On Dying

This morning, a dear friend of mine named Malcolm passed away after a seven month struggle with cancer. When he was first diagnosed with an aggressive kidney cancer that had metastasize throughout his body and into his brain, the doctors were hopeful they could prolong Malcolm’s life for a year or so with chemo and radiation treatment. But, it wasn’t meant to be. In seven short months, his fight was over. Dying is often a cruel and bitter process when the person is larger than life and exudes so much positive energy and optimism as Malcolm did.

During these past seven months, as I watched Malcolm’s physical condition deteriorate, I gave a great deal of thought to death and dying. It’s not a subject people typically think about, but as we get older and those we love become sick and die, it puts us in touch with our own mortality. It also prompts us to think about our own state of wellness and what we can do to extend our life.

In some cases, we’re cursed by unhealthy family genetics. In other instances, our personal vices such as alcohol abuse, smoking or chewing tobacco and unhealthy eating habits destroy our bodies to the point where the dye (no pun intended) is already cast. We’ll kick the bucket sooner than later.

As I watched Malcolm struggle to live through the end of summer, which was his goal, I also gave considerable thought to the subject of Legacy. I asked myself this question, “How will I be remembered?” When I asked Malcolm this same question a few months ago, he retorted, “How do you want to be remembered? It’s within your control.” I thought that was a profound response coming from someone who knew he was dying, and yet, he was determined to maintain his dignity until the very end and leave a legacy he was proud of. That he did.

When a person is confronted with death and dying, sometimes he or she can rise above the pettiness of everyday life and serve as a shining example of what it means to be courageous and loving — knowing all the while that death is imminent. I admired Malcolm for his courage and the positive legacy he left behind. In his case, he will be well remembered for his kindness, honesty, candor and his ability to bring out the best in others. I can’t think of a more positive legacy for someone to leave behind.

How to Create More Happiness in Your Life

By Barbara Yager, America’s Happiness Expert

If you Google the word “Happiness” you get 329,000,000 results in 3.2 seconds. Happiness is one of the most written and talked about topics on the internet today. There’s no question that everyone wants to be happy.

However, wanting to be happy and being happy are two completely different things. It is the being happy part of the equation that perplexes most people.

Here’s my definition of Happiness. “It’s an internal feeling you have when all areas of your life are in balance.” It’s that simple. Happiness is a state of balance that brings feelings of contentment and peace.

Now, here’s the challenge. Can you raise your level of happiness? I believe you can.

When I left the practice of law after 25 years, I wanted to devote the rest of my working life to making people feel happier. I embarked on a two-year research project designed to educate myself on the topic of Happiness. I learned that being in a state of happiness provides a foundation that is necessary to living a “well lived life”. The ancient Greeks had a word for living a life in balance and on purpose…they called it Eudaimonia.

Why be happy? Here are three good reasons.
1. Health. When you have a happy heart, all of your body systems work better.
2. Attitude. When you feel happy it makes life easier to live because you always start from a point of positivity rather than negativity.
3. Accomplishment. Happiness invites good results into your life. I find when I am experiencing greater levels of happiness, life is just easier to live and I work less to get more.

So, here are three key questions you need to ask yourself regarding your state of happiness:
• How happy are you?
• Would you like to have a greater level of happiness in your life?
• What if I told you I could help you achieve that with “The Golden Happiness Formula?”

To be happy, you have to know how to care for and grow the happiness in your life. My formula helps you do just that. I can show you how the five elements in my formula will provide the focus and understanding needed to bring a greater degree of happiness into your life. Focusing on five key life elements — Strengths, Work, Environment, Autonomy and Relationships — you can determine which area(s) need some work.

As you restore balance to your life, happiness grows. This is a proven formula that you can use for the rest of your life to stay on the happy side of life.

If you’d like to know more about how to apply The Golden Happiness Formula in your life, join me on Tuesday evening, September 9, at The Braille Institute of San Diego when I share a step-by-step process for growing your personal happiness. Visit: www.10000Days.org for more details. Or contact me at: www.barbarayager.com — or by email at: barbarayager@rocketmail.com 

Stay happy!

