luck. to some it stems from superstition, to others it's merely chance. but if you ask me, luck isn't either of these. luck comes simply from acting upon opportunity. and doing so can exert tremendous influence over your life.
the luck factor lists four main principles to increase your luck. here's the gist:
1. make your own luck - "lucky people create, notice and act upon the chance opportunities in their lives." the lucky ones tend to be more extroverted, relaxed and open to variety, and all these factors increase the likelihood of having a chance positive encounter....so get out there and build a strong network of luck!
2. go with your gut - "lucky people make successful decisions by using their intuition and gut feelings." listen to your hunches...because lucky people just seem to know when a decision is right. don't second guess yourself!
3. expect the good - "lucky people's expectations about the future help them fulfill their dreams and ambitions." anticipate rad things. go for the gusto and persevere in the face of failure. lucky people are convinced that the future is going to be amazing. this attitude attracts interesting, happy and fun-to-be-around individuals to your circle. so expect interactions to be successful, and chances are they will be!
4. fix your luck - "lucky people are able to transform their bad luck into good fortune." lucky people see the positive side of bad luck, and are certain that any ill fortune will, in the long run, work out for the best. so don't dwell on your misfortune, instead believe that the best outcome is still working its way to you.
go get lucky already!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Y.O.L.O.
You Only Live Once. Also pronounced yolow.
There's a great quote that was posted somewhere a few days ago:
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. ~Robert Brault
When you think it about it, it can be a bit daunting. We've got, ish, a decent 80 or so years on this Earth. And we can do whatever we wish with it. Anything.
The power of the human being is infinite. Truly. And that may be the most powerful statement ever uttered. If everybody knew, for a fact, they could accomplish anything they wanted to - where might the world be today?
Would the human race be better off?
Would the world be a safer place to live in, from a perspective of violence and of natural resources?
Might there be more billionaires, less poverty, and more freedom?
Might people be happy?
Think about it. You just might find the answers you come up with quite astonishing.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
It's Time to be Happy.
There are two things for certain in life. Change and physical death.
They will come both expectedly and unexpectedly.
Enjoy life. Live every second to the fullest. Find the beauty in the people, places, and things around you.
It's everywhere.
Be happy. Everybody on this earth deserves it.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
the unexpected
strange things happen.
people come into our lives that we think will always be there, but then they do the unexpected - they leave. others come into our lives for what seems a fleeting moment, and the unexpected happens - they stay.
we can try to predict all we want. we can hope for, believe in or bank on certain circumstances, but in the end, life will always offer its own element of timing, serendipity and surprise...regardless of what we have planned.
it's not a bad thing. if you think about it, it is this element of the unknown that makes life oh-so fascinating.
i mean, let's face it. predictability is boring. if we all knew exactly how things would play out, we would probably lose interest in our own lives. we'd be destined for a certain end, and we'd know it all along. where's the fun in that?
we get into trouble when we fail to value the unexpected. sure, it can break our hearts; it can make us cry; it can make no sense; it can hurt. but the unexpected can also bring us joy, rejuvenate us, surprise us and connect us.
the next time something bad unexpectedly happens, trust the process, have patience and let time do its thing. the clarity will come once we're open to it. they say "time heals all wounds," but that's not all it's good for. it also allows for growth, reflection and improvement...so take advantage of it. besides, we never know when the next good unexpected thing might cross our path.
don't stare so long at a closed door that you fail to recognize and appreciate the breeze from an open window. whether we realize it or not, sometimes the unexpected is just what we need.
people come into our lives that we think will always be there, but then they do the unexpected - they leave. others come into our lives for what seems a fleeting moment, and the unexpected happens - they stay.
we can try to predict all we want. we can hope for, believe in or bank on certain circumstances, but in the end, life will always offer its own element of timing, serendipity and surprise...regardless of what we have planned.
it's not a bad thing. if you think about it, it is this element of the unknown that makes life oh-so fascinating.
i mean, let's face it. predictability is boring. if we all knew exactly how things would play out, we would probably lose interest in our own lives. we'd be destined for a certain end, and we'd know it all along. where's the fun in that?
we get into trouble when we fail to value the unexpected. sure, it can break our hearts; it can make us cry; it can make no sense; it can hurt. but the unexpected can also bring us joy, rejuvenate us, surprise us and connect us.
