Get Out Of The Dugout

Brendon Burchard is one of my new favortie motivational speakers. I follow his daily blogs and recommend you taking a gander at his words of motivation and encouragement. Today he posted this quote, " This week try releasing your past and fears, have the intention to think bigger and take more action toward your dreams". WOW! How often do we allow our past, fears and failures to be a road block in achieving our dreams? I am guilty of over-thinking at times and allowing those thoughts to side track the path of reaching a goal or dream. I call that part of "Life" and when life tosses us curve ball after curve ball we often strike out, head back to the dugout and hope our turn to bat doesn't come back around for a long time. Thinking bigger in baseball could be adjusting your stance in the batter's box, choking up on the bat or merely believing in yourself. You aren't expected to hit a home run every time at bat but if you do then that's certainly a bonus. I personally believe it's about not giving up, taking chaces, making changes which are actions in working towards winning the game. Having an outstanding team, working together towards the same goal, is essential to winning the game (at work, at home, at life in general). I've analyzed what I need to do in order to "think bigger and take action" towards my current dreams/goals, personally and professionally. What's your plan? Are you going to sit in the dugout or get back in the batter's box? Watch the ball pass over the plate or knock the cover off it? You are the only person that can control how you play the game called "life". Take action!!

Making excuses or Being More?

I love blog ideas from friends. Recently a friend sent me this, "Anyone can find an excuse not to do something but only the strong look for an excuse to do something." How many times have you made an excuse NOT to do something? Too many to count?  The time and effort we often spend planning a way out of doing or procrastinating is such a waste. It is better to just bite the bullet, do whatever it is, get it over with and move on to something else. Have you ever listened to someone tell a story and it goes on and on and on to the point you are thinking seriously are you ever going to get to the point? To me that is like making excuse after excuse to avoid a task or making a decision. Now on the flip side, the strong look for an excuse to do something. I put some thought into this analogy and it does make sense. Strong, determined and self-driven individuals do look for reasons to do something. These type of people do not idle along in life. They are the ones that are reaching for the stars and actually touching them. They know success because they make it happen. Excuse is not a word in their vocabulary. These folks are leaders, winners, champions, etc. that strive to "Be More" every day. What are you doing? Making excuses or being more?

Today is Your Day...... and Tomorrow is Too!

Today being the first day of school for my kids, a Senior and a Fifth grader, where does the time go?There will be two graduations this school year to look forward to as well as many other events like Senior night, college visits, scholarship applications and the list goes on. It is going to be a busy school year for many of us. As we embark starting new chapters, it might be at school for both teachers and students, new projects at work or a position change or reorganizing our schedules home, don't allow your mind to limit possibilities that are within your reach. Often we are content with the same ole' same ole' therefore we do not apply ourselves to our fullest potential. We do not stretch ourselves to reach a little further, become a little stronger, grow a little wiser because we are satisfied with what is considered average or normal. I challenge you to break out of the normal and go for the gusto! You don't have to wear a superhero cape or leap from tall buildings. I believe there is a superhero in all of us waiting to seize opportunities, make a difference, conquer fears and share talents with others. It takes courage to be more than content and leap forward into the unknown. I am sure there were a lot of kiddos (teachers too) that experienced their first day of school scared of the unknown but I assume that by the end of the day everyone left school braver, stronger and smarter. Tomorrow will be another day and the process begins again over and over until your child drives off for their Senior year of high school. As adults we are merely the same but just in a different setting. Dr. Seuss stated, "You're off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!" Adjust your cape, take that step forward, claim what your future is holding, for your mountain is waiting. You can either climb it or sit at the bottom talking about climbing it and never leave the ground. I'm going with Dr. Seuss's recommendation. I'm on my way and hope you are on your way too! 

It's Never Too Late

How many times do we put things off? We make excuses to convince ourselves that it is okay to wait another day, days, weeks or longer. We often spend more time trying to justify the excuses than the time and effort it would take to make a decision. I have been guilty of postponing decisons or choices. A year ago this month, I made a life changing decision to eat healthier and exercise daily. High cholesterol was the major factor in my decison. In my opinion, I am too young to be on cholesterol meds and knew I didn't want to remain on that path any longer. So, I made a major change. It has not been easy but with lots of self discipline it is my new way of life. A better, healthier me makes life more enjoyable not only for myself but for my family. Remember IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! Whatever you are postpoing doing, don't delay any longer. It could be eating healthier, exercising, going back to college, changing jobs or reconnecting a relationship just to name a few.

