I love micromanagement. I think it's great when you hire a person, which is in essence an endorsement of that person's history, background, and qualifications, and then let your actions tell them you don't trust them.
I know of a really big bank where micromanagement is the standard. A friend of mine actually applied for a job there and was told he would be micromanaged. They weren't kidding. I have friends and family who work for this bank and they are literally on 4 - 6 conference calls per day. The reason for the calls? To ask what they're doing, report the numbers, make up lies, excuses, etc.
It reminds me of what Princess Leia said, "The more you tighten your grip, the more star systems will slip through your fingers." She was talking to General Tartan and still had something of a British accent this early in the movie (Episode IV.)
The fact is you cannot control everything and all micromanaging does is alienate the person being managed. It doesn't work in business, in family affairs, or in relationships. It simply cannot be.
Just as it is advisable to let go of the things we don't or shouldn't care about, we need to loosen our grip on the things we love the most. Only then are they free to love us back.
Micromanagers are insecure and generally incompetent. They would rather be elbow-deep in your business than tend to their own, probably for fear of being discovered for the frauds they typically are. Of course, some are competent, they're just idiots who don't trust anyone.
It's obvious today's post has veered in the direction of business and management. It's okay, these are parts of our lives - definitely a part of mine. And you have to have a happy work life to be happy. Amen?
Today's Lessons:
- Surround yourself with great people and then trust them. Some of them may let you down, but most of them will surprise you.
- Show respect for people by giving them their independence.
- Respect free will.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I trust and respect the people around me and I know they will do their best for me.
So, don't be a micromanager. No one will like you. Have fun and believe in people. You won't be disappointed - at least not as often as you fear.
Make it your best (hands off) day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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Friday, August 6, 2010
Day # 71 - Intimidation
I was reading David Falk's book, "The Bald Truth" yesterday and it reminded me of an experience I had about a year ago. David Falk was a sports super-agent, having represented greats such as Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing. In the book, he wrote about being deposed and all the effort the opposing counsel put into trying to intimidate him. Falk was not intimidated because he had the truth on his side.
About a year ago, I received a summons to appear for an interrogation -oops- a deposition! It was in reference to a client of the bank I worked at. One of my elderly customers left her money to a friend / caretaker upon her death. The family, which I never met and never really seemed to care for this client, suddenly came out of the woodwork to get there piece of the pie. The friend / caretaker never complained, never said a word. She had been a true friend to my client, driving her around, feeding her, taking her to doctor's appointments, etc. The "family" wanted the money.
So I sit in this room with the lawyer, who looks like Joe Pesci in Casino minus most of the hair. He asks if I'd like something to drink. I ask how long this process will take. He looks puzzled. I inform him that I am not thirsty, but if we're going to be here a while, I'd like some water because all the talking will doubtless make me thirsty. The assistant brings me water. The questioning begins.
"Mr. Jimenez, what's your educational background?"
"How is that relevant?"
"I want to know?"
"But how is it relevant?" (I'm having fun with this schmuck, the truth is on my side.)
"I need to get an idea of your background to establish your qualifications as a banker?"
"But my employer already qualified me as a banker when they hired me."
He shoots me a look, "Will you please answer the question?"
"I am a high school dropout. I got me G.E.D. at age 24 and took a few college courses, but I never graduated."
At this point, the lawyer is salivating, he's already counting his money. He is so badly underestimating me that I feel bad for him. He thinks he's the cat, but he's the mouse, and I am toying with him. Why? Because people like him tend to rely too heavily on their title. He thinks I'm going to fear him because he's a lawyer. I couldn't care less.
I played the game with him for a short while that day. Often asking him to clarify his questions. We met a second time for a longer session and he was still as arrogant and I continued to manhandle him. Why? Because all he could see was the fact that I didn't have a college degree. He saw me as inferior. What a fool. I think of great men throughout history who don't have degrees:
Jesus Christ
Ernest Hemingway
Harry Truman
Karl Rove
Michael Dell
Bill Gates
Adolfo Jimenez
And the list goes on. I am not proud of not having a degree, but I press on, knowing education comes from life, school is where you get training.
