Friday, January 7, 2011

Some things are just too easy

More and more I find myself posting other people's blogs and news stories. It's not that I've become lazy, the truth is, other people have great things to say. I think it's important to share them. I subscribe to a blog from Marla Tabaka, I've mentioned her before, and she says some great stuff. Since she is a life and a business coach and I suspect, because she writes for Inc.com, that she leans a bit more toward business. That's not to say that her blogs are not useful for everyone though.

Here is a list of 20 questions Marla posted, to ask yourself about a winning attitude. You don't have to be a business owner to want to say TRUE to these. In fact, these are things you can ask yourself for almost any situation. Take a few minutes and read them over, decide what your score is. And of course, I'm here to coach you to get to "TRUE" on all 20 questions.

1. When I think about my vision I feel confident and eager to achieve it. Sometimes it feels like it has already come to fruition!
2. I have a clear picture of the steps I will take to achieve my vision and have confidence that I will learn from and conquer any barriers that may come into the picture.
3. I’m aware of my weaknesses but also know how to leverage my greatest strengths.
4. I have the ability to adjust my plan with optimism when unexpected events come into the picture.
5. When I speak with others I project a positive, excited and confident attitude.
6. I am able to listen to the dreams and hopes of another without interrupting them with my own thoughts.
7. I can accept the need for change in a calm, positive manner.
8. When people disagree with me I allow them their opinion and listen and speak calmly, rather than trying to force my perspective on them.
9. I refrain from judging others.
10. I can convert my fearful thoughts into motivating energy and belief in myself.
11. I consider all possible outcomes and perspectives when I create and implement my plans.
12. I make sure to spend time in the activities (outside of work) that are most important to me.
13. I take good care of myself by eating well, exercising and enjoying lots of laughter!
14. I am able to still my mind and connect with whatever higher power I believe in on a daily basis.
15. I am aware of my values and honor them when I make my plans and decisions.
16. I surround myself with people who support and encourage my success.
17. I take time to contribute to the success of others.
18. When I have an “off day” I am able to accept myself anyway and know that I have the power to change how I feel.
19. I am realistic in my outlook, but willing to step outside of my “comfort zone” to take some risk.
20. I surround myself with resources and helpful people rather than keeping everything to myself and trying to do it all alone.

If you answered “true” to at least 15 of these questions, you’ve got great “attitude”! If you are at 100% you have a Million Dollar Mindset – welcome to the club!

http://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/got-attitude.html

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year - goodbye 2010, hello 2011

I'd really love to write some witty and inspirational blog about the new year. Truthfully, I'm not a "new year's person." I rarely celebrate it. Not for any particular rebellious or religious reason. It's goes more like this - I celebrate my birthday which is an acknowledgement of how far I've come since the day I breathed the air of this life. Each year I have a birthday. Each year I celebrate with friends and family. Each year I take stock of the previous year, etc. My birthday and New Years are less than two months apart. So in a way, I've already done it. But I understand the joy and excitement a new year brings (mine just happens in November).

So however you acknowledge the new year - whether on your birthday like me, or on Rosh Hashanah or Mal Hijra or Vikram Samvat or whenever - enjoy the wonder and the possibilities of the year to come.

That said, here is a nice editorial from the New York Times on the new year (applicable to any New Year). Enjoy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/opinion/01sat4.html?_r=1