How many times do you ask yourself if this is worth your time? I hope often. I can’t tell you how many times each day I see people doing things that are not only wasting their time but detrimenting others too.
How many times did you drive 10+ miles to do a cost comparison on something you wanted to buy? I hope not in the last 5 years given the capabilities of the internet. Another example, we’ve all known that person who drives to another state or jurisdiction to save on taxes for a medium to large purchase. Did they add in their gas and time in the savings equation? Likely not. Final example, spending 40 employee hours on a proposal that will award you the same or less IF you win. Stop the madness.
How much is your time worth to you? Do you have an hourly figure? You should.
The same way our boss looks at cost estimates based on how much time they’ll require of you and how much s/he will gain or lose…. We should be doing the same with our own time. Ask yourself, “Is this a win or am I losing?” If losing how can you turn it into a win? Be creative and you’ll find a good solution.
Let’s look at the genius of the carpool. A band of people, women my guess, figured out that it was more productive for their time and money (gas) to establish a car pool for their kids school and extracurricular activities than for each of them to be the shuttle for their own small family. This is an example of a win for everyone.
Everyone complains about time- never having enough of it. I believe we all have enough we just don’t use it wisely. Be more like a carpool or a boss evaluating a job’s feasibility …for your life….. Stop wasting time and start enjoying it more. You really can you know.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Grassroots Organizing and Mundane Decisions
The other day I was walking along when I encountered two men outside a national book store chain handing out fliers. They didn’t look like the book selling type and I was right. They were protesting. They didn’t look like the youthful protesters we are accustomed to, having just had the G-20 in our city. They were men in their 50’s who looked like professors. I grabbed for a flier.
They were protesting the book store’s decision to hire a local contractor who paid “unfair wages” to employees and wasn’t a part of a local membership organization (trade organization). Interesting. I had never seen this before.
Their flier was well done. It laid out the concerns with several points of contention. It called us all to be concerned and told us why. It had someone we could call for more information and of course, an action item to not patronize the store.
No matter what you think of unions, and I think I’ve heard it all, this was a grassroots and clever way to disrupt people’s casual thinking about the retail experience. No longer should you simply shop somewhere because the product is good. You should feel good about how the product got there. This is a personal topic of choice for me and I’ll save it for a future blog.
Today’s point is that you have to be very careful about decisions you may find mundane. They may bite you later on. Choosing the lower cost almost always comes at a cost, whether now or down the road. Don’t allow anyone to bully your decision either. Just make sure you’ve weighed all of the options and are prepared for any related consequences.
Happy holiday shopping.
They were protesting the book store’s decision to hire a local contractor who paid “unfair wages” to employees and wasn’t a part of a local membership organization (trade organization). Interesting. I had never seen this before.
Their flier was well done. It laid out the concerns with several points of contention. It called us all to be concerned and told us why. It had someone we could call for more information and of course, an action item to not patronize the store.
No matter what you think of unions, and I think I’ve heard it all, this was a grassroots and clever way to disrupt people’s casual thinking about the retail experience. No longer should you simply shop somewhere because the product is good. You should feel good about how the product got there. This is a personal topic of choice for me and I’ll save it for a future blog.
Today’s point is that you have to be very careful about decisions you may find mundane. They may bite you later on. Choosing the lower cost almost always comes at a cost, whether now or down the road. Don’t allow anyone to bully your decision either. Just make sure you’ve weighed all of the options and are prepared for any related consequences.
Happy holiday shopping.
Friday, November 20, 2009
How We are Effected by What is Around Us
I was walking home yesterday from an appointment. I like to walk and the mile or so from point A to point B is usually very pleasant. But yesterday it was different. It was raining and a little chilly. That in and of itself wouldn’t have bothered me. The trouble came when you added other people to the mix. People in cars who were in a hurry to get nowhere.
The speed limit on the road I was on is 35 mph. I imagine the cars were doing at least 50 mph- in the rain. The sidewalk distance to the road varies from 1 foot to 5 feet. As the cars are racing past me, I felt my blood pressure rise. I realized I was becoming angry at how senseless they were being (to me at least). The real winner was the guy who hit a huge puddle right beside me. I refrained from yelling.
The dangerousness of the situation aside, the visual and auditory stimuli of this situation unnerved me. The same way I hate to be awoken from sleep with a loud or jarring noise (I believe most of us feel this way).