I did not allow the little lawyer to intimidate me. I must have done a good job because I never heard from him again. He wanted to intimidate me into making his case for him. It didn't happen. No way. I had the truth on my side, the courage of my convictions, and the confidence that comes from knowing I am good at what I do.
Never allow yourself to be intimidated. Once you show fear, you are dead where you stand. When you are intimidated, you can be manipulated (rhyme unintentional, I promise.) And you lose your personality, you lose your confidence, your concentration. When we are in fear, we are effectively paralyzed. As Gordon Liddy said, "Defeat the fear of death, and you welcome the death of fear." Defeat the fear of anything and you welcome the death of fear.
Today's Lesson:
- Have the courage of your convictions.
- Fear is to be controlled. It's natural, but it's not healthy. Tame that beast.
- "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I shall fear no evil,for You are with me. - Psalm 23
- I fear nothing because I have the truth on my side.
Be bold, be brave, be confident, and never be intimidated. Remember the second best way to deal with a bully is by punching him in the mouth. The best way is by outsmarting him.
Make it a great day, your best yet. Fear nothing. God bless you.
-Adolfo
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About a year ago, I received a summons to appear for an interrogation -oops- a deposition! It was in reference to a client of the bank I worked at. One of my elderly customers left her money to a friend / caretaker upon her death. The family, which I never met and never really seemed to care for this client, suddenly came out of the woodwork to get there piece of the pie. The friend / caretaker never complained, never said a word. She had been a true friend to my client, driving her around, feeding her, taking her to doctor's appointments, etc. The "family" wanted the money.
So I sit in this room with the lawyer, who looks like Joe Pesci in Casino minus most of the hair. He asks if I'd like something to drink. I ask how long this process will take. He looks puzzled. I inform him that I am not thirsty, but if we're going to be here a while, I'd like some water because all the talking will doubtless make me thirsty. The assistant brings me water. The questioning begins.
"Mr. Jimenez, what's your educational background?"
"How is that relevant?"
"I want to know?"
"But how is it relevant?" (I'm having fun with this schmuck, the truth is on my side.)
"I need to get an idea of your background to establish your qualifications as a banker?"
"But my employer already qualified me as a banker when they hired me."
He shoots me a look, "Will you please answer the question?"
"I am a high school dropout. I got me G.E.D. at age 24 and took a few college courses, but I never graduated."
At this point, the lawyer is salivating, he's already counting his money. He is so badly underestimating me that I feel bad for him. He thinks he's the cat, but he's the mouse, and I am toying with him. Why? Because people like him tend to rely too heavily on their title. He thinks I'm going to fear him because he's a lawyer. I couldn't care less.
I played the game with him for a short while that day. Often asking him to clarify his questions. We met a second time for a longer session and he was still as arrogant and I continued to manhandle him. Why? Because all he could see was the fact that I didn't have a college degree. He saw me as inferior. What a fool. I think of great men throughout history who don't have degrees:
Jesus Christ
Ernest Hemingway
Harry Truman
Karl Rove
Michael Dell
Bill Gates
Adolfo Jimenez
And the list goes on. I am not proud of not having a degree, but I press on, knowing education comes from life, school is where you get training.
I did not allow the little lawyer to intimidate me. I must have done a good job because I never heard from him again. He wanted to intimidate me into making his case for him. It didn't happen. No way. I had the truth on my side, the courage of my convictions, and the confidence that comes from knowing I am good at what I do.
Never allow yourself to be intimidated. Once you show fear, you are dead where you stand. When you are intimidated, you can be manipulated (rhyme unintentional, I promise.) And you lose your personality, you lose your confidence, your concentration. When we are in fear, we are effectively paralyzed. As Gordon Liddy said, "Defeat the fear of death, and you welcome the death of fear." Defeat the fear of anything and you welcome the death of fear.
Today's Lesson:
- Have the courage of your convictions.
- Fear is to be controlled. It's natural, but it's not healthy. Tame that beast.
- "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I shall fear no evil,for You are with me. - Psalm 23
- I fear nothing because I have the truth on my side.
