Veronicle Blog

Most people buy an appliance, like a television, with no particular features or brand in mind. Others look for some simple features because they have to fit the television with other existing appliances they have at home. Some people look for special features to satisfy their sophisticated needs.

A few prefer to buy things custom-made, like motorcycles. Some people buy rare things such as collector items.

In each category, the choice becomes more definite, more particular, and rarer. The rarer they are, the more priceless they become.

As you can see, life offers many choices. This includes the choice on how you want yourself to be. Would you prefer to be anybody or would you rather be somebody? I’m not talking about being just somebody, but a rare somebody.

To accomplish this, your way of thinking matters a lot. Your pockets need not be full of cash, because money is not going to help you to become a rare you. Your fame is not going to be the basis of becoming a rare you either. Only the way you perceive things, and the way you make your mind work, will determine the rare you.

To set your mind according to your design, you have to start by clearing it. Take off all unneeded, unwanted, obstructing materials that tend to feed negative forces on your mind. Fear keeps holding you back, which deprives you of your opportunity to go for your goal. Doubts make you indecisive. Lack of confidence in yourself makes you think you might fail. If you have time to deal with negative thinking, surely you also have time to think positively. Try to take calculated risks. Be firm in your decisions so that you’ll move forward. Believe in yourself because if you don’t, nobody else will.

If you let negative thinking dominate you, you already lose even before you begin to aim for your goal. If you let positive forces dominate you, the wheel of progress shall roll continuously.

Custom-made motorcycles are assembled according to the likes of the owner. You can do the same to your way of thinking. Custom design your way of thinking so that you will become a unique person. People buy or order custom-made motorcycles for the same reason - so that they can own a one of a kind vehicle. Make yourself one of a kind.

Some people aim for excellence; you should be no exception. They aim for excellence because they want to and not because they have special talents. There is no prerequisite to qualify in aiming for excellence. On second thought, there is a prerequisite. You have to have a master’s degree. You have to be the master of your own thought, to think positively and not to be a slave to negative thinking.

Just like a vintage car wherein all the parts must remain original, the way you think should also be directed to the fulfillment of your goal. Positive thoughts are similar to the original parts of a vintage car. Any replacement part that doesn’t conform to its originality ruins the value of the car. Similarly, you’re born with thoughts that lean to the positive. Any kind of negative thinking will ruin your essence. The way you think can make you who you want to be.

Greg is the founder of E-Motivated.com. Head on over to this Goal Setting System Resource Site now, to discover more about some of the truly unusual, and extremely effective methods you can use to get exactly what you want out of life with as little of your valuable time as possible! http://www.e-motivated.com

Comments Off

It is said that when someone asked John D. Rockefeller how much
money he thought Americans really needed he answered with…just
a little bit more. If this is so then people who switch bank
accounts to gain a tiny percentage better interest on their
money are still on the same road as any gain driven, portfolio
conscience, and millionaire questing entrepreneur among us.

That the hot pursuit of money can pull someone away from all
other matters in life is now becoming more obvious in America.
Some people who have made their first million and more are
turning to something else for fulfillment. Some are becoming
volunteers, others are joining religious movements and still
others are giving their money away to help those less fortunate.
Why is this happening?

I have traveled through a lot of the world and have developed an
obvious bias when it comes to Americans. Besides being the most
stubborn, silly and obstinate people on earth I am sure they are
the kindest people as well. The level of caring for others here
outshines anything I have seen worldwide. On the collective
level Americans often raise more money and send more aid the
people of foreign countries than their own governments raise to
help. On the personal level the stories of generosity and
kindness are countless. It is a matter of the heart I’m sure.

As a boy my mother drove me to the town square to do a few
errands with her. She told me to go to the news stand and buy
her daily paper while she went to do an errand. I wandered
slowly down the street window shopping as I went with my
imagination in high gear, it was Christmas time and I was
dreaming of all the things I though Id like to have at that time
when it was most likely I might get them.

I was within a block of the news stand clutching the fifteen
cents tightly in my hand for the paper. I passed by the doorway
of an unoccupied building and there sitting on a tiny wooded
platform was a legless man. Shabbily dressed and unshaven he sat
shivering in the cold with an old tin can in front of him
stuffed with a few yellow pencils. He called
out…pencils…five cents. I froze in my tracks and gazed at
him. My emotions were a rock hitting the calm waters of a pool
sending splashes and effects everywhere at once. I had not seen
anything like that yet in my life.

