Be grateful for the things you have. Zig Zigler talked of being happy in who you are because if you aren’t then you will never be happy for others. his basic philosophy of life was that we must love ourselves before we can give unconditional love to others. Robert Emmons of greatergood.berkely.edu uses, “Grateful motions that include smiling, saying thank you, and writing letters of gratitude.”
“When you are grateful, fear disappears, and abundance appears.” ― Anthony Robbins
“Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions. Once expressed, it changes attitude, brightens outlook, and broadens our perspective.” ― Germany Kent
Five things you can do to become more grateful –
Every day express two things that happened to you that day. Say them aloud so that it makes an impression on yourself and others. This is a powerful motivator for your well being.
Thank your partner for things they either did or just for being supportive of your successes. (Even if they are the littlest of things).
look for the benefits of life’s challenges. There is always a lesson that will benefit your progress in all failings. open up your thoughts to what they might be.
When something good happens because of your changes, take a moment to reflect on it and reward yourself in some way. Go out to dinner, buy yourself something you want but felt guilty if you did. Something that you can look back on and say this is for achieving something i wanted to achieve.
one of the most rewarding things to do is send a nice comment on social media to friends or loved ones on a daily basis. This will reflect well towards you knowing that you appreciate them in some way. it can just be a simple thank you for something they did or just a hello to check on
Brian Grazer talks about curiosity and how it changed his life forever! He calls it a super power! After viewing it, tell me what you think in the comment section at the end of this post. Make sure you view my website pages and subscribe by entering your email so you don’t miss any of the exciting things that are happening both on video, audio and text.
Forbes.com says, “Curiosity is one of the most critical determinants of performance that organizations can cultivate today”. Curiosity in the workplace should be promoted because of not only the short term effects on the business but the long term benefits that this character trait possesses. Many businesses are promoting the use of curiosity by allowing employees to take courses that expand their knowledge base. Learning has become a flexible business asset which helps the companies retain talent that might otherwise move on to another company. Though there are many benefits to a curiosity culture in the workplace, the opposite could be true. It can be fearful to take chances which curiosity promotes. Employees might fear the unknown. this fear of the unknown can make the person seem apathetic towards learning anything new. They might feel that it will not help them in what they are doing.
Curiosity must be rewarded because of its inherent ability to advance the knowledge base of a person. This must start from the top of the organization. It will be apparent that the leaders support this way of thinking by the opportunities that they give to their employees to develop this trait. In business the profitability of said company can be traced back to the leaders and employees curiosity to solve problems. This must be on a continuous basis because of the ever expanding markets that they dwell in.
Becki Saltzman of Applied Curiosity Lab talks of the four Vectors of Upheaval:
Rapid pace of change- The world is moving at a pace that can overwhelm you. You have to continually learn about new ideas to stay relevant. This involves being curious in how things will develop.
Unprecedented access to information – The internet allows the average person to get detailed information that was not easily available only 10 years ago without researching and talking to others that have experienced the situation you are learning about.
Globalization – You have to do everything so that it will apply to the whole world environment. Access to every market and society is available at your fingertips. When you achieve something the world will know about it.
Artificial intelligence – We must be willing to accept the progress that AI will eventually pursue. There is an old saying that you must know the answer before you ask the question. This is similar in the AI realm. We must be answering the questions before we have AI produce them.
You could say that there are different levels of curiosity. You want to formulate that peak curiosity state so that you can excel. The more familiar we become with things our level of curiosity goes down. This beings me to a point that it is always wise to be developing new areas that you can learn to maintain this peak curiosity.
Braincraft is a unique video producer of unusual subjects and this video on curiosity is very interesting and challenges your mind to think differently.
In all my writing on this subject I have been trying to peak your interest in how curiosity can affect your decisions and lifestyle. It is my intent that you will take this knowledge that you’ve gained and start to put in place your own peak curiosity mindset. In our relationship it is one sided at the present time. I can only assume how you are thinking about this subject. You know what assume means don’t you. I will only be able to get to know your thoughts by communication within our email system. I have an inquisitive interest in your concerns and am willing to help you overcome those concerns through back and forth communication.
