tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883836517404378582023-11-16T02:58:26.018-05:00frank's notebooka collection of useful information which has aided in my personal and professional growth <br><small>[new posts every tuesday]</small>clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-9824131301085474852016-03-03T10:01:00.002-05:002016-03-03T10:01:12.786-05:00Hiatus<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately I have not been posting for several weeks now. Things have gotten ...hectic... and I just have not had the time to devote to the upkeep of this blog.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Until my situation changes, I will be on an indefinite hiatus. This may be a month, it may be a year. I thank everyone for their readership and for the suggestions on books and articles. I still have a lot to accomplish, but it will be a while before I can do so.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Frank</div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-83521671693756931092016-01-21T12:19:00.001-05:002016-01-21T12:19:49.109-05:00People Respond to Good Leadership! Period! by Shari Strong<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being a leader doesn't always mean being in a position of authority; it can mean naturally leading others - friends, family, coworkers, and sometimes even those in authoritative positions over you. So I'm always looking for ways and pointers to sharpen my skills, and LinkedIn provides many such resources. One good article, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/people-respond-good-leadership-period-shari-strong" target="_blank">People Respond to Good Leadership! Period!</a> (written by Shari Strong) immediately caught my attention. Below is a summary:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A true leader is highly ethical, honest, respected, and understands that leadership is about connecting with - not managing - people. People will willingly follow your lead if you have these qualities. But if you don't like people, don't put yourself in a position to lead.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Leaders worth admiring seem to have these qualities:</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They think <b>big</b>.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They believe when no one else does; they have good intuition of when to "stick to it" and when to change direction.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They involve others and delegate. They allow ownership and give recognition when due.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They <i>influence</i>, not <i>manipulate</i>.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">When goals are met, they celebrate and then set a new vision.</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-22319779772490231852016-01-13T08:50:00.002-05:002016-01-13T08:50:26.909-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"When I was five years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy'. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lennon" target="_blank">John Lennon</a></div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-25369569936835949272016-01-05T15:36:00.002-05:002016-01-05T15:36:27.201-05:00Common Body Language<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy New Year!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I took December off, for two reasons: to enjoy the holiday season and because my online posts are catching up too quickly to my hand-written notebook. This was to be expected, as I have a huge backlog of books, articles, and quotes which I have not had the opportunity to fully add to my notebook - and it's going to get worse because I have to edit my second book: Frank's Notebook Volume 2!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The first post of the new year gives a few pointers on how to approach body language. While reading body language is more of an art than a science, this little list may be useful for helping to determine whether your friends or family are telling the truth about keeping their New Year's resolutions...</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Confident
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Standing tall with shoulders back.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Solid eye contact, with "smiling" eyes.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Purposeful and deliberate gestures.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Slow, clear speech with a moderate or low tone.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Defensive
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Gestures close to body or arms crossed.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Minimal facial expressions.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Eyes maintain little contact, or are downcast.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Disengaged
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Head down.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Eyes glazed or focused elsewhere.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Figeting hands, or writing / doodling.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Slumped posture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Lying
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Pupils are constricted end eyes maintain little to no contact, or move rapidly.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Hands or fingers in front of mouth when talking.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Voice changes in pitch / stammering / throat clearing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-40122372653717879872015-11-24T10:11:00.001-05:002015-11-24T10:11:44.762-05:00Is Failure Good?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is a refreshing take on failure, from an <a href="http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2015/04/failure-good/" target="_blank">article</a> by James Altucher. I like his approach, it appears unconventional at first but makes perfect sense by the end.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Failure is the worst possible thing. There is nothing good about it, and there's nothing you can pretend to learn from it. However, failure has many cousins - better things to learn from:</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Curiosity. </b>When Something happens and you don't understand why, ask questions. Keep asking until you find answers.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Experiment.</b> It is normal in a lab to experiment with many materials before coming up with the right one. Didn't work? Change something and try a new experiment.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Persistence.</b> The <i>best</i> way to get better (and more well-known) is to simply do it again.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Forgiveness.</b> "Failure" is a word used to label a past event. When you label a past event as a failure, it prevents you from moving beyond the past. Learn to forgive, and move back to the present.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Study.</b> A good student doesn't call it a failure when he gets a question wrong on a test. It's just a wrong answer. Understand and study and remember the correct answers.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Hard Problems.</b> The key to success is to solve hard problems. Failure is not a hard problem - it is a label. Failure is in the past, hard problems can be solved now.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<b>Don't Care.</b> When you fail, are you truly just worried that others will think you a failure? Don't worry about what others think. Don't care. Good things will happen.</div>