Be bold, be brave, be confident, and never be intimidated. Remember the second best way to deal with a bully is by punching him in the mouth. The best way is by outsmarting him.
Make it a great day, your best yet. Fear nothing. God bless you.
-Adolfo
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Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day # 70 - Attraction
We all attract something. What we attract is determined by our demeanor, our attitude, and our expectations. I am a sales guy, though not in the traditional sense. I don't try to close the sale. I don't really try to overcome objections. I don't do boiler room thing. I just am. What am I? Myself, of course. I am more interested in making you happy than in closing you. As a result, I see less prospects than the average sales guy, but I have a higher close ratio. It doesn't work for the high-pressure types. They need to be in someone's face all the time. I just want to be your friend.
This has always been my approach, and as a result, I have rarely found myself in confrontations. I rarely deal with jerks. I deal with friends. This isn't just in sales, this applies to life in general. You attract what you are. Misery loves company, but so does joy. I choose to work with agreeable people. I choose to be liked by my clients. I believe negotiation doesn't need to be adversarial and that scripted sales calls are an offense to the person you are selling to. If you aren't yourself, you'll never know who you're supposed to be. It's like having to remember all the lies you told: more trouble than it's worth.
Today's Lessons:
- This above all: To thine own self be true.
- You will attract what you are and what you surround yourself with. Surround yourself with winners and you will be a winner. If you are a winner, you will attract winners. The opposite, of course, is true.
- Make friends of prospects and you will make clients of friends.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am in the business of making friends.
- I am surrounded by positive people. They positively influence me and I positively influence them.
You attract what you are and you are what you surround yourself with, consume, and think. Make the right choice in the beginning and the rest will fall into place.
Make it your best day. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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This has always been my approach, and as a result, I have rarely found myself in confrontations. I rarely deal with jerks. I deal with friends. This isn't just in sales, this applies to life in general. You attract what you are. Misery loves company, but so does joy. I choose to work with agreeable people. I choose to be liked by my clients. I believe negotiation doesn't need to be adversarial and that scripted sales calls are an offense to the person you are selling to. If you aren't yourself, you'll never know who you're supposed to be. It's like having to remember all the lies you told: more trouble than it's worth.
Today's Lessons:
- This above all: To thine own self be true.
- You will attract what you are and what you surround yourself with. Surround yourself with winners and you will be a winner. If you are a winner, you will attract winners. The opposite, of course, is true.
- Make friends of prospects and you will make clients of friends.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am in the business of making friends.
- I am surrounded by positive people. They positively influence me and I positively influence them.
You attract what you are and you are what you surround yourself with, consume, and think. Make the right choice in the beginning and the rest will fall into place.
Make it your best day. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day # 69 - Happy Happy Joy Joy
Are you one of those people who takes themselves too seriously? If so, why? I remember sitting down with a priest a couple of years ago (no, I was not in confession, I was his banker) and his personal philosophy was, "It's all B.S." Only he didn't say B.S., he said the actual word. He told me about a fellow priest who had this motto engraved on a plate mounted to the inside of his casket. That's pretty funny. But it's true, too.
We spend so much time and energy sweating the insignificant little details of our lives that we miss the Happy Happy Joy Joy. Life is short, especially the fun parts of it. When we learn to take ourselves less seriously; when we accept that it's all B.S., we can truly enjoy all the good things.
This is part of why I gave up news. Not that the tragedies were B.S., but me getting worked up about them was. I can't help end misery if I am miserable. I need to be happy and disconnecting myself from far away suffering that was, by the time I heard about it, beyond my control made little sense. I prefer to broadcast my positive feelings everywhere I go, assuming it will land where it is needed.
When we learn to let go of things that are beyond our control, we free ourselves. We liberate ourselves from the worries of our former lives. I am not advocating irresponsibility, I am making a case for focusing on what truly matters. Don't worry about paying your bills. Let it go, do your best at work, the money will come and soon your bills will no longer be a problem. I'm not saying you'll love them, but you won't fear them either. Don't worry about your health. Instead, do what is right. Eat better, give up fast food and sodas, drink more water, get more exercise, and soon you will be healthy. I now squeeze exercise into my day in simple ways like parking far off in the lot, or walking when I am at work and I take a call on my cell phone. I walk at a rapid pace, not a stroll. I get my exercise, I inspect the property, and I say hi to staff members I would never otherwise see. Win, win win.
