My wife and I really enjoy a suspenseful drama, on TV or at the movies. But drama in real life, on a regular basis, not so much fun. I much prefer a stable, predictable daily life without all the created drama.
Think about it. What makes a drama "Dramatic?" Crises! These crises (and the actors struggles to overcome them) are diverting and exciting when they are happening to fictional characters on screen, but not so desirable when they involve us personally or effect our lives.
Washington politicians are masters of drama that, for the most part, are exhusting, frustrating, and sometimes very scary. These crises suck the joy right out of our daily lives. Most of our current crises are absolutely man made, invented, crises that are intended to provide gain for those creating them and divert those opposed to them into spending time and effort overcoming the drama.
We see the same issues at the state and local levels also. Maybe it is the politicians that we need to get rid of so we can enjoy a drama free life. Think about any single situation gaining news headlines today other than a car accident or shooting, fire, etc, and I submit that a politician has created the drama to drive one of their personal goals forward.
Maybe we all need to revert back to the time of those earlier TV shows, like Andy Griffith, Carol Burnett, I Love Lucy, and Newhart where even the crises aren't too likely to raise our bloodpressure too high. I'd much rather fall off my chair from laughing too much than from sitting on the edge of the seat and dodging bullets.
If we the people could just get term limits passed on the politicians, so that they never have enough time to gain power and build those crazy bases, maybe that would help on the Washington front too. Nah! I've watched Peachtree Corners, Gwinett County, and Georgia Politicians who have just come into office and quickly created too much drama and crises. Could it be that this is why voter turnout is getting so low and apathy is rising?
These are my thoughts, what are yours?
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Can you be counted on?
Commitment. Most folks don't seem to have the slightest idea about the real meaning of commitment. They make commitments casually, daily, then the break them for the slightest reason (or no reason at all just because they feel different) without any hesitation, remorse, or regret.
Folks who understand commitment and it's meaning, are faithful to their word. They finish their agreed upon tasks. They fulfill their responsibilities. They keep their promises - commitments - every single time they make one. These folks are known as trustworthy and dependable. They never leave a job half done, and they don't quit when obstacles arise and discouragement comes, as it almost always seems to.
Commitment has always been a rare quality, that is why it is so valued and important.
So what about you? How's your commitment level? Could it stand a little polishing up? I know I need improvement in this important area of my life, for example I haven't posted on my blog for over 3 months - what does that say to the folks who follow my blog? I'm certainly letting my commitment down for them. Oh, I have excuses, great ones too, not junk like the dog ate my post, but it doesn't matter. I failed. Forgive me please, and allow me another chance to earn your trust and respect back.
These are my thoughts today, what are yours?
Steve
Folks who understand commitment and it's meaning, are faithful to their word. They finish their agreed upon tasks. They fulfill their responsibilities. They keep their promises - commitments - every single time they make one. These folks are known as trustworthy and dependable. They never leave a job half done, and they don't quit when obstacles arise and discouragement comes, as it almost always seems to.
Commitment has always been a rare quality, that is why it is so valued and important.
- When our public leaders make a commitment to govern according to their promises and the rules we need them to actually do that. We don't want them to forget their promises and then try to blame others or find excuses like changed circumstances to justify their failure.
- When our spouses or families make a commitment to us we expect them to fulfill that also. Not cheat on our spouse with another person we find who appears appealing or exciting at the moment. Not promise to spend time with our children then break that promise due to something we want to do at the moment instead of what we promised them we would do with them or for them.
- When co-workers make a commitment their fulfillment or lack thereof may cost them and us our employment. Then we seem to forget the real reason for our situation and blame the economy or the company or someone else.
So what about you? How's your commitment level? Could it stand a little polishing up? I know I need improvement in this important area of my life, for example I haven't posted on my blog for over 3 months - what does that say to the folks who follow my blog? I'm certainly letting my commitment down for them. Oh, I have excuses, great ones too, not junk like the dog ate my post, but it doesn't matter. I failed. Forgive me please, and allow me another chance to earn your trust and respect back.
These are my thoughts today, what are yours?
Steve
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
What your mouth just said about you!
