How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
The other day I had the permanent retainer that has been glued in my mouth since I got my braces off 6 years ago, unglue, while I was in a meeting. I’ve always had a problem with this in my mouth, no matter how much they told me that I would get used to it. So, I get an emergency appointment to go in, and the Dr. looks at it, and says that he’ll remove it and give me a mouth guard as my retainer. Yeah!
As I thought about this small situation, I began to think that sometimes what at first appears to be bad, turns out to be good. That is how I am now feeling about this recession that we all have been in. At first, I did not like it, I even refused to participate in it, by not doing the things necessary to maintain a profitable business. Now that time has passed, I believe that my company is becoming better. Another old saying, “When God closes a door, He provides a window”. My job is to look for the window.
February 25, 2010
February 22, 2010
What is it about the Olympics?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
What is it about the Olympics? Whether you prefer the Summer or the Winter Olympics, there is something that happens when they are going on. It’s always a front page story, we talk about it at work, with our friends, and our family. Heck, some of the athletes even appear on The Oprah Show. What is it that captivates us? Is it that we can see sports that are popular not here in the US, but throughout the world? Is it national pride, rooting for our country? I’m not sure, but for me it is to watch someone, any one of the athletes, dedicate themselves for a period of four years. To train, to practice, and to workout for the singular goal of competing during these 2 weeks. As I think about not just what they are doing to compete, I am also drawn to think about what they are not doing. In many cases, they are not doing what many others their age are doing. Whether it is “going out”, partying, boyfriends or girlfriends, having family close to them, sitting around watching TV shows, eating fast food and ice cream, staying up late… They have an unrelenting determination and dedication. I can learn from them these traits.
What is it about the Olympics? Whether you prefer the Summer or the Winter Olympics, there is something that happens when they are going on. It’s always a front page story, we talk about it at work, with our friends, and our family. Heck, some of the athletes even appear on The Oprah Show. What is it that captivates us? Is it that we can see sports that are popular not here in the US, but throughout the world? Is it national pride, rooting for our country? I’m not sure, but for me it is to watch someone, any one of the athletes, dedicate themselves for a period of four years. To train, to practice, and to workout for the singular goal of competing during these 2 weeks. As I think about not just what they are doing to compete, I am also drawn to think about what they are not doing. In many cases, they are not doing what many others their age are doing. Whether it is “going out”, partying, boyfriends or girlfriends, having family close to them, sitting around watching TV shows, eating fast food and ice cream, staying up late… They have an unrelenting determination and dedication. I can learn from them these traits.
February 18, 2010
Erma Bombeck?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
The purpose of me writing something positive each day is more for me, than it is for you. With that in mind, sometimes something happens that makes me smile, it could be a friend or family member doing or saying something special. However, in this case it is a customer. When I talked to her after we worked on her house, she said that she was extremely happy with what we did for her. As is often case when we leave a home. My typical response is, “One way you could help us, is to spread the word to your friends and family. You can also write us a letter of recommendation. Now, I knew that she did some writing, and had created a few cards that she sells on the internet, but I did not expect what follows below, what appears to be a newspaper article. It shows me that in these challenging times we live in at the moment, one person can change not just my perspective, but her email changed all of our employees perspective and made us all laugh. A job well done to www.meanmaryjean.com
Please be sure to read her testimonial, you too will smile and laugh out loud. She reminds me of Erma Bombeck!
The purpose of me writing something positive each day is more for me, than it is for you. With that in mind, sometimes something happens that makes me smile, it could be a friend or family member doing or saying something special. However, in this case it is a customer. When I talked to her after we worked on her house, she said that she was extremely happy with what we did for her. As is often case when we leave a home. My typical response is, “One way you could help us, is to spread the word to your friends and family. You can also write us a letter of recommendation. Now, I knew that she did some writing, and had created a few cards that she sells on the internet, but I did not expect what follows below, what appears to be a newspaper article. It shows me that in these challenging times we live in at the moment, one person can change not just my perspective, but her email changed all of our employees perspective and made us all laugh. A job well done to www.meanmaryjean.com
Please be sure to read her testimonial, you too will smile and laugh out loud. She reminds me of Erma Bombeck!