Make small changes in your perception and happiness will find you. Give up your addiction to B.S. and misery. Stop going to pity parties. Like everything else, it is a choice.
Today's Lessons:
- It's all B.S.
- Find the sources of unhappiness in your life and get rid of them.
- Find the sources of happiness in your life and feed them.
- Happiness and misery are behaviors. Choose the right one.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am letting go of things that do not matter.
- I choose to be happy.
Now, sing it with me: Happy Happy Joy Joy! Happy Happy Joy Joy! Happy Happy Joy Joy! If you sing it, like Ren & Stimpy did, you can't help being happy. You can't get the ridiculous grin off your face. You smiling now? Good. Hold that smile and share it with the world.
Make it your happiest and best day yet! God bless you.
- Adolfo
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We spend so much time and energy sweating the insignificant little details of our lives that we miss the Happy Happy Joy Joy. Life is short, especially the fun parts of it. When we learn to take ourselves less seriously; when we accept that it's all B.S., we can truly enjoy all the good things.
This is part of why I gave up news. Not that the tragedies were B.S., but me getting worked up about them was. I can't help end misery if I am miserable. I need to be happy and disconnecting myself from far away suffering that was, by the time I heard about it, beyond my control made little sense. I prefer to broadcast my positive feelings everywhere I go, assuming it will land where it is needed.
When we learn to let go of things that are beyond our control, we free ourselves. We liberate ourselves from the worries of our former lives. I am not advocating irresponsibility, I am making a case for focusing on what truly matters. Don't worry about paying your bills. Let it go, do your best at work, the money will come and soon your bills will no longer be a problem. I'm not saying you'll love them, but you won't fear them either. Don't worry about your health. Instead, do what is right. Eat better, give up fast food and sodas, drink more water, get more exercise, and soon you will be healthy. I now squeeze exercise into my day in simple ways like parking far off in the lot, or walking when I am at work and I take a call on my cell phone. I walk at a rapid pace, not a stroll. I get my exercise, I inspect the property, and I say hi to staff members I would never otherwise see. Win, win win.
Make small changes in your perception and happiness will find you. Give up your addiction to B.S. and misery. Stop going to pity parties. Like everything else, it is a choice.
Today's Lessons:
- It's all B.S.
- Find the sources of unhappiness in your life and get rid of them.
- Find the sources of happiness in your life and feed them.
- Happiness and misery are behaviors. Choose the right one.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am letting go of things that do not matter.
- I choose to be happy.
Now, sing it with me: Happy Happy Joy Joy! Happy Happy Joy Joy! Happy Happy Joy Joy! If you sing it, like Ren & Stimpy did, you can't help being happy. You can't get the ridiculous grin off your face. You smiling now? Good. Hold that smile and share it with the world.
Make it your happiest and best day yet! God bless you.
- Adolfo
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Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day # 68 - How to be miserable (for dummies)
Trying to avoid happiness? Love the attention a sad little loser always seems to get? Want to wreck anything in your life even resembling joy? Follow these easy instructions and you too can be miserable!
- Take everything personally.
- Accept that everything is happening to you.
- Remember, no matter how hard you try, you'll never get the rewards you deserve.
- Life's fair to everyone except for you.
- Yeah, God really does hate you so you should blame him.
- Jump from bad relationship to bad relationship. Sure he seems like a loser, but love conquers all. In fact, have a couple of babies to strengthen the bond.
- Get into a lot of debt.
- Watch the news
- Wait for the government to fix your problems.
- Blame daddy.
- Blame mommy.
- Blame me if it helps.
- Refuse to accept responsibility for anything.
- Next time someone asks how you're doing, sigh and tell them, "awful." Then spend the next ten minutes whining about broken appliances and flat tires. Because no one else has those kinds of problems. Only you.
