|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"To succeed, planning alone is insufficient. One must improve as well." - Isaac Asimov
No matter what your goal is in life, be it a professional secretary or the leader of an important association; a creative arts designer, or the owner of a large corporation, as a total person, you must always strive for improvement. For greater career or business enrichment, there are two aspirations that are worthy of attaining. One is effective communication; the other is a positive self-image.
I. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Being able to communicate with others effectively, makes for better human relationships--and builds your self-esteem. Throughout your business and social communications, always be considerate and polite. As often as possible and reasonable, avoid distractions by giving the person you are speaking with your undivided attention.
During a conversation, no matter how important a certain point is, there will be times when the other person is not fully attentive. A good way to hold the listener's attention is to keep eye contact. And speak slowly. Don't assume that others can absorb information as quickly as it is spoken. Some are slow to react, so have a little patience.
Always make clear, complete statements. A good choice of words leads to less confusion and misunderstanding. When your listener expresses a frown or looks puzzled, ask whether they have a question, or repeat your point.
Before speaking it is wise to identify your listener. When possible always consider their age range: teenager, college student, or a senior citizen. Other obvious characteristics may include the hearing or sight impaired person. This prevents the mistake of talking down to them or over their head.
Avoid negative impressions. For example: try not to make a habit of telling others your problems. Everyone has problems, some worse than your own. Your opinions are just that - yours only. Don't impose them on others unless you are willing to listen to theirs, too.
Speak in a positive manner. Put yourself in the other person's place. If you exaggerate most people can usually tell, and will doubt your reliability. If you sound insincere, people won't trust you. And as you talk, remember to speak up, but don't shout. A voice that is too loud is upsetting and even painful. Speak clearly, but not too soft, or too low - you will lose your listener.
Always have your facts together. Remember, the other person's time is valuable, too. So know when to stop talking When it is your turn to listen, be alert to what is being said. Give the speaker time to finish a statement. And if you show enthusiasm and interest, you can be certain your speaker will not only be impressed, but will remember you favorably. Do try to listen for the speaker's feeling behind the message.
Remember, effective communication is a two-way game. Play according to the rules of courtesy, clarity, and credibility and you'll always be a winner.
II. A POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE
The mental picture you carry, the way you think, and the way you feel about yourself is your self-image. Creating and maintaining a positive self-image serves a useful purpose. Each of us at one time or another dreams of being successful in our chosen field or business. Yet, there are many others who aren't too sure of their goals or even too sure of themselves.
Have you already made your career choice? Do you already own your own business? Is it the best choice for you? Are you utilizing all of your creative, positive, and effective leadership skills? Do you have an active plan for reaching your career or business goals?
Questions like these are meant to challenge your thinking, lend inspiration, and direct your personal or business growth. After being in the hard, cold, and sometimes lonely business world for any length of time - be it a year, or a decade - every now and then each of us could use a bit of real positive inspiration and - aspiration.
It may help to periodically review or identify your needs, skills, and goals. And as soon as you condition your mind to develop positive, mental and spiritual energy, you won't have any problem creating good feelings about yourself or your life's goal or purpose. With positive, mental and spiritual energy, you'll have a strong cushion of faith to fall back on when life hands you a challenge.
Being able to look inward for the strength and energy necessary in stressful situations is vital for positive thinking, feeling and acting. Building a positive self-image that will help you handle the many hassles in both your business and personal life may include these essential qualities:
> Learn to accept your faults, imperfections, and mistakes by constantly focusing on your good points.
> Eliminate worry, fear, and negative thinking.
> Turn impossibilities into realities by visualizing what you want to happen, then acting to make it come true - or, see yourself already there and your goal already accomplished.
> Keep thinking: "You can get whatever it is you want, if you believe that you can."
> Improve your physical, mental, and emotional strengths by not dwelling on your weaknesses.
> Give you subconscious mind positive goals and successful images to work with.
> Try not to hold resentments toward anyone or anything.
