How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Bears win should be enough for being positive, but I looked at it differently. Jay Cutler went back to Denver as the traitor, with all of the appropriate Boo Birds, and hostile crowd. Denver was able to keep the Bears inside the 20 yard line at the beginning of the game, and almost got a Safety. The Denver team was all jacked up, and wanted to beat Cutler, and the Bears. Jay Cutler was rattled at the beginning of the game, but then settled in. The remaining first half of the game, he was excellent.
Jay Cutler believed in himself, his skills and abilities, and believed in his team. He did not give up, he did not run from what I am sure was a very gut wrenching situation. We all face challenges in our lives, especially in these times, and it is in these times that we find out what we are made of. Are we tough, are we resilient, will we work hard and figure out how to get through? I may stumble from time to time, but I will always pick myself up, and get back in the game. Will you?
August 31, 2009
August 27, 2009
I Can Be Anybody
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
As I drove to work this morning, I saw kid’s out going to school, whether they were walking, riding their bike, or waiting for the bus. They all that had “back to school” feeling to them. I want to be cool, I want to fit in, will I make new friends, are some of their thoughts. I have that same anxiety when I am going to a Chamber of Commerce Meeting, or a Builders Association Meeting, or sometimes even going on a Sales Call. The difference between the two, is that I now have experience behind me, and I know that I will not die, and that life will go on. I know that I can be anybody I want to be when I meet people for the first time. I can be smart, I can be happy, I can be confident, because the person who does not know me, does not know my weaknesses. Today, I will display my strengths and disguise my weaknesses.
As I drove to work this morning, I saw kid’s out going to school, whether they were walking, riding their bike, or waiting for the bus. They all that had “back to school” feeling to them. I want to be cool, I want to fit in, will I make new friends, are some of their thoughts. I have that same anxiety when I am going to a Chamber of Commerce Meeting, or a Builders Association Meeting, or sometimes even going on a Sales Call. The difference between the two, is that I now have experience behind me, and I know that I will not die, and that life will go on. I know that I can be anybody I want to be when I meet people for the first time. I can be smart, I can be happy, I can be confident, because the person who does not know me, does not know my weaknesses. Today, I will display my strengths and disguise my weaknesses.
August 26, 2009
Really Believe!
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
As I look at the financial markets rising, read about housing improving, or at least better than the expectation, Germany’s consumer confidence, or developers now buying land in California because they think the market has bottomed out. I think about belief, which comes first? Is our depth of belief in direct proportion to our ability to accomplish what we want to accomplish? Did Michael Jordan believe so strongly that he would win, that he did? Does Tiger Woods really believe he has the ability to “will” the ball into the hole? Did miracles really occur because of the faith in God that one person had? If so, then when consumer confidence rises, people will begin to spend. I will rededicate myself today to believe, really believe that I will accomplish my goals.
As I look at the financial markets rising, read about housing improving, or at least better than the expectation, Germany’s consumer confidence, or developers now buying land in California because they think the market has bottomed out. I think about belief, which comes first? Is our depth of belief in direct proportion to our ability to accomplish what we want to accomplish? Did Michael Jordan believe so strongly that he would win, that he did? Does Tiger Woods really believe he has the ability to “will” the ball into the hole? Did miracles really occur because of the faith in God that one person had? If so, then when consumer confidence rises, people will begin to spend. I will rededicate myself today to believe, really believe that I will accomplish my goals.
August 25, 2009
Seize Today!
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
By committing myself to writing something positive everyday that I am in the office, I find myself on the look out for positives everywhere I go, and everything I hear. Sometimes it is business related, or sports related and especially now, family and friend related. Sometimes I think of what I can see, and sometimes I think of what is not me. I am not starving in Africa, I am not without a family, I have no illness, there are many things that I do not have, which is a blessing.
We did our Garage Door of Shame last week at a golf outing, in the rain. There were fewer foursomes because of the weather, and we finished before lunch and left. I get word that there was an accident in the parking lot, and that two of the participants who were riding on the back of a golf cart fell off and hit their head. They were both rushed to the hospital, one stayed for 2 days and was released. The other may not make it through this week.
