Category Archives: Success

You Have More Talent and Potential than You Realize

If you want to become a powerful performer, you have more potential than you realize, and you may underestimate the value of talent. Here are nine factors that affect success. All are important.

Here are the things that I accomplished with this process.

I experienced feelings of excitement and joy in caring for people and causes. I know that I did. I had time to do all these things and still work to operate my recruiting practice.

I got involved in a high school group. Later, I became president of the group.

I organized a safety summit in the school cafeteria, teachers, school board members, community leaders, parents, district administrators, local news, and services.

I created an event at this high school that honored alumni of students. The people that I chose to honor included a prominent attorney, a Harvard professor and famous author, a popular NBA professional who set the basketball team record for blocked shots at the University of California, Berkeley.

I was invited to coach one of my daughter’s soccer teams. I accepted the offer. Before the first season, I took a soccer coaching class. That was an experience that brought back great memories to my daughter and me. The governor of California invited me to a meeting in his office to discuss student safety in the schools in California.

No one thing determines success.

  1. Teachers create quality education and increase success. Teacher-of-the-year awards are important to remind us of the value great teachers give to the success of students. Great teachers create interest and focus. Great teachers improve student performance. They use effective methods to track student progress and revise the teaching plan to the progress of the students.
  2. Training is critical to performance growth. Physical training builds strength increases agility and expands intuitive response. Mental training increases memory, decision accuracy, and mental quickness.
  3. Teams are far more than a cohesive unit. Teams with talented team attitudes and team commitment teach each other to work at higher levels.
  4. Time is important for repetition. As people get more experience, they increase their skills. They increase their understanding. They increase their physical and mental agility.
  5. Talent is important but not an absolute reason in determining success. A savant has extraordinary mental power for solving problems but cannot function in normal human daily routines. Setting our goal is important. If a person wants to become a downhill skier but can never get to a place to ski, the person needs to change the be in a location to achieve that to conduct the goal.
  6. Interest is important. For people who just have no interest in a subject, learning that subject is incredibly challenging.
  7. Focus is critical. If a person does not pay attention and must go over the material to get the point, the person may never understand the material at all. If a person does not have focus when performing a task, just doing the task correctly is impossible.
  8. Passion makes doing a job so much easier. If you want to become a powerful performer, pick the things that you love to do.
    Trust yourself to become a powerful performer. Put together all the pieces to create success. Why shouldn’t you be the powerful performer that you want to become? Just turn start doing the things that enable you to become that powerful performer.

Smart Choices That Will Pave the Way to Your Success

What specific methods can I use to identify and cultivate my passions? How can I effectively measure my progress in the factors that affect success? What are strategies to surround myself with positive people in my environment?

If life threw you a fastball when you were expecting a curve and you struck out on a major decision, stop getting up every morning (or going to bed every night) thinking, obsessing, questioning, second-guessing, and psychoanalyzing every “what if” scenario.

1.Be like the most successful people and entrepreneurs.
Bounce back, learn from your mistake, chalk it up to experience, remember the lesson in the future, and forget the rest.
As you recover and heal from whatever pain was inflicted on you, having a mindset of putting “the past in the past” releases you from the chains of guilt and analysis paralysis. Face it–your mistake cannot be undone. But you can choose to learn from it and move on.
2. Choose to surround yourself with positive people.
Want to know the instant solution to being a positive person who attracts others? Simple: Stop hanging around negative people. Like an unwanted disease, they will contaminate the work environment by spreading their negativity virus.
Do yourself a favor: Next time you’re around your colleagues, listen to their natural dialogue. Are they seeing the glass as half empty and dwelling heavily on the worst possible outcome? Do they sound like this? If so, it’s inherent in who they are at their core.
Switch tribes by being around people who are enthusiastic, motivated, optimistic, dependable, supportive, resilient, and lift you instead of dragging you down.
3. Choose to take the initiative.
Ultra-successful people won’t sit on decisions waiting for urgency to come knocking. They take risks and create urgency with intent and purpose, driving themselves closer toward their goals or personal mission.
However, if you’re in a leadership role, a fair warning: Don’t confuse “drive” and “initiative” with a top-down approach of wielding your powerful and control full speed ahead. A controlling and impulsive leader who steamrolls ahead with his or her own agenda without soliciting feedback before deciding will only hurt the team or company.
Level “5 Leader” are driven to act, but not at the expense of people. The right approach is to take initiative with fierce resolve but coupled with humility — the “Level 5 Leader” way.
4. Choose to communicate with your mouth and ears.
The best way to strengthen relationships at work is through more communication, especially with your ears. Intentionally spend time with your colleagues and boss to learn more about them — their personal lives, what they’re working on, what their interests and strengths are. This takes the skillful art and science of active listening.
You do so by listening intently, with the other person’s needs in mind. You listen to the other person’s story, searching conversations for depth, meaning, and understanding. The upside for you? You may identify opportunities for deeper connections, business or personal pursuits aligned with mutual interests, and, if you’re a manager, opportunities for your employees to contribute more to other projects.
5. Choose every opportunity to experience joy.
Ever been around people who are positive and happy all the time? For your average mood swinger, they can be annoying as heck! But here’s what you can learn from the ones who are genuinely expressing joy: They choose every opportunity to share their happiness — quotes, funny pictures, uplifting or hilarious stories, jokes, positive books, blogs, and good news to pick us up and add color to our lives.

