April 2014 Newsletter

 FREE Resource

        
 
While on an extended flight recently, I decided to do a little electronic spring cleaning. I have all kinds of notes entered on my tablet, phone, and laptop that needed to be organized, combined, or just deleted.

As I was going through the files I came across a number of quotes and one-liners I hadn't seen in awhile. I thought you might enjoy the quick laugh or "aha" they could bring to your busy day. 

 

To download my Spring 2014 Quotes Collection, simply

click here.   

  

 

Favorite Quotes 

Value is defined by the receiver more than the giver.
-Unknown

Don't go through life...grow through life.
-Eric Butterworth

Treat people like mirrors and watch how you reflect in their eyes.
-Nnamdi G. Osuagwu

To uncover your true potential, you must first find your own limits and then you have to have the courage to blow past them.
-Picabo Street

If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.
-Tallulah Bankhead

God gave us our relatives; thank God we can choose our friends.
-Ethel Mumford

Most of us give an emotional "Yes" when we would give a logical "No."

-Jones Loflin

Quick Links


Blog Spotlight

What do art, routines, and Jones' 10 year old daughter have in common? They are all discussed in his blog, The Art of Routines In Time Management.
 

ASTD 2014



Hope to see you May 5, 6, or 7 in Washington DC. For a FREE pass to the expo/trade show, click here and then enter the invitation number 9247.

Looking forward to a fantastic time in our nation's capitol!
 

Featured

Testimonial 

I had just finished reading Jones' book, Juggling Elephants, and was thrilled to find out he would be speaking at our conference.  

  

To hear Jones Loflin describe the "What comes next?" piece as a closing for the Seminar was extraordinary. He motivated us not to rest on our laurels of inspiration but to take up the banner and to make concrete action steps. Everything about the US Forum was exceptional, but hearing Jones Loflin was pure gold.

Pat Osborne

Delta Kappa Gamma Society

Houston, Texas

 

 


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The Elephant Of A Negative Attitude 

Juggling Elephants      

I have discovered a new elephant in my life. Before I continue, an explanation is in order for those of you not familiar with my book, Juggling Elephants. In that book Todd Musig and I look at how the struggle of trying to get it all done is like attempting to juggle elephants-it's impossible. In our training programs we have participants identify their "elephants" and these could include anything from an assignment at work to a strained relationship to personal health challenges.

 

I never really thought about a negative attitude being an "elephant," but there is no question that having a less than positive perspective is a heavy weight when we are trying to move quickly through our day. It adds a layer of resistance to tackling the tough tasks while creating unnecessary friction in our interactions with others. I don't know about you, but I need every resource available to get my work done-not struggle with an unnecessary burden.

 

Once I recognized how my negative attitude was limiting the number of "standing ovations" I was getting from my circus (another concept from Juggling Elephants) I started making note of when I was feeding this elephant so I could take the appropriate actions to starve it. Here's my current list:

 

When I forget that I can't get it all done. I still have some days when I am not as intentional about prioritizing my tasks, and I just "wing it." On such days I get caught up on number of tasks completed instead of the number of high priority tasks accomplished. It's about being productive, not just busy.

 

I start substituting blame for responsibility. It takes so much less work to just blame a challenging situation on the economy, the failure of others to perform, or a hundred other things. And I've noticed that if I start blaming someone or something for poor results in one area, it spreads to other areas quickly. In those moments of blame I have to remember another line from Juggling Elephants: You are the ringmaster of your circus. I am the one most accountable for my success or failure-not someone or something else.

 

I envy someone else. Be it celebrity, successful business person, or someone with the latest electronic gadget, wishing I had their status, money, or object diminishes my attitude of gratitude. Admiring others and their accomplishments is one thing...wanting to be them instead of you is quite another. Once I start making my list of the things for which I am thankful, I get a more proper perspective on my situation.

 

I stop engaging in proven routines. Almost every morning for the past eight years you could find me getting physical exercise. It has kept me mentally sharp during the day, kept my waistline in check, and prevented me from having to resort to medication to control my cholesterol. When I go just 2 or 3 days without the exercise, I find my attitude toward my work and life to be much less positive. I also try to have at least one conversation per week with someone who I consider a professional or personal mentor. When I neglect this routine, I find my world view getting smaller, and a sense of urgency to improve some aspect of my life wanes.

 

I put self above service. I find tremendous joy in encouraging others. Whether it's sending a personal note, congratulating them on an accomplishment, or just spending time in engaging conversation, I find that the enrichment to my own life is probably greater than what they receive. When I start saying to myself, "I don't have time for such things," I'm feeding my elephant a BIG meal.

 

What would you add to the list? Send me an email with your thoughts. And if you know someone who is trying to juggle the elephant of a negative attitude, feel free to pass these tips along to them. You can tell them I asked you to.

 

What are the signs that you are feeding the elephant of a negative attitude?

    

 

Featured Video

The Need To Delegate
The Need To Delegate

 

Featured "JLearning" Presentation 

 

 

 See more at www.jonesloflin.com/jlearning 

 

Product/Service Highlight

 

Connecting More Often   

 

If you have been a subscriber to my newsletter for any length of time, you know that I have the utmost respect for our connection. I don't load up your inbox with emails about programs or products, and we NEVER share or sell your emails to others. Once a month you and I connect about work, life and everything in between.

 

If you would like to receive more frequent tips, ideas, musings, and ideas from me, I invite you to connect with me in any or all of the following ways:

 

Follow us on Twitter Posting 3-4 times per day 

 

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Like us on Facebook Posting 3-4 times per week 

 

View our profile on LinkedIn Posting 1-2 times per week 

 

Blog    Posting 1-2 new blogs each week 

 

And of course I always welcome the chance to grow my newsletter subscriber list. A great way to partner with me in that endeavor is to share this newsletter with coworkers or friends
and encourage them to join me on this journey. 

 

  
Until Next Time,

Jones

 

You are receiving this newsletter because you have inquired about the speaking and training programs offered by Jones Loflin, received a copy of one of his books, Getting the Blue Ribbon, Juggling Elephants, or Getting to It, or signed up for his newsletter. To schedule Jones for a keynote or training program for your organization, email us or call 800-853-4676.

 

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