I follow Joel Osteen on facebook. Recently he posted this quote, "There are times you will be given intuition, you just know something and you can't explain it. Don't override it. Don't talk youself out of it. That's the Creator giving you inside information." I think this quote can tie in with it's never too late. We talk ourselves out of making decisions or choices that we truly want to happen but delay. Is it because we are scared of what? what others may think? of failing?  Often we feel a burning desire within us that drives choices or decisions we make. Did you ever stop and think that the burning desire is the "inside information"? You will never know until you try (or decide) and if you don't try then you will always wonder "what if". Failing is not the end of the world but often we perceive it to be. Can't never did anything.  I am missing out on ______________ because I keep delaying. Fill in the blank according to your situation. Listen to your "inside information". Stand firm. Know IT'S NEVER TOO LATE.

Thank A Lineman

Today is National Lineman Appreciation Day. On this day linemen are recognized publicly in the media. I am partial to this occupation since I work in the utility industry. No I am not a lineman but I can share with you what I do know about the linemen I am privileged to work with as a team. Linemen (or often today called Line Techs) are unique and special individuals that are very passionate about their jobs. Actually, it is not just a job to them. It is a way of life. They may put their boots on like the rest of us but only if they are steel toed. They are required to wear personal protective equipment such as rubber sleeves and gloves that make working on the most humid, hottest summer days even more unbearable but working safe is priorty for them. Their jobs are often dangerous but with proper safety procedures and protection they work safely. Outages require them to leave their families during the day, night, holidays and weekends. Birthday parties, school plays, anniversay dinners and Christmas morning have been missed because that lineman was restoring power. Most people have no clue the sacrifices linemen make but their familes know. I have heard stories from family members of linemen. A daughter of a retired lineman told me that she remembers as a child her dad leaving during a big snow and not coming home for several days. There were no cell phones back then so he would call home when he was near a phone to let them know he was okay. Times have changed but spouses, children, parents and even bosses still worry when their lineman or employees are out working. I have seen: the tiredness on their faces after days of working to restore power, arriving back at the office with not a dry thread on because they were working out in a thunderstorm, their faces red and chapped from the wind and cold, hungry (not starving) because they did not take time to stop and eat. It was more important for them to get that last customer's lights on than to grab a sandwhich. I could keep listing just what I have witnessed or heard but I am certain there is much more. In my opinion, linemen give a new meaning to dedication and perseverance.  

If you know a lineman please take time to tell them thanks for all they do. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness. I am honored and proud to work with a fantasic group of dedicated linemen!! I am also privileged to have worked with linemen which are now retired and to have friends that are linemen near and far. Thank each one of you for going above and beyond keeping the lights on. The next time you experience a power outage please remember the sacrifies that others make so that we can have the luxury of flipping a switch. Thank A Lineman!

Be Safe!

It's More Than a Small Valley

If you are facebook worthy, then you know that the Wounded Warrior Outdoors is hosting a turkey hunt in this area. With that being said, it makes me extremely proud of this small town that I call home. The outpouring of support from this community is outstanding. There is no way it can compare to another small town community, in my opinion. There are so many folks that work behind the scenes with the WWO program which is strictly all volunteers. There is so much cooking and baking going on in this town while the WWO are here that there has to be a shortage at the local groceries. The amount of food brought in for these guys is overwhelming. Yes, so you read I have done my share of sampling. No need in hurting the "many" cooks feelings by not sampling the goods. Kudos to each one of them. As I visit with this group of folks, I hear so many comments on how this community is so kind, caring, giving, hospitable and etc. 

I know during the 2009 ice storm this community pulled together. I was completely astounded by the support they provided for the co-op. It was truly unbelievable the volunteers that worked helping to cook and serve hundreds of linemen until all the power was restored and for that I will always be grateful. When the going gets ruff in these parts, the tuff get going and just let one person step up and say, hey so and so's barn was damaged in that storm last week or we need to feed a group of soldiers for a week, then watch out, work is in progress. It doesn't matter the task, let it be told around the table during morning coffee at the Coon Dog Inn and things get hopping. Phones start ringing, grocery list get started or other supply list begin depending on the task at hand. Networking is amazing and even more amazing what ideas transpire over cup of coffee at the local restaurant of course that is not where all of the ideas originate. I will add there are some ideas that probably do not need to be repeated during that cup of coffee (only my guess of course haha). I shall not give that group all of the credit. It is part of living in a small town. Where we all know each other or are related (like it or not). Most were born and raised in this small town. Yes, news travels fast but there is not as many folks to share it with but good or bad I wouldn't trade this town for any other place. We know who are neighbors are. We look out for each other. We take food to someone that is sick. We give food and clothes to strangers in need passing through town. We don't like others talking about our town. We don't like outsiders coming on our turf disrupting our way of life (like a new road). We like to share our gardens, sow our seeds and reap our harvest. We love our community, our Country and God. I better get off my soapbox before I fall off. Sure I am partial of this small town but I have every reason to be. It is my home. It's my kids home. It's my families home. It was my grandparents and great grandparents home and their parents.  It is the best place on earth to be. I think often we take for granted the way of life we have in this community. We have something that many folks will never know or never have; We have a small valley with a big heart. It doesn't get any better than this folks and if you think it does then try visiting NYC. I enjoy visiting other places but there is truly no place like home, no place like small communities, no place like Fredonia. 