I have been teased from time to time about my “signature” of Seize Today! The events of last week remind me to live this every day. One minute you are at a golf outing, and having fun. The next minute you are in the hospital, and your head injury is so bad you may not make it through. Sometimes staying positive is realizing that there is always somebody that is in worse shape than we are. Today, I will make an extra effort to Seize Today. Today I will tell those I love how special they are to me. Today, I will tell you that you make me feel special because you read these emails. Thank you.
By committing myself to writing something positive everyday that I am in the office, I find myself on the look out for positives everywhere I go, and everything I hear. Sometimes it is business related, or sports related and especially now, family and friend related. Sometimes I think of what I can see, and sometimes I think of what is not me. I am not starving in Africa, I am not without a family, I have no illness, there are many things that I do not have, which is a blessing.
We did our Garage Door of Shame last week at a golf outing, in the rain. There were fewer foursomes because of the weather, and we finished before lunch and left. I get word that there was an accident in the parking lot, and that two of the participants who were riding on the back of a golf cart fell off and hit their head. They were both rushed to the hospital, one stayed for 2 days and was released. The other may not make it through this week.
I have been teased from time to time about my “signature” of Seize Today! The events of last week remind me to live this every day. One minute you are at a golf outing, and having fun. The next minute you are in the hospital, and your head injury is so bad you may not make it through. Sometimes staying positive is realizing that there is always somebody that is in worse shape than we are. Today, I will make an extra effort to Seize Today. Today I will tell those I love how special they are to me. Today, I will tell you that you make me feel special because you read these emails. Thank you.
August 24, 2009
Cheer Each Other, Never to Give Up
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I was out of the office Thursday and Friday, so no Positive email was sent. Some of you may have liked the break, while others have inquired as to why there was none. I am glad to say that in the last few days I was able to see many positives for me, and for all of us. What a surprise that financial markets are still up, the Dow above 9,500, the NASDAQ above 2,000 and the S&P above 1,000. All of these are good signs compared to almost a year ago when the Dow was below 8,000. I must remind myself that the markets are emotionally based at times, but it must make people, my customer, feel better about the economy, their job, and their life.
I am betting that the spirit of the American people will fight to get our economy back on track, and will not give up. This is similar to the spirit of the Solheim Cup Team USA. They did not give up, they fought, and the crowds encouraged them to play hard and dig deep. I will encourage the people around me to fight hard and not give up. Only together will we make it through these “challenging” times.
I was out of the office Thursday and Friday, so no Positive email was sent. Some of you may have liked the break, while others have inquired as to why there was none. I am glad to say that in the last few days I was able to see many positives for me, and for all of us. What a surprise that financial markets are still up, the Dow above 9,500, the NASDAQ above 2,000 and the S&P above 1,000. All of these are good signs compared to almost a year ago when the Dow was below 8,000. I must remind myself that the markets are emotionally based at times, but it must make people, my customer, feel better about the economy, their job, and their life.
I am betting that the spirit of the American people will fight to get our economy back on track, and will not give up. This is similar to the spirit of the Solheim Cup Team USA. They did not give up, they fought, and the crowds encouraged them to play hard and dig deep. I will encourage the people around me to fight hard and not give up. Only together will we make it through these “challenging” times.
August 19, 2009
Expectations
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Well yesterday was unexpected: All of the Market Indexes were up, Dow, NASDAQ, and S & P. The best news was that Residential Housing was up again, this makes 5 months. It seems that home prices are beginning to stabilize. There is no hint of inflation. We all know that there will be ups and downs in all sectors of our economy, so I expect this. When my expectations are met, I feel comfortable. This is whether they are good expectations or bad expectations. The key is to identify my expectations. Whether it be with the economy, politics, religion, my business, my friends, or my family. We all have expectations in all areas of our lives. Knowing what they are allows us to be prepared. Exceeding our expectations is only fun when they are good expectations. I will work harder on exceeding the expectations that others have of me, and I will do a better job of creating the expectations others have of me.