What is the most valuable Question?
It is the one that you ask and not the one that lingers in the space of your mind never to be funneled out to the real world. I say reach out to your manager, husband, wife, friend, CEO or whomever you need information from. When you hold back you will not have progress and when you do reach out you will gain success. Isn’t that what we all are striving to obtain?
Once again I would like to say thank you for taking the time to read my articles because I realize how precious time is and what you do with it is important.
Please subscribe by entering your email in the appropriate box.
Generosity has been defined as something that is a nobility of spirit. The meaning of the word has changed over the centuries from the association of family nobility in England in the 16th Century to nobility of spirit that expresses; strength of character; richness in kindness; gentleness; fairness in actions and thought; courage of man and gallantry. The new meaning where we are generous with our time, talents and treasure dominated thought during the 19th Century and is still present.
When I think of generosity I associate it with God’s teachings as in 1 Corinthians 13:2, ” And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have no charity, I am nothing”.
The following video though religious in its making clarifies the real meaning of generosity and that is why I include it in this blog.
The next video really captures the essence of generosity. It portrays how we as people go above and beyond to help our fellow citizen. Without regards to any recognition or payment. It truly shows how we as humans can give of our self. This trait of generosity is ranked fifth on my list but first in my soul.
Rachael Chong during a TEDX at SMU in 2013 talked of Luck as being a major factor in generosity. What she was saying was that at the basic level we are who we are and what we are because of luck. You say that is not so, but if you think about it you did not pick where you were born, who your parents were, how you were brought up. So when we see truly needy people that have not been blessed like you were, it is your heart that shows generosity. I now make it a point to not judge others because of what F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Whenever you feel like criticizing some one…just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had”. We truly are a blessed society and our country shows that blessing stronger and with more vigor than all others in the world.
Generous people show it with their actions and attitudes. They are positive and outgoing. Most won’t take no for an answer when someone needs help. People in need generally do not like to ask for help because of their honor. They believe that this is a form of weakness. This is why we must just volunteer our help to give them pride. I love this trait and it has been having a massive change in how I look at the world. I do believe that helping a man learn how to fish is better than giving him a fish, but if he has not eaten then we must feed him first.
How does one become more generous you may ask? I believe that you can learn this trait by understanding how people’s lives are affected by circumstances. Whenever there is a disaster in the world, we are there to help. Obviously it helps that we are the richest nation in the world, but even other prosperous nations do not come to the aid so quickly and generously. What helps our nation to become so generous is the character traits that I have been discussing throughout my blogs in success tips.
My intent in this series is to help you develop your character to become a well rounded individual that will possess all the qualities that make up a successful person. With this you can excel at whatever you are dreaming to become. In turn this will help others because you will take the attributes that these traits have and give them to others.
Were you wondering why I am taking the time to give this information to you? I am now living each day like I won’t be around tomorrow. I went through a time in April that I didn’t think I was going to make it another day. I feel so blessed to take each day and try to give of myself and any talents I may have to others. I hope you enjoy my talks and spread the good news of life.
Please subscribe to my email so that you can be informed of all my interests that will be coming in the future. Thank you for your precious time.
This video is a short introduction to optimism. Optimism is a journey not a destination. It creates achievement oriented persons. Asking what could be right and not looking at what is wrong. It just feels better being an optimist. Finally the video states that positive things happen to positive people.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy”. Used by permission at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/optimism-quotes_2
Optimism is hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something that people are trying to achieve. It has an effect on our beliefs and our behaviors. So it can move people to generate success in their lives. New ideas, new experiences and new possibilities are created when you are optimistic. It gives you the ability to change a business or your life for the better.
Please watch the following presentation to give you a glimpse of what can be achieved.
What we believe can become reality!
They say through scientific studies that in general people that are optimistic and more healthy have better blood sugar levels, tend to not smoke, and exercise more which in turn shows a better body mass index.
Optimism is contagious because it creates a can do attitude among employees or groups.
How do you become an optimist?