Blessed By A Vet....Humbled

The Wounded Warrior Outdoors Spring Turkey hunt is taking place around the Valley this weekend and all week. I was blessed with the opportunity to share an amazing lunch with real American heroes! It is always a humbling experience to sit around the table breaking bread with individuals that actually put their life in harms way, so that you and I can continue to have our Freedom. As soon as I arrived at the hunting camp, the smell of Nicky & gang cooking ribeye and chicken certainly grabbed my attention but as soon as I got out of the vehicle a friendly Veteran rolled over in his wheel chair to greet me. I had never met this gentleman on any of the other Wounded Warrior Outdoor events. This was his first time to hunt Turkey in our area. Instantly, we became friends and the conversation was on. He was blessed with the gift of gab, like me. I am not going to mention his name although he probably wouldn't mind. I will say he is a triple amputee but has an amazing attitude. We talked about a multitude of things and somehow got off on the subject how kids react to someone that "looks" different. He said it is just human nature for kids to stare at someone that may look different. He shared a story with me that will stick with me forever. He told that when his daughter (who is now 24) was in Kindergarten came home from school one day crying because some kids said her daddy didn't have any legs. The teacher called that afternoon, speaking to his wife, asking if he would come to school and speak to the class. The wife quickly said, yes of course without even consulting him (he laughed as he told this part to me, he was at work and had no clue he had been volunteered for the school visit). He went to school and as the kids were staring at him they kept their distance. He told the class that just because he looked different on the outside, he was the same on the inside like any other person. He asked the kids, what if they lost their two front teeth wouldn't it be hard to eat an apple? Most nodded or said yes. Then he said it would be easier to eat if mommy or daddy would cut the apple up into small pieces, right? The kids (still staring) nodded or said yes. He said I am no different. Just because I have no legs, one arm and a partial arm, I often need help doing things too like cutting up particular foods. Once he shared this with the kids, he said they all moved in closer to him and was touching his wheelchair, wanting to push buttons and there was never another issue about it again. He also went on to say that just opened a gate for the kids to ask questions and boy they were not shy at all then. Wow is what I say! My mind was blogging for a moment, as I continued to stand beside him talking as he showed me his customized truck (it was very cool). Yes he drives! I said you know it is amazing what folks can have with the technology of today (lots of gadgets on his truck). I said you are not limited due to such inventions in today's world. He said no, I am not limited. The entire time we spoke he smiled. 

I was just the person taking coolers of ice to the camp in hopes to see some returning WWO friends, make new friends and of course eat some delicious food.  Here I had never laid eyes on this man before but he was placed in my path today, April 12, 2014, to bless me. And what a blessing I received from him.  His attitude was fantastic. His outlook on life was positive. Sure he may be physically challenged in someways but his spirit to live life with out restrictions touched my heart. I have no reason to complain ever again about anything. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. We are all blessed and if you don't think you are then Whoa! If you are breathing, then you are blessed. I think we take so much for granted, like being able to eat an apple with out assistance, that we do not appreciate even the smallest or simplest things in life. The next time you eat an apple, I hope that you remember this story and do two things: one, be thankful for your blessings and two, thank a Veteran or someone active in the military. They certainly do not get the recognition or the thanks they so greatly deserve in my opinion. From the bottom of my heart Thank You for defending our red, white and blue and all that it stands for in this land we call the home of the free and brave. No I am not going to bust out singing the Star-Spangled Banner (lucky for you) but I will say that every time I hear it played, I get goose bumps. Yes, every single time. 

If you would like more information on Wounded Warrior Outdoors go to www.woundedwarrioroutdoors.com and you can follow WWO on Facebook. Be ready to receive a blessing from WWO; the leaders, participants and others associated with this group. 

