tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36785253982569776152024-03-05T06:03:06.221-08:00Butz's BlogTracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-12928784102612804752019-11-22T11:50:00.001-08:002019-11-22T11:50:46.943-08:00Do What You Do Best and Forget the Rest<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our fast-paced and fad-rich world we live in today, I see
many companies (and individuals, for that matter) try “this” one week and “that”
the next week. They attempt to be overly accommodating and then drastically
different, in hopes of finding or becoming the next big thing. Being innovative,
agile and trying new ways of doing things is definitely important and a skill
we should try to continue to get better at; however, adopting “the latest hype”
or going down an untested path can cause a considerable cloud of confusion. A
lack of clarity is no small issue and can foster an abundance of uncertainly
and a whole lot of stress—which can lead to decreased happiness, productivity, value
and revenue, among many other unwanted outcomes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, a colleague of mine wants to find a new job and
decided to look for an opportunity in a specific industry she has worked in
before, just a different role. Good idea! But then the following week, she
decided to shift her focus to a completely new path, resembling the opposite of
her strengths and even working knowledge, in an effort to “do something
exciting and new.” Three months passed and still no new job offers emerged. Bad
luck or bad strategy? I’d say the latter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj806Q3qcjMEEymb2_8nmwL6g_jc0dKzcc1oFqCtIG8JHiahYS6VCL9Vh0ZcUWelny7y3fkONPnOz7l2cOUNXYxrpFyWHuebqSO7VyPWOb1V7zEWhXkCQo9MfGb-CSEcLIwIx98rohf9Ag/s1600/FIND+YOUR+THING.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj806Q3qcjMEEymb2_8nmwL6g_jc0dKzcc1oFqCtIG8JHiahYS6VCL9Vh0ZcUWelny7y3fkONPnOz7l2cOUNXYxrpFyWHuebqSO7VyPWOb1V7zEWhXkCQo9MfGb-CSEcLIwIx98rohf9Ag/s200/FIND+YOUR+THING.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focusing on <i>doing what you do best</i> is not only a
valid personal strategy, but it’s also a sound business one. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, recently the biggest U.S. supermarket chain decided
to scale back attempts to enhance sales with new products and renovated stores
to be more competitive with Walmart and Target, which unfortunately led to 1000
job cuts last month. However, instead of continuing to </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">do what they don’t do
best</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Kroger is reversing course on apparel, meal kits, etc. and getting
back to what they know and excel at: selling groceries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully this conscious shift works well for Kroger and the
pendulum swings the other way. Some say the change took too long or wasn’t big
enough; yet, others are very optimistic. Time will tell. I commend Kroger for
deciding to now spearhead targeted innovative ideas but focus on <i>doing what
they do best. </i>I hope this revised strategy brings them unprecedented
success, as I know numerous people who are happily employed by that chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you do best? Whatever it is, you likely enjoy doing
it, because we tend to love the things we rock at! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do what you do best and
forget the rest.</span></div>
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<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-31838026817976134942019-11-02T09:17:00.001-07:002019-11-02T09:17:38.997-07:00Delaying the Sweet Taste of Indulgence<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<i style="font-size: 13.2px;">Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i></h3>
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Have you ever wondered why you make some of the decisions that you do? I believe one significant factor that influences one choice over another is a human desire to move toward pleasure and avoid pain. By pleasure I mean things that create feelings of happiness, strength, optimism, energy, or inspiration. With pain, I am referring to feelings of anger, confusion, helplessness, frustration, or even boredom. If you are regularly able to demonstrate self-discipline by delaying pleasure or gratification, your chances for achieving success in life increase substantially. </div>
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According to a landmark Stanford University study, children were provided one marshmallow and given the choice of eating it or waiting fifteen minutes and being rewarded for holding out with a second marshmallow. Some kids ate theirs right away. Others waited. But the study’s real significance came years later, when researchers discovered that the children who held out for the reward had become far more successful adults than the children who ate the first marshmallow immediately. This “marshmallow theory” was found to explain that the key difference between success and failure is not merely hard work or intelligence, but the ability to delay gratification.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are looking to delay gratification, like to save money now to be able to purchase a more desirable item in the future, here are five strategies to help you stand strong: </div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Be clear on your values and what matters most. </b>Have a clear understanding of what is important to you and what you want to accomplish. When you realize these aspects, you are more likely to make choices that can help you achieve the goals and success you desire.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Break down big projects/goals</b>. Just like running, athletes train very differently for a sprint than a marathon. The long project will help you to learn about the process, setting mini-goals along the way, and ongoing persistence.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Offer visual progress. U</b>se a jar of marbles or some sort of visual tool to demonstrate working toward a goal and making progress versus giving yourself a huge reward after accomplishing a task. Once the jar is full, <i>then </i>you get to reward yourself.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Get an accountability partner. </b>Just like it is often times easier to workout with a buddy so that you both are less inclined to stop because you know the other person is counting on you, sharing your plan and progress with an accountability partner can help maintain your focus and discipline.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Frequent reflection. </b>When you find yourself struggling with wanting something now and you’re about to cave in, stop to consciously reflect as to why you are feeling more vulnerable than usual. Try to pinpoint the motivation and reasons behind this strong craving. This time spent in reflection just may be enough to break the cycle of “now” and allow you to postpone the pleasure. </li>
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Delaying gratification can be hard-work. Depending on what you want to achieve, it may take weeks, months, years, and sometimes even decades. And even if you don’t always make the best choices, hopefully you learn from the poor ones and appreciate the good ones. As I contemplate my life, I know that when I exercise self-discipline to delay an indulgence or an instant pleasure, I reap the sweet rewards. I tend to appreciate it more, feel a greater sense of accomplishment, and achieve a more successful outcome. Hold it, smell it, or even lick it, but don’t gobble the marshmallow yet.</div>
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<b><i>Personal Challenge:</i></b> What areas in your life do you feel you need instant gratification and find it difficult to delay? What other strategies do you have for delaying gratification?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-61411562325684585922019-10-10T08:09:00.001-07:002019-10-10T08:26:13.004-07:00Courageously Adapt and Build Back<br />
<b><i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i></b><br />
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Whether it is job loss, injury, debt, illness or something worse—when
life-changing or stressful situations arise professionally or personally, your
degree of resilience can dramatically affect how you deal with and move through
the hardship. After all, it’s not the difficult situation that does you in; it’s
how you choose to react to it.<br />
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Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not
have. Instead, it involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned
and developed in anyone. And here are five strategies to foster and enhance
your team’s (or your own) level of resilience:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbVfvK4IVlWQRiexDurw6tO7SgYC-OByyOvTxF5sel1mPQMoz4Ahve4MtqaeHVUSOqIMZoBsOGGzwNgJ1eXvmH9cPu5ZDqkL1RwGz6dhiV0pKZoS5WwEyiNpyjz4U2mP4l66db3k7a94/s1600/resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbVfvK4IVlWQRiexDurw6tO7SgYC-OByyOvTxF5sel1mPQMoz4Ahve4MtqaeHVUSOqIMZoBsOGGzwNgJ1eXvmH9cPu5ZDqkL1RwGz6dhiV0pKZoS5WwEyiNpyjz4U2mP4l66db3k7a94/s200/resized.png" width="200" /></a><b><br /></b>
<b>1. Develop a strong social network.</b> The need for
connection with others is primal…as fundamental as the need for air, water and
food. Having caring, supportive people around you helps you to share your
feelings and express emotion, gain support and perspective, and consider other
options and solutions. And according to research, the most important aspect in
helping you to enhance your resilience is to surround yourself with “caring and
supportive relationships”—both within and outside your family.<br />
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This past weekend, my sister and her family came to Colorado
from Wisconsin to visit my husband and I. We had a fabulous time! Here is just
one of our special moments we shared together.<br />
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<b>2. Take steps to solve problems.</b> <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Compare highly resilient people
with those who struggle with it. Resilient people approach and solve problems
differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what they do:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<li>Resilient people are able to spot the solution that will more likely lead to a safe outcome. Resist having tunnel vision.</li>
<li>Calmly and rationally look at a problem and envision a successful solution, rather than waiting for the problem to magically go away on its own.</li>
<li>Focus on the progress you make and plan your next steps, over becoming discouraged by the amount of work that still needs to be completed.</li>
<li>Whenever you encounter a new challenge, note important details and make a quick list of potential ways you could solve the problem.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></li>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For example, a fellow team-member decides
to leave the company. More work will likely come your way—at least for a while.
How would a resilient person approach this issue? Instead of agonizing over the
workload or stepping into victim-mode asking yourself, “Why me?”, consider
re-prioritizing your work and/or delegating any responsibilities you can. These
two simple ideas may be the difference between feeling empowered over being stuck
and overwhelmed. </span><br />
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<b>3. Be flexible and more accepting of change. </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Accept
the things you can’t change. Change the things you can’t accept—by being more
adaptable and flexible. Here’s how:</span><br />
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<li>Understand nothing is permanent. It is necessary for old things to go and new things to come.</li>
<li>Realize what is really important. Sometimes people get upset over a small change. Try comparing it to a more impactful change, like losing a family member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>Acknowledge there is a reason for the change, even if it isn’t clear to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>Get used to the change (or new item). You might
find that you like it more.</li>
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<b><br /></b><b>4. Nurture a positive view of yourself and maintain a
hopeful outlook.</b> Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Self-esteem
plays an important role in coping with stress and recovering from difficult
events. I have found it helps to keep a list of problems you’ve overcome and
what you did to resolve them. Positive thinking does not mean ignoring the
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about understanding that
setbacks will usually pass and that you likely have the ability to combat the
challenges you face.<br />
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. Ask for—and accept—help.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
It is essential to ask for help when needed—from family, friends, and those you
trust. And when assistance is offered, be sure you set aside your humble pie; graciously
and warmly choose to accept it. Those who have our best interests at heart
usually want to help us when we need it most. Accepting assistance isn’t a
weakness; rather, it is a true demonstration of courage. And during a significant
crisis—it may go without saying—but, seek the assistance of professionals
specially trained to deal with a specific type of stressor and/or situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Choose to
courageously face the problems that confront you and you will not only better
adapt to them, but also build back and become stronger through them.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-66527783354044447542019-10-03T14:47:00.002-07:002019-10-03T14:47:55.081-07:00Change is Like a Kaleidoscope<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A common metaphor for experiencing
change is that it is like a journey. Your current reality is point A, your
desired outcome is point B, and the change process is the journey from A to B. You
anticipate forks in the road (choices), roadblocks (obstacles), and milestones.
