What to do when you read something that angers you. Eventually you will, if you have not already read something that get’s you fired up. It may be an article on bad behavior, poor politics, or some other form of moral indecency that gets you riled up. There is good news on how to handle these situations, you no longer have to succumb to the moral indignation that society forces upon us. Here some steps on guarding what you read, possibly make a difference and recover your day from reading something horrible. 1.) Position -Put yourself in the position, would you have handled things differently? Rewrite the story in your mind with a better ending. 2.) Research – Read the article, are the facts true, is there something you can do to make a change? If there is then create a plan and act to turn the tide. 3.) Recover – Read something upbeat, positive and inspirational, that way the fresh memories in your mind are pleasant and comforting. 4.) Talk – We tend to dwell and complain, and focus on the negatives. There are many others that think just the way that you do and can be a great resource and sounding board to discuss both good and bad writings. 5.) Focus – Spend time with the good news there is plenty of garbage out there as that is what sells. Change your reading habits, get away from the headlines, start improving your mind rather than infesting it. We all know that bad news […]

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This past Sunday at church I got a little fired up! Fired up in a good way that is.  The sermon was on the differences between being a thermostat and a thermometer in your spiritual walk. This is an old adage that I think is deserving a revisit from time to time. We all know that a thermostat controls the temperature whether for your air handler or under the hood of your car.  Meanwhile a thermometer merely reflects or measures hot or cold with no controls. My question for you is ‘do you influence or control the tone in your life or do you simply react and measure the ups and downs?’ Our thermostats in our homes have been working overtime lately with all the weather changes. Are you working just as hard to influence your house as well?  What about at work, in the community or even at church? Many of us act as thermometers where we gauge our surroundings and allow them to dictate out moods and behavior.  If our work is stressing us out, or our home life is in shambles so are we.  Rather than being a leader that inspires others we become irritable and difficult and thereby diminish others’ trust in us. Being a leader that works as a thermostat, you have the opportunity to check the temperature and make necessary adjustments.  This type of leader is caring and aware of the mood or temperature and with their finger on the pulse is able to adjust accordingly. The purpose of […]

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One of the most powerful sentences is ‘No’ Many of us are weak when it comes to saying ‘no’ to someone else’s request. We are afraid that it might: Hurt their feelings Embarrass them Offend them Upset them Disappoint them Anger them Noticing a trend there?  It seems that the lack of use is all about ‘them.’  Where do we draw the line and accept the fact that we are no longer going to be someone else’s doormat?  How many times have you bought something you really didn’t want just to make the other person happy, or at least quit selling?  Anyone that owns a timeshare, unnecessary appliance or kitchen ware bought at a trade show, or owns something that you never used and regret buying; raise your hand.  Feel silly raising your hand by yourself as you read this don’t you? The answer is ‘no’ even though you just said ‘yes’ to yourself. We are told ‘no’ all of our lives, well most of us without the exceptionally blessed that well, probably are not reading this anyway.  Whether you try to get a loan, job, ask someone out, had an idea, were ever a kid you have become accustomed to hearing ‘no’ just not saying ‘no.’ Instead, we would rather suffer in silence than ruffle the feathers of someone else’s world.  We bend over backwards to make others happy without realizing it, much less the right intention.  The path of least resistance seems to be the easier to take.  It is easier to over […]

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