Be Back In 2009!

This week, and for the rest of 2008, Chad is spending time with his family, but wanted me (his associate) to write a quick post. He wanted me to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a wonderful New Year.

He will be back in 2009 to continue with his journey of helping people set themselves up for success in all areas of their life!

Best of luck in 2009!

Are Times Tough?

Our news outlets today paint a very nasty economy right now and finally "experts" are saying that we are in a recession. If we listen to all of this, we can gather that for a lot of people out there times are very tough. Now I agree that times are tough for a lot of people, yet I still see people going to the movies, eating out, going to sporting events, buying things that are not considered "needs", and spending money on things that might be considered a luxury in other parts of the World. One athlete just received over $100 million dollar contract to pitch in Major League Baseball. Others around the World would literally die, to be in our situation. Yes, times are tough, and America is going through a "rough patch", yet most are still not willing to change their lifestyle. I think some people are "forced" to change, by a loss of a job, etc....but most Americans are not "willing" to change. So if you are complaining right now about your situation, either change the way you do things or quit whining! Sometimes all of us need to look in the mirror and find the true cause of our issues! Happy Holidays!

Being Helpful....

I was on a flight last night from Chicago to Newark and had a very interesting experience. I am amazed these days on the tension we have in the public. People are worried about their jobs, money, what to get family for the holidays, what our is economy going to do in 2009, etc... Most people are taking it out on everyone around them. The flight was, like most flights these days, a full flight. The boarding agent was trying to board people as quickly as possible so they flight could leave on time, and the flight attendants were doing their part inside the plane to help people find their seats. I was one of the first people on the plane and had a ringside seat to show. With about 10 minutes left before departure, the overhead bins were full and customers had to start taking their bags off the plane to check them for baggage claim. The flight attendant and the gate agent began to fight about customers having coats in the overhead space. The gate agent began to throw customers coats from the overhead space onto the floor aisle of the plane, not even asking which coat belongs to which customer. It was such a bad customer experience now customers began to argue. Next thing I knew there were 10-15 people screaming at each other with no solution in sight. About that time a flight attendant from the back of the plane made her way forward not saying a word, just picking up coats and finding which coat belong to which customer. In about 5 minutes she had the situation under control and had managed to calm down everyone that was involved in the screaming match just minutes earlier. I realized that the only thing she did different was to be helpful and look for solutions instead of being part of the problem.

Too many times we don't look for solutions, because it is much easier to be part to the problem these days, and we can always seem to justify our actions. Next time you are in a challenging situation, make it a point to find solutions and be helpful. You will be amazed how much more progress you can make just by being helpful!

The Season To Give!

The holiday season for 2008 is here! Most of us are looking forward to the holidays which is a time to be with family and friends. For some it is a time for some well deserved R&R after a busy year, and for others it is a time to give.

I challenged everyone to "give" this holiday season. Define the word "give" however you like, but here are a few ways to give this year:

1. You can give money to local charities and churches
2. You can give your time to help with families in need
3. You can give back to family and friends that have been there for you
4. You can give your spouse a break and do something out of the ordinary that they will like
5. You can give someone a card saying thanks
6. You can give someone a call and let them know how special they are
7. You can give more love to a child
8. You can give back to your community by helping with a project to make the community better
9. You can give yourself a break by relaxing and enjoying life as it is
10. You can give your employees extra time off and surprise them this year

I can go on and on, but however you define the word, this holiday season.....Give!

Happy Holidays!