Wednesday, October 29, 2014

13 Things The Most Successful People Do with the Last 10 Minutes of Their Work Day!

1. They update their to-do lists. Successful professionals always keep an eye on their ever-changing to-do lists, Taylor explains. "But the last 10 minutes is when they also check their final progress against that day's objectives," she says. "They revise their final list accordingly while in the moment, rather than abruptly leave and hoping they'll remember all the nuances of that day in the morning." 2. They organize their desk and desktop. Your projects take much longer to complete when you're not organized. "Having an orderly desktop and desk will help you think more clearly and prioritize more effectively. It'll also help you quickly find important documents when you need them," says Taylor. "File digital and hard copy documents for easier access and greater efficiency when you need them next." 3. They review what they achieved. Taylor says in addition to focusing on what you still need to do, it's important to look back on what you've done. Kerr agrees. "Taking even one minute to review what you achieved can give you a sense of accomplishment, and on a particularly trying and busy day it can remind you that you got more done than you realized," he says. "Happiness research tells us that doing a simple routine like this, and taking the time to reflect on what you accomplished, is a key way to boost your overall level of happiness." 4. They take a moment to reflect on the day. Successful people not only think about the projects they've handled that day; they try to analyze when and why things went right and wrong. "Savvy professionals know that if they're not learning, they're not growing," says Taylor. 5. They vet 'urgent' communications. You're down to the wire on your day, but the communications keep flowing; some urgent and some not — but all at the last minute. "This is when your time management skills are put to the test," says Taylor. "Successful people are able to decide what requires a response and what can wait." You want to defer long conversations that are sensitive until you and your colleague are at your best: in the morning. "Consider a response that suggests the discussion be held at a specific time the next day," she says. "Otherwise, the matter could last well into the evening when your mutual energy is low and you feel rushed. This deferral also gives you overnight to step back and think through your immediate reaction." 6. They stay focused. "This is a classic time when your mind can drift," Taylor explains. "Typically, you're not as sharp at the end of the day." Try not to allow yourself to get distracted or caught up in non-work related activities at the very end of the day. 7. They determine their primary goals for tomorrow. Successful people have a list of items ready for the morning, and they identify their primary objectives for the following day. "You may have two or three of them that are top of mind, but commit them to writing so you have a core foundation to work from the next morning," says Taylor. "The more you can get everything down on paper that is swirling through your mind, the more likely it is you'll be able to focus on the rest of your life with a clear head and be prepared and ready to go the following day," adds Kerr. 8. They let colleagues know how accessible they'll be between now and the morning. The most successful people take a minute to determine how accessible they can and need to be between now and the following day, and then they communicate that to whoever needs to know. "Are you going 'completely dark' with absolutely no contact with your office via text, email, or phone? Or are certain exceptions being made?" Kerr asks. "This will change day to day, and there's not necessarily one right answer. The most important question to ask yourself is, 'What mix of contact/accessibility will allow me the greatest peace of mind during my off hours?'" 9. They review their schedule for the next morning. There's no worse way to start your day than arriving at the office and learning you have a big meeting in five minutes. "Successful people know to review their schedule and plan for the following day — and most importantly, visualize how the day will unfold," Kerr says. This will allow you to go into the next workday feeling better prepared, more confident, and less stressed. 10. They say thank you to someone. Great workplaces are built on a foundation of gratitude and recognition. "Creating a habit around thanking someone at the end of your workday is an incredibly effective way to boost your own happiness level and allow yourself and others to leave on a high note," says Kerr. 11. They say their goodbyes. A friendly "goodnight" is highly underestimated and requires very little effort. "It reminds your boss and team that you are a human being, not just a colleague," Taylor says. It also gives your coworkers a heads up that you're leaving for the day. 12. They leave on a positive note. Before you head out, give yourself a psychological boost by smiling, Taylor recommends. "It will prepare you to exude a more upbeat vibe as you check out with your coworkers." Successful leaders leave a good impression at the day's end, as that's the demeanor that sticks until the next morning. 13. They actually leave. Successful people avoid the temptation to linger. They know how important work-life balance is, so they try to leave the office at a decent hour. "Staying around for no good reason will limit your level of energy and success when you need it tomorrow," Taylor explains. Lisa Ekanger

Sunday, October 26, 2014

The Journey By Mary Oliver

The Journey One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice-- though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug at your ankles. "Mend my life!" each voice cried. But you didn't stop. You knew what you had to do, though the wind pried with its stiff fingers at the very foundations, though their melancholy was terrible. It was already late enough, and a wild night, and the road full of fallen branches and stones. But little by little, as you left their voices behind, the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do-- determined to save the only life you could save. Lisa Ekanger Your Hometown Realtor!

