Thursday, June 28, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_60)

                                                                                 Photo by Jerry Wolfe


Quote of the day:

“The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for.”—Zig Ziglar

Consider:

Here is a simple and practical way to apply the above quote. Something you can use right away in your quest for becoming more thankful.

Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have "it". But how often do we reflect upon the things we already have? Take some time each day and think of one or two things that you have that you may typically take for granted, and then take a moment and give thanks for those.

I incorporate this simple practice into my reflection time. I find it both refreshing and uplifting to review a list of things that I'm thankful for. Try it, and see what it does for you.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

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Monday, June 25, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_59)

                                                                                 Photo by Tommy Farnsworth


Quote of the day:

“Every choice you make has an end result.” -- Zig Ziglar

Consider:

Life is made up of choices, ranging from mundane to mind-boggling. What should I wear today? What do I want for breakfast? Who should I marry? What career should I pursue? Big and small, our choices work together to order our days, define who we are, and largely determine our levels of happiness and fulfillment.

Ironically, it's the little choices that often get more than their share of our time and attention, while the most fundamental choices, the ones that matter most and could make the biggest difference, get overlooked or put off. What do I want out of life? What kind of person do I want to be?

It's possible to go through life without ever tackling those big questions—millions of people do—but that approach to life is far more likely to end in disappointment and regret than in genuine accomplishment and happiness. As someone cleverly put it, “If you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else.” Don't let that happen to you. Find what matters most to you and go for it.

What questions have you been putting off? Think about them today and start making a plan of action based on your answers.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_58)



Quote of the day:

“Kind words and good deeds are eternal. You never know where their influence will end.”--H. Jackson Browne

Consider:

So many people lack simple confidence. They've felt shut out by others, condemned, unappreciated, and ridiculed, and this has been a loss to the development of their possibilities. It's a rare soul who can go so contrarily against the crowd and forge ahead, regardless of what others think, or whether or not he receives any praise or encouragement for what he hopes to achieve. Most people need the gentle nurturing of appreciation, faith, love, and belief that they can succeed.

Such faith in others doesn't always come easily. Sometimes you must extend the hand of acceptance, even when your logic is screaming that you shouldn't. But if you know that it's what's right, then it's your heart that you must listen to. Don't push it aside as illogical or foolish. Love isn't always logical.

Keep appreciation simple and doable. Don't feel that you need to have wonderfully warm feelings about a person, or be their best friend and really know them deeply before you can make a difference in someone’s life. You can be a near stranger and still have a marvelous effect on someone.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_57)



Quote of the day:

“Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?" – Frank Scully

Consider:

Moving beyond our own personal limiting beliefs and fears is not always easy. When standing at the threshold of our limitations often our first reaction is to hesitate, even shy away from any attempt of launching out into the unknown, the difficult, or anything that would stretch us beyond our comfort zones. Our fear seems to immediately kick-in and we are tempted to listen to the inner negative voice above the calmer, steadier voice of faith and confidence.

As you’re heading towards your goal, if fear comes knocking at your door, stop a moment and take stock of your situation. Is your goal consistent with the voice of truth within you? Do you have inner peace knowing the goals you’re shooting for are what you’re supposed to do? If the answer is yes, then trust that you will be given guidance at the exact time and hour you need it; then go ahead and climb out on that limb, trust, and expect success.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

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Friday, June 15, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_56)



Quote of the day:

Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Consider:

People often lose faith in themselves and in their own abilities. They clearly see their mistakes, inabilities, and failings, and have to combat their negative self chatter which is always right there to magnify their faults and tell them, "Yes, you are a failure and you'll never amount to anything. You might as well give up now.”

But when someone comes along and shows confidence in them, it can often be the ray of hope that they need to turn things around and keep going.

Try to think of at least one thing that you find outstanding in a person, and then make it your task to let them know. Reinforce the fact that you see and know how excellent they are in that specific way. Don't be shy; they won't get tired of hearing it. What you're doing is building confidence in that one area, and as they gain confidence, they will start to improve in other areas as well.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_55)

Quote of the day: 

“I wonder why it is that we are not all kinder to each other than we are. How much the world needs it! How easily it is done!” -- Henry Drummond 

Consider: 

If you want to see the world and those around you change, then it starts with you—with your belief that others are more than they appear to be. You can draw out the good in those around you, appreciate individuals for who they are, acknowledge their gifts and talents and humbly be a conduit of love and appreciation to others. 

