Yes, it Could Go Badly…

August 13, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Two huge news stories rocked my world this week.

The first involved a powerful video featuring CNN’s senior international correspondent, Ivan Watson, as he reported from a helicopter flying to Mount Shingal in Northern Iraq. Their mission was to drop supplies to those trapped there. Upon touching down, the aircraft was besieged with hordes of people, so desperate to escape that they were throwing children on board in what Mr. Watson accurately described as “chaotic” and “crazy.”

As they flew back over the front line, with the rat-tat-tat of machine guns firing at the enemy below, the civilians on board were covering their ears, many sobbing uncontrollably, eventually changing to tears of joy as they reached their destination.

Roll forward a few hours.

My son texted me,

“I know you are a big Robin Williams fan. He passed away apparently due to suicide. Beyond sad.”

Again I was surprised as I felt tears well up. [Read more…]

All Things End

August 11, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

It’s OK to say “goodbye.”

All things end.

Relationships fade; people move on; even your goals can change. There is no shame in saying “goodbye” to what no longer serves you.

[Read more…]

Call a Loved One as a Reward

August 4, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Rewarding your successes is essential to achieving your goals.

The problem is many times we don’t know what to do.

This is a great and fun way to do that.

The next time you achieve a goal – even a small one – think of someone you’ve been meaning to call for too long. You know how it is, you say, “I’ll call as soon as I get a moment.” But that moment never comes.

Pick up the phone.

Call him or her and say, “I made a promise that every time I lost 5 pounds (or whatever your goal is), I would reward myself. Calling you is my reward for today.”

Imagine how the person on the other end of the phone will feel. Picture what it will do for your relationship. And, as importantly, imagine how nice you’ll feel for the remainder of the day.

By the way, it sure doesn’t hurt that it will help you build a great supportive network to help you continue down your path.

Don’t Break Bad Habits, Bend Them

July 28, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

“Bend,” rather than “break” your habit.

Breaking a bad habit can be difficult. There’s no two ways about it.

So, if you’re tried over and over and over again to break a habit, and it just doesn’t seem to be happening, try “bending” the habit. [Read more…]

There Will ALWAYS Be More To Do

July 21, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

No matter how efficient you are, there will always be more to do.

A major difference between people who are proficient at time management and those who are not is that those who are good at it realize that they will never get everything accomplished – and they’ve come to accept that.

Because of that realization, effective time-managers have learned to let go of as much of the “small stuff” as possible.

If you’re overwhelmed with everything you have to do, invoke the “Five Year Rule.”

Ask yourself, “Will anyone know or care about this five years from now?” If the answer is “no,” let it go. If the answer is “yes,” get to work on it.