Old Sayings Still Hold True
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Wow! It’s already Thursday. The old saying that “Time flies when you are having fun” is also true when you are busy. In these last two weeks, we have gotten very busy. The phones are ringing, we are out on appointments, we are preparing proposals, making sales, buying material, and then doing the installation. If this keeps up for a few more weeks, months, the rest of the year, that would be nice.
The reason for being busy? Meeting with the people, I think it is simple. People have been waiting for the economy to get better, just a little, or at least stabilize, which it has. Now, there is pent up desire, and they want to do things that they have been waiting on. Another old saying, “Hard work puts you in a position for luck”. I’m recharged, and will continue to work hard, and maybe some luck will happen along the way
Wow! It’s already Thursday. The old saying that “Time flies when you are having fun” is also true when you are busy. In these last two weeks, we have gotten very busy. The phones are ringing, we are out on appointments, we are preparing proposals, making sales, buying material, and then doing the installation. If this keeps up for a few more weeks, months, the rest of the year, that would be nice.
The reason for being busy? Meeting with the people, I think it is simple. People have been waiting for the economy to get better, just a little, or at least stabilize, which it has. Now, there is pent up desire, and they want to do things that they have been waiting on. Another old saying, “Hard work puts you in a position for luck”. I’m recharged, and will continue to work hard, and maybe some luck will happen along the way
February 15, 2010
Celebration...
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
To get the best out of each of us, we need to celebrate. We celebrate Valentine’s Day, we celebrate birthday’s and anniversaries, we celebrate sales or profits at work. When a child does something we like we praise them, when we want a dog to sit or roll over, we offer a treat and rub their belly. We are wired to celebrate, we need affirmation. Today, I must begin to tell the people I work with how good they are, how important they are to me and to my company.
Now, how can I develop a culture of celebration?
To get the best out of each of us, we need to celebrate. We celebrate Valentine’s Day, we celebrate birthday’s and anniversaries, we celebrate sales or profits at work. When a child does something we like we praise them, when we want a dog to sit or roll over, we offer a treat and rub their belly. We are wired to celebrate, we need affirmation. Today, I must begin to tell the people I work with how good they are, how important they are to me and to my company.
Now, how can I develop a culture of celebration?
February 12, 2010
Does This Stuff Make Money?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Having to find something positive to write about everyday changes how I view each moment of the day. Often it forces me to look for the good, in a sea of not so good news. So, when something happens that is positive without much effort on my part, it makes it so much the better.
Last night I attended a home builder meeting about Social Media/Networking. Although I have heard about it, I have even done some of it, we have a website, and this email becomes a blog. I’ve always wondered whether the amount of time and money invested will bring in sales and profits. Last night there were several examples that it does generate sales and profits. Although thinking about the “extra” work is intimidating, I am excited by the possibilities to immerse myself and our company into World Wide Web.
Having to find something positive to write about everyday changes how I view each moment of the day. Often it forces me to look for the good, in a sea of not so good news. So, when something happens that is positive without much effort on my part, it makes it so much the better.
Last night I attended a home builder meeting about Social Media/Networking. Although I have heard about it, I have even done some of it, we have a website, and this email becomes a blog. I’ve always wondered whether the amount of time and money invested will bring in sales and profits. Last night there were several examples that it does generate sales and profits. Although thinking about the “extra” work is intimidating, I am excited by the possibilities to immerse myself and our company into World Wide Web.
February 11, 2010
Listening is an Effort
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Destiny, Coincidence, Karma, whatever you call it, I hear you God. In the last two days I have had 4 events all unrelated in themselves, merge together into being hit on the head by God. Sometimes I find that I don’t always see things as good unless it is also very obvious. I will make an effort to look for and notice the little things in life!