You climb a metaphorical hill to get a clearer perspective and create a vehicle
(strategy) to get us to point B. The problem is that a journey is not a path
like you see on a map. With a journey—it is unclear as to how to reach the
desired destination or outcome. Also, there is usually more than one way or one
possible solution.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQofqfibKJoPdzA6CCoa3bG-dmlDx5a9Jcmu1iHJ2P7nj78O_HOxM-9uTrVdIM5DJIOqtK7xQ8SjzaO4SLZppBud-acFb037geqh6hNjdPQqg8HjMwATJ7HJXyzuH_zkfdUNTeCVlvHw/s1600/kaleidoscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQofqfibKJoPdzA6CCoa3bG-dmlDx5a9Jcmu1iHJ2P7nj78O_HOxM-9uTrVdIM5DJIOqtK7xQ8SjzaO4SLZppBud-acFb037geqh6hNjdPQqg8HjMwATJ7HJXyzuH_zkfdUNTeCVlvHw/s200/kaleidoscope.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A better,
more empowering metaphor is that change is like a </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">kaleidoscope.
You look through <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the eyepiece and see a
colorful pattern. With one tiny nudge of the barrel, you instantly create a new
pattern, which is totally different, and the change is often permanent—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just like what happens in business</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And when change occurs, businesses and/or individuals tend
to fall into one of three groups; those who: </span></div>
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<li><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Embrace change and thrive or</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adapt to change and survive or</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Resist change and fade away…which none of us want!</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In order to alter your mindset and behavior about change and
learn to embrace it, one common dynamic to prepare for and work effectively through is <i>negative resistance. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When employees/individuals are going through a change:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">20% are “Embrace Change Immediately” - get on board and support it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">30% are “Resistors” - dig their heels in and oppose it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50% are “Fence-sitters” - sit on the
fence and take their time to decide.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of these three groups, which do you think is the loudest?
Which group gets more time and attention? And which group gives you back the
least, in terms of investment of time? If you answered “Resistors” for all
three questions, you guessed right.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The tipping point for influencing others during times of
change happens at about one-third. When one-third of the group or organization behave
a certain way, the organization tips that way, and the change effort either
fails or succeeds. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If part of the Fence-Sitter group would hop off the fence to
support the change, then the organization would tip, and the pace of the change
accelerates with a successful outcome.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But who is also recruiting from the Fence-sitter group? Yes…those
nasty Resistors. And how many percentage points do they need to get to
one-third? The answer is only three percent! So, as a change influencer, where
should you be spending all of your time? Devote all your time and energy on
influencing the Fence-sitters. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some resistance to change is normal. It is a natural attempt
to slow things down, to a point of manageability; yet, when the resistance
becomes overly negative, it can bring a change initiative to a crushing halt. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So take one <i>[tiny]</i> nudge—or step—to positively
influence change around you. When you do, you will experience a new <i>[colorful]</i>
pattern to help continue to propel your team/organization forward, allowing it
to further thrive for many years to come. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-29367319082142411712019-09-06T16:44:00.001-07:002019-09-06T16:44:22.531-07:00Prescription for Pleasure<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMj3CUl56XiOKzfEL-qJvflBOS9Op0Bx0fZ6y7jSvOUkTMjLrSptpU0CeYZilqZ1OYvxclmq1mMoNovY8FXwl3ADa_KJeQU20haA6H7PR7CthF63jX6_p7clI0T6lStdLMPWYdDP0RpU/s1600/happiness.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="975" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMj3CUl56XiOKzfEL-qJvflBOS9Op0Bx0fZ6y7jSvOUkTMjLrSptpU0CeYZilqZ1OYvxclmq1mMoNovY8FXwl3ADa_KJeQU20haA6H7PR7CthF63jX6_p7clI0T6lStdLMPWYdDP0RpU/s320/happiness.png" width="320" /></a>If there was a magic pill to make you feel happier, what
would you pay for it and would you take it? Many people would consider paying a
lot of green to avoid feeling blue. </div>
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In fact, providing your basic needs are
met, happiness is said to be determined more by the state of your mind than by
what conditions exist or circumstances happen. </div>
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Therefore, my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prescription for pleasure,</i> or true happiness,
can actually be achieved by reshaping our mindset, attitudes and outlook. Here
are 18 recommended remedies to help prevent the pessimism, treat the tears, nip
the nag, and cure the crabby:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Choose your thoughts.
</b>Every day, choose your thoughts the same way you choose what clothes to
wear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Express gratitude. </b>Many
of us could be a lot happier if we practiced gratitude for what we already have
rather than focusing all our attention on what we don’t have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Let go of anger. </b>Holding
a grudge or holding onto any type of anger won’t do anything but cause
resentment. Dwelling on the past is only going to hold you back from having a
better future. Hate is a very heavy bag to carry; let it go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Forget perfect.</b> Perfection
is a fallacy of irrational thinking—the more we try to be perfect, the more
disappointed we will be. Rather than shooting for perfection, aim for your
finest, and you will rarely let yourself down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Fight the disease to
please. </b>Resist being overly concerned with impressing, winning the approval
of, or incessantly pleasing others, especially when it’s at a personal cost to
you. Instead, pursue and set healthy boundaries by knowing what you like, need,
want, and don’t want, and then making choices which are aligned with those
needs and wants. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6. Teach your lips to
say no. </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand that you are free
to say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yes</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no</i>. And, when appropriate, you should do so without feelings of
guilt, anger or fear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7. Be your authentic
self. </b>Try not to compare yourself with others. Everyone is unique in his or
her own way. Embrace your features along with your flaws. Be the best you that
you can be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8. Smile. </b>Turn that
frown upside down. After all, smiling is infectious; you can catch it easier
than a cold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">9. Challenge negative opinions
others have of you. </b>What others think of you should never outshine what you
think of yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">10. Lighten your load.</b>
Unless you have a large red “S” on your chest, you likely don’t have super
powers, which may be what it would take for one individual to conquer the evil,
mile-long to-do list. Instead, ask for and accept some help.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">11. Forgive yourself and
others.</b> Move on from past mistakes and difficult situations. Holding on to
these negative feels is very burdensome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">12. Own accountability. </b>When
things go wrong, be accountable for your mistakes without pointing fingers at
others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">13. Expect mutual benefit
in relationships. </b>Whether at work or at home, healthy relationships should
provide value and benefit for both parties. It likely won’t be the same for
each of you, but it should be a shared venture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">14. Welcome feedback.</b>
Some feedback is positive, and some is constructive. Understand the intent of
the other person, and try to look past how it was delivered. Choose to learn
and grow from feedback you receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">15. Refuse to take on the
problems of others. </b>It is admirable to help others through difficult
situations; however, there is a big difference between offering assistance and
accepting another person’s problem as your own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">16. Celebrate successes. </b>Celebrate
personal accomplishments by treating yourself to a movie, taking a vacation day
to do what you want, indulging in a small treat, etc. Additionally, get in the
habit of noticing and applauding the success of others. By recognizing another
person’s achievements, you are demonstrating value and appreciation for their
effort and results.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">17. Respect yourself. </b>Feel
an inner confidence and assurance, independent of praise from others. Remember:
nobody can make you feel inferior unless you give him or her permission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">18. Be respectful of
others.</b> Look for positive and honorable qualities in others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being happy is a deliberate choice; a choice we make every
moment of every day. Don’t target the tumultuous; instead, focus on the
fantastic and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be</i></b> happy! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-6304377832976803242019-09-06T15:48:00.002-07:002019-09-06T15:48:36.627-07:00Do You Feel "The Love" at Work?<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Creating a culture where people feel
respected, valued, appreciated, heard and included requires another level of
effort that may not be getting the attention and investment it needs. If you
want to work in a culture where you “feel the love”—where everyone feels a
sense of belonging, connection and community—every employee needs to put forth
effort to make that happen. And when you do, this feeling gets passed on to
customers and results in more productivity and profit. </div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lack of love</i> actually an issue? Watch this short video and decide
for yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pBBirlVxVsg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pBBirlVxVsg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whether you are a leader or an
individual contributor, here are seven strategies to help you create a more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inclusive </i>workplace culture today by personally
modeling it and also sharing it up, down and across your organization:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leave your assumptions at the door.</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It is easy and often natural to make assumptions about
others in the workplace, leading to misunderstandings, biases and often
wrong conclusions. The next time you find yourself assuming something of someone—even
if it's as simple as "She's probably too busy"—stop yourself. Instead,
ask the question first of that individual. Even if you confirm your
assumption, you now have an informed understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Create a collaborative environment.</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Break down silos and promote organization-wide
inclusion by promoting a collaborative environment. This includes a
culture of behaviors and actions that inspire, model and align with your
inclusive goals. Develop cross-functional projects or meetings between
teams or create a random lunch partner program. This will allow your
people to meet new coworkers and learn from one another, which ultimately
will strengthen your entire culture. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Change your workspace. </span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you can do it in your workplace, leave your desk and
work in a different area of the office for a few hours. You'd be surprised
at how it can really change up your perspective. You may have interactions
with people you otherwise wouldn't, especially if you put yourself where
there is a consistent movement of people. This small change of scenery
will allow for more collisions and spark new ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Offer a forum of expression.</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Having a voice by providing regular, optional “town
hall” meetings to discuss anything from business decisions, business
updates, department efforts or company wins will not only offer an open
space where employees can voice their thoughts or concerns—but it also shows
your commitment to your people and their value to the company as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Demonstrate you care.</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Show your
people you care by hosting regular one-on-one check-ins between managers
and employees. Let employees know that it’s their place to openly speak
their mind about what matters most to them — whether that’s about their
professional development, a current project or if they’re feeling
overwhelmed and overworked — start a conversation to support their
journey.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rotate who leads meetings.</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Change up the dynamic by rotating who runs meetings.
