“Uncounted men and animals, contributed most of the energy for the small enterprise that comprised the greater part of manufacturing industry before the 1900.” -The Big Switch: Rewiring the world from Edison to Google.
Amazing how times have changed.
“Many times in life, you will find that you will not agree with another person. Sometimes it’s with those who are closest to you. All the time, it could be beneficial to just let it go.”
Easier said than done right? Why? When our expectations are not met, it becomes frustrating. Instead of becoming frustrated and reacting out in anger or disappointment, find ways to let go of the expectation you had and replace it with a new perspective based on the current situation.
Let’s say your significant other washed your favorite shirt and it shrank. Instead of blowing a gasket and holding a grudge - remember, it’s just a shirt. Let it go; give grace. Sure you would like to have it and it can’t be replaced but at the end of the day, what’s more important? The relationship or the shirt?
Initially this may be challenging to do, but practice and it will soon become second nature. There are two resources that could be extremely helpful: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all small stuff.
Remember: “Life is not an emergency” and “Exhale”
“Because all public education results are local, local leaders need to lead their whole cities and all youth programs to war on the dropout rate with a strategy of one city, one school, one student at a time. If they don’t, they will lose jobs. The Fate of a nation rides on the financial literacy and entrepreneurial energy of its kids.” -Jim Clifton, The Coming Job’s War
Check out Teen Business Forum (TBF) to see how we are playing a role to accomplish the above.
“Americans grossly overuse doctors, pills, and all medical services and actually die younger than do the British, French, Canadians, and Germans…If American’s just took newfound individual responsibility for their own health, lifestyle, and wellbeing, the looming healthcare disaster could be miraculously fixed” - Jim Clifton, The Coming Job’s War.
This Moment
Life can be challenging - heck for some life is a constant challenge. While I am sure many will be able to relate to this, I’ve always been encourage to ask myself in those moments: “What is this moment asking of me?”
When we face obstacles, our natural tendency is to become frustrated (especially if the obstacle is unexpected) and annoyed and just angry. Instead of getting upset, we should ask, “How can I best respond to this situation?” Instead of asking why, why, why - the real questions is how, how, how!
When you ask yourself HOW - your mind goes to work to find a solution instead of just focusing on the problem without hope. Speaking of HOPE there is a lot to be said about believing it can be done. Fight or Flight response kicks in and having the ability, the skills, to remain calm and to figure it out, will determine if you can accomplish the challenges you face.
While serving on Submarines, I learned that I could do far more than I gave myself credit for. I was constantly challenge to learn new things quickly and when I just jumped right in and begin to do it, I found that I could. Our minds have a tendency to think the worst; most of the time the worst never happens.
Take the time to ask yourself, how do I - vs - Why is this happening.
JOBS ACT - A GAME CHANGER!
“Under the JOBS Act, businesses will receive several tax cuts and credits. Payroll taxes will be cut in half for an estimated 98% of businesses. Small businesses can also get tax breaks for adding additional workers or increasing wages (capped at $50 million in payroll increases). Employers that hire long term unemployed workers will receive a $4,000 tax credit. Those who hire veterans will receive even larger tax credits ($5,600 for veterans who have been unemployed for six months or longer, $9,600 for veterans with service-connected disabilities). Bipartisan supporters envision that these provisions will ultimately provide companies extra funds for job creation.” -Examiner.com
Thank you President Obama, Thank you Congress!
The Power of Friendship
“Friends always show their love. What are brothers for if not to share troubles?”
- Proverbs 17:17
As my mind twirls and swirls from all the media attention that is flowing around the Trayvon story (and it should), I am sadden, perplexed and curious by the discourse this situation has stirred up.
While I am both sadden and perplexed as it relates to how the discourse has focused on race. Why must we continue to present stats on how many black are murdered by whites and whites murdered by blacks. Are we seriously going to make this all about race? At the end of the day a young man was unjustly killed by an older man who should have known better. Regardless of his race - it’s a sad situation.
With that said - what I am curious about is George Zimmerman. Where is his network of family and friends? Was he a loner? Did not anyone see this coming?
I believe in Friendship. Maybe I am a bit odd for this viewpoint but I strongly believe that everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE) should have a network of friends who engaged and actively interacting on a deeper level; more than just the “hey whats up?”
When I look at all the tragedies that have happen recently, in my mind I wonder, was there no one who saw this coming? Was there no one that the person couldn’t reach out to? Was there no one who would enter the battle of their minds to help protect them; even from themselves?
I consider myself blessed to have Friends (no just acquaintances) who care enough about me to ask me how am I doing? How I am REALLY doing. This type of Friendship is priceless; you can’t buy it.
I want to take this time to encourage you, to take an inventory of your friends and ask yourself, do any of them care enough to enter that place between my ears and that space inside of my chest to find out if you are OK. Really.
I realize not everyone is a social person, I get that, but even still - please don’t live this life without someone who can talk to you in those dark times of life. Someone, even if all they do is listen, find them and hold on to them.
Why did George feel the need to stalk young men in his neighborhood under the guise of being a watch captain? Was his hatred of another person so strong that he felt the need to kill? What was it that frustrated him so much that he wanted to take it out on another person? What leads someone to want to kill another person?
When you have someone you can turn to and share the deepest darkest parts of your soul, it can truly transform your life. Friends can change your thinking. Friends can influence you to do good or bad; ensure you have friends that bring out the best in you. It was once told to me that “Whatever you don’t talk out, you will act out.” I believe this to be true. Talk out your issues with someone, it could save a life.
I am sure there are more Georges out there - are you one?
“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together”
- Woodrow Wilson
“Discipline is the master key that unlocks the door to wealth and happiness, culture and sophistication, high self-esteem and high accomplishment and the accompanying feelings of pride, satisfaction and success. Discipline will do much for you. More importantly, though, is what it will do to you. It will make you feel terrific about yourself.” - Harvey Mackay
10 Things to remind yourself daily:
1. No one owes you a thing.
2. Debt is a cancer.
3. Save for emergencies…big emergencies.
4. Live simply.
5. Sleep on big financial decisions.
6. Protect your credit.
7. Learn to do things yourself, but don’t be afraid to call in the experts.
8. Shallow people judge your things, real friends judge your character.
9. Don’t trade the things you care about for a big salary.
10. Start saving early.
http://frugaldad.com/2011/02/21/10-things-i-want-my-kids-to-learn-about-money/
