tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2517632840433224092024-03-08T01:06:15.555-08:00Motivating Inspirationwww.motivatinginspiration.comDianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-49547559431837436532020-01-31T16:34:00.001-08:002020-01-31T16:35:06.673-08:00Never Be Afraid to Walk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It sounds so simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine taking what you
have invested, developed, changed and helped grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times, consuming everything that you
are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And choosing to walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time having thoughts of
fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I don’t like my journey? What
if I regret my walk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was younger, it was so much easier to just walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had little invested so what did I have to
lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now older, making the decision to
walk is different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less careless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wanting to make sure the torch is carried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I thought about walking a long time ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose not to out of duty; out of
obligation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carrying a silent burden
while seeming everything was fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having it take its toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sacrificing
my happiness and my health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now the opportunity presents itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change. I decided that I deserve and want better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better than obligation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better than duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want the unknown.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And this is life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can choose to live comfortably and slowly watch yourself turn into something else or you can choose
to listen to your intuition; your inner voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can choose to live. </div>
<br /></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-36715834993195021962012-09-11T22:18:00.001-07:002012-09-11T22:21:32.935-07:00What is Your Present Today?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Remembering my grandmother, she was a fireball. I loved her passion. If she felt it, she meant it and my grandfather loved her for it. It's fitting her favorite color was red and so would be mine. Red can mean so many emotions. It could mean love, it could mean madness, it could mean passion. <br />
<br />
It's easy in this world to become complacent; to not do something that would go against the grain; to kick the can down the road. I am not that person and I will never be that person. I could live in this environment for the rest of my life and I will never accept that position. I guess they call that leadership or rebellion; I haven't decided. Somethings' just don't sit right and no matter how many times it's presented to you in many different packages, it doesn't change the fact that it's just crap in a box. You can't change the contents no matter how it's presented. Crap is crap.<br />
<br />
I guess that is my ability in this life. To see things for what they really are. I am good at reading between the lines, at seeing what others may not see and at coming to the conclusion that it's plain as day in my eyes. Bows, wrapping paper, it doesn't matter. That is my present. What matters to me are the contents, so I pray that when you open your gift, you are aware of what your present means to you.</div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-36229086069542042842012-09-09T18:44:00.003-07:002012-09-09T19:02:58.957-07:00My new goal: Lose Weight and Adopt Simpler Habits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In my quest to constantly improve, I've decided to focus on two things: Lose the weight I've put on over the last 5 years and start to adopt simplier habits. I'll be blogging about my honest struggles on doing these two things. My goal is to lose at least 35 lbs within the next 6 months. I've already bought the Medifast diet after doing research on the reviews. I've read some good and some bad; especially with how the food tastes. Because I'm a pretty good cook, I think that can sometimes be my downfall. When there's good food, it's hard to remember portion size. The psychological aspect of food will be difficult for me. I relax with a good meal and some wine. Portion control goes out the window when you're relaxed. Also, I love In and Out burger. I stopped eating beef and pork for three years. I had an In and Out burger and now have them weekly. So, no wine, lesser portions and no In and Out burger. I've set goals that when I lose ten pounds, I can have a burger; but, until then no more burgers. My eating habits have to change. So, I will let you know how I feel going through this process. Going from more to less will not be easy.<br />
<br />