A sense I could not explain or describe gripped my heart. I gave
him the fifteen cents and stepped back as he tried to give me
three pencils. I said …no, sell those to someone else, and
then I ran. My mother scolded me when I explained what I had
done but I couldn’t hear her very well. All I could do is to
think about that man and his condition for hours, even days to
come. Up to then I had paid little attention to higher morals,
right and wrong or religious teachings. I was just too busy
being a boy. What made me stop and give him the money puzzled me
for years. I know now it was something I am made of and not
something I learned.

That is what I mean about Americans although not all. They are
made of something different. I can only guess that it the grace
of God still lingering on a nation that hasn’t given up
completely on things that are right and faith in a living God.
When they do turn from these things it seems they don’t notice
it too well because they do it by degrees. With the distraction
of so much information and education along with the profusion of
entertainment and recreational options it seems Americans are
drifting. They aren’t just drifting from higher principles but
from higher purpose. They are learning what everything is made
of but forgetting what they are made of.

Some temptations are more universal than others. Most people
will not become Presidents or statesmen and most will not become
well known actors or performers. But many people realize that in
today’s booming economy there is opportunity to become very
rich. At the very least there is opportunity to get…just a
little bit more.

If the unbridled pursuit of just a little more money can pull
people away from God’s message to them, then it is reasonable to
think that it can pull them away from many other things as
well…even themselves or who they really are.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have
heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and
pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. Luke
8:14

Comments Off

Recently at a Pharmaceutical meeting in Europe, one of the presenters shared the results of a recent study that demonstrated that Managers who were trained in Eight Step Coaching Skills were out selling DM’s who were not trained in the program. This quantitative data seems to support that the cornerstone of success lies in effective leadership coaching and diagnosing the needs of the Representatives. However, it is not simply a matter of being trained. Managers must overcome day to day hurdles to be an effective coach. It takes a knowledge of the skills plus the courage to open up sensitive and important topics with others. It takes time, a precious commodity in a DM’s week. It takes self-control over our emotions when someone doesn’t measure up on an important mission that we, as Managers care about. When we coach, we run a risk of opening up conflict, differences, and misunderstandings that can create discomfort. In short, “coaching is easier said than done.” But the results will be worth it if we are consistent and rigorous at using coaching skills.

Some DM’s often ask us: “Is it Coaching Skills or Coaching Steps?” Clearly the heart of the Eight Step Coaching Model is composed of skills. The primary focus on skills and behaviors differentiates the Eight Step Coaching Model from other coaching training. For example, we call Step One, “Be Supportive,” and it depends on skillfully listening, giving recognition, and building collaboration. Likewise, Step Two, “Define the Topic and Needs,” requires the Manager to have good feedback skills, good questioning and inquiry skills, and the ability to define and clarify expectations.

The word “steps” simply means that there is a building process in progress when you coach. The word “steps” implies that there is a conceptual sequence. It doesn’t mean that every time you speak with a Representative you have to force yourself through every step. Sometimes you have to coach quickly. An example may be coaching in between physician calls and you want to help the Representative with their skills. In this example, you can coach “fast;” you can cut right to the topic and plan. In other situations, you want to cover more steps or more skills in order to orchestrate a successful coaching experience. If you want to speak with a Representative about a larger topic, such as teamwork, goal attainment, or participation in meetings, you will definitely need to reserve more time and pull in more skills or steps. The key is flexibility. You need to know the steps or skills thoroughly and then draw on the steps that are appropriate for each situation. As you practice the Eight Step Coaching Model and apply it often, you become more natural. The more you experience the Model, you hardly realize that you are even following the process.

We hope you are not confused by the term “steps.” Think of it as a process that contains certain elements or skills and don’t look at coaching as a rigid, formal process. In one study, we discovered that Managers were three times more likely to use the Eight Step Coaching Model in spontaneous and informal applications than in planned, formal, more lengthy discussions. When you are in a formal situation, we suggest you plan ahead, review the Model, and prepare yourself in advance. When a coaching moment emerges informally or unexpectedly, we suggest you pick and choose the skills or steps that you want to bring out at that moment. Remember coaching is a process, so follow up and fill in any gaps that are created when you are coaching informally or “on the spot.”

Coaching is a vital part of a DM’s job. We get results through the efforts of our Representatives. The most non-supportive thing we can do to a Representative is to “not coach.” Effective leadership coaching will lead to a healthy relationship with your Representative. A recent study indicated that a key reason why people leave companies is because of a poor relationship with their Supervisor. We need to retain our quality people in order to be competitive over the long-term.

If you would like to learn more about leadership coaching or other CMOE management training programs, please contact a Regional Manager at (801)569-3444.

