IS THERE A RECESSION?

Just spent 4 days on a cruise with my daughter. 2, 100 tourists where on board and over 550 staff members. The tourists represented over 22 different countries.

Lots of food. Great entertainment every night-top notch performers. We stopped in Cozumel, Mexico and at least ¾ of the tourists on board the ship took paid excursions on land.

When we landed in Cozumel there where 2 other cruise ships in port. Didn’t look to me like a recession of any kind. In talking to the people on board no one was talking lack, fear, or stressing how bad things where.

It started me wondering how accurate the news media is. The people on board where optimistic and seemed encouraged. You might be thinking that only the well to do where on this cruise. Based on my contacts with people, they had a wide spectrum economically, from low end earners to high end earners.

As I see it, it boils down to the fact that people find the money to do what they want to do, no matter what the economy is doing.

The tourists on board included families with their children, newlyweds, retirees, and people of all ages on vacation.

It was quite refreshing interacting with such a diverse group of people all in once place. The cultural differences where also unique in dealing with people from other countries.

My daughter is 26 years old and I will soon be 58 years old. We had a great time and we did activities that we both liked and where able to share wonderful memories.

We went with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and I would highly recommend them.

Jacques

CreatingWealthThatLasts

ARE YOU TIRED OF GOAL SETTING?

Throughout my business life I have been to countless seminars and I have read numerous books on goal setting. I have done this for years, however, I have always found it a challenge to set the long term, medium term, and short term goals.

My wife is a good student of this and I have learned from her. She likes to work with pictures and cuts pictures of what she’d like and keeps these with her. It provides a visual element. She is forever writing down goals and these materialize down the road.

I think I was over complicating everything. I make a list, review the list, and keep adding to the list. Our subconscious mind picks up on this and events start lining up.

It’s the same with New Year’s resolutions. They don’t seem to be binding and I have learned that I have to purpose in my heart and if I fall, to get back up and start over again.

Goals are really a series of small steps we make and identify along the path of life. If we don’t set our goals, we are letting someone else take control of our future.

One of my goals was to spend more time with my daughter. I was always on the road as part of my work when she was younger and I am able to redeem the time that I missed. The cruise we are going on is a goal achieved!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

THE JOYS OF TRAVELING!

One of the nice aspects of life is the ability to travel. I am presently in Florida and I left Maine yesterday at 7 AM and arrived in Florida at 8 PM. My connecting flight in Philadelphia had problems and instead of a direct flight to Tampa, we ended up going to Charlotte, N.C. and then taking another plan to Tampa. Long day to say the least.

I was actually amazed by the reaction of fellow travelers. No one got upset that I could see and it was a peaceful but long day. I made friends with a young lady who was traveling with a 14 month old baby girl. They did marvelously; both Mom and the baby did.

At one point, the little girl was just laying on her mother sleeping and unawares of what was going on and the delay we where experiencing. It reminded me of how we have to rest in the Lord and not worry, get impatient, or panic.

We can learn much from observing others and I am sure people watch us for our reactions to life’s challenges and quirks. After observing this young baby and her complete trust in her mother, I told myself- why get stressed out about something beyond your control? Be at peace. My daughter was to have picked me up at the airport before going to work and we made other arrangements, as I was getting there 5 hours later.

I hadn’t been to Charlotte in a long time and I got to see it again. ( from the airport window!) Tomorrow I go on a 5-day cruise with my 26-year-old daughter. I am really looking forward to this.

Time to relax, reflect, share, and build a new dimension of friendship with my daughter!

Jacques

CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF COMMITMENT?

We all know that if we want to succeed at whatever we are doing we need some level of commitment. This could be trying to lose weight, succeeding in a sport activity, succeeding in business, marriage, or family.

There are different levels of commitment. Where are you? Do you know that in golf the difference between a Tiger Woods and the worst player on the tour is an average of just 2 strokes per round. Talent is a factor but practice is where the rubber meets the road. How much and how long do you think Tiger Woods practices? Do you think he just shows up at a tournament and hopes for the best? Not likely.

I have had to check my levels of commitment often. How much do I want what I am going after? If it is a burning desire- then it will require uncommon effort.

