Tips to Eliminate Procrastination

It took me a while but I finally got around to writing down these ideas on how to avoid procrastination. Seriously many of us put of mind numbing or unpleasant tasks for as long as we can. These tips really can help - they are basically how productive people naturally live their lives - but the more important goal is to change on a deeper level - not just to make this external change, but to change from within so that these external tips come naturally as part of who you are... so that it is natural to take action, be productive, and successful. Procrastination will kill your dreams,so if your procrastination is holding you back from reaching the success you know you deserve then start here.

1. Eliminate distractions. Avoid mindless Web browsing, stop checking social media, lock your door, get out of your inbox and stop looking at email -- whatever it takes to focus, do it. In fact, avoid your phone altogether by leaving it in another room. This will help you focus on the task at hand.
2. Make time for breaks. Focusing on a task for a long period of time can burn you out. This makes procrastination inevitable. To avoid a burnout, schedule regular intervals of breaks. Don’t stay sitting at your desk -- take a walk, grab a snack or drink, and take a moment to recharge. I tend to work best in 60- to 90-minute intervals, with breaks in between.
3. Set goals. How are you supposed to know where you’re going without a road map? Setting goals will allow you to understand what you need to accomplish. To avoid procrastination on all fronts, write down even the smallest tasks as goals.
4. Break tasks down. Hefty tasks are certain to be avoided. Break down large goals into smaller steps to make the journey to completion more doable. For example, if you have to build a website, break down every step in the process and prioritize them. Sometimes it comes down to tricking your brain into the ease of a project.
5. Prioritize. Certain tasks will always hold more priority than others. As a rule of thumb, I always try to knock the most challenging tasks out first. Putting a challenging task at the bottom of your to-do list is certain to kick you into procrastination mode. Stay motivated and productive by tackling a challenge early.
6. Stop chasing perfection. Getting things done shouldn’t involve mastering perfection, so quit doing this! The more time you spend fine-tuning and nitpicking, the more time you’re actually procrastinating on the rest of your to-do list. Go with your gut when it comes being finished with a task.
7. Evaluate your timing. When was the last time you evaluated the time you spent on a project? Assessing your timing on a variety of tasks will help you learn the severity of procrastination habits. This will also allow you to improve. On your next project, keep track of the time it took you to complete and what, if anything, stalled you during the process.

Moving forward

I ran across this self help advice a while back and thought the advice good but the lead up to the advice is rather silly. The writer states that "Hundreds of years ago, seafaring Viking explorers had an intriguing practice. When they arrived on the shores of a new land, they would unload all of their supplies, then burn the ships."  That way, they had no option other than to move forward into the great unknown, meeting life head on." 

While a good story this is not true, Viking explorers were smart people, and they were not just explorers but they came to snatch and run. Not snatch and then twiddle their thumbs on the beach loaded down with loot they have no way of moving. These guys weren't stupid. They were vastly outnumbered in England, Scotland and Ireland when the raids started. If they’d stuck around with no method of retreat, the locals would have ganged up and killed them dead. . 

The exploration story may have been mixed up with the death rituals of Viking communities where the dead were burnt or buried in their daily clothes, and are usually buried along with his or her personal belongings. Sometimes the dead were buried lying in a boat or a wagon. Archaeologists assume that this means that a form of transportation was deemed necessary for the dead to travel to the next world. 

For the living, it is important and it can be tempting at times to spend a lot of energy creating safety, back-up plans, security measures & insurance against the unknown.

But at the end of the day, the bigger focus should be: what steps did you take to ensure success? Prepare and protect yourself, then move forward and it is easier if you have a plan.

Spending more time on planning out your success will bring more victory than planning for failure.

You have ONE short and precious life. Would you rather spend your time on the sidelines or dive into the game of a thrilling adventure? If you are retired or close to it, part of your plan should be to look back over your life's goals and see what you still want to accomplish, and then plan to move ahead on those goals. 

How can you live your daring adventure today?

People never forget how you make them feel

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou 

The following article was written by Alex Green for a newsletter I receive called Early to Rise

A marriage, a friendship, a close family relationship... All of our important relationships are built on countless moments, innumerable interactions that either build qualities of trust, joy, and respect - or undermine those qualities. 

Today I want to show you what is arguably the most important moment for building a trusting, satisfying, loving relationship. We can often think that what makes a difference in a romantic relationship, or our relationship with our kids, or other friends and relatives, are the big things; the romantic getaway for the weekend, or the great gift that we buy. 

... But there is a moment that packs more leverage, more meaning, and more potential for doing good - or harm - than almost any other: The moment when someone we care about asks for our attention. 