- Whatever you do, do not pray. God has an annoying habit of helping you fix your problems, thereby taking away reasons to be miserable.
- When you go to a party, sit in a corner nursing your drink. If you make eye contact, be sure to use puppy dog eyes. This will make people who are at the party want to avoid you because, unlike you, they are there for a good time, not to sulk and feel sorry for themselves.
- Pick fights for no real reason.
- If a friend makes a mistake, even an insignificant one, blow it completely out of proportion, hold it against them for a long time, and allow it to strain the friendship. When the friend asks where you've been, tell him you've been super-busy.
- Just don't return calls, even if the friend didn't make any mistake. Make him chase you.
- Ladies: giving sex away too soon in a relationship will often lead to waning interest on the part of the man. Give it up on the first night and he won't even call you back (unless it's for another go.) But even if you make him wait, remember that this guy is just like the others because you made him this way. In fact, you should punish him for everything your ex did.
- Men: Keep sitting on the couch eating donuts. Homer Simpson is a good role model for those seeking optimum misery.
- Do not read any self-help books.
- Expect the worst at all times. It's important that you expect it all the time, we wouldn't want any good things creeping in and ruining your pity-party.
Well, I hope this helps you maintain your current level of misery. If you are one of these people (and you know who you are) be honest with yourself. How many of the above things do you really do? Does this help you recognize the problems? What are you going to do about it?
Today's Lessons:
- Stop being miserable. It is a choice.
- Be happy. And QTIP: Quit Taking It Personal.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am happy. I am leaving the sadness and misery behind.
- I will count my blessings because blessings break curses.
Just do it. Let's all be happy. We all want a better, more peaceful and prosperous life. You must be happy to make this happen.
Make it your best, happiest day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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- Take everything personally.
- Accept that everything is happening to you.
- Remember, no matter how hard you try, you'll never get the rewards you deserve.
- Life's fair to everyone except for you.
- Yeah, God really does hate you so you should blame him.
- Jump from bad relationship to bad relationship. Sure he seems like a loser, but love conquers all. In fact, have a couple of babies to strengthen the bond.
- Get into a lot of debt.
- Watch the news
- Wait for the government to fix your problems.
- Blame daddy.
- Blame mommy.
- Blame me if it helps.
- Refuse to accept responsibility for anything.
- Next time someone asks how you're doing, sigh and tell them, "awful." Then spend the next ten minutes whining about broken appliances and flat tires. Because no one else has those kinds of problems. Only you.
- Whatever you do, do not pray. God has an annoying habit of helping you fix your problems, thereby taking away reasons to be miserable.
- When you go to a party, sit in a corner nursing your drink. If you make eye contact, be sure to use puppy dog eyes. This will make people who are at the party want to avoid you because, unlike you, they are there for a good time, not to sulk and feel sorry for themselves.
- Pick fights for no real reason.
- If a friend makes a mistake, even an insignificant one, blow it completely out of proportion, hold it against them for a long time, and allow it to strain the friendship. When the friend asks where you've been, tell him you've been super-busy.
- Just don't return calls, even if the friend didn't make any mistake. Make him chase you.
- Ladies: giving sex away too soon in a relationship will often lead to waning interest on the part of the man. Give it up on the first night and he won't even call you back (unless it's for another go.) But even if you make him wait, remember that this guy is just like the others because you made him this way. In fact, you should punish him for everything your ex did.
- Men: Keep sitting on the couch eating donuts. Homer Simpson is a good role model for those seeking optimum misery.
- Do not read any self-help books.
- Expect the worst at all times. It's important that you expect it all the time, we wouldn't want any good things creeping in and ruining your pity-party.
Well, I hope this helps you maintain your current level of misery. If you are one of these people (and you know who you are) be honest with yourself. How many of the above things do you really do? Does this help you recognize the problems? What are you going to do about it?
Today's Lessons:
- Stop being miserable. It is a choice.
- Be happy. And QTIP: Quit Taking It Personal.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I am happy. I am leaving the sadness and misery behind.
- I will count my blessings because blessings break curses.
Just do it. Let's all be happy. We all want a better, more peaceful and prosperous life. You must be happy to make this happen.
