The Magic Story

I know that I have posted information about this story before but I believe that it is worth repeating.  I kind of stumbled across this really great, however old, story about helping yourself in all that you do. It is called The Magic Story by Frederick Van Rensselaer and here is a link to the book.

The setting for the story is actually quite old but the message of the story is really worth hearing.  It talks about the positive and negative entity of every person.  While it may seem like it is only partially true for some people, the message is clear about how we should approach our jobs, our personal lives, and pretty much everything.

You can do what I have begun to do and that is load the book onto your personal device from your public library.  That way it is free.

If you do choose to read the book or listen to the audio book as I have done, I would love to know that you think of it.  Can you please let me know?

Fresh Air

While including rest and relaxation into your daily routine, don't forget fresh air.  Exercising and working out are good.  So is fresh air.

We are very fortunate where I live to have the Metro Parks and Lake-to-Lake Trail.  They provide an excellent opportunity to get exercise while also getting fresh air.

No matter what your job might be, balancing work with fresh air is important.  Connecting with nature helps us to focus on our work.  A walk in the park does wonders to refocus our efforts at work or at school.

Even in the Winter, we have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.  Whether it is hiking, skiing, or just a walk, we can still get fresh air.

See you on the trail.

Read 30 minutes minimum in your field every day

I have posted this before and I strongly believe that reading is one of the keys to success in business and in your life in general.  If you can commit to reading at least 30 minutes or more in your field of work, you will gain an advantage over everyone who does not.

This advice comes from a trainer, coach, and author named Brian Tracy who I have studied for years. He recommends starting your day, every day with reading in your field.  Check out Brian's website for more learning resources by clicking here.

You will find books, and audio programs for time management, business training, sales training, leadership, and more.  One of the best tips that I ever heard goes like this:  If you want to be as successful as you can, work on yourself.  Reading is a great component of self-help.

Balance is Important

I know that I have written about this before but I really believe that it is important!  Having balance in your life is critically important in to optimize your chances of being happy.

There are many important areas of life including your profession, family, faith, recreation, and relaxation.  Having balance means having the right combination of each of these areas in your life.

Of course, your profession is what pays the bills but it also defines who you are.  Giving the right amount of attention to your profession pays for everything but it also empowers you to be who you want to be.  So work hard, continue to improve your work skills and give work your attention.

Your family defines who you are also.  We are all responsible for our family life and having a good one is a great blessing.  Always put your family right up there in your list of importance.  This goes for immediate and extended family.

I believe that your faith life defines who you are.  Being devoted to God is critical to your happiness.  Practicing your faith and beliefs is your most important mission.  You are a role model whether you chose to be or not and that is part of God's plan I believe.

Recreation helps to define who you are.  All work and no play makes you a dull person.  It is true.  Find something to do in the area of recreation.  It is important.

Rest makes it all possible.  Be sure to get enough of it.

There is a lot right

We often hear that there is a lot wrong with our world and society.  I know that there is a lot right.  The majority of people are really good people.

In campaigning for political office, I have come to experience the warm reception and interest of voters in my ward.  This has been a fantastic experience and one that helps me to understand that there is a lot right with people.

I know that we have a lot wrong with our world.  People do awful things to each other.  But they are a minority.  In talking with people face-to-face, I just know that most people mean well a do good things.  What do you think?

Grass Roots

Since I have been campaigning for public office, I have a new understanding of the term grass roots.  To me it means working with people at the individual level.  It means getting to know people and what is going on with them.

In politics, it is a way to get to know the voters and what issues are important to them.  If as the candidate, you get elected, you have an idea of what needs to be done in your ward, city, state, region, country.

The same principal applies to sales.  In order to serve customers, you need to know them, know their needs, and be able to match up solutions with needs.  Individuals buy and individuals vote so getting to know as many people in your district or territory is the best way to serve your constituency.

Combining Good People With Service

One way to serve is to run for political office.  I know that many politicians in the national media have given a bad name to politics without naming anyone.  On the other hand, I have had some role models in my lifetime who are or were public servant politicians.

One who comes to mind was our City Council President in the suburb of Cleveland where I grew up.  Let's just call him Frank because that was his first name. Frank was a wonderful and honest man who served out of the sense of duty.  Even though his term was several decades ago, I remember him to this day as an honest politician and one whom I trusted, respected, and admired.

When I decided to pursue an elected position in my current city, it was inspired by Frank.  If I could just serve others like he did, I would be so proud.

Having met so many good people on the campaign trail, I am really empowered to serve and for that reason, I am willing work in full speed to get that done.