</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-47657342409069972442015-11-17T15:08:00.002-05:002015-11-17T15:08:22.161-05:00The Dunning-Kruger Effect<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't posted a good "definition" in a while now. Every now and again I run across some interesting idea or concept - usually something to help me recognize issues within myself and take corrective action. Today, I have a new definition to present:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Dunning-Kruger Effect</b></div>
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The less competent an individual is at a specific task, the more likely they are to inflate their self-appraised competence in relationship to that task.</div>
</blockquote>
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I have noticed this in my own life, on occasion. Have you? Just because we <i>think</i> we are good at something does not necessarily mean we <i>are</i>. Watch the opening rounds of American Idol some time. You will see many would-be contestants trot out on stage as if they are God's gift to music, and yet they are absolutely atrocious performers. That's the Dunning-Kruger Effect in action!</div>
<br />clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-36951310590697865892015-11-10T10:51:00.002-05:002015-11-10T10:51:36.191-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein" target="_blank">Albert Einstein</a></div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-13490967234655352252015-11-03T15:52:00.001-05:002015-11-03T15:52:45.393-05:00Getting to Yes With Yourself and Other Worthy Opponents by William Ury<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the very first things I posted about was <a href="http://www.franksnotebook.com/2013/05/getting-past-no.html" target="_blank">"Getting Past NO" by William Ury</a>. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who needs to negotiate, or at the very least, try to understand the intentions of others.</div>
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On the flipside is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Yourself-Worthy-Opponents/dp/0062390678" target="_blank">"Getting To Yes With Yourself..."</a>, which teaches us how to overcome our biggest obstacle in negotiating our lives - our own natural tendency to poorly react to people and situations.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is my summary!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Put yourself in <i>your</i> shoes.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Before negotiating with anyone else, identify your own needs. This will help you stay focused on options that work for everyone.<br /><i>Considerations:
</i><ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">See yourself from the "balcony" - Look at yourself and the situation from a distance.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Listen with empathy - Accept yourself as you are and try to understand any negative feelings you have about yourself.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Uncover your needs - We tend to know <i>what</i> we want, but forget <i>why</i>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Develop your inner BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement).
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Assign accountability where it belongs.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">You can't always control what happens to you, but you cant control your reaction.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Don't look to others to give you what you need - this only gives them power and makes you dependent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Reframe your picture.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">You can either see negotiations as a battle or an opportunity to collaboratively solve a problem.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Remember the big picture, and make your interactions positive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Stay in the zone
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Paying heightened attention to the present makes you more likely to spot potential openings and tap into your natural creativity.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Staying in this "zone" optimizes performance and heightens inner satisfaction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Respect them, even if they reject you.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Even if they don't treat you respectfully, <i>your</i> attempts at respect can transform a negotiation.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Stay cool, courteous, and patient in the face of attacks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Give for mutual gain.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">When you and your opponent seek mutual win-win solutions, you positively affect each other and the world around you. You move from "taking" to "giving" and create value for others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-63985911851352763152015-10-27T09:16:00.001-04:002015-10-27T09:16:22.050-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Hoffer" target="_blank">Eric Hoffer</a></div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-51336440208936770172015-10-20T09:34:00.002-04:002015-10-20T09:34:20.911-04:00What Would MacGyver Do? by Josh Linker<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't normally flip through the local paper, <a href="http://www.freep.com/" target="_blank">The Detroit Free Press</a>, but happily I did so on this particular day as I found a really good little article called "<a href="http://archive.freep.com/article/20140323/COL45/303230015/Linkner-creativity-What-would-MacGyver-do-" target="_blank">What Would MacGyver Do?</a>" It was from an old paper lying around (March 23<sup>rd</sup>, 2014) and only the quickly aging would today know who <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGyver" target="_blank">Angus MacGyver</a> was. But it may be that the principles below are even more useful today than in yesteryear.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Entrepreneurs today are being delivered more obstacles and setback than ever before. The difference between those who flourish and those who wilt is raw, gritty determination. The phrase, "What would MacGyver do?" serves as a guidepost for decision making. The next time you're facing an overwhelming obstacle, MacGyver it:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Each of us has the ability to inject the same creative problem solving into our lives as MacGyver.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Instead of panicking, figure out how to use the resources at hand.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Worry less about what you <i>don't</i> have, and focus on the tools you <i>do</i> have.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Lack of resources often leads to fresh, powerful solutions.</li>
