Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Taking Time Off Is Not A Waste Of Time

Lately, I've been hearing a lot people complaining that they are overwhelmed and stressed out over their jobs. One way to remedy work-related stress and overwhelm is to simply take some time off, even for just a short while, and do something that lifts you spirit. Why not? You deserve it!

Unfortunately, there are those who insist that they can't afford to spend time outside of the realm of their jobs and careers. In actuality, when you think of the consequences, you really can't afford not to. Taking time off is not a waste of time. It's a recharging of your inner battery.

This year I've been working diligently on a variety of new projects. These past few weeks I noticed I was feeling very anxious and my optimistic attitude was dissipating. I felt like I wasn't reaping the fruits of my labor fast enough and I had serious doubts they I ever would. It was obvious to me that the door to the "Negative Zone" was wide open and I was about to walk in. I wasn't going to let that happen.

I decided to take a four day weekend off from work, free from e-mails, cell phones, and text messages. In other words, I was putting my career on temporary hold. I promised myself that I would not take my job home with me and I would not make any decisions regarding my new projects. My only goal was to engage in activities that would make me feel good. That's exactly what I did.

Within those four days I read a book, spent quality time with my wife and family members, (4 Labs and 6 Exotic Birds) invited some friends for dinner and laughed my butt off!! These are the very things that nourish my soul and connect me to spirit. Somewhere along the way I lost site of that.

Taking time off was very refreshing to say the least. It made me realize that I was blowing most of my concerns out of proportion. I simply got caught up. We all do from time to time. This special time-out gave me the positive energy I needed to move forward with clarity and confidence.

I'm not asking you to run away from your problems at work. I'm suggesting that you simply step away. When you step away from the worry and chaos that so often comes with success, you are not quitting. You're energizing your spirit. And don't be surprised when you go back to work with solutions to problems and new insights on the very things that were causing you to feel stressed and overwhelmed.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Enjoy The Roses Outside Your Window Today


I just read something from Dale Carnegie and I want to share it with you. "One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon--instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."

Read that again. I believe this is the main reason why so many people are unhappy today. Waiting for something in the future to make you happy and focusing on what you don't have in the present, will always keep you from enjoying your life now.

I am constantly amazed by the ways that people manage to deny themselves the chance at present happiness. Instead, they fall pray to dangerous mindsets that decrease their potential for happiness. They put their happiness on hold when they repeat and internalize statements like. "I'll be happy when I'm able to retire." or "I would be happy if I made more money." or "When I can finally by a house, I'll be less stressed and I can enjoy myself."

Statements that focus on what you lack in the present or predicate happiness on a future event, assassinate chances at enjoyment as they happen in the moment.

The good news is fresh opportunities to be happy are like a Grand Central Station of life enjoyment. Wait for it...Ah. There's one now, right on time, right in front of you.

The opportunity to be happy has already arrived. It's been there the whole time, right in front of you. For whatever reason, you have been unable to shift your focus and way of thinking to notice it, bless it and appreciate it.

Regardless of what you don't have and no matter what is transpiring to you or around you, there is always something to be grateful for in the moment! ALWAYS!!! Hold on to that something and feel it with your heart and soul. Then notice how much better you feel.

Monday, August 2, 2010

A Change In Direction

Last week I was attending a National Speakers Association conference at The Marriott World Hotel in Orlando FL. On Sunday Evening a group of us were sitting in the lobby area telling stories, laughing and having fun. Then someone said, "Hey Steve, why did you quit stand-up-comedy? I always thought you were one of the best and I was a big fan."

Everyone was staring and waiting for my response. I paused for a few moments, thanked him for the compliment and then I answered his question. "I never quit stand-up-comedy. I simply changed directions. I guess you could say I had a calling to do something else."

That wasn't the first time I was asked that question. I know it won't be the last. There have been times when I wondered where I would be today had I continued to pursue my comedy career. But one thing is certain; I have no regrets. I made the right decision.

Yes, I did walk away from a promising career as stand-up-comedian. No, it wasn't easy. In fact it was very difficult. One thing I learned throughout this entire process is that just because you're very good at something, doesn't mean it's what you're supposed to do.

I now offer a unique and insightful perspective on the journey that brought me to where I stand today. My quest to remove the boundaries that were keeping me from the life I truly desired has brought my work full circle. I now understand that all of my past experiences were necessary to prepare me for my true calling. To help people learn how to be happy and successful, no matter what their circumstances are.

I have spent much of my life learning how to pursue and achieve my own definition of success. That definition has evolved to include showing others my blueprint for realizing their dreams; achieving personal and professional excellence, regardless of the labels they are currently wearing. Yes I'm still funny, but if they laugh while they learn, then that's just an added bonus.