Ironically, I had just been to a domestic abuse meeting that day. As I listened to the educators I thought specifically about the verbal and emotional abuse that people live with everyday in their homes and workplaces. That constant berating and negativity takes a strong hold on your psyche and chips away at it little by little.
That meeting and my experience walking home have more in common than you might think. It’s about putting yourself (or allowing yourself) to be in constantly detrimenting situations- whether you realize it or not. I could have ignored my blood pressure rising and my anger building on that walk. But I didn’t. I identified it and then began trying to see how I could remedy it. The easiest answer is to not take that same walk/path again due to the nature of the speeding cars. It’s a shame. I’ll miss the beauty that also comes with that walk as I pass the park and forest. But, a little bit of beauty at a dangerous price is no prize. There is a lesson in life.
The speed limit on the road I was on is 35 mph. I imagine the cars were doing at least 50 mph- in the rain. The sidewalk distance to the road varies from 1 foot to 5 feet. As the cars are racing past me, I felt my blood pressure rise. I realized I was becoming angry at how senseless they were being (to me at least). The real winner was the guy who hit a huge puddle right beside me. I refrained from yelling.
The dangerousness of the situation aside, the visual and auditory stimuli of this situation unnerved me. The same way I hate to be awoken from sleep with a loud or jarring noise (I believe most of us feel this way).
Ironically, I had just been to a domestic abuse meeting that day. As I listened to the educators I thought specifically about the verbal and emotional abuse that people live with everyday in their homes and workplaces. That constant berating and negativity takes a strong hold on your psyche and chips away at it little by little.
That meeting and my experience walking home have more in common than you might think. It’s about putting yourself (or allowing yourself) to be in constantly detrimenting situations- whether you realize it or not. I could have ignored my blood pressure rising and my anger building on that walk. But I didn’t. I identified it and then began trying to see how I could remedy it. The easiest answer is to not take that same walk/path again due to the nature of the speeding cars. It’s a shame. I’ll miss the beauty that also comes with that walk as I pass the park and forest. But, a little bit of beauty at a dangerous price is no prize. There is a lesson in life.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Spahr Happenings...
Wow! We are coming off of one of our busiest weeks of the year.
Last week we toured the Pittsburgh area visiting with Redstone Highlands in North Huntingdon, Seneca Manor in Verona, the hosts of Word FM and KDKA Today Live, and began our journey to Bethlehem PA.
In Bethlehem we visited with the residents of Country Meadows and then had a sold-out book signing at the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest book shop in the country. We met up with our family and celebrated Thanksgiving early. We stayed at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem and even got to visit JustBorn, where peeps are made! (My mom loves Peeps!) It was a wonderful trip- from the people, to the food, the shopping and the history! On our way back, we stopped to pay our respects at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Now, we’re back to our busy lives in Pittsburgh. I’m hosting the Champions Conference call next week, on goal setting and achievement. Guests can join us for $20 live or listen to the recording at their leisure. We’re also preparing to close 2009 with a few more book talks, the release of our new book: The Coach’s Guide to Wedding Planning, and prepare for 2010. We expect it to be another great year with new milestones!
Last week we toured the Pittsburgh area visiting with Redstone Highlands in North Huntingdon, Seneca Manor in Verona, the hosts of Word FM and KDKA Today Live, and began our journey to Bethlehem PA.
In Bethlehem we visited with the residents of Country Meadows and then had a sold-out book signing at the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest book shop in the country. We met up with our family and celebrated Thanksgiving early. We stayed at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem and even got to visit JustBorn, where peeps are made! (My mom loves Peeps!) It was a wonderful trip- from the people, to the food, the shopping and the history! On our way back, we stopped to pay our respects at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Author Interview on KDKA Pittsburgh Today Live
Celebrating Veterans Day this week, I was honored to be on KDKA's Pittsburgh Today Live show. View the show segment here: http://kdka.com/video/?id=65063@kdka.dayport.com
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Honey’s Story
Post-Gazette.comHere’s a good story for you. Honey was a shelter dog, described as black and white, who gave birth to a litter of 6 pups. She was splashed over dozens of print and through other media as she stepped up, or the shelter offered her up, to serve as a surrogate to nine African painted dog pups at the Pittsburgh Zoo, when their own mother died while giving birth.
Go honey go! I imagine she is quite tired after serving two families.