Friday, October 24, 2014

10,000 angels waiting ...

What if today was your "last" day, Lisa, or this week was your "last" week, and heaven had 10,000 angels waiting to serenade you, dancers waiting to dance with you, and reporters waiting to interview you? Is there a grudge you'd still hold? Something you'd still regret? An unhappy memory that would matter more than forever and ever? Nada, baby - The Universe Lisa Ekanger

Monday, October 20, 2014

You already know this!

It's odd how people like to be told what they already know, as if being told makes it more real. This is why the number-one thing the dead want to tell you is that no one dies. Not ever. Not anyone. Including you. You're going to live forever, gallivanting throughout realities and dimensions unimaginable, carried onward by love, all misdeeds forgiven, infinite possibilities on deck, surrounded by friends and laughter, unicorns mermaids and rainbows, celebrated as the goddess you are. But you knew that, The Universe Lisa Ekanger

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Play it safe or take a chance ~ Z. Ziglar

At first glance this column heading seems to be contradictory, but it is absolutely true that the person who won't take a chance hasn't got a chance. For example, when you invest in the stock market, you are taking a chance. There is risk involved. But, historically speaking, if you invest sensibly and go for the long haul, your returns will be consistent and appreciably larger than you would receive from an interest-only deposit. Homeowners take a chance when they rent their home because most tenants will not take care of the home as conscientiously as the owner of the home. However, any real estate agent will tell you that it is a far greater risk to leave the home empty because it deteriorates much faster empty than it will when it is occupied. After all, homes are built to be lived in. The ship which leaves harbor runs certain risks because of currents, possible storms, or potential collision with other ships - all of which can create real hazards. However, the ship is at greater risk if it is simply idle at anchor. It will collect barnacles faster and become unseaworthy faster in the safety of the harbor than it will while sailing the high seas. And, after all, that's why ships are built. The farmer takes a huge risk when he plows the soil, plants and fertilizes the seed, and puts insecticide on the plants or trees to protect them from insects. He puts his sweat and time in the project and is at the mercy of the weather until the crop is harvested. It's risky, all right, but if he didn't take that risk, the land would provide little, if any, return, his family would suffer, and you and I would go without many of the things we take for granted. In life we undergo certain risks and if we simply play everything safe, we do not have a chance. So, take a chance and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP! Lisa Ekanger

Monday, October 13, 2014

From The Amazing Poet Mary Oliver!

“Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields…Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.” ~ Mary Oliver “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” ~ Mary Oliver “Love yourself. Then forget it. Then, love the world.” ~ Mary Oliver “Said the river: imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going.” ~ Mary Oliver “The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave to it neither power nor time.” ~ Mary Oliver “Ten times a day something happens to me like this – some strengthening throb of amazement – some good sweet empathic ping and swell. This is the first, the wildest and the wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.” ~ Mary Oliver “Still, what I want in my life is to be willing to be dazzled—to cast aside the weight of facts and maybe even to float a little above this difficult world.” ~ Mary Oliver “Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed.” ~ Mary Oliver “I read the way a person might swim, to save his or her life. I wrote that way too.” ~ Mary Oliver “And now I understand something so frightening & wonderful-how the mind clings to the road it knows, rushing through crossroads, sticking like lint to the familiar.” ~ Mary Oliver “I tell you this to break your heart, by which I mean only that it break open and never close again to the rest of the world.” ~ Mary Oliver “But I also say this: that light is an invitation to happiness, and that happiness, when it's done right, is a kind of holiness, palpable and redemptive. ” ~ Mary Oliver “Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.” ~ Mary Oliver “it is a serious thing // just to be alive / on this fresh morning / in this broken world.” ~ Mary Oliver “Do you love this world? Do you cherish your humble and silky life? Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath?” ~ Mary Oliver “I believe in kindness. Also in mischief.” ~ Mary Oliver “And to tell the truth I don't want to let go of the wrists of idleness, I don't want to sell my life for money, I don't even want to come in out of the rain.” ~ Mary Oliver “So come to the pond, or the river of your imagination, or the harbor of your longing, and put your lips to the world. And live your life.” ~ Mary Oliver “I want to think again of dangerous and noble things. I want to be light and frolicsome. I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing, as though I had wings.” ~ Mary Oliver “Every day I see or hear something that more or less kills me with delight, that leaves me like a needle in the haystack of light.” ~ Mary Oliver “I held my breath as we do sometimes to stop time when something wonderful has touched us…” ~ Mary Oliver “maybe death isn't darkness, after all, but so much light wrapping itself around us–” ~ Mary Oliver “And that is just the point… how the world, moist and beautiful, calls to each of us to make a new and serious response. That's the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. "Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?” ~ Mary Oliver “You must not ever stop being whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.” ~ Mary Oliver “Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” ~ Mary Oliver “As long as you're dancing, you can break the rules. Sometimes breaking the rules is just extending the rules. Sometimes there are no rules.” ~ Mary Oliver - Lisa Ekanger!

