As much as I love change and the energy it brings me, I am equally as grateful for those who are able to thrive on consistency and repetition. Although I prefer a healthy amount of change in my life I have great respect for all that consistency offers. In management, I value both those who are energized by change and those who thrive on consistency and repetition. Problem-solving is a major part of many positions and I want people on my team that enjoy the thrill of solving problem after problem. But I also want team members who are…
For me, even the thought of change sends energy through my veins. Where some are paralyzed by it, I thrive on change. As a result of my boss’ retirement, I find myself soon to be transitioning jobs. As I approach this change I wonder if my next endeavor will allow me the opportunity to again experience renewed energy. Amidst all the chaos, I start to feel the energy building as new opportunities arise. I had almost forgotten how much I love change until the energy again exposed itself to me. That energy is similar to an approval or a confirmation…
My kids tell me that I am able to reach out in faith during a storm because God helps me, they then proceed to tell me that they do not get that same help. This particular day the concern was over several different things, but one was regarding homework, math in particular. The conversation occurred in the car on our way to an appointment. I was challenging my girls to trust that God will help them through the tough times and to first pray for a solution to the issue or issues at hand. The next comment was that they…
I need deadlines or I would never get anything completed. If I don’t have a deadline, the task moves to the end of my priority list. If I don’t have a push that the task must be completed, other things get in the way. Some people say, “I can’t operate on deadlines”. Well, I probably would prefer to run my life without deadlines, but I can’t function without them. My days turn into unproductive hours thinking about what I should do first. When I have a list of things to do and an order of priority…
Happiness is a gift that I work hard to maintain daily. I have always been willing to take the risk of allowing myself to be happy for all that I have been given. I resist thinking about what I don’t have or what I am missing in my life. I concentrate on what I do have and am grateful to God for those blessings. An important lesson learned in network marketing is to concentrate on those that are present and active. Don’t spend time worrying why people did not show up or choose to participate, but mentor, train…
When I look back at my life it is filled with moments where I had to choose to move on or hold my course. Although I live by faith and do my best to follow my intended path, there are three things I always review before making a final decision as to the direction I will follow. 1. Why am I moving on? There might be numerous obvious reasons to move on and start new. Despite the obvious, I always ask myself why I am thinking about this change. When I review my answers, I look for how meaningful my…
Let’s imagine a world where the only possible first impressions are showing love. Where one meets someone and the only thing that comes to one’s mind is kindness. Walking down the street one acknowledges people they see with a warm gesture and are mentally thinking good thoughts about them. Someone who is visibly different is then welcomed into the circle of friends. As the conversation starts, it all builds on being happy with people’s accomplishments and learning from each other’s strengths. These first impressions could also be labeled judgments. I am guilty of making…
I had never swum 100 yards in less than a minute in my entire high school career. One might say that was impossible for Laura Damiano. I was not a freestyle swimmer. I only swam freestyle when competing in the individual medley, which includes all 4 strokes. In college, I went to apply for a job as a lifeguard. One of the requirements was swimming a hundred yards in less than a minute. I knew I had never swum that fast of a time. I distinctly remember praying as I dove into the pool, “Please Lord, provide me the speed…
I recently was sent a newspaper article from my mentor. The article was by Joe Rexrode, Nashville TN, entitled, “Pat Summitt’s remedy for Kara Lawson: uncomfortable situations”. The article highlights Kara Lawson and how her college basketball coach and mentor, Pat Summitt, provided her with opportunities to work through her discomfort with public speaking. Summit recognized Lawson’s potential but knew she needed to become comfortable speaking in public. Summitt continually exposed Lawson to public speaking opportunities. Currently, Lawson coaches and is an analyst on television for the NBA. Lawson credits Summitt for pushing her past her comfort…
More often than I would like to admit, I find myself needing a shift in attitude. A more positive, productive, and kind redirection of my thoughts. Every morning I am purposeful about starting my day with a grateful heart. However, I find that it doesn’t take much to get me off track, particularly when I am physically or mentally tired. I am disappointed with myself when I respond to someone using the same harsh voice tone or actions as they used with me. Most of the time I am able to recognize the need for a shift in my…