Destiny, Coincidence, Karma, whatever you call it, I hear you God. In the last two days I have had 4 events all unrelated in themselves, merge together into being hit on the head by God. Sometimes I find that I don’t always see things as good unless it is also very obvious. I will make an effort to look for and notice the little things in life!
February 10, 2010
Earthquake Sale?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I had a great dream last night that my wife rocked my world. I woke up at 4:00 am to find that it was true!
For business, I am now thinking of offering an Earthquake Sale. Any ideas out there?
I had a great dream last night that my wife rocked my world. I woke up at 4:00 am to find that it was true!
For business, I am now thinking of offering an Earthquake Sale. Any ideas out there?
February 09, 2010
Is This The Begining of a Trend?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Meeting a builder today who has 3 houses he is building to review the blueprints. In the last two weeks that makes 2 builders, in 2 different markets looking like they are beginning to get some work. Let’s watch this to see if there is a trend.
Meeting a builder today who has 3 houses he is building to review the blueprints. In the last two weeks that makes 2 builders, in 2 different markets looking like they are beginning to get some work. Let’s watch this to see if there is a trend.
February 08, 2010
I Can Be a Super Bowl Winner Too!
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Did the better team win the Super Bowl yesterday? On paper the Colts were better. The odds makers all picked the Colts to win. The radio talking heads all thought the Colts would win. Who won? Not the Colts. Why? New Orleans wanted it more, and believed it more than the Colts. Winning isn’t always about being better, wanting to be better comes first. The desire I see in the people I work with to be better people, better employees, to better serve our customers, is what will precede us in winning. Will you join me in the desire to become better at what we do and who we want to be?
Did the better team win the Super Bowl yesterday? On paper the Colts were better. The odds makers all picked the Colts to win. The radio talking heads all thought the Colts would win. Who won? Not the Colts. Why? New Orleans wanted it more, and believed it more than the Colts. Winning isn’t always about being better, wanting to be better comes first. The desire I see in the people I work with to be better people, better employees, to better serve our customers, is what will precede us in winning. Will you join me in the desire to become better at what we do and who we want to be?
February 04, 2010
One Vote
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
One vote really does count, and our free election process works. The Republican race for the nomination of Governor of our state right now comes down to 406 votes. Just like the Senators race for Minnesota last year, that eventually ended up at the Supreme Court, our one vote counts. In Kane County only 15% of the registered voters came out to polls. Sad really when you consider that the highest office in our state came down to 406 votes. What would have happened if 20% voted? What about 50%?
The question I ask myself today is what will I do to share my thoughts and opinions about my work? What influence will I have in the outcome of my own actions?
One vote really does count, and our free election process works. The Republican race for the nomination of Governor of our state right now comes down to 406 votes. Just like the Senators race for Minnesota last year, that eventually ended up at the Supreme Court, our one vote counts. In Kane County only 15% of the registered voters came out to polls. Sad really when you consider that the highest office in our state came down to 406 votes. What would have happened if 20% voted? What about 50%?
The question I ask myself today is what will I do to share my thoughts and opinions about my work? What influence will I have in the outcome of my own actions?
February 03, 2010
Where's The Window?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
The older I get the more I realize that those that have lived before me really do know what they are talking about. The old phrases that we all have heard, are really true. The phrase that comes to mind today is, “When a door closes, God opens a window”. This recession has caused all of us to change how we do business, and what is now considered normal. My job is to look for the window that is now open. Sometimes it is easy to find, sometimes difficult, and sometimes I need help seeing the window. I’m enjoying the search.
The older I get the more I realize that those that have lived before me really do know what they are talking about. The old phrases that we all have heard, are really true. The phrase that comes to mind today is, “When a door closes, God opens a window”. This recession has caused all of us to change how we do business, and what is now considered normal. My job is to look for the window that is now open. Sometimes it is easy to find, sometimes difficult, and sometimes I need help seeing the window. I’m enjoying the search.
