I heard any interesting comment this morning. In terms of trust, people connect more with you on your vulnerabilities/weaknesses versus your strengths. I need to work toward being more open with people about what I struggle with. This will build trust and a stronger team.

This week I started reading the 7 Habits of Effective People by Steven Covey. This is my second time around on this one. Here’s a piece that caught my attention:

“It’s only the unsatisfied need that motivates. Next to physical survival, the greatest need of a human being is psychological survival- to be understood, to be affirmed, to be validate and to be appreciated.”

Words help people or hurt people.

Words kill and Words give life!

I am working to be more kind and encouraging each day. There is not greater feeling than get outside of myself and lift somebody else up!

I was listening to a popular sales guru- Jeffrey Gitomer. He was sharing that if you tell others you are a great salesperson- you are bragging. If your customers say the same thing about you- then this is proof. Same thing regarding being a Christ Follower. There is no need to tell others you are a Christian. They should see Christ’s love shining through you in all your actions!

I recently watched a video from Darren Hardy. He communicated that if you really want to reach a goal, set up a painful consequence if you don’t reach it. I am going to try and put this into practice. For example, no dessert until I make a certain number of outbound calls per day. For those of you who know me, dessert is something I treasure after dinner.

Being present and paying attention during conversations is becoming more and more challenging in this digital age. To let people know they have my full attention, I turn off my phone right in front of them. You will make them feel important and appreciated. This is the deepest human need.

There are so many distractions these days especially if you work from home. I have to set clear boundaries both physically and mentally. On the mental side, I have to set aside specific periods of time to focus on just making outbound calls. This means I don’t accept any interruptions during this time. It is challenging, but it does give me a competitive advantage over others who work in a shared office environment. It don’t have to get  involved with the politics.

I am trying to see the best in people these days. I read a study recently. The people who dislike the most people are the most disliked. On the other side, the people who like the most people are the most liked.

Focusing on attitude and effort!

I had a couple thoughts as I start going through the testing to be a kidney donor for my niece Lauren. I must admit have a bit of fear of the unknown going on right now.

Here are my thoughts that I have heard during the past week:

Uncommon love is helpful. Let God speak through you.

You are saved, so don’t live a safe life. God has your back!

An honest response is like a kiss of friendship. Proverbs 24