Give that individual the leeway to be creative, while ensuring you're in
alignment on the goals of the meeting. This gets people engaged and sends
a signal that everyone's contribution matters. When done well, this
creates openings for everyone to weigh in and, hopefully, inspire lively
discussions and decisive actions.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Talk about something besides work.</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day
responsibilities of your job and not take the time to actually get to know
colleagues in your office. Disrupt the status quo by having a conversation
with a colleague you don't normally talk to and engage them on a non-work
related topic. This connection will often improve the ease of the working
relationship and enhance overall communication.</span> </li>
</ol>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ultimately, individuals need to be
recognized for their uniqueness but also feel connected to something bigger. An
inclusive culture has many layers and millions of moments that define it, but
in order to make a real impact and display an ongoing commitment to employees
and colleagues, choose to take small and incremental steps to make your
workplace a more inclusive—and likely more successful—environment right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-25525990534745438232019-07-31T15:31:00.000-07:002019-07-31T15:31:13.464-07:0012 Methods to Make Meetings More Meaningful<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b><i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkl2x81DjykdCStoEu9In91ezlCPQrjz4AR6DTtsH4gi4zASjYgPB0o3uWJ8tFMZaJqMaM84i-8H7Ul8bT9QTBIoUmTD8Vm8z6IugIoSGggZ2nA1RVTHKq529H8dIFAlEawuDtleqgOw/s1600/disengaged.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="388" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkl2x81DjykdCStoEu9In91ezlCPQrjz4AR6DTtsH4gi4zASjYgPB0o3uWJ8tFMZaJqMaM84i-8H7Ul8bT9QTBIoUmTD8Vm8z6IugIoSGggZ2nA1RVTHKq529H8dIFAlEawuDtleqgOw/s200/disengaged.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Why do some meeting facilitators excel at leading and managing
meetings while others fail to maintain control, keep emotions in line, and
can't seem to enrich the experience so attendees are engaged and want to
contribute?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If you struggle with this skill or know someone who does, don't
sit back and wait for the next meeting you lead or attend to be one of the 49
percent of office meetings that are found to be a "waste of time" <i>(source:
USA Today)</i>. Moreover, according to an online schedule service named Doodle,
their recently published 2019 State of Meetings Report found that pointless
and/or poorly organized meetings will cost U.S. companies a whopping $399
billion in 2019! Both alarming and sad.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Let's consider some of the consequences for employees who suffer
through poorly organized or facilitated meetings. According to the same report,
respondents most often cited:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Poorly organized meetings mean I don't have enough time to do
the rest of my work (44%).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Unclear actions lead to confusion (43%).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Bad organization results in a loss of focus on projects (38%).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Irrelevant attendees slow progress (31%).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Inefficient processes weaken customer/supplier relationships
(26%).</span> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">So before you reserve your next meeting space, take a few
moments to consider why you need to gather this group together at this
particular time, who should be invited and who needs to be present, what
outcomes you expect as a result of the meeting, and what impact you hope to
have. Additionally, apply these 12 methods, too, and watch your meetings become
more productive, easier to manage, and more meaningful for all involved.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Communicate the agenda and the meeting purpose with the meeting
invitation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Leave devices at the door (or at least put them on silence).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Set meeting expectations, including the length of each agenda
item and overall meeting length.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Avoid recapping for late-comers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Explain how ideas will be captured.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Listen more, talk less, and welcome all ideas--not just those
from "louder" attendees and/or extroverts.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Communicate the desired meeting outcome beforehand and at the
start of the meeting to ensure attendees have clarity in the goal and come
prepared to articulate their points.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">One person speaks at a time without interruption.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Welcome respectful disagreement/conflict; don't allow
disrespectful comments/tones.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Set up the meeting room/environment and test all technology
before the meeting starts.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Jokes need to be appropriate or stopped.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Identify who the note-taker will be and ensure s/he understands
the facilitator's expectations (capture all ideas and avoid using symbols for
words).</span> </li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Below is a comical illustration of the above points NOT being
demonstrated well. Enjoy it and let yourself laugh a little. After all,
according to Fortune.com, laughter is good for the bottom line---with 81
percent of the <i>100 Best Companies to Work For</i> saying, "We work in a
fun environment." </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K7agjXFFQJU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K7agjXFFQJU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-91201491177931289662019-07-02T13:16:00.003-07:002019-07-02T13:16:45.942-07:00The Secret to Motivating Other People<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3QzKm-ot473o_IwJjuI1ExVL2s7i33eFG4JUixj-2lj2ftvvD4aCpQcqeOiu-kag011tKVLcSXvoRX-UTeNgtnXD6nb1imE_xkfyN9LJwn-H0zeAXQn9HRTuEfABV8DT_fy6oo2qGyw/s1600/motivation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3QzKm-ot473o_IwJjuI1ExVL2s7i33eFG4JUixj-2lj2ftvvD4aCpQcqeOiu-kag011tKVLcSXvoRX-UTeNgtnXD6nb1imE_xkfyN9LJwn-H0zeAXQn9HRTuEfABV8DT_fy6oo2qGyw/s200/motivation.png" width="200" /></a>I’m often asked this question: Can you motivate someone
else? The short answer is...absolutely not! No matter how hard you want it, no
one can motivate someone else to do what they don't want to do. You may get
someone to do a task by enticing him/her with a sweeter carrot or threatening that
person with a sharper stick. But that is not representative of personal
motivation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the above said, you can <i>influence</i> other people to do a particular task and amazingly, this
strategy works both professionally and personally. If you can tap into the
underlying desires people have, you will get amazing performance from them. And
if you’re a leader, the trick is to find alignment between what your people
want and what will help grow the organization. Here is a three-step process to
positively influence motivation:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>STEP ONE: Ask the
individual what s/he wants. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first step in finding what motivates others is to make time
to listen to them and find out what they actually want out of their job. The
key is to not make assumptions about what you think they want; rather, you need
to actually<i> ask </i>them what they want.
Maybe they desire:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>A new big title.</li>
<li>More time off to spend with their family.</li>
<li>To make more money to buy a new truck or send a son/daughter
to college. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>STEP TWO: Show people
how they can get what they want.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If someone wants to become a supervisor one day, offer ideas
of things s/he can do to help make that happen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>STEP THREE: Allow others
to get what they want while also benefitting the organization.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my oldest son was 11, I remember him wanting to buy a
motorized dirt bike for $400. I even told him I would pay for half of it. While
he thought that was generous, he didn't have any other money for the purchase.
So I gave Taylor a list of extra chores he could do around the house—like
cleaning out the garage and raking leaves so he could earn some money. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He became a dynamo of energy as he tackled chores he
otherwise loathed doing. The difference was he was doing them to get what he
wanted. Meanwhile, I also got work done in a way that freed me up to do other
things, namely landscaping which I love to do. That's what made the whole thing
a true win-win. I found alignment between his personal goal and my desired
outcomes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So
you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal? How does motivation directly affect
the workplace?” Well, motivated employees tend to produce happier customers,
positively affecting the bottom line. In fact, workplace cultures with the
highest total motivation scores also have received the highest customer
satisfaction ratings. To learn more, <a href="https://youtu.be/ri0E0mn8LRA" target="_blank">watch this short video clip</a> published by <i>Harvard Business Review</i>.</span><br />
<br />
So even though the secret to motivating other people is that
you can’t do it, you <i>can</i> dramatically
influence others when it matters most.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-33077735516445854312019-05-23T11:31:00.000-07:002019-05-23T11:31:23.600-07:00Candor is Like a Screwdriver With a Twist<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to Gallup, Inc., do you know the number one leadership
behavior that affects morale and productivity the most? It’s not attitude. It’s
not collaboration. It’s a lack of feedback. Providing candid feedback is an
art, not a science. It takes some degree of finesse…but also common sense. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6K6CBIPuFLD9clslFBkgz9fwKnwTLobvApzrowHIE2Pyt1kSljAj0V3Gm45qBOVqf6yby2j4YZS2UUcEx8Idop7PPQC-4UxtAcmDZ8YQhmi67NPE4XopI0Z6JX6VZiR5cN3D_AZx_84/s1600/screwdriver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="704" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6K6CBIPuFLD9clslFBkgz9fwKnwTLobvApzrowHIE2Pyt1kSljAj0V3Gm45qBOVqf6yby2j4YZS2UUcEx8Idop7PPQC-4UxtAcmDZ8YQhmi67NPE4XopI0Z6JX6VZiR5cN3D_AZx_84/s200/screwdriver.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Candor is like a screwdriver—an incredibly useful tool that
often involves a twist. When used in the right manner, it can help you
construct and deconstruct any number of objects. But to get the benefits, you
have to use it correctly. If you try to use a Phillips head screwdriver on one
of those screws that looks like a star, it won’t fit.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similarly, if you demonstrate 100 percent honesty without a
common sense filter, the conversation or feedback you are offering is not going
to be received very well. Instead of blatant or brazen honesty, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">slightly rotate</i> your approach and apply candor
as a form of sincere expression. In other words, do your best to say the right
thing, to the right person, at the right time, for the right reason, and in the
right way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In any given work week, there is at least one conversation
you’d rather not have; one conversation that you know won’t go well due to your
or the other person’s emotions coming unglued; or one conversation that can
overshadow the whole day, week or workplace because of the impact it could have
with ongoing relationships. Why not dodge these uncomfortable conversations
altogether?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would be the benefit of
learning to deal with these situations candidly?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First and foremost, those who engage in open and sincere dialogue,
free from reservation or holding back what needs to be said—report higher
levels of job satisfaction, confidence and performance results. By
communicating clearly and openly about what’s on your mind, you can be more
effective and productive versus spending countless hours and energy on worrying
about what may happen next.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an upcoming breakout session at the <a href="https://annual.shrm.org/speaker/18475/tracy-butz-csp-owner-think-impact-solutions" target="_blank">Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) NationalConvention & Exposition on Monday, 6/24/19 in Las Vegas</a>, I will be sharing the six step process to
achieving breakthrough relationships by maximizing candor and minimizing
defensiveness by engaging in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://annual.shrm.org/sessionplanner/session/25252/mega-session-candid-conversations-drive-results" target="_blank">“CandidConversations that Drive Results.”</a></b> Here are six results-focused steps, which
if followed, will help you to transform your relationships, too. Each step is
simple, but not necessarily easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: blue;">1. Clearly identify purpose <i>before
</i>engaging. Ask yourself these three questions:</span></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Why am I going to discuss this issue?</li>
<li>What do I hope to accomplish?</li>
<li>What would the ideal outcome be?</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: blue;">2. Consider timing and location.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Address the matter as soon as possible, but timing is
critical.</li>
<li>Determine the location for the discussion; remember that
privacy is important.</li>
<li>Discuss the issue face-to-face and one-on-one; avoid
addressing it via email.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: blue;">3. Start with a statement that invites dialogue.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Be sure to open with an opening statement that is cognizant
of body language, sound of voice and the actual words you use.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: blue;">4. Share facts, story, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">then