The Benefits of These Changes.
You will become a more powerful person. What was once annoying you now understand as authentic; they choose to enjoy life to the fullest. You now find yourself wanting to be part of their tribe–to soak up their positive energy, passion, and enthusiasm for life.

A joyful person’s goals come first, and such people are naturally motivated and purposeful to achieve their best. But they are also natural at guiding others along the path they need to take and inspiring others to scale the mountain and meet their goals. They let people grapple with their issues but will come alongside someone to cheer them on to success. You can’t help but be empowered and feel happy yourself when in their company.

Finally, they are lifelong learners. Joyful people never stop learning and never assume they know everything. That’s why they show interest in basking in the wisdom of others. This is what initiates the best conversations — learning about what other people do, how they do it, and why they do it. People love to talk about themselves, and joyful people are smart enough to let them! They are the type of people who show up with the humble gesture of “I want to learn from you.”

Photo by Marine Brochard on Unsplash

 

When You Don’t Have the Job You Want, Bring Passion to the Job You Have

When You Don’t Have the Job You Want Bring Joy to the Job You Have ~ Jay Wren

“There is scarcely any passion without struggle.”
Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays

Most people just need a job. To enjoy the job, they pack passion in their lunch pails as part of finding joy in their job.  These people find pursuing their passion in just doing the job.

People who have tremendous success doing what they love to do are very fortunate.

THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS

Sisyphus was a brilliant king and founder of ancient Corinth.  According to Greek mythology, the god Hades condemned Sisyphus for eternity to push an immense boulder up a hill, only to let it roll down the hill and then push it back up again.

It is very easy for anyone to feel that same way about his or her own life:  Same hill, same rock, different day.

However, the French writer/philosopher Albert Camus saw how people pursuing their passion could find their passion in the daily activity of doing their job.

Camus wrote a great essay called “The Myth of Sisyphus.”

With a beginner’s understanding of French, I read the essay in French.

The subject of the book deals with existentialism. The existentialists viewed life as a pointless grind.

No task brought fulfillment.

In the essay, Camus evaluates existential philosophers in the first three of four chapters.

In chapter 4, Camus says that the only logical way to view life as having meaning was to see Sisyphus’s punishment a unique way.

Sisyphus could change his punishment to pursuing his passion in how he viewed pushing the rock.  From Camus’s point of view, the beauty of life is not reaching the top of the hill but pushing the rock.

The joy of the workday comes from focusing on the work, not the start and ending of another day.  People who view life this way are always pursuing their passion through their brighter way of looking at life.

Photo by Dynamic Wang on Unsplash

Our brains filter information in a way that confirms our beliefs, whether those beliefs are positive or negative. By consciously shifting our mindset to focus on positive outcomes, we can start to see more of the good things happening around us. Jay Wren

Tell Your Brain Good Things About Yourself and Your Life

Our brains filter information in a way that confirms our beliefs, whether those beliefs are positive or negative. By consciously shifting our mindset to focus on positive outcomes, we can start to see more of the good things happening around us.  ~ Jay Wren

Reading, hearing, or seeing things that confirm our beliefs makes us comfortable. So, if we keep thinking, “my life is terrible,” our brain will focus on experiences that reinforce that our lives are terrible.” But if we start telling ourselves that our lives are rewarding and healthy, our brain will start to notice the good things, reinforcing that positive belief. 

It’s like training your brain to be your own cheerleader. This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or setbacks, but rather balancing them with the positives. Over time, this can lead to a more optimistic outlook and a greater sense of well-being.

Have you tried any specific techniques to help shift your mindset? Practices like gratitude journaling or positive affirmations can be really effective.

