by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 9, 2009 | Christian, Current Affairs, Family, Leadership, Money and Finance, Politics, President Obama
AM I THE ONLY ONE COMPLETELY FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW?
According to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, the chief proponent of the big bank bailout, flooding the banks with taxpayers’ money was supposed to get them to start lending freely again. And that, in turn, was supposed to stabilize the markets and prevent the downturn from being worse than it otherwise would be.
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 4, 2009 | Book Reviews, Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Success, Vision
With 2009 destined to be a tough year for a lot of people, I thought now would be the perfect time to review Marcus Buckingham's book , The Truth About You which aims to empower you to enjoy higher satisfaction and performance in life and work.
If you are someone who still is not sure what to do with your life, then this is probably a great book for you to pick up. It includes a DVD, the book and a notepad, all of which make for a very interactive experience. If you are already in tune with your strengths and how you want to spend your life, and you are one of the 2 out of 10 people Marcus mentions that get to play to their strengths at work, then there are still some solid nuggets in the book for you as well.
The book discusses how successful people can build their dream jobs. The philosophy of the book revolves around 3 myths that hold you back from building your own dream job.
"Your strengths aren't what you're good at, and your weaknesses aren't what you're bad at."
“When it comes to the job, the 'what' always trumps the 'why' or the 'who'."
“You'll never turn your weaknesses into strengths.”
It also explains the differences in your strengths versus your weaknesses in a way that you probably have not thought about. Ensuing chapters provide 5 pieces of advice (a chapter for each) to stay on your strength path and succeed in both work and life.
In short, if you're really yearning to discover more about your strengths or weaknesses, give this book a try. Pick the book up and read it. Then give it away to a young person preparing for a new career path. And then treat yourself to a new copy.
To read the first 12 pages click “read” on the widget below:
Disclaimer: I was given this book by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, as part of a program for book reviewers, but given no direction to follow nor compensation for this review.
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!