the next time something bad unexpectedly happens, trust the process, have patience and let time do its thing. the clarity will come once we're open to it. they say "time heals all wounds," but that's not all it's good for. it also allows for growth, reflection and improvement...so take advantage of it. besides, we never know when the next good unexpected thing might cross our path.
don't stare so long at a closed door that you fail to recognize and appreciate the breeze from an open window. whether we realize it or not, sometimes the unexpected is just what we need.
half full or half empty?
this age-old philosophical question simply boils down to choice.
although seemingly inconsequential, your answer to this question is present in your attitude, your decisions, your reactions, your aura. it can actually influence outcomes, persuade others and dictate your path in life.
so what? i mean, sometimes it just seems easier to see the glass as half empty, right? maybe things aren't going your way or you feel you can't catch a break, so why feel anything but pessimistic? because perceiving life negatively is a self-fulfilling prophecy. and because you have a choice.
having hopefulness and confidence about the future can help reshape the world around you. it can change your outlook and put you on a path where new experiences and opportunities await. simply put, emanating positive energy into the world influences the positive energy and experience you receive back.
so how do you choose to see the glass?
although seemingly inconsequential, your answer to this question is present in your attitude, your decisions, your reactions, your aura. it can actually influence outcomes, persuade others and dictate your path in life.
so what? i mean, sometimes it just seems easier to see the glass as half empty, right? maybe things aren't going your way or you feel you can't catch a break, so why feel anything but pessimistic? because perceiving life negatively is a self-fulfilling prophecy. and because you have a choice.
having hopefulness and confidence about the future can help reshape the world around you. it can change your outlook and put you on a path where new experiences and opportunities await. simply put, emanating positive energy into the world influences the positive energy and experience you receive back.
so how do you choose to see the glass?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Flight
Meet Leslie. 40-something. Plane ride pal from Nashville to K.C.
Leslie is a traveling sales representative for fine China diningware. Leslie also has two children - one on a production tour of "Oklahoma", and the other a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Leslie is concerned. Her son seems to 'float through life, and just gets along'. 'He's happy, but he can't make plans. He plays video games. He texts. He rarely has a phone conversation with anybody other than his girlfriend.'
Leslie is a traveling sales representative for fine China diningware. Leslie also has two children - one on a production tour of "Oklahoma", and the other a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Leslie is concerned. Her son seems to 'float through life, and just gets along'. 'He's happy, but he can't make plans. He plays video games. He texts. He rarely has a phone conversation with anybody other than his girlfriend.'
Leslie has worked hard in life. She percieves her son does not.
What's the deal?
The current generation of 20-somethings is a new era of humankind (in the U.S.) - 'generation Y or Millenials', some call them.
What some people might note as a lack of productivity is often times apathy in disguise.
The thought behind Leslie's son is certainly this (based on the rest of the conversation) - Why spend time planning and prepping when you know it's all going to work out in the end? He "doesn't want to be stressed out like his sister", and "wants to live life relaxed."
Don't we all? Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy life - live stress free, sleep easy, and smile frequently?
You can. And apathy is not the answer.
Discover what it is that makes you tick. In Leslie's son's case, Leslie offered the suggestion of Japanese martial arts - something her son has studied fervently (on another note, her son also has had a burning desire to go to Japan for as long as she can remember).
If Leslie can combine her love of travel, her son's love of the Japanese culture, and adopt a 'how can I help him discover his passions, rather than forcing him to find out what he wants to do' mindset, there will be a winning combination for success.
An excerpt out of Three Feet From Gold :
((Passion + Talent) x Association x Action) + Faith = Your Personal Success Equation
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A lil' sumn' sumn'
Life is great.
The energy in everything around us connects us. We feed off of it. We can share it.
Take a moment to feel what your surroundings are doing. What are they saying? What do you notice?
Steven Covey suggests 'sharpening the saw' as a habit of highly effective people - sharpen it with your mind and the energy around you.
Short. Simple. Sweet.
The energy in everything around us connects us. We feed off of it. We can share it.
Take a moment to feel what your surroundings are doing. What are they saying? What do you notice?
Steven Covey suggests 'sharpening the saw' as a habit of highly effective people - sharpen it with your mind and the energy around you.
Short. Simple. Sweet.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
"A Rock and a Hard Spot"
It's easy to find a time to use this expression in everyday life.
Don't.
Why?