Sometimes just a little more is all that is needed. A little more willpower, a little less sleep, getting off of the couch and going for that walk; these are all small integral parts. Do not despise small things.

A friend of mine has spent a lot of time with her ailing mother. This is a major life commitment. For her it’s a series of small, everyday steps of obedience to do what is needed regardless of how she feels. Her level of commitment is very high.

Marriage is another area which requires uncommon commitment. There are no shortcuts. Raising a family requires above average commitment-time, courage, and lots of love.

Take note of your level of commitment and raise it up a notch.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

DO WE REALLY NEED TO TAKE VACATIONS?

Interesting question. It all depends what you are doing on your vacation. Checking your business emails, calling back at the office to make sure it’s still there, etc.

I am self employed and, therefore, when I am on vacation I have to keep checking my emails and return calls but I schedule these during certain times of the day. I work a 6 day week and try to keep Sundays for the Lord and the family.

Vacations to me are times to connect more with my wife and family. I don’t really have any hobbies or sports that I am involved with and at this junction in my life, the time I am able to spend with my wife are the best.

It’s interesting how the longer you are married the more you want to be with your spouse. When our children where at home, our vacations where all about traveling and making memories. Times at the beach, camping out, visiting special places; just being together.

A vacation should not be about vegging out but about investing your time wisely and doing those things that are important to you. My wife and I love to read and we usually bring several books with us to read at the beach or wherever we are.

I am going on a cruise in a few days with my daughter. Four days on a boat! Actually, I am looking forward to the time with my daughter. Michelle is 26 years old and I’m pleased she still wants to spend time with her Dad.

More memories. My wife will be at the beach praying for us!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH NEWS?

With the Internet we can find out if someone burped on the other side of the world and what made them burp! Instant news is available 24 hours per day. How much can we take in or should take in before we get on overload?

I don’t know about you but I can only take so much negative news. It is a priority for us to be careful what we allow in our minds. Like it or not our subconscious mind takes everything in and it affects us mind, body, soul, and spirit.

If we want a prosperous, abundant, and stress free life, we need to monitor what we see, hear, and devote our time to. What to do if you are on information overload?

Turn off the TV, don’t check the news on the Internet, and don’t check emails. You are probably going through withdrawal at this time with these recommendations. The world will still go on and the emails will still be there.

How much do we need to know? We live in such a small world today that nothing happens without it being reported. How many good deeds go untold? We don’t hear about those.

I have made a resolution to seriously consider what I let my mind focus on. We are all naturally curious but we can function without constant input.

Imagine what would happen if for some unseen reason all televisions would cease to work. Panic, revolt, riots!

After a couple of days-peace and quiet. When my children where young we got rid of cable TV and rarely watched it. We had times of fellowship, playing board games, playing cards, time together building memories.

We still talk about it today.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

DEALING WITH STRESS!

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Stress is needed in life to keep us in balance, however, in today’s society we are faced with a lot of undue stress and this is killing people.

Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. You don’t have to run a marathon (that can be stressful) but you can walk 15 minutes to a half hour a day. You will be surprised how refreshing this can be.

The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and do it consistently. Golf, tennis, bicycling, etc.

Eliminate negativity from your life, especially negative people. Negative people will stress you guaranteed. They will see the negative in everything and, after you leave them, you will think the sky is going to fall. If you are in a negative job, relationship, environment-get out and fast!

Disassociate your feelings from events around you. Getting emotionally involved in the events of life all the time is a sure way to get stressed. Have you ever had someone yell at you in traffic or cut you off, jump in front of you in a line, be rude to you, etc.

Hey, if people around you are having a bad day there is no need to join them. I agree this is easier said than done but if you make a concerted effort you can win at this.

I am leaving for Florida in a few days for some rest and relaxation with my family and I found myself getting stressed due to getting all my work done before I leave and worrying about getting everything done when I get back. Not a good way to start a vacation!

I decided to take one day at a time and enjoy the process. It’s a day to day choice.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHY WORRY?

What do people worry about: The future, family, job, health, retirement, bills, etc. What does worry accomplish: Sleepless nights, anxiety, lack of energy, ulcers, indecision, loss of confidence, etc.

Worry is negative thinking at its worse. At times we worry about things beyond our control and most of the time nothing happens and we wasted energy, effort, and time.

