by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 30, 2009 | Apple/Mac, Computers, Technology, Web/Tech
One of my facebook friends asked me to convince her why she should buy a Mac. Her question inspired me to share my experiences with you.
Ok, here we go:
You know you’ve been thinking about it. Everyone is doing it. Who wouldn’t when they look at their ugly black Dell compared to one of the macbooks? Of course Macs look good, however, I’m sure you want reasons other than “they’re the finest looking computers out yonder.” Let me first give my testimony. I used (“PCs”) for 18 years. Then when Apple came out with OS X, I was a little intrigued, although that didn’t stop my jeering. After watching it develop, I caved in and purchased an MacBook & an iMac G5. Now I wouldn’t switch back for money or fame. I sometimes forget the horror people go through with their computers—although I am jolted back into reality when a friend calls with problems, and is fixed after running Ad-Aware or some other utility. Defragers, disk doctors and utilities, registry repairers, virus protection, spy/adware removers, and more all need to be bought and run frequently. It isn’t worth time, money, or stress.
(Ooooo…looks so sweet…you know you want it)
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 28, 2009 | Communication, Decisions, Empowerment, Leadership, Other Stuff, Success
IT'S TIME FOR A MID-WEEK CHECKUP…
So far you've learned:
1. MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS
2. PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS
TODAY:
3. NEVER MAKE AN IMPORTANT DECISION AFTER 3PM
Make meaningful decisions in the morning to early afternoon. Numerous studies have shown the mind to be most alert during the first few hours of the day. As the workday wears on, you will be tired, sluggish, and tend to rush through decisions because you are not thinking clearly. So try to avoid making important decisions after 3pm. Consider this time the end of your day. If you have the option, always ask to sleep on big decisions. This gives you time to consider all factors and make an informed decision in the morning.
4. BE STRATEGIC
Having a strategy is synonymous with developing a plan of action. A strategy serves as a guiding force when you are faced with decisions that have many factors. Therefore, developing a strategy for attacking multifaceted decisions is absolutely necessary. In fact, don’t allow yourself to make a single decision until you have a plan. First figure out how you will make your selections and then begin to make your choices based on the criteria you’ve established.
So, how are you doing?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 26, 2009 | Decisions, Empowerment, Leadership, Other Stuff, Success
Recent scientific studies indicate that emotions play a HUGE role in decision-making. Furthermore, decision-making is an involved process and one that is critically important to master if a person wants to be successful.
NEWS FLASH:
ALL highly successful people are good decision makers.
They find that making good decisions leads to enjoyment and self-confidence. Successful people enjoy the decision-making process itself and consider it be an excellent and challenging way to constantly resharpen their minds and skills.
This week I will share two principles each day that will help you make wiser decisions. Again, if you will dedicate one week to
both principles, in 5-6 weeks you'll be a different & successful
person.
1. MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS
When working toward your goals, you may easily get derailed when a tempting situation presents itself. Though it is difficult to refrain from doing something you want in the moment, it is important to exhibit discipline. Some examples include postponing dining out, weekend getaways, and shopping sprees when you're trying to save for a home. Continued commitment to your long-term goals is necessary if you desire to be successful.
2. PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS
It is impossible to know for certain how a particular decision will turn out. It is, however, possible to predict what might happen. Predicting outcomes is a valuable tool when deciding between several options. For example, if you are deciding to pursue an advanced degree, consider the outcome of your options. Law school is an expensive investment ($150,000 for 3 years) but can help increase your earning potential later in life. Determine how much time you have before making the decision. Use 90% of that time thinking & considering the outcome – THEN DECIDE!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 23, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Success
Well, it's Friday & we've come to the end of this series. So far you've learned:
1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
2. WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
3. RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
4. CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
5. MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
6. CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
7. MAKE AN ACTION BOOK
8. MAKE SURE YOUR PLAN IS REALISTIC
TODAY:
9. REVISE YOUR PLAN AS NECESSARY
It is important to revisit your goals in light of shifting priorities and realities. For example: Your goal is to pay off a credit card. Your plan includes increasing your income and paying $300 per month to creditors. During the time that you set these goals, you were working overtime and had extra cash to put toward debt. However, after company cutbacks, overtime was removed from your budget and you became unable to make the payments. At this point you should revisit your goals and assess if your reality fits your original plan. This ensures you are always in line with your plan.
10. GET HELP ENACTING YOUR PLAN
Most of us prefer to accomplish our goals on our own. In fact, the so-called "American way" is to try and solve our own problems and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. For some, it’s a matter of privacy and for others a matter of pride. However, if you need help executing a section of your plan, you should immediately seek support. You will find that many people you already know have the skills to help you. It is important to remember that every successful person has enlisted the help of people in their network to achieve their goals.
It is my prayer that this week's Tips for Success has been helpful as you strive for excellence.
Enjoy your weekend!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 22, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Success
So, how are you doing so far?
So far you’ve learned:
- KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
- WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
- RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
- CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
- MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
- CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
TODAY:
Organization is important for keeping your plans alive. A good way to accomplish this is to create an action book. Your
action book should include a page for each of your goals. On each page, list the necessary steps to reach the goal and the date by which you intend to accomplish each step in the plan. Leave room for notes so you can make changes as necessary. Give your action book a table of contents with page numbers for easy reference. Get creative with your action book by writing an inspirational message that relates to the particular goal at the top of the page.
8. MAKE SURE YOUR PLAN IS REALISTIC
Warren Buffett once said, “I don’t look to jump over 7-foot bars; I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.” Buffett was commenting on the importance of being realistic when you make plans. Instead of resolving to earn an extra $100,000 this year; start by vowing to save an extra $1,000. Plan to buy nothing unless it is on sale by at least 30%.
Remember, that your goals would be things you are willing and able to do. Make goals that are possible to accomplish this week and build the bigger goal with each passing week.
I know, it’s hard work, but, it’s the BEST hard work you’ll ever do!
