The Power of Positivity

Grumpy. Complaining. Pessimist. Not adjectives you would use to describe a good ringmaster... but I bet you have been a lot more like that lately. And you know that it does have a big effect on the performers in your circus as well as your audience.

I recently received an e mail solicitation from the Applied Neuroscience Institute. Yes I know it sounds strange... think "deep research on positive mental attitude." They have a free "Positive Mind Test" you can take in a few seconds and you will get your results back via e mail in a couple of days. I was adventurous and decided to try it because I know the impact my "positivity" has on my motivation and ability to get things done.

The test results were, as the English would say, "spot on." It highlighted both my strengths and weaknesses-and gave a few simple tips on being more positive. I have used several of them this week to stay more focused with my mind.

I encourage you to take the test to better understand how your mental well being is affecting your ability to get your most important things done.

Here's the link to their site: http://www.appliedneuroscienceinstitute.com/ You'll see where to click for the test once you navigate to their page.

3 Questions to Ask to Trim Spending In Your Lineup

Almost every business (and individual, family and household) is looking for ways to reduce their spending. In the December 8 issue of Fortune Magazine, there is a great regular column by Jia Lynn Young entitled First. The following question was asked to a panel of 3 executives from major companies: I need to cut costs dramatically. How can I find smart ways to do it?

You'll have to buy the magazine or subscribe to Fortune to get the full article, but the panel as asked 3 questions to guide their responses. They were:

• How do I identify where I'm spending too much?
• Are there some cuts that are not worth taking?
• What are some reductions companies often overlook?

Reflecting on your own answers is a good way to determine if your business is prepared to weather these difficult times and if you have the right leadership strategy. If you struggle with any of them, get the article.

Being The Ringmaster Of Your Job In A Recession

Concerned about your job? Who wouldn't be with the continued slumping of the economy and almost daily announcements of more job layoffs. The last thing many of us want is a circus with a work ring and no acts in it.

Salary.com has a good slide show with 10 Tips To Help Recession-Proof Your Job. The tips given in the slide show are:

• Keep your skills current.
• Don't pull a vanishing act. (i.e. Be visible)
• Make yourself indispensable.
• Keep your attitude in check.
• Start networking now.
• Update your resume.
• Finish your degree.
• Broaden, rather than deepen your skills.
• Consider learning a trade or specific skills.

You can find more information on each tip in the slide show.

Being Thankful

On a flight this Fall I was surprised to find a 4 year old in the middle seat next to me, but with no parent. I soon learned that his mom was sitting in the middle seat behind him. Their flight on the previous day had been cancelled and so the mom and 3 boys were on our flight. There was no way to get the family in seats together, so the 4 hour flight became quite interesting. Ethan (the 4 year old) was quite active and kept squirming in his seat. He wanted something to eat but then wouldn't eat what his mom gave him. He kicked the seat in front of him and I had to remind the person in the seat that "he's not my child." Having children myself I tried hard to keep him content, but to no avail. His mom was visibly exasperated with all 3 boys and did little to help soothe him. As the flight progressed, he got increasingly uncomfortable, to the point where I was ready to sit on the wing!

It wasn't long after this that I heard the mom talking to someone beside her. She said, "Yes, we are on our way home from visiting my parents." The person remarked how it must be quite challenging to travel with 3 small boys. "Yes," she said, "My husband died last year. He was 43. We sure miss him. He died of a blood clot-he was fine one minute and in 15 seconds he was dead.
At that point, I was so disgusted with myself. I wished that I could have went back in time and done the flight over again. Ethan and I would have had a grand time laughing and joking, drawing or singing. Whatever would have brought a ray of sunshine into his difficult life. My patience with him would have been very different.

At the age of 42, I also was overwhelmed with a sense of thankfulness. I could call my children and my wife. I am still alive to make their days better, to be the husband and dad they need. Ethan's dad doesn't have that opportunity anymore.

Whatever your situation this Thanksgiving, be thankful. I know it's been a tough year and there are real uncertainties in our jobs and in our future. No matter how difficult you think your path may be, if you are reading this post, you have many reasons to be thankful. Just ask Ethan.

The Difference

USA Today had a series recently on "Sports and Academics." It was quite thorough and included thoughts and perspectives from athletes, coaches and college leaders. One day they highlighted the thoughts of two athletes about their college experience. Read their words and see if you notice a difference:

Chinyere "Chi Chi" Okpaleke
When I received my diploma, I realized it was all worth it. I thank God every day I took the road less traveled, stayed true to my heart and stuck with it. (Entire Article)

Steven Cline
Now I look back and say, 'Well, what did I really go to college for? Crap classes you won't use the rest of your life?' Social science is nothing specific. I majored in football.(Entire Article)

The difference, in Juggling Elephants terms, was that one stayed true to their purpose while the other was distracted by the purpose of others. If you read both articles you will see that both faced difficult challenges. When the time came to make choices, however, one chose an answer that was contrary to their purpose, but more immediately gratifying or convenient. The other made a choice that required more sacrifice now, but with outcomes that would be worth it in the future.

I wish I could say that I could most readily identify with Okpaleke, but I am more likely to be like Cline. I make choices that give me instant gratification or avoid some difficult obstacle, but leave me looking back with regret. Not just over the course of four years, but even in how I spend a day or an hour of my time. The result is the same.

What choices do you need to make today? And what choice would one day have you look back with gratitude and peace instead of pain and disappointment? An old quote comes to mind:

The pain of discipline and commitment is measured in ounces.

The pain of disappointment and regret is measured in tons.