As for simpler habits, I've picked up painting. It's amazing how relaxing it is. Something so simple as picking up a brush and painting different colors on a canvas. I picked up a book on how to draw shapes for acrylic painting. At first, my paintings looked like that of a kindergarden student. I had no idea how to paint shadows, blend colors, simple stuff. I'd look at something and think that I could paint it and didn't realize how difficult it is to pick up the most simpliest of shapes, shadows and dimensions. I painted a Joshua tree as my first test. Probably not good to start off with a prickly tree that resembles a cactus. It was a lot more difficult that I could have imagined. It's easy to look at something and a lot harder to translate it to a canvas. This past weekend, I painted a bottle of wine, glass, cheese and flower arrangement in one. I could tell that I moved up to 5th grade level of painting, which means progress; however, everything appeared on the table, except the cheese. The cheese was not dimensionally in the correct place. That's okay. I could probably get away with calling it "Who Moved My Cheese." It's in the spare bedroom. My simple goal is to paint something that I'd put in my livingroom. That's all for now. Be back soon.</div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-64533355078472361742012-08-31T21:39:00.001-07:002012-08-31T21:39:52.107-07:00An Innovative State of Mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An innovative mind never goes away. It challenges, not always accepts the easy answer and tries to find ways to improve or create new ways of doing things. While suppression might be the natural response because that's the way one might understand and attempt to control the outcome or process, it sometimes lacks the effort of understanding. Times are faster, and getting even faster. It requires innovation, and out of the box thinking. There is no longer the luxury of time to think things through so throughly. At a time of diminishing resources, expectancy of quick and accurate answers and the human element; how can one reasonably assume that all of this can occur with the status quo. Truth is, you either embrace innovative minds or you spontaneously combust.</div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-5011974447000900532012-08-30T17:56:00.001-07:002012-08-30T17:56:10.212-07:00You Are Who You Are<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ever get the feeling at times that some people around you try and put you in a box? That you're supposed to think like them, act like them, be like them. I think we need to be more accepting of who people are. We are all here for a purpose beyond what we understand and were made exactly how we were supposed to be. We all have our strengths and all have our weaknesses, and how much better would we be if we leveraged our strengths as a whole to cover the weaknesses? I feel a John Lennon song playing in the background..imagine all the people...just kidding. All I can do is my part to get better at accepting people for who they are. By the way, I don't believe in boxes. </div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-52539844807603192642012-08-29T21:20:00.000-07:002012-08-29T21:20:06.470-07:00Distractions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are times in our lives when we are offered opportunities to have a new perspective. I almost feel like life starts off as a blurred lens constantly being polished in order to have the ability to see things clearly.<br />
I haven't been in touch with this blog for a bit because I was in the process of gaining a new perspective. I don't like to blog while my thinking is blurry or when I'm trying to gather my thoughts in a positive manner. Truth is, I've allowed distractions to get in the way. <br />
Distractions can create a bit of a whirl wind state. Eventually, you start at the bottom of the tornado and then quickly end up at the top and wondering how you got so far off the ground.<br />
My new slogan: "While there may be many influences around, it's always good to keep your feet on the ground."<br />
It's amazing how many things there are in a day to distract us from what we want to do or what we are supposed to do. So, I've actually started to write it down. Sounds simple, right? I mean we're taught this in grade school. Write down this, keep track of that...as responsibilities get greater and time gets more narrowed, you can tend to forget some of the fundamental things. Just write down what it is that you want to do and post it in a place you go to routinely. <br />
The ultimate goal being learning how to step back, look at what it is that you want and stay on the ground while you go after it.<br />
<br />
</div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-85956238256691899052010-11-02T19:58:00.000-07:002010-11-02T20:09:18.380-07:00How To Be SuccessfulOne definition of success is "having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome." <br />
<br />
Seems like a very simple statement for a such a complex subject. I think of success differently, "the understanding that your purpose is to be successful continuously, not just momentarily."<br />
<br />
The meaning of success is changing. It's no longer one thing that defines being successful. It's a continuous trend of doing things successfully. Think about some of the athletes. In the spotlight, in the press, in every other conversation that people have. In a moment being unsuccessful in character, they lose everything. Are they still successful? Guess, it depends on who you talk to. <br />
<br />