</ul>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-7982283690607353552015-10-13T14:24:00.001-04:002015-10-13T14:24:39.588-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"A wise man can learn more from a foolish question, than a fool can learn from a wise answer."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Lee" target="_blank">Bruce Lee</a></div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-10803154312128978082015-09-30T11:41:00.001-04:002015-09-30T11:41:32.938-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Lead from the back - and let others believe they are in front."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela" target="_blank">Nelson Mandela</a></div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-55887971624446702632015-09-22T14:52:00.000-04:002015-09-22T14:52:34.955-04:00Memory Loss: 7 Tips to Improve Your Memory<div style="text-align: justify;">
Memory loss - this is a biggie for me. I'm constantly forgetting people, places, things; sometimes even my own birthday! So when I ran across <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518" target="_blank">this article at the Mayo Clinic website</a>, I just had to have it in my notebook...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Stay Mentally Active</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain in shape.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Socialize Regularly</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">It helps ward off depression and stress - both of which can contribute to memory loss.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Get Organized</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Jot down tasks, appointments, etc., and repeat each entry out loud to help "cement" it in your memory.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Set aside certain places for your wallet, keys, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Sleep Well</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">It plays an important role in memory consolidation for later recall.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Eat a Healthy Diet</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein sources like fish, lean meats, and skinless poultry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Include Physical Activity in Your Routine</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">It increases blood flow to the brain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Manage Chronic Conditions</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Follow your doctor's recommendations.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The better you care for yourself, the better your memory is likely to be.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-15626529618712958612015-09-15T09:44:00.001-04:002015-09-15T09:44:39.731-04:00Landmark!<div style="text-align: justify;">
On January 7th, 2013 I was given a Moleskine notebook by my then supervisor, Rodney. He told me to write within it things which would help me learn and grow. Inside the front cover he beautifully drew:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwFQu9MOKmOIOQwnPLlBTN05WJEG8HzfSY_eWKHucvQkSF0KTZZj7SkbaGg3-6dzuYmvB4bibj-4Lxa1YQSi1IFHeouTJ6YbNeDTacVy_r-7fZTtbXppA8ykAtIl89fXNUS1hqMuTmPU4/s1600/20150915_093706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwFQu9MOKmOIOQwnPLlBTN05WJEG8HzfSY_eWKHucvQkSF0KTZZj7SkbaGg3-6dzuYmvB4bibj-4Lxa1YQSi1IFHeouTJ6YbNeDTacVy_r-7fZTtbXppA8ykAtIl89fXNUS1hqMuTmPU4/s400/20150915_093706.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And thus I have tried to abide by that idea. During the course of 2013 and 2014 I filled the notebook at a rate of one page per week, with content which has helped me grow immensely. At the end of 2014 I finished filling up 104 pages and began a new notebook.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is the day I officially retire the original notebook. As of today, I have written 141 posts and exhausted its content. A day of celebration! Next week I will begin my posts from the new notebook.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This final post is a quote, and I think it is perfect to close out the book (which is why I chose it), as it defines exactly what I have had to do throughout the course of keeping this notebook.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"First, have a definite, clear, practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle" target="_blank">Aristotle</a></div>
</div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-51408622009639935402015-09-08T08:50:00.000-04:002015-09-08T08:50:21.512-04:00"Good or Bad: I've Learned From All of My Bosses" by Dr. Marla Gottschalk<div style="text-align: justify;">
Time for managers and executives to take notice: want to be well respected by your minions? Here are a few points of advice from <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlagottschalk" target="_blank">Dr. Marla Gottschalk</a>'s article "<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/good-bad-what-ive-learned-from-my-bosses-dr-marla-gottschalk" target="_blank">Good or Bad: I've Learned From All of My Bosses</a>."</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Great bosses are transparent.</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They don't hesitate to share what you've done right, and the situations you may need to improve.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">There is no hidden agenda - they simply want you to develop and succeed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
They don't hover.</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">They guide, not micromanage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
They never leave anyone high-and-dry.</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Instead, they sit down with their employees to discuss strategy, prepare them, and offer best-practice advice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