Make it your best, happiest day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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Monday, August 2, 2010
Day # 67 - Happy solitude
There's a song, "The Spirit of Radio" by Rush. The song, for some reason or other, has always inspired me. Back around the time my son Steven was born, in 1990, this song was playing all the time. I came to believe that any time I heard this song, something good would happen. I used to be a superstitious lad. That's all behind me.
I heard the song on Saturday as I was working and reminded myself that good things always would happen when I heard it so I knew Saturday was going to be a good day. Then I realized how screwy my thinking was.
Now, Saturday was a good day, but that had nothing to do with the music playing on the radio, it had to do with the message playing in my head. If my thoughts are positive, my day will be too. Negative thoughts will equal a lousy day. What plays on your car stereo will invariably color your thoughts. This is why I don't listen to news any more. How can you be happy when your ears are constantly assaulted by rape, murder, economic depression, and war. I heard July 2010 was the deadliest month yet for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. This saddens me. Had I read every detail and listened to every report as I would have 67 days ago, it would have depressed the hell out of me. It's bad enough to hear bad news, but to dwell on it... I choose not to anymore.
I love being with my family. I love my friends, but I love myself, too. I am the person I get along with best. Time alone with me is a pretty cool thing. (Many would disagree, I'm sure.) There's something about being alone without music, without TV, without people. It's good to listen to your own thoughts, to pray, meditate, focus, or not focus at all. Make time to do it. Don't say you have no time. If you can update Facebook 20 times a day and watch TV, you can find the time to listen to your mind. Even just a few extra minutes in the shower. Just let the water run over your head and listen to the sound it makes. The extra buck on your water bill is more than worth it and the environment will not be affected. I promise you.
Back to Rush. "The Spirit of Radio" was a catalyst. I was convinced that some outside force determined the kind of day (therefore the kind of life) I would have. I never even played the song although I owned the CD. I am learning day by day about the choices I have to make. I don't live in the past and the only reason I go back to it is to learn. Who cares what's on the radio? What difference can it possibly make? If a song makes you happy, blast it. If it sours your mood, change it! This is why radios bring volume and tuning controls. Use them. And don't forget the radio has an on / off switch. Use that, too. Enjoy the happy solitude.
Today's Lessons:
- You determine the effect of every little thing on your life.
- Spend a little time alone. Get reacquainted with yourself.
- External stimuli can be ignored - especially if they are negative.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I determine my mood. I decide what kind of day I'm going to have.
- I am happy.
Right now, switch off the computer and spend a couple of minutes alone without TV or radio or people around. Let your mind wander to happy places, your kids, the person you love. Then try to clear your mind. Close your eyes and focus on the dark. Relax. Enjoy. Let me know how it went.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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I heard the song on Saturday as I was working and reminded myself that good things always would happen when I heard it so I knew Saturday was going to be a good day. Then I realized how screwy my thinking was.
Now, Saturday was a good day, but that had nothing to do with the music playing on the radio, it had to do with the message playing in my head. If my thoughts are positive, my day will be too. Negative thoughts will equal a lousy day. What plays on your car stereo will invariably color your thoughts. This is why I don't listen to news any more. How can you be happy when your ears are constantly assaulted by rape, murder, economic depression, and war. I heard July 2010 was the deadliest month yet for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. This saddens me. Had I read every detail and listened to every report as I would have 67 days ago, it would have depressed the hell out of me. It's bad enough to hear bad news, but to dwell on it... I choose not to anymore.
I love being with my family. I love my friends, but I love myself, too. I am the person I get along with best. Time alone with me is a pretty cool thing. (Many would disagree, I'm sure.) There's something about being alone without music, without TV, without people. It's good to listen to your own thoughts, to pray, meditate, focus, or not focus at all. Make time to do it. Don't say you have no time. If you can update Facebook 20 times a day and watch TV, you can find the time to listen to your mind. Even just a few extra minutes in the shower. Just let the water run over your head and listen to the sound it makes. The extra buck on your water bill is more than worth it and the environment will not be affected. I promise you.
