“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”  Jimmy Dean

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”  Jimmy Dean

Jimmy Dean was a successful singer, television host, actor, and businessman. I knew of him for his international hit song “Big Bad John.”  Later, I saw him advertising Jimmy Dean Sausage™, the product of a company that he founded. Today Tyson Foods™ owns the company. With his looks and voice, Jimmy Dean is the perfect brand ambassador for the products his company made. Even though he passed away in 2010, his voice and image are still used to promote the products in commercials.

Where I met him was in an area that was curtained off at a food trade show at the McCormick Place in Chicago. I was simply taking a backstage shortcut. I suspect that he was taking the route that was curtained off  to avoid the crowds of people who would recognize him and to avoid the journalists and photographers who covered what was the largest convention in the world, the Food Marketing Institute annual trade show. Also, in a trade show that covered two city blocks, shortcuts were very useful.

He was 6’3″ and was wearing cowboy boots and a large cowboy hat. As we approached each other, he was beaming with a huge smile. He greeted me as though I was a friend.

We stopped and talked about the trade show and how it was working for his brands. He was an extraordinary man in every way: looks, stature, intelligence, success. However, he had humility and a type of charisma that made people feel as though they were important.

Later I would learn that Jimmy Dean was known for his humility, which was evident in his interactions with fans and colleagues. He never let fame or success go to his head, and he always made time for those around him.

Here are a few examples of Jimmy Dean’s humility:

  • He was known for his generosity, often giving money and time to those in need.He was always willing to help out others, even if it meant putting his own needs aside.
  • He was never afraid to admit his mistakes and learn from them.
  • He was always grateful for the opportunities that he had been given in life.
  • Jimmy Dean’s humility was one of the things that made him so beloved by fans and colleagues alike.

He was a true role model, and his legacy continues to inspire others to be humble and kind.

Managing Stress and Burnout – Leo Babauta

“Leo Babauta is a simplicity blogger & author. He created Zen Habits, a Top 25 blog with a million readers. He’s also a best-selling author, a husband, father of six children, and a vegan. In 2010 moved from Guam to California, where he leads a simple life.

He’s also a Zen student, and is on a mission to help the world open through uncertainty training.

He started Zen Habits to chronicle and share what he’s learned while changing a number of habits, including:

Quit smoking (on Nov. 18, 2005).
Became a runner.
Ran several marathons and a 50-mile ultramarathon.
Began waking early.
Became organized and productive.
Began eating healthier
Became a vegan.
Eliminated his debt.
Simplified his life.
Lost weight (about 70 pounds).
Wrote several best-selling books and ebooks.
Started a successful blog on simplicity.
Created a leading blog on minimalism.
Started meditating, dove deeper and became a Zen student, later teaching meditation.”

More About Leo Babauta

Image Source: subzy112 via Deviant Art

Are You and Influencer or an Addict on Social Media?

Are You and Influencer or an Addict on Social Media? Maybe you are both.

Social media can be a powerful tool for good. Use it to raise awareness about critical issues, support causes you care about, and connect with others who share your values. Also, social media can cause depression, confusion, destroy your privacy and security, ruin your relationships with friends and family.

1. Scrolling aimlessly on social media is addictive. Stop it Stand up and take a walk.

It’s easy to get sucked into the endless scroll of social media, wasting hours of our time. Be mindful of how much time you’re spending on social media, and make sure that it’s not taking away from other important activities in your life, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing your hobbies, or getting enough sleep.

When you find that you are just scrolling on social media, close your apps and put your device away. Get physically active.

2. Be intentional about what you post.

If you want to build an audience, know what your audience wants to know.

Before you post anything on social media, take a moment to think about what you’re saying and how it might be perceived by others. Avoid posting anything that is offensive, inflammatory, or hurtful. Be respectful of others’ opinions, even if you don’t agree with them.

3. Be careful about sharing personal information.

Social media is a public platform, so be careful about sharing personal information that you wouldn’t want to be seen by everyone in the world. This includes your address, phone number, email address, and other sensitive information.

4. Use social media to connect with others.

Social media is a terrific way to stay connected with friends and family, both near and far. Use it to share updates about your life, reach out to old friends, and make new connections.

5. Use social media to learn about the world around you.

Social media can be a terrific way to learn about current events, diverse cultures, and innovative ideas. Follow news organizations, experts, and thought leaders on social media to stay informed and engaged with the world around you.

Photo by Joe Woods on Unsplash

 

Surround Yourself with the Smartest People

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.
C. S. Lewis

In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, the adage “surround yourself with people who are smarter than you” holds a profound truth. Embracing the company of those who possess greater knowledge and skills can be a powerful catalyst for development and innovation.

Why Seek Smarter Company?
The benefits of surrounding oneself with more intelligent individuals are manifold. Firstly, it fosters an environment of continuous learning. Being around those who challenge our understanding pushes us to expand our knowledge base and question our preconceived notions. It’s a dynamic setting where ideas are exchanged, and intellectual boundaries are stretched.

Moreover, smarter colleagues act as a source of inspiration. They set a higher standard of excellence, motivating us to elevate our performance and strive for greater achievements. Their expertise and problem-solving abilities can also provide valuable insights that lead to more effective decision-making.

The Impact on Innovation
Innovation thrives in diverse and intellectually stimulating environments. When smart people come together, the synergy of their combined perspectives and experiences can lead to breakthroughs that might not occur in isolation. This collaborative intelligence is the bedrock of successful teams and organizations.

Creating a Smarter Circle
Building a network of intelligent individuals requires intentionality. It involves seeking out mentors, joining professional groups, attending conferences, and engaging in communities where knowledge-sharing is prevalent. It’s about being proactive in one’s own growth journey and recognizing the value that others bring to the table.

Conclusion
The wisdom of surrounding yourself with smarter individuals is not about diminishing one’s self-worth but about recognizing the power of collective intelligence. It’s a humble acknowledgment that we all have something to learn from one another. By embracing this mindset, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities and growth.

Remember, intelligence is not just about academic prowess; it encompasses emotional, social, and creative intelligence as well. So, when we talk about surrounding ourselves with ‘smarter’ people, it’s about seeking those who can complement and enhance our own abilities in various spheres of life. It’s a journey well worth embarking on.

 

Photo by Filip Zrnzević on Unsplash

What Steps can I Take Today to Make Things Better?

Horrible things happen to all of us, things beyond our control. But developing winning traits can change the questions we ask when we meet challenges. We stop asking, “Why me?” Instead, we ask, “What steps can I take today to make things better?” ~ www.jaywren.com

 

 

 

Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

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