When you speak freely you expose yourself and others, to what you actually believe. Unless you force yourself to speak otherwise what your mouth will say is what is in your heart. If you speak words of criticism and hate, your are not strong inside with love towards others. If you speak words of positive thoughts and love, its a pretty good signal about how you feel about others also. Politicians train themselves to use this knowledge to their advantage. (Yep! That is what I truly believe!)
Now you cannot see what is in somebody elses mind or heart, HOWEVER, by listening to what they say when they speak freely you will know what is inside of them. When someone else is putting on an act, or onstage so to speak, they can say anthing and not really mean it. But in times of pressure and stress people usually don't think before they speak so what they truly believe will come out. That is why the spin handlers of politicians hate it when the candidate goes "off script" and speak freely. That is usually when they tell what they truly think and believe. Other folks go through life not thinking ever before they speak, and we usually don't care much about what THEY think!
I'm always interesting in what I can learn from those others around us. That is another reason to surround yourself with folks you admire, like, and know are educated and strong thinkers - that helps you to grow and improve yourself. If you hang around with bums and shallow thinkers then you become a bum and slack thinker. If we allow ourselves to be around great folks and we open our minds to the ideas, experiences and suggestions of others it is amazing what we can learn. I have learned, especially in the business world, that I can't possible know everything so it is critical, in my opinion, to listen to and consider the thoughts and ideas of others. You may choose to accept or reject their thinking, but I believe you owe it to yourself to at the very least listen openly and consider their thoughts before you decide.
Now this thought isn't intended to condemn us but rather to wake us all up to reality - that is when you speak openly and freely be aware that you will naturally tend to speak what you believe. To me, that is a good thing, and that is why I generally feel that people tend to tell it straight and honestly unless they force themselves to speak dishonestly, or maybe have a media spin master writing their speeches. When they do that there are always telltale signs that they aren't speaking honestly and again that too is a good thing if you can pick up on those signs and signals.
These are my thoughts on this subject, what are yours?
Steve
Now you cannot see what is in somebody elses mind or heart, HOWEVER, by listening to what they say when they speak freely you will know what is inside of them. When someone else is putting on an act, or onstage so to speak, they can say anthing and not really mean it. But in times of pressure and stress people usually don't think before they speak so what they truly believe will come out. That is why the spin handlers of politicians hate it when the candidate goes "off script" and speak freely. That is usually when they tell what they truly think and believe. Other folks go through life not thinking ever before they speak, and we usually don't care much about what THEY think!
I'm always interesting in what I can learn from those others around us. That is another reason to surround yourself with folks you admire, like, and know are educated and strong thinkers - that helps you to grow and improve yourself. If you hang around with bums and shallow thinkers then you become a bum and slack thinker. If we allow ourselves to be around great folks and we open our minds to the ideas, experiences and suggestions of others it is amazing what we can learn. I have learned, especially in the business world, that I can't possible know everything so it is critical, in my opinion, to listen to and consider the thoughts and ideas of others. You may choose to accept or reject their thinking, but I believe you owe it to yourself to at the very least listen openly and consider their thoughts before you decide.
Now this thought isn't intended to condemn us but rather to wake us all up to reality - that is when you speak openly and freely be aware that you will naturally tend to speak what you believe. To me, that is a good thing, and that is why I generally feel that people tend to tell it straight and honestly unless they force themselves to speak dishonestly, or maybe have a media spin master writing their speeches. When they do that there are always telltale signs that they aren't speaking honestly and again that too is a good thing if you can pick up on those signs and signals.
These are my thoughts on this subject, what are yours?
Steve
Friday, September 21, 2012
YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW.
CIRCUMSTANCES
Many times in our lives it seems that circumstances are absolutely piled high against or sometimes in favor of us. We all wonder sometimes if we have any personal control of our destiny at all. Many in the Christian Religion believe that it is at times like this we relied on our FAITH and TRUST in God to get thru this circumstances.
I suggest that there are 3 different choices you can make when faced with circumstances no matter which side of the board, (positive or negative) those circumstances are stacked.
1. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO ACCEPT THE PAST AND REMAIN THERE.
2. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO EMBRACE THE PRESENT AND BE THERE.
3. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO LOOK EXPECTANTLY TOWARDS THE FUTURE.
Now I know which of these 3 I try to always choose, but let's look at each choice and see the reasoning behind the choices.
These are my thoughts on this subject, what are yours?
Steve
Many times in our lives it seems that circumstances are absolutely piled high against or sometimes in favor of us. We all wonder sometimes if we have any personal control of our destiny at all. Many in the Christian Religion believe that it is at times like this we relied on our FAITH and TRUST in God to get thru this circumstances.
I suggest that there are 3 different choices you can make when faced with circumstances no matter which side of the board, (positive or negative) those circumstances are stacked.
1. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO ACCEPT THE PAST AND REMAIN THERE.
2. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO EMBRACE THE PRESENT AND BE THERE.
3. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO LOOK EXPECTANTLY TOWARDS THE FUTURE.
Now I know which of these 3 I try to always choose, but let's look at each choice and see the reasoning behind the choices.
- If you choose the accept and remain in the past you are saying that nothing you or anyone else can do will change what has happened and you will forget all of your goals, dreams, and desires for life and wallow in your own self pity.
- If you embrace the present and fully be there and stay there then you see no chance of improving your situation and you don't even want to consider playing the "WHAT IF" game. You realize the past is gone and forgotten but you discount how you can improve your future.
- If you choose to look expectantly towards the future then even when you make mistakes today or have made them in the past, you are still free to choose to change your situation and improve your possibilities for tomorrow. You can live life to the fullest possible potential. Even when you make more mistakes or stumble you still know that you control your destiny tomorrow and that your future is still able to happen as you want it.
These are my thoughts on this subject, what are yours?
Steve
Monday, September 17, 2012
Changing Landscape of Business
Before the current recession it was fairly easy to go into business and stay profitable in business (and actually stay in business) due to the amount of money flowing within our economy. Since 2006/2007 that situation has changed dramatically. In my business, (ceramic tile and stone business) our market has dropped 39% overall. In markets like Georgia it is bad, but unfortunately, it is even worse in some other markets. I just saw a report this past week that said in Georgia the ceramic tile and stone business lost 33.6% of our contractor businesses and another 31% of our dealer/distributor businesses.
Think for a moment about the food industry, how many restaurants have come and gone in the past few years? Many of those had excellent food taste and great service, yet they are gone. That is a business that has a very low cost of entry and raw materials are very inexpensive yet making a profit is almost impossible in these times between labor costs, energy costs, and the loss of disposable income for the potential customers. In most home goods the technology improvements have absolutely killed all the profit margins for businesses. Folks find something they like, want, or need and then shop the Internet to get to the absolute bottom price, usually doesn't include shipping costs, and the local business that started the process either has to make no money on selling their inventory or they lose the sale - either way they lose.
So what is the answer? Folks a lot smarter than I am will have to come back with thoughts on that but I can tell you that I'm thankful that (A) I'm not in the retail business today, (B) I have a good job and available income to spend on my families wants/needs, and (C) most days I seem more likely to spend just slightly more to purchase something locally and maybe pay very slightly more, but seem to feel in my mind that I receive MUCH more value for my money then shipping it off via the Internet. I find myself using the local hardware store more today than ever before because when I consider the very small price difference I find the value of the education I receive from the folks working at the hardware store to teach me about the product I'm considering is worth far more than the price I'm paying. Same with my insurance and my bank - local agent/branch seems to be worth it to me. Am I alone in this?
Please do some comparison shopping this week and let me know your thoughts on this issue.
Steve
Think for a moment about the food industry, how many restaurants have come and gone in the past few years? Many of those had excellent food taste and great service, yet they are gone. That is a business that has a very low cost of entry and raw materials are very inexpensive yet making a profit is almost impossible in these times between labor costs, energy costs, and the loss of disposable income for the potential customers. In most home goods the technology improvements have absolutely killed all the profit margins for businesses. Folks find something they like, want, or need and then shop the Internet to get to the absolute bottom price, usually doesn't include shipping costs, and the local business that started the process either has to make no money on selling their inventory or they lose the sale - either way they lose.
