The Past is the Past…

 

There is value in reflection. The past holds lessons for us. It can remind us of how far we’ve come. It gives us moments to celebrate and be grateful. But it is still the past. We cannot rewrite it. We cannot relive it. We cannot change it. What we can do is write what comes next.

Each day is a blank page. Every hour is an opportunity. The future is not something that simply happens to us, but is something we shape with the decisions we make today. While yesterday is written in ink, today is still being drafted in pencil. The days, minutes, and moments ahead of you are unwritten pages in your book of life. Choose your words carefully. Act intentionally. Lead purposefully.

Make it a great week by creating it. Happy Presidents Day, enjoy the quote below…

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

-       Abraham Lincoln

Emphasizing the Negative?

 

It’s easy to notice what’s wrong. As a society, we often focus on flaws and failures more than on progress and success. I know I’m guilty of it too. Spotting the negative seems to come naturally, while recognizing the good requires intentionality.

Choosing positivity takes a conscious effort. Some people seem wired for it, but for many of us it’s a daily decision, especially in a world that constantly highlights what’s broken. The news thrives on bad outcomes, conflict and corruption.  Even the weather report seems to work against us. Why do we hear “a 30% chance of rain” instead of “a 70% chance of sunshine”?

Perspective matters. If we made a habit of looking for what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong, we might not only feel better but be better to be around. Positivity doesn’t ignore reality; it simply chooses which parts of reality to emphasize.

Be positive. Choose it on purpose.

Positive Feedback

 

Are you complimentary when you receive good service?  Do you provide a lift to someone by acknowledging their smile or positive outlook?  You might be surprised the difference you can make in someone’s day, and their job performance, by simply being complimentary.  When a hotel clerk greets you with a smile and helpful attitude make sure they know you noticed.  When the dry cleaner’s employee is prompt and professional genuinely thank them.  When your dining wait staff is especially efficient give them a compliment and maybe even a larger tip.  People that serve others for a living are often mistreated, do your part to change that.  If they are doing an exceptional job go out of your way to let their boss know.  Positive feedback is a great motivator and can change someone’s day, maybe even their future!

Pay someone a genuine compliment today and have a blessed week!

Readiness

 

I have said before that if you wait until you are 100% ready you will never start anything. Total readiness is not something we generally feel. There is always a small amount of doubt, a bit of worry, a slight uncertainty. We must get over these thoughts and take that last step to accomplish anything. A friend recently put it rather clearly like this…

“You’ll never feel ready, because ready is not a feeling. It is a decision.”