Changing how we respond in that moment can enliven the entire atmosphere of our relationships. To understand why, we must first look at what happens to us when we're ignored. 

One of the most severe punishments for a prisoner is solitary confinement; one of the most hurtful things kids do on a playground is to ditch another kid; one of the most frustrating and hurtful things that friends can do to each other is to give "the silent treatment." These are all experiences of social isolation; and social isolation is the strongest psychological risk factor for disease. More that stress, more than anything else. 

Of course the moments I'm talking about are not as severe as total social isolation, but they are threads of the same cloth. Research shows how even mild experiences can have a huge effect: 

Pedestrians who walked past a stranger without getting any acknowledgment from that stranger reported a substantially lower sense of connection to other people - just from that one moment. 

People riding an elevator who were completely ignored by the stranger next to them moved from feelings of happiness toward feelings of hurt. 

In a computer simulation of a game of catch, when people were not thrown the ball for just five minutes, they felt more sadness, despair and hostility, and less self-esteem, sense of belonging, sense of control, and meaning in life... in five minutes. With a stranger. Even with a stranger they were told they would not like. 

Imagine how much more intense it is for us to be ignored by somebody we know and care about. 

And yet most of us are unaware of how often we do this. 

It is so easy to get caught up in whatever it is that we're doing, and miss these moments of contact - the moments when the people we care about ask for our attention. We usually think that it will be just fine to respond a little later when we're done with our task. We do this not because we're rotten people, or because we don't care about our mate or our children or our friends, but because these moments can be easy to miss, and we don't realize the power that's contained in them. 

Sometimes when I tell my clients about this, they say something to the effect of: "But if I respond, won't I have to do what the other person is asking? What if I'm busy? What if I don't want to do what they're asking? Do I have to always drop everything whenever someone wants my attention?" 

Let me clarify something that will make doing this much easier, and much more attractive. When somebody - our mate, our child, a friend - asks for our attention, all we have to do to make a better relationship is within that moment when we turn toward them and acknowledge their request. We don't have to do what they're asking us to do. Sure, it's nice if we can, and we want to follow through and be more involved as often as possible; but that's not the most important thing. What's most important is the initial immediate response. 

Say for example your wife asks if you could help her to do a chore, but you have work to finish, and you can't reasonably take the time right now to help her. 

Just physically turn toward her, and say something like, "I'd like to help, but I have to finish what I'm doing. I'll be done in about an hour, and I'd be happy to help you then." Or, "I'm sorry honey; I've got my hands full, and I really can't help you now." 

Or what if your son wants to tell you about an idea he has, but you're really busy? Turn toward him and take a moment to say something like, "I really want to hear about your idea, but I have some things I need to take care of right now that I can't put off, could you tell me about it when I'm finished?" 

Now, they may be disappointed, but they won't feel ignored. 

The moment that matters most is the initial response, when we physically turn toward the other person and respond to their request for our attention. In that moment we are communicating volumes. We're saying that we care about them, that we hear them, we see them, and that they matter to us. 

On the other hand, when we don't respond, we're saying something more like, "I don't see you, I don't hear you, I don't care about you, and you don't matter to me." All in a moment. 

One of the most important and gratifying experiences that we give one another in a relationship is visibility. The experience of being seen is a deep human need, and our closest relationships are where we meet that need. The more we share these moments, the more resilient our relationships become. 

When we have the kind of base that is built by countless friendly, kind, and playful interactions, then when the inevitable hard conflicts or misunderstandings come, they are much less daunting - because they are exceptions to the overall spirit that we've created over time. These smaller habits are also what build the foundation that can make the bigger positive events much more fun and satisfying. 

There is more to building a great relationship of course. But establishing this simple habit of immediately responding to a request for attention can act as a powerful positive catalyst. It binds with and enhances every other positive thing we do; it can significantly improve your relationships... 

Watch Out for These Boundary Bombs

The following was posted by Barb Wade in Sept but I thought it was interesting and I am sharing it with you.

Barb Wade specializes in teaching entrepreneurs how to make more money more easily while enjoying a business and lifestyle that reflects their priorities

They say, “good fences make good neighbors.” And good boundaries cultivate good relationships.

But sometimes even the most evolved, grounded, and conscious of us can have difficulty holding our healthy boundaries. It is so easy to get caught up in other people’s dramas, problems, and skirmishes, and “blow apart” your own very necessary personal and professional borderlines.

Having healthy boundaries is part of The Wealthy Life. It is only in knowing what matters to you, and keeping those priorities straight and protected, that your life can be balanced and joyful.