Reset Your Mindset

I recently had one of our "over 50" Life Balance Retreat attendees tell me, "I wish I could reset my thoughts and be more positive about life and my job." I replied, "You can, and here's how The Course of 10,000 Days suggests you do it!"

I'm sure you've heard the expression, "You are what you eat." Well, here's a variation on that theme. "You are what you think!" Here's a simple three-step process from The Course of 10,000 Days to help you reset your mindset.

First, of all, ask yourself this question: "What are you thinking, and why?" When you find yourself focused on negative thoughts or self-criticism, change it immediately from self-directed negativism to questions. For example, if you screwed-up on a project at work, and you are beating yourself up over the mistake, reset your mindset by asking questions like, "Okay, this didn't go the way I wanted it to, so what could I do differently next time to create a successful outcome?" (use a mind-mapping system to plot out each step of your project).  Or, let's say you get home from the grocery store only to realize you forgot to buy the chicken. Ask yourself, "Okay, what can I do to make sure I don't forget to buy important items at the store? (make a list on your smart phone).  They key is to seek information and solutions rather than get mired in self-criticism. The fact is we all mess up or drop the ball from time to time. It's part of being human. Don't sweat the small stuff, okay!

Secondly, program your mind at the start of each day by doing the "BAG IT" exercise. Think of three Blessings, Accomplishments and Goals in your life. It can be anything -- big or small. The key is to acknowledge your gifts and talents as well as all the things you have going for you in life.


Finally, step three, is "Deflect and Redirect." For example, when someone directs criticism or a negative comment at you, pause for a moment and restate their comment in a neutral or positive way. For example, if your spouse or significant other criticizes you for driving too slowly, your response might be, "I drive slowly because it allows me to avoid accidents and reduces my reaction time in heavy traffic."  "What you've done is deflect the criticism away from you and neutralized the criticism by stating why you drive slowly.

So, reset your mindset by creating more positive thoughts and neutralizing criticism. It will also help you build your self-esteem.

The Presence Process with Chess Edwards Can Change Your Life!

One of the most dynamic and insightful people I know is Chess Edwards. Chess is a Life Coach, whose wisdom and counsel has guided hundreds of people to higher levels of success, abundance and fulfillment. I know. I'm one of those people who has benefitted from his work and counsel.

While I rarely endorse or promote workshops or courses, I do make exceptions for certain programs I know will deliver high value at a reasonable tuition. Here is one such upcoming event you need to know about...

On Wednesday evenings, starting on July 16, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Chess Edwards will facilitate a 12 week course known as The Presence Process. It was developed by Michael Brown. I highly recommend it to anyone who seeks greater fulfillment and answers to those deeply-rooted spiritually-based questions for which we all seek answers. The location and setting is the beautiful sanctuary at the California Center for Creative Renewal in Encinitas, CA. It's centrally located for those of you who live or work on the San Diego coast.

Here's the link to register: http://www.chessedwards.com/presence-process/  Or, you can call Chess Edwards at 760-294-2250 for more information.  His website is: http://www.chessedwards.com/ 

The Presence Process empowers you to find and use your authenticity and core inner strength to live life to the fullest, reach your full potential and become all you are meant to be.

It helps you to free yourself from the root causes of anxiety, depression, addictions, failed relationships and many other issues that inhibit your personal and professional growth and satisfaction.

The Presence Process helps you find and live from a liberated state of peace and ease. It teaches you how to love yourself, move beyond emotional dependency, attain emotional freedom and heal the underlying fear based issues that limit life opportunities.

Enrollment is limited, so act now if you want to experience this transformational program!

Corporate Social Responsibility and the Minimum Wage

Perhaps, the “Father of Corporate Social Responsibility” was Henry Ford. One hundred years ago, in 1914, Henry Ford stunned the industrial world by more than doubling wages to $5 a day. As a result of this progressive move, Henry Ford helped build America’s middle class and create today’s consumer-driven economy. He also put his Ford brand on the path to great success by endearing his company to every American family.