> Learn to see the other person's view.
Get to know yourself and maximize your strengths, remember your successes and the times you have done well.
> Remember to thank God for all that you have and all that is to come.
Do you know everything there is to know about your business or special field of interest? Continue to acquire and develop your knowledge. How high is your positive energy level? Did you know that people burn physical energy three times faster with negative thinking then with positive thinking?
Success can only be achieved by what you accomplish. Plan to saturate your thoughts and your life with positive energy. Success comes from self-discovery, self-improvement, and a positive self-image.
What are your aspirations worth?
Copyright 2005
Gerri D Smith is publisher and host of multiple Gatways to inspiration, motivation, and support for individuals, women business owners, and entrepreneurs. Gerri's internet resource offers ways to unlock the doors to your personal and business empowerment. Now is a perfect time to own your own business and discover some of the best ways to market a product. One is by letting your customers see it before they buy it. This concept is a sharing of information and is made available by the Internet. Best of all it's delivered right to your email doorstep. Why not invest in your future, now. To help you reach more of your personal and business goals, subscribe to Gerri's Free bi-monthly inspirational newsletter.
Visit: http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com Or, send a blank email and your correct email address and mailto: gerri@distinctivebusinesswomen.com?Subject=EZ-S cribe


Higgins & Burke Six Flavor Tea Bag Assortment, Variety Tea, 120/Carton
Whilst everyone seems hell bent on becoming "wealthy" at all costs, the desire to become prosperous has seemed to fall to the background. I see building ones... Read More
Good Morning! It's the Island outlaw here again. You know after my little tirade yesterday about Integrity and ethical behavior I felt compelled to speak on the... Read More
Over half of all adults identify themselves as shy. Shyness can get in the way of developing personal relationships and professional aspirations.Some people are afraid to simply... Read More
Ever been in a meeting with something important to say and remained silent? You may have felt the flush of the good idea and the rising adrenalin.... Read More
Visualization is an essential tool for attracting your dreams and desires. To manifest in your outer life, your dreams must first manifest inside your mind.Visualization is a... Read More
"If you can see it, you can have it." Is it really so simple? The answer is 'Yes'...and 'No'. If you can see it, you already got... Read More
Do you hear yourself saying? When I have enough money, I'll... When I go on vacation, I'll... As soon as I find the right partner, I'll... When... Read More
Imagine that you could boost your confidence, courage, and compassion by 100% in the next three months. Imagine that you could learn five new skills you've been... Read More
You know it's funny how some people just seem to have all the luck in the world. Infact in some cases it almost seems to be unfair.... Read More
When you have an important event to attend there are 7 great ways to make sure you perform at your very best. These tips are relevant for... Read More
Dear Internet friend. Each human being is an incredible piece of sowtware. Each one of us has been "programmed" in a certain way. This program runs our... Read More
(Channelled)Roy? What value comes of a mechanic that fills his tool box with all the latest tools and never uses them?What value comes from a mechanic that... Read More
"Organisms do not experience environments, they create them." -- From A Simpler Way, by Margaret WheatleyWalking down Lincoln Avenue in Portsmouth, I am struck by the beauty... Read More
How do we make friends? More importantly if dropped into a new city or a new job or a new school, how do we go about making... Read More
Polly's story Polly had a four year old child who nearly every day would scream at her: "I want to kill you!" Polly tried... Read More
Woman hate a man thats insecure. They hate a man that dies for a woman to get their attention and they hate a man who is insecure... Read More
An integral piece of charisma is establishing a presence, so let's examine 3 ways to establish your charisma presence, that will clearly tell all around you "I'm... Read More
The day of duck-taped glasses, suspenders and pocket-protectors are quickly fading away. It's getting harder to pick the geeks out of the crowd.Welcome to the day of... Read More
Re-entering the dating scene is rather scary, but as a single woman, mom of four, I decided it's time to play the field. After all, who wants... Read More
I have been talking about manifestation for a long time. My intention is to make people be aware of the unlimited power they have been given since... Read More
We are all different. We are all the same. Whereas you have uniqueness that manifests through the expression of your values via your behaviours, attitudes, intelligence, and... Read More