That’s why I wanted to jot down a few “Boundary Bombs” that can be the triggers that can cause you to cross the line and not honor your priorities and guidelines.  

What Are My Boundaries? It’s impossible to hold boundaries you don’t have or are confused about. Most people are not completely without boundaries, it’s just that we get a little fuzzy about them. It’s important to get clear on what is healthy for you and what your “willing to do” and “not willing to do” in your business and your life. Otherwise, you can let others easily encroach on your boundaries and then get resentful (without even knowing why!).

Your Emergency Is Not My Emergency! Let’s face it; most “emergencies” are not. Life and death health problems, a car crash, a hurricane, your stove explodes – those are real emergencies. Everything else are challenges, many of which are not time critical. Almost all of the “urgent” emails you get are really someone else’s “emergency.” This can be a hard boundary to hold because most people present their problems as if their hair is on fire.

Stop Judging Me!
Sometimes we are afraid of being judged by others when we hold our boundaries. Like when someone calls with an “emergency” (see above) and even though you have your own plans or things to deal with, you drop everything to help them because you’re scared of them thinking that you’re not a good friend or that you’re not there for them.

You Like Me, You Really Like Me! Everyone wants to be liked and seen as a loving, helpful, and reliable. And it’s easy to fall prey to that kind of praise. No one wants to be seen as selfish and uncaring. The real problem comes down to self-respect. You set the tone for how others will treat you and think of you. First and foremost, you need to make sure you are not abandoning what’s important to you in order to “look good.” People will follow your lead and your example encourages them to hold their own self-care boundaries. Otherwise, it’s like you’re mom always said, they won’t respect you in the morning.

Yes Is the New No Every time you say “yes” to something - a request, a commitment - you are essentially saying “no” to something else. This is called the “opportunity cost.” We are told by popular media that we can “have it all” and “do everything we want to do.” But those of us who live in the real world know that time is finite and you just can’t do everything. That doesn’t mean that you should automatically turn everything down. Just be conscious of what saying “yes” means and don’t let it compromise other commitments (even just to yourself).

Obviously I’m not advocating using your boundaries as a weapon in order to snub people and keep them away. But not being able to set and hold reasonable limits can actually allow your business and personal relationships to collapse into codependence and decay. 

So get clear on the parameters that support your life and well-being and encourage others to honor their own needs as well. That will go a long way in forming long lasting and fruitful partnerships.      

---

Business Coach & Mentor Barb Wade specializes in teaching entrepreneurs how to make more money more easily while enjoying a business and lifestyle that reflects their priorities. Download Barb's "Word-for-Word Scripts To Overcome Objections" and book more high-paying clients now at www.BarbWade.com

Life and love

Nobel laureate John Steinbeck was a prolific and eloquent letter-writer, as the magnificent Steinbeck: A Life in Letters reveals. Among his correspondence is this beautiful response to his eldest son Thom’s 1958 letter, in which the teenage boy confesses to have fallen desperately in love with a girl named Susan while at boarding school. Steinbeck’s words of wisdom — tender, optimistic, timeless, and infinitely sagacious — should be etched onto the heart and mind of every living, breathing human being.

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First — if you are in love — that’s a good thing — that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second — There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you — of kindness and consideration and respect — not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply — of course it isn’t puppy love.

But I don’t think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it — and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone — there is no possible harm in saying so — only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another — but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I’m glad you have it.

We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.

And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

Love,

Fa

Do you follow the rules?

Herb Cohen wrote a good book called, "You Can Negotiate Anything."

In the book he mentions how people are trained to "follow the rules" without question.

The example he gives is a hotel check out time. Based on his research, he found out that 95% of people actually check out when the sign says they are supposed to check out.

When asked WHY they do it, the responses were generally something like, "Because that's what the sign said."

We've been trained to accept the boundaries set for us by just about ANYONE who stands up and pretends to be an authority figure. Every "rule" I've ever followed in my life was simply a form of a "negotiation" created by some figure or organization with perceived authority. I wasn't even showing up to the negotiating table!

All I want to make clear is that you have a CHOICE  about what you do. Never forget that you have a choice. Even when it looks like you don't.

Take a look at your life. Do you like where you are right now?

Whether you do or don't, the reason you're in that spot is because of the decisions and choices you've made.It's that simple. Make different decisions and you will end up in different places, and you can make different decisions, when you realize that rules can be negotiated if you want them to be.

Being happy in holiday times

During the holiday season, many feel depressed, so  here's what you can do to help you feel better now and at any time of the year

Do little acts of kindness for example: make a donation to the needy, helping someone, elderly on the road. This not only reveals the joy of sharing but also helps you appreciate what you have. You could also visit someone sick in the hospital.

