Power of Kindness Movie

Power of Kindness Movie: I once heard someone say, "If you teach your children the Golden Rule, you will have left them an incalculable estate." Truer words were never spoken. More than anything, the Golden Rule is about kindness. They improve your relationship with yourself and with others. It's not much in fashion these days to talk about the benefits of kindness, honesty and decency, but the benefits are there and they are valuable and worth the trouble.

Technology is Changing Constantly

I read in USA Today last week about 10 gadgets that are going to be obsolete in 2012 because of the advancement of technology around smart phones and iPads and the like. Some of the gadgets include the flip phone which is really pretty new; DVD players; CDs; netbooks; digital cameras. How are you keeping up with the ever changing times? I am a believer in the new, user-friendly technology but I try to be sensible at the same time. Maybe that is the Baby Boomer in me. As soon as you invest in some version of the smart phone, a newer, faster, fully load version is put on the market. The iPad2 is THE in product right now as well as the iphone4S. My cell phone provider shared with me this week that iPad3 will be released shortly with more dynamic capability around the screen and sound. I am treating myself to an iPad this year and when I get one (to add to my 4G Android phone) I will be content for at least a year to enjoy and learn from them.

The part that worries me the most is parents allowing their small children to have their own smart technology devices to help keep them amused. This can be good but through the lens of just one of the things they need to be exposed to.  Making sure children get out and play outdoors and exposing them to social settings without an electronic devise is so important for their development as little humans into responsible teens and adults, with the skills to interact with others and to be healthy.

There will be great opportunity for techies making a good living working with the older generations on getting comfortable with the new technologies as there is going to be a continuing need in this area.  All this change is here to stay so embrace it and be open to the advances of modern technology that will make your life easier, especially accessing information.

Dealing with Change and New Beginnings

I walk around our neighborhood a couple of times a week. One house I pass is one of my favorites; very comfortable and serene looking and the owner always decks it out for each holiday with appropriate decorations. For Halloween, she has statues and spiders, and ghoulish things around the well-attended front yard. There is always an angel sitting in a big chair and wonderful baskets hanging from the large Banyan tree. At Christmas time, a life-size Santa stands near the front door, there are poinsettia plants everywhere and beauty on display. I always look forward to walking by this house during the holidays, even on the Fourth of July the house is decked out in red, white and blue. I understand the owner sells/sold something on HSN.  Well, this year it's different. There is a for sale sign in front and for the first time in the 11 years when I walk by, there are no decorations, just the fall wreaths on the door - kind of sad. Is she sick; has she passed away? 

So today when I walked by, what  showed up for me was how fast things can change direction, many times without our permission. Because this is the last week of 2011, very appropriate to think about this as we complete the year and reflect on the lessons and gifts. 2012 will start with a clean slate; new page, opportunity to continue to grow, thrive, change, embrace new ways of being and doing. And because we don't know from one day to the next, if something is going to happen without our permission, BE with the day. Have your plans, goals and aspirations in place but be present in the moment and be grateful for the most important parts of your life and look for the clues that will help you thrive on your journey. Practice staying present in the moment and enjoy the day as it unfolds. After all, we are human beings NOT human doings. It takes practice but if you put your mind to focusing on the present moment, it will become easier (some say 21 days of practicing will make habits become part of your life) and easier. Think about this - what is the significance of being present in the moment? 

What Great Companies Know About Culture - Deidre H. Campbell - Harvard Business Review

What Great Companies Know About Culture - Deidre H. Campbell - Harvard Business Review

Why I Hire People Who Fail - Jeff Stibel - Harvard Business Review

Why I Hire People Who Fail - Jeff Stibel - Harvard Business Review

When Is It Time to Add Sales People?

This is an article I wrote this week for a "go to get answers for business questions type website" http://task.fm/2011/12/how-can-a-startup-decide-when-it-is-time-to-hire-sales-people/

Future of the Mortgage broker With David Stevens MBA President