The soul exists, and its...

“Ten times a day something happens to me like this – some strengthening throb of amazement – some good sweet empathic ping and swell. This is the first, the wildest and the wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.” ~ Mary Oliver Lisa Ekanger

Saturday, October 11, 2014

There will never be a replacement for a charismatic personality!

Personal branding through social media may help you build your professional network, but there will never be a replacement for a charismatic personality. Napoleon Hill, author of "Think and Grow Rich" — one of the top-selling books of all time — wrote about the habits of the most likable people in his essay "Develop A Pleasing Personality," published in the forthcoming collection "The Science of Success." He introduced his steps to having a "million-dollar personality" by explaining it was steel magnate Charles M. Schwab's charming demeanor that in the late 19th century elevated him from day laborer to an executive with a $75,000 salary and a frequent million-dollar bonus (astronomical numbers for the time). Schwab's boss, the legendary industrialist Andrew Carnegie said "the yearly salary was for the work Schwab performed, but the bonus was for what Schwab, with his pleasing personality, could get others to do," Hill writes. Here are Hill's 14 habits of people who are so likable that others go out of their way to help them: 1. They develop a positive mental attitude and let it be seen and felt by others. It's often easier to give into cynicism, but those who choose to be positive set themselves up for success and have better reputations. 2. They always speak in a carefully disciplined, friendly tone. The best communicators speak deliberately and confidently, which gives their voice a pleasing sound. 3. They pay close attention to someone speaking to them. Using a conversation as an opportunity to lecture someone "may feed the ego, but it never attracts people or makes friends," Hill says. 4. They are able to maintain their composure in all circumstances. An overreaction to something either positive or negative can give people a poor impression. In the latter case, says Hill, "Remember that silence may be much more effective than your angry words." 5. They are patient. "Remember that proper timing of your words and acts may give you a big advantage over impatient people," Hill writes. 6. They keep an open mind. Those who close themselves off from certain ideas and associate only with like-minded people are missing out on not only personal growth but also opportunities for advancing their careers. 7. They smile when speaking with others. Hill says that president Franklin D. Roosevelt's greatest asset was his "million-dollar smile," which allowed people to lower their guards during conversation. 8. They know that not all their thoughts need to be expressed. The most likable people know that it's not worth offending people by expressing all their thoughts, even if they happen to be true. 9. They don't procrastinate. Procrastination communicates to people that you're afraid of taking action, Hill says, and are therefore ineffective. 10. They engage in at least one good deed a day. The best networkers help other people out without expecting anything in return. 11. They find a lesson in failure rather than brood over it. People admire those who grow from failure rather than wallow in it. "Express your gratitude for having gained a measure of wisdom, which would not have come without defeat," Hill says. 12. They act as if the person they are speaking to is the most important person in the world. The most likable people use conversations as an opportunity to learn about another person and give them time to talk. 13. They praise others in a genuine way without being excessive. "Praise the good traits of others, but don't rub it on where it is not deserved or spread it too thickly," Hill says. 14. They have someone they trust point out their flaws. Successful people don't pretend to be likable; they are likable because they care about their conduct and reputation. Having a confidant who can be completely honest with them allows them to continue growing. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/habits-of-exceptionally-likable-people-2014-5#ixzz3Fqi7ZWHe Lisa Ekanger Your Preferred Trainer!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Sound off...