Treat other people with as much love and respect as you would like them to respect you, and you will soon feel the warmth of reciprocation. Be courteous to people whether it is in the shopping malls or in the buses.

It is always a good idea to let out your thoughts and ideas and this also helps in discovering your own way of self-expression, the thoughts and ideas can be in a form of poetry, talking to friends or keeping a diary.

Learn to let go of painful experiences, easier said then don, but to start you can  treat  every experience as a lesson to be learned, therefore learn it but don't dwell on the hurt, remember people fall and rise again and there always will be someone who has gone through worse.

Forgive yourself of past mistakes because mistakes are a part of life and we are all human.

Post positive messages where you can see them every day, read them aloud each time you see them so you begin to feel they are true. These messages could be posted on your dressing mirror, you workstation in the office, your refrigerator, the messages should remind you how awesome you are.

Rediscover your passion by taking some time to reflect and to dream- Deep down in your heart, what do you to do? Write down your goals and figure out what you can do to get there.

Embrace the real you--Do not be afraid to show your true self.

Trust your instincts- many times your inner voice won't lead you astray. Do what you feel is right for you rather than doing what others think you should do.

Appreciate your achievements- You only need to think hard and you discover you have achievements you have never appreciated, celebrate that you managed to finish school, got a good job, look a mortgage to buy a house, brought up children right despite the challenges.

Do things you enjoy- Take time for yourself and simply indulge, feed your inner child.

Listen to some feel- good music- If you're having a bad day put on some music. Good music touches the very core of your being.

Visualize- This means using your imagination consciously to visualize something that you want in your life. The difference between imagination and visualize is that in visualization you feel it in your heart, that what you picture in your mind is actually possible. Then you take action.

After all is said and done- You can think yourself happy or you can think yourself miserable, it is entirely up to you and during the holiday season, I think it is better to think of yourself as happy, don't you?

Some Canadian Holiday Trivia

In an InCanada study conducted a few months ago, Canadians were asked about watching movies, specifically holiday programming. 

• 60% of respondents like to watch the same movies each Christmas, and 40% like to watch the same Christmas music specials each year.
• On the other hand, 61% of respondents also prefer to watch new Christmas programming, and 59% prefer to watch new Christmas specials each year.

Television is still the source of Christmas entertainment. Source: InCanada Panel Movies Survey, June 2013

WHAT'S YOUR HOLIDAY TYPE?

• In a recent "made-for-fun" InCanada survey, Canadians were asked to answer several questions about how you feel about the holidays. Based on responses, participants were placed in 3 groups

38% are Shopping Santas

• Shopping Santas enjoy the holidays as a time of fun and family, Santa and shopping, fireplaces and wine. It's a decidedly commercial season though, and holy it is not. 54% of the British, 42% of Canadians and 24% of Americans embrace the season this way and make the economy very happy.

38% are Holy Holidays

• The people of Holy Holiday segment love this season. For them, it is a holy time of joy, filled with family, fun, hearth and home. If this is you, look around and know that 59% of Americans, 31% of Canadians and 25% of the British think this season is about much more than presents under the tree.

24% are Humbugs

• Humbugs endure rather than enjoy the holiday season. It's an obligation they dread because for them, it's a commercial frenzy that's about shopping malls and whining. No wonder they are more likely to call this season a punishment. If you feel this way, you can take solace that 26% of Canadians, 21% of the British and 15% of Americans are also wishing they could fast forward to the New Year.

Source: InCanada Panel Holiday Survey, November 2013

Don't give away your power

Please help spread the word. Here are the top 10 ways people give away their power:

1. Asking others what they should do.
2. Thinking God decides who gets what.
3. Worrying about how their dream will come true.
4. Thinking they have dues to pay.
5. Attaching to unimportant details and outcomes.
6. Believing in soul mates.
7. Thinking karma or spiritual contracts are absolute.
8. Fear of anything, especially falling in love.
9. Waiting for their ducks to line up before acting.
10. Choosing to be unhappy.

Understand the truth, and you will soar.

Tequila Chanukah Cake

Thanks to my cousin Lorraine for sharing her Tequila Chanuka Cake

Once again this year, I’ve had requests for my Tequila Chanukah Cake recipe so here goes. Please keep in your files as I am beginning to get tired of typing this up every year! (Made mine this morning!!!!) 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 cup water, 1 tsp. salt , 1 cup brown sugar, Lemon juice, 4 large eggs, Nuts, 1 bottle tequila, 2 cups dried fruit.