They see you - but, beyond today.</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They see what you have to offer, even if <i>you</i> may not.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They help drive you forward, even when you stumble or fall.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-22910070292564948242015-09-01T10:26:00.002-04:002015-09-01T10:26:27.609-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalai_Lama#14th_Dalai_Lama" target="_blank">The 14<sup>th</sup> Dali Lama</a></div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-90276630490565912922015-08-25T12:30:00.000-04:002015-08-25T12:30:14.229-04:00What I Learned About Life After Interviewing 80 Highly-Successful People<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've ever read one of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Altucher" target="_blank">James Altucher</a>'s articles, you will find them to often be frantic and full of completely useful information. Excellent writing but hard to summarize. The last Altucher post I summarized took me several weeks to so do. This one, "<a href="http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2015/01/what-i-learned-about-life-after-interviewing-80-highly-successful-people/" target="_blank">What I Learned...</a>" was slightly easier, but still full of amazing information.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<ol>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>A life is measured in decades.</b> Too many people want everything <i>now</i>. But a good life is like a bonfire - it builds slowly, and because it's slow and warm it caresses the heart instead of destroying it.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>A life is measured by what you did <i>today</i>.</b> You get success in decades by having success now. Are you doing your best <i>today</i>?</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Focus is not important, "push" is.</b> Focus is like saying, "I'm just going to learn about only one thing forever." But "push" is the ability to get up every day and <i>push</i> through all the things that make you want to go back to sleep.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Give without thinking about what you will receive.</b></li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Solving hard problems is more important that overcoming failure.</b></li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Art, success, and love are about connecting all the dots.</b> Everything is a dot: things you learn, things you read about, things you love. Connect them and create a legacy that will continue beyond you.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>It's not business, it's personal.</b> Nobody succeeds with a great idea - they succeed because they build personal networks within networks of connections, friends, colleagues; all striving for personal goals, trusting each other, and working together.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>You can't predict the outcome, you can only do your best.</b></li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>The same philosophy of life should work for an emperor and a slave.</b> You can't predict pleasure or pain. You can only strive for knowledge, giving, and fairness.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>The only correct path is the path correct for you</b>. Don't think you have to fight your way to the top.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Taking care of <i>yourself</i> comes first.</b></li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>The final answer: People do end up loving what they succeed at, or they succeed at what they love.</b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Anybody, at any age.</b> Age and status don't determine anything.</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-19676594098351485072015-08-18T12:23:00.003-04:002015-08-18T12:23:53.015-04:0010 Irritating Behaviors that will Ruin Your Career<div style="text-align: justify;">
How many of these are you guilty of, from Jeff Haden's brilliant article? I used to be guilty of quite a few (and some of these I wasn't even aware of being bad, so I've since started to correct)...</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They thoughtlessly waste other people's time.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">People who don't notice the small ways they inconvenience others tend to be oblivious when they do it in major ways.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Instead, behave as if the people around you have more urgent needs than yours.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They ignore people outside their "level."
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes we ignore others because they don't "fit in."</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Instead, nod when making eye contact, or say, "Hi." Or just act like people exist.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They ask for way too much.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes we forget that <i>our</i> needs are <i>our</i> problems. The world doesn't owe us anything - we aren't <i>entitled</i> to advice, mentoring, or success.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Instead, look out for yourself first. People tend to help those who help themselves or <i>them</i> first.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They ignore people in genuine need.
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Some people aren't in a position to help themselves. Give them a hand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They ask a question so <i>they</i> can talk.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Don't shoehorn in your own opinions under false pretenses.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Only ask questions if you genuinely want answers, and ask follow-up question to better understand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They pull a "Do you know who I am?"
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes we pull out some form of the "I'm too important for this" card.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Instead, don't act like you know you're "somebody" or that you're entitled.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They don't know when to dial it back.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Some people just can't stop "expressing their individuality" - even when its not appropriate.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Learn to know when a situation requires you to stop justifying words or actions with an unspoken, "Hey, that's just me being me."</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They mistake self-deprecation for permission.
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Sometimes self-deprecation is genuine, but it's often a mask for insecurity. Never assume it is permission for you to poke the same fun at him.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They humblebrag.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">This is a form of braggin that tries to cover the brag with a veneer of humility, so it doesn't appear as bragging.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Instead, don't brag at all. Just be proud of your accomplishments and let others brag for you.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">They push their opinions.
