Today, at the beginning of this new year, take a few moments for self reflection. Days, weeks, months, and years from now, what will others remember about how you made them feel? Your words and actions today will fade from memory. But the way those words and actions made others feel might last a lifetime.
...Whether your Christmas holidays are simple and quiet or elaborate and boisterous, or anywhere in between, I wish you the very best!
See you in 2025!
Whether it’s observing a little girl share her ice cream with her brother, witnessing a teenage boy give up his seat for an elderly woman on the subway, receiving an unexpected and precious gift from a friend, or getting the opportunity to bless an overwhelmed waiter with a big tip, kindness and generosity have a way of bringing beauty into even the ugliest days.
...The incredible positive effects of frequently feeling and expressing gratitude have been extensively studied, but it doesn’t take science to know that being grateful makes you happier and more successful.
...Much of the external circumstances affecting your life are out of your control. That is, as they say, “reality!” You cannot control many—if not most—of these circumstances. So instead of needless, unhealthy, and wasteful worry and consternation, simply focus on what you can control.
...There really is no failure unless you quit. While you can’t control what life throws at you, you can determine your response. In life’s many battles, your attitude is the most powerful weapon you wield.
...Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! – Dan Nielsen
...While life presents some large moments that can have a major impact on your life, life is more often defined by small, seemingly inconsequential moments. Be mindful of these small moments and don’t hesitate to act on your intuition!
...Looking back on my life, I am filled with gratitude that the path I have chosen is one of cherishing relationships. I can sincerely and truthfully say that I’ve done my best to show love, compassion, and generosity to the many, many people in my life. I also am deeply thankful that I have many, many people in my life who I know care for me in return.
...In order for leaders to inspire others with their vision for the future, they themselves must be inspired and passionate about it!
...A few weeks ago I discussed the importance of being authentic and avoiding the trap of accidental inauthenticity caused by mimicking others instead of developing and leveraging your own unique strengths. Of course, in order to act and speak authentically, you must first develop a clear picture of who you are and what your strengths …
I have long admired the leadership and wisdom of the late General Colin Powell. I had the privilege a number of years ago to spend about thirty minutes alone with the General, and my positive perception and respect for him did not diminish one bit – in fact, it increased exponentially! He was a man …
What does your personal mission statement look like? Do you know where you’re going? Do your current actions and goals align with the place you want to end up? I encourage you to take a reflective moment and figure out just what you want to accomplish out of life.
...Inspirational, accountable leaders readily respond to problems and take action to correct them. Or as Eleanor Roosevelt so eloquently put it, these leaders “Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.”
...Humility is considered by some to be more of a weakness than a strength. But I don’t think humility is a weakness, I think it is an essential quality of a strong leader. In fact, I think it takes strength to be humble!
...Whatever your own self-care routine may be, chances are your little bit of “selfishness” is actually helping you be more selfLESS in the long run!
...Too late, too hard, too bad? Never! Take a lesson from Ed Bray: It’s never too late to learn or try something new!
...As a kid, did you ever make a club with your friends? You might not have had an official clubhouse, like on The Little Rascals, but you probably had a special place you hung out, and certain rules about who could be part of the club. Or maybe you didn’t create a club, but there was …
Showing appreciation for the good things in your life, and expressing gratitude for the people in your life will always pay amazing dividends back into your own life!
...If you’re in your youth, don’t rush toward tomorrow and forget to make the best of today. Or if you’re getting older, don’t fret over your yesterdays or your dwindling tomorrows – make the best of today!
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