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Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Here's Your Recipe for a Happy Year
Click here --> http://axshun.com/Recipe.pdf
(or copy and paste into your browser)
Happy New Year,
Barak Strickland
(or copy and paste into your browser)
Happy New Year,
Barak Strickland
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Things that Matter
Galatians 4:15 asks “What has happened to your joy?”
Find your rest in God alone (Psalm 62)
Galatians 5 thoughts: Following the law will separate you from Christ; faith expressing itself through love is what counts; use your freedom to love one another
Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23)
Find your rest in God alone (Psalm 62)
Galatians 5 thoughts: Following the law will separate you from Christ; faith expressing itself through love is what counts; use your freedom to love one another
Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Fulfillment in Your Work
by Fred Smith
My friends and associates who experience fulfillment in their work have several common denominators.
1. They have realistic expectations. They do not waste time fantasizing about some perfect situation, oozing with excitement, pleasure, high visibility, a six-figure salary, and no problems. They expect some pain, some drudgery, and even disappointments. They develop routines for the doldrums, preventing procrastination and bottlenecks.
2. They work in their strength. They have identified their talents and their gifts. They work easily because they focus on their giftedness. What we do best we do easiest. Likewise, they avoid their weaknesses. Productive people seldom waste time working in the areas of their weakness – it frustrates them.
3. They are challenged by their work. They look for something new to do, to learn, to experience. They don’t drive down dead-end streets. Their own creative interests open up opportunities that less engaged people miss. They see the potential, not the limitations.
4. They know they are making a difference. They do their work well, faithful to their employers and/or employees, are loyal, cooperative, and accommodating to change.
5. They are satisfied with their share of the money. Through the years in manufacturing plant operations, I have found it is more the distribution of the money than the amount that causes dissension. Money is important, but it is not the most important thing. Adequate money helps one concentrate on the work.
Fulfillment is personal. I am not trying to lay down a formula, but making observations. Fulfillment is doing what you can do well…doing something you feel is worthwhile…something with a continuing challenge and adequate financial remuneration, working on a team you respect, working in an environment where you are respected and encouraged, working with a product or service with integrity, and having peers who help you mutually create and enjoy a productive work environment.
This week carefully consider: 1) How do I define fulfillment in my work? 2) Who in my life truly represents fulfillment? 3) What did I do today to make a difference?
To read more writings of Fred Smith go to www.breakfastwithfred.com
My friends and associates who experience fulfillment in their work have several common denominators.
1. They have realistic expectations. They do not waste time fantasizing about some perfect situation, oozing with excitement, pleasure, high visibility, a six-figure salary, and no problems. They expect some pain, some drudgery, and even disappointments. They develop routines for the doldrums, preventing procrastination and bottlenecks.
2. They work in their strength. They have identified their talents and their gifts. They work easily because they focus on their giftedness. What we do best we do easiest. Likewise, they avoid their weaknesses. Productive people seldom waste time working in the areas of their weakness – it frustrates them.
3. They are challenged by their work. They look for something new to do, to learn, to experience. They don’t drive down dead-end streets. Their own creative interests open up opportunities that less engaged people miss. They see the potential, not the limitations.
4. They know they are making a difference. They do their work well, faithful to their employers and/or employees, are loyal, cooperative, and accommodating to change.
5. They are satisfied with their share of the money. Through the years in manufacturing plant operations, I have found it is more the distribution of the money than the amount that causes dissension. Money is important, but it is not the most important thing. Adequate money helps one concentrate on the work.
Fulfillment is personal. I am not trying to lay down a formula, but making observations. Fulfillment is doing what you can do well…doing something you feel is worthwhile…something with a continuing challenge and adequate financial remuneration, working on a team you respect, working in an environment where you are respected and encouraged, working with a product or service with integrity, and having peers who help you mutually create and enjoy a productive work environment.
This week carefully consider: 1) How do I define fulfillment in my work? 2) Who in my life truly represents fulfillment? 3) What did I do today to make a difference?
