Yesterday I came across two interesting articles in the Wall Street Journal. Some of the things that made the articles interesting were their placement and their opposing content. The articles appeared across from each other. On the left page was an article about how more people are feeling hopeless in the job market, no future and no hope. On the right page there was an article about a man who grew up with wealth. However, this person’s father made it clear that he had to make serious choices and created balanced motivation to make choices about his future. The man had wealth, but his the son was still made to face tough choices. These choices he made and although he went in a direction that his father had not, he is a success and seems positive and optimistic about the future.
Two articles and two representatives of attitudes in stark contrast are present in the paper each within view just look left and right. We are each faced with similar choices every day. Each day we make powerful but often undervalued decisions that move us closer to brilliance and success or frustration. The resources available are far less significant than the attitude.
Yesterday I was blessed to spend two hours of time in a meeting. Some would dread a two hour meeting. I found excitement in that meeting. Why? Because although I felt I brought something to the meeting, the best asset I brought was a spirit to learn. Those I met with are strong in their respective fields of influence. I was blessed to share but also to learn and glean knowledge and understanding from some sharp people. I believe if you want to succeed and move forward there is some basic strength we should each develop and follow after. Please consider this short list of seven powerful strengths or traits we should incorporate into our lives and character.
1.
We become those we are around – so associate up! The truth is that we are influenced by those we associate with. We pick-up the language as easy from a defeated negative person as we do from a passionate articulate goal setter. Who do you prefer to become?
2.
We learn when we take personal accountability to read! There is a constant barrage around us of music good and bad, conversation encouraging and demoralizing and distractions of every sort. Are you a reader? Do you make a conscious effort to find good books by great authors that inspire, encourage and teach you things that will lift you up and make you an asset to your realm of influence? A book a month is not difficult once you commit.
3.
We are better when we present ourselves better! If you slouch, you come across and even sound like all your energy is gone. If you don’t wear clean clothes you present yourself and begin to act like less of a person than you are. Little changes make big changes in your presentation and who you are becoming. Dress down you will go down, dress up you move up and change the atmosphere of those around you. You don’t have to spend a fortune to dress up. But the days of casual Fridays have impacted the other six days of the week. Raise the standard.
4.
We can control our thoughts and what leaves our lips! No, the devil doesn’t make you do it… he leads you if you let him. Stop letting him lead. The Bible says that as we think in our heart we become. So as we read and expose our eyes and ears to information, expose our hearts to only the best. When we control what we take into our thoughts our language will improve and be an encouragement to others.
5.
We can lift others up and with so little effort! A word of encouragement is greatly appreciated when you are down. A handwritten letter – not to be confused with an email means something. A smile for a person who has not seen one in a while impacts them. Make an effort to encourage someone each and every day, make it a habit. Make the person who serves us feel like the honored guest and you will not be diminished, you will be appreciated.
6.
We are each just as human as the poorest person on the street – connect! We are too often tempted to look away and not make any contact with a homeless person or beggar on the street. That person may have succumbed to a set of circumstances that we have just barely missed. They may not have prepared sufficiently to have risen above the moment. But that is not reason to treat them as less than human. Eye contact will not hurt us and a simple word of encouragement costs you only a moment.
7.
We look for God in the moments of “more than a coincidence” and start with God first! If we begin each day with God rather than just trying to fit Him into our schedules latter we will be the one to benefit. God’s wisdom in our hearts and minds can stir us to victory and compassion. Those “more than a coincidence” moments when God intervenes in our day are more special than those around us will ever appreciate. Take the time to look and appreciate what God is doing in your life.
Copyright 2010 © Charles Lyons
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