If you were truly stuck, there'd never be a way out. Unless you receive a jack-hammer (loads of work for potentially no escape), dynamite (injuring yourself in the process), sawing off a limb (not recommended, but it has been done), or teleport (Trekkies unite), you've immediately placed yourself in a mental position that's essentially saying, "I can't possibly get around this one. I'm really in trouble, and I don't see a way out."
People often say this, and go into a given situation with a negative mindset. Essentially, they've already given themselves a head start on a path to failure. This clouds the mind, and doesn't allow for the creative subconscious to take over and find the best path to success!
Instead, try telling yourself that you're in between an 'obstacle and a way out'. There is always a way out (evidenced by the fact that 1,000,000's of people over time have told themselves they've been stuck but have undeniably gotten themselves out of the situation.)
Just imagine if they viewed it as positive- "Wow. I'm really in a tricky spot. Let's see how I can overcome either obstacle, learn from the experience, and be better because of it!"
View any hardship with a critical eye- find out why it's in your life, how it got there, and how you can sidestep it.
And that, my friends, is the end to your hard spots.
Don't.
Why?
If you were truly stuck, there'd never be a way out. Unless you receive a jack-hammer (loads of work for potentially no escape), dynamite (injuring yourself in the process), sawing off a limb (not recommended, but it has been done), or teleport (Trekkies unite), you've immediately placed yourself in a mental position that's essentially saying, "I can't possibly get around this one. I'm really in trouble, and I don't see a way out."
People often say this, and go into a given situation with a negative mindset. Essentially, they've already given themselves a head start on a path to failure. This clouds the mind, and doesn't allow for the creative subconscious to take over and find the best path to success!
Instead, try telling yourself that you're in between an 'obstacle and a way out'. There is always a way out (evidenced by the fact that 1,000,000's of people over time have told themselves they've been stuck but have undeniably gotten themselves out of the situation.)
Just imagine if they viewed it as positive- "Wow. I'm really in a tricky spot. Let's see how I can overcome either obstacle, learn from the experience, and be better because of it!"
View any hardship with a critical eye- find out why it's in your life, how it got there, and how you can sidestep it.
And that, my friends, is the end to your hard spots.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
teach me
in the past, i really struggled with receiving criticism. i had a hard time accepting that other people might have a better way of doing things, or that sometimes i might be wrong. i was plagued by my own immaturity. i thought i had it all figured out; but as i've grown up and really begun to examine how the world works, i've realized that in being so stubborn i was really only hurting myself - closing myself off to ideas that might change the way i think or act.
as i've opened my mind to other ideas, points of view, procedures or thought processes, i have begun to understand that the only true way to evolve and grow is to be open, and to make the choice to learn from others rather than taking their advice or criticism personally. the most difficult step in doing so was letting go of my ego and understanding that in the end, being "right" doesn't even matter. what does matter is your ability to use the resources at your disposal; to weigh all the options; to listen to all opinions; to set aside your ego and make decisions based on fact instead of emotion, in order to ensure success.
in the end, i have goals to pursue. i have things i believe in that i want to achieve. and as long as i kept getting in my own way by thinking i had it all figured out, i was not going to be successful. so i began to shed those layers of youthful ignorance in exchange for being open to the wisdom, maturity and experience of others.
there is so much to learn in this life. allowing the experience of others to mold and shape your outlook can be an efficient way to gain wisdom. one of the most important things you can do for yourself is not only to learn from your own mistakes and successes, but to learn from the mistakes and successes of others as well - and to be open to the advice that offers.
life is too short to ever stop learning!
as i've opened my mind to other ideas, points of view, procedures or thought processes, i have begun to understand that the only true way to evolve and grow is to be open, and to make the choice to learn from others rather than taking their advice or criticism personally. the most difficult step in doing so was letting go of my ego and understanding that in the end, being "right" doesn't even matter. what does matter is your ability to use the resources at your disposal; to weigh all the options; to listen to all opinions; to set aside your ego and make decisions based on fact instead of emotion, in order to ensure success.
in the end, i have goals to pursue. i have things i believe in that i want to achieve. and as long as i kept getting in my own way by thinking i had it all figured out, i was not going to be successful. so i began to shed those layers of youthful ignorance in exchange for being open to the wisdom, maturity and experience of others.
there is so much to learn in this life. allowing the experience of others to mold and shape your outlook can be an efficient way to gain wisdom. one of the most important things you can do for yourself is not only to learn from your own mistakes and successes, but to learn from the mistakes and successes of others as well - and to be open to the advice that offers.
life is too short to ever stop learning!