Sample a cup of tequila to check quality!
Take a large bowl, check the tequila again to be sure it is of the highest quality then Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point, it is best to make sure the tequila is still OK. 

Try another cup just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Pick the fruit up off the floor, wash it and put it in the bowl a piece at a time trying to count it. 

Mix on the turner. If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a Srewscriver Sample the tequila to test for tonsisticity. Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something. Check the tequila. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. 

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the tequila and wipe the counter with the cat..... :)

13 more quotes to stimulate thought in Children

These quotes could be given at the beginning of each week and a theme could be developed around the ideas expressed in the quote to help children connect to the curriculum and to each other

I am being creative when I dance, draw, paint or write a poem or story.

I say, "No!" to things that could hurt my body like tobacco and alcohol.

When I do what I say I will do, I am being responsible.

I am grateful for what I have, so I share with others.

I try to learn something new each day.

When things do not go my way, I stop and think of what I can do to make them better.

I do not make fun of other children because I don't know what their life is like.

I feel successful when I do my best.

Everyone has good and bad feelings.

I take care of myself by eating healthy food, exercising and getting enough rest.

I am being punctual when I am on time and do not keep people waiting.

When I cooperate with others, I get more done.

I follow the rules and try to make my school a better place.

I like to get to know children who are different from me.

Since I tell the truth, my friends trust me.

I look for what is good in others and I say what I like about them.

I buy only what I need and I save my money.

When I use my time wisely, there is usually enough time to do what I want to do.

I think before I act; how I act affects how others treat me.

Using manners helps me keep my friends.

I have courage to stand up for children who are teased.

Before I do something, I ask myself, "Is it safe?"

I am me -- I do not try to be like someone else.

I care about living things on earth so I recycle and do not litter.

When I write down what I think and feel, I learn about myself.

I plan ahead and think about what I want to do when I grow up.

Exploring the traits of introversion

I tend to think of myselfe as an introvert, so I was delighted to find this site, the Introvert Retreat which is here, the information below is from the site, enjoy!

Introversion is a personality trait (defined by C. G. Jung) where we prefer to relate to the world by first taking it “inward.” Our energy comes from within. Extraverts, on the other hand, are energized by direct interaction with the world, such as socializing. We all possess introversion and extraversion to some degree, but, according to Jung, we inherently prefer one over the other. Introverts share some of the following traits:

• Intensity
• High concentration skills
• Territoriality
• Reserve
• A rich innner life
• A tendency to pause to consider before speaking or acting.

Since we all possess both introversion and extraversion to some degree, we can choose to be outspoken and social when we need to. We can even enjoy social activity. We simply need more solitude breaks to recharge our “social batteries.”

In the same vein, we can learn that it’s ok to pause to think, or to ask for the solitude that we need. 

34 Ways That You Can Be Remarkable!

The following was posted two years ago but I think it is a wonderful article that has some great ideas on how to approach life at any age
August 30, 2011 | Posted by Joel in Success Advice

Today we feature 34 ways that you can be remarkable. This here is a great little guide to remind us that we are all unique in our own little way and that it is so important in life to remember how boring it is to slip into mediocrity. We all do it from time to time and find ourselves all living a little less or giving a little less.

This Article here is a wake up call to us all and may have all the answers to why you may be living a mediocre life. Enjoy!