So what is the answer? Folks a lot smarter than I am will have to come back with thoughts on that but I can tell you that I'm thankful that (A) I'm not in the retail business today, (B) I have a good job and available income to spend on my families wants/needs, and (C) most days I seem more likely to spend just slightly more to purchase something locally and maybe pay very slightly more, but seem to feel in my mind that I receive MUCH more value for my money then shipping it off via the Internet. I find myself using the local hardware store more today than ever before because when I consider the very small price difference I find the value of the education I receive from the folks working at the hardware store to teach me about the product I'm considering is worth far more than the price I'm paying. Same with my insurance and my bank - local agent/branch seems to be worth it to me. Am I alone in this?
Please do some comparison shopping this week and let me know your thoughts on this issue.
Steve
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Remembering the Past
Today, September 11th is one of those days when many Americans stop and remember the past. Most of us can recall exactly where we were and what we were doing when the attacks happened.
As a private pilot I've heard many stories about others who were flying that day and ordered to land at the nearest field, no matter how close or far they were from their intended destination. Some didn't have their radio's tuned into Air Traffic Control and those lucky few were met by military fighter jets who got their attention very quickly and helped motivate them to land with hand signals.
I was down at the Georgia Pacific HQ building in downtown Atlanta getting a few last minute things together for my trip at 11 am to New York City for a trade show. As I left my office nothing seemed amiss, however at the front lobby desk the security had shut down the building and as I approached dragging my luggage they asked where I was intending on going. I told them and they ordered me to return to my office upstairs and await further instructions. WOW! Never happened at GP before! I wondered what I had done wrong. As I approached the elevators I heard several friends discussing the situation and by the time I'd returned upstairs to my office everyone was gathered around very small TVs watching the events unfold. I saw the second plane hit the second tower on TV. SILENCE and complete STUNNED reaction from the 50-60 of us gathered around the TV. Soon the telephones rang and everyone was ordered to evacuate the building, we heard at that same time on TV that all tall buildings in Atlanta were ordered to evacuate.
Driving back to my home in Peachtree Corners I called my wife and they were watching in her office also and she said they too were leaving shortly - as you can imagine the highways were packed but everyone was driving extremely courteously which for Atlanta traffic was also very different. The next several days passed in a blur, very few folks went to work, everyone was glued to the TV for more details and to see and try to understand this situation. Today, 11 years later, we are still trying to understand this situation!
Oh, how our lives have changed, yet somehow, even if a little bit, the American Spirit grew even stronger because of this sad event. Just as other national disaster events like Pearl Harbor have changed us as a country we still grew stronger and September 11th I'm sure will be no different.
Today, for a moment, please stop and remember the past, remember the event, remember who we are as a people and a country. And above all else, please Count Your Blessings.
These are my thoughts, what are yours?
Steve
As a private pilot I've heard many stories about others who were flying that day and ordered to land at the nearest field, no matter how close or far they were from their intended destination. Some didn't have their radio's tuned into Air Traffic Control and those lucky few were met by military fighter jets who got their attention very quickly and helped motivate them to land with hand signals.
I was down at the Georgia Pacific HQ building in downtown Atlanta getting a few last minute things together for my trip at 11 am to New York City for a trade show. As I left my office nothing seemed amiss, however at the front lobby desk the security had shut down the building and as I approached dragging my luggage they asked where I was intending on going. I told them and they ordered me to return to my office upstairs and await further instructions. WOW! Never happened at GP before! I wondered what I had done wrong. As I approached the elevators I heard several friends discussing the situation and by the time I'd returned upstairs to my office everyone was gathered around very small TVs watching the events unfold. I saw the second plane hit the second tower on TV. SILENCE and complete STUNNED reaction from the 50-60 of us gathered around the TV. Soon the telephones rang and everyone was ordered to evacuate the building, we heard at that same time on TV that all tall buildings in Atlanta were ordered to evacuate.