Friday, November 26, 2010
giving thanks
"it costs you nothing to be grateful and appreciative, yet it has a considerable impact on the quality of your life."
gratitude is infinitely important. studies show that gratitude unlocks optimism in daily life; it helps with the achievement of goals, relieves stress, brings about positive emotions, aids in coping with illness and generally increases life satisfaction. if you are struggling in any of these areas, or maybe you just wish to bolster your well-being, the good news is that gratitude is a habit we can develop. by sharing your gratitude with others, keeping a gratitude journal to stay accountable or just being conscious of how many times you say, "thank you" each day, you can cultivate graciousness, increase positive energy and put yourself on the path to a more fulfilling life.
gratitude leads to positive emotions.
positive emotions build positive attitudes.
positive attitudes foster positive energy.
positive energy attracts positive results.
so, what do you have to be thankful for??
gratitude is infinitely important. studies show that gratitude unlocks optimism in daily life; it helps with the achievement of goals, relieves stress, brings about positive emotions, aids in coping with illness and generally increases life satisfaction. if you are struggling in any of these areas, or maybe you just wish to bolster your well-being, the good news is that gratitude is a habit we can develop. by sharing your gratitude with others, keeping a gratitude journal to stay accountable or just being conscious of how many times you say, "thank you" each day, you can cultivate graciousness, increase positive energy and put yourself on the path to a more fulfilling life.
gratitude leads to positive emotions.
positive emotions build positive attitudes.
positive attitudes foster positive energy.
positive energy attracts positive results.
so, what do you have to be thankful for??
Monday, November 22, 2010
i scored
if you have a budding business idea and/or the desire to make something truly your own, but you have no idea where to begin, welcome to my world.
through discussion with a friend, i discovered a wonderful business mentoring organization called SCORE - the service corps of retired executives. it's an amazing (and free) resource that matches you with a counselor who will listen to your business idea, ask relevant questions in an objective manner and give you next steps.
some volunteers are non-profit gurus, some are retired CPAs, some were presidents or vice-presidents of large corporations....but all of them have spent years working in different aspects of the business world and are now retired and have decided to spend time helping others with their budding dreams.
they encourage you to build a relationship with a main mentor, as well as meet with other counselors of differing backgrounds to ensure you get all the expertise you need. since they measure their success by the success of those they counsel, they aren't there to sugarcoat or propel a fantasy. in a conversational manner, they get down to the brass tacks of helping you understand what can do to ensure your own success.
these retirees have time to share, years of experience and a wealth of wisdom. and as my new mentor, bill, put it, volunteering "keeps [him] off the streets and out of trouble." it's wonderful.
spread the word!
www.score.org
through discussion with a friend, i discovered a wonderful business mentoring organization called SCORE - the service corps of retired executives. it's an amazing (and free) resource that matches you with a counselor who will listen to your business idea, ask relevant questions in an objective manner and give you next steps.
some volunteers are non-profit gurus, some are retired CPAs, some were presidents or vice-presidents of large corporations....but all of them have spent years working in different aspects of the business world and are now retired and have decided to spend time helping others with their budding dreams.
they encourage you to build a relationship with a main mentor, as well as meet with other counselors of differing backgrounds to ensure you get all the expertise you need. since they measure their success by the success of those they counsel, they aren't there to sugarcoat or propel a fantasy. in a conversational manner, they get down to the brass tacks of helping you understand what can do to ensure your own success.
these retirees have time to share, years of experience and a wealth of wisdom. and as my new mentor, bill, put it, volunteering "keeps [him] off the streets and out of trouble." it's wonderful.
spread the word!
www.score.org
Hill's Words of Wisdom
From my main man, Napoleon Hill -
THERE ALWAYS REMAINS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A NEW START.
Though it may not seem so when you first encounter a serious blow, you can never lose two of the most important assets you have. These are the power of your mind and your freedom to use it. Once you have turned them to understanding what laid you low, you can begin forming new plans. You may not have the money you once had; you may lack the allies you had cultivated. But you still have the benefit of a universe that eventually rewards honest effort, as well as gaining the experience of mistakes you will never make again. Remember, no matter where you are now, whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve. Protect the most important thing you have.
It is entirely false to believe you cannot begin a new journey, new endeavor, new way of learning, etc. at any point in your life.
All it takes is a change of mindset.
