Monday, August 17, 2015

Celebrate The People Who Matter

For two years the header at the top of this blog has included a quote from Maya Angelou: "Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option".

This is a two way street.  You should never expect people to give a damn about you if you are not showing them the respect they deserve.  To create relationships all parties must be engaged.  However, in our competitive and self-focused world there is often too little attention given to how we treat others.  Many are looking only at how they are treated.

When is the last time you told someone that they were awesome? If you cannot remember giving praise to co-workers, friends, family or others you encounter daily, today is the day to take action.  Giving compliments and letting people know they have a positive impact causes no harm and only brings good to everyone involved.

In my keynote speeches I talk about the power of  "Cooperative Significance".  Most people want to make a difference, but we cannot just proclaim our significance to everyone around us.  Others determine if we are making a difference in their lives.  There can be a chain reaction started by the good vibes you spread.  Remember the movie "Pay it Forward"?  

There are also two words that can heal bad feelings between friends: "I'm Sorry".  If  you have damaged a meaningful relationship through words or actions, most of the time this can be fixed by taking ownership of what you have done (or failed to do).  Do not let pride stop you doing the right thing.

I have written a lot about cherishing "Forever Friends", as too often temporary relationships dominate our lives.  While cool and interesting people will always pass through, the ones who should matter are the friends and family who are connected to the whole journey.  Those who share with you an ongoing commitment, in good times and bad, are the ones that need to be put front and center. 

Choose to be slow to anger and fast to forgive.  Let your love show. Make a decision to be nice.  Don't be a jerk.  You get the idea!

Who has made you a priority.  Celebrate them. 

Have A Great Day

thom singer




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