Words defy us.
At times we are at a loss.
Other times we need to Rearrange words, phrases, sentences.
This chart provides alternatives compliments of themetapicture writer.
Cheers.
Tag: postaday
Smoked. Hope Banned…
Smoke is a visible suspension of carbon or other particles in air, typically one emitted from a burning substance
We gain insights into the path we have trod by looking back. It’s in looking back that we are able to connect the dots… to understand where we have come from. We find value in quiet reflections that shape the journey to achieve new goals and future aspirations.
Hope Inspires
Many saunter without hope as if it’s Banned. The Smoke that rise inspires but only if we are alert to recognize the signs before its destroyed. So now we take the opportunity to reflect on the thoughts of some of society’s successful people and what they wish they knew early in life. Top phrases include:
- Don’t work too hard…(but Work hard)
- Have a blast
- Build purpose
- Things will get better
- Embrace Uncertainty
- Never let money define you
- Accept what’s right for you
These statements by Ariana Huffington, Richard Branson, Sallie Krawcheck, Deepak Chopra, Suze Orman, and Clara Shih, are applicable to most if not all of us. We must work hard to achieve, but not too hard that we miss out on life and forget to have a blast! As we ride the waves of life we must build purpose. Without purpose we will arrive at a destination and wonder what happened. Life is full of uncertainty so accept what’s right for you. Search, seek, find the tools to identify what’s right for you and work hard at it.
There’s no time like the present. So today, find sometime to take stock of your life, your goals, your aspirations. Are you where you want to be? Trace the smoke…the warning signs. There’s always hope to start anew, afresh, Recreate … to get back on track.
Cheers!
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Success: 8 Habits That Transform
Guilty as charged. Yup! I hardly rest when I’m tired. Too much to do, so often I reach for caffeine in its various forms (coffee, tea, and more). Stimulants help because I must go on. I can’t stop.
But this is certainly not good. After years of being a workaholic, I am undergoing Transformation. I have decided (or my body) that things must be put in the right perspective. For that reason I share these 8 Habits with those who share the same work sentiments that I do.
8 Habits
- Focus on the important
- Rest when you’re tired
- Remove things that limit productivity
- Channel your inner muse
- Don’t make yourself too accessible
- Make the best of every minute
- Set timelines… so things get done
- Outsource, delegate, automate
Working smarter is better and that’s the reason I like points 1, 2, 7, and 8. Basically I like all but these are the main ones. Which points work for you?
Practice these habits and you’re on your way to success …however you define it.
Cheers!
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Failure: Opportunity In Disguise
Failure. It’s often an opportunity in disguise. And disguises are often misinterpreted. Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, The Beatles and many more all experienced challenges that looked like failure. Millions of Trademark opportunities appear incognito. They do not look Artificial. Their very existence look like doom and gloom. But see them for what they are-a chance to reach higher.
An opportunity to Succeed.
Today, if things are going awry, look at them for what they are…..opportunities to succeed.
Keep going. Don’t stop.
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Being Micro Managed?
You Micro Manager! Yes you. Repeat after me…I will not micromanage. I will not micromanage. I will not micromanage. These are the best words of caution for new managers.
Micromanagement is a management style whereby a manager closely observes or controls the work of subordinates or employees. Micromanagement generally has a negative connotation. Wiki
I was asked the question why some managers feel it necessary to micro manage. Reflecting on that I decided to share through this post.
Managers who micromanage makes coming to work a nightmare. Micro Management is the practice of managing with excessive control or attention to detail. It tells employees that there is a lack of trust. Essentially that the manager has little confidence in his/her team and their capabilities. Often it drives the team away and what is worse, it is the organization’s most talented people who frequently walk away. The company is then left with those workers who will simply show up for a ‘paycheck’. No commitment, no care.
Signs of Micro Management
If you are a micro manager, Harvard Business shared signs that can be seen:
- You’re never quite satisfied with deliverables
- You often feel frustrated because you would have gone about the task differently
- You laser in on the details and take price and/or pain in making corrections
- You constantly want to know where all your team members are and what they are working on
- You ask for frequent updates on where things stand
- You prefer to be cc’d on emails
As a manager, this is certainly grounds for disaster. You will either drive your team crazy or stress yourself out with the inevitable burn out.
How to Manage:
As a new manager if you find yourself micro managing here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Don’t be afraid to fail. At its very core is the feeling that if you don’t do things yourself, things are going to fail. Not so. This is a myth. Sometimes failure is good. It helps us learn and grow, and our teams may end up with the belief that you are ‘human’. They will work together with you to achieve the results. Essentially, you will win.
- Focus on the ‘what’ not the ‘how’. I am a firm believer in sharing the organization and your department’s goal with your team. Doing so stimulates their creativity and provides solutions that you may not have considered.
- Let it go. The difference between managing and micromanaging is in the ‘micro’. Let go of watching people. Here’s how:
-Look at your to-do list to see which task can be passed on or delegated to those reporting to you.
-Engage your team. Let them know what level of detail you expect from them and where they need to connect with you.
-Think Big. Focus on the big issues that you need to concentrate on and place your energy and attention on those.
Being Micro-Managed?
If you are being micro-managed, Research Psychologist Dr. Peggy Drexler suggests a few pointers you can use to remain sane:
- Do your job well.
- Ask how you’re doing
- Be a proactive communicator. Copy supervisor on emails. Keep him/her up to date on your activities before being asked.
- Teach him/her how to delegate. Volunteer to help with tasks or projects and keep your manager abreast of the progress.