Success isn't a get rich quick scheme or a moment of doing something good that gets attention. It's a way of life and it's a part of a person's character. Some of the most successful people are good at being steady at balancing the most complicated parts of being a human being. Not all can do this. Few will do this.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-7140597816353256542010-10-31T18:15:00.000-07:002011-07-25T14:01:12.332-07:00How to Make Six Figures a YearPeople often ask me what it takes to make six figures a year. My answer: When hard work meets opportunity. Notice that I said didn't say luck or falling into things. <br />
<br />
True story: I remember the day my world changed. The bus fare changed from $0.40 to $0.75 and I had no idea how I was going to get to work. I didn't have a car and I made $2.13 an hour plus tips. To top it all off, I was a high school drop out that earned a G.E.D. because I knew it was better to have that than be a high school drop out. I mean, my thought process was why even graduate high school? I thought it was a joke. Full of people who fit a mold or category and conformed. Why did I want to do that? They didn't understand me. I was forced to understand them. Why be a part of a system I didn't believe in? <br />
<br />
So, there I was trying to make bus fare; deciding my life and what I was going to do. I moved out early in life and after a couple of years had nothing to show for it. I had no medical, no car, no house, nothing. Just my paycheck to paycheck living. How frustrating is that after two years?<br />
<br />
Something had to change. I couldn't keep living like this. I couldn't just work and not believe in what I was doing. I decided to go to college. I had to take a placement test where I found out I needed take remedial courses and didn't meet basic education requirements; meaning, I had to take remedial courses that wouldn't count as credit towards a degree. I had a high school freshman education and entered into college as such. It was so tough. I felt so behind. I mean, the pressure was on. I was receiving financial aid and completed almost 38 credit units in one year. To do this, I completed 12 credit units in a single summer. Very tough to complete that much curriculum in that short of a period.<br />
<br />
Many of my friends came back the second semester with a tan and well rested and here I was, a sophmore and already exhausted. To add to it, I became part of a student worker program and had to work 20 hours a week to start.<br />
<br />
My father was suddenly stationed from San Antonio to California and I made a tough decision to stay behind to finish school. That didn't last long before I realized that life was starting to get harder for me and I needed my family. Nearly four months to the day, I moved to California and started to work on educating myself. I started to work full time in the clerical field (at the time I was making more than minimum wage and thought I had finally made it). <br />
<br />
It felt good to start making a steady income. Something I could count on. Something I could hold on to. I worked up the ladder in the financial field, then budgeting, then program management, then contracting. All in all, I spent nearly 10 years of working full time to get an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree and then finally a master's degree in business administration. Some weeks I had to work 60 hours and also had school assignments due. Talk about tough. <br />
<br />
Each time I achieved a different degree, I applied for a job that required more responsibility. Soon that paid off when I went to apply to be an adjunct instructor teaching business. Varying view point than what I experienced several years prior. I didn't want to graduate high school, but now I wanted to teach? How ironic is that? <br />
<br />
Truth is, I believe in teaching with all of my heart. That is because people had chosen that profession and I chose to learn, which ultimately has led to my success.<br />
<br />
I noticed that there was a Director position available at an educational institution and thought to myself, I may qualify, but will they give me a chance?<br />
<br />
To my surprise they did and I accepted. I never could have placed myself here, but it fits. I get to collaborate with the smartest minds and value the educational process more than I could have imagined. We are all life long learners and the moment we humble ourselves and realize it, the more we might be able to reach our full potential.<br />
<br />
So how to you make six figures year? You work hard, never give up and never settle. Most importantly realize that you determine your potential and your potential isn't what people tell you your capable of. Your potential is up to you.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-20011892068825457782010-10-29T11:57:00.000-07:002010-10-29T12:01:51.649-07:00Balancing ResponsibilitiesWhen I grow up, I want to be a ballerina, gymnist, dancer, singer....<br />
The response: You have to pick one thing and be good at it. There is no way you can be all of those things.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to 30 years later, I'm a wife, daughter, sister, friend, leader, athlete, manager, planner, collegue, teacher, singer, chef, author...<br />
<br />
It is in us at a young age to want to do more than one thing. Why not plan big? Why not be all of the things that you are capable of? Why not push the envelope everyday?<br />
<br />
