The Birth of Spring

Especially for those of us who live in places where winter is frozen and snowy, spring is a welcome time of the year. The seasons unfold as our lives do.  The spring is a time for new beginnings, and to plant what we want to grow this year.

For me, I cherish the time between the final thaw, and the next freeze.  Spring is greeted with pleasure and relief, summer is festive, and fall is glorious.  

What do you have planned to make this warm cycle memorable?  What events, trips, or challenges will be highlights of your life when next winter comes?  

A great life doesn’t happen by accident.  It is planned and lived on purpose.  It’s time to get this seasons zest in motion!

Quick! – write this down….

In 60 seconds from now, write down three goals you have for the next three years.

What did you write?

Five steps to a great apology

1) Don’t wait.

2) Be sincere.

3) Use the right words.  Acknowledge their feelings, take ownership, assure them it will never happen again, don’t use “if” or “but”.

4) Take action.

5) Don’t expect instant forgiveness.

When you mess up, as we all do, don’t let it define you in others eyes – apologize.

Capture ideas

Ideas are slippery.  Don’t think “that’s good, I’ll have to remember that” – you won’t.  When you get a good idea, thought, or piece of information, write it down – on whatever paper is available. If it’s written on anything but a hardcover journal, transfer it to such a permanent book later that day.  Capture the idea.

By writing it down, it helps you develop the idea, and be more clear.  And by having a hardcover book, you’ll keep the idea safe for reference.  Your book will become a cherished asset to you.

Being different

If you want to be ordinary, then do what everyone else does. If you want to do really well or be great at something, by definition you have to be the exception.  You have to do what others won’t or don’t, and work harder and different than anyone around you.  You have to give up being “one of the guys or girls” and be different.

Are you acting and being exceptional in any area or your life?

Inner Conflict?

Is there a difference between where you are, and where you want to be?  

A conflict between the inner and the outer?

What exactly is the question?  Spend some time defining it very clearly.

Once you get clarity on the question, it will be easier to solve.

Behind on your dreams?

What are you going to do about that now?

Wanna' make friends?

When you recognize or show genuine appreciation to others, they not only appreciate it, but they appreciate you – and they remember it.  

“I wanted to tell you I thought what you did was really great”, “I noticed what you did, and I wanted to thank you”, “You know, I just wanted to say thank you for what you do each day, I really appreciate it”.

People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Try it today, and often.

Playing for the team

If you are on a team (and you are) – at work, in a sport, a club, or even your family team – are you playing for the team, or simply on the team?

Others notice, and people rely on you. Why not make the best contribution you can and give it 100%?

If you will change, things will change for you.

Man on Fire

Nothing can stop a man on fire with a burning desire, and singular obsession.  Maybe you’ve met someone on fire before. They spend ALL their time thinking and taking action to make their dream a reality.  They will overcome any obstacle, pay any price, and not be denied.

Have you ever felt that way?  Do you now?  

Do you have a goal worthy of lighting yourself on fire for?