Comments Off

In modern society, most of us can’t avoid stress. But we can
learn to behave in ways that lessen its effects. Researchers
have identified a number of factors that affect one’s
vulnerability to stress - among them are eating and sleeping
habits, caffeine and alcohol intake, and how we express our
emotions. The following questionnaire is designed to help you
discover your vulnerability quotient and to pinpoint trouble
spots. Rate each item from 1 (always) to 5 (never), according to
how much of the time the statement is true of you. Be sure to
mark each item, even if it does not apply to you - for example,
if you don’t smoke, circle 1 next to item six. To get your
score, add up the figures and subtract 20. A score below 10
indicates excellent resistance to stress. A score over 30
indicates some vulnerability to stress; you are seriously
vulnerable if your score is over 50. You can make yourself less
vulnerable by reviewing the items on which you scored three or
higher and trying to modify them. Notice that nearly all of them
describe situations and behaviors over which you have a great
deal of control. Concentrate first on those that are easiest to
change - for example, eating a hot, balanced meal daily and
having fun at least once a week - before tackling those that
seem difficult. Bills are piling up, the front lawn is a jungle,
and you can’t remember what your desk looks like under those
stacks of paper. If only you had more time. We’ve all said it at
one time or another. Lack of time can be a major source of
stress. As demands of daily living grow, more and more of us
feel there just aren’t enough hours in a day to do everything
that needs to get done. Teaching people how to manage their time
is now an American enterprise. There are time-management books,
tapes, workshops, and seminars to make us more efficient. Day
planners, organizers, and calendars help us remember and
organize things. We even have personal coaches to help us turn
chaotic lives into more orderly ones. Time Is On Your Side
Learning to better manage your time can make you feel more in
control of your life. That can reduce stress. If you can get a
handle on how you spend your time, you’ll be able to work
smarter and function better at home and away. You’ll relax more,
be less stressed, find your goals are within easier reach, and
have more time for yourself. You’ll also be proud of how
organized you’ve become! Sound impossible? It’s not! Here are
some ways to become a wise time manager wherever you are: Get
Organized. You can waste a lot of time looking for things you’ve
misplaced, trying to make plans or decisions at the last minute,
or putting things off for later. Clean up your desk and office
by making places to store things — file cabinets, notice
boards, in- and out-boxes “to read” and “bill-paying” trays –
even a shredder! Make files, update your rolodex, and organize
your pantry and drawers so you can find things more easily.
What’s that you say? These things take time and you already
don’t have enough time? Putting in some extra time to get
organized will save you a lot of time in the long run. And don’t
try to do all your organizing in one day. Tackle just one drawer
or closet each weekend. Sort through a pile every other day
until you get through all of them. Keep a day planner or
calendar handy and use it. Post all your important telephone
numbers and email addresses in an easy-to-see place so you don’t
have to keep looking them up. Make a schedule for bill-paying
day, laundry day, grocery shopping day, and library day. Make
“to do” lists and check off tasks once they’re done. This will
show progress and help you feel like you’re getting things done
when you don’t think you are. Set Priorities . List the things
you must get done in a day. Be realistic. Writing down how much
time you expect each activity to take helps. The most important
things go at the top of your list. Focus on getting those done
during your high-energy time of day. Bump the less important
tasks to the next day or week if you can’t get to them. And
don’t beat yourself up if you don’t. Remind yourself that there
are only so many hours in a day and you’re doing the best you
can. Nobody’s perfect! Stay Focused. If you’re working on a
project, close your office door, ignore the phone and email
messages, tell family members or coworkers you’re unavailable -
try to get rid of all the distractions that prevent you from
finishing your task. Distractions can cause stress. And the
stress gets worse because you didn’t finish the job you set out
to do even though you made the time. Schedule a half hour at the
start and middle of the day to review and respond to emails and
phone calls. Allow another 30 minutes at end of the day to wrap
up for the day and get organized for the next one. Multitask
Wisely . Why not kill two birds with one stone when you can? For
instance, write Christmas cards or update your rolodex while
you’re watching television. Don’t get carried away with
multitasking, though. That may lead to more stress and even be
dangerous. Shaving, sending a fax, or sitting in on an important
conference call while you’re driving is downright dangerous! Get
Help. Decide what you realistically can do in the time you have
and get help doing the rest. Lighten your load by asking someone
to run an errand while you’re cleaning the house for company.
That lets you receive your guests more graciously when they
arrive. Getting a coworker to pitch in on a big project shows
you can delegate work and get things done. With a little
practice, you can become quite good at managing your personal
and professional time. Not only will you become more efficient,
you’ll have less stress.