I remember being frustrated trying to be all of these things. My time seemed to go from task to task and then I'd fall asleep and do it all over again the next day. Looking back, it was because I didn't balance all of the responsibilities that make me who I am. When would I have time to fit in writing or singing or the things I really enjoyed in life? When did I get so busy?<br />
<br />
I had to start making some changes. I had to start thinking differently about things. Especially, about how I manage my time. I also had to realize a few things that I hadn't faced before, like maybe not being the best at everything, but good at several things. Here are some lessons learned that I would like to share:<br />
<br />
Lesson #1: YOU control what you spend your time on. Pretty powerful words. Some may say, what do you mean? I have so many responsibilities, how do I get to choose? I have to pay bills, I have to change diapers, I have to... Yes, there are some things YOU have to do and somethings you don't need to do. My first order of business. Writing out the things I need to do versus things I need to have done. I realized that I was spending at least four hours a day every weekend cleaning my house. Is this something that I really need to be doing? What about having someone else do it? How can I afford to have someone else do it? I pay about $50 every two weeks to have my house cleaned. The in between weeks, I do a light cleaning, maybe about a half hour. I started to look at my services. Do I really need Direct TV's ultimate package with all of the channels? Do I really need a cell phone and a home phone? It's amazing where you might be able to squeeze out $50. I figure, if I can spend $50 on a tank of gas, I can figure out how to spend $50 getting four hours of my life back per week. For those who think they are the only ones who can clean their house good enough, it's not going to be perfect. Let it go. We are talking about 4 hours a week to help balance other responsibilities that you may have.<br />
<br />
Lesson #2: Realize it's okay to be good at lots of things and you don't have to be the best at everything. Eleanor Roosevelt said it best: "Sometimes your best is not enough. Sometimes you must do what is necessary." This is one of the hardest lessons I had to learn. I am programmed to be the best all of the time. Truth is, it's not going to happen. If I spend less time trying to be excellent and more time trying to be good, I have more time to spend doing other things. Sometimes good is good enough.<br />
<br />
Lesson #3: Do things that are fun. Life is full of demanding responsibilities and it doesn't get easier with the more you take on. When I am working loads of hours and am not taking the time for my other responsibilities, like singing, writing and cooking, I feel unhappy. The pleasures that you have in life are your responsibility. We tend to get programmed to just be productive. We are not robots. There are other sides that require attention also. As a mentor once said to me, "Do something everyday that expresses yourself." It could be singing in the shower when I'm getting ready for work. It could be writing just a little bit everyday, but I always make time for the things that let me express myself. <br />
<br />
Lesson #4: Attitude is everything. I firmly believe this. There are situations that are challenging, but they can be turned into something positive. I work in a profession where I get to hear a lot of negativity. I mean, I control funds for a living. I'm the person that has to say no sometimes and I get to hear the brunt of that. People don't like to hear the word no. Even though it is challenging, it can be positive. How you perceive things is critical. You can let the negativity get to you or you can be the driving force to change negative behavior by setting an example. It's not easy and it's not going to be. I am accountable to myself for how I let things affect me.<br />
<br />
Lesson #5: Reflect, reflect, and then reflect again. Reflection is important in order to really understand what is going on in life. I sometimes plan situations out in my head and think about how I might have done things differently or a better way to do things. Sometimes when I reflect, ideas pop in my head. In order to become self aware, you need to reflect on your actions, your responses, your attitude and your perceptions. Even a simple 30 minute meditation exercise may help with this. It is a time to be still, but sometimes I use that time to reflect.<br />
<br />
As my responsibilities continue to grow, I will have to adjust how to balance them. I have to believe that I am capable to do all things that are in my heart. That they are there for a reason and that is because I am meant to do them.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-41552150061523001022010-09-15T20:08:00.000-07:002010-09-15T20:08:39.630-07:00What Does Leadership Mean?Recently, a team building consultant asked a group of people, "Who here likes to be managed?" Nobody raised their hand. "When asked, who likes to be led?" This seemed a little more acceptable. Truth is, people need to be inspired. People need to be motivated. People need to be trusted and people need to be led. This is not to devalue a manager or supervisor role, but to reach deep into what motivates people, what inspires people and what helps them to become great at what they do. It's not the role of a leader to micromanage this process. It's the role of the leader to provide the pathway and up to the team member if they choose to go down the path. Ask any leader, "What inspires a leader?". The good ones might say by inspiring others, they then become inspired. It's a relationship. It's a common purpose. That people become the best at what they do and develop into the leaders one would hope they become.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-67507098671219913252010-09-14T21:01:00.000-07:002010-09-14T21:01:55.790-07:00Finding InspirationI looked around my office the other day and thought, this place needs some personality. Sure, my achievements are on the wall, but when I look around how do I stay inspired? Because of past achievements? Ever heard of making your work space or office a place of inspiration; a place you can have variety; a place you can reflect pieces of your personality.<br />
