Monday

12 Traits to Remember

I've read that Thomas Edison had several traits that he would focus on and try to improve each day. It's no wonder that Mr. Edison was one the world's most prolific characters in history.  I liked the idea, so I adapted it and use the technique myself. In my calendar, I have a trait to emphasize a little more each week.

  1. Smile - a person, no matter how unattractive, improves their magnetism with a smile.
  2. Remember - remember a person's name, it's one of their most treasured words.
  3. Close - don't be afraid to close the deal, lead a little.
  4. Enthusiasm - being a downer is contagious -- so is being an upper.
  5. Order - creating lines, borders, ground rules actually creates freedom.
  6. I'm 3rd - borrowed from Joe White's famous motto - God, others, then me 
  7. Listen - most of the time, the best way to communicate in a conversation is with your ears.
  8. Sincerity - real always works.
  9. Knowledge - learn every day.
  10. Praise - people rarely receive praise when they become "adults", but the kid in them still looks for it.
  11. Key Issues - cut out the clutter, and focus on what's going to get you to the dance.
  12. Questions - there's usually a reason behind the reason, so ask questions. 


It's like a string on your finger, or a wristband you wear to remind you of something important.  That's my 12 things, I could probably add a few more, but that's for another time.  Now, you make your own list of traits, post them in your calendar, and practice.

Friday

Wear it



NBA Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan wore his North Carolina Tar Heels practice shorts under his NBA uniform his entire career.  Popular author/blogger, Seth Godin wears mixed matched socks.  Actor/Comedian, Jim Carrey wrote himself a check for $20 million and kept it in his wallet until he earned that amount for The Cable Guy in '96... The list goes on how successful people use rituals, and reminders to motivate and move them in the right direction.  I wear two rubber wristbands, one red one that says "Cherokee" and one blue one that says "4 E's".  The red wristband reminds me that I'd like to give the best opportunities to my family.  The blue wristband reminds me how I should treat people.  Most of us have the attention span of a teen in trigonometry class, so physical reminders are needed and at the very least, they're good conversation starters.

Wear it, work it, win it.



CAP