Practicing these points will help you succeed. The converse is also true. Continuing to micro manage is Ancient…a thing of the past where autocratic leadership was game. Doing this now is sure grounds for disaster.
So it’s your choice. Choose wisely and experience success.
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Self: It’s About Time…
To thine ownself be true
Selfie is the great craze! Our society’s phenomenon making waves over the past few years! We take pictures of ourselves at home, in the car, at work, at play and everywhere you can imagine. We Congregate and reach out to capture celebrities at public events to take that selfie to highlight our latest feat! It says we are cool. Way cool!
The selfie stick makes it even easier. With ease we are able to capture photos of ourselves in a crowd, at great heights on mountain tops, and even in the depths of the seas! The Wall Street Journal tell stories of injuries and even fatalities caused by this craze. Narcissitic mentality they called it. Yup these days we are filled with the craze! It’s all about ourselves. But is it really?
Self-Reflection
What about our inner desires? When was the last time you sat and took stock of where you are in life? Are you where you want to be? What are you most proud of? What do you like the least? Today, I encourage you to find some time alone to take stock of yourself.
Dr. Lillian Glass suggests looking at it mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. As the saying goes—to thine own self be true. So be honest and assess yourself from your present situation to your ideal situation. Think of it as though there was nothing to stop you from achieving your dreams and making them a reality. Then list all the steps that you would need to take in order to make the dreams in your life situation come true.
For example, if you are single and wish to find a partner, at times you may feel lonely, empty, and sad. Your ideal situation may be to find a man/woman of your dreams—someone who speaks kindly to you, and treats you with respect.
The steps to make this come true are:
- Tell your friends that you are available
- Join a dating service, or a singles’ organization
- Give dinner parties and ask your friends to invite members of the opposite sex who are their friends
- Go out more often
- Get involved in classes or sports
- Ask your minister or clergy for assistance
- Be more open and friendly to people whom you meet
- Be more assertive; smile, and say hello
Do Something Different!
Even though it is scary and you may feel a little Clumsy at first, do some things that you have never done before…yikes! Take trips by yourself; go to the movies alone; or have a cup of coffee solo. These things can build your self-confidence even if you are a bit nervous at first. You may also consider creating new adventures for yourself and doing things that are out of character. Get a new haircut, or a new color. Grow a beard. These will not only make your life much more exciting but also prevent you from feeling sorry for yourself.
In essence, it’s about time. Step out. Take risks—and when you do, don’t be afraid to feel silly, awkward, or of being rejected. Find comfort in the saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained’.
Cheers to the new you!
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Promise to Write…
Reinvent Yourself: 10 Key Points for Success
There is no such thing as a lifetime career any more. The world of work is now much more fluid than it was before. The lines have certainly been blurred. Gone are the days of jobs for life where you did your time and left with a secure Glaring pension to enjoy retirement with no Argument. You now need to take responsibility for your job security and the management of your career. Make sure you discover and use your internal resources and take a self-directing approach.
Reinventing yourself is something that you must keep doing. Dr. Robert Davies offered good advice on 10 key points to success.
- Focus on your personal development. Spend some time thinking about the competencies. What are the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to survive in this era.
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Always have a driving vision.
Consider these 3 components:- Have clear mental picture of the person that you want to be.
- A clear development agenda to help you get there
- A clear definition of the contribution you want to make to society.
- Schedule a reinvention exercise for yourself every 3 years. Change with the times and avoid becoming obsolete.
- Make a commitment to learn something notable each month. If you are not learning something is wrong with the way you are managing your job and yourself.
- Be concerned if you don’t make any mistakes. This is not for you to go out and deliberately make mistakes. But if you are not making mistakes, you are not doing anything different. Treat failure as a learning experience and a platform to start a new chapter.
- Never accept mainstream popular thinking without challenging it in your mind . Carve out time to challenge, research, and think differently.
- Be confident. Never let anyone take that from you. But be quietly incompetent.
- Keep an achievement diary. How has your work benefited others? Maintain an updated Resume.
- Invest in your network.
- Help others. Remember there will be a time when you yourself will also need help.
Need help? Let’s connect!
Cheers!
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Realize The Difference
Ever sat thinking about making a change and before you Realize, the time was upon you? Welcome to the here and now. No longer is doing things different an option. It is the here…it is the now.
Technology has catapulted the disruption of most traditional business. The way we do things has evolved. We see it in artificial intelligence, healthcare, automatic/electric cars, education, writing, 3D printing, agriculture, jobs, social media, and more. Just take a look at our dearly beloved Facebook. The App goes beyond recognizing faces better than the human eye! Even in church you no longer need to have cash…your card will do! And great news…it is immediate!
Open wide your eyes. Realize the difference. Look…see what’s happening around you. Make that change now. To wait.. to react slowly…is to be left behind wondering what happened?
Change.
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Writing. The Alternatives…
Sometimes…Pretense…
Fake it til you make it.
Act the part.
Practice makes perfect
Just do it.
Success for sure.
Is pretending wrong? Is it wrong to Pretend that all is well in the midst of a loss? In the midst of fear? In the midst of turmoil, and pain? Is it wrong to pretend that we too can succeed at all we put our minds to? To achieve a great feat that in our real minds we would be afraid to do? Is it wrong?
Maybe not. If pretense is what we have to do to come outside of ourselves to achieve our dreams, goals, and aspirations, I’d say go for it! Because…one day it will be for real!
Hold strong…be all you can be…and succeed!