</i>emotions.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WP6auRfmMh-_34jDcCpkap2K5TwKjnpHmPMA3XlNIfXUlVOeAGpsUhPvrEVcllemFd6o_ppNjmVNhI0OfiBhPM0oeiWsXqfYKk7r4LO0_Kw9CmLx7H5H7ypYU_nvEPNtmAm334KHj60/s1600/candor+-+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WP6auRfmMh-_34jDcCpkap2K5TwKjnpHmPMA3XlNIfXUlVOeAGpsUhPvrEVcllemFd6o_ppNjmVNhI0OfiBhPM0oeiWsXqfYKk7r4LO0_Kw9CmLx7H5H7ypYU_nvEPNtmAm334KHj60/s200/candor+-+1.png" width="200" /></a>
<li>See the facts.</li>
<li>Alter your story (interpretation of the facts)</li>
<li>Experience a different emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>Change your behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>Achieve a more positive outcome.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: blue;">5. Encourage other person to share perspective.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Ask for the other person’s input.</li>
<li>Listen versus waiting for a pause to talk.</li>
<li>Try to understand other person’s perspective, rather than
focusing on driving your point.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: blue;">6. Keep your emotions in control.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Prior to the conversation:<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>PREPARE! Think through how it may go and how you’ve reacted
in the past.</li>
<li>Proactively access why someone would react this way and how
you can best handle it.</li>
<li>Consider your conflict triggers and guard against them.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>During the conversation:</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Let other person speak; do not interrupt.</li>
<li>Consciously lower your voice.</li>
<li>Acknowledge the other person’s feelings; demonstrate
empathy.</li>
<li>Ask how s/he would like to see issue handled and/or offer
options.</li>
<li>If your emotions are elevating, state you need some time to
continue the conversation.</li>
<li>Express regret or apologize, if appropriate.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the day, candor is a tool. And just like any
tool, it can be used to create or destroy. You need to be aware of its
potential dangers to mitigate them. Candor carries some risk, but if you apply
common sense when using it, you will likely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">build
</i>your relationships stronger than ever before. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-50333688554022548352019-05-08T13:07:00.004-07:002019-05-08T13:07:59.736-07:00Are You Smooth or Strong?<i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i><br />
<br />
Would your organization ever promote smoking or other bad
practices that are scientifically linked to health problems? It’s not too
likely. Because if it did, they’d be undermining all of the arduous efforts to
enhance employee health and well-being.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj6_lTECLk7J0gl2RTr5sZT4H173KvWP7IT6vuTIv1mHaj9OLlulIdHGybSWP2EWZ2bU0dHnOne9kM3KmhDuwPpvuKntiWZmUKwmh9MnHcJw03jTQf6t5hRfVPEe9dqrIdx1YhuTKlvc/s1600/smoking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="375" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj6_lTECLk7J0gl2RTr5sZT4H173KvWP7IT6vuTIv1mHaj9OLlulIdHGybSWP2EWZ2bU0dHnOne9kM3KmhDuwPpvuKntiWZmUKwmh9MnHcJw03jTQf6t5hRfVPEe9dqrIdx1YhuTKlvc/s200/smoking.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s time to equate toxic attitudes to smoking. They not
only damage the health of your employees, but horrible attitudes also directly affect
your workplace culture and your organization’s bottom line. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When employee health suffers, your organization suffers. Unhealthy,
unhappy employees negatively affect:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Performance</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Attendance</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Customer ratings</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Quality</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Profit</span></li>
</ul>
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You say it’s a beautiful day, she tells you why it’s not.
You tell him about your new idea, he tells you why it won’t work. You proudly
share a recent work success, and she replies with, “Yeah, but what about…?” I
refer to these toxins as “Debbie Downers,” “Cynical Sams,” “Pessimistic Pauls,”
“Negative Nancys,” or “Gloomy Glens.” They spew venom to anyone and everyone
who will listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cutting ties with “Nathan Naysayer” is much easier said than
done. Even when bosses need to sever ties, employees often hope they take the
necessary action, so the morale of the team doesn’t take a bigger hit. Yet,
according to a survey featured on Fortune.com, fewer than half of managers said
they would fire someone for damaging team morale. Interestingly, 88 percent of
employees would. Team members understand the direct impact of these destructive
types. They personally experience their high-performing, fun and collaborative
team morph into something unrecognizable—a team they don’t want to be a part of
any longer. Sadly, it’s often too late when management finally realizes the
extent of the damage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Regardless of your role, putting distance between you and
harmful naysayers is essential for healthy, meaningful and respectful
relationships to prosper. By making small, purposeful changes in your behavior
with negative influencers, you can better control your own thoughts and
actions, and more positively influence those of your team. If you know you
ought to put distance between you and “the Nathans,” consider trying one or
more of these <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">strong</i> ideas: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Change your routine.</b>
Instead of sitting through lunch with someone who whines and complains about
her troubles, critiques mutual friends, and sits and pouts, choose to do
something different with that time. Go for a walk, eat with someone else, or spend
time reading. If she questions your behavior change, engage in candid dialogue
with her. The exchange may influence a behavior change from her, too, or at the
very least, you will more easily be able to enjoy lunchtime without facing
unwanted whining and negativity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Keep interactions
short.</b> If you have to engage with a pessimistic individual, keep the
interactions short and focused on the desired outcome. Instead of empathizing
as she rambles on about her mountainous workload or frustrating spouse, listen
for a few minutes, and then explain that you really need to cut this
conversation short due to another commitment—the commitment you made to
yourself to limit interactions with this person. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Maintain perspective.</b>
There are reasons people behave the way they do. Sometimes the reasons are
clear, while other times it’s murky. Perhaps the bothersome naysayer you wish
to avoid is facing self-esteem issues, ongoing job performance errors, money
problems, health concerns, or something completely different. We each behave in
our own way when we have concerns that are weighing heavily on us.
Understanding that there may be a deeper cause for the pessimistic persona
wouldn’t cause me to excuse it, but I could more easily maintain a greater
sense of perspective with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Optimistically
oppose. </b>If you’re stuck in a situation where everything that is flowing out
of “Gloomy Glen” is anti-positive, tentatively articulate kind, opposing
statements. For example, if he says his food sucks, combat that with, “My food
is pretty good. Perhaps, you could try a different entrée?” Or if he says the
(mutual) boss is a pain to work for, optimistically oppose by saying, “I used
to think of her the same way. Then I decided to focus on the positive
difference she has made to our team, and that helps me view her in a different
light.” If this tactic doesn’t influence a more positive tone right away,
hopefully you have given this individual a little more to think about. At the
very least, “Gloomy Glens” tend to move on to others when what they are getting
from you isn’t satisfying their mantra.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Almost all of us have dealt—or are still dealing—with an
annoyingly negative co-worker or an unbearable pessimistic boss. Avoid shouting,
“Take a shower! Your attitude stinks!” Instead, consider Albert Einstein’s
words of wisdom: “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rather than being a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">smooth</i>
character, choose to demonstrate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">strong</i>
character and color any situation with a positive attitude. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHBrL8GKaIjlW46o0WA7jksWiM271wKxIuBCQIfF7y9IUgQXT85smLyPei10xS3G0wnRfzEQMItkRd2s9Yd9v0LWAyfOhfKW4ypcG1PVBhi90MucEep78UDxAIB-5A3Mv3Gtjikf8h5I/s1600/attitude2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHBrL8GKaIjlW46o0WA7jksWiM271wKxIuBCQIfF7y9IUgQXT85smLyPei10xS3G0wnRfzEQMItkRd2s9Yd9v0LWAyfOhfKW4ypcG1PVBhi90MucEep78UDxAIB-5A3Mv3Gtjikf8h5I/s320/attitude2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-63087942943752917142019-04-05T06:53:00.001-07:002019-04-05T06:53:18.833-07:00Can You Change Other People?<br />
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<i>Blog by Tracy Butz,
CSP</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Whether at work or at home, most people experience times when they desperately want to change how another person thinks or behaves. Maybe you need a colleague to follow through on project expectations because his procrastination is causing you delays. Perhaps you can’t stand the late hours your spouse puts in at work, which is taking a toll on your relationship. Or maybe your best friend incessantly whines and complains with a never-ending negative view of life and you just want her to stop. You likely realize that no matter how hard you try, you simply can’t change other people. Period. However, you can, though, positively <i>influence </i>someone to change. </div>
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If you find yourself faced with needing or wanting to influence behavior change, here are four strategies I have used with great success:</div>
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<b>1. Identify the specific behavior. </b>Pinpoint the exact behavior that you want this person to change. If you want the person to just “be less annoying” or “call more often,” you will not get the results you want. Pinpoint the exact behavior you want to see change and note exactly how you want it to change. For example, rather than saying that you want her to “be less annoying,” plan to say that you want her to “stop interrupting conversations she’s not part of.” Or, instead of wanting him to “call you more often,” you could prepare to ask him to “call you every Sunday.”</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>2. Obtain and acknowledge perspective. </b>Determine what their concerns, fears and assumptions are regarding the change. Doing this will definitely help you counter some of their concerns, and you’ll also better understand their perspective by valuing their opinion and incorporating them into the conversation. Even though you may not agree with their point of view, acknowledging that you understand and appreciate their perspective is a great way for you to confirm that you heard them and their point is valid. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>3. Explore motivations without pushing.</b> The other person often already knows that s/he should change a specific behavior. And if you try to present one side of an argument, s/he will feel compelled to push back. When trying to influence people who need motivation, but not more information, ask questions that allow them to explore their own motivations without feeling pushed. Some examples include:</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>“What makes this behavior worth changing?”</li>
<li>“If this change was easy, would you want to make it?”</li>
<li>“What makes this behavior change hard?”</li>
<li>“What are the pluses and minuses of changing or not changing?”</li>
<li>“If you’re able to successfully change this behavior, what would be different?”</li>
</ul>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b>4.</b> </o:p><b>Highlight benefits for him/her. </b>Based on the individual motivations uncovered, subtly highlighting why changing could benefit this person can offer illuminated advantages that answer the question, “What’s in it for me?” For example, my young adult sons are glued to their phones—texting, snap-chatting, watching videos, viewing or posting on Facebook, etc. Because I live in Colorado and they reside in Wisconsin, when we visit one another, spending quality time together is our shared focus. Sometimes, though, daily routines prevail and it becomes a bit more challenging to disconnect to reconnect. Since recommending a digital detox wouldn’t work for them or me, I usually offer one or two reminders of how limited our time together is, and that’s usually enough to re-engage them.</div>
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With the above point in mind, laying out the advantages in a specific order also helps heighten the level of persuasion: start out emphasizing a strong advantage, share another pivotal benefit, and then bring commanding closure by underlining the most important reason for him/her. </div>
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Everyone faces instances when positively influencing another person’s thoughts or behavior is advantageous. Rather than impeding success, choose to offer assistance by understanding another’s perspective, exploring their motivations and encouraging commitment to change. When your intent to help is positive and genuine, your level of influence is endless and can truly make a difference. Influence—the true measure of leadership. </div>
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Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-86040805564659844522019-03-15T14:11:00.001-07:002019-03-15T14:12:24.308-07:00Are You Driven to Distraction?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blog by Tracy Butz,
CSP</i><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three evenings ago, my husband and I ordered a pizza to be
delivered from a local eatery. We were told the wait time from kitchen-to-door
would be about 45 minutes. A little over 75 minutes later, the driver arrives
with my husband waiting on the porch. As he approaches the vehicle, the young
man steps out of his driver’s-side door and opens the door to the backseat. In
a frenzied state, he turns around after looking inside his car, faces my
husband and asks, “Where’s the pizza?” My husband replies, “What do you mean?”