Photo by Vladislava Malynina on Unsplash

Smile. Say something nice about yourself. Make a list of your blessings. ~ Jay Wren

Blessings

It is your responsibility to stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself before they become fixed in your mind as beliefs. Smile. Say something nice about yourself. Make a list of your blessings.

Smile

There are many things that you can do to calm your jitters.  Perhaps the most overlooked way is simply to smile.  People smile when they are happy.  And equally important is that smiling can help you feel happy.  “Fake ’till you make it” is an ambiguous term.  Some people see it as a disingenuous way of faking your skills.  Another view is that faking confidence can help you gain confidence. A smile triggers thoughts that generate happiness.
The smiley face emoji says to other people you approve of what they have to say.  Smiling has a similar effect.  It tells people you approve of them.  It creates trust and helps people open up to you.

You are generating charisma.  People find your presence attractive.  Your smiling helps people feel more confident and comfortable being around you.  In turn, they smile and you feel confident from their signal of approval.

A frown will chase away friends.  Ah, but there is something about a smile that attracts people and draws people to you.

So, let it go.  When you see people, start with a smile.  As people approach, nod and smile.  When you are shaking hands with people, look at them and smile.

Social Anxiety: Is It Killing Your Career?

“Don’t let the world change your smile.  Let your smile change the world.”  A Work in Progress by Connor Franta

Social anxiety is common.  People who are shy are not the only people who experience social anxiety.  People who are confident about what they say or do around friends and family may feel social anxiety when they are among strangers or in front of an audience.

Social anxiety can make you avoid opportunities for work, fun, and networking.  It can cut your opportunities for leadership roles.  Your anxiety can generate signals that make it harder for people to reach out to you.

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

All those things I learned as a child about healthy living are by coincidence the same things that adults do to become winners. Jay Wren

10 Ways Winners Become Winners

All those things I learned as a child about healthy living are by coincidence the same things that adults do to become winners. ~ Jay Wren

10 Ways Winners Become Winners

There are countless ways to become a winner. Here are ten things I see winners doing that help me.

Winners own their mistakes.

They correct them. They move forward. They don’t let life’s little mistakes lie around and create problems and stress.

Winners don’t apologize all the time.

People who are apologizing all the time aren’t correcting mistakes. They are just trying to deal with the stress of insecurities without understanding why they feel insecure.

Winners talk to friends.

Just having friends helps us beat stress.  Talking to friends gets us out of my own head and into the present moment. Talking to friends helps me get my bearings. Talking to friends can also help me deal with the stress of insecurities that can cause me to apologize all the time.

Winners do it now.

Of course, we feel stressed when we keep putting off what we need to do. I win when I do the things I need to do.

Winners write it down.

When something is bothering me, I can write it down. Writing takes the sting out of stress. If I have something that I need to do but can’t do now, I can write it down. Having a list creates a plan of action. Having the plan helps me become more productive. When I become more productive, I have a sense of accomplishment. I feel less stress.

Winners eat healthy stuff first.

We must eat. Sometimes our cravings are going to make us eat junk. Winners don’t worry about it. But they eat the healthy stuff first.

Winners take breaks!

No one can run wind sprints all day long. Winners take breaks. Breaks make us more productive. People who work in virtual offices can easily forget to take breaks. I stand up. I walk away from my desk and walk around for five minutes. I lie down for a couple of minutes. I take breaks by getting away from my work. Not taking breaks creates fatigue, which screws up our perspective and stresses us out.

Winners get plenty of sleep.

Lack of sleep causes depression and anxiety. Lack of sleep creates stress. I get plenty of sleep and live with a clear, rested mind.

Winners get real!

It is so easy to believe that we have some kind of control over national or international event way beyond our control. Get real. We can’t police the universe! Being the police officer of the universe is completely fruitless and painfully stressful.

Winners get help!

Asking for help does remarkable things. Winners gain the advantage of getting help with their success. With one person rowing, you can power a small boat or a canoe. With dozens of people rowing, you can move a large ship.

Photo by Codioful (Formerly Gradienta) on Unsplash

 

I am happier when I accept responsibility for how I feel.

Five Steps for Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

Six steps to reducing stress and increasing happiness.

Live in the Present Moment.

Living in the present moment means being fully aware of what is happening right now, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It is a state of mind that can bring many benefits, such as:

  • Reducing stress and anxiety
  • Enhancing happiness and gratitude
  • Improving focus and creativity
  • Strengthening relationships and empathy

Breathe deeply and consciously.

