July 25, 2011

EXERCISE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS: PART 2

Issue #190

FITNESS IS PROFITABLE FOR YOUR CAREER OR BUSINESS.

Last week, we examined the many benefits of exercise for the body and mind. We confirmed that physical exercise not only strengthens and enhances the physique, it also repairs, rejuvenates, refreshes and reinvigorates the three-pound muscle that is the brain. Indeed, exercise is key to overall wellbeing. But fitness is good not just for each individual. It is also good for business. Employees who are fit are less stressed, more energetic, more focused and need fewer sick days.  Staff fitness also helps reduce the cost of health insurance. Thus, exercise is both a business and career enhancer. That may explain why many Japanese companies provide time on the job for calisthenics and stretching exercises. Continue reading →

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July 18, 2011

EXERCISE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS: PART 1

Issue #189

The Benefits of Physical Exercise on the Body and Mind

Summer is here. Days are longer. The weather is warmer. The outdoors is calling for everyone to head out and enjoy nature. Summer is also a great time to do more physical exercise. It is not just a matter of fun. The human body needs exercise to thrive. Continue reading →

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July 11, 2011

TEN TIPS FOR A SMOOTHER VACATION

Issue #188

Last week, we looked at the many benefits to health, creativity, productivity, and family that come from taking vacations. Men and women who vacation regularly (at least one week or more per year) enjoy greater quality of life… and live longer. Their families also benefit. Likewise, employers benefit from employees that take vacations because staff who vacation are more focused, productive, and responsive and have a better attitude. Continue reading →

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July 6, 2011

VACATION ELATION

Issue #187

It was a few decades ago that McDonalds dubbed the marketing slogan “You deserve a break today.” In their case, they were referring to a lunch break. However, their message touched on a fundamental truth. Every person occasionally needs a break and not just for meals. We each need a real break from the stresses of work to rejuvenate and restore. In Europe, it is called ‘holiday.’ In the U.S., we call it a ‘vacation.’
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June 27, 2011

PERCEPTION IS NOT REALITY… BUT IT MATTERS A LOT

Issue #186

In philosophy, reality is the state of things as they actually exist, rather than how they appear or are thought to be. In broader terms, reality includes everything that is and has been, whether or not it can be seen or understood. Perception, on the other hand, is the process of using our senses to accumulate information about our surroundings. Each being’s perception is unique. For example, even animals perceive the world around them differently. A study of nature shows that certain animals perceive the world in ways different than people. Snakes perceive it in the form of heat spots. Dogs perceive it as a cloud of smells. Bees perceive it divided into many sectors. We all perceive the world in different ways according to our sensations. Continue reading →

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June 20, 2011

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Issue #185

Gratitude is a choice. Each person can decide to look at any situation and appreciate the good in it. Life is never perfect. Even the happiest times will have things that go wrong. By the same token, even the worst days will have things for which to be grateful. The only question is whether the person chooses to focus on the sorrow, disappointment or frustration, or instead opts to be grateful for the good in each moment. Continue reading →

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June 13, 2011

TOP 8 MOST UNDERRATED QUALITIES

Issue #184

Blogs, e-zines and videos are endlessly touting the best — and worst – qualities in a boss or employee. Among the best qualities cited are intelligence, knowledge, experience, strong work ethic, positive attitude, integrity and people skills. These are qualities everyone should hope to emulate and exemplify. On the other end of the spectrum are the worst qualities for a manager or staff. Those include pettiness, sneakiness, poor temperament and the belief that they know it all. Continue reading →

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June 6, 2011

THE ART OF GOOD TIMING

Issue #183

It’s been said that “timing is everything in life.” The meaning is that in addition to having good ideas, good positioning and good execution, success is also predicated on not only being in the right place but also being there at the right time. There are countless examples of how timing was an important factor in the success of a business venture or invention. 
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May 30, 2011

FIRST-DAY EXCITEMENT EVERYDAY

Issue #182

Do you recall your first day working at a new company? Or the first day you started a new position?  Or your first day in a new business venture? Take a minute to think back to that day. How did you feel?
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May 23, 2011

SMART, CLEVER OR WISE?

Issue #181

We’ve seen how digital technology in daily life can be leveraged to make us not just smarter but wiser at work and in daily life. It is an interesting distinction. The terms smart and wise are often used interchangeably, and clever is also thrown into the mix. But these terms do not necessarily mean the same thing. 

A smart person is defined in general society as one who is educated, trained, experienced, and seasoned; perhaps one who is able to think quickly in difficult situations.  Smart people can look a situation and evaluate the right thing to do. A smart person at a company might be the person with a bachelor or masters degree, a license or certification in their area of expertise, and many years experience in that career. That person is capable of performing well professionally.  That might be the bank manager who ensures that employees are well-trained and provide good service, that customers’ banking needs are identified and fulfilled and that the facility is clean, attractive and functional. That person is promoted based on the daily ability to perform a job well. Continue reading →

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