Surround yourself around positive people – You don’t have to eliminate your negative friends, just spend less time with them. Become friends with outwardly thinking people. People that have a goal in life, people that always look for the good in things. They are easy to find.
Take small steps that will lead you to be more optimistic – Achieving a small step one at a time will build your confidence and when you are challenged you will be ready for it and look for the opportunity in the challenge.
Focus on the future – Don’t worry about the past mistakes you made, they are over and done with. You need to have a why which means you need to be working towards something that will motivate you to achieve. It has to be a big goal because it has to excite you or you will just give up when the hardships arise and they truly will. Every time that you really want something, things will happen that try to prevent you from doing the things that are needed to accomplish them. It is inevitable in life but being optimistwill help to overcome them.
Find joy in everything you do – Even if you have a unfulfilling job, there is something that you can find that gives you joy when accomplishing it. I say make your work, whatever it is FUN!
Being optimistic will inspire others around you. You will attract the same kind of people when you are optimistic.
Be grateful and appreciate the things that you have. Optimist’s do see the realty of situations but they see the positive attributes related to the situation.
In conclusion being optimistic is probably one of the most important traits that you can have. It will lead you to opportunities that will better your life.
As always I appreciate the time you give me to present my success tips and my hope is that you take a part of each tip and incorporate it into your life so that you can create a better life for yourself and the people around you.
If you enjoyed this part of the journey then like my blog and subscribe with your email so that you won’t miss any of the upcoming success tips.
CS Lewis was a renown English writer who authored more than 30 books. He is best known for his writings on the Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis’s faith profoundly affected his work, and his wartime radio broadcasts on the subject of Christianity brought him wide acclaim. Lewis converted to theism in 1929 and that would play an important role in his life. Just a little background on the author of my above quote.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone says that you have integrity? You may not understand what they are referring to.
But what does it really mean to have integrity?
Motivational speaker that portrays the message of integrity with great attitude!
The Random House Dictionary defines integrity as: “Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. The state of being whole, entire or undiminished. A sound, unimpaired or perfect condition”.
What was the first Success tip that I wrote about – Honesty!
How do we get moral and ethical principles and why does that play such an important part in developing our character? It is important to follow the ideas and thoughts expressed in my writings and the writings of scholars.
Do we look at people as being perfect and what is soundness of moral character? Obviously no one is perfect but trying to maintain a good moral character I think should be most important in people. We all want others to look at us and think that we can be trusted and will make good judgements on their actions.
These are all traits that are vital or instrumental in becoming the person you want to become. Does this mean that one is perfect in all his actions and thoughts? That would be no. We all have our insecurities or failings. The first objective is to try to overcome your faults. I personally recommend that you begin by reading authors who build on all these traits so that you can come to an understanding on how they play a part in your life. In all my writings I want to express that this will not be an overnight accomplishment. I have been doing the things that I expose over the last 10 years. It is an ongoing experience that has its ups and downs.
One of my favorite quotes is by Winston Churchill, “A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”
There is always something valuable that can be derived out of difficulty, adversity or change (barryfarber.com). What I am suggesting is that you continue to make incremental changes for the better through using the success tips that I write about. These are not tips that I have generated on my own accord, they are perceived through my readings and through video’s on different subjects. Vast amounts of very influential and powerful people not only performed acts that showed these traits but continue to live with them on a daily basis. Leaders of all walks of life continue to develop their characters to become better human beings in this world.
Honesty – Loyalty – Integrity The beginning three pillars of your journey to succeed.
Just to be forthright, I have an affiliation with these companies and if you purchase them I will be compensated by them. I thank you if you do so that I can continue to pursue my goal in bringing important information to you on a regular basis.
“Free to Focus” by Michael Hyatt
This book has many strategies that can be used to eliminate a lot of distractions and learn to focus on what really matters in your day to day life. In Chapter one page 41 Mr. Hyatt says,”Ask yourself what you want, how many hours you want to work, how many items you want on your task list, how many nights and weekends you want to work”. In subsequent paragraphs he lays out the reasons for your why! I like reading Michaels books because he is very practical and is a normal person both in his writings and what I have heard in his personal life.