Breathing is the most basic and essential function of life, yet we often take it for granted. By paying attention to your breath, you can anchor yourself to the present moment and calm your mind. Try to breathe deeply and slowly, filling your lungs with air and exhaling fully. Notice how your chest and abdomen rise and fall, and how your body feels with each breath. You can also use a simple mantra, such as “I am here, I am now”, to focus your attention.

Observe your surroundings.

Another way to live in the present moment is to observe your surroundings with curiosity and openness. Use your senses to notice the details of your environment, such as the colors, shapes, sounds, smells, and textures. You can also try to find something new or interesting in familiar places, such as a flower, a painting, or a sign. By doing this, you can appreciate the beauty and diversity of life, and avoid getting stuck in your thoughts.

Do one thing at a time.

In today’s busy and multitasking world, it is easy to get distracted and lose focus. However, doing too many things at once can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed, and reduce the quality of your work and experience. To live in the present moment, try to do one thing at a time, and give it your full attention and energy. Whether it is reading a book, cooking a meal, or having a conversation, immerse yourself in the activity and enjoy the process.

Express gratitude.

You can express gratitude by writing a journal, saying thank you to someone, or simply reflecting on what you are grateful for. By doing this, you can boost your happiness and well-being, and foster a positive outlook on life.

The Power of Information If your friends, social media, and daily news make you fearful, hateful, and angry, you need better sources of information. Spend time with people, social media, and daily news that give you hope, joy, and solutions that lead to success in your life. ~ Jay Wren

The Power of Information

The Power of Information
If your friends, social media, and daily news make you fearful, hateful, and angry, you need better sources of information. Spend time with people, social media, and daily news that give you hope, joy, and solutions that lead to success in your life.  ~ Jay Wren

 

Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

One Simple Political Comment can Destroy Years of Trust. ~ Jay Wren

What are Dangers of Discussing Politics with Friends, Family, and Business Contacts?

One Simple Political Comment can Destroy Years of Trust. ~ Jay Wren

There are a number of dangers to discussing politics with friends, family, and business contacts.

Dangers of discussing politics with friends:

  • Strained relationships: Political discussions can quickly become heated and emotional, especially if friends have strong opposing views. This can lead to arguments, resentment, and even the end of friendships.
  • Echo chambers: Friends tend to share similar views, so discussing politics with them can reinforce your own beliefs and make it more difficult to see the other side’s perspective. This can lead to polarization and make it harder to have productive conversations with people who have different views.
  • Loss of trust: If you share confidential information about your political beliefs with friends, they could potentially betray your trust and use that information against you. This is especially true if your friends have different political views.

Dangers of discussing politics with family:

  • Family feuds: Political disagreements can tear families apart, especially if they are long-standing and deep-seated. This is especially true if family members are forced to spend time together, such as during holidays and vacations.
  • Hurt feelings: Family members often care deeply about each other, so political disagreements can be especially painful. This can lead to resentment, anger, and even estrangement.
  • Uncomfortable situations: If you have family members with different political views, it can be difficult to avoid political discussions altogether. This can lead to uncomfortable situations, such as at family gatherings or on social media.

Dangers of discussing politics with business contacts:

  • Damage to professional relationships: If you have political disagreements with business contacts, it can damage your professional relationships. This is especially true if your work is closely tied to your political beliefs.
  • Loss of opportunities: If your business contacts know that you have different political views, they may be less likely to do business with you. This is especially true if you are in a competitive field.
  • Create a hostile work environment: If you discuss politics at work, it can create a hostile work environment for employees with different political views. This can lead to decreased productivity and morale.

How to mitigate the dangers:

If you do choose to discuss politics with friends, family, and business contacts, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the dangers:

  • Be respectful: Even if you disagree with someone’s political views, it is important to be respectful of their right to have those views. Avoid personal attacks and name-calling.
  • Be willing to listen: It is important to be willing to listen to the other side’s perspective, even if you don’t agree with it. This shows that you are open-minded and respectful.
  • Agree to disagree: It is okay to disagree with someone about politics. You don’t have to try to change their mind. If the discussion becomes too heated, it is best to agree to disagree and move on.
  • Be mindful of your audience: It is important to be mindful of your audience when discussing politics. If you are with people who have different political views, it is best to avoid sensitive topics.

In general, it is best to avoid discussing politics with friends, family, and business contacts unless you are sure that they share your views. If you do choose to discuss politics, be respectful, be willing to listen, and agree to disagree.

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