The #1 Guide On Being A Remarkable Human Being

• Live Your Own Life
There is nothing remarkable about someone who is constantly trying to be like other people. Be yourself and be the best you that you can possibly be.
• Be Authentic
Mean the things you say and do. Authenticity is not very common these days but when it is there, it shines through your words and actions and is very powerful for creating bonds with others.
• Come Up With Your Own Sayings
Come up with your own quirky and original sayings. People will take notice and it may even catch on. By coming up with your own original sayings you stand out from everyone else who just uses clichés.
• Leave Others Better Than You Found Them
Make it a habit to leave people in a better state then you found them. Happier, healthier, stronger, wealthier. This is a major way of being remarkable.
• Help People Without Wanting Anything In Return
Volunteer to help other people out. Give some of your time, money or resources to help a fellow human being and expect absolutely nothing in return.
• Don’t Try To Be Perfect
Be creative and abstract instead of trying to live up to other people’s expectation of perfect. You can achieve great and beautiful things without them living up to the general consensus of perfect.
• Face Your Fears
People who avoid things because they are scared will never be remarkable. Face your fears and conquer them. Do you think Lance Armstrong would have been remarkable if he had given up cycling after he had cancer?
• Take The Plunge
Be that person who does what others won’t do. If others are too scared to attempt something that you are not scared to do, just go out and do it with all your passion and energy.
• Question The Norm
Just because something is done by millions of people around the world in a certain way does not mean it is the right or the only way to do something. Question the norm and don’t be afraid to do something differently.
• Expose Yourself
Get up on stage or in front of people. Risk putting your ideas and creativity out in public, available for criticism and humiliation. What if Jay Z would have been to scared to perform in public and kept all his talent and art to himself in his basement?
• Start Your Own Tribe
Be a leader instead of a follower. Build up a community or tribe of like minded people who will follow you and use your power to make a difference for the better in this world.
• Say NO To Things
If something goes against your principles or you don’t really want it, say NO. You might risk offending some people, but most will respect you for having strong boundaries and sticking to them.
• You Are Enough
Have the mindset that you have all the assets to be remarkable. You have talent and you have a gift. Share it with the world.
• Be Optimistic
Optimism and smiles are contagious. Make the world a happy and positive place.
• Be confident
Know what you want and be confident that you are going to get it. I think that all remarkable people share the trait of confidence.
• Be Humble
Arrogance and vanity are not traits to associate with people you respect and think highly of. No matter how good, famous or wealthy you are, stay humble with both feet on the ground.
• Create something that brings joy to other peoples lives
Art, a painting, a video clip, a film, a song, a poem, a book and so on and so forth. Be artistic and express your talent in a form that it can be shared with everyone without the expectation of getting rich from it. It’s your gift to the world.
• Invent something that everyone needs
The disposable razor or a cigarette lighter for example. There could be one little thing that seems so simple yet will make the lives of millions of people so much easier.
• Take something that works and make it better
The Japanese are pretty good at this. They took a normal train and change it into the fastest train in the world (bullet train). Take a normal and existing concept and make an exceptional change to it.
• Start a movement
People look for a leader, someone who takes charge and takes initiative. Someone who has good intentions and wants to make a big change for the better. Be that leader and start a movement to change something that is not right in this world.
• Fight for peace and freedom
All around the world there is so much unnecessary war and suffering. It seems impossible for one person to make a difference, but if everyone thinks like that, things will never change. Stop a war or change violent policies of a country and you will be remarkable.
• Preserve our planet
Rainforests are being destroyed, species wiped out, oceans overfished and beautiful ecosystems perish. Make a difference and start a movement to do something about the destruction of our planet.
• Help the hungry
There are so many people dying of hunger all around the world every single day. Do something to make a lasting difference. One idea I had was to get every person travelling on a plane to forfeit their meal for the hungry. A combined effort by all passengers would result in thousands of meals a day that could be given to hungry people all across the world.
• Push the limits (break a record)
If you can do something that nobody else has been able to achieve, then you will not only get noticed but you will certainly be remarkable. You may just be the psychological inspiration for many others to get past the level that was always thought of as unbreakable.
• Revolutionize an industry
Waltz into an industry or niche with a great idea or new perspective and put that idea in motion. If you can improve or revolutionize the way an entire industry does something then you are pretty remarkable.
• Tell Compelling Stories
Stories are an amazing way to share knowledge and experiences with others. If you know how to create compelling and fun stories, you can make a big impact on the lives of others. That’s remarkable.
• Think Better
Be a step ahead of everyone else. Think faster, better or more efficiently.
• Read More Interesting Things
The more you read, the more you shape your personality. The more interesting things that you read, the more likely you are to become an interesting (and remarkable) person.
• Don’t Be Boring
One requirement of being remarkable is that you are not boring. Be original, fun and get things done.
• Stop Making Excuses
Either do something or don’t do it at all. Don’t be someone who always has excuses to stall doing something or justify why you didn’t do something.
• Never Settle For Average
Never be content with average or mediocrity. When other people give up and settle, carry on going and be better than them.
• Do What You Say
If people can rely on you and they know that when you say something that you will do it, you are well on your way to being remarkable. If you make a promise, keep it.
• Don’t Aim To Be Remarkable
As contradictory as it sounds, most remarkable people never set out to be remarkable. They did what they loved and were really passionate and that is what got them to being remarkable.
• Gimmicks Fade
What’s fashionable soon becomes unfashionable. While you might be remarkable for a time, if you don’t reinvest and reinvent, you won’t be for long. Instead of resting on your laurels, you must commit to being remarkable again quite soon.

This is what Seth Godin wrote about being remarkable:
• “Remarkability lies in the edges. The biggest, fastest, slowest, richest, easiest, most difficult. It doesn’t always matter which edge, more that you’re at (or beyond) the edge.
• Not everyone appreciates your efforts to be remarkable. In fact, most people don’t. So what? Most people are ostriches, heads in the sand, unable to help you anyway. Your goal isn’t to please everyone. Your goal is to please those that actually speak up, spread the word, buy new things or hire the talented.