Dear Sojourners! I'm sorry...I apologize in advance for sounding off on politics. This blog is designed to be uplifting but lately I've been so irritated with the news of the American and/or Canadian ISIS terrorist, I just have to speak my mind. I promise this will be short. And really, it's a question for the westerners who decide to defect and join up with terrorists. Here goes: Please tell me how it makes sense that you leave a free country (North America) where people have fought and died for your freedom, died so you could have a voice and rights and opportunity ....to then [have you] go to a foreign land and fight for a cause which stems from living under governments that refuse to give their people equal freedom, a voice, equal rights and opportunity? OMG!?! All wars can be traced back to these things: ~ people that feel they have no power ~ people feel they have no voice ~ people feel they have no personal freedom(s) ~ people feel they have no future In other words: people feel disenfranchised! The whole of the religious dogma that these terror groups are espousing is just one big distraction designed by the weak minded to keep the masses of people oppressed just enough to be controlled. The fight isn't about any set of beliefs. The fighting is for power of money, land, resources and people. Its always been that way and it is universal around the world. The only difference is whether or not people have access to human liberties and freedoms, that's it. So, again, I ask you: when you are already the beneficiary of this democratic revolution, why would you leave it? Instead, why not use your freedom of speech, your talents and unique perspective to help the oppressed in ways that might actually benefit all? Just wondering? PS Because you cant really believe that hiding behind a black mask with slits for eyes and killing innocent people is really a noble and respectable way to fight for justice? #seriously? Lisa

Monday, October 6, 2014

You're the kind of person...

Happy Birrrrthday to Youuuu, Happy Birrrrthday to Youuuu, Happy Birrrrthday Dear Lisa, Happy Birrrrthday to Youuuu! A few years back, not so long ago, heaven and earth erupted into a major celebration with the news of your impending adventure into this very time and space. You see, someone like Lisa Ekanger doesn't come along all that often. In fact, there's never been a single one like you, nor is there ever ANY possibility that another will come again. You're an Angel among us. Someone, whose eyes see what no others will EVER see, whose ears hear what no others will EVER hear, and whose perspective and feelings will NEVER, ever be duplicated. Without YOU, the Universe, and ALL THAT IS, would be sadly less than it is. Quite simply: You're the kind of person, Lisa, Who's hard to forget, A one-in-a-million To the people you've met. Your friends are as varied As the places you go, And they all want to tell you In case you don't know: That you make a big difference In the lives that you touch, By taking so little And giving so much! Lisa, you are so AWESOME! For your birthday, friends and angels from every corner of the Universe, including buddies you didn't know you had, will be with you to wish you the HAPPIEST of days and an exciting new year in time and space. You won't be alone! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lisa! Mike Dooley Lisa Ekanger

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Sometimes a part of us must die before another part can come to life.

Sometimes a part of us must die before another part can come to life. Even though this is a natural and necessary part of our growth, it is often painful or, if we don’t realize what’s happening, confusing and disorienting. In fact, confusion and disorientation are often the messengers that tell us a shift is taking place within us. These shifts happen throughout the lives of all humans, as we move from infancy to childhood to adolescence and beyond. With each transition from one phase to another, we find ourselves saying good-bye to an old friend, the identity that we formed in order to move through that particular time. Sometimes we form these identities in relationships or jobs, and when we shift those areas of our life become unsettled. Usually, if we take the time to look into the changing surface of things, we will find that a shift is taking place within us. For example, we may go through one whole chapter of our lives creating a protective shell around ourselves because we need it in order to heal from some early trauma. One day, though, we may find ourselves feeling confined and restless, wanting to move outside the shelter we needed for so long; the new part of ourselves cannot be born within the confines of the shell our old self needed to survive. We may feel a strange mixture of exhilaration and sadness as we say good-bye to a part of ourselves that is dying and make way for a whole new identity to emerge in its place. We may find inspiration in working with the image of an animal who molts or sheds in order to make way for new skin, fur, or feathers to emerge. For example, keeping a duck feather, or some other symbol of transformation, can remind us that death and rebirth are simply nature’s way of evolving. We can surrender to this process, letting go of our past self with great love and gratitude, and welcoming the new with an open mind and heart, ready for our next phase of life. Lisa Ekanger

Happy Hump Day!



Lisa Ekanger Your Hometown Realtor!