Sometimes “common sense” is not common and sometimes what we accept as sense makes no sense at all. In today's first article I tackle one of those old clichés you'll find familiar. You may agree or disagree - I just hope it makes you think about your life in a new way.
We have locked in plans for an exciting event in February of next year. As we're still working on details I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet. But don't make any other plans for February 20, 2010. If you've got one of those ideas you know could change your life - refine it and keep it handy.
**************************** “There is a pervasive form of contemporary violence….. (and that is) activism and overwork. The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence. ………. The frenzy of our activism neutralizes our work for peace. It destroys our own inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of our own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful.” Thomas Merton
We've all heard the old adage, “Winners never quit, quitters never win.” Is that really true? Does that mean that if you're driving from Detroit to Miami and you suddenly realize you're actually headed for Savannah you would simply continue on? Or even speed up? Or just "try harder?" Of course not - you would immediately correct your direction, even if it meant going back to Atlanta to get back on the right road.
Why is it that in jobs or businesses people often believe that if they just persist, somehow things will get better? And that they need to be loyal and never show signs of “giving up?”
In this week's 48 Days Podcast I answered this question from Margaret: "I would like to know what to do when you are working so hard and everything seems
to continue to fail. Do you change plans or what?"
Quitting a job does not mean that you're quitting your commitment to provide for your family. Quitting a business does not mean that you are walking away from the thrill of controlling your time and income. Quitting a ministry or non-profit organization does not mean that you've given up on your desire to change the world or help the less fortunate.
Your job, business or ministry are just tactics to accomplish your bigger vision. Your “purpose” or “calling” define the big goal. If your job is clearly a dead end, it makes perfect sense to quit, take your skills to a better fit and release your ability to provide for your family. If your business is failing, learn from the experience and start in a new direction. I constantly have areas in my business and personal life that are on the bubble. If they are not proven successful in a very specific period of time - they're gone - I quit but keep moving on to success in other ways.
Here are my recommendations:
If your job provides nothing for you but a meager paycheck, plan to quit and be gone in the next 30 days.
If you have been running your business for one year and after expenses it's only netting you $500 a month, quit and find a new venture.
If you started a non-profit and after two years you find that you are spending 80% of your time on administrative work and have no real economic model for continuing, consider linking arms with an established organization.
Winners quit - they quit quickly and often. Yes I know we hear that quote about nothing matters but persistence, but if you are a duck trying to climb a tree, all persistence will get you is web feet that are to sore to even swim well. Have the maturity and guts to quit the wrong things in your life.
While we're at it, ask yourself if these well-known adages are always true:
The customer is always right
Everything happens for a reason
Never judge a book by its cover
You can't teach an old dog new tricks
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Better be safe than sorry
Good fences make good neighbors
You can't have your cake and eat it too
Don't let commonly accepted clichés misdirect you from the unique path you are on.
There is an old Chinese saying that goes something like this: “A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.” Recently Joanne and I ate lunch at a brand new restaurant here in Franklin, TN. No one smiled or greeted us when we came in or during our entire stay there. And this is in an area near the new Nissan headquarters where the local paper says there are 150 places to eat lunch within a one mile radius. Unfortunately for them there is another established restaurant with the same menu format where we are greeted with enthusiasm every time we visit. Guess where we will go next time.
That same phenomenon has much the same effect in interviewers. In a survey conducted among 5000 human resource managers, one of the questions was: “What do you look for most in a candidate?” Of the 2756 who responded, 2322 ranked enthusiasm first. The first thing interviewers look for in a candidate is vitality and enthusiasm. Many candidates with the right background experience and skills disqualify themselves with a demeanor that suggests they lack energy.
The easiest way to convey energy and enthusiasm is to smile. Now there's a tip that you can implement today. No waiting, no paying for expensive degrees, no buying a new suit - just smile!!
In the classic little book, The Magic of Thinking Big, David Schwartz challenges the readers with this test: “Try to feel defeated and smile big at the same time. You can't. A big smile gives you confidence. A big smile beats fear, rolls away worry, defeats despondency.” That sounds like a great preparation for your next interview.
Welcome to 48 Days radio where each week I look through the submitted questions and then blast through as many as possible right here to give you the unique tools for your own success.
Just click the link below to hear my responses to lots of questions, including this:Do I keep "failing" or quit and change plans?
I am 33 years old, married with a family of five and live in SLC, Utah. Over the years I have struggled with the dilemma of feeling like I am not able to pursue earning a true living doing what I love which is acting and entertainment.
I am unable to figure out the path for getting from Point A to Point B, to find the door in my white room, to transition from the idea to a money making enterprise.
I would like to know what to do when you are working so hard and everything seems
to continue to fail. Do you change plans or what?
I am 35 years old and have worked as a Registered Nurse for 10 years. I am extremely bored but it "pays the bills." I can get a raise by becoming a certified emergency nurse. Is it a wise use of time and resources to pursue education to increase my effectiveness and income in a position that I currently hate?
I am the owner of a small business specializing in the cleaning and sealing of decks, fences, and wood siding. However, the nature of the business causes loss of income for about 3 1/2 to 4 months out of the year. We always struggle keeping the lights on and food on the table for our teenage boys.
I'm deeply in debt as a result of my current business but want to start over in another career. I'll be selling my house soon in order to reduce my debt by about 50% but I don't know of a lucrative way to harness my talents in a way that allows me to live while paying off debt.
**************************** If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week's broadcast immediately - no downloading - no wait.
The Cubicle -- building on some of the most inspiring locations on earth, such as: Baby's Playpen: Your cubicle is now a reminder of the exuberance of youth and the thrill of being held captive by strange people who speak gibberish and punish you for reasons you don't understand. And the Prison Cell: Your cubicle “captures” the carefree feeling of a convict serving twenty to life. Experience the true security and predictability that you have been seeking.
From The Dilbert Principle, by Scott Adams
**************************** You Might Be a Redneck - if you list tick removal as a skill on your resume. Jeff Foxworthy
**************************** Claude Russell's Hair Styling and Barber Shop A haircut is $8.00 at this shop in Kingsport, TN. A silent haircut where Claude doesn't talk is free. Another sign notes that $16 haircuts are always half-price. The coffee is free. The Cokes are 50 cents each or two for $1.25. And then there's the Final Cut special. ‘I never charge for your last haircut,' Claude says. ‘If you die within two weeks of a trim, I'll go to the funeral home and slip a refund check in the casket.' “ Claude Russell's hairstyling Shop What are you doing to be creative in your business marketing?
**************************** Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Feel like you've taken too much time to get to the success you want? This is a common issue with the physicians, dentists, attorneys and pastors who let us know they're looking for more. Give us some brief information and I'll recommend one of my coaching packages: Coaching with Dan
**************************** 48Days.net
At 48Days.net you'll see over 3600 other excited people who have ideas - and plans for their accomplishment. If you want your life to be different this year, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost - just lots of people who are committed to helping each other succeed.
**************************** Are you ready for change?
Do you know how to take advantage of change?"?
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. What's the best environment for you to live out your "calling?" You can find out here.
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare: it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.” Senaca
“Cowards falter, but danger is often overcome by those who nobly dare.” Queen Elizabeth
“Whatever there be of progress in life comes not through adaptation but through daring, through obeying the blind urge.” Henry Miller, “Reflections on Writing”
“Blessed is he who has found his work. Let him ask no other blessing.” Thomas Carlyle
“God gives every bird its food, but He doesn't throw it in the nest.” J.G. Holland
“The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.” Edward Phelps
Do you know how to take advantage of change?"?