Weeding Out The Garden

Trust is a complex subject for me. In my opinion, their are levels of trust. We have all experienced broken trust at some point in our lives. Even at a young age we learn trust issues. I can only speak with regards to my experiences with that being said, trusting someone completely is hard for me due to previous broken trust with individuals. To open yourself up to someone revealing all the components of your very being takes courage and trust. I can look back on situations when I trusted friends that didn't turn out to be real friends, previous co-workers that defied my trust for their own benefit and even family members. Situations like this brand scars within us and causes us to build up walls against the outside world. It keeps us from completely trusting others. I have taken these experiences, utilizing them still today as learning tools. If you have people in your life that you trust completely, then you have treasures. Folks like this are few are far between in my opinion. I am blessed with some awesome people in my life.  Over the years I have weeded out my garden of life to reflect only the strongest, brightest and most trusting flowers. I desire to be around people that bring out the best in me and that make me want to be a better person. These individuals encourage, support and love me at my best and at my worst. In return I provide encouragement, support and love to them. Sometimes we have to let go of situations or people that bring us down. Regardless of how long you have known someone, if that person drains you emotionally then something is wrong. Pull that weed and move on. Life is too short to hold on to stinky weeds.  Surround yourself with only the best flowers in your garden of life but make sure that you are one of the best flowers in their garden too. Only you can define your levels or definition of trust. It takes longer to build trust than it does to break it. Be a trusting, steady, strong flower in all of the gardens that you sow. 

Yesterday's Decision Becomes Too Late For Today

"The only things in life that you regret are the risk you didn't take so when you see something you want grasp it with both hands and run with it", words from a dear friend. A little blog help from friends is fantastic. I love feedback and sharing ideas. Recently a friend shared with me about regret and risk which I have touched on the subject before but there is always something to be said about both. Have you ever been shopping and there was an item you wanted but you passed buying it right then. Then you went back the next day or a couple days later to buy it and it was gone. This may not be the best example but how often have you passed up something then changed your mind only to find out it was too late. Then you mentally beat yourself up saying, I should've, I wish I had of, why didn't I? etc. (of course we don't go that overboard by passing up at deal at TJ Maxx). But often when we procrastinate, yesterday's decison becomes too late for today.  Perhaps you had an opportunity to change positions, departments or even careers but you waited to long missing the opportunity. You missed a chance because you did not take the risk. Life is about taking risk. We ultimately have to take risk in order to move forward. Risk are taken every day without realizing it. Some risk are minimal while others are extreme. In my opinion, I think we are scared to take chances because we lack faith in ourselves and we are fearful of the unknown. We allow fear to trample our heart's desires. We've all heard sayings like, "You don't know until you try" and "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today". When you pass up an opportunity within your grasp, to be ALL yours for the taking because you were scared to take a chance, fear just controled your future. What if we take a leap of faith and things do not turn out like we anticipated, it happens? Does that limit you from living? No it shouldn't but often we allow failure to mingle with fear which is not a good combination. What if we take that chance and it changes our life for the better? I have seen individuals take great risk and succeed. I admire their courage and faith. Maybe we need to toughen up and grab the bull by the horns. Be fearless, take more risk and see what the future holds. Stop dipping your toes in the pool of wonder, just dive in head first or hold your nose if you must but jump in!! Stop standing on the edge thinking about it, JUST DO IT! 

Hope too Small.........Hope too Big

My mind is constantly picking up on "blog worthy info" as I call it. I carry pen and paper with me so when a blog idea hits me, I jot it down but in this case I used a gum wrapper for a tablet. I wrote on the wrapper, "hope too small".  As our pastor mentioned that in his sermon, I had a blog thought. We often do hope too small and why do we limit ourselves? We are the ones that mainly set our limits. We should hope BIG, exceeding all expectations. Really, there should be no limits if we set our hearts and minds to whatever we are seeking to do. As the saying goes, "The sky is the limit".  Are you holding back because you are hoping too small? Let go of the reigns, stop being limited and shoot for the stars. I think we hope to small sometimes because we are scared to take a giant step forward. Baby steps are easier and more comfortable for us so that is the pace we set for ourselves. Yes, giant steps are more challenging and cause us to be a little scared.  Any time we step out of our comfort zone we feel an uncertainty. Stepping out on faith and believing in ourselves is often all we truly can do. Sometimes it works in our favor and sometimes it doesn't. For all the times we succeed by doing so, we say it was worth it. For all of the times we are unsuccessful, we should still say it was worth it because we learned from that experience.

Are you limiting yourself by hoping too small? Is there something you desire to do but are scared to hope BIG and jump out of your comfort zone? You are the only one holding yourself back. Let me tell you this. I have been holding back pursuing a master's degree. I have been talking about going back to school, talking myself out of it, talking around it and so on for months now. I finally just took the plunge, applied and was accepted. So the journey begins in July and yes I have nothing else to do (haha) so why am I going back to school? again? It is something I am passionate about doing, a personal goal and I desire to be a better leader. I believe that by seeking a MA in organization leadership it will make a contribution to my team by developing me into a better leader. I think of it as taking one of the team. I know all about taking giant steps and stepping out on faith. If I can do it, you can too. It doesn't matter how busy you are or how busy you think you are, the sky has no limit. It's up to you to soar with the eagles or not. Personally, I prefer to soar. It's a much better view. I like to hope too BIG. Whatever you are contemplating on doing but are scared to jump out of your comfort zone, GO FOR IT! We are all guilty of limiting ourselves and our expectations so therefore I am certain there is something you are "hoping to small" about. Try "hoping too BIG" and see what happens. 