Slowly, I brought in pictures. I let parts of my interests and things I can use to find inspiration and keep my motivation. It's now full of diversity. From the focus of what I do to pictures of my family to fun office toys to a wall of inspiration. It's a variety that reflects a space of inspiration. It's about creating an environment, a space, where you can create a haven that focuses on your personality, that blends with what you do, that helps you find inspiration in everything around you.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-2468717765290148302010-09-13T22:14:00.000-07:002010-09-13T22:15:30.408-07:00Appreciating the DayIt's easy to get caught up in the responsibilities in life. To get into a routine that can numb the normal individual. But why live life this way? Why not sit and think about the things we should be greatful for. Thanks to the day I get to wake up and live. It's full of adventures, but thank goodness I get to live it. <br />
<br />
I wrote a life plan to document first what issues I think I need to overcome in life. Secondly, I wrote down the things I am appreciative of. When ranking them, I noticed that the issues I thought I had to overcome meant nothing to the things I appreciated. That if I lost the things I appreciated, I wouldn't even think about the things I needed to overcome. Funny thing is, I would spend more time on the things I thought I needed to overcome, instead of the things I really appreciate. If you think we're going in circles, it's because we are.<br />
<br />
Truth is we spend so much time on things we THINK are important instead of the things that really are important to us. It's time to spend time on the things that are really important to us. It's time to appreciate each day that we have to live. Everything else is secondary.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-82666273494224992742010-09-09T21:19:00.000-07:002010-09-09T21:19:31.467-07:00Promoting SuccessesEver notice how easy it is to focus on what went wrong instead of what went right? The negative seems to trump the positive. For some, a person says or does something wrong and it can linger. Someone does or says something right, it becomes standard or not under the microscope. <br />
<br />
It's time to change that way of thinking. No matter how big or small, there is something that can be said about celebrating successes fully the way that we might dread failures or mistakes. Appreciating successes can lead to more successes because it's better to feel good about something than not so good. No more focusing on what is wrong with things or what went wrong in a situation. Let's appreciate what is right in this world and what makes us successful and happy.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-803153146464113472010-09-08T21:02:00.000-07:002010-09-08T21:05:46.571-07:00The Building Blocks of LifeSometimes the experience we may might think is our worst situation might be the turning of the propeller that enables us to fly. I regret nothing. Sure, knowing what I know now, I might have changed a few things. But, sometimes going through these tough times, builds someone up to the person they are supposed to become. Not having these experiences as a building block would have made tough experiences much more difficult, if not impossible to overcome. <br />
<br />
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." ~Eleanor Roosevelt. I have learned I am who I am. I am on a path. This path is not free of debris. But realizing you are able to get past any situation creates a champion mentality. It's not easy. But it does build you for the other challenges that life has to offer. The building blocks of life that you choose how to accept.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-24681988705813582902010-09-07T20:56:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:56:41.068-07:00Overcoming AdversitySometimes life is like running an obstacle course, but with a lot more hurdles. If you are flexible and steady, you have a good chance of winning the race. Anything else can create more hurdles. Success is not a matter of events or circumstances playing out perfectly. It's a matter of these things not playing out perfectly and rising to the occasion. Heard the saying, "It's easy to steer the ship, when the waters are calm." It's true. How many can steer it when the waters are rough? Right now, the economy is tough. Things are changing rapidly. What we will end up as will not be what we started with. Leaders are born or developed during these changing times. Watching and observing or directly affecting strategies that will pave the way to how we operate in the near future. It's a stressful time. But's it's also a unique time. A time to demonstrate your ability. A time to show others what you are made of. A time of leadership. So, are you ready to run the race?Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-46164734485138526272010-09-01T20:45:00.000-07:002010-09-01T21:04:43.035-07:00Teaching LeadershipIt's not about the disagreement but the facts surrounding the argument that determines if someone is viewing things objectively or has made up their mind before hearing a particular point of view.<br />