 

It’s now time for this generation of business leaders to follow in Henry Ford’s visionary footsteps and practice CSR by raising the minimum wage to a “living wage.”  And, what should that wage be? According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, it varies from city to city across our nation. But, regardless of the wage amount, the goal must be to lift people above the poverty line and expand America’s middle class so that we can experience a sustained economic recovery and ensure prosperity for the next twenty years. To calculate your city or state’s living wage, visit: http://livingwage.mit.edu/

 

Here are three living wage examples. In San Diego, the MIT Living Wage Calculator calls for $11.38 per hour or $23,671 per year. In Atlanta, it’s $10.10 per hour or $21,007. In New York City’s Queen Borough, it’s $12.75 or $26,521 per year. None of these wages are outside the boundaries of fair and reasonable compensation.

Can any prudent business leader or entrepreneur seriously argue that raising the minimum wage to a “living wage” will “break the bank?” If so, I would question that leader’s logic and standard of fairness. I would also ask them to live on $7.50 - $8.25 an hour for the next 30 days to see how it feels to struggle in the trenches of corporate America to make ends meet. I’m sure their opinions of what is “fair and reasonable” would change quickly.

If we truly believe that our nation stands for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, doesn’t part of that sacred covenant also ensure that minimum wage earners deserve a fighting chance to experience the American Dream? If not, then greed and arrogance will rule us.

Let’s set aside the politics and arguments of greed to come together and strengthen America’s middle class. Let’s follow Henry Ford’s lead and do the right thing. Actually, according to the American Consumer Council, raising the minimum wage makes good business sense. By boosting the minimum wage, companies will help expand the middle class and empower more consumers. This will create more spending and help to create higher corporate profits. That’s good for businesses, shareholders and investors. 

As the power shifts from the corporation to the consumer, it’s time for business leaders to stand up for consumers by ensuring a living wage for all workers. It’s time to rebuild America’s middle class.

About the Author:  Tom Hinton is a popular business speaker and frequent contributor on business-related subjects. Tom is also the author of 10,000 Days: The Rest of Your Life, the Best of Your Life! He can be reached at: tom@tomhinton.com 

Is Employee Engagement Worth the Effort?

by Tom Hinton

It’s no coincidence that most of the best-in-class companies also have fiercely loyal and dedicated workforces. When top-performing CEOs from companies like Apple, Amazon, Southwest, Starbucks and Berkshire Hathaway talk about why their companies are most admired, they always cite their people and, specifically, employee engagement as one of the keys to their profitability and success.

What exactly is Employee Engagement? I define it as a person’s emotional connection to their company. Twenty years ago, it was enough to merely pay your employees a fair wage and provide good working conditions. Today, however, things have changed in the workplace. Your best and brightest employees have choices. They won’t settle for the status quo. This is why your company and its management team must challenge employees with meaningful goals and assignments. Leaders must set the bar high with a corporate visions that inspire employees and tasks them to help customers use the company’s products and services to make the world a better place. This is how the era of Employee Engagement is defined.

How can your company or organization successfully engage its employees? Having learned by trial and error over the past 15 years, here are three keys steps we recommend and use effectively with our clients at CRI Global, LLC.

1.     Take the Pulse of your Workforce. There’s no point in running a race if you don’t know where the starting point and finish line are, right? So, it’s imperative that you assess how your employees are feeling about their company, their work, and their ability to contribute to its success in meaningful ways. We always conduct an in-depth assessment that includes a cross-section of employees as all levels of the company. What we learn is invaluable and helps leaders chart their course for innovation, improvement and implementing a strategy for long-term growth and customer loyalty.