Well yesterday was unexpected: All of the Market Indexes were up, Dow, NASDAQ, and S & P. The best news was that Residential Housing was up again, this makes 5 months. It seems that home prices are beginning to stabilize. There is no hint of inflation. We all know that there will be ups and downs in all sectors of our economy, so I expect this. When my expectations are met, I feel comfortable. This is whether they are good expectations or bad expectations. The key is to identify my expectations. Whether it be with the economy, politics, religion, my business, my friends, or my family. We all have expectations in all areas of our lives. Knowing what they are allows us to be prepared. Exceeding our expectations is only fun when they are good expectations. I will work harder on exceeding the expectations that others have of me, and I will do a better job of creating the expectations others have of me.
August 18, 2009
Our Turn For A Slow Recovery
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
We all knew that the Stock Markets would come back some, but what was surprising is that the Dow still stayed above 9,000, the NASDAQ is still just below 2,000, and the S & P is still close to 1,000. In addition, inventories in businesses are rising. This is due to most companies have now run down their inventory levels and need to restock, which means the supply chain will begin, which means that some companies will actually be working. Automakers are beginning to make cars again, and open plants, and that supply chain will also begin to reemerge. Back to School retail is beginning, it sill be slow, but better than last year, this is another area of our economy that is beginning to bounce back.
Our economy needs to start somewhere, and these are just a few areas that are doing just that. All of those people in those areas are going to be affected positively and, some of those people are my customers. So, soon it will be our turn for a slow recovery.
We all knew that the Stock Markets would come back some, but what was surprising is that the Dow still stayed above 9,000, the NASDAQ is still just below 2,000, and the S & P is still close to 1,000. In addition, inventories in businesses are rising. This is due to most companies have now run down their inventory levels and need to restock, which means the supply chain will begin, which means that some companies will actually be working. Automakers are beginning to make cars again, and open plants, and that supply chain will also begin to reemerge. Back to School retail is beginning, it sill be slow, but better than last year, this is another area of our economy that is beginning to bounce back.
Our economy needs to start somewhere, and these are just a few areas that are doing just that. All of those people in those areas are going to be affected positively and, some of those people are my customers. So, soon it will be our turn for a slow recovery.
August 17, 2009
Staying Focused On What I Believe
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Another golf analogy, but I find there are many similarities between golf and life.
Yesterday, Y.E. Yang beat Tiger Woods, the #1 golf in the world. Y.E. Yang began the tournament the #110 best golfer in the world. In addition, Tiger is known to want Major Championships more than anything, and yesterday was a Major Tournament. Y.E. Yang did not falter because he was up against Tiger, he did not change the way he played his game, he stayed focused on who he was and he stayed with his game plan.
This just goes to show that anyone, on any given day can beat the competition, even if they are the biggest, or the best. I will stay focused on my game plan, and will not waiver. I will stay true to myself, and what I believe to be the best way to run a business.
Another golf analogy, but I find there are many similarities between golf and life.
Yesterday, Y.E. Yang beat Tiger Woods, the #1 golf in the world. Y.E. Yang began the tournament the #110 best golfer in the world. In addition, Tiger is known to want Major Championships more than anything, and yesterday was a Major Tournament. Y.E. Yang did not falter because he was up against Tiger, he did not change the way he played his game, he stayed focused on who he was and he stayed with his game plan.
This just goes to show that anyone, on any given day can beat the competition, even if they are the biggest, or the best. I will stay focused on my game plan, and will not waiver. I will stay true to myself, and what I believe to be the best way to run a business.
August 14, 2009
"They" Confuse Us
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
First there was the next great “recession”, then came the fear of “deflation”, then came an argument of, has there been a “recovery”, then came the fear of “inflation”. I wish they would make up their minds. They are confusing us mere citizens and consumers.
First there was the next great “recession”, then came the fear of “deflation”, then came an argument of, has there been a “recovery”, then came the fear of “inflation”. I wish they would make up their minds. They are confusing us mere citizens and consumers.
