Do You Have A Couple Of Minutes

This past weekend I was at a conference and one of the presenters shared that in the company e-mail signature lines, there is an interesting personal fact about each person.  It could be that they like classic cars or classical music, or like me, they enjoy a relaxing day of fishing.  But why does it matter that we take time to learn about others?  Because in the end, it all boils down to relationships.  When we know someone we can truly respect and relate to them. We don't have to be the same, to express respect for our fellow humans, and to relate to one another as individuals.  When we know someone, especially if we have shared experience, we can extend more compassion and empathy.  When we bring our variances together it can result in something greater and stronger than before.  Let's practice appreciation of the uniqueness that is in all of us.  Let's aim to respect one another and relate on a level that brings us together.

Show-Up, yes show up!  When you are present you can respond to the opportunities that come your way.  When you are not present, even the opportunities labeled just for you, may elude you. Show up being ready for the expected and the unexpected.  Life is full of variety, in order to fully appreciate and learn from all life has to give us, must be present to receive it.  Sometimes this means physical presence, but all of the time it means being present with an open mindset. Show Up, it makes a world of differnce!  Shout out to Scott and Tristan who showed up and created an unforgettable dinner experience for my husband and I.

We've probably all heard that two wrongs don't make a right and we've also probably heard that sometimes we must pay our dues.  There is simple wisdom and truth in both.  But let's take it a step further.  When there is a wrong done, we have the opportunity to respond in a way that helps us move up through the situation, versus getting stuck in it.  In order to learn, grow, and excel, we must do the work, but does this need to include hardships that are not necessary for forwarding progress?  With leadership, power, and authority, we can inspire, encourage, and empower.  As people who can influence others, we also have the ability to stifle and inhibit growth from a place of negativity.  I'd like to encourage us all, not to perpetuate the negative, but elevate the positive.  Simply: "Don't Perpetuate, Elevate!  

We've probably all been told at some time in our lives to "pay attention."  Sometimes it's to avoid physical danger, and other times it's so that we don't miss out on something that might be of benefit to us in the future. As we mature, these simple phrases can take on a deeper meaning in their simplicity.  Paying attention still provides benefit for self, however, it also serves to help us realize a greater positive impact. Paying attention allows us to experience life more fully and to share that deeper experience with others to let them know they are seen, heard, and valued.  We are able to respond to needs, we are able to delight others with experiences and things that are truly meaningful to them.  How does it make you feel when someone remembers something unique that you have shared and they check in on you on a special day, bring you your favorite hot drink exactly as you like it, or use a special word or phrase that has a special meaning to you? Paying attention is important, it helps us to learn the lessons and have the experiences that enrich our lives.  So, slow down and pay attention. 

We continue our series on Everyday Wisdom and Common Sense with things that have been impactful to me and that I hope you will find meaningful in your quest to live a life of maximum fulfillment.  Today I want to share something new.  Sometimes people share information in a way that is simply brilliant.  Today was one of those days, I had the opportunity to hear Tunde Ayenyin speak.  She made many impactful statements. I particularly like her statement that every day is a new day and we have an opportunity each day to step into the greatest version of ourselves.  She also spoke to authenticity and stated that we should play the music we want to dance to - it will attract the right others ready to dance with you.  Be you!  Shout out to my new friends Carole and Lonnie Brown from Ohio.  Connect with me on LinkedIn or follow me wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

I love learning and gaining insights.  And I like sharing what I have learned.  I love getting insights and seeing how things fit together and sharing that so others can get that same joy of learning and knowing. But I am guessing like many of you, there are things we learned as a part of our experience and we assume other people must have certainly learned those things as well.  Because of this we think they are not that important to share.  However, sharing is a big part of our life experience.  This week I will continue to share with you some insights I treasure.  One such insight was when a colleague made an observation about people's ability and inability to do what he called (social) self-editing.  This had to do with knowing your audience and delivering accordingly.  I was reminded that day that the delivery method matters.  Passion alone is not enough to carry the conversation - we must say things so that people can receive them.  If the packaging of the content is not appealing the message may be overlooked. So, this week as you communicate and help others to do the same, let's be reminded about self-editing and taking notice of how the recipient is taking in our message, so our important content can be received. 

We started the week by Evaluating, Habit Reset, Saying No to Say Yes, & Refining.  In our final segment on Reset and Rhythm, we talk about Celebration! 

Because change is incremental and continuous, it is important to celebrate wins, progress, and changes along the way.  To do this we can be intentional about measurement and observation of change in reference to the initial state of things.  We can also set milestones for those evaluations.  Milestones can be time-based, action-based, or accomplishment-based and likely will include all three of those elements.  What we celebrate we typically amplify and attempt to repeat.

In addition to celebrating our expected progress, there may be progress in the form of a changed perspective that deserves our attention.  As we enhance our frame of reference, we may become aware of possibilities that we had not previously considered.  This may mean we need to adjust our goals and objectives.  That kind of change, which in some cases may be a new beginning, also progresses to be celebrated

This weekend., think about some of the habits you want to develop and some you may want to drop to make room for others. What is the change you would like to see if your life?  How can you begin to make a plan of action for that change?  What will it take for you to get started? a continuous cycle of improvement, because after celebrating we get back to evaluation - ask how am I doing, what needs to change?

This weekend., think about some of the habits you want to develop and some you may want to drop to make room for others. What is the change you would like to see if your life?  How can you begin to make a plan of action for that change?  What will it take for you to get started?

So now that we have talked about Evaluation, Habit Reset, and Saying No to Say Yes, let's take a look at Refining.  Refining is the stage where we make adjustments.  Think about it as Continuous Improvement.  When we refine, we make changes to our processes to positively impact future outcomes. As we continue our process of refinement for continuous improvement, we move closer to our desired outcome. And our habits and practices become stronger.  

Having a chance to identify areas for refinement, just means we are alive!  When we work on improving ourselves, we open ourselves up to opportunities available only to our improved selves.  In some cases, we may need to change large things or we may need to change small things that will have a great impact. Keep in mind that change has an exponential impact over time.  Over time, we can develop a rhythm for our ongoing improvement, and even change the beat! 

We can compare our most recent results with past results to appreciate the impact of our continuous refinements.  

Understanding the need for refinement acknowledges that we are "works in progress," with the continued ability to grow and to change.

Come back tomorrow for the conclusion of our Reset & Rhythm series, when we talk about celebrating wins and change.

We've talked about Evaluating our Circumstances, Resetting our habits, and Today we'll Talk about the Counterintuitive approach of saying "No" to Say "Yes" in order to remain aligned with the new habits and rhythm of life we want to achieve.

Sometimes saying no makes us feel like we may be missing out.  However, if we say No to the things that no longer serve our long-term goals, we are allowing ourselves space to opt into the things that really matter and keep us headed in the right direction.  When we try to make change, sometimes the negative self-talk can try to creep in and make a way to settle in the comfort of old ways.  But we must say "No" to our negative voice.  I heard a technique today, where you give your negative voice a name so you can call it out as being inconsistent with who you know you are and are meant to be.  I love this idea.

The voice that says you have what it takes is your voice.  Listen to that one.  your voice that says there is strength in accepting help that advances you, is your voice.  Make room to say yes to the things and experiences that help you to be the best you for yourself and others.

Come back tomorrow and let's talk about "refining."