What a wonderful story. Not just for Honey. But, for shelter dogs everywhere. And, for us. It doesn’t matter your pedigree nor your social status in the way you can give- and be recognized. We should all heed this call.
Can you imagine how many people now want to adopt Honey? You see when someone, or something, is brought to the limelight we pay more attention. When people, or in this case Honey, does a good deed- we watch and applaud.
What “Honey-like” thing have you done lately? How have you served others, those unrelated to you?
Let’s all be like Honey. No matter where we came from. No matter what our current status. Let’s stand up, do something wonderful and welcome the recognition. It could change our world.
For more on the story see: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09308/1010601-455.stm
Friday, November 6, 2009
Failed Systems and Positive Reinforcement
I was really appalled by the tragic story of a young woman being attacked at her high school dance in Richmond California the other week. As a psychologist I am familiar with, although do not condone, the social workings of individuals in groups who watch crimes but do not report them nor help the victim. It was such a heinous crime with so many opportunities for people to do the right thing, and they all failed. I applaud the young woman who finally notified authorities when she heard people talking about the crime. She did the right thing.
But, as I was reading about the case a few statistics popped out at me. According to a report from CBS News (linked in this blog title), Richmond High School has a truancy rate of 69% AND had 19 student murders last year. You can read that again if you need to. It bears re-reading.
Now, if this isn’t a “failed state” or entity I haven’t yet seen one. This is a broken system. The billion dollar question is what do you do with a poor system?
What would you do if your business was broke? Your family wasn’t working? I am hoping the answer is to realign the priorities and make sure the members are on board. Bring in the experts to fix the problem. Who the experts are is a matter for another book, let alone blog.
The answer is NOT to positively reinforce school failure with dances and other unnecessary social elements when the basics of education are not being met. We do not need to throw gold stars at failing systems. I was sickened to read one school official quoted as saying the “dance was a success”. Ask the victim if she agrees with that.
(If I were Queen for a day) I would recommend this school be taken over immediately, by some entity- we can argue which one- that can instill order and ensure that students are afforded the basic necessities of a good education: safety, books and materials, teachers, counselors, discipline and order, respect, a learning environment, etc… All other elements are unnecessary.
Wow. You might be saying. You’re tough! I am. I am also the product of an alternative school. My high school had only the necessary elements listed above. We didn’t have dances. We didn’t have sports teams and mascots. We didn’t have elements that set people up for failure (including events that attract drinking and trespassers). We had books, teachers, and a whole lot of learning. We all chose to be there for 3 to 6 hours a day and then most of us went to work somewhere for the remainder of the day. If you missed 3 days (without a medical excuse) you were out. Out. You couldn’t come back. Yes, this was a public school.
Don’t reward failed states, failed systems. It’s adding fuel to the fire. Get control of what you can. Find others to do what you can’t.
Know your numbers. 69% truancy is not something to be proud of.
But, as I was reading about the case a few statistics popped out at me. According to a report from CBS News (linked in this blog title), Richmond High School has a truancy rate of 69% AND had 19 student murders last year. You can read that again if you need to. It bears re-reading.
Now, if this isn’t a “failed state” or entity I haven’t yet seen one. This is a broken system. The billion dollar question is what do you do with a poor system?
What would you do if your business was broke? Your family wasn’t working? I am hoping the answer is to realign the priorities and make sure the members are on board. Bring in the experts to fix the problem. Who the experts are is a matter for another book, let alone blog.
The answer is NOT to positively reinforce school failure with dances and other unnecessary social elements when the basics of education are not being met. We do not need to throw gold stars at failing systems. I was sickened to read one school official quoted as saying the “dance was a success”. Ask the victim if she agrees with that.
(If I were Queen for a day) I would recommend this school be taken over immediately, by some entity- we can argue which one- that can instill order and ensure that students are afforded the basic necessities of a good education: safety, books and materials, teachers, counselors, discipline and order, respect, a learning environment, etc… All other elements are unnecessary.
Wow. You might be saying. You’re tough! I am. I am also the product of an alternative school. My high school had only the necessary elements listed above. We didn’t have dances. We didn’t have sports teams and mascots. We didn’t have elements that set people up for failure (including events that attract drinking and trespassers). We had books, teachers, and a whole lot of learning. We all chose to be there for 3 to 6 hours a day and then most of us went to work somewhere for the remainder of the day. If you missed 3 days (without a medical excuse) you were out. Out. You couldn’t come back. Yes, this was a public school.