August 13, 2009
Putting on New Glasses
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I find that at times I focus too much on my own thoughts and my own life, that when new moments in other lives occur I am startled into reality. This week so far, one of the guys I work with finally had their baby after months of concern and bed rest, and all are healthy. Then a friend of my daughter’s who has experienced 4 miscarriages, and almost a year of being on the Adoption List, found out they are expecting a mother to provide them with twins in November. Last, I was able to spend time with my daughter and family and in-laws and the family last night. Reflecting on this while sleeping caused me to feel joy. A new life coming into our world, at this time, with no prejudice, no worries, no expectations, showed me that we can all choose to look at our world through any color glasses we desire. Today I will put on glasses of wisdom, with a touch of wonderment, and be mindful that with new life, I must be prepared to set an example of “living” a life.
I find that at times I focus too much on my own thoughts and my own life, that when new moments in other lives occur I am startled into reality. This week so far, one of the guys I work with finally had their baby after months of concern and bed rest, and all are healthy. Then a friend of my daughter’s who has experienced 4 miscarriages, and almost a year of being on the Adoption List, found out they are expecting a mother to provide them with twins in November. Last, I was able to spend time with my daughter and family and in-laws and the family last night. Reflecting on this while sleeping caused me to feel joy. A new life coming into our world, at this time, with no prejudice, no worries, no expectations, showed me that we can all choose to look at our world through any color glasses we desire. Today I will put on glasses of wisdom, with a touch of wonderment, and be mindful that with new life, I must be prepared to set an example of “living” a life.
August 12, 2009
Will I Panic, or Stay Focused?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Since I started to play golf in 1998, I have been amazed how many parallels there are between the “game” of golf, and the “game” of a life. This past weekend, on Sunday afternoon, with three holes to play, the final group, who was in the lead, was put on the clock. This means that they must play faster, because they were out of position by 17 minutes. Padraig Harrington panicked, and played faster, swung faster and lost. Tiger stayed calm, stayed within himself, and did not panic, and won. As I thought about this, I realized that this recession that we have been living in, is similar. We have all been put on the clock, and it is up to us how we react. The question I have for myself is simple, will I panic, or will I stay focused and calm and play my way to a victory? Only time will tell.
Since I started to play golf in 1998, I have been amazed how many parallels there are between the “game” of golf, and the “game” of a life. This past weekend, on Sunday afternoon, with three holes to play, the final group, who was in the lead, was put on the clock. This means that they must play faster, because they were out of position by 17 minutes. Padraig Harrington panicked, and played faster, swung faster and lost. Tiger stayed calm, stayed within himself, and did not panic, and won. As I thought about this, I realized that this recession that we have been living in, is similar. We have all been put on the clock, and it is up to us how we react. The question I have for myself is simple, will I panic, or will I stay focused and calm and play my way to a victory? Only time will tell.
August 11, 2009
Baby Steps
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I have been quite surprised that the Stock Markets have been stable. It looks like there is more of a positive feeling out there, and that is only good for us all. We all need to do our part to build a beautiful beach, one grain at a time. I keep reminding myself that it is always baby steps, we will need to crawl before we can walk, and walk before we can run. We’ve been crawling, and now we are walking, slowly at first, which is where we are now. I can’t wait until we are at a more brisk pace, although I can wait for the running. I think we all will need time to prepare, and that should not happen for several years.
I have been quite surprised that the Stock Markets have been stable. It looks like there is more of a positive feeling out there, and that is only good for us all. We all need to do our part to build a beautiful beach, one grain at a time. I keep reminding myself that it is always baby steps, we will need to crawl before we can walk, and walk before we can run. We’ve been crawling, and now we are walking, slowly at first, which is where we are now. I can’t wait until we are at a more brisk pace, although I can wait for the running. I think we all will need time to prepare, and that should not happen for several years.
