WOW 7th Anniversary Celebration!
July 27, 2011 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW 7th Anniversary Celebration!
WOW! It is truly amazing how fast the time goes. It’s been seven years since I wrote my first Word-Of-the-Week and to celebrate, I am once again offering my “FUN-damentals of the Secrets of Service” book for only $7.00. And I will even throw in the shipping. Such a deal! For that price you can afford to get one for your friends, family & staff. Just reply and let me know how many you’d like.
UPCOMING EVENTS –August 23rd I am speaking for the UCSD Dining, Housing, Hospitality managers.
September 12th to October 18th we will be having FUN in Ireland, Scotland, UK and Belgium. The beginning of the trip has us celebrating in Galway Bay for the Guinness Beer and Oyster Festival and ending in Brussels for Oktoberfest. On the way back we will stop over in London so I can go to Stonehenge which was up for one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. You can follow our