Podcast #1 from year 7, episode 9, to appear in newspapers the week of Febuary 12, 2012. Download it by clicking on this link Keeping Track Podcast.
You can find the written version of this column here.
Motivational Monday Memo: Slow Down and Listen
To get answers, you have to ask questions.
To hear the answers, you have to listen.
Our minds listen “faster” than people can speak.
Therefore, especially when we’re busy, we sometimes don’t take the time so slow down and really listen to what others are telling us. We respond to what we think they’re saying, not necessarily what they are really saying.
Take just a few seconds to “slow down your listening speed,” especially when the conversation is important. You’ll hear what you normally don’t, therefore, you will diminish the possibility of conflict. You will also actually be more productive because you will have fewer repeat conversations.
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Setting Realistic Goals & Resolutions
Each goal is made up of an unlimited number of smaller goals.
The problems with New Year’s resolutions are that most people aren’t really committed to them but feel they “should” make them because everyone else is; or they are committed to them but they make them too large and unwieldy.
If you’d like to make some changes for the new year:
1. Make sure it’s something YOU WANT or NEED to change, and not something you feel you SHOULD change
2. Realize there will be some discomfort in the process – but you will be able to hande it. (After all, if there’s no discomfort, nothing is changing.)
3. Make the end goal the result of a series of very small steps rather than one large one. (In other words, it’s not about losing 25 pounds this year, it’s about losing 2 pounds a month.)
Possibly, the most important; focus on the benefits you’ll receive from the change, not the work it will take.
They’re both true, but one will move you forward and one will frustrate you.
By the way, you can resolve to change any time you want. It doesn’t have to be on January 1. (Just sayin’…)
Dare to Believe You CAN
When was the last time you dared yourself to believe you actually COULD?
Why are we so quick to find the reasons why something will NOT work out, or why we are incapable or unworthy of the success of our endeavors? What could possibly go wrong by believing things could actually go the way you want them to go?
Some people will tell you, “Set your sights low so you won’t be disappointed.”
But, can we be honest?
Even if you do that – and it doesn’t happen – aren’t you STILL disappointed? Of course you are. Setting you sights low just lowers expectations, it does nothing to alleviate the pain of failure.
Yet – if you enter into your goal believing you can – and it doesn’t happen – at least you got to enjoy the ride for awhile. And during that time, you were invigorated, happy, and energized. Those emotions make you more aware, which make you open to new ideas, which allow you to try what you might not have tried if you thought all would come apart.
So, in reality, believing you could might actually be a necessary first step in getting what you want.
Try believing it WILL happen more often – see if you’re right.
Monday Motivational Memo: Being Grateful to Disarm Anger
It is impossible to be angry or upset when you’re grateful.
It’s hard to stay balanced when you’re super busy. And this time of year is certainly one for “super-busy-ness.” With so little time for oneself, we sometimes get short-tempered and stressed. That’s no fun for anyone.
When that happens – and it will – slow yourself down, take a deep breath; and remind yourself how lucky you are. If you’re busy, it’s because you have things to do and you have the ability to do them. Many people are all alone or do not have the abilities (either physical or mental) to take care of things the way you do. (This doesn’t mean you have to turn into a “Pollyanna” but it sure can’t hurt to feel a little better, can it?)