Back to Rush. "The Spirit of Radio" was a catalyst. I was convinced that some outside force determined the kind of day (therefore the kind of life) I would have. I never even played the song although I owned the CD. I am learning day by day about the choices I have to make. I don't live in the past and the only reason I go back to it is to learn. Who cares what's on the radio? What difference can it possibly make? If a song makes you happy, blast it. If it sours your mood, change it! This is why radios bring volume and tuning controls. Use them. And don't forget the radio has an on / off switch. Use that, too. Enjoy the happy solitude.
Today's Lessons:
- You determine the effect of every little thing on your life.
- Spend a little time alone. Get reacquainted with yourself.
- External stimuli can be ignored - especially if they are negative.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I determine my mood. I decide what kind of day I'm going to have.
- I am happy.
Right now, switch off the computer and spend a couple of minutes alone without TV or radio or people around. Let your mind wander to happy places, your kids, the person you love. Then try to clear your mind. Close your eyes and focus on the dark. Relax. Enjoy. Let me know how it went.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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Sunday, August 1, 2010
Day # 66 - We all need a boost
I started this project for me. I continue for me. In a sense I do it for my family because what benefits me benefits them. If I am a happier, more productive individual everyone who depends on me benefits. My family is happier, we are all eating better (most of the time) and we are focused on improving our lives.
Of course, putting this out there for the public, I do want it to be read and enjoyed by others. And if it helps someone even just a little, then I am the happiest man in the world. After all, if you want to change the world, you have to start with yourself.
An old friend of mine wrote me some encouraging words last night and I am high on them. She is someone whose opinion of me I truly value so when she paid me a compliment, I felt validation. I didn't even know I was looking for validation, but I guess we all are.
It doesn't matter who you are or how successful you are. We all need to be loved and we all want someone to tell us we are loved. We all want to be appreciated. Study after study has proven that employees are more motivated by rewards and recognition than by money. It's part of human nature.
Do you know someone who needs encouragement? Of course you do. This could be your spouse, your child, a friend, a neighbor, even a stranger or a co-worker. Give them a boost. Smile when you see them. Thank someone who does something for you. If you receive extraordinary service from someone, don't hesitate to tell their supervisor. If we all pitch in and give everyone we can a little shot in the arm, we start the snowball that makes the world better.
Today's Lessons:
- We all need a boost. Knowing this, you should boost someone else today. The good you put out into the universe always finds its way back.
- You can be the difference in a person's life. This works in both ways: positive and negative. Make the right choice.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I improve my world every day by being an example to others.
- I will encourage those who need to be encouraged. I will discourage none.
Boosting opportunities abound. Keep your eyes open and you'll find countless ways to improve the world, one little boost at a time.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
- Adolfo
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Follow me on Twitter
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Of course, putting this out there for the public, I do want it to be read and enjoyed by others. And if it helps someone even just a little, then I am the happiest man in the world. After all, if you want to change the world, you have to start with yourself.
An old friend of mine wrote me some encouraging words last night and I am high on them. She is someone whose opinion of me I truly value so when she paid me a compliment, I felt validation. I didn't even know I was looking for validation, but I guess we all are.
It doesn't matter who you are or how successful you are. We all need to be loved and we all want someone to tell us we are loved. We all want to be appreciated. Study after study has proven that employees are more motivated by rewards and recognition than by money. It's part of human nature.
Do you know someone who needs encouragement? Of course you do. This could be your spouse, your child, a friend, a neighbor, even a stranger or a co-worker. Give them a boost. Smile when you see them. Thank someone who does something for you. If you receive extraordinary service from someone, don't hesitate to tell their supervisor. If we all pitch in and give everyone we can a little shot in the arm, we start the snowball that makes the world better.
Today's Lessons:
- We all need a boost. Knowing this, you should boost someone else today. The good you put out into the universe always finds its way back.
- You can be the difference in a person's life. This works in both ways: positive and negative. Make the right choice.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I improve my world every day by being an example to others.
- I will encourage those who need to be encouraged. I will discourage none.
Boosting opportunities abound. Keep your eyes open and you'll find countless ways to improve the world, one little boost at a time.
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
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