How to combat worry? Live by faith and not by sight! Instead of focusing on what can go wrong, focus on what can go right. There is nothing that you can experience that someone else has not already experienced and come through on the other side.

In today’s negative environment, none of us can afford to watch the news and hear all the pundits (who mostly don’t have a clue) pontificate their dubious opinions.

I read a lot of biographies of people who have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. When I compare my challenges to theirs-life is a piece of cake.

Don’t take life too seriously! Don’t’ take yourself too seriously! Have faith!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OFF?

Caution is a mental process; fear is a destructive emotion. Top 10 fears:
1. Speaking before a group.
2. Heights.
3. Insects and bugs.
4. Financial problems.
5. Deep water.
6. Disease.
7. Death.
8. Flying.
9. Loneliness.
10. Dogs.
11. Driving/riding in a car.
12. Dark.

Do any of these apply to you? Fear causes the reaction of avoidance or inaction. Fear can be dangerous to your health, wealth, and happiness. Fear creates a brick wall between you and your dreams.
To accomplish what you want in life will require getting out of your comfort zone and doing unfamiliar and uncomfortable things.

There is an important difference between fear and worry. Fear is event related and worry is mentally created. In today’s economic situation we find people operating in fear and worry. There are things that you can’t change and being fearful or worrying will not change this.

You need to focus on the positives in all situations. If you lost your job you are making room for a better job or owning your own business.

Fear will paralyze you. Faith will energize you. Where are you? More to come.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR EFFECTIVENESS!

I don’t know about you but there are times of the day that I perform better. Some people are early morning people and others are late night people. Where do you fall in this?

Each of us has a different inner clock that functions at its best at different times. My daughter is a nurse and she works the 7PM to 7AM shift and she functions better during this time. My wife is an early bird. For me this changes depending on my schedule.

If you can tune in to your inner clock and find out what is better for you, you will increase your effectiveness greatly.

When you have this figured out; schedule your priority tasks during your peak performance time. In other words, don’t do important and pressing tasks when you energy level is low. You will also be mentally fatigued giving you a double negative whammy!

Activities that require peak performance include: creative writing, negotiating, work related reading, report writing, studying, etc.

Activities that can be done during off peak hours include: entertainment, errands, exercise, meals, personal phone calls, shopping, doing housework, etc.

Try it. You will be pleasantly surprised!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

BUSINESS MYTHS TO CONTEMPLATE !

1. We have no competition! Who are you kidding? If you think you don’t have any competition-your dead meat. Everything is changing so quickly today that we have to be aware of trends and changes immediately.

2. Downsizing is the way to go to eliminate costs! Again this could be a huge mistake. I worked for a company for 17 ½ years and during that time they merged with two other companies. At both times, they downsized people and departments and guess what-they used to be # 1 and opened the door for so many competitors to move in that we lost count. They have been struggling every since.

3. Always be nice to subordinates! Having been a supervisor and manager I learned that trying to be nice all the time does not work. Why? Those people that need to be kicked in the behind to get things done don’t respond to being nice. They need a different approach. If you don’t stop being nice to deadbeats, the deadbeats will kill your business.

4. The customer is always right! Boy, this needs to be revisited. I have lost count on how many times I have asked customers what they wanted and when I provided them with it. Guess what? They changed their minds. Sometimes customers themselves don’t always know what they want or need. Save yourself time and money and don’t assume that the customer is always right.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

ARE YOU MANGING YOUR TIME?

We all have 24 hours per day and it seems to go by so fast! I don’t know about you but the days, weeks, months, and years just seem to fly by. We all know that we cannot by back our time and it behooves us to use time wisely.

How about interruptions? How many times have you answered the phone and the next thing you know 20-30 minutes has gone by. I have learned that if I am involved in a project and I am not expecting a phone call and the phone rings, I don’t answer it. I have an answering machine and I can also take care of this later. You will be amazed at how much time you can save with this little adjustment.

If you operate a business out of your home get a separate business line and don’t give it out to personal acquaintances. This will eliminate family members from running to the phone for business customers.

I know there is a lot of controversy about using cell phones while driving but I find this a good time to make and return calls. Use a hand free device and use prudence.