The driver, incredibly flustered now, says, “Where did the pizza go?” The
driver proceeds to look under the seat (really?) and then opens his trunk. He
says, “Man, I don’t know where the pizza went. What should I do?” Once again,
really? My husband responds, “I guess you may want to head back to the
restaurant and see if the pizza is still there.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I realize mistakes happen. They happen to all of us. Yet,
when someone neglects to perform his/her core job responsibility, is that a
mistake or an error due to ineffective training? It’s neither. Instead, I
believe it’s an example of a huge mental traffic-jam.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So how do you regain mental focus and become productive
again? Are there strategies we can apply ourselves and also share with our
co-workers to help them? The answer is “yes” and if you want a high-performing
workplace culture, it’s important to apply these five practical prescriptions
to fine-tune your focus:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rx #1: Reduce distractions. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While it might be
as simple as unplugging from your favorite device for a bit, you might find it
much more challenging to deal with a colleague who frequently interrupts your
train-of-thought. One way to help mitigate this problem is to identify a
specific time and place where you can be distraction-free. Be sure to schedule
that time in your calendar and find a quiet spot to ensure you can maximize
your productivity during that time. Maybe it is only for 30 or 60 minutes per
week, but that sure beats <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rx #2: Focus on one thing at a time. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Juggling
multiple tasks at once can dramatically cut down on productivity and it becomes
much harder to hone in on the details that are truly important...like
remembering to put the pizza in your car. Why? Because our attentional
resources are limited so it is important to budget them wisely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rx #3: Take a short
break.</b> Have you ever tried to focus on the same thing for a long period of
time? After a while, your focus starts to break down and it becomes more difficult
to devote your mental resources to that specific task. By taking a brief break,
you are able to push <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pause</i> on your
level of concentration, helping you to regain mental focus after you have allowed
your brain a rest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rx #4:
Avoid negative emotions. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Negative emotions can represent an “off-switch” for peak
performance. If you work in an environment where emotions run high on occasion,
you likely wonder when the next outburst will ensue. Do your best to stay clear
from unnerving emotional situations and also steer away from letting your unwanted
emotions escalate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t avoid
negative emotions, do your best to control or minimize them as quickly as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rx #5: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Start by getting to bed and
getting up at the same time every day, including weekends. As tempting as it
may be, don't try to make up for a lack of sleep by staying in bed on the
weekends. Sleeping in won't make up for a sleep deficit. In fact, according to
a recent Harvard study, when you snooze extra hours to compensate for sleep
deprivation, your ability to focus is worse than if you had stayed up all
night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even though we never got to enjoy a delicious piece of pizza
pie that night, my husband and I did have a few laughs over the experience and I
did get a great story that I couldn’t wait to share with my readers. So the
next time you encounter a craving for thick-crust, consider averting a similar
outcome by tossing a few ingredients together yourself, staying focused on the
oven timer, while saving some dough in the process.</span></div>
Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-23434065849130399472019-02-03T15:40:00.001-08:002019-04-08T08:22:25.993-07:00The Discipline to Delay Indulgence<br />
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<i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Have you ever wondered why you make some of the decisions
that you do? I believe one significant factor that influences one choice over
another is a human desire to move toward pleasure and avoid pain. By pleasure I
mean things that create feelings of happiness, strength, optimism, energy, or
inspiration. With pain, I am referring to feelings of anger, confusion,
helplessness, frustration, or even boredom. If you are regularly able to
demonstrate self-discipline by delaying pleasure or gratification, your chances
for achieving success in life increase substantially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJng0EKdJLHyaGqjtGZCOSTAjcOBf9yDmJvHBAVGVW-KaVKJkkChd6ujsCK6Nz3KQ5Uu-snoB8pV4X4C3zB_pRjXlD9e8F4IhMsmqBOB5ki7nsxBEnWiOtU58gfuRMMXZUddA2jn3Xr7A/s1600/marshmallow-girl-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJng0EKdJLHyaGqjtGZCOSTAjcOBf9yDmJvHBAVGVW-KaVKJkkChd6ujsCK6Nz3KQ5Uu-snoB8pV4X4C3zB_pRjXlD9e8F4IhMsmqBOB5ki7nsxBEnWiOtU58gfuRMMXZUddA2jn3Xr7A/s200/marshmallow-girl-large.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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According to a landmark Stanford University study, children
were provided one marshmallow and given the choice of eating it or waiting
fifteen minutes and being rewarded for holding out with a second marshmallow.
Some kids ate theirs right away. Others waited. But the study’s real
significance came years later, when researchers discovered that the children
who held out for the reward had become far more successful adults than the
children who ate the first marshmallow immediately. This “marshmallow theory”
was found to explain that the key difference between success and failure is not
merely hard work or intelligence, but the ability to delay gratification.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are looking to delay gratification, like to save money
now to be able to purchase a more desirable item in the future, here are five
strategies to help you stand strong: </div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><b>Be clear on your values and what matters most. </b>Have a
clear understanding of what is important to you and what you want to accomplish.
When you realize these aspects, you are more likely to make choices that can
help you achieve the goals and success you desire.</li>
<li><b>Break down big projects/goals</b>. Just like running,
athletes train very differently for a sprint than a marathon. The long project
will help you to learn about the process, setting mini-goals along the way, and
ongoing persistence.</li>
<li><b>Offer visual progress. U</b>se a jar of marbles or some sort
of visual tool to demonstrate working toward a goal and making progress versus
giving yourself a huge reward after accomplishing a task. Once the jar is full,
<i>then </i>you get to reward yourself.</li>
<li><b>Get an accountability partner. </b>Just like it is often
times easier to workout with a buddy so that you both are less inclined to stop
because you know the other person is counting on you, sharing your plan and
progress with an accountability partner can help maintain your focus and
discipline.</li>
<li><b>Frequent reflection. </b>When you find yourself struggling
with wanting something now and you’re about to cave in, stop to consciously reflect
as to why you are feeling more vulnerable than usual. Try to pinpoint the
motivation and reasons behind this strong craving. This time spent in
reflection just may be enough to break the cycle of “now” and allow you to postpone
the pleasure. </li>
</ol>
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</div>
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Delaying gratification can be hard-work. Depending on what
you want to achieve, it may take weeks, months, years, and sometimes even
decades. And even if you don’t always make the best choices, hopefully you
learn from the poor ones and appreciate the good ones. As I contemplate my
life, I know that when I exercise self-discipline to delay an indulgence or an
instant pleasure, I reap the sweet rewards. I tend to appreciate it more, feel
a greater sense of accomplishment, and achieve a more successful outcome. Hold
it, smell it, or even lick it, but don’t gobble the marshmallow yet.</div>
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<b><i>Personal Challenge:</i></b> What areas in your life do you feel you
need instant gratification and find it difficult to delay? What other
strategies do you have for delaying gratification?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-62505109584395940722019-02-03T14:18:00.001-08:002019-02-03T14:19:47.932-08:00Strengthen Your Courage Muscle<br />
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<i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps you are confronted with taking a chance when others
will not, or your idea is very unpopular. Maybe you desperately want to follow
your vision, no matter where it takes you, but you are meeting intense
resistance. Perchance you are simply trying to do the right thing, even though
far easier options exist. Most of us are called to be courageous more than we
think, and we likely already possess many of the qualities that other
remarkably courageous people have demonstrated. But if building definition in
your courage muscle is a strength-enhancing exercise you want or need to
target, highlighted below are six ways to grow that muscle: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweNr3l2xBrGI9Ns1OMxJixpeplSzvrDlAxIiGHHpK142IfRFPY4YZ7VbNsEWY2ielo5SWP6Iik7WLjHIJ7DhHylIkSStY_cHHbPN9mqikiJW9EJsiEPJ6kzUt28h6siQ3Lm5h8vgKyaQ/s1600/courage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweNr3l2xBrGI9Ns1OMxJixpeplSzvrDlAxIiGHHpK142IfRFPY4YZ7VbNsEWY2ielo5SWP6Iik7WLjHIJ7DhHylIkSStY_cHHbPN9mqikiJW9EJsiEPJ6kzUt28h6siQ3Lm5h8vgKyaQ/s200/courage.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Stop procrastinating and give courage a try. </b>Do your best.
Learn from the results of that first attempt and avoid becoming discouraged.</li>
<li><b>Face what you fear.</b> Look it in the eye and determine exactly
what you are afraid of. Rejection? Being laughed at? Not being accepted? Then
once you know what you fear, face it and tell yourself, “This fear will pass.”