Kissing Frogs.....Meanwhile Back at The Pond

While out with friends, the picture attached of me kissing a frog evolved. We were being silly, laughing and having a great time hanging out which was over due. If you aren't familiar with The Frog Prince by Brothers Grimm, it is a short story about a Princess and a frog. The frog slept on her bed and ate off her plate for 3 nights, breaking a curse turning the frog back into a Prince. No where did I read about any kissing taking place in this particular story.  (http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/FrogPrin.shtml) Throughout my years I have always heard the saying, "that a girl may have to kiss a lot of frogs until she finds her Prince."  I lol at that acutally. Hey it could apply to you guys too. You may need to kiss a lot of frogs to find your Princess. In reference to "a lot of frogs", it made me think about how sometimes we have to make mulitple changes until we find what works for us. For example, it could be that you change postions at work or even change jobs. Maybe the change is not as drastic such as changing your schedule around to make more time for your family, friends and yourself. It could be as simple as taking time to make a call or send a text. All of the above require making a change or more than one change. 

Leaders often have to move team members around for the betterment of the team. No one person is alike so in saying that seek to find strengths in each person. Then tapp into those strengths by making sublte adjustments which could be a key factor in team performance and production. There may need to be mutiple changes or shuffling around until each team member is placed in a position where they excell the most adding value to themselves and the team. So kissing frogs to me is not about smooching gross, slimy frogs until one turns into a Prince (not happening). It is about going through a process of wearing different hats until you find the one that fits perfect so to speak. Find what works for you. Tap into your strengths, seek to grow and develop them. If you are a leader, you should be striving to grow and develop your team. Sure there are self motivated team members that require little or no encouragement but there are some that need a nudge and then there are ones that need shove. Diversity can be challenging. It can be like putting frogs in a wheelbarrow.  Personally, I would rather try the wheelbarrow experiment than the kissing experiment when it comes to frogs. 

I'm not saying go kiss a handful of frogs but think about how it may take multiple changes in order for you to get where you desire to be in your professional career or personal life. Don't sit on the pond bank waiting. Get up and get busy before opportunity passes you by or you fall in the pond. Well, what are you waiting on?

Mum's The Word

How many times have you withheld valuable information? I am not talking about FBI case files information.  I am referring to information such as paying someone a compliment, praising your employees for a job well done, telling someone how you truly feel. By holding back you might have missed out on giving that one person a boost of much needed confidence.  By giving kudos for a job well done to your team or team members, could motivate them in a positive way, Telling a friend how you feel about them might strengthen or save a friendship. I was blessed with the gift of gab so I really do not have an issue with holding back. I probably need to batten down the hatch on my often over flow of speaking at times. I have seen this in various settings when a person does not speak up. Speaking up can change the entire outcome of a situation. It could be good or bad depending on the situation but one thing for sure at least when you speak up unknowns are verified.  I tell my team often that it's not what you say but how you say it that matters. I can deliver the same message as you can and it could be perceived in two different context. Take notice to how you say things. Your voice tone and body language play an important role in how the message is sent.  Be straightforward with information. Do not allow fear to win over words. You don't know the positive impact you might have on someone if you speak up. Sometimes holding back can be self inflicting causing you to always wonder "what if" I had said something. Would things have turned out different? Could I have made a difference? Living with regret can be avoided. Don't be such a tight lip!

Whiner or Winner?

Are you a Whiner or Winner? All this March madness has folks being a little of both. I figure, there will be a lot of both going on after tonights game. My facebook feed will be flooded with post game comments. Sporting events are not the only events where there are whiners or winners. Stop and think about it. This occurs daily for many people. When things do not go our way we often whine or complain, some more than others. Every one desires to be a winner in everything: sports, work, relationships, etc. I admit to be geared that way. I hate to loose at anything. As a leader I have seen both whiners and winners. In my observations, winners are driven, highy self motivated individuals that keep pressing forward to not only meet but exceed their goals. These folks do not let minor set backs keep them down. They figure out a way to to overcome obstacles, learn from the experience and keep going forward. Whiners, dwell on set backs. The time and energy they spend complaining could be utilized to move forward but yet they have a continous whoa is me moment that can last days or longer. Whiners are not bad people. They just have a different outlook on life than winners. Whiners are quick to make excuses instead of trying to figure out a better way to reach the goal. Well, it was so and so's fault or no one told me or how was I suppose to know when all along the only person to blame is themselves. Winners take ownsership of their mistakes and do not blame others. Winners seek help others because when we help each other it is a win win for everyone involved. I love it when every one win's. There will be one team tonight that will score the most points and advance to the next round but both teams are winners. Our state is represented well by both teams and that is something to be proud of as a Kentuckian. Yes, I know their are diehard UK fans and diehard Louisville fans that seem to have split personalities during basketball season.  The rivalry can be brutal and obnoxious.  Keep in mind that it takes the same amount of energy to be a winner as it does a whiner. It is all in attitude. Attitude is everything so the next time you even think about being a whiner, stop and consider how the simplest adjustment in your attitude can make you a winner. The outcome will be much sweeter! Something else, how we act often sets a path that others follow:  our kids, co-workers and teammates. Think about that one. Exemplify traits of a winner.    