Making a list and checking it twice-the night before is a good time saver. You know exactly what your schedule is for the next day and this will prevent you from responding to requests from other people who may want to divert your precious time. When asked to do something or go somewhere, you can refer to your list and excuse yourself because of your prior commitments.

If you are not in control of your time believe someone else will.

Jacques
Creating WealthThat Lasts

HOW TO SURVIVE THE MUNDANE!

Sometimes life is a series of everyday acts that seem insignificant but are an important part of life. Irma Bombeck once said “ Housework can kill you if done right!”

Taking out the garbage, cleaning the house and car, washing clothes, picking up groceries, taking the car to the garage, picking up the kids at school, the list is endless. All of this makes up the fabric of life and it is part of a full life.

We must all learn to do the mundane to the best of our ability. One of the things that we taught our kids was to do the mundane chores around the house and this builds character.

I can tell a lot about people when I visit their home or drive in their cars. Are they neat and orderly or is everything in shambles and chaos. How you live your life on the outside reveals a lot about what is going on in the inside.

Most of our lives, if we are honest with ourselves, is unexciting but fulfilling if we approach it in the right way. The daughter who talks care of her elderly mother, the single mom raising a family, the dad working two jobs to make ends meet; they are all doing day to day stuff that may not get noticed but it is adding value to countless lives around them.

Don’t discount the small, seemingly insignificant parts of life. When you add it all up-it’s a life well lived.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

ARE YOU SETTING THE RIGHT PRIORITIES?

If you are like most people it’s a challenge to find the time to do everything. We need time for family, social, work, business, self, and on and on. As part of my business life, I have learned that I need to plan well ahead and to use my planner at all times.

I have learned to also plan family time, social time, personal time and it all goes in my planner! That way I don’t get off track and I live a more balanced life. I used to plan family time and then business issues would come up and I put that first. Now, everything is in my planner and if something is planned with my family and it is scheduled, it is a priority and I stick to it.

If something is planned with my wife or children I stick to it. I have planned this in advance and I make it a priority. Try this and it will make a huge difference. I guarantee it.

Are we living to work or working to live? All that we have is the present moment. Once it is gone-it’s gone for good. If we don’t make an effort to plan our time we are at the mercy of others or anything that comes up that disrupts what we are doing at that time.

By planning ahead on a regular basis in all areas of life, you will become more productive, you will feel more in control of your life, and you will have a lot less stress.

Having said all that-what are your plans for tomorrow?

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE TIMES!

With the entire world in upheaval and encountering situations and times never before seen is it a wonder that people do not know who to believe or what to do.

As a Christian my perspective is different for I have learned to trust in a God who is real and in control. In control you might say-YES. His ways are not our ways.
Man has been given a choice and as we make choices we reap the consequences-good or bad.

Creating Wealth That Lasts can only come about with a true relationship with Jesus Christ. I might lose some of you at this point but it is what I believe. I saw a comment on my Facebook page from a young woman who stated that she did not believe in Jesus Christ because she did not believe that belief was real. She did however have belief in her unbelief!

How can we have peace and find direction in today’s world? Only if we truly believe that God is who He says He is. The Bible is the book with the answers to life. In it we find direction for all of life’s challenges. We can find peace in a time of confusion.

American society is getting to the point where we are falling away from our roots as a nation. We have enjoyed economic prosperity and freedom because we have founded our country on Christian principles.

100 years from now it is highly probable that none of us will be physically on this earth but we will still be spiritually alive some place. Where will you be?

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

INCREASING YOUR INVESTMENTS!

How about a 30%, 60%, or 100% return. What can you invest in that will give you these consistent rates of return? Books. A friend recommended that I share what I read. Instead of giving exact book titles I will focus on authors.

Robert Kiosayki and His Rich Dad Poor Dad series are classics that every business person or anyone interested in getting into business should read. His advice goes against the grain on what traditional business experts advise. His series has expanded into real estate advice, tax issues, incorporation, trademarks, etc. These are well worth the money and can be reread over and over again.

On leadership John Maxwell’s books are excellent in all respects. John has been advising corporations, organizations, and individuals for several decades and he is a sought after speaker all over the world. Must read stuff.

