“I am definitely going to take a course on time management. . . just as soon as I can work it into my schedule.” Louis E. Boone How do you manage your time? Do you have a strategy? Maybe a tactic or two? I would love to hear your ideas on this subject. Here are some ‘best practices’ that have helped me over the years. I continue to employ each of these tactics. Plan tomorrow today Before you go to sleep, pinpoint the three most important tasks or activities you need to … [Read more...]
Ross Brown’s Note
“The word that is heard perishes, but the letter that is written remains.” Traditional Proverbs A gentleman is walking down the rustic, creaky-sounding pier as I finish the cleanup task on my boat, now in its lift in the designated boat slip for our condo. As he approaches me, he introduces himself as Ross Brown, who is renting a condo in Building F, located on the eastern edge of our community, across the marina water channel from where we now stand. Ross is looking for help in towing … [Read more...]
Keeping it Real
“Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.” Oscar Wilde The exceptional person in our world says exactly what they are thinking in any given situation. All of us know at least one person who rarely holds back their thoughts. They stand out. Such a ‘stand out’ is my wife Carol, known by our children and me as someone who “speaks her mind.” Some in our extended family would call it frank speech. While there are times I wish Carol would hold back a few words (sometimes a sentence or two), I … [Read more...]
Because
“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” The Buddha “Because I said so!” is a familiar statement – a parental proclamation we heard during childhood and probably have asserted to our own children. Representing a tactic to accomplish compliance without further argument, the request often came at the end of a frustrating conversation with a parent. Do you remember? Perhaps, you were one of the few of us who … [Read more...]
Fishing Luck
“I believe that people make their own luck by great preparation and good strategy.” Jack Canfield “If I never catch another fish for the rest of my life, I have already caught my share.” That statement, partly in defense, was made by my dad, Alfred J. Hackbarth, in response to a question posed by a friend concerning a recent fishing trip that had not been productive. Looking back over all the fishing trips I have made over the years; I could easily make the same claim. I would be … [Read more...]
Winning at Losing
“If anything, you know, I think losing makes me even more motivated.” Serena Williams Have you ever experienced defeat? A major loss? Perhaps, it was a sports competition. Maybe, a job you sought and did not obtain. A contest you entered and never even came close to winning. A relationship you desired that never materialized. A health issue for which you were not prepared.. You purchased your ticket. You bought your chance. You entered the ring. And, then you lost. Sound familiar? Every … [Read more...]
The Waiting Room
“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” Lao Tzu He is probably in his seventies, I think. Accompanied by his wife, the gentleman follows the staff assistant into the small, crowded waiting room. Over an hour has elapsed since I arrived at the clinic – an eye clinic where I have had optical care for 30 years, always seeing the same doctor. Reflecting on three decades of association with this physician, I do not … [Read more...]
Energy
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” Benjamin Franklin We live in a busy world. Within the circle of people in my life -- retired or currently working – bored individuals, looking for another task to add to their to-do lists are nowhere to be found. Common time-related expressions we hear every single day include: “If only I had the time. . . “ “I am just too busy” “Sorry, I am late, but . . .” and, Rarely heard utterances include . . .: “I am so … [Read more...]
The Five Dollar Desk
“Success doesn’t necessarily come from breakthrough innovation but from flawless execution. A great strategy alone won’t win a game or a battle; the win comes from basic blocking and tackling.” Naveen K. Jain My parents find it at a local yard sale. It is an old chester drawers. The cost is five dollars. I am going to college and living at home with my parents in Birmingham, Alabama. The intention for the old cabinet is to create a study desk for me. A few modifications are needed, so … [Read more...]
Eggs
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” Dr. Suess Most of us can recall the Dr. Seuss children’s classic, Green Eggs and Ham, which was published in 1960. ‘Sam-I-Am’ is the name of the character who is trying to get the unnamed protagonist(whom I call the ‘Big Hat Guy’), to try green eggs and ham. The first half of the … [Read more...]
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