Thanksgiving is a distant memory. Christmas, Hanukah, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day are over. You’ve finished the leftovers, opened presents (and perhaps returned a few), toasted the new year, and eaten black-eyed peas. The only remnants of the holidays that remain are some gifts you haven’t yet returned, football playoffs, the NCAA championship, the Super Bowl, and perhaps a few extra pounds. In the last week or so, I’ve heard several people comment, “I’m so ready to get back to my routine”. The question is: Is your “routine” what you need to get back to? Does it serve you well? Are you satisfied with the results of your day-to-day activities? If so, great! Good for you. If not,… [Read More]
Looking Back, Looking Forward
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Anonymous “What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” Colette In Roman mythology, there was a god called Janus. Janus was the god of gates, doors, beginnings, endings, and time. Most often he is depicted as having two heads facing opposite directions; one head looks back while the other looks forward. His principle temple in the Forum, ancient Rome’s center of political and social activity, had doors facing east and west to mark the beginning and end of the day, and between the doors stood his statue gazing in opposite directions. Janus… [Read More]
What’s On Your List
With the holidays just around the corner, many of us are focused on shopping for gifts for family and friends. Decisions made on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the other no-name shopping days are often driven by “wish lists”. Perhaps you’ve made a wish list to share with those who may be gifting you this year. Here’s a challenge for you. Make a list of gifts to give to yourself. Now, I don’t mean material gifts that can be purchased at the mall or online — not an IPad, a new coat, golf clubs, fuzzy house shoes, or a plasma TV. What I’m talking about are gifts that only you can give to yourself and which, in most cases, don’t… [Read More]
Employees Must…
You’ve seen it, haven’t you? The sign in every restaurant restroom. It’s a good sign, and as a customer, you’re glad to see to it and hopeful that employees do as the sign instructs. In your business, what are the “musts”, the things that team members must do to fulfill not only your expectations but also those of your customers and their co-workers? What must they do to contribute to a results-oriented workplace, a workplace that’s a great place to work? Here’s my list. Team members must… Be competent. And, you’re the leader or business owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure they have the skills they need to be successful. Be cooperative. They must be good at working with… [Read More]
Shake It Up, Baby!
Sometimes you’ve got to shake things up! Charles Duhigg, author of the best-selling book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, says that “40-45% of our daily activities are habits”. We do what we do without thinking. And in many ways, that’s good. Habits create routines in our life and work, some of which are extraordinarily helpful. They make daily living easier, more efficient. But some habits are hindering. When we do the same old things in the same old way, it’s easy to become complacent about important areas of life, work, health, relationships. If you’re a long-time reader of Great Days e-Tips, one look at this edition will tell you that this… [Read More]