<br />
I have observed the good leaders are able to sometimes change their thinking based upon a valid argument and of course, there are others who think that they already know the answer, so why have the discussion? It is hard to fill a cup which is already full. Yes, I got this from Avatar. And yes, I'm well aware that it was said before the movie.<br />
<br />
So how do you change that thinking? The thinking in which someone knows the answer before the question is asked or discussed? Well, I don't have the answer because I'm still learning. Maybe trial and error is the key. To let one try it out and figure it out for themselves. It's the hardest way to learn, but at least you learn.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-90558208423503408602010-08-27T19:55:00.000-07:002010-08-27T19:55:26.530-07:00The Value of Good MentorsThere are those who are fortunate and those who are less fortunate. Throughout my career, I have been able to excel, been able to see things from different perspectives and been able to accomplish much. I do not take the credit for this. It is because I have worked with some of the greatest minds I know. In every career move I've made, I have had the fortune of recognizing and listening to those who knew the path, followed the path and now are teaching the path. <br />
<br />
I had what felt like an out of body experience earlier today. I viewed something differently than I would have several years ago. I was being asked for advice where I might have taken the same approach that was proposed. It seemed liked the right approach at the time, but when factoring other aspects, wouldn't have accomplished what was intended. I don't know when this transition of thinking happened to me.<br />
<br />
I do know, left to my own devices, I wouldn't have been able to distinguish this or it might have taken many more years. The point I'm trying to make is that I am very appreciative of my mentors. Of those who take the time, of those who teach and of those I get to learn from. "Good leaders create other good leaders and not followers." Words I read years ago and know that experiencing good leadership does change how a person thinks.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-65391063085646148912010-08-22T15:47:00.000-07:002011-09-30T18:54:54.821-07:00Carving the PathOften times I observe others afraid to take risks. Afraid to go against the grain. Afraid to take a chance. My advice: Do it. Take the chance. Take the risk. I have a story that I feel defines my personality. <br />
My husband and I were car shopping several years ago. I found a red brand new mustang that I absolutely wanted. The problem: It was standard. I had never learned to drive standard. Needless to say, I bought the car anyway. I didn't even know how to drive it home. My husband had to. So why did I use this to define my personality? Because even though I didn't know how to drive the car, I knew, I'd learn how to. What better motivation, but to take it home. I had no other alternative. If I didn't learn how to drive the car, I couldn't go to work. The pressure was enormous. Sink or swim.<br />
I take this same approach in my career. I'm a young, successful person and am often asked "Aren't you afraid?" Of course, it's scary. I'm not superhuman. But I don't let fear interrupt my progress. I let it challenge me. Being out of your comfort zone is not easy. Just the opposite: It's quite difficult. But the lessons you learn are carried with you while you carve your own path.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-54688853265534892792010-07-26T20:19:00.000-07:002010-07-26T20:19:20.029-07:00Practicing ForgivenessPracticing forgiveness is an on-going evolution of a person who is able to tolerate transgressions because there is progress that can be made. I find myself in this lesson often. Either I am in the position of practicing it or engaging with someone who must practice it with me. <br />
<br />
I have noticed that the more I am able to get past certain situations and forgive others, the more content I am as a result. It is not the situation that defines you, but the response you have in those situations.<br />
<br />
Allowing your experience to trump your immediate response can be difficult, but is necessary. I won't pretend to not have those same feelings or emotional responses to situations that would make your blood boil, but it is you who chooses how to react to them.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-65049861439156997482010-05-25T19:13:00.000-07:002010-05-25T19:15:53.689-07:00Valuing DiversityStrength lies in differences, not in similarities. ~ Stephen Covey<br />
<br />
Often times I have come across people that cannot comprehend why people might view or do or even see things differently. If they do not fit into the box that they can comprehend; they must be doing something wrong or indifferent or have something left to learn. How often are people really appreciative of diversity? We speak it, we train about it, we are well aware it exists, but how many people really understand and value it?<br />
<br />
Being confident in your beliefs, in your values and your morale compass means that you value the fact that other people might have different view points or beliefs. That you accept others because they are unique and have something to offer. That even though there are differences, there are a common set of goals. <br />
