This is my final entry of 2010. And as I have done in the past, I am listing the top five postings for the year. I believe these entries have relevance to everyday life as we pursue success and excellence.
In 2010, The Hawg Blawg© was viewed by people from 49 countries representing 84 international cities as well as 164 cities in 37 American states. These statics testify to the fact that people everywhere recognize that they must continually invest in themselves or be left behind. Personal success is a do-it-yourself project. Granted, we need the help of others but, if we aren't participating in the game we wont score.
Success, as defined by the individual, does not come easy. But the reward is worth the journey.
I invite you to take a quick voyage through the top five 2010 posting below. The top article is reprinted in its entirety. The other four articles are summarized using the Three Part Success Summary that accompanies each article. To read the complete article— or any of the other 69 postings, go to the date as listed with the title.
2010 TOP HAWG BLAWG POSTINGS
Number One Article, 2010
Sometimes The Story Is Not About You #62 032610
I think, given the option, most people would choose to be charismatic rather than dull. That's basically a no brainer. They would prefer to be charming as opposed to unexciting. But, you don’t have to look far to discover that not everyone is charming and appealing. I know people that were born with this seemingly magnetic gift. I know others who have acquired it through experience and practice. I know a few people who have no idea what I am writing about.
Charisma, according to Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, is "a special magnetic charm or appeal." Synonyms are magnetism, allure, and magic. It seems that when a charismatic person enters a room, the meeting or party starts; excitement and fun follow.
There is no magic script a person follows to become charismatic. Yet, in being charismatic, a person emits a magic spell. I have watched charisma open doors, gain interviews, sell products and services, negotiate more favorable deals, and acquire preferred seating positions in restaurants. Traffic tickets seem to avoid people with charisma.
Small children have it. Most adults don't. Few teenagers posses it. The people who have it—children, adults or teens—have it.
Years ago, during an "aha" moment, I had an idea to create a product that would have sales managers and motivational-hungry organizations beating a path to my door. To paraphrase the famous quote of Ralph Waldo Emerson, if you build a better mouse-trap the world will make a path to your door.
My idea took form in a 4-oz. aerosol can of magic, I named "Instant Charisma." It would be my path to riches. The world never made the path to my door. People liked the product and wanted a free sample. No one wanted to pay for it. While there was not a mass market for Instant Charisma, there was a market of one. That one "customer" illustrates an important life lesson.
Trying to help our shy teenage daughter to be more extroverted, my wife and I signed her up for a high school speech class. She wasn't happy with our choice. In one of the early classes she was required to do a sales presentation for a product of her choice. I suggested she take a can of Instant Charisma and demonstrate how it helps create a positive charismatic environment to help users build confidence, command attention, and attract success—In short be a winner!
Reluctantly she took a can to class. When it was her time to present, she walked to the front of the class and asked, " Are you looking for an edge? An advantage? In my hand is a magical 4-oz. can of Instant Charisma. Each can of this personal magic contains an extraordinary combination of goal achievement and winning attitude to help you create self-motivation and magnetic charm." She then sprayed the air above her head and challenged her audience to breathe in the magic and exhale excitement.
What happened next was magic. Following the presentation her classmates began clapping and cheering. They loved the concept and the passion of her presentation and showed it. That moment twenty-five years ago changed my daughter's life, for life.
The magic wasn't in the aerosol can. The magic was in the clapping that was evidence of the support, approval and encouragement of her audience. I would love to credit the change to Instant Charisma but, twenty-five years ago when our daughter exited her cocoon to fly it was instantly, but not due to Instant Charisma. It was her classmates authentication of her worth that transformed her into a beautiful butterfly.
Her mother and I noticed the change immediately. She began to walk faster, stand taller, smile more. Sometimes the story is not about you. It's about the other person. Your encouragement and support may help them stand straighter, walk taller, smile more and take flight.
Three Point Success Summation
SUCCESS THOUGHT: Sometimes the story is not about you. It's about the other person. In one minute you may have the opportunity to not only make someone's day better, but to enhance your own self-image. Are you making the most of your opportunities to recognize and validate the uniqueness in the people you encounter?. When was the last time you spoke words of encouragement?
SUCCESS QUOTE: "Charisma is a sparkle in people that money can't buy. It's an invisible energy with visible effects."— Marianne Williamson
SUCCESS ACTION: Today and every day tell someone you are proud of them and mean it.
Number Two Article, 2010
The Nearest Exit May Be Behind You #63 051610
Three Point Success Summary
SUCCESS THOUGHT: The past is often a drag on the future. Actions that produced success in the past, even when executed brilliantly, today frequently lead to failure. Blame it on change. The great advertising executive, Bruce Barton observed, " When you are through changing, you are through." Look at a caterpillar and look at a butterfly. the only connection is change. As someone has said, "If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies."
SUCCESS QUOTE: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." —Victor Frankl
SUCCESS ACTION: You may want to adopt as a motto: "Don't look back, something might be gaining on you."
Number Three Article, 2010
A Short Pencil Is Better Than A Long Memory #59 021110
Three Point Success Summation
SUCCESS THOUGHT: While a person can help overcome the passive role of an attendee at a seminar or meeting by taking notes, the real power of retention is aided by action upon the notes one takes soon after taking the notes. Putting into practice what we learn is critical to our success.
SUCCESS QUOTE: “Set your goals to paper and you’re halfway there.” —Don Ward
SUCCESS ACTION: One idea or one piece of information can change your life. Write it down!
Number Four Article, 2010
There Never Was and Never Will Be A Free Lunch #65 80510
Three Point Success Summation
SUCCESS THOUGHT: As there is no free lunch, there is no free time. Successful people don't merely spend time. They invest it by using it wisely. People can't buy, borrow, spend or steal time. They can only barter time. Make sure in the exchange you get a good deal.
SUCCESS QUOTE: "Remember, you can earn more money, but when time is spent is gone forever." — Zig Ziglar
SUCCESS ACTION: Quickly turn a deft ear to the "beggar" who ask you, "Can you spare some time?"
Number Five Article, 2010
Triumph is Triumph. Victory is Victory. #64 61610
Three Point Success Summation
SUCCESS THOUGHT: Triumph and victory doesn't always go to the most deserving. But success and winning always go to the most serving. We should heed of the words of Victor Kiam, “You can only govern men by serving them. The rule is without exception.” Let each day be a day of renewal— a new learning experience. Never stop learning or serving.
SUCCESS QUOTE: "Success typically comes with work. But, too many people quit looking for work once they have found a job." — author unknown
SUCCESS ACTION: In whatever you are engaged, focus on the difference you can make.
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