Start by thinking of the positive ways that someone has helped you and the good that a person has done. Appreciate them in your thoughts. You will have a change in how you view others, because you will have taken the time to go deeper, past the surface assumptions that are so easy to make and past your history with them. 

Go slower in your interactions with people. It takes time to see people in a new light. It takes a slowdown of the hasty assumptions that are a result of mental ruts and thought patterns that require a change in perspective. Be willing to see who the person is today, or the potential of what they can be tomorrow, and don't let your view be marred by your past experiences.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

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Monday, June 11, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_54)



Quote of the day:

"If you can't feed a hundred people, feed just one."  Mother Teresa

Consider:

I’m reminded of the story about a boy who was walking on a beach which was covered with starfish. The starfish had washed up in the tide, In an effort to save the fish, the boy started throwing them back in the ocean one by one.

Someone passed by and said to the boy,  “You’ll never be able to save them all, your efforts can’t make a difference.”

The boy looked up and wisely replied, “I may not be able to save them all, but to this one, it made a difference.”

There are so many needy situations in the world today, so much so, it seems  overwhelming at times. You may ask yourself, “The needs are so great. How can I make a difference against such odds?” Well, even if you make a difference in one person’s life, you’ve made a big difference. Reach out to help someone today. 

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

P.S. If you are looking for worthy causes to give to I recomend checking out the Radical Giving site (http://radgiving.weebly.com/).  

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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_53)

Quote of the day:

“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Consider:

One of the most important communication and conversation skills is listening.

People appreciate those who they feel like and respect them enough to listen attentively to whatever they have to say—their ups and downs, their joys and troubles. People often aren’t necessarily looking for answers or advice, but they  want to be able to express their feelings and to have the satisfaction of knowing someone else understands and empathizes with them. You pay people a high compliment simply by hearing them out.

Some specific tips on how to be a good listener:

§         Give the person speaking your full attention. Make eye contact and avoid doing or looking at other things while the person is speaking to you.

§         Listen to the words being said, but look deeper. Take note of expressions and body language.

§         Give little acknowledgments or signs to show your attentiveness—nodding or saying things like “That’s interesting,” or “I see.”

§         Ask questions that will draw the person out more.

§         Ask for clarifications when needed.

§         Don’t interrupt. Be sure that the person has finished before you interject your comments or views. If you aren’t sure whether the person is finished, ask.

§         Avoid comments such as “What you should do is …” or  “If I were you …” unless the person specifically asked you for advice.

§         If you prove yourself to be a good listener, then it’s more likely that others will return the favor when you need a listening ear.

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_52)

Quote of the day:

“If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.” -- Gail Sheehy

Consider:

Are you set in your ways, or do you embrace new ideas? Do you welcome suggestions from others? Are you open to learning and trying new things? Are you willing to change things if someone else finds a better way?

It’s often easier to keep doing things the old way than it is to change, or at least it can seem so at first. Change takes time and effort, but good changes are worth it in the long run. You shouldn’t resist change, but you shouldn’t go to the other extreme either of changing things just for the sake of change.

Take the first step toward embracing change this week by trying something new. For example try a new food, go to a new place, learn something new or do something you have never done before. Change may not be as bad as you think. Try it you might just like it.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana


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Friday, June 1, 2012

Motivational Minute (12_51)

Quote of the day:

“You can't think your way into acting positively, but you can act your way into thinking positively.” -- Nido Qubein

Consider:

Have you ever had a bad day just because you crossed paths with someone who was in a foul mood? Maybe it was someone on the bus or another customer in a store, someone who you normally wouldn’t have even noticed, but that one grumpy or inconsiderate person cast a shadow on your whole day.

On the other hand, have you ever had a day that went great and you realized later that it all started when you met someone who was especially nice to you? Maybe it was the way she smiled at you, or the way he picked up and handed you something you had dropped, or how someone held a door open for you—only a little gesture, but one that had a positive impact on your day.

Everyone has influence. Moment by moment your attitude and level of happiness is reflected in the little things you say and do, and these deeds are bound to affect others. What kind of impact do you usually have?

Think of the things people have done that made your day, and make a point of doing similar things for others. Not only will you brighten someone else’s day, but you will also find that you are happier and see life more positively.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

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