Be Great Today!

Your world that you see around you is nothing more than a reflection of how you view the world.  If you see the good in people, places, things, and outcomes, then you will feel that way in return.  If you listen, see, and focus on the bad, then you in turn will feel, not so good.

I consciously choose to pay minimal attention to local, national, and international news, both print and on TV.  Don’t get me wrong, I pay enough attention to not have my head totally buried in the sand.  I am aware with what is happening nationally and internationally, but I choose to not focus on the negative.  Why?  Because if I did, then my world would be a pretty dismal place.

Instead, my world is wonderfully colorful, happy, and fun!  My lense is focused on the good in myself, the good in those around me, and the positive in the news.  As a result of my focus, guess what, I’m basically happy each and every day.  When I let the negatives creep into my field of vision, that is when I get into trouble.  I just choose to refocus my lense on what is good, clean, clear and within my control.  If I have no control over something, then I just let it sit outside my field of focus.  If something is important enough, then I do something about it as opposed to just complaining or letting something bother me.

So what do you see…?

 Have a Great and Clear Day!

Last year my then 8 year old daughter, Anne Marie, decided that she wanted to take guitar lessons.  Being an involved Dad and wanting to have as many bonding moments as possible with my girls, I also decided to take guitar lessons.  Same teacher, different day though.

Well, let’s just say that wanting/being interested in doing something doesn’t always translate into reality.  You see, I grew up playing basketball.  The closet I came to music was cranking up the radio or jamming on my iPod while working out.

After 3 months of guitar lessons, Anne Marie had completed her introductory book and passed me with the next level book.  Passing me was quite an easy task.  I never made it past the second song.

It was at that moment I realized that I could find other ways and other things to have commonality with Anne Marie, like video games and bike rides (I can do both of those). 

The realization set in… I wasn’t that strong or skilled in music.  I wasn’t playing to my strengths.

What we humans need to do is learn to focus on our strengths and our natural interests.  I believe that our days go the smoothest when we are focused on what we are best at and what we enjoy most.  If an activity is too easy, you won’t be motivated or inspired.  If you’re working at an activity that you’re not good at, that is when anxiety and stress will creep in.

Find what you love.  Then stick to it over the long haul.  That is when life will really open up for you.  Do what you love, and over time you will keep getting better.  You will most likely find yourself working harder than ever, but you won’t care because you will be doing what you love!

Find out what you are strongest at and what makes you happy.  When you do, the pursuit of your chosen field will create more daily joy in your life!

Anne Marie is still rocking out on the guitar and she is quite good!  I will concentrate on enjoying listening to her, instead of participating.

Rock On!

The other day I was waiting in line at Starbucks, and the gentleman in front of me ordered a Venti (large) Latte.

While I was waiting for my drink, the man in front of me received his Grande (medium) Latte, from the Barista (guy that makes the drinks).  This customer stares at his drink for what seemed like 30 seconds, then he looks up and stares at the Barista.  Then he stares back at his drink for a prolonged period of time.

Finally, the guy, with a not too happy look on his face, turns and leaves.  Why didn’t he tell the Barista that the incorrect drink was prepared?  This guy was clearly upset by receiving the wrong drink.

All this guy had to do was speak up!  “Excuse me sir, you made the incorrect size drink for me, I ordered and paid for a Venti.”  That was all this unsatisfied customer had to do to become a satisfied customer.  Starbucks works hard to please their customers, but they’re not mind readers.

Now, this guy went off into his day, dissatisfied.  How many times have we been dissatisfied by what someone has done to us, or said to us, or not done or said to us?

Save yourself some heartache and irritation, and speak up!  The sooner you incorporate the ability to speak up into your communication tool bag, the sooner you will be able to eliminate unnecessary irritations and frustrations!

Have a great Day!