2.     Fix What Doesn’t Work and Fix it Fast!  Once you’ve completed the assessment phase, you will know exactly what is working and what is broken in your organization. Trust me, your employees will tell you. The next step is to challenge your management team to fix it – and fix it fast! The key here is to demonstrate forward progress. Don’t be surprised if your management team resists. Most managers are not visionaries and they are comfortable with the status quo. So, be prepared to kick a few butts and shake things up in order to demonstrate you mean business! Effective leaders understand the status quo is a fatal flaw in any organization.  This step requires courage and conviction.             

If your company has been stuck in neutral for some time, your employees will be favorably impressed by any significant action you take to implement positive changes that help them do a better job and get better results. This is why it’s important to prioritize the things that you need to fix, change or improve within each department and business unit. Basically, you have 90 days to act if you want to have any credibility as a leader.  People will embrace your new vision, but only if they see actions after words.  Remember the words of Ray Kroc, who put McDonald’s on the global map. Kroc said, “People are like bananas. They’re either green and ripening or yellow and rotting!” You always need to keep your people greening.

3.     Set the Bar High.  Most companies under-challenge their employees. As a leader, you need to set the bar high by inspiring your people with a vision that challenges them to be the best. This means soliciting their ideas, asking them to make a commitment to be the best, and incentivizing them to reach that bar. Then, you need to give them the tools and resources necessary to accomplish that vision. Finally, as the leader, you must always be the “voice of success” and be relentless in your pursuit of your vision. This is how you convert followers into believers, and believers into evangelists.                                                     

As your employees make progress and achieve various levels of success, be sure to reward and recognize them. Salute and praise your top performers in each department. Invite them to share their success stories with others in the company including other divisions. Create a culture of “success and celebration” within your organization that motivates your employees to raise their performance levels and inspires them to set the bar even higher while achieving new records for sales, productivity, innovation and cost savings.                                                                                                              

This is the stuff success is made of. This is how good companies become great, and great companies become legendary. Employee Engagement is a key part of every company’s success formula.

About the Author:  Tom Hinton is president of CRI Global, LLC, a firm that helps its clients create a High Performance Workplace™.  Tom is a popular speaker and the author of four books including 10,000 Days: The Rest of Your Life, the Best of Your Life! For more information, visit: www.tomhinton.com

Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

by Tom Hinton

There is something uniquely all-American and spiritual about Thanksgiving.  Because we are so consumer-oriented and material-driven, it’s nice to stop for a few hours (before the malls open their doors for the holiday shopping madness!) to reflect on how we arrived at this point in history as well as all the things that make Americans so privileged. While we are far from perfect, we are privileged. Frankly, we’ve got it pretty good as Americans. 

But, it wasn’t always that way. Just look back some 200 years. Our forefathers barely survived. It was tough plowing the land and growing enough food back then. We’ve endured a revolution, world wars, the influx of millions of wonderful immigrants who’ve enriched our nation and culture, government corruption and the incredible transformation from an agrarian society to the most powerful nation on earth – all in less than 250 years.

And, through it all, we have maintained our spiritual roots and recognized that as a free people and blessed nation we do serve a higher purpose – to champion freedom and the right of all people to speak, write, protest, vote and pursue life, liberty and happiness. We will also stand up for those people who are impoverished, imprisoned, enslaved and subjected to the tyranny of corrupt governments.  It’s simply part of our fabric and soul as a people and a free nation.

So, here are a few things I’d like to give thanks for this Thanksgiving. I’m sure you can add to this list. I am thankful for:

·       The gift of life, and to be born in America where all things are possible.

·       All those brave men and women who serve in our military and defended the ideals of American freedom.

·       My parents, grandparents and forefathers for their sacrifices and hard work.

·       The opportunity to celebrate life, pursue my passions, live my dreams and succeed or fail based on my own doing.

·       My education and the ability to learn about anything I so choose.

·       The ability to travel and explore the beauty, culture and people of our world.

·       To live during a time when I can instantly communicate with people around the world and have an impact through my words and actions.

·       Monday Night Football and college basketball.

Happy Thanksgiving.