I had a mentor of mine ask me this week;  "What is the difference between reacting and responding?"

I really had to  take a moment to think about that.  I saw that reacting was a habitual way of dealing with circumstances, and responding required some time to think, almost meditate of what to say, or do. 

I find that for the most part the world tries to train us to react. We seem to be asked to get an answer fast, get some result fast. But does that give us the best results on what we want to have as outcomes?

Maybe taking just a moment to take a breath, and think things through you will see a solution that will give you better results than your old habitual of response.

ITTI.  What does that mean?  I Take The Initiative. 

All business owners might think about having this stamped on their computer, phone, or calendar.  What does it mean? 

Just that;  as a business owner you take the initiative.  You take the first move, you start the conversation, you ask the important or difficult questions, you do the research. 

W.I. N.  =  "What’s Importnat Now"

On of my mentors. Paul Huxley a remarkable man who worked with Prudential Insurance,   asks me this question:  What’s Important Now.  He says it can be a way to true yourself up, or  sort out what actions to take in a busy morning, day, week or month.

Get into the habit of asking yourself that question.  I ask myself each morning:   What’s important now?  What will move me and my business forward today? 

I put a small 3 x 5 card by my computer with WIN printed in my handwriting.  Seeing that little card puts me right back into a mindset of taking action.  Action is the only thing that produces results. 

"One of the secrets of getting more done is to make a TO DO List every day, keep it visible, and use it as a guide to action as you go through the day."

Alan Lakein
Time Management Expert and Author

                                       Hang in There in 2009

                                        “Don’t sweat the small stuff.   Remember, it’s all small stuff.”

Life has a funny way of throwing us an unexpected curve ball. A flat tire when we are in a hurry to an important business         meeting,  or maybe it’s a change in our financial well-being.   During difficult or challenging times many people lack        
the mental ability to stay in the game.  We may not be able to control the circumstances, but we do have a say       
about what  how we think about our circumstances.                     

You can alter your perspective by changing the way you interpret your circumstance,  situation and environment.

Milton said:         
“The mind itself, in it’s own place, can       
make a hell out of heaven and a heaven        
out of hell.”                       

Why do some of us only see the worst in a situation or other people while others choose to see the best?               
Why do some people constantly see  what’s gone wrong while others look  for what’s right? Who do you think will        
be more successful?                   
                           
Everyone faces obstacles, some of them are your Uncle Bob, but it’s your response to dealing with those obstacles      
that will determine your outcome.           
                           
Keep Focused and Learn.              

Life will always be full of changes, challenges, and commitments.  So rather than being crushed by the changes of life, learn how to ride the wave. Tough times never last, but tough people do!

Brie Wells
 

2009!

Here we go.  This year can be the best incentive you have ever gotten.  You can have this year bring out your best,  bring out the hidden potential you have always guessed is inside you, but haven’t brought forward. 

This is the year to bring out all your potential.  How?  By taking on goals you have only dreamed about, but never given yourself permission to act upon.  Then act.  Make the connections, smile, look people in the eyes when you talk to them, listen, and above all give!

Give referrals, people will remember you. 

And don’t be concerned with how you are going to achieve a goal, face the direction of your goal and take a step each day in the direction of your dream. Remember……..