Take one small step, then another. Action builds courage.</li>
<li><b>Step outside your comfort zone.</b> By being open to meeting new
people, visiting a city you have never been to but are curious about, or
tasting an appealing entrée, one that you hadn’t considered before, you
gradually strengthen your ability to be courageous.</li>
<li><b>Stand up for others who need it.</b> Find your inner strength to
take a stand when necessary. Start by demonstrating courage when someone else
is in need, rather than standing up for yourself first, since that is often
times less intimidating.</li>
<li><b>Demonstrate self-discipline.</b> Be very clear about what you
want and don’t want, and remain steadfast even when you are enticed to veer off
course.</li>
<li><b>Be willing to fail.</b> True learning happens when things don’t
go your way; when you fail or lose. Be willing to fail, but never willing to
quit. Failure doesn’t feel good, but the result, if you learn from it, is
powerful. </li>
</ol>
Rather than succumbing to the learned behavior of
fearfulness, know your limits, but commit to exercising courage more. If you
want to transform your life and not reach the <i>end of your line</i> with regrets, make courage a conscious virtue you
need to live with, versus without.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-21267394501035719082019-01-13T09:36:00.000-08:002019-01-13T10:04:15.600-08:00Keystone Habits: A Non-Negotiable Routine<br />
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<b><i>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Habits are powerful forces. They
influence what our brain tells us to do, based on decisions that have become
part of engrained routine. Everyone has routines, or habits; things you just
do—without thinking about them. According to research from Duke University, up
to 45 percent of your actions are unconscious habits. This means that a
significant part of what you think, say, feel and do are strongly shaped by
your habits—whether they are positive or negative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n6jpbW_LC3h9Wm7NxoIXkxBiTWrmsWQUuI2lXQbztmSbjO4Z38QQEXuk4wqzNR8PsxrKioRHmdZ0BE42ZcpfJoh7CzRchsTXiQoktxPWn6XMoeOAiTaJz3gIMqRVJCF65RrYvTFz30E/s1600/Peachy+Beachy+copy+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n6jpbW_LC3h9Wm7NxoIXkxBiTWrmsWQUuI2lXQbztmSbjO4Z38QQEXuk4wqzNR8PsxrKioRHmdZ0BE42ZcpfJoh7CzRchsTXiQoktxPWn6XMoeOAiTaJz3gIMqRVJCF65RrYvTFz30E/s200/Peachy+Beachy+copy+%25281%2529.png" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">But all habits are not created
equal. Some have little impact on your life, and others, referred to as
“keystone habits,” can affect your life immensely. Exercising on a regular
basis is one example of a keystone habit—which is a habit that creates a domino
effect on the rest of your life by naturally influencing you to build more
breakthrough routines that produce positive outcomes. Keystone habits are very
different from regular habits, like posting a daily message on multiple social
media platforms. A regular habit is a positive thing to do, but whether you
choose to do it or skip it, it doesn’t have a huge impact on the rest of your
life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">By contrast, a keystone habit,
like consistently exercising five days per week, is a habit that can also lead
to other positive, unintended outcomes like a s</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">tronger
and more flexible body, enhanced mood, decreased level of stress, reduced risk
of heart disease, enhanced productivity, improved quality of sleep and heightened
brain function. When you choose to make keystone habits a non-negotiable part
of your routine, you change. You take more control of your life and the
positive ripple effect naturally occurs. In addition to exercise, three common
keystone habits include: active goal-setting, efficiently managing time and
saving more money. Three <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">uncommon </i>keynote
habits that also create breakthrough routines are:</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Eat dinner together as
a family.</b> Not only does this habit encourage healthier eating
patterns—like a greater opportunity for portion control and nutritionally
balanced meals—but it also is a perfect setting to expose your family to
different foods, save money with less expensive home-cooked entrees, and spend
quality time together. Moreover, according to a report by Court Appointed
Special Advocates for Children (CASA), when this routine is practiced at least
five times per week, a teen’s chance of smoking, drinking, and using drugs is
drastically decreased. </li>
<li><b>Make your bed. </b>It may seem
irrelevant, but tidying up your bed as part of your morning routine is a small,
quick habit that sets a precedent of order and productivity for the day.
Creating a neat and organized environment can positively impact your mental
state with a small sense of accomplishment—in just 30 seconds, no less.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Discard and replace. </b>Choose one day a week,
or every other week, or even once a month, where you discard something you
don’t love or need. This process helps reduce clutter and gives you the
opportunity to replace things that don’t add value with items you enjoy and
appreciate. </li>
</ul>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Rather
than going through life without thoughtful intention, make today the day you
choose to cultivate one keystone habit. By taking this one small action, you
will likely find the momentum to set off a slow avalanche of additional
changes, positively transforming your life in amazing ways. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-30093078849947216642019-01-10T15:58:00.000-08:002019-01-10T16:00:11.145-08:00Stand Out...Nicely<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaEy5Rr7DisFgff7Cuvx9DrXeuFkFF74mrhFU1pyU8E79ECctVMHT-TUk1bTdtlMatp69jjwYZLsqJ5PtAVyx41Mej4ierJMXlnXF3ojn9KDHelqmVk_0PY85E_eJZcUpbZVOTXF0TfA/s1600/nice.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="500" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaEy5Rr7DisFgff7Cuvx9DrXeuFkFF74mrhFU1pyU8E79ECctVMHT-TUk1bTdtlMatp69jjwYZLsqJ5PtAVyx41Mej4ierJMXlnXF3ojn9KDHelqmVk_0PY85E_eJZcUpbZVOTXF0TfA/s200/nice.png" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Blog from Tracy Butz, CSP</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since moving out to Colorado, I now see more individuals holding signs pleading for money or food, as they stand alongside a busy street or off ramp. I am guilty of thinking, “Does she really need money?” or “Why doesn’t he apply at one of the many establishments needing able bodies to join their team?” or “What will s/he really spend the money on if I choose to give?”</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently, I was traveling for work, heading back to the airport in a rental car, somewhat hurried and looking forward to returning home. As I approached a stop light, an elderly man was holding a sign that read, “I’m an injured, retired vet looking for a little help.” What caught me off guard was his clean and orderly appearance, his combed hair and shaved face, yet a look of despair and sadness I couldn’t shake. Time seemed to simply stand still while waiting for a green light. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the first time in several years, I opened my wallet and saw a twenty dollar bill. Without hesitation, I lowered my vehicle’s window, stretched out my hand and proceeded to hand him the bill. As he slowly accepted it, his eyes filled with tears and he said, “Thank you so very, very much. This money will help me more than you’ll ever know.” As the light turned green and I started to drive away, I heard, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I obviously will never know this elderly man’s story of hardship. I’ll never find out what that small gift of money was used for, nor will I ever realize if he perseveres through it; however, there is one thing I’m confident of: he needed someone to step up and offer a kind gesture. Twenty dollars for many of us equates to 3-4 fast food lunches, gasoline or highway tolls for a few days, or several candy bars in a cup from Starbucks®. But a twenty dollar bill for this man clearly will stretch so much further. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Offer a sense of genuine “niceness” or a gift of kindness to someone today—like a simple smile or something more. Regardless of how you choose to express it, know that nice people are all around you. And by demonstrating simple acts of niceness, you can significantly elevate your sense of meaning and gratitude in life. Positive acts, when not demonstrated for reciprocity sake, usually offer profound positive effects, which inevitably actually lead to a reciprocal ripple effect. So be the one who “nicely” stands out in the crowd, towering high above the rest.</span>Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-51537275970597427382018-12-03T16:02:00.001-08:002018-12-03T16:12:41.877-08:00Treat the Disease to Please<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP - <i>Speaker, Author, Influencer</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNn2esFR7dN-2HCpQHh6dnCWw4MCb-1sReeXlJjnyOZmnPqg6iUGh2E8KYaTZeN0AXdKTo3uDCHmyeGFjq1zUaelB7bqpW2isodkLB6sKoX4YwgvapCilSNnHDsz6z3mckjDz5INAnYo/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="458" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNn2esFR7dN-2HCpQHh6dnCWw4MCb-1sReeXlJjnyOZmnPqg6iUGh2E8KYaTZeN0AXdKTo3uDCHmyeGFjq1zUaelB7bqpW2isodkLB6sKoX4YwgvapCilSNnHDsz6z3mckjDz5INAnYo/s200/Picture2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With this month
being extremely busy due to the continued holiday season, I thought I’d share
some strategies that have helped me to conquer the chaos a bit so I can enjoy
my time with family and friends more. For me, maintaining healthy personal boundaries
can help reduce stress a lot. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I believe it starts by knowing what you like,
need, want, and don’t want, and then making choices which are aligned with
those needs and wants. That doesn’t mean you live your life without compromise
or flexibility; you just don’t give into the demands and unrealistic
expectations of others. Following are some thoughts and actions that lead to
healthier boundaries:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Develop a strong sense of personal identity.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Realize and
take pride in what makes you unique.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Respect yourself.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Feel an inner confidence and
assurance, independent of praise from others.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be respectful of others.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Look for
positive and honorable qualities in others.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forgive.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Forgive others and yourself. Move
on from past mistakes and difficult situations.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Accept accountability.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> When things go
wrong, be accountable for your mistakes without pointing fingers at others.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Teach your lips to say no.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Understand that you are free to say yes or
no. And, when appropriate, you should do so without feelings of guilt, anger or
fear.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Expect mutual benefit in relationships.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Whether at
work or at home, healthy relationships should provide value and benefit for
both parties. It likely won’t be the same for each of you, but it should be a
shared venture.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Welcome feedback.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Some feedback is positive, and some
is constructive. Understand the intent of the other person, and try to look
past how it was delivered. Choose to learn and grow from feedback you receive. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Refuse to take on the problems of others.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It is
admirable to help others through difficult situations; however, there is a big
difference between offering assistance and accepting another person’s problem
as your own.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Celebrate successes.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Celebrate personal accomplishments
by treating yourself to a movie, taking a vacation day to do what <i>you</i> want, indulging in a small treat,
etc. Additionally, get in the habit of noticing and applauding the success of
others. By recognizing another person’s achievements, you are demonstrating
value and appreciation for their effort and results.</span> </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I realize that treating
the disease to please and making brave choices in the process isn’t easy.