May your team be the one with the most points tonight but both Kentucky teams are winners! Have a safe weekend. 

Bossy Girls Can Become Successful Leaders

Today's society is not gender specific when it comes to women in leadership or executive positions. There was a point in time that it was unheard of for women to be in such working roles. It was thought that a woman belonged at home while the man worked outside the home. I have never been a stay at home mom and at times have been envious of those that have that opportunity. Staying at home is work too so I am not knocking it in the least. It is not couch time and soap opras like many perceive it to be. I have always desired to be a leader even from an early age. I can remember picking kick ball teams in elementary school so perhaps that is when it all began for me. We all love to pick our own teams. We want only the best players on our team because we want to win. I am blessed with an awesome winning team. Some team members were on the prexisitng team prior to me becoming their leader. I've had the opportunity to select new team members when others have retired their jerseys after years of playing the game or changing their venue. Being a woman leader of a dozen men has it's challenges at times but at the end of the day we are still on the same team, working together safely to be successful at our jobs. Working in a male dominant environment and industry has contributed to the person I am today. It has given me a greater respect and apprecation for teamwork. Gender is not an issue when it comes to being a team player. We have a variety of knowledge, personalities, ideas, opinions and views that when compiled together make us a champion team (in my opinion). Yes, I am partial to my team and they know it. "Teamwork makes dream work, but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team," John Maxwell. A bad leader can destroy a great team and a bad team can destroy a great leader. 

"A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way," John Maxwell. If you are the leader then it is up to you; to generate enthusiasm, give credit where and when credit is due, develop and inspire others, if you want to build and have a winning team. I could write on and on with what I think it takes to build a winning team but the most important key to me is being up-front and honest. Being up-front from the beginning so that others know what to expect and there are no surprises. Be honest in all aspects which earns respect and sets a precedence of your own expectations. Establishing expectations helps to eliminate unknowns and creates a better working environment and better relationships. Teamwork is just that, work but by working together towards the same goals, everyone is a winner. To all of you women out there that are seeking to be a leader, Go For It! If you are already a leader then kudos to you! It may take working harder at times to stay at the top of your game but it will be worth it. A great team builds a successful leader and great leader builds a successful team. Be Great! 

Relentless: Don't Give Up

How many of you are relentless? I know what relentless means to me but I looked up the proper defintion which stated; never ceasing, continual. Relentless to me means not giving up. I have a competitive side (surprise!) which drives me to not give up especially when it is something I am completely passionate about. There are times when on the path of a goal that it becomes difficult to take that next step. Sometimes it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. It is almost like running on a treadmill. We are moving in place but not going anywhere.  All of the work and effort we put forth to climb that ladder of success seems unobtainable. We get frustrated and want to toss in the towel. We want to give up and say to heck with it BUT there is often something inside of us that tugs away pushing us forward. That tug leads us to think: hang on, don't give up! I have experienced this numerous times. Have you ever gotten to a point with a goal where you were so frustrated that you wanted to give completely up? It is difficult for me to give up when I am passionate about the goal I am pursuing. Steve Garvey said, "You must be passionate, you must dedicate yourself, you must be relentless in the pursuit of your goals. If you do you will be successful."  In order to acheive our goals we cannot give up. We must keep on keeping on, otherwise we will never be successful. I'm sure you have read, Anything worth having doesn't come easy but it's worth it. That may not be exactly how it reads but it is true. Sometimes by holding on, not giving up and being relentless we achieve greatness. We win! We succeed!  I challenge you to be relentless. Whatever it is you are pursuing keep going. Don't give up! Don't quit! Be Relentless! "Certainly I'm passionate and driven and quite relentless when I want something,"  Demi Moore.