Where you are in the present is a direct representation of your past. Where you will be in the future is a direct representation of what is in your head.
Conceive it, believe it, and achieve it.
THERE ALWAYS REMAINS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A NEW START.
Though it may not seem so when you first encounter a serious blow, you can never lose two of the most important assets you have. These are the power of your mind and your freedom to use it. Once you have turned them to understanding what laid you low, you can begin forming new plans. You may not have the money you once had; you may lack the allies you had cultivated. But you still have the benefit of a universe that eventually rewards honest effort, as well as gaining the experience of mistakes you will never make again. Remember, no matter where you are now, whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve. Protect the most important thing you have.
It is entirely false to believe you cannot begin a new journey, new endeavor, new way of learning, etc. at any point in your life.
All it takes is a change of mindset.
Where you are in the present is a direct representation of your past. Where you will be in the future is a direct representation of what is in your head.
Conceive it, believe it, and achieve it.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
the power of NOW
"realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. make the now the primary focus of your life...always say "yes" to the present moment...say "yes" to life."
"accept - then act. whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it."
"power over others is weakness disguised as strength. true power is within."
"the secret of life is to 'die before you die' - and find that there is no death."
"when you catch yourself slipping into waiting, snap out of it. come into the present moment. just be, and enjoy being."
"accept - then act. whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it."
"power over others is weakness disguised as strength. true power is within."
"the secret of life is to 'die before you die' - and find that there is no death."
"when you catch yourself slipping into waiting, snap out of it. come into the present moment. just be, and enjoy being."
Aretha Franklin
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
It's all about this simple word, kids. Embrace it, integrate it into your life, and strive to put it high on your priority list when waking up in the morning.
There's something that not many of you do in the morning, I bet.
How often do you stop, look, and stare at YOU in the morning? Not your reflection in the mirror, but your actual persona. What are your emotions, thoughts, and feelings at that present moment? What will your day look like? Are you taking steps to be the YOU that nobody else can and ever will be?
Try it.
I guarantee you'll see an immediate change in the world around you.
That's all, folks!
It's all about this simple word, kids. Embrace it, integrate it into your life, and strive to put it high on your priority list when waking up in the morning.
There's something that not many of you do in the morning, I bet.
How often do you stop, look, and stare at YOU in the morning? Not your reflection in the mirror, but your actual persona. What are your emotions, thoughts, and feelings at that present moment? What will your day look like? Are you taking steps to be the YOU that nobody else can and ever will be?
Try it.
I guarantee you'll see an immediate change in the world around you.
That's all, folks!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
new (to me) music - a working list
donavon frankenreiter - free
mumford & sons - little lion man
fonseca - te mando flores
reik - inolvidable
matt nathanson - to the beat of our noisy hearts
will hoge - even if it breaks your heart
kate nash - nicest thing
josh rouse - quiet town
joshua radin - brand new day
the dirty heads - lay me down
alpha rev - phoenix burn
atmosphere - yesterday
the arms akimbo - you want to
the arms akimbo - skins have more hair than brains
mumford & sons - little lion man
fonseca - te mando flores
reik - inolvidable
matt nathanson - to the beat of our noisy hearts
will hoge - even if it breaks your heart
kate nash - nicest thing
josh rouse - quiet town
joshua radin - brand new day
the dirty heads - lay me down
alpha rev - phoenix burn
atmosphere - yesterday
the arms akimbo - you want to
the arms akimbo - skins have more hair than brains
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Simple Things
For those of you who may not have yet visited it, www.onehelloworld.com is a PHENOMENAL blog that will change the course of your day in a few short minutes.
The basic premise is simple: people call in to the site creator's voicemail, and leave a message about anything they desire. Topics in love, family, anger, and a multitude of other human emotions are discussed.
The site creator then writes music to the voicemail, and the results are astonishingly beautiful.
Here's an excerpt:
It’s not a dozen roses, jewelry, or chocolates. It’s not a cruise ship or a vacation getaway. It’s just simple and I love you.
Enjoy.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
going up...
we created awkward elevator as a hub for all things creative, intellectual and inspirational. it's a forum we plan to use to keep ourselves accountable for documenting and sharing newly acquired knowledge. as technology shrinks the world around us and evolution screeches to a halt, we think it's important to capture the thoughts, articles, conversations, quotes, books, lectures, links and life experiences that embody the potential that exists in each of us. enjoy the ride!
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