In Times of Change

So far this year, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with quite a few people. They’ve come from groups including Chambers of Commerce, Medical Administrators and Physicians. Some of the groups were upbeat and looking for opportunities, while others were wallowing in self-pity about the seemingly insurmountable challenges we’re facing in the economy and as a country. I’m sure you’ve seen this as well; some people appear to have soured while others seem to be flourishing. What is it that makes the difference? Which do you choose?

* Soured: to become unpleasant or strained; worsen; deteriorate by the situation
* Flourishing: growing vigorously; thriving; prosperous

I openly ask my audiences whether they consider themselves optimists. Is their glass half full? I can’t predict the response! I’ve seen anywhere from 25% to 50% to 85% raise their hands. Is this a geographic thing? Is it by industry? By my experience… seemingly not. I’ve spoken with members of a wide range of professions in the four corners of the U.S., and the numbers seem to be totally random. The lowest ratio of optimists came from a group of medical administrators in the Midwest; the highest ratio came from another group of administrators in the Midwest. It appears the choice is ours, no matter what our occupation, geography, age or gender.

“We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same.” – Carlos Castaneda

Some thoughts for these times of change:

KEEP A PROPER PERSPECTIVE

“Nine-tenths of wisdom is appreciation. Go find somebody’s hand and squeeze it…while there’s still time.”

-Dale Dauten

This year I’ve opened most of my workshops with a few slides on perspective. I’m a huge fan of Stephen Covey, who provides several perspective-building exercises in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. If you’ve not read it, you should. Are you spending time doing the things that will matter when you look back on your life? Are you spending time with what Eugene O’Kelly calls your inner circle… those people who you’d choose to join you at your death bed? Are you making the best use of whatever time remains?

“Frame every so-called disaster with these words, ‘In five years, will this matter?”

-Regina Brett, 90 years old

BE POSITIVE

Life is short; you can go through it celebrating the positives or dwelling on the negatives. I choose the former! My experience shows that those who focus on the positive are pleasant to be around and realize higher levels of success.

“Real optimism is aware of problems but recognizes solutions;
Knows about difficulties but believes they can be overcome;
Sees the negatives, but accentuates the positives;
Is exposed to the worst but expects the best;
Has reason to complain, but chooses to smile.”

-William Arthur Ward

LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES

Now that the stock market has made a huge recovery I hear people saying “Well, we’re nearly back to where we were, I think I’ll put my money back into equities.” I think they missed the moment! The best opportunities come when others are seeing no hope, when the lemmings are running to the sea! Don’t miss the chance to be THE organization that maintains exceptional customer or patient service; THE leader who does the right thing for your team. I’ve heard others comment that our current national/economic situation is perhaps the biggest break we’ll see in our lifetimes. Don’t miss this window of opportunity.

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.”

-James Oppenheim

“Winners are committed to ‘hang in there’ long enough to win.”

-unknown

LEAD WITH ENTHUSIASM

You can make a difference! There’s not been a higher contrast between those who “can” and those who “can’t” in many years. This is your chance to be a great leader; your chance to lead your team to higher levels of performance, productivity, and satisfaction.

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

-Booker T. Washington

“The cheapest facelift is a laugh.”

-Unknown

FIND HAPPINESS

So, ask yourself… is happiness really the money? Is it really the level to which you’ve been promoted? Do you take the time to find those ‘perfect moments?’ Have you stopped long enough to recognize all of the great things going on around you?
Happiness is a state of mind and you can choose it. Let me finish with a great quote:

“Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.”

-Og Mandino