Putting your needs first and teaching others how to treat us can be very
difficult. Actually admitting how you feel to yourself may be one of the
hardest things you’ll ever do. Yet I have found that after feeling a little
guilty at first, you likely will have less chaos in your life—eventually feeling
and being much happier, more liberated, less stressed, and a lot stronger. You
will be a better <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-26728583631714342792018-12-03T13:45:00.003-08:002018-12-03T13:45:56.186-08:00It's About Progress Not Perfection<br />
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<b>Blog by Tracy Butz, CSP - <i>Speaker, Author, Influencer</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1BgvZiTc1eGUu3Yj0HWIxKbgSV8jjyXhEi5NUuZTwzo0zl_1neqi2shK6uSW98AwL1LOVKJYaBxOJlcZRGnlXvPLn70yGBHSW6ybG45udBGKDySy_vynotqM8d6-HG4voiVvPUWtFag/s1600/QA6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1BgvZiTc1eGUu3Yj0HWIxKbgSV8jjyXhEi5NUuZTwzo0zl_1neqi2shK6uSW98AwL1LOVKJYaBxOJlcZRGnlXvPLn70yGBHSW6ybG45udBGKDySy_vynotqM8d6-HG4voiVvPUWtFag/s200/QA6.png" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Often
times, people avoid making changes in their life because they just don’t know
what steps to take. The process can seem overwhelming; they may feel they don’t
have the time or resources to get “there.” And if where to start is unclear,
either excuses are made or people become stuck and unable to take even one step
forward. These realities occur when unrealistic expectations are set and we believe
that if we’re not perfect in our pursuit; we’re a failure. The truth is,
because we are human, we are unable to attain perfection. Being imperfect is
what makes each of us unique. And that’s a good thing.</span></div>
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Perfection should never be the goal because the outcome
will almost always be failure. This doesn’t mean we don’t set the bar high, because
we absolutely should. But we need to focus on progress, not perfection; target
the process we are experiencing now and the steps we are taking, not on the
outcome. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So where should you start? In order to make a lasting
change, the change itself needs to be meaningful to you. It can’t feel imposed
upon you, rather than chosen by you. For example, let’s say you want to spend
more time reading interesting and insightful books. In order to carve out the
necessary time in your schedule, you choose to reduce your Facebook interaction
time by two hours per week. If someone told you that you had to make that
change, you probably wouldn’t take kindly to that demand. Furthermore, if
someone took it upon themselves to limit your Facebook involvement two hours
per week in some way, you would likely loathe it more…primarily because you
just encountered a change being done to you. No one likes change forced on
them. No one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition to the change being meaningful to you, it
also has to be something that you believe in, that you value, that you want to
get behind and commit to. You have to know the work ahead of you will be worth
it. So what habit or behavior are you wanting to change in your life and why do
you want to do it? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to go back to school and earn a diploma or degree?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to feel happier?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want a job you enjoy going to?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to make more money?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to lose weight?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to find love?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to stop smoking?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to be more confident?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to say “no” more often?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to find your passion?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you want to laugh more?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you want to be a better spouse?<o:p></o:p></div>
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You are one decision away from totally transforming your
life. Imagine that!?! And just know, I am with you on this journey, and I am a
work in progress, too! I continue to make changes in my life so I keep growing and
propelling myself forward in a positive direction<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">—</span>becoming better and better. In
fact, the question I ask myself before deciding to alter a habit or behavior
is, “Will this one choice to change, help me get one step closer to becoming my
greatest self?” If the answer is, “Yes,” I know I am on the right track.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Aim for awesomeness. Strive for spectacular. Just allow
wiggle room for slips and trips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-90398166849261722502018-11-07T06:58:00.001-08:002018-11-07T06:58:36.812-08:00Build Unstoppable Self-Confidence<br />
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<b>Blog from Tracy Butz</b>, <i>speaker, author, influencer</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a professional speaker, I am asked
often how I am able to get up on stage, in front of hundreds of people, and
speak. One of the greatest pieces of advice I was given early on in my career
was that no one in the audience is there for you specifically…they are present
to hear your message. And for me, that was enough to help me build my
self-confidence and overcome any anxiety of standing up and addressing an
audience. By shifting my mental focus away from me and to my message instead, I
was able to concentrate more intently on confidently delivering a high-quality,
results-focused message in a way that hopefully will resonate strongly and
influence behavior change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7QJbqDFvSe6WL1c-y8pHC5lJWTRFGB4XWdBCFZm59BqEfqgctHa9uiInvHBgwb1BhyphenhyphenOXVQdgTwzkKYKf9kom70hHDWICHhr26YzM1dRz2LJBh4Vezl1iiLwI2KYbtES4cFZBTA2MSoo/s1600/self+confidence.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="600" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7QJbqDFvSe6WL1c-y8pHC5lJWTRFGB4XWdBCFZm59BqEfqgctHa9uiInvHBgwb1BhyphenhyphenOXVQdgTwzkKYKf9kom70hHDWICHhr26YzM1dRz2LJBh4Vezl1iiLwI2KYbtES4cFZBTA2MSoo/s200/self+confidence.png" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve come to realize over the years,
that self-confidence is really more of a skill than a trait. And as I age, I
seem to acquire more of it, worrying less about what others think of me and
focus more on how I can be the best version of “me”. After all, no one is you,
but you. So why try to portray someone else? They are already taken, and they
certainly aren’t you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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As with any skill, if you don’t
exercise that muscle, it will soon become a floppy piece of flesh. So how do I
continue to build my self-confidence? Here are 12 simple <i>(not always easy)</i> strategies
I use to continuously strive to grow, develop and nurture my self-confidence
muscle: </div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Love who you are.</b>
Start each day by looking in the mirror and loving who you see. Self-confidence
starts by having a positive perception of yourself.</li>
<li><b>Insist on positive self-talk.</b>
Instead of telling yourself what you did wrong or what needs to change, focus
on what you did right. The voices inside your head need to be positive instead.</li>
<li><b>Forget perfect. </b>Understand
that no one is perfect and making mistakes is how you learn.</li>
<li><b>Start small.</b>
Set one or two small goals for yourself every day and every week. As you
accomplish them, enjoy that warm, happy feeling that fills your soul.</li>
<li><b>Journal accomplishments.</b>
By making note of positive goals you’ve successfully attained, you have a tool
to help enhance your self-confidence if it is ever shaken. Reflect on your
achievements often.</li>
<li><b>Enjoy the feeling of success.</b>
Far too often we are more concerned with moving onto the next goal or thing
that we don’t celebrate success we just attained. Take a moment and “smell the
roses.” It feels amazing!</li>
<li><b>Give the gift of gratitude. </b>Tell
someone how grateful you are to know them. Express how you truly appreciate
him/her. Helping others feel special helps us feel good about ourselves.</li>
<li><b>Dress sharp.</b>
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to dress nicely. Wear pressed clothing
that fits you well and accessorize your outfit it in a way that emphasizes your
assets in a classy manner.</li>
<li><b>Stand tall.</b>
Those who stand with slumped shoulders and walk with lethargic movements
display a lack of self-confidence. Make a positive impression by standing up
straight, keeping your head up and making natural eye contact.</li>
<li><b>Be healthy.</b>
By eating well, maintaining a regular fitness routine and getting adequate
sleep, you are more inclined to feel a strong level of confidence because you
know you are taking care of yourself personally.</li>
<li><b>Compliment someone.</b>
When you genuinely offer a compliment to another person, you see him/her light
up. That light reflects back to you and feels great.</li>
<li><b>Prepare.</b>
The best strategy I know to demonstrate a high level of self-confidence is to
be prepared. Preparation for a task, meeting, conversation, etc. helps you to
feel strong and positioned for success.</li>
</ol>
By demonstrating and continually
striving to enhance your level of self-confidence, you can become unstoppable
in what you can achieve! There is nothing more attractive than stunning
self-confidence. <br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-7672288237055959522018-10-06T12:27:00.002-07:002018-10-06T12:29:47.894-07:00Are You Merely Interested or Captivatingly Committed? <i>Blog from Tracy Butz, CSP</i><br />
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Are you merely interested in achieving your goals, or are
you truly committed to making them happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The difference between interest and commitment lies in the definitions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QKU3do2XMOL2auJ528rjQkKU9O130sapyaFlJNKmdQazK0LTosVAlp1ESwln3K4K8qB_n4D9IQhvDYg-FmCMjdsE5oEAIbWN_xns1wpKdjQZENRtOsCLDXNBurZBE1iNHGYQBHzlJos/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="259" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QKU3do2XMOL2auJ528rjQkKU9O130sapyaFlJNKmdQazK0LTosVAlp1ESwln3K4K8qB_n4D9IQhvDYg-FmCMjdsE5oEAIbWN_xns1wpKdjQZENRtOsCLDXNBurZBE1iNHGYQBHzlJos/s200/th.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in exercising more, you may choose to
do it, or you may not. The choice is dependent on whether it is convenient, the
timing is right, or if you have the internal motivation to do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Commitment is an absolute. You are either committed to
something or not. You can’t be partially committed any more than you can be
partially pregnant…it’s not possible. When you are ready, select one or two
goals you have, write them down, and commit to making them happen. When you do,
you can move on to another goal or two.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Goal setting is a powerful process. It helps you choose
where you want to go and offers a plan to help you get there. By knowing
precisely what you want to achieve, you know where you have to concentrate your
efforts. You'll also spot the distractions that may otherwise lure you off
course.<o:p></o:p></div>
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More than this, properly set goals can be incredibly
motivating. As you get into the habit of setting and achieving goals, you'll
find your self-confidence builds fast. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Start by thinking about what you really want to achieve in
your life. As you continue to motivate yourself and focus on accomplishing each
specific goal, you’ll turn your vision of the future into your reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are a number of famous acronyms to help you with goal
setting, but most are missing key components. An acronym I developed,
P.R.O.D.U.C.T.I.V.E., is far more comprehensive and includes:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">P - pride-worthy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">R - results-focused</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">O - optimistic</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">D - defined</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">U - useful</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">C - challenging</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">T - time-sensitive</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I - inspiring</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">V - viable</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">E - engaging</span> </div>
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As you can see, PRODUCTIVE Goals are results focused,
useful, and challenging. It is easy to set a goal you can attain without much
effort, but defining goals that stretch you encourages greater meaning and a
higher degree of pride when you accomplish them. Each goal should trigger a
sense of emotion that compels you to start and sustain your motivation. If you
don't feel an emotional connection to your goal, the chances of you committing
to it and achieving it, significantly decreases.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you want to create the life you want to live, it starts
with committing to both setting and following through on PRODUCTIVE Goals.
