More Reflections & Being Thankful

I love Thanksgiving!

We had 22 people at our house on Thanksgiving day, including three women in their 80s and four boys 5 and under.

Think a happy kind of chaos!

My husband and I are always thrilled when our four children (and spouses and grandchildren), are all together. Like many families, we are all scattered across the country, so it is special when everyone can be in one place.

In our crazy, fast-paced world – filled with working longer hours, layoffs, recession, conflicts in various regions, and terrorist attacks like what happened in India – sometimes we need to take a step back and remember, and be grateful for, what really matters: quality time spent with family and friends.

I hope that we all have many opportunities to celebrate throughout December, and in the New Year, too!

More Reasons to Be Thankful

Even in down times, it is critical to take inventory about what is good and what is working.

This is particularly true at Thanksgiving – what are you thankful for?

I can’t speak for you, but here are some things that I am grateful for. Maybe you can identify with a few:

•I am healthy (at least as far as I know!) -- I choose to ignore aches and pains.

•I have family who usually appreciate me.

•My friends think I am funny, reliable, thoughtful, and insightful (I choose to let them think that!)

•I love my work. If you don’t love yours most of the time, perhaps it’s time to rethink your purpose and be willing to take some risks? Life is way too short to be stuck.

•I have food on the table. And, for most of us, it wouldn’t hurt to eat a little less, and better.

•I have clothes that fit – believe me, that takes some work!

•There are many books to read, movies to see, and, of course, a new season of “24.”

•I can make a difference – and so can you. Do some volunteer work, give to a charity, and serve on a committee.

What are you thankful for? Whatever it may be, take an inventory, and be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a Time for Business & Personal Reflection

I just got back from attending the National Speakers Association Board of Directors meeting and fall conference in Scottsdale, AZ.

Usually I come back feeling overwhelmed with a list of things “to do.”

This time, however, I feel different. Instead of just “doing,” I am now thinking, “Why do?”

It’s so easy to get caught up in the newest and coolest approaches. Remember TQM? Six Sigma? EI?

All good programs and initiatives, yet they only will be worthwhile if it gives you the results YOU need.

Now I look at blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, Second Life, etc. -- all of which I’ve been active in -- and ask myself first, “What is the relevancy to my business?”

I still need to figure this out by fine-tuning my approach and involvement, then deciding what to do, how to do it, and what the priorities should be.

How about you? Do you take time to reflect and think before taking action?

Speaking of reflection, Thanksgiving is a good time to step back and think about -- and fully appreciate -- all that you have, and, most of all, the people in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!