<br />
Valuing people on all levels means you understand that people are unique and have something valuable to offer. The key may be finding what that is or guiding people to discover it for themselves or discovering that you might be learning from someone else.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-50076337117734746232010-05-13T21:01:00.000-07:002010-05-13T21:01:47.488-07:00Work/Life BalanceFor years my life revolved around work and school. My routine started with breakfast, work, lunch, dinner, (meals are important) a drive to school, a drive home and bed time. Weekends were breakfast, homework, more homework, an hour or two of free time...did I mention homework? Fast forward to eight years of doing this and the routine changed, but not much. Breakfast, work, lunch, dinner, work. Weekends were breakfast, work, more work, an hour or two of free time...did I mention...you get the picture.<br />
Yes, that is what happened. Homework prepared me for more work. After a few years of doing this, I've decided to change things a bit. Now it's breakfast, work, lunch, dinner, well whatever happens next. Weekends... breakfast followed by well, whatever happens next. No more spending free time doing work. Free time is meant to be....well you get the picture.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-59091160251530106452010-03-24T20:15:00.001-07:002010-03-24T20:15:25.072-07:00The New Business Manager: Change LeadershipThere are various leadership styles that I have learned over the years. While some choose one approach, the most effective is the situational leadership style. This means constantly evaluating decisions for the situations that are before you. How you approach one situation may be different than how you approach another due to several factors and your experience in these circumstances. In order to quickly be able to adapt to change, it is important to keep this style because it creates a flexible leader. At times, a manager who chooses a “fixed” style of leadership tends to either get frustrated or is unable to quickly adapt to the change. <br />
<br />
Jack Welsh said it best, “Change before you have to.” I am beginning to understand this concept. Either you can change and adapt to the situation or choose not to and painfully have to get there or never do and that has its own tensions.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-73701686929346224822010-03-23T20:23:00.000-07:002010-03-23T21:59:57.753-07:00Leadership in Tough TimesAnyone can lead when the waters are calm. True leaders are defined when they can lead through a storm. Are people willing to step up and be leaders when it's not convenient for them, when there is no prize or recognition for their efforts? Are people willing to step up if they also must feel the pain? Good leaders do what is responsible because that is what is required. Hopefully, others follow suit and, if not, then their leadership ability is defined in the storm. Those who are team players may not get the convenience, the prize or the recognition in the short-term, but in the long-term, they demonstrated what it really takes to be a leader and sometimes that means sacrifice. Those who cannot sacrifice are short-term thinkers wanting immediate satisfaction as opposed to what truely defines a person's character in the long-term. Good leaders demonstrate selflessness and not selfishness. It is much easier to serve yourself instead of others, but good leaders prefer challenges. Which are you?Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-47187826984065976552010-03-18T20:57:00.000-07:002020-01-31T16:35:46.205-08:00Comedy in the Workplace?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dealing in high stress environments, I've learned how important it is to keep a sense of humor. Some situations are serious and warrant critical thinking, but we all need a break from that sometimes. Lightening the mood can help people think more clearly and more relaxed. The result is that people feel more comfortable to provide input to be a part of the solution. I've been in some meetings where I thought a person's face might crack if I saw a smile. I look at it this way, you can be serious all the time at work or you can take the time to enjoy what you're doing and still be serious about it.</div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251763284043322409.post-16639954390751283412010-03-17T20:41:00.000-07:002010-03-17T20:41:21.372-07:00Learning To Pace YourselfI've spent years working at this momentum like a snowball turning into an avalanche. I feel a poem coming on. Grow, Grow, Grow while you can has been my motto. It still is, but now I'm learning how important it is to balance yourself. What I mean is growing in different directions; for some it's personal, for others it's professional, for others it could be their mid-section. Gotta add humor. I've spent many years growing in one direction. I think at times when someone is focused, that this can happen. I am understanding how important it is to broaden your focus, so when it comes down to it, you are able to be flexible. Who knows what life is going to throw at you and so many people put all of their eggs in one basket. When the basket drops, what's left but a bunch of broken eggs and a mess to clean up. The key is to never end up with egg on your face or on the floor for that matter.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846994545663316004noreply@blogger.com0