“The Monk who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin S. Sharma
This is not only a fun read but it tells of a real life high powered lawyer who completely changed his life after a major heart attack almost killed him. He presents some simple profound lessons for personal growth. His advice will help you develop joyful thoughts, how to following your life’s calling and work on your self-discipline to be able to act with a new perspective on life.
As always I appreciate you taking the time to review my writings and it is my desire that you get something out of them that will help lead you to success.
I am excited to tell you about our next post in the series of success tips that will be coming on Integrity. This is a unique trait that incorporates our first two talks into this trait. Honesty and loyalty play a big part in this one. Leave a comment on my site Kujan Media Group.com on this trait to start the conversation. As always I appreciate your time!
This is one of the most revered traits you can have. It is the one trait that you can give to someone even if they don’t deserve it. You will find this in some great friendships. In business you will get the sale or work even if you are not the lowest price.
The desire to commit to a person, business or even country involves loyalty.
When you first think of someone that shows loyalty, don’t you feel that it is a person that is awesome to be around? They have a positive outlook on life. They are generally confident because they have a strong sense of self. What I mean is that they know who they are. They know their strengths and their weaknesses. Most of the people that expose this character trait are reliable and not afraid of a routine.
The philosophers ponder the question of loyalty as a feeling or how one conducts themselves. I personally think that it involves both. When you show loyalty to another, you show a strong feeling and devotion to them. This is expressed in business in a similar way. You have a general feeling of goodness towards the company and then you show that loyalty by purchasing their products or services.
The desire to commit to a person, business or even country involves loyalty. Some examples for people are performing acts that do not have a visual accomplishment or monetary value for the person doing them. This is considered a selfless act. In business it would be where an employee works after hours to help the business succeed, not requiring a financial benefit to themselves. As for the country, waving the flag on holiday’s, serving in the military and keeping the traditions that their country has developed over the years. In the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Plato states, “Our loyalty tends to be expressed in loyalties“. Those are the acts that are performed for others. One other quality concerning loyalty is that people tend to recover quickly from disappointments.
This trait is one of the major building blocks you need to develop your character for success. Along with HONESTY we will continue to shore up our whole being.
It is my desire that henceforth you will subscribe to my website and join in our conversation on this and other areas of relevance. Browse the site and add your email so you won’t miss the continuing series of Building your Character.
As always, thank you for your time and communication as I know your time is precious.
Character is like a bridge – If you have good character then it will take you across to the other side, if you don’t then it will drop you in the water.
Character
There are many traits that make up your character and over the next couple of posts I will discuss a separate trait that when combined with each other and adhered to will go a long way in developing success in your life.
The first trait is HONESTY
I believe Honesty is the key to our success. Ben Franklin once said, “Honesty is the best policy”.
One definition of honesty is when you speak the truth and act truthfully. Honesty is about being real with yourself and others about who you are. My father once told me that. “Character is what you do when no one is looking”. Do you do the same thing when they are looking? Ask yourself that?
Honesty allows people to take responsibility for their feelings and behaviors, owning them, and reaping benefits by doing so.
An honest person doesn’t do things that are morally wrong.
In business and in life if you are honest in your dealing with others, and you refuse to be deceitful or commit fraudulent acts then you will build trust in them which will lead to more openness. This will expand opportunities that you can pursue. Throughout my life I have been more open-minded speaking about subjects to people that I believe to be honest and trustworthy. It is the starting point of a relationship. Friendships and business associates are built on this area so it would behoove you to make this the Most important trait in your character development.
If you like what you read and are interested in more articles that are related to this subject and other subjects that I write about then please subscribe to my email. You will get them sent to your email so that you won’t miss anything I write about.
By subscribing to my E-mail, you will receive a link to my book, “THE HABIT REVOLUTION: HOW TO BUILD HABITS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD“. It is sold on Amazon but it is yours to keep.
This is just one of the first in this subject series and I will elaborate more in subsequent posts. Listen to my podcast: Kevin Kujan – Simply Speaking on Air
Kujan Media Group 