Category: Best Self

Finish what you started. From a young age you’ve heard that from parents, teachers, and coaches. It suggests you stick with it; you can do it, and think through your decisions because you can’t always change them. Good lessons to learn.

Some people learned them well – maybe too well – because they feel they always have to finish what they started, no matter the circumstances. Is it good to always finish what you started? I believe the answer is no. I believe there are times when it’s smart to go against your training and not finish what you started.

Life is a compromise – we all know that – no one gets everything they want (sorry to disappoint you, idealists, out there). I, for one, want to compromise the least and have the fewest regrets about the compromises I make. What is my strategy?

Make smart, well informed, well thought out decisions, considering all the facts as I know them and anticipating the consequences of each option. A principle I apply that impacts consequences is the minimum you accept is the maximum you get. This suggests that where you compromise in life, whatever level or amount, quantity or quality you settle for, life rarely comes along and gives you more.

During the heyday of downsizing in corporate America, I worked as a trainer for a career consulting company and taught managers how to terminate employees with respect and dignity. It’s one of the most difficult duties a manager will ever perform; those who have done it will confirm that. I would tell managers how it happens lingers longer than what happens.

Long after separated employees have picked up their lives and moved on to new jobs their most vivid memories will not be that they were let go, but how they were let go – how the manager and the company treated them during the process.

Want more enjoyment and excitement in your life, but can’t find the time or the space? If so, you are not alone, lots of people do. Interestingly enough, there’s one barrier that keeps most people at bay. When you identify what it is and remove it, wonderful things can happen.

By the way, the busier you are the more you’ll benefit by this message.

A couple of days ago I was in my doctor’s office. My doctor is fabulous and if you have a 10 o’clock appointment, nine out of ten times at 10 o’clock he’s sitting right in front of you. This day he was running late. The nurse came in and said, “Craig, I want to apologize, we’re running late. I’ll do my best to get you out of here on time.” I responded, “Take your time; I’m not in any particular hurry.” That shocked her, and she replied, “Thank you very much for that because it seems like just about everybody else is.”

When life isn’t going the way you want, wouldn’t it be great to turn it around in your favor; to tilt the world your way a bit?! The good news is that everyone has a Recipe For Success; life ingredients, that when mixed together in the proper proportions reward us with fulfillment, happiness, and success. They make life exciting again.

A sad fact is that only certain people know their recipe well enough to access it when they most need it. Lots of people could be happier than they currently are. Knowing your Recipe For Success allows you to quickly transform a marginal situation into a memorable one.