There is a difference between being remarkable and between being noticed. For instance, running down the street naked will get you noticed but it certainly doesn’t make you remarkable. However, if you were to run naked down the street of big cities all across the world to raise money for the homeless, then you may have a very good chance at being remarkable.
I highly recommend Seth Godin’s Linchpin: Are You Indispensable for a much better perspective on how to be remarkable.

Your life...

As we move into the Seventh month of 2013, here is something to think about:

Your life isn't behind you; your memories are behind you.

Your life is ALWAYS ahead of you.

Today is a new day - seize it!

How Many Other Things Are We Missing?

A true story worth sharing. 

"A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?"

source: http://www.merttol.com/music/how-many-other-things-are-we-missing.html

Analysis: True. http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/music/a/violinist_metro.htm

Watch The Video: Joshua Bell "Stop and Hear the Music" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myq8upzJDJc

Original source/Washington Post article written by Gene Weingarten http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html

Choices

I was thinking about changes as I wrestled with a problem a while back and realized that I had to make a decision between two types of change offered to me. The first was an incremental change that would cause a small shift in process and procedures, but would not cause any radical shift to occur. The change although small would however, take the group I was making the decision for in a different direction but this would be done over time. Slow change is comfortable, easy to get used to and not a shock to the mind or body and easy to handle especially in these unsettled times. The other change was a more dramatic shift, dealing with unknowns and would cause the group to change more quickly. This type of change is unsettling, can be dramatic and is unsettling. 

Change isn't easy; we inherently dislike change as we typically fear the unknown. So, that tends to make change difficult. When we do make a hard won change, it’s something we can be proud of. Here’s a few suggestions as to how to face any changes you want to make in your life:

• Remember that you are in control of your changes. Even if change is forced on you by external circumstances (like the loss of your job) you are still in control of your own actions. 
• Understand that change can be very rewarding, so look at it as an opportunity.
• Envision the successful outcome of your change. When you have a clear picture of where you want to be, it will help you figure out how to get there.
• Implement your change in smaller, manageable “bite-size” pieces. This will keep you from getting discouraged, and will help you gain confidence that you are progressing towards your goal.
• Take a holistic approach as opposed on taking on one aspect of your life at a time.
• Clean and order your living and work areas. One of the most stressful and disruptive things you can deal with is a messy and chaotic home or office.
• Do mundane tasks first. Need to take out the trash, or do some laundry? Do those things as quickly as you can. 
• Schedule a daily routine and stick to it. 
• Eat well. 
• Exercise. Exercise, as part of your daily routine, can really help take your mind off things. 
• Make sure you’re sleeping well. When dealing with change you’re body and mind will need time rest.
• Maintain your sense of humour and use laughter. Talking about things and taking time to have a little fun can make a world of difference. 
• Ask for help when (not if) you need it. 
• Think positively. A positive way of thinking can make a really big difference.

The decision to change is not easy and in the situation I was I spend a great deal of time weighing pros and cons, examining possible consequences, and went through some not sleepless but restless nights. I finally made the same decision I would have made in my youth, and who knows where the path will lead.  I am comfortable in the decision and comfortable with the change that will happen. Success is making wise decisions and part of doing that is relying on good information, time and I still think going with your first instincts.  Change is never easy, but it can be rewarding.

Sources use in this post: http://www.to-done.com/2005/09/how-to-deal-with-change/ and http://solutionsathand.wordpress.com/blogs/2005-04-19/

Robotic Arm Offers Better Precision for Knee Surgery

Since I will be getting my knee replaced soon, the following article was of interest, it may also be for those of you who, like me need to have body parts like hips and knees replaced.

A team of biomedical engineers have developed a robotic arm that provides a faster and more efficient way to repair arthritic knees, leading to less pain and faster recovery. The robotic arm is part of a precise resurfacing system, which is used before a partial or entire knee is replaced. To do this, a three-dimensional image of the knee is generated, providing a live-action view of the knee, which surgeons use to determine how much bone to remove from the tibia and femur and where to place the implants.

 A stereo camera system constantly updates surgeons on the location of the diseased portion of the knee to help them keep the healthy parts untouched. If the surgeon gets too close to the "no-go zone," audio and visual alarms sound. Also, the robotic arm gives artificial resistance on the edge of these zones so the surgeons feel like they have hit a wall. After the resurfacing is done, the implant is performed. A few days after the surgery, many patients walk naturally and are back to work, according to the researchers. The average hospital stay after conventional knee surgery is usually three to five days, with a full recovery within six weeks.

