reading like my life depends on it, which it does if you think about it.
I haven't had caffeine in 30 days. I don't miss it. I feel as energetic as ever, and I am sleeping better.
I am eating better. I decided to lose weight, but I knew a diet wasn't the way to go. As long as I was changing my life, I decided to change what I put into my body. I was at my father-in-law's church yesterday and after service we sat down to eat. There were cans of Coke all over the place and it was about 100 degrees in the shade. We ate typical latin food: steak, rice and beans, etc. A Coke would have been outstanding. I stuck to water. Sure, I knew the Coke would have tasted great, but I chose to stick to my plan. Even my dad, on several occasions, offered me a coke. Abby had one. The girls had one. I stuck to water. Not judging anyone, just made my choice and I plan to stick to it.
I slept like a baby last night, by the way.
I am reading a book, "The Billionaire's Vinegar," about the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction. It was a 1787 Chateaux Lafitte which had belonged to Thomas Jefferson. Or had it. I am also continuing my education. I am averaging 2 - 3 hours per day. Less than I would like but more than I'm used to. My goal was 854 hours in 365 days. I am confident I will surpass the goal.
Lessons:
- Stick to your plans, peer pressure and temptation will always be a factor. Rise above.
- Don't judge others. We are all on our own journey.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am in control of every aspect of my life.
- There is no habit I cannot break. Nothing is as strong as my will.
Keep it up. Stick to your guns. I know I will. And in 319 days, I will be a better man as a result. What habits are you struggling with? What are you doing about it?
Make today your best day yet! God bless you.
- Adolfo
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I haven't had caffeine in 30 days. I don't miss it. I feel as energetic as ever, and I am sleeping better.
I am eating better. I decided to lose weight, but I knew a diet wasn't the way to go. As long as I was changing my life, I decided to change what I put into my body. I was at my father-in-law's church yesterday and after service we sat down to eat. There were cans of Coke all over the place and it was about 100 degrees in the shade. We ate typical latin food: steak, rice and beans, etc. A Coke would have been outstanding. I stuck to water. Sure, I knew the Coke would have tasted great, but I chose to stick to my plan. Even my dad, on several occasions, offered me a coke. Abby had one. The girls had one. I stuck to water. Not judging anyone, just made my choice and I plan to stick to it.
I slept like a baby last night, by the way.
I am reading a book, "The Billionaire's Vinegar," about the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction. It was a 1787 Chateaux Lafitte which had belonged to Thomas Jefferson. Or had it. I am also continuing my education. I am averaging 2 - 3 hours per day. Less than I would like but more than I'm used to. My goal was 854 hours in 365 days. I am confident I will surpass the goal.
Lessons:
- Stick to your plans, peer pressure and temptation will always be a factor. Rise above.
- Don't judge others. We are all on our own journey.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am in control of every aspect of my life.
- There is no habit I cannot break. Nothing is as strong as my will.
Keep it up. Stick to your guns. I know I will. And in 319 days, I will be a better man as a result. What habits are you struggling with? What are you doing about it?
Make today your best day yet! God bless you.
- Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Day # 45 - Stick to the plan.
I told my kids that any time I heard them say, "I can't" they would owe me ten jumping jacks. They both had to pay up publicly last night. I told them I would do it and to not stick to my plan would send so many wrong messages. I want them to know that when their father says something he means it. I want them to know that the words, "I can't" are dirty words, profane words, like the "F" word - destructive, negative and unnecessary. Just as profanity is the language of the ignorant, negative talk is the language of losers. My kids will not be losers and will not speak the loser's language.
My hotel hosted a breakfast for a large group of business and community leaders Friday. I saw many familiar faces and some new ones. It was nice. I had allowed myself to feel like a bit of an outcast after losing my job back in November and I realize I had no reason to. Like Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Yesterday, I was called in to handle a few situations and left home without my phone. I don't like to be electronically stranded, but it's liberating in a way. I had to run to the FedEx store, where I ran into one of my old bank customers, who greeted me warmly and asked for my contact information. We will be working on some things together in the near future. Stopped by another store in my journey and ran into another one of my bank customers who also greeted me warmly. Went to dinner last night and saw yet another person from the past, a HoneyBee customer, who had a big smile and kind words for me. I was also asked by two separate companies if I would be interested in coming to work for them. I am flattered, but I started something and I intend to stick to it.
I received an e-mail from someone who told me I am a bit of a legend around town and that I have a reputation for being good person. I have to admit, my eyes got a little wet at that one. I have made so many mistakes in my life and for so long I feared that was all anyone would remember me for. People want to believe in your goodness and in your ability. Sure, there are people out there who will never like you no matter what you do. Accept it, write it off as their loss, not yours, and move on to the happy people.
My plan is to succeed at everything I do. Friday was a big step in that direction. I am sticking to my plan.
Lessons:
- Make plans. Don't obsess about them, but make them and stick to them, adjusting as necessary.
- Your reputation matters.
- Don't presume to know what other people think of you. Endeavor to influence how people think of you.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way, I am getting better and better.
- I have favor in the eyes of the people I meet.
- People see me for who I am.
Take care of your relationships. Stick to your plans. Don't just stop and smell the roses, say hello to the gardener, too.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
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My hotel hosted a breakfast for a large group of business and community leaders Friday. I saw many familiar faces and some new ones. It was nice. I had allowed myself to feel like a bit of an outcast after losing my job back in November and I realize I had no reason to. Like Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Yesterday, I was called in to handle a few situations and left home without my phone. I don't like to be electronically stranded, but it's liberating in a way. I had to run to the FedEx store, where I ran into one of my old bank customers, who greeted me warmly and asked for my contact information. We will be working on some things together in the near future. Stopped by another store in my journey and ran into another one of my bank customers who also greeted me warmly. Went to dinner last night and saw yet another person from the past, a HoneyBee customer, who had a big smile and kind words for me. I was also asked by two separate companies if I would be interested in coming to work for them. I am flattered, but I started something and I intend to stick to it.
I received an e-mail from someone who told me I am a bit of a legend around town and that I have a reputation for being good person. I have to admit, my eyes got a little wet at that one. I have made so many mistakes in my life and for so long I feared that was all anyone would remember me for. People want to believe in your goodness and in your ability. Sure, there are people out there who will never like you no matter what you do. Accept it, write it off as their loss, not yours, and move on to the happy people.
My plan is to succeed at everything I do. Friday was a big step in that direction. I am sticking to my plan.
Lessons:
- Make plans. Don't obsess about them, but make them and stick to them, adjusting as necessary.
- Your reputation matters.
- Don't presume to know what other people think of you. Endeavor to influence how people think of you.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way, I am getting better and better.
- I have favor in the eyes of the people I meet.
- People see me for who I am.
Take care of your relationships. Stick to your plans. Don't just stop and smell the roses, say hello to the gardener, too.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
Start building your Success Library!
Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
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