For many years I had a good life. My illness was reasonably under control, I had a nice relationship with my husband, I did work I didn't... Read More
Here is an exercise for you that will develop what I call the wealth-receiving mindset:I want you to think about the time in your life when you... Read More
For the last several years, I have included on my email signature the following salutation "Peace and Abundance." This is a daily reminder that my success begins... Read More
Without appreciation, any success you have will be in vain and worthless. Yes, you would have accomplished your goals but it would be an empty win.How do... Read More
I've written this article specifically for individuals contemplating change with the idea of making things better, brighter and different. This change could be anything from relationship/s, career,... Read More
There is a thread of certainty that runs through many lives. It is sensed as a measured and anticipated rhythm of predictability built upon our notions of... Read More
Evolution is nothing but seeking with clarity, demanding clarity at every moment. Every moment clarify to yourself the greater purpose of everything you do. This will stabilize... Read More
"You must be willing to do the things today others won't do, in order to have the things tomorrow others won't have." -Les BrownI had planned to... Read More
Clarity!If there is such a thing as a "secret" to success in business (or life) then Clarity is it. Clarity IS the first step towards designing your... Read More
Every person should enjoy life in abundance and prosperity, but unfortunately, too many of God's people are living way below their potential. So many have health issues,... Read More
I have finally come to believe something about myself because so many people have said the same thing to me - I mean the EXACT same sentence... Read More
So, what is magic? Is it an illusion or is it real? The Webster's dictionary describes magic as "The art of producing affects by superhuman means; Any... Read More
The power of the mind draws certain events, circumstances and people into our lives and repels others. In this respect, it resembles a magnet. Just look at... Read More
Not everyone is programmed to be a successful businessperson, many people make it but many more fail along the way.A large part of your future success will... Read More
The full moon in September is often bigger and brighter than full moons in other months. It is usually referred to as the Harvest Moon. The reason... Read More
If you've ever thought about wanting to increase your physical energy and wouldn't mind increasing your financial as well, you have to read this right now!Focus #1... Read More
We almost all think we are masters of our own fate. While it is true that we all make our own choices there are many things that... Read More
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you never had to "lock horns" with other people? Well, there are some skills that you can... Read More
Is being special or unique a property of an object (let us say, a human being), independent of the existence or the actions of observers - or... Read More
When you hear the word "beads," do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads-beaded dresses,... Read More
After years of terrorizing the countryside, hunting deer, poaching livestock, killing game, Tiger grew long in the tooth. Finally, he knew it was time to retire. So... Read More
Lady Twilight felt angry. It was one of those days when she was doing her best to be nice to everyone but nobody was being nice to... Read More
How To Prove To Yourself That You Are Going After Your Big Dream.I have a personal story to share with you that happened not that long ago.But... Read More
What does one do when one is too old, too weak, and feels powerless and regretful? What does one do when one looks back at his life... Read More
Each relationship combines two individual stories to coauthor a new relationship story. The implicit contracts authored by each party in a relationship become unspoken assumptions that can... Read More
Many individuals believe that they have to "live up" to another family member or idol. Some are even envious of famous icons and want to look, act,... Read More
If you have ever traveled across country by train, you know that meals are served with community seating. That means you can meet new people with every... Read More
There are many systems, psychology analyzes and personality typing in order to help people understand one another.One of the areas that causes a lot of grief in... Read More
Have you heard yourself or others say: "This has shown up 3 times in my life lately. It must be a sign that it's right for me."... Read More
Without appreciation, any success you have will be in vain and worthless. Yes, you would have accomplished your goals but it would be an empty win.How do... Read More
Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved in caring for loved ones who are ill, elderly, or disabled. The success of the relationship between... Read More