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PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Good Life Principles – Just Show Up
For many of us, growing older produces an increased tendency to rely on known patterns. It becomes harder to take risks. We rely on paticular choices and hold on to what we perceive to be security. It becomes more natural to say no. It becomes easier to criticize and complain, and the vibrancy of our life dims. We all have a special purpose, what I refer to as the “Why” in life, not the “How.” One of the biggest challenges that we have in front of us today is the ability to show up for the people who are depending on us. When we show up for others, it’s easier to be in harmony with one another and to have fun. We show up not only for the benefit of our own needs, but to connect with others in a more immediate way.
The Good Life asks us to lighten up and look around. It offers an alternative to the way many of us lead our lives. It requires that we say okay and be helpful, rather than be argumentative and difficult. It offers us a chance to do things differently. An ordinary day is filled with the rituals of getting out of bed, filling the coffeemaker, taking in the paper, going to work, and sitting down at our desk or workstations. We have the choice of going through the motions and plodding along half asleep, or we can wake up to the Good Life. I choose to do things differently right now and I really hope you do, too, because you have people depending on your ability to find the Good Life.
Why have you been asked to do so much with your choices, thoughts, behavior, and disciplines in life? Because you are a leader. Otherwise, you wouldn’t take the time to read this. You have the option to make your choices, or let others make them for you. It is up to you. This choice brings a benefit and a consequence. When you choose to show up for those around you, this will help them go up as well. I didn’t say grow up, I said go up. Remember if you do, they will. If you don’t, they won’t.
That is the most important point of this month’s newsletter. There is a saying, “Only dead fish go with the flow.” With this idea of saying “okay,” instead of no, we call upon our capacity to create the Good Life for ourselves and the people that are depending on us. This “okay” invites us to find out what is good about the situation, what is good about the offer, what is good in the proposal, etc. Take the “okay” in life to the next level and it will build optimism in your life. Saying “okay” to life will not banish problems or promise eternal success. But a positive perspective is a constructive one, and it is easier on those around you.
PERSONAL FINANCIAL TIP
Tips to Save Money on Gasoline
When you take a look at the big financial picture, for some of you, gas prices right now might mean an a lot of extra dollars each month. So for all the political grandstanding on both sides, I think when it is all said and done, Americans are going to have to come to grips that oil is a global commodity.
You know my focus is debt elimination. Can you see how eliminating some of your debt could offset some of the added gas expense you are experiencing? But there are other things you can do to save on your gasoline expenses. I have included some car care tips that save gas. Do your own research because there is a wealth of information out there on things you can do since it does not look like we will see gasoline prices go down any time soon.
1. Fill up with a lower-octane gasoline. Buy the lowest grade or octane of gasoline that is appropriate for your car. Unless your car requires premium gasoline, filling up your car with high-octane fuel is a waste of money. That pricey premium fuel won't boost your car's fuel economy or performance in the least, so skip it.
2. If you're not sure what grade of fuel works best for your car, open up your owner's manual and take a look. As long as your engine doesn't knock or ping when you fuel up with regular unleaded, you're good to drive on this much cheaper gas. Passing on pricey premium gasoline could save you hundreds of dollars a year
3. Don't top off. Don't bother topping off when filling your car's gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Why waste your money paying for gas your car won't use? Stop pumping at the first indication that your tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.
4. Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.
5. Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna. It also zaps fuel from your gas tank.
6. “If you let your car bake in the sun, there's going to be a greater amount of evaporative emissions that take place than if you park in the shade,” says Jim Kliesch, research associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and vehicle analyst for GreenerCars.com. So park your car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car.
7. Use your garage for your car. Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
8. Pump up your tires. Don't get caught driving on under inflated tires. Under inflated tires wear down more quickly and they also lower your car's gas mileage. “Tires that have low pressure offer more resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep the car at 60,” says Brian Moody, road test editor at Edmunds.com. Your car's gas mileage may plummet by as much as 15 percent. Driving on under inflated tires may also reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent or more.
9. Check your tire pressure once a month. Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual and on the placard in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car's been idle overnight.
10. Keep your engine in tune. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
11. Replace air filters. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.
12. Use the right oil. You can improve your car's gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.
13. Don't skimp on maintenance. Be serious about auto care. Your car's performance depends on it.
14. Always follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance," Moody says. "The car's designed to run a certain way. If you neglect it, it won't be as efficient." Obey the car-care guidelines outlined in your owner's manual.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Learn to help people with more than just their jobs; help them with their lives.”
-Jim Rohn, The Treasury of Quotes
BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE LEADER
Preparation of Leadership
A business will not grow unless you prepare it for growth. Results improve to the extent that leaders develop and prepare themselves and their team. Leadership demands continuous education and preparation for growth. It must attack procrastination and eliminate complacency. It must increase its success rate and minimize its failure rate. It must study the competition and know the trends in the market. Leadership is about networking with other leaders and spending time with your best people. It is all part of keeping on top of current situations and not getting caught off-guard.
Preparations are practical and productive, so prepare for everything. Come to work in the morning rested and prepared to take on the tasks at hand. Have your day planned and don’t rely on your wits or try to wing it. If you do, others will know and judge you as shallow. Set a higher standard for yourself than others expect of you. Don’t be average and ordinary in your performance. Be prepared for every event of the day and always be thinking ahead. If you do these things, others will automatically perceive you to be a leader.
Robert H. Schuller, Minister with the American Reformed Church, puts it this way—
“Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” Accomplishment most often comes from preparation in two areas. The first area is preparing for growth, and the second area is preparing for those unexpected setbacks.
The key is always in the preparation.
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