To read more writings of Fred Smith go to www.breakfastwithfred.com
Friday, August 1, 2008
Tips for a Better Life...Part 4
Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tips for a better Life...Part 3
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Some Important Principles of Living
From my Scripture reading this week:
- Giving to the poor and restoring fraud saved Zaccheus according to Jesus in Luke 19
- Hope deferred makes the heart sick, a longing fulfilled is the tree of life (Proverbs 13:12)
- The teaching of the wise is the fountain of life (Proverbs 13:14)
- In Joshua 21:45 it states that not one of the Lord’s promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled
- Jesus confronts those who confront and questions those who question (Luke 20)
- Ignore discipline and come to poverty and shame (Proverbs 13:18)
- Walk with the wise to become wise (Proverbs 13:20)
- Luke 21:34 states to be careful not to be weighed down with anxieties of life; verse 36 says to pray that you may be able to stand before Jesus
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Bookends of Success by Dr. John C. Maxwell
NASCAR drivers know the importance of starting in the right place. Before a race even begins, they compete with one another in the hopes of earning the best starting position. At qualifying runs, held the week prior to the official race, each driver speeds around the racetrack in a timed performance. The driver with the fastest time earns pole position - or the right to begin the race in front of the other cars. A driver in pole position doesn't have to be concerned about passing anyone in order to win the race. All he or she must do is hold their position in order to win.
Conversely, a driver who does poorly in the trial run must begin the race in the worst possible position - at the very back of the pack. Stuck behind the other race cars, the disadvantaged driver has virtually no chance of winning. To finish first, he or she would have to pass every other car on the track during the course of the race.
In addition to starting strong, a NASCAR driver understands that his or her performance depends on finishing well. In a 500-mile race, leading for 499 miles is meaningless if a driver isn't in front at the checkered flag. Regardless of a driver's skill maneuvering the car early in the race, if he or she crashes or loses focus toward the end, the driver will forfeit the lead and lose the race. Nobody wins points for their position in the middle of the race; rather, each driver is assigned a place based on how he or she finishes.
THE BOOKENDS OF SUCCESS
Great leaders understand the two bookends of success: starting and finishing. We generally think about them in terms of doing a task or project. However, what's true in our approach to projects is also true in our approach to each day. How we spend our mornings and evenings has a tremendous bearing on the course of our leadership.
I use my morning to set up a game plan for the day. During this time, I allow no interruptions. I never schedule breakfast meetings, and I isolate myself from distractions. I do not permit myself to strategize years down the road or to project my thoughts months into the future. Rather, I narrow my focus to the upcoming 24 hours. I ask myself: "Just for today, how can I be a success?" Viewing life in 24-hour increments, I place a premium on each day. I try to make each one a masterpiece.
During the evening, I reflect on my day. By reflecting, I translate my day's experiences into learning opportunities. This process solidifies in my mind the lessons I've discovered or bits of knowledge I've uncovered. Reflecting also gives me the space to assess my progress on the goals I made during the morning.
Relaxation is another important part of my evening routine. I make a point to put my leisure time into activities that replenish me by refueling my energy. For me, such activities include spending quality time with my wife, reading a book, or studying Scriptures. Relaxation puts me in a good emotional state, lifts my spirits, and reminds me of the joys of life.
When I neglect to carve out time in the morning to plan my day, I notice adverse effects. First, I don't live my day on purpose. Instead of choosing where to invest my time, I cede control of my schedule to whatever circumstances happen to arise. Second, I squander my energy. Since I don't outline clear goals for my day, I float from one activity to another without getting anything done. Finally, when I skip my morning planning time, I feel overwhelmed. Since I'm ambitious, I have a propensity to bite off more than I can chew. If I don't focus my attention, the weight of my numerous involvements begins to drag me down.
When I am not intentional about setting aside evening time for relaxation, I encounter negative symptoms, too. First, I get uptight. My times of reflection and relaxation act like valves that release stress from my life. If I don't guard those times, I get tense, my thoughts are more negative, and my health suffers. Second, I lose passion. My leisure times fuel me. If I am not intentional about putting time into my favorite activities, then life loses its luster. Third, I miss chances to grow. When I don't reflect on the meaningful moments from each day, I rob myself of the benefits of experience.
SUMMARY
Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is out of reach. That's why today matters. Leaders who value each day know the importance of starting well and finishing strong. In the mornings, they focus their energies on key tasks, and in the evenings, they replenish themselves. By mastering the bookends of success, leaders position themselves to make an impact every day.
"This article is used by permission from Dr. John C. Maxwell's free monthly e-newsletter, "Leadership Wired," available at www.injoy.com."
Conversely, a driver who does poorly in the trial run must begin the race in the worst possible position - at the very back of the pack. Stuck behind the other race cars, the disadvantaged driver has virtually no chance of winning. To finish first, he or she would have to pass every other car on the track during the course of the race.