February 02, 2010
Choices We Make
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Today, we have the choice to vote for those that we believe represent our interests in government. Whether you like politics or not, we all have the choice to vote. Unfortunately, since our country was founded, less and less people choose to make this choice. They have become indifferent, believing that their vote does not matter. I believe that voting now has more of an impact than it did 200 years ago. The reason is that those who vote get to choose who wins. I choose to vote today. Life is all about our choices!
Today, we have the choice to vote for those that we believe represent our interests in government. Whether you like politics or not, we all have the choice to vote. Unfortunately, since our country was founded, less and less people choose to make this choice. They have become indifferent, believing that their vote does not matter. I believe that voting now has more of an impact than it did 200 years ago. The reason is that those who vote get to choose who wins. I choose to vote today. Life is all about our choices!
February 01, 2010
Delayed Gratification
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I had an appointment last Friday with a young couple that built a house 2 years ago, and we provided a design and proposal the day they moved in. Now, two years later they called and they are ready to be Colemanized. What gave me hope was that they have been living for two years without any shelving in their master closet. Now, they can afford and are ready for it. Talk about delayed gratification. Maybe our country is going to be in good hands in the future.
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
I had an appointment last Friday with a young couple that built a house 2 years ago, and we provided a design and proposal the day they moved in. Now, two years later they called and they are ready to be Colemanized. What gave me hope was that they have been living for two years without any shelving in their master closet. Now, they can afford and are ready for it. Talk about delayed gratification. Maybe our country is going to be in good hands in the future.
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
January 29, 2010
We All Want the Same Thing
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
We all want the same thing in our lives, to be loved, really loved, and to love someone, unconditionally. Everything else is secondary. Possessions, a good job, money, health, all are secondary to love. If we don’t have it in our lives, we search for it in many different ways, whether it is through, power, anger, drugs, drinking, smoking, overeating, there are many forms, but it all comes down to love. We even sacrifice ourselves by allowing us to be taken advantage of, abused, used, getting in with the wrong people. Love helps us get through the “challenging” times. Today I will make an extra effort to love!
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
We all want the same thing in our lives, to be loved, really loved, and to love someone, unconditionally. Everything else is secondary. Possessions, a good job, money, health, all are secondary to love. If we don’t have it in our lives, we search for it in many different ways, whether it is through, power, anger, drugs, drinking, smoking, overeating, there are many forms, but it all comes down to love. We even sacrifice ourselves by allowing us to be taken advantage of, abused, used, getting in with the wrong people. Love helps us get through the “challenging” times. Today I will make an extra effort to love!
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
January 27, 2010
2010 Will Be Better
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Yesterday a builder brought in two prints of houses he is bidding. Another builder told me that over this past weekend that it was busier than it has been in months. It may not be blockbuster, but it is getting better out there. Banks are lending, not as easily, but they are lending. People are looking, and buying, not as in as large numbers. I’ve decided that 2010 will be better than 2009. Our forecast is better, our expenses are down, 2010 will be better.
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
Yesterday a builder brought in two prints of houses he is bidding. Another builder told me that over this past weekend that it was busier than it has been in months. It may not be blockbuster, but it is getting better out there. Banks are lending, not as easily, but they are lending. People are looking, and buying, not as in as large numbers. I’ve decided that 2010 will be better than 2009. Our forecast is better, our expenses are down, 2010 will be better.
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
January 26, 2010
Who Do You Affect?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I am continually amazed how one person can affect so many other lives. Fed Chairmen Bernanke got confirmed to continue in his role leading the US out of financial problems. Regardless of your beliefs if you agree or not, the stock market calmed down with this news. That is thousands of people, because of one. Which got me to thinking about the people that I affect, by my mood, my words, my actions, my work. How a spouse can be affected by another spouse. How a child can affect a family by their behavior. How a pastor or priest can affect their congregation. Who do I affect? Who do you affect?