The biomedical research group developed the robotic arm for MAKO Surgical Corp. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and surgeons have conducted the surgery on close to 4,000 patients. The company expanded the technology outside the United States this summer for the first time, with clinical trials conducted in Scotland.



Sources: www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2009/0107-fixing_damaged_knees.htm 
www.orthosupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=65447

www.rttnews.com/Content/TopStories.aspx?Node=B1&Id=1449321  

Defining Collective Intelligence

What does it mean to say that a group is "intelligent"? According to new study co-authored by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University and Union College, group intelligence may not be quantified as the sum or average of the cognitive abilities of its members. Anita Woolley, assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, set out to find the answer, which resulted in a study recently published in the journal Science.

 

For the study, she created teams of two to five people drawn from about 700 volunteers. The goal of the teams was to solve various kinds of problems, some of which had definitive answers and others that relied on innovative solutions via brainstorming. By studying small teams of randomly assembled individuals, researchers discovered that groups featuring the right kind of internal dynamics perform well on a wide range of assignments, regardless of the sum or average individual cognitive abilities of the group's members.  For example, there were two sessions in which Woolley's students had to decide whether the star basketball player should be kept on the team after the school found out that he cheated on an exam.

When the conversation was fairly evenly distributed among all the participants, the groups were more collectively intelligent, coming up with the right answers and creative problem solving.   Further, a group's intelligence, or its ability to complete a series of demanding multi-functional tasks, is positively linked to higher levels of "social sensitivity," a more equal distribution of member participation levels, and to the number of women in a group. On the other hand, in the sessions where one person dominated the conversation, the groups tended not to be as creative or balanced and thoughtful in coming up with solutions. In short, to do well, the group as a whole had to consider multiple perspectives.

Social scientists had long contended that a measurable level of intelligence in each individual person is a predictive measure of an individual's ability to fare well on diverse cognitive tasks.
"Evidence for a Collective Intelligence Factor in the Performance of Human Groups" has been accepted for publication in the scientific journal Science and was pre-published online in the Sept. 30 Science Express.

Travelling into a new paradigm

Travel is an eye opener for many of us, however many of us still can travel without raising our awareness of self or of our life. To help you as you begin retirement and begin your journey, consider the value of some of the following topic-areas in your life that may contain important themes and other content for exploration.

• the family and social histories you were born into

• the influence of historical events in shaping family and personal decisions

• childhood heroines—heroes too

• what you did that fascinated you on your vacations

• the childhood dinner table as a microcosm of family life

• old regrets and losses

• the roles you were taught to play or needed to play vs the ones you gravitated to naturally

• the uses of other family members’ stories as a means of influencing your behaviour.

Where in the world do you need to go?

Travel is a learning experience and for some travelling can challenge the paradigms we use to manage our  life and our loves.

Some places may represent psychological, spiritual or aesthetic states of being as much as physical locations. Such places can offer us a certain “energy” to discover and sit with essential questions

Travel allows compelling ideas to first come to us as metaphors or abstractions. 

Spirit places can take all shapes and forms. Listen for places that are beckoning to you…put your ear close to them.

When we see something that we cannot explain and when our assumptions are turned upside down, we know our culture is probably playing tricks with our ability to see accurately

When you are travelling the trick is to pay attention to what you’re paying attention to. But more importantly  pay attention to what habits prevent you from seeing with fresh eyes.


When we are on our journey on some days our senses can’t take it all in! So much happens in a day…if we could just slow it all down! 

And yet we often stop looking when we get home-- the landscape’s too familiar…or appears that way


Keeping notes or a journal helps anchor us when we travel. By Asking provocative questions, drawing, lists, shaped writing, dialogues with  persons and places we use techniques for seeing the several sides of our experiences. The gifts of travelling expands when we reflect.


When you travel try to cover the events of  the day in 10 minutes so at least you have the basics down. Then focus on the intriguing bits that are signalling you. When you’re home, try bringing the same attention you give to a travel day to being at home. How does that change your experience of the day?

Travel introduces us to people’s stories. Many, by their own account, reflect lives stifled by class, location and history. What can we learn from our own reaction to other’s stories about our values and possible future actions?


Travel reminds us that time is elastic--people have different attitudes towards time and what to do with it. If you lived in a different “time” culture, what might emerge for you?


Travel lets us try on new identities. What rules are you living by that may be keeping you tied to an outdated identity? If you could try out a different life for a while, what might it look like? 


You may know where to start but chances are the road will turn and you will have to trust in the turning and to trust in the new paradigms you have or will create for yourself