Be A Ray of Sunshine

It's hard to believe this is the last day of March. As I ponder upon Spring time and how it's the season when living things come back to life to the eye (How appropriate as the Easter season is upon us, right). Daffodils are blooming, trees are starting to bud out, grass is greening up, turkeys are gobblilng and various other signs of Spring as we look or listen around us. It often makes me think of a fresh start but we don't have to wait for Spring in order to start new. We start over every day because each day is new. Today being, Monday, is the day we mostly dread because it is back to work or school for most of us. We are already have the countdown to Friday started before our first cup of Monday morning coffee. We get so programmed to the days of the week that we become complacent. I am guilty as anyone of wishing my days away but lately I've contemplated how quickly time seems to pass. Perhaps it is because I am getting older and those Monday's seem be occur quicker than previously. I am uncertain why we wish our lives away but we all do it. Yesterday is gone. It's over and done so therefore we can't change it. Tomorrow is unknown and not even guarenteed so we need not dwell on it. Today is what we have so therefore we should make the absolute best of it. Today is a gift. It doesn't matter where you are headed today, kick off your week on a positive note and see what happens. You might be surprised that being positive can inspire others to join in on your upbeat vibe. Be the sunshine that brightens today's path and all of those you meet along the way. 

Slaying Dragons

How many times have you desired to do something you were so passionate about but you were scared? Scared of taking that first step. Scared of what others might think. Scared of failing. Maybe it is a new job you are seeking but it would require you to relocate. There are so many unknowns that you are hesitant to even apply for the position. The wonder and worry causes you to loose sleep and be on an emotional roller coaster.  Does any of this sound familiar? It does not have to be a job you are seeking but in any situation or decision that needs to be made.  Fear is the dragon that we must slay. Franklin Delano Roosevelt stated in a speech in 1933, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This is so true. As we sit around and contemplate fear we are wasting valuable time that we could be slaying that dragon with courage. Much of what we tend to fear is actually based on a feeling not fact.  Risk and fear go hand in hand. Taking risk can lead to fantastic rewards but you must realize that in order to achieve anything of great value you must take risk.  If we dwell on fear then we cannot move forward because fear can control and confine us. It is up to you to let go of what you cannot control and focus on what you can control. W. Clement Stone said, "When thinking won't cure fear, action will." By focusing on what you can control and taking action you become more courageous. Don't over think.  Don't miss out on opportunities because fear is standing in your way. Put your courageous sword to work and slay the fear dragon once and for all. What if you miss out on a chance of a life time all because you don't take action? You many only get one chance so take it. 

Be Brave! Sharpen your sword, slay that dragon, reap the rewards of being victorious over fear. Your prize awaits you. You can defeat fear!!

Detours and Directions

Yes, three consecutive days of blogging. There is no need in allowing my thoughts to go stale. Therefore as long as I have a few moments in the evening to jot down a few words I will keep rockin' on with it. I have a decorative chalk board hanging in my kitchen that was more than likely designed to post what's cookin? or a grocery list but I use it to post quotes. Imagine that, right! I enjoy inspirations quotes of all types if you haven't noticed. I wanted to post a quote that anyone from age 10 and up that walked into my kitchen would be able to relate to or understand. After participating in Read Across American I thought hmmmm Dr. Seuss quotes would be perfect for this particular project. This Dr. Seuss saying is posted on the chalk board;

 

     You have brains in your head,

     You have feet in your shoes,

     You can steer yourself,

     Any direction you choose.

Such a powerful message from a book we read as kids and that our kids read today. I love Dr. Seuss books. They are full of meaning and fun to read but often difficult to read aloud without getting tongue tied. There is much we can learn from this quote. Do you know what direction you are going or want to go? For example my oldest son is already weighing options for college in 2015. He is planning the direction he wants to go with college and career choices. This is just an example of the choices we make in order to move forward, seeking to accomplish goals and pursue our dreams. Sometimes we run into road blocks or hurdles that create detours. Don't let detours hold you back from traveling down the road to success or happiness. Detours just slow us down but they do not have to stop us. Use the brains in your head to figure out a different path to get there. Use those feet in your shoes to keep moving forward regardless of the speed bumps in your path.  I can say all of this because I have encountered detours, road blocks and speed bumps. Who hasn't right? We all have at some point in our lives and you know what? It is part of our journey. There is always going to be detours, road blocks and speed bumps in all aspects of our lives personally and professionally. We are going to have blow outs. Our batteries may need recharged every now and then. We may even run out of gas. Those things are to be expected as we travel but it is how we steer ourselves that veers us off course or keeps us on track. When we make a wrong turn it is up to us to find our way back to the right road. Sometimes it takes us a while to get back on the right track but we can get there. I have learned there is more to staying on course than using my brains and feet. I follow directions with the aide of my internal GPS. We all have our own built in GPS that is far more accurate than a Garmin or TomTom. It's called your heart. Rely on your internal GPS. It will help guide you along the way but if you ignore its directions you will be stuck with road rage on a road to nowhere. There is not a road block that you can't go around or speed bump you can't cross so get connected to your GPS and go places! What are you waiting on? Get Going! 

My added line to Dr. Seuss' quote:

     You have brains in your head,

     You have feet in your shoes,

     You can steer your self 

     Any direction you choose. 

