December 28, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Comes To . . . Great Career Advice From a Dog.

I read a great quote about dogs that said that dogs are the only animal on the planet that love you more than they love themselves. Thought that was very powerful. Here are seven amazing professional lessons that my dog taught me about working with others.

1. Body language: 80% of most communication is actually non-verbal. So when in doubt “read” others to see if they are a threat to you. Observe everything – eye contact, stance, types of questions they ask (or lack thereof).

2. Solid business relationships are based on trust, loyalty, and respect: Associate with those who you can build, grind and hustle together.

3. Maintain clear boundaries and expectations give to others: Enough said!

4. Dog fights are ugly and intense but sometimes required: Some things are worth fighting for such as integrity, your professional worth, respect and what is rightfully yours. When your friends, family or your character is attacked turn fight with your words and actions.

5. Trust your instincts: Know when a person or situation seeks to harm or take advantage of you. You know when something does not look kosher, go the other way. Watch those showboating, lying or those saying things that just don’t add up. Hone your instincts by trusting that when you feel someone or something is not right in your gut – you’re probably right.

6. All dogs are different: Remember that everyone has a story that is deeper than the person who you see. Build relationships slowly and over time unpeel the layers of each person you encounter.

7. Learn new tricks: Despite your age or experience you can always hone and learn new ways to do things. Keep an open mind and you’ll find that there is something to be happy about daily. Share that happiness with others.

I have owned a dog since I was 7 years old and believe dogs will always be a part of my life. This week appreciate and reflect on the roles animals have played in teaching you some “human” life lessons. Or if you are not an animal person, try to appreciate and learn from them in other ways. Happy New Year!

December 14, 2016 Seven Things to Think About When It Come to . . . "Betting on Yourself"

A few weeks ago I found some great career advice in the form of a poem. It spoke about how to be a “winner,” but also redefined “winning” as - doing things that most people won’t and don’t do. A loser as being someone who never tries. It’s time to start to learn from every experience you have and every person you encounter.

Here are seven things that you can do this week to create a pathway of winning and succeeding in the game called life.

1. A winner makes commitments … a loser makes promises My advice - share what you are “going to do” only after you’ve started doing it.

2. Winners are not afraid to be wrong … losers have a compulsive need to be right … Thrive on this rule in your professional life. It’s GOOD to fail - it teaches you what not to do again. Period.

3. A winner believes that we make our own luck, either through what we do or what we fail to do … Truth is, nobody controls all things or all people. You “win” in this game called LIFE by simply being in the game.

4. Winners do it NOW! … Losers procrastinate Time management is a skill that either you have or quickly need to develop. Delaying gratification sucks but you have to do it. Live in rushed chaos, ultimately, get you nowhere.

5. A winner knows that the secret to winning is to be who you are and become who you were meant to be. . . A loser thinks he can win by “fitting in” Shakespeare may have nailed this one best “to thine own self be true.” Do what you love and the rest will fall into place. Live. Love. Do!

6. Winners know that it may be difficult but it’s always possible … losers say it may be possible, but it’s too difficult. Life is difficult, and in different ways, tough for everyone. Losers never try or follow through with anything. You are and will always be a winner when you simply try. Then reach out in some way and tell yourself “good job” for trying.”

7. A winner is not afraid to lose. A loser is secretly afraid of winning. Fear of success is more real than you think. What and where do you self-sabotage? STOP IT, for at least one week. You can and will rise to the opportunity. Remember you can do more than you imagine when you’re doing what you love.

Grow and evolve professionally by knowing you won’t always win on the first or even tenth try. Eventually you’ll find your niche and be on your way to being the best you that you can be. This week pick one of the above seven goals and refocus your mind on the things that anyone can do – JUST TRY!