Sticking to a plan, seeing things to closure, being consistent are usually thought of as characteristics of strength. We may perceive others that change their mind, or even ourselves, as wishy washy, weak and inconsistent - as if it’s a character flaw.
Sticking to a plan, if it’s the wrong plan, is worthless. Changing our mind is an act of confidence as we gain new insight and perspective. It’s empowering to know we always have a choice. It’s even more powerful when we clearly communicate the reasons behind why we are changing our mind. Let us be free to change our minds as we gain more wisdom today. The science of body language is complex.
The best and latest research says to project confidence when talking to someone, physically turn towards the other person so your heart is facing towards theirs. To show competence, turn your feet toward them, so it doesn’t look like you are trying to leave. To connect with someone emotionally, put your phone away and out of sight. Let us use unspoken words to engage everyone we communicate with today. What is the one small thing we can do to make the biggest impression? Do what we say we are going to do, always!
We can spend time on formal education and learning. We can spend money on cars, experiences and clothes. We can keep ourselves fit and attractive. Nothing matters if we fail to deliver on our commitments. We can make a lasting impression by doing more than we said we would do. This is a major distinction because, so few do. Let great opportunities come our way because others know we will do what we say plus more today. If we don’t invest in ourselves, becoming irrelevant is inevitable. Just because we were relevant yesterday doesn’t mean we’ll stay there. Our past doesn’t guarantee future success.
The gap between how willing we are to learn and change vs. how quickly everything changes around us is how irrelevant we are. Being relevant gives us greater opportunities to make an impact on those around us because our ideas carry value. It enhances our ability to communicate about what we value and the causes we are passionate about. Let us be relevant in the future by learning and growing today. Giving to others anonymously is the highest form of giving. It is extraordinary generosity.
It has the greatest effect on the receiver because they are left in suspense feeling like anyone could be someone that might have been the giver. The receiver will see everyone around them in a more positive light. Our giving is expanded from one to many. For us, what we give is our gift. Let it be that without any recognition. Let us squelch our ego with altruism and give anonymously today. The word “because” is the most powerful word in a persuasive context. The word “because” links cause and effect. We are more successful when we know the why and explain the reason. The reason for our why increases the motivation to be persuaded.
Which would we be more persuaded to say yes: “Can I cut in front of you in this long line?” or “Can I cut in front of you in this long line because I have an important interview in 10 minutes and I’m late?” What we say after “because” defines our ability to be persuasive. Let us be persuasive because of the right reasons today. When someone asks, “Where do you live?” we usually say a city. That’s not actually where we live however. We live in an earthly shell of a body. If we don’t take care of it, where else will we live? What else really matters?
If our shell can’t provide support or a comfortable place for us to live, we can’t do anything. Everything is so much easier when we feel great. It is ridiculous to put other things before our health. Let us take care of ourselves so we can reach our potential today. What is the one thing we could do to make the world a better place? It doesn’t cost a thing. It doesn’t take a special skill. It doesn’t even take much time. It just takes a nudge, a reminder and an unwillingness to not let the busyness of the day get in the way.
That one thing is kindness. How we treat others has a ripple effect. It sets in motion a wave of kindness that multiplies with every act of kindness. Let us be reminded that kindness is a sacred thing in our world that can uplift humanity today. It’s estimated that over 90% of our thoughts are useless.
Thoughts like, what will happen if I can’t get “xyz” done? What if I get sick? What does “xyz” think about me? I hope I don’t mess this project up. Thoughts should work for us, not against us. Only we can decide what to or what not to think about. Why not think about how to solve an important problem? Or, understanding the knowledge we have or are learning and put it to good use, like how to improve our lives, careers, relationships, the world. Let us stop thinking about useless thoughts and put our minds to good use today. Great achievement is easy when we maximize just one or two of our strengths. A strength is anything that produces “near perfect” performance consistently and almost effortlessly in a given activity.
When we know what our strengths are and work to develop them, life gets easy. When we align our daily routine with our strengths, life gets even easier. Doesn’t that sound easy? Focusing on our strengths is about seeking opportunities instead of problems. And, managing our energy so we don’t need to invest as much time and effort. Let us do more of and improve what we already do best today. |
TransformationsTransformation Archives
April 2023
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