August 06, 2009
Sports & Business
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Even in a loss, the Cubs are still in 1st place. The Bears started training camp, and Brett Favre stayed retired. It’s funny how sports can be an escape for us. Like business, we have to train, practice, and put ourselves in a position to win. The difference is that there is no such thing as a practice field in business. We just have to make the plan, and work the plan, and adjust along the way. In business, our offense needs to anticipate their defense, and the defense is the markets, the customer, the government, the economies. I continue to look at, and then plan my business to what I anticipate will happen.
Even in a loss, the Cubs are still in 1st place. The Bears started training camp, and Brett Favre stayed retired. It’s funny how sports can be an escape for us. Like business, we have to train, practice, and put ourselves in a position to win. The difference is that there is no such thing as a practice field in business. We just have to make the plan, and work the plan, and adjust along the way. In business, our offense needs to anticipate their defense, and the defense is the markets, the customer, the government, the economies. I continue to look at, and then plan my business to what I anticipate will happen.
August 05, 2009
Working on All Three
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
We’ve had a few days of fun. Sold another SunSetter Awning, picked up another Country Club, made friends with a competitor who might want to use us for outsourcing, working our past clients tripled our leads last week. Hey, even the stock markets held up yesterday. You know, all any us needs is some positive things to happen, and we can continue to carry on. Making positive things happen requires hard work, time, and some luck. I will continue to work on all three!
We’ve had a few days of fun. Sold another SunSetter Awning, picked up another Country Club, made friends with a competitor who might want to use us for outsourcing, working our past clients tripled our leads last week. Hey, even the stock markets held up yesterday. You know, all any us needs is some positive things to happen, and we can continue to carry on. Making positive things happen requires hard work, time, and some luck. I will continue to work on all three!
We All Need Three
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
We’ve had a few days of fun. Sold another SunSetter Awning, picked up another Country Club, made friends with a competitor who might want to use us for outsourcing, working our past clients tripled our leads in last week. Hey, even the stock markets held up yesterday. You know, all any us needs is some positive things to happen, and we can continue to carry on. Making positive things happen requires hard work, time, and some luck. I will continue to work on all three!
We’ve had a few days of fun. Sold another SunSetter Awning, picked up another Country Club, made friends with a competitor who might want to use us for outsourcing, working our past clients tripled our leads in last week. Hey, even the stock markets held up yesterday. You know, all any us needs is some positive things to happen, and we can continue to carry on. Making positive things happen requires hard work, time, and some luck. I will continue to work on all three!
August 04, 2009
Two Steps Forward
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Yesterday all of the markets were up, Dow almost to 9,300, NASDAQ over 2,000 and the S & P over 1,000. As a country it looks like we are taking two steps forward, and now be ready for the one step back. However, we must reflect back to last Christmas and how dire it all looked. We have been moving forward, and we will continue to move forward. We just must put any back tracking in perspective. For me, in my business, as long as I am moving forward with progression I am happy.
Yesterday all of the markets were up, Dow almost to 9,300, NASDAQ over 2,000 and the S & P over 1,000. As a country it looks like we are taking two steps forward, and now be ready for the one step back. However, we must reflect back to last Christmas and how dire it all looked. We have been moving forward, and we will continue to move forward. We just must put any back tracking in perspective. For me, in my business, as long as I am moving forward with progression I am happy.
August 03, 2009
Finish Line is in Sight
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
It looks like Microsoft’s release of Windows 7 in October, and the success of the Cash for Clunkers program is going to really help the economy. Steel production is on the rise, auto sales are on the rise. This leads to callbacks of jobs, which will stimulate the economy, and Unemployment may not hit 10%, although it’s going to be close.
Let’s all hang on, help each other, we are almost at the finish line!
It looks like Microsoft’s release of Windows 7 in October, and the success of the Cash for Clunkers program is going to really help the economy. Steel production is on the rise, auto sales are on the rise. This leads to callbacks of jobs, which will stimulate the economy, and Unemployment may not hit 10%, although it’s going to be close.
Let’s all hang on, help each other, we are almost at the finish line!
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