In addition to starting strong, a NASCAR driver understands that his or her performance depends on finishing well. In a 500-mile race, leading for 499 miles is meaningless if a driver isn't in front at the checkered flag. Regardless of a driver's skill maneuvering the car early in the race, if he or she crashes or loses focus toward the end, the driver will forfeit the lead and lose the race. Nobody wins points for their position in the middle of the race; rather, each driver is assigned a place based on how he or she finishes.
THE BOOKENDS OF SUCCESS
Great leaders understand the two bookends of success: starting and finishing. We generally think about them in terms of doing a task or project. However, what's true in our approach to projects is also true in our approach to each day. How we spend our mornings and evenings has a tremendous bearing on the course of our leadership.
I use my morning to set up a game plan for the day. During this time, I allow no interruptions. I never schedule breakfast meetings, and I isolate myself from distractions. I do not permit myself to strategize years down the road or to project my thoughts months into the future. Rather, I narrow my focus to the upcoming 24 hours. I ask myself: "Just for today, how can I be a success?" Viewing life in 24-hour increments, I place a premium on each day. I try to make each one a masterpiece.
During the evening, I reflect on my day. By reflecting, I translate my day's experiences into learning opportunities. This process solidifies in my mind the lessons I've discovered or bits of knowledge I've uncovered. Reflecting also gives me the space to assess my progress on the goals I made during the morning.
Relaxation is another important part of my evening routine. I make a point to put my leisure time into activities that replenish me by refueling my energy. For me, such activities include spending quality time with my wife, reading a book, or studying Scriptures. Relaxation puts me in a good emotional state, lifts my spirits, and reminds me of the joys of life.
When I neglect to carve out time in the morning to plan my day, I notice adverse effects. First, I don't live my day on purpose. Instead of choosing where to invest my time, I cede control of my schedule to whatever circumstances happen to arise. Second, I squander my energy. Since I don't outline clear goals for my day, I float from one activity to another without getting anything done. Finally, when I skip my morning planning time, I feel overwhelmed. Since I'm ambitious, I have a propensity to bite off more than I can chew. If I don't focus my attention, the weight of my numerous involvements begins to drag me down.
When I am not intentional about setting aside evening time for relaxation, I encounter negative symptoms, too. First, I get uptight. My times of reflection and relaxation act like valves that release stress from my life. If I don't guard those times, I get tense, my thoughts are more negative, and my health suffers. Second, I lose passion. My leisure times fuel me. If I am not intentional about putting time into my favorite activities, then life loses its luster. Third, I miss chances to grow. When I don't reflect on the meaningful moments from each day, I rob myself of the benefits of experience.
SUMMARY
Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is out of reach. That's why today matters. Leaders who value each day know the importance of starting well and finishing strong. In the mornings, they focus their energies on key tasks, and in the evenings, they replenish themselves. By mastering the bookends of success, leaders position themselves to make an impact every day.
"This article is used by permission from Dr. John C. Maxwell's free monthly e-newsletter, "Leadership Wired," available at www.injoy.com."
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Being Grateful
Well, the third week of 2008 has come and gone. At least I got to spend part of the week thawing out in the sunny San Diego area on a business trip. Tuesday evening dinner was at The Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido CA. Wednesday brought many new people into my life that I will be working with throughout the coming year. These people traveled for our business meeting from California, Utah, Oklahoma, and Georgia.
My shortened time in Scripture this week included the following key thoughts:
Friday evening our family watched the second lesson in the video series “Strategies for Success: Blueprint for Achievement” by Zig Ziglar. This lesson taught about understanding your own self-talk, improving your self-talk, and being grateful.
Consider the following this week: What are you grateful for? Do you desire to gain wisdom and understanding?
My shortened time in Scripture this week included the following key thoughts:
- Be grateful, God is with me, I have food to eat (too much!), clothes to wear, and the ability to share with others (Genesis 28)
- The Lord disciplines those he loves, like a father disciplines the son he loves (Proverbs 3)
- Find wisdom, gain understanding, nothing you desire compares to these
- Anything divided against itself will not stand, if you are not for Jesus you are against him (Matthew 3)
- Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power (Proverbs 3)
Friday evening our family watched the second lesson in the video series “Strategies for Success: Blueprint for Achievement” by Zig Ziglar. This lesson taught about understanding your own self-talk, improving your self-talk, and being grateful.
Consider the following this week: What are you grateful for? Do you desire to gain wisdom and understanding?
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