Is this your track?

Not so sure why I have been on this train kick lately.  Maybe it’s because we see adventure and romance when we see a  train coming by.  Where has that train been and more importantly, where is it going?

Changing our lives which typically means changing careers either by choice or by circumstance is always somewhat scary to most of us.  But if we look at these changes like boarding a train, what are the possible destinations.

We all know that each journey has a beginning and an end.  How we view that journey is left totally up to us.  If we go in knowing that there will be bumps and that the rewards are not necessarily at the beginning of the journey, but that each and every leg of the trip has its own rewards.

We need to remind ourselves that not all of the answers that we are looking for will be right in front of us.  Our journey may require boarding more than one train.  But if we don’t board the trains that life offers, we may never realize our own potential nor realize our dreams.

So, when the next train comes your way, jump on board with joy and enthusiasm and savor each and every success or failure.  Take advantage of everything that the journey has to offer.  Don’t let the train pass you by.

“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
~Will Rogers~

Ever wonder why we are attracted to colors and how they affect our moods or how retailers use colors to entice us into buying more?  Well that’s because colors stimulate our brains and nervous systems in different, but positive ways.

Red is a great motivating color.  A Japanese study found that we are more motivated to exercise – enjoy the workout more – when surrounded by red.  Why? Seeing red increases the heart rate, circulation and adrenaline.  All three inspire us to be active.

Blue inspires imagination, and thinking out-of-the-box, according to Canadian researches.  It has a relaxing influence which allows you to think more creatively.  Wear blue to instill confidence.  Think about police officers, military officers and airline pilots!  We think of people wearing blue as leaders.

Yellow is the attention grabber.  Post It notes were originally done in bright yellow.  When something is highlighted in yellow, it is more memorable to the brain.  It is also a cheerful and optimistic color that conveys joy and warmth, so wearing it attracts others to you.

Green is most associated with nature and has a calming effect on you.  If you work at a computer all day, take a break and some green in.  We associate green with good luck, wealth and nurturing and we tend to have a more positive attitude toward anyone who is wearing green.  Dutch research tells us that green makes people more open to your point of view.

Purple intensifies your intuition.  Because it combines the calmness of blue and the excitement of red, it makes you more sensitive to everything around you.   Purple is also associated with royalty.  So people who wear purple are perceived as regal and exotic and for good reason.  Long ago purple dye was rare and expensive, so only wealthy people could afford it.  Today, we still associate it with power.  Think of Mardi Gras!

Pink calms you by soothing your hypothalamus, the part of your brain responsible for emotions.  It can even reduce muscle tension.  Wear it to make you look younger.  Women in pink are perceived as younger not only because it casts a rosy glow, but also because we project positive traits to anyone associated with it.

                                                              http://allflowers1.blogspot.com/2011/09/black-flowers.html

Black is the color of authority and power.  Black not only makes you look thinner, but you will feel strong and invulnerable.  It also make some people feel more empowered.  And of course, it is stylish and timeless.

Something to think about when you are going through your closet for that important meeting!

Leslie

“Diligence is the mother of good fortune.”

~Benjamin Disraeli~   

dil-i-gence  (n.)

1. Earnest and persistent application to an undertaking; steady effort; assiduity.

2. Attentive care; heedfulness

Time management in this day of surfing the internet, Facebook, Twitter are all of the distractions that can consume our time and attention.  Our resolve to be better at completing tasks can certainly go by the wayside within just a few days of that promise to do better this year.

DILIGENCE  is the word that comes to mind when trying to get through all of the distractions and staying on task, whatever that may be.

How many people truly utilitize the skill of diligence?  Very few, perhaps only a handful in a thousand.  We all believe that we that we understand the true meaning of true diligence.  Not so fast.  King Solomon relates Diligence to a trait that is as rare as a ten-carat diamond.

Why is it so rare?  Because,  true diligence runs contrary to human nature.  Our desire for instant gratification leads us to follow the path of least resistance.  Fortunately, we can CHOOSE to follow a path of greater resistance and exercise diligence in our pursuit of any endeavor, project or goal.  Investing in one’s  days, hours and minutes will bring a return on the time and effort invested.

Persistance working efficiently and effectively is a product of Diligence (a learnable skill)

Try these tips to become more diligent in reaching your goals.

Set and accomplish smaller tasks.  This helps to build confidence which makes is easier to tackle larger goals.  Be diligent by continually assessing your progress.  Don’t give up because you have not been totally successful.  STAY DILIGENT!

Identify your problems and devise ways of avoiding negative behaviors.  Correcting bad habits will build your self-confidence.  Have a buddy or a role model to help keep you focused.

Stay positive.  Negative attitudes about yourself and your abilities will always win if you allow them into your head.  Be diligent about reminding yourself of your motivations.

Remain diligent by limiting distractions.  Remove negative influences from your life.  This can include relationships or activities which may keep you from realizing your goals.

Positive outlets are a great way to reduce stress and remove doubts.  Join an exercise class, take up painting, or cooking.  Just do something that keeps you motivated.  Learn to say “no” to destructive habits.

My goal is to be diligent in pursuing my time management goals!  Let me know what strategies you are using to stay on track.

Leslie