Write your goals down and place them in a location where they will be visible
to you each and every day. This way, as you make decisions and choose where to
spend your time, you will better ensure your decisions are aligned with your
goals and what matters most to you. You’ll be amazed, not only at the number of
goals you will attain, but also the degree of success you will achieve from
accomplishing what you set out to do.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
What is the PRODUCTIVE Goal you are working on? I'd love to know!<br />
<br /></div>
<br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-45368239668020437632018-09-04T08:17:00.000-07:002018-09-04T08:17:58.591-07:00Being Your Best, Stunning Self <br />
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<b><i>Blog by Tracy Butz</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHFPluYkWtovYx3qeJcTspttYaSSWzxJ9tubAmsRtXxzi7nkZvkCyQCcZAbd0qMgZ7eraOxsy4In6PAJ8TbQq93xz1HwIjTphEYsH9E8Ifpn1_7HBi2ClJR6FH0G8tvM5ACqYG1fDQDc/s1600/be-your-best-self-20130708560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="534" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHFPluYkWtovYx3qeJcTspttYaSSWzxJ9tubAmsRtXxzi7nkZvkCyQCcZAbd0qMgZ7eraOxsy4In6PAJ8TbQq93xz1HwIjTphEYsH9E8Ifpn1_7HBi2ClJR6FH0G8tvM5ACqYG1fDQDc/s200/be-your-best-self-20130708560.jpg" width="177" /></a>You can’t touch it, but you sure can feel it. It doesn’t have a color or shape, but it can alter how others perceive you. It’s not supposed to add to your physical beauty, but I’m certain it does. What am I referring to? Self-confidence.</div>
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</div>
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Even though the physical qualities of external beauty tend
to be important to many of us—like our glowing skin tone, muscular definition, firm
and smooth skin, radiant hair, etc.— it’s important to remember that they do
have somewhat of an expiration date. The heart of self-confidence is far more
about being comfortable with who you are. These tips will not only help enhance
your level of self-confidence, but they will also help you to look and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be</i> your best you. </div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Love and believe in yourself.</b>
Love all that you are—the good, bad and the ugly. None of your colleagues,
friends or family members are perfect. None of them. So stop beating yourself
up and looking for ways to “fix” you. Yes, self-improvement is important; but
it’s that self-loathing inner voice that says you aren’t good enough that needs
to be squelched. Believe in who you are, focus on your amazing qualities and
own your short-comings. If you feel it would benefit you to enhance or improve
a certain aspect, consider taking steps to do that. Choosing to build inner-strength
through positive self-talk and prevent permitting the pessimism is sure to help
loving who you see in the mirror.</li>
<li><b>Smile every day…and <i>more often</i> each day.</b> Just like
wearing a pair of stiletto heels or an Armani suit may capture another person’s
attention, sporting a genuine smile is not only free, but easy to do. If you
tend to walk around looking solemn, turn that frown upside down. Rather than
portray you’re closed off or disinterested, show off those pearly whites and
accentuate your facial features and give them the opportunity to shine. Plus,
frowning creates wrinkles—and none of us need more of them!</li>
<li><b>Be prepared.</b> I
feel far more confident when I am prepared versus anxious and uncertain when
I’m not. Whether it is regarding a professional task or a personal one, being
well prepared is never a bad choice. Learn everything you can about the subject
matter for the task at-hand. Practice the steps to hone your skill and soon
your competency will grow. Preparation allows you to move through unforeseen
difficulties far easier and with more success. As my husband frequently says,
“Preparation is where planning meets opportunity.” How true that statement is.</li>
<li><b>Speak clearly and
concisely.</b> Communicate your words succinctly and in a way in which is
easily understood. Avoid long drawn-out explanations as they tend to confuse
listeners. Less words are usually better than more, as long as it doesn’t change
the meaning. Choose words using the right context and meaning and do your best
to stay clear of “ums” and “ahs,” which are prime filler words that interrupt
flow. Instead, speak with a steady, rhythmic tone, using pauses to emphasize key
points. Help others want to listen to you over giving them a reason not to.</li>
<li><b>Take good physical
care of yourself.</b> When you are aware of your body's needs and make time to
meet those needs, feelings of happiness and strong self-confidence often follow.
When you're feeling run down or stressed, relax by engaging in a favorite hobby
or pastime. Eat foods that nourish your body and drink plenty of water to
maintain hydration. Get the shut-eye you deserve to keep your mind sharp and
your body full of energy. Find an exercise you love to maintain a healthy heart
and physique. Treat your body with the respect it deserves for a
higher-performing and more self-confident you.</li>
<li><b>Display a straight,
beautiful posture.</b> Whether you are standing or sitting, improving your
posture can make a significant difference in your appearance and level of
confidence. If you tend to hunch a little bit when standing, make a conscious
effort to pull your shoulders back, allow your chest to slightly protrude and
straighten your back. When standing in place, hold a stance with both feet
planted firmly on the floor, versus popping one of your hips and having your
weight distributed disproportionately. And rather than leaning on a wall or a
chair, standing straight communicates poise. When seated, be sure to have your
buttocks pushed back into the chair without slouching. Being careful not to
lean forward is also helpful to maintain proper spine alignment. Think upright
and elegant over slouchy and sloppy.</li>
<li><b>Dress for success.</b>
Select clothing and accessories that fit you well—meaning they suit your
industry, lifestyle and situation. Understand what the appropriate attire is
for a particular event or gathering and then select items that correspond.
Underdressing or overdressing can alter someone’s first impression of you and
it can certainly leave you feeling uncomfortable and awkward, which definitely
doesn’t lend itself to confidence. Wear clothes that are the correct size and
fit nicely—not too tight or too loose. Invest in using a seamstress if you’ve
altered your weight or are height-challenged and need your pants shortened.
When it doubt, press it!—as ironed clothes appear newer, nicer and
crisper—leading to a more polished look. </li>
</ol>
When it comes to looking your best, comedian Billy Crystal
said it best back in his Saturday Night Live days with, “You look <i>mahvelous!</i>” When it comes to <i>being</i> your best, stunning
self-confidence is the answer I tout.<br /><br />Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-14982943449829318172018-08-31T12:06:00.001-07:002018-08-31T12:06:05.672-07:00HOLY COW! at the Wyoming State SHRM Conference on 9/20/18!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NKDfxZZHZgI" width="480"></iframe>Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-59529965275797338422018-08-31T11:53:00.001-07:002018-08-31T11:53:57.206-07:00SHRM Utah - I look forward to connecting with you at the upcoming Utah State SHRM Conference on 9/19/18!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wh9l7x1gcE4" width="480"></iframe>Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-43422280949551551832018-08-31T11:40:00.001-07:002018-08-31T11:40:20.884-07:00SHRM Louisiana - I hope to see you at ASHRM on 9/12/18!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KWLb2SL3k28" width="480"></iframe>Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678525398256977615.post-49474380416932527122018-08-05T16:50:00.001-07:002018-08-05T16:51:04.690-07:0010 Habits of the Happiest<i>Blog by Tracy Butz, Think Impact Solutions</i><br />
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Forget complicated theories. Feeling happier tomorrow, than
you are today, just might be as easy as practicing these 10 simple, yet
powerful, patterns of behavior:</div>
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<li><b>Treat kindness like
confetti.</b> Toss it around for everyone to enjoy, and as if it were free. Oh
ya, kindness is free. It’s not only free, but available to everyone to both
give and receive. You don’t have to be tall, young, thin, rich or beautiful to share
it. You only need to express it by throwing it up in the air so that anyone who
is ready and willing to feel it, does. When you demonstrate kindness to others,
perhaps by offering a nice compliment or opening the door for another person,
the chances of that individual sprinkling some kindness toward someone else dramatically
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<li><b>Start every day with
a smile.</b> While smiling is often viewed as a reaction to a positive feeling,
it can also be used to initiate joy. Consider a positive memory, perhaps
looking at a fun photograph. It’s pretty difficult to remain angry, frustrated
or disappointed when a smile is suddenly felt. A good rule to start every day
with is to look in the mirror and smile. You gotta brush your teeth anyway, so
just consider yourself not fully dressed and ready to go until you’ve put on a
smile.</li>
<li><b>Quiet “The Chatter.”</b>
Instead of listening to self-deprecating statements we tell ourselves or the
negative chants repeated in our minds, quiet the vindictive voices with motivating
mantras like, “I know I can do this,” or “I am an excellent communicator and
ready for this challenge.” Instead of being your own worst enemy, choose to be
your very best friend.</li>
<li><b>Stop to smell the flowers…literally.</b> Enjoying simple moments, like smelling fragrant flowers or listening to chirping birds, can bring a sense of calm and happiness that grounds you. “Stopping to smell the flowers” is also a reminder to slow down and enjoy the beauty of life. Live in the present with a deeper sense of love, gratitude and appreciation for all the incredible blessings life offers.</li>
<li><b>Listen to music and
sing along. </b>Just like melancholy songs supplement a sad mood, cheerful and
upbeat tunes compliment or trigger a happy mood. And according to the University
of Manchester researchers, a tiny organ in the inner ear—called the sacculus—is
connected to a part of your brain that registers pleasure. And when you sing, the
sacculus registers frequency notes, giving you a warm and nostalgic feeling. So
go ahead and belt out the words to your favorite beat.</li>
<li><b>Frolic with a furry
friend.</b> In addition to companionship, pets can provide numerous other
health benefits—both psychological and physical—like reducing stress, promotes
social interaction, and encourages physical activity, to name a few. There are
few things as consistent as coming home from work and being greeted by an
excited dog, ready to engage you and demonstrate their affection.</li>
<li><b>Infuse vitamin D.</b>
The human body produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun's rays, and research
suggests that those who are deficient in the vitamin are more likely to be
depressed, anxious, and tired. When possible, soak up the sunshine—with
caution, of course—to lighten your mood naturally. On days when the rays don’t
cooperate, a surprising source of vitamin D can also be found in mushrooms. So
throw some mushrooms into your breakfast omelet or lunchtime salad and enjoy a
quick vitamin D boost of serotonin in your brain, magically enhancing your
mood. And for non-mushroom lovers, there is still yet another solution:
chocolate! Chocolate contains tryptophan, which also boosts the production of
serotonin in the brain, leading to more delighted dispositions.</li>
<li><b>Eagerly exercise.</b>
Instead of declaring, “I’m too tired to exercise,” boost your energy and
brighten your outlook with a short walk, meditation, rhythmic breathing, yoga,
or relaxation techniques. Quell anxiety, promote serenity, and lift your mood—while
also tightening your tush.</li>
<li><b>Get more zzzzz’s.</b>
It’s been said that you only really need six hours of sleep a night to feel
rested and ready-to-go the next day. However, I know I need nine or ten hours
to be at my best. In fact, I have found that I am a more patient, friendlier,
and less sensitive to negative emotions when I get the shuteye my body demands.
Stay tuned into what your unique sleep requirements are, rather than those of
others, and concede to those needs freely.</li>
<li><b>Spend time with
people who matter.</b> Disconnect from the <i>rat-race</i>
of life and instead, reach out and connect with a trusted friend or family
member. Meaningful and positive relationships offer support, love and guidance,
which enriches our lives and provides a greater sense of purpose. Direct time
and attention to those who mean the most to you and reap the benefits those
real and lasting relationships offer. </li>
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There is only one person that can make you feel happy. You.
Take charge of how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> feel today.
Choose happiness by engaging in these 10 simple habits. Here’s to a happier you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tracy Butz, CSPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749364653077957435noreply@blogger.com0