Driving back to my home in Peachtree Corners I called my wife and they were watching in her office also and she said they too were leaving shortly - as you can imagine the highways were packed but everyone was driving extremely courteously which for Atlanta traffic was also very different. The next several days passed in a blur, very few folks went to work, everyone was glued to the TV for more details and to see and try to understand this situation. Today, 11 years later, we are still trying to understand this situation!
Oh, how our lives have changed, yet somehow, even if a little bit, the American Spirit grew even stronger because of this sad event. Just as other national disaster events like Pearl Harbor have changed us as a country we still grew stronger and September 11th I'm sure will be no different.
Today, for a moment, please stop and remember the past, remember the event, remember who we are as a people and a country. And above all else, please Count Your Blessings.
These are my thoughts, what are yours?
Steve
Thursday, August 23, 2012
20 Minutes
Can such a small amount of time as 20 minutes make a difference in anything?
I've been pondering this question for more than a week now and I need help making up my mind about this. We all seem to receive the exact same amount of time in a day, 1440 minutes, yet some folks seem to accomplish so much more that I do with their time. What really baffles me is they seem so relaxed and calm while accomplishing piles more than I do. How do they do it?
As I lived in the past several weeks I keep getting hints about 20 minutes:
- The preacher at church service last Sunday morning suggested I spend the FIRST 20 minutes of each day in prayer and quiet time with God. Now I absolutely KNOW that this is great quality time and it makes a difference in my life, but really? Only 20 minutes?
- A time management expert was being interviewed and talked about dividing every task into 20 minute segments to accomplish it. Focusing on any subject for 20 solid uninterrupted minutes will guarantee you accomplishment he claimed. Gee, every time management course or goal setting course I've taken always talked about the longer the time frame the more certain the outcome. If you plan short you accomplish short - now this is saying exactly the opposite.
- A friend was talking about how he has changed his outlook on life by looking at 20 minute time segments, that is, if something won't matter 20 minutes from now why should you bother having it matter right now? Live fully in the minute you are in he said, but always be aware of the important things that you want to accomplish in life and ask if this 20 minutes is adding to that goal.
- The opposite discussion on the radio, was about how 20 minutes can completely change your life from pleasure to sadness or sorrow. Heart attack, car accident, etc.
I even attempted to ponder this seemliness unanswerable question for 20 straight minutes and discovered that I fell asleep while quietly thinking.........
This is one of those times I don't believe I have the answer and need YOUR help to think through this question - What difference can or has 20 minutes made in your life?
These are my thoughts, what are yours?
Steve
I've been pondering this question for more than a week now and I need help making up my mind about this. We all seem to receive the exact same amount of time in a day, 1440 minutes, yet some folks seem to accomplish so much more that I do with their time. What really baffles me is they seem so relaxed and calm while accomplishing piles more than I do. How do they do it?
As I lived in the past several weeks I keep getting hints about 20 minutes:
- The preacher at church service last Sunday morning suggested I spend the FIRST 20 minutes of each day in prayer and quiet time with God. Now I absolutely KNOW that this is great quality time and it makes a difference in my life, but really? Only 20 minutes?
- A time management expert was being interviewed and talked about dividing every task into 20 minute segments to accomplish it. Focusing on any subject for 20 solid uninterrupted minutes will guarantee you accomplishment he claimed. Gee, every time management course or goal setting course I've taken always talked about the longer the time frame the more certain the outcome. If you plan short you accomplish short - now this is saying exactly the opposite.
- A friend was talking about how he has changed his outlook on life by looking at 20 minute time segments, that is, if something won't matter 20 minutes from now why should you bother having it matter right now? Live fully in the minute you are in he said, but always be aware of the important things that you want to accomplish in life and ask if this 20 minutes is adding to that goal.
- The opposite discussion on the radio, was about how 20 minutes can completely change your life from pleasure to sadness or sorrow. Heart attack, car accident, etc.
I even attempted to ponder this seemliness unanswerable question for 20 straight minutes and discovered that I fell asleep while quietly thinking.........
This is one of those times I don't believe I have the answer and need YOUR help to think through this question - What difference can or has 20 minutes made in your life?
These are my thoughts, what are yours?
Steve
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