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Instead, share your opinions only in the appropriate setting.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">What you think is right for you may not be right for others - it may not even be right for <i>you</i>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-21071751387254681072015-08-11T11:43:00.000-04:002015-08-11T11:43:07.433-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Develop your eccentricities while you are young. That way, when you get old, people won't think you're going gaga."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ogilvy_(businessman)" target="_blank">David Ogilvy</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Inspiration exists, but it must find you working."</i></span></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Picasso" target="_blank">Pablo Picasso</a></div>
</div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-12666408639626387352015-08-04T09:47:00.000-04:002015-08-04T09:47:00.591-04:0010 Ways to Develop Your Exceptional Charisma by Jeff Haden<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of late, I have focused a lot on lists, which is great because in many cases the points are already summarized. Lists are often useful, as in the case of this one by Jeff Haden, "<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-successful-people-develop-incredible-charisma-so-can-jeff-haden" target="_blank">10 Ways to Develop Your Exceptional Charisma</a>." <i>I wonder when he'll figure out I keep "borrowing" his wonderful material? :)</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
--</div>
<ol>
<li style="font-align: justify;">Listen way more than you talk.
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify;">Ask questions. Maintain eye contact. Smile. Respond, just non-verbally.</li>
<li style="font-align: justify;">Don't offer advice unless asked.</li>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">Only speak when you have something important - to the other person - to say.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Don't practice selective hearing.
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">Listen closely to <i>everyone</i>. Make everyone feel on the level, like you have something in common with them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Always put your stuff away.
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">Don't focus on phones, monitors, etc. You can't connect with others if you're busy connecting with your stuff. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Always give before you receive - knowing you may <i>never</i> receive.
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">Never think about what you can <i>get</i>, focus on what you can <i>provide</i>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Don't act self-important...
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">The only people impressed by pretentiousness are pretentious people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>...since you know other people are important.
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify;">You already know what you know - you can't learn new stuff from yourself.</li>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">You don't know what others know - they are people you can learn from.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-align: justify;">Shine the spotlight on others
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">Make sure you know when others do well, and be sure to <i>tell</i> them they did well.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-align: justify;">Choose your attitude and your words
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify;">Your words affect others' attitudes, as well as your own.</li>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">You don't "have to" do something - you "get to" do it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-align: justify;">Don't discuss the failings of others...
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify;">Don't laugh at other people. When you do, the people around you wonder if you sometimes laugh at them too.</li>
<li style="font-align: justify; padding-bottom: 6px;">Everyone may like gossip, but no one respects a gossiper.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-align: justify;">...but readily admit your own failings.
<ul>
<li style="font-align: justify;">You have to be genuine to be charismatic.</li>
<li>Be humble. Share your screw-ups. Admit your mistakes and <i>be</i> the lesson learned.</li>
<li>Laugh at yourself, and others will laugh <i>with</i> you, not <i>at</i> you.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-3995624412697123922015-07-28T12:51:00.001-04:002015-07-28T12:51:08.668-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney" target="_blank">Walt Disney</a></div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-3548693338006456132015-07-21T14:05:00.000-04:002015-07-21T14:05:25.776-04:00Use the Theory of Seven to Get Your Point Across by Bruce Kasanoff<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141201030230-36792-how-the-theory-of-seven-gets-your-point-across" target="_blank">LinkedIn article by Bruce Kasanoff</a>, I provide a summary of his Theory of Seven.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Any time you have to communicate with a large group of people, communicate as though they are 7-year-olds. Don't talk down to them, rather be interesting, clear, and simple.</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Simplify your priorities</b> - The larger your audience, the more vital it is to be clear.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Be clear about what's next</b> - If you want people to act, be 100% clear on what will happen next.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Don't be intellectual</b> - The larger your audience, the less room there is to be intellectual.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Don't assume that others are idiots</b> - Speaking simply does not mean disrespecting your audience; be interesting, not idiotic.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><b>Keep things moving</b> - Use a a pace whereby something interesting and useful is always happening.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Be creative, unpredictable, passionate, supportive, kind, and interested</b> - Make every moment so interesting no one wants to go to the bathroom, in case they miss something.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-85865861257797244112015-07-14T09:35:00.002-04:002015-07-14T09:35:30.819-04:00Seven Discipline-Mastering Practices<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my personal and professional lives, there are many things I want to be good at - but only a few that I actually want to <i>master</i>. I enjoy operating as "Jack of all trades, master of none" simply because of the diversity it affords; but every so often I discover something which I can hold to my breast and attempt to own.