Don’t reward failed states, failed systems. It’s adding fuel to the fire. Get control of what you can. Find others to do what you can’t.
Know your numbers. 69% truancy is not something to be proud of.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Celebrate Veterans Day the Whole Month Long!
Although I am really fired up about the gang rape at Richmond High School, and have a few strong opinions on the matter, I'll save that for my next blog entry. Today, I have happier news to share....
November is such a great month to celebrate our veterans, their families and the communities that support them. Thank you to all.
I was meeting with our book team last week and I could barely keep track of all of our articles, events, leads, etc... This is a wonderful problem to have. Therefore, I wanted to share some of our upcoming events and invite you to join us live, on the internet or in spirit. Nevertheless, I hope you join your local festivities in celebration of Veterans Day this month.
To name just a few:
November 3rd Three Veterans, Three Stories: Three Lives of Service at the John A. Brashear Lodge No. 743 6:30 PM
November 11th KDKA Pittsburgh Today Live - I'll be interviewed between 9 and 10 AM (watch or view later online at http://kdka.com/ptl)
November 11th Introduction to Veteran’s Entrepreneurship 9 AM-12:30 PM (I won't be there personally but think the world of the two veterans putting it on)
November 14th the oldest book shop in the country, the Moravian, in Bethlehem PA for a book signing and discussion 1-3 PM
December 5th the Heinz History Center Author Book Fair from 10 AM- 1 PM
I'm on Facebook and use it more and more as time goes on to keep in touch with everyone. I have a group for World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion (my book) and encourage everyone to post relevant discussions and post events to the site. I also have a page for our wildly successful Champions Series. Champions and friends will be welcome to post discussions and events there as well. This is particularly exciting for the Champions who don't live in Pittsburgh or find it challenging to make our events. Please friend me on Facebook and join our respective groups. We welcome you.
I also have a newsletter for those who want to follow our book events and activities and a separate newsletter, the Living Better Newsletter, for those who want to liver happier and strike greater balance in their lives. You can join both or one or the other by clicking on the link on the right under my picture with Lou.
Finally, we are also offering 10% off any purchases made on our website for the month of November to celebrate service. www.powletters.com
Wishing you a wonderful November and December as we wind down 2009. I hope you have had a successful year and are enjoying all that life has to offer.
If you need more information about any of these events just email me.
November is such a great month to celebrate our veterans, their families and the communities that support them. Thank you to all.
I was meeting with our book team last week and I could barely keep track of all of our articles, events, leads, etc... This is a wonderful problem to have. Therefore, I wanted to share some of our upcoming events and invite you to join us live, on the internet or in spirit. Nevertheless, I hope you join your local festivities in celebration of Veterans Day this month.
To name just a few:
November 3rd Three Veterans, Three Stories: Three Lives of Service at the John A. Brashear Lodge No. 743 6:30 PM
November 11th KDKA Pittsburgh Today Live - I'll be interviewed between 9 and 10 AM (watch or view later online at http://kdka.com/ptl)
November 11th Introduction to Veteran’s Entrepreneurship 9 AM-12:30 PM (I won't be there personally but think the world of the two veterans putting it on)
November 14th the oldest book shop in the country, the Moravian, in Bethlehem PA for a book signing and discussion 1-3 PM
December 5th the Heinz History Center Author Book Fair from 10 AM- 1 PM
I'm on Facebook and use it more and more as time goes on to keep in touch with everyone. I have a group for World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion (my book) and encourage everyone to post relevant discussions and post events to the site. I also have a page for our wildly successful Champions Series. Champions and friends will be welcome to post discussions and events there as well. This is particularly exciting for the Champions who don't live in Pittsburgh or find it challenging to make our events. Please friend me on Facebook and join our respective groups. We welcome you.
I also have a newsletter for those who want to follow our book events and activities and a separate newsletter, the Living Better Newsletter, for those who want to liver happier and strike greater balance in their lives. You can join both or one or the other by clicking on the link on the right under my picture with Lou.
Finally, we are also offering 10% off any purchases made on our website for the month of November to celebrate service. www.powletters.com
Wishing you a wonderful November and December as we wind down 2009. I hope you have had a successful year and are enjoying all that life has to offer.
If you need more information about any of these events just email me.
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