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
I am continually amazed how one person can affect so many other lives. Fed Chairmen Bernanke got confirmed to continue in his role leading the US out of financial problems. Regardless of your beliefs if you agree or not, the stock market calmed down with this news. That is thousands of people, because of one. Which got me to thinking about the people that I affect, by my mood, my words, my actions, my work. How a spouse can be affected by another spouse. How a child can affect a family by their behavior. How a pastor or priest can affect their congregation. Who do I affect? Who do you affect?
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
January 25, 2010
Attitude is Free
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
The older I get, the more I believe that “Attitude” is everything. My “attitude” can make me or not make me do things. My “attitude” can influence others, whether it is for good or bad. My “attitude” can wake me up in the morning, or keep me in bed. My “attitude” can even help me to recover from disease. I watched the two Championships football games yesterday, while preparing for our taxes, and saw that one person had an impact on their entire team, on their hometown fans, and on ownership. Whether it be Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Drew Brees, or Mark Sanchez. Their attitude and belief in not just themselves, but their team, brought them all this way, to the Conference Championship Game. Everybody did better this whole season. Played better than their skills showed, coached better than their resume, ran for more yards, caught more passes, made more field goals…To think, it all started with one person’s attitude.
The funny thing about this attitude thing is that this is free, I don’t need special training, I don’t need a college degree, I don’t need to be a certain age, and I just have to decide. Today, I will watch my attitude, and today I will share my attitude with others.
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
The older I get, the more I believe that “Attitude” is everything. My “attitude” can make me or not make me do things. My “attitude” can influence others, whether it is for good or bad. My “attitude” can wake me up in the morning, or keep me in bed. My “attitude” can even help me to recover from disease. I watched the two Championships football games yesterday, while preparing for our taxes, and saw that one person had an impact on their entire team, on their hometown fans, and on ownership. Whether it be Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Drew Brees, or Mark Sanchez. Their attitude and belief in not just themselves, but their team, brought them all this way, to the Conference Championship Game. Everybody did better this whole season. Played better than their skills showed, coached better than their resume, ran for more yards, caught more passes, made more field goals…To think, it all started with one person’s attitude.
The funny thing about this attitude thing is that this is free, I don’t need special training, I don’t need a college degree, I don’t need to be a certain age, and I just have to decide. Today, I will watch my attitude, and today I will share my attitude with others.
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
January 22, 2010
What's Your Steroid?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Hearing about Mark McGuire using steroids in baseball got me to thinking. He used steroids because he felt that he needed the drug to play better. What type of “steroid” do I need to be a better businessman, husband, father, grandfather? For me it starts with my attitude, but then leads into education. Today, I will educate myself in some fashion, whether it’s to look something up on the internet, get a book from the library, ask a friend “how do you do that?”. Will you join me?
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
Hearing about Mark McGuire using steroids in baseball got me to thinking. He used steroids because he felt that he needed the drug to play better. What type of “steroid” do I need to be a better businessman, husband, father, grandfather? For me it starts with my attitude, but then leads into education. Today, I will educate myself in some fashion, whether it’s to look something up on the internet, get a book from the library, ask a friend “how do you do that?”. Will you join me?
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
January 19, 2010
It's the Little Things
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Today was one of those days that my plan for the day was not fulfilled. I was feeling a little down about it, and one phone call got me back on track. I know we all know it in our heads, but sometimes we need to be reminded that it’s the little things that we do in life, to each other that make the biggest differences. I will continue to work hard on doing the little things for not just my customers, but my friends, family, and co-workers.
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
Today was one of those days that my plan for the day was not fulfilled. I was feeling a little down about it, and one phone call got me back on track. I know we all know it in our heads, but sometimes we need to be reminded that it’s the little things that we do in life, to each other that make the biggest differences. I will continue to work hard on doing the little things for not just my customers, but my friends, family, and co-workers.
Don’t forget to follow these emails on my blog http://colemanized.blogspot.com/ I have all of the emails from January 2010, and through mid-March 2009. In a few weeks all of the emails I have sent will be posted on my blog. Be sure to pass this along to all those you feel could use a Coleman Moment.
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