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happily, I stumbled across this <a href="http://zenhabits.net/discipline-master/" target="_blank">post by Leo Babuta</a> on his blog, <a href="http://zenhabits.net/">ZenHabits.net</a>. He gives seven sage points to help one get in the mindset to master whatever discipline he or she may choose. Be sure to read the whole post, but here is my summary:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<ol>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><u>Do the task, even if you're not in the mood</u> - You'll never master life if you wait until you're, "in the mood."</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><u>Exercise, even when you really don't want to</u> - Ignore the lazy feelings and distractedness, and suck it up - you'll find that you'll feel great for having done it.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><u>Sit with a little hunger</u> - We tend to panic when we get hungry. Instead of running to junk food, listen to the hunger and realize that a little discomfort won't ruin your life.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><u>Talk to someone about something uncomfortable</u> - Pushing through an uncomfortable situation will resolve a lot of difficult problems.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><u>Stick to a habit</u> - It i hart to stick with a (good) habit after your initial enthusiasm dies down. Commit to it for a few months for only a few minutes per day, and you'll start to master the formation of new habits.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;"><u>Turn <i>toward</i> the problem</u> - Instead of avoiding, ignoring, or going around problems, acknowledge them and try to figure out exactly what's going on.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><u>See the good in the activity</u> - No matter what the activity is, find the good in doing it, and the activity itself will become the reward.</li>
</ol>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-63524450193079242015-07-08T09:30:00.000-04:002015-07-08T09:30:45.338-04:00How NOT To Introduce Yourself by Bernard Marr<div style="text-align: justify;">
I ran across <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141201071701-64875646-how-not-to-introduce-yourself?trk=mp-author-card&trk=mp-author-card" target="_blank">a little article on LinkedIn</a> by <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/" target="_blank">Bernard Marr</a>, covering the topic of networking and introductions. A lot of good pointers for what <b>not</b> to say when meeting someone for the first time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't be <i>this</i> guy when introducing yourself:</div>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Mr. Name Dropper (bragging about who he knows, who he has worked with)</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Mr. Drive-by Business Carder (giving business cards without any introduction and then moving on)</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Mr. Double Business Carder (giving an additional business card in the hopes that his new contact will give it to a colleague)</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">The Rambler (talks excessively, often neglecting to introduce hisself)</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Mr. TMI (giving out far too much personal information)</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">Mr. Limp Fish (a weak handshake)</li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">The Cannonball (too overconfident, barrels himself into uninvited conversation)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The Digital Zombie (too absorbed in his tech to interact with others around him)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Instead, try being <i>this</i> guy:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
"Hi, may name is <i>{so-and-so}</i>, and I do <i>{this-and-that}</i>."</blockquote>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488383651740437858.post-65927678344671585852015-06-30T11:03:00.000-04:002015-06-30T11:03:16.713-04:00Small Move, Big Change by Caroline L. Arnold<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the things I am interested in is actively changing my bad behaviors, poor ways of thinking, do better at work, etc. That's where "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Small-Move-Big-Change-Microresolutions/dp/0143126164" target="_blank">Small Move, Big Change</a>" has been a fantastic resource. Caroline Arnold shows how making small steps over time can yield bigger and better (and more permanent) results than if we try to set huge goals right out of the gate.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
--</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you want to make changes (and keep them going), specifically define how you plan to accomplish each change and start that plan by promising that you will take just one small step: a "microresolution."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rather than attacking the whole problem, pick one or two small, realistic changes; and then follow these seven microresolution precepts:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A Microresolution is Easy</b></div>
<div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
The more challenging your resolution, the less likely you are to accomplish it. Even slight changes to your routine require sustained focus, but achieving a <i>small</i> goal is easier and will give you confidence.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A Microresolution is an Explicit and Measurable Action</b></div>
<div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
Specific cues trigger specific habits. If your cue and your behavior share a strong link, the resulting habit endures. Therefore, create explicit habits based on explicit cues.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A Microresolution Pays Off Up-Front</b></div>
<div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
Accomplishing a microresolution provides and <i>immediate</i> positive effect.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A Microresolution is Personal</b></div>
<div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
Create microresolutions based on observation of your own habits, attitude, and situation. Your success hinges on heeding your personal reactions.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A Microresolution Resonates</b></div>
<div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
Some tasks are better suited to being done in small doses, so play around with the frequency of your microresolutions. Fram them positively, except when taking an action which could lead to (or keep you from) harm - then use zero-tolerance language.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A Microresolution Fires on Cue</b></div>
<div style="padding-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
The cue that will trigger your microresolution is <i>already</i> part of your behavior. All you have to do is figure out what it is. Don't be afraid to tweak your microresolution if the cue isn't working.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Make Microresolutions Just Two at a Time</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Resist the temptation to make many at once. They won't seem natural until they become habit, and that takes time.</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
clarkfkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16837555119886375929noreply@blogger.com0