Comments Off

My friend called me this morning from her favorite coffee shop. She was taking a break from work. I sensed frustration in her voice. Something clearly was on her mind. After a few minutes of small talk I invited her to tell me what was going on.

She took a deep breath and told me that she was once again, dissatisfied with her job, and for that matter - her life.

This information, or should I say complaint, wasn’t new news. If I were a betting woman, the minute I heard the frustration in her voice, I would have guessed what was going on and where the conversation was headed. We’ve been here before. My friend has been struggling with this issue for years.

There have been many times throughout our years as friends that I’ve been happy to explore options, problem solve, and come up with creative action plans for her to follow. She’s brilliant, self-analyzing, and willing to look at the truth about herself. Always, by the end of our conversations, she’s excited, inspired and motivated to make the necessary life changes and yet, nothing changes. She continuously finds a million good reasons to talk herself out of changing her life.

Why, I wonder to myself, can’t she - and many people like her, find their way out of their own, self imposed paper bag!

My friend is caught in an endless loop of her own brilliant, yet limited thinking. Even when she gets advice or makes a plan to follow, left to her own devices she will ultimately find a way to talk herself out of making the change. She’s like a rat in a labyrinth, twisting her way through the endless corridors of her own often-limited logic, and that is frustrating, both for her, and to watch.

So, why is this? What creates this all too familiar human challenge? The answer’s simple. You can’t see yourself. Sometimes, trying to solve your own problems is like trying to see your own eyes. Try as you might, without a mirror, you’ll never be successful at gazing directly upon the windows of your own soul. The only way to see your own eyes is to look into a reflection.

The reflection I’m talking about in this case is called perspective. Seeking outside perspective, from a professional, not just a friend, can help you deal with and move through your challenges. It’s the way out of the paper bag. It’s the flashlight that provides illumination when the world is dark.

Are you, or someone you know lost inside your own paper bag? Here are some suggestions for taking the first step into the light:

Are you resistant to ask for outside help? Is it simply stubbornness? Unfortunately, some of the cultural view defines us as weak if we ask for help. Challenge this belief. Choose to align with the available wisdom accessible to you.

Is there an underlying issue at the root? Lack of confidence, self-esteem, or fear can be real and debilitating. Consider handling your issue with a mental health professional. You can make all the action plans in the world but, if there is an underlying issue not resolved, you will always wind up back in the old familiar paper bag.

Do you need a good kick in the pants? Making a change is kind of like starting to exercise after you haven’t done it for a while. It’s hard to get started, but once you do, it feels great. Define for yourself the benefit you will receive from handling the problem. Then, use the benefit to create inspiration and incentive to take that first step. This is where a friend can come in…ask them to provide the kick in the pants you need.

I was delighted when my friend called me back later that day and told me she found a therapist and was committed to working through what ever was in her way. I’m proud of her and will be supportive as she takes this first tender step.

She will now have a mirror to reflect back the beauty of her own eyes and live the life she’s always wanted to live. I’m excited for her.

It’s YOUR life…live it completely!

Helaine is a professional coach and writer, who has been featured in numerous publications, including “O” The Oprah Magazine. She helps entrepreneurs and professional women accelerate their professional success, while achieving a more complete and fulfilling personal life. For a free consultation, contact her at 603-357-8546 to discuss how she can help you accelerate your own success. You may also visit her website, http://www.pathofpurpose.com, or email your questions to helaine@pathofpurpose.com.

Comments Off

Amadeus Home Music School Getting Bad Rap

It is terrible how easy it is to make trouble for people on the Internet. I found this out when my sister and I both agreed to take lessons with the Amadeus Home Music SchoolAmadeus Home Music School. Amadeus is a new school that sends a music teacher to your home for private lessons. It is very convenient and seemed like a good idea at the time.

Unfortunately, both my sister and I didn’t click with the teachers they sent us. They were too strict and we didn’t think it was a good match. I called the school and told them that I wanted another teacher who was a little more relaxed. They sent a young lady the next week and things have been fine. My sister also called the school but she took another direction.

She said that she didn’t like her teacher; she was taking violin lessons and wanted her money back. The school told her that she signed a contract and that they could not return her money, but they would keep sending her teachers until she found the one she liked. Being a bit of a hothead, my sister jumped right onto the Internet and wrote article after blasting the school. She called them crooks, scam artists and every other name in the book. I got her to admit that she was the one in the wrong and I even made her agree to take back what she said on the complaint bulletin boards. But she wasn’t able to take back what she said.

I am writing this article to try to balance the unfair comments made by my sister. Amadeus Home Music School provides a good product and I hope they continue to be successful.

Comments Off