     You have a built in GPS to use

     Rely on it then set your cruise.

Seeing isn't Believing, Believing is Seeing

I got a text last night from a dear friend that said I need one of your inspirational blogs. My response was, funny you say that I'm trying to post one now. I have had a heavy heart for a few days now and with that came yesterdays blog. The need of a friend to receive encouragement and the timing of my post was perfectly unplanned. We never know what struggles or battles that others are going through. Some people are grammy award winners when it comes to hiding their struggles. One can look like sunshine and daffodils on the outside when on the inside a hurricane is beating their inner shore. Things often are not what they appear to the eye. I have learned over the years of working with the public that deception is an art for some people. Whatever excuse you can come up with chances are I have heard it. Those of you that have occupations in the public field, know exactly what I am talking about. Some excuses are quite humorous while others are gut wrenching that draw us into that persons issues. How do we know if it's fact or fiction? That is a question we have all contemplated in our minds. Sometimes we have the facts in front of us or the excuse is so off-the-wall crazy that we know it is false. How do we react when we believe the words that have been said but later realize maybe they were only empty words? I've seen this occur in friendships, in the workplace, in families and I bet you have witnesses it or experienced it at some point in your life. I am one that believes in people especially in my children, my very best friends and my work team. 

Would you rather have a leader that believes in you or doubts you? Would you rather have employees that believe in you or doubt you? I am not sure where this quote originated but I have heard many times. "You are only as good as the people that work for you." I find a great deal of truth in that statement. I hope that if anyone were to ask any of my team members to list qualities about their leader that one of them would be, she believes in us. I like this quote from Judy Elf in The Santa Clause movie, "Seeing isn't believing, Believing is seeing" of course this was relating to Santa Clause. Each of us can interpret this quote differently. My thoughts are simple for I believe in valuing people. I believe in second chances. I believe in the words that are said when often they can't be expressed. I believe until that person proves themselves to be different to me which that happens. Then we revert back to yesterdays post about disappointment. Sometimes we want be believe in someone or in something (like a goal) so badly that we over focus on it. I am guilty of that being the a goal driven person I am. I had to back up, come to terms that I believed in an individual and their words more than the person that spoke them did or at least that is my perception. Although I could be wrong and that happens too.   I am such a people believer that I desire to see the good. Although someone let you down with empty words, not following through, excuses or not meeting expectations doesn't mean the next person will.  It is up to us to learn from our mistakes and also learn from the mistakes of others. Be accountable for your words and actions. Continue to believe in others. You might be surprised how believing in someone could impact their life in a positive way and yours too. As the 80's Journey song states, "Don't Stop Believin'". 

Just Believe......

I took this picture while visiting NYC in December. This was on the side of Macy's department store.

Disappointment Happens

I have not blogged for months now due lack of time with a busy schedule. I plan to make a valid effort to get back blogging more often. We all experience disappointment in this journey we call life. It can occur in many ways or forms but when it occurs to those that are near and dear to us it can leave a heart burning impact, in my opinion. I recently witnessed disappointment and experienced it myself which lead me to write on this subject. Those that know me quite well know that I am harder on myself than I am on anyone else. Sometimes when things do not work out how we anticipate they will or led to believe they will we get down on ourselves and on those that let us down. I have put a great deal of thought into disappointment lately. Knowing I let someone down would impact me tremendously. I cannot stand the thought of it actually. Then I see one of my kids being let down by an individual they admire and trust and it creates a fire ball of emotions within me. Yet, I know those feelings because I have experienced similar ones by being let down by individuals that I love, admire and trust.

As a leader I’ve experienced disappointment and seen it in the workplace. I would be safe in saying we have all experienced it but to me it's how we deal with it that is important. We can dwell on it and wallow in our own sadness or we can shake it off and keep going. Personally, I like to pout about it depending on the subject matter then move on but sometimes there is no time for pouting. Yes, it is true I am a pouter at times and I do not deny it. It may not always be easy to find something good in this type of situation but I feel that if we react in a positive way to the disappointment it can build personal strength for the next time it occurs. It will occur again. It is not a matter of if but a matter of when it will happen again because life is full of disappointments. Some can be diverted ahead of time while others are out of our control and hit us head on. I need to be a better example to others in how I handle disappointments. Leaders are looked up to, relied on and as parents we are in the same role but with a different audience. In order to give advice to my son, I pulled out of my own self hidden pouting mode and wore my consoling super-mom cape. One of my all-time favorite quotes from John Wooden is “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Regardless of the let downs we experience in life it is up to us to make the best of the results. Does that mean we like the results? No, it surely does not but we can grow from it, chalk one up as a lesson learned and move forward as a stronger, smarter person.

Don’t let disappointment hold you back from living, breathing and being the person you were made to be but don’t be a dream killer for others. Be a person of your word.