C.S. Lewis on Christianity is also a must read. He was a professor at Oxford and in his attempts to disprove Christianity became a believer. His books have recently been made into movies. Oswald Chambers and his classic book My Utmost for His Highest is a book that everyone needs to read. He was a chaplain with the English army and while stationed in Egypt passed away at the age of 44. He was wise way beyond his years.

On attitude and maintaining a positive outlook on life: W. Clement Stone, Napoleon Hill, Og Mandino, and Norman Vincent Peale.

All of these authors have multiple books and this should keep you busy the rest of the year.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A STIMULUS CHECK?

I don’t expect to get a stimulus check, however, what would you do with the check if you got one? Pay some bills, buy some more stuff, go out to eat, etc. The government wants you to spend the money.

Here is what I would recommend. Spend it on your mind. That’s right- your mind. There are thousands of good books on money management, marriage, family relationship, spiritual growth, attitude, etc. Most people will think nothing of spending $20-$30 on a meal and would choke on spending $10 on a book.

We need to stimulate our minds. I rarely watch TV other than for Christian programs and I have been appalled at the garbage that people watch and fill up their minds with.

If all you eat is junk food, your health will suffer. If all you do is watch garbage on TV your mind will turn to mush. If you add all the negative news to that, you will become a basket case. I am not kidding.

Our most important asset is our mind and we need to cultivate it and take out the weeds, not add weeds. Our attitudes and outlook on life affects our future and we need to monitor what we look at, listen to, and who we spend our time with.

Have you ever been in a good mood and met somebody that you know and they talked negative, complained, and stressed that the world was going to end. How did you feel after? Get the picture.

Buy a good book with a positive message and start reading. When you finish that one, buy another one and repeat the process.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T DEPEND ON THE GOVERNMENT!

The rhetoric today is about creating jobs. The government is not in the business of creating jobs. If government is left to itself it will build a pyramid of government workers who want to keep perpetuating their jobs.

The role of government is to maintain an environment where business can flourish and grow and therefore create jobs. 80% of all jobs are created by small businesses and the government wants to bail out a few of the larger ones that have been inefficient and bloated for years.

Road projects and construction projects is not creating jobs! This is hard physical work that only a small segment of the population is able to do. Once everything is fixed what then?

Raising taxes does not help small businesses. Taxing the wealthy does not help the poor. This is foolishness. If you look at Japan, they have done everything that our government is proposing to deal with their economy and it did not work. Why do we assume that this will work for us.

Economic growth goes in cycles and it always will. Let the mismanaged businesses collapse and new companies will arise to take their place. Let this play out without panicking. The media is projecting fear. Remember the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

When they say that 10% of people cannot pay their mortgages, they don’t stress the 90% who are paying their mortgages. They don’t talk about the 90% who are working but the 10% who aren’t.

Don’t expect the government to have all the answers. You might not like what you get!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF-YOU WILL SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT!

I have been reading about all the government bailout money and how they want to bail out everybody. Is this really needed? My wife and I live a frugal life ( not stingy, we give a lot) but we are careful in our spending and put off any purchases that are really not needed.

I know people who have $2,000-$3,000/mo. mortgages, who over extended themselves to impress their neighbors and are now hoping for a bailout. I have no problems helping people out who really need help, but why should taxpayers pay for people who wanted a McMansion and did not count the total cost of upkeep before making a purchase.

Everybody is made to feel that they are victims and nothing is their fault. All decisions have consequences. I have made a lot of bad decisions in the past and I had to pay for that. It took me 7-8 years to get out of debt and I did. I did not expect the government to bail me out.

Remember there is no free lunch. The government doesn’t make money, it spends money. A lot of people want to be on the government dole and get something for nothing. There is no such thing. Someone has to pay.

I don’t want a government bailout. If you have incurred debts, pay them off, no matter how long it takes. You’re self respect will be intact and you will sleep well at night.

The first step to socialism is when people expect the government to have all the answers and to take care of them from birth to death. Believe me, they will but you will be at the mercy of Big Brother.

This country was founded on Freedom of choice, which means you make your choices and reap the benefits of those choices or the penalties.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE!

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My wife and I celebrated 39 years of marriage in January and for those of you who are married you know that it is always a work in progress. The interesting thing is that after 39 years of marriage we enjoy each other’s company more than ever!

My wife is a saint and she has shown patience and grace throughout our married life. We had to learn to like each other even though we loved each other.

In my line of work, I am always in contact with people and there are always people that are hard to like. There are not a lot of them, they just seem to move around a lot.

I have learned to try to respond in the opposite spirit. If someone yells at me or talks loudly- I will talk softly and in a low voice. The immediate reaction is to be angry and respond in a like manner. If you smile first, chances are people will smile back. If you look angry-you know what type of reaction to expect.

I am not saying this is easy but that it works. I heard a story about a man who got on a bus with his two children. The children were screaming and yelling and the man was looking down at his feet and not saying anything. One man on the bus got angry and yelled at him to control his children. The man suddenly looked up like he was dazed and said “ I’m sorry we just left the hospital and their mother just died.” The mood on that bus changed quickly and the man who had yelled at him was ashamed.

Keep in mind that people might be going through some serious challenges and that is why they act the way they do. Give them some slack. That’s what my wife did for me and we’re still together 39 years later!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

HOW WILL YOU FINISH THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR?

We have already gone through two months of 2009 and I don’t know about you but I am behind on some of my New Year’s resolutions. I have had to refocus and start over in a few areas.

It is so easy to get caught up in everyday living that we forget to focus on our goals. One of my goals has been to spend time in Bible study every day, as I find that when I do this my life seems to be more peaceful and I am able to handle the days better.

Unfortunately, I have let this slip away and next thing you know I am trying to find a few minutes here and there to spend time with the Lord. I have not made the main thing the main thing. I am not sure what your top priority is but have you let it slip away?

I put my business first-not good! I know that if I put the Lord first everything else will fall into place.

Time for a reality check. How are you doing?

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE ON OVERLOAD !

I live in northern Maine and one of the challenges in the winter months is the unpredictability of the weather. Recently we seem to be having a major snow storm every week. If you have the type of traveling schedule that I have, this can be very stressful, as I am always changing my appointments and since I am usually booked several weeks on advance, it really upsets my schedule.

Over the last weeks as I have been checking out my Facebook and Twitter accounts, I was amazed to see how many other people were getting fed up with snow and more snow. Since we cannot control the weather what can we do?

I have had to learn that God is always in control and therefore everything will be all right. If my schedule gets messed up, so be it. I have finally learned that if I focus on living in the moment I really can get by and still have a great day.

This applies to all the unexpected things that happen that disrupts our finally tuned schedules. Believe me if the time has come to go meet the Lord, your schedule will be permanently changed. For the better if you are a Christian.

Over the last weeks, besides the weather, I have had unexpected family issues and house issues to deal with. You know what? Everything worked out for the better and good has come of it.

If you have the winter blues or are experiencing unexpected challenges, relax, live in the moment, and appreciate that life is full of different seasons.

Hey, it’s bound to stop snowing sometimes!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

MAKING OTHERS FEEL APPRECIATED !

In one of my former jobs, I was a marketing representative for a large firm and as part of my duties I had to interview people to determine if they would be a fit for our organization. Needless to say this was a challenging duty, as we wanted to make sure that the people we hired would fit within our corporate culture.

When people are interviewed they are usually at their best and you normally do not see any flaws. However, one of the characteristics that I looked for was the ability to appreciate other people and have a focus on others. If people where talking about me, myself, and I and how wonderful they where and how blessed we would be to have them work for us, that was a red flag to me!

In life, we are surrounded with people who need to be uplifted and appreciated for the gifts that they have. We need to be people that are more focused on others than our own special needs and problems. Employees and employers that are focused on making people feel appreciated are contributing to the feeling of personal worth of the other person.

The principal cause of unrest among workers and people in general falls within the following:

1. Failure to give credit for suggestions.
2. Failure to correct grievances.
3. Failure to encourage.
4. Being criticized in public.

This pertains to family interaction as well as at work. If you think other people are important, you will treat them differently. You know what? Every person is important.

A study has shown that criminals do things to get attention as do small children. We all crave attention and want to be noticed and appreciated. A major complaint from husbands and wives that they have about their partner is “ not being noticed”.

Start noticing the people that come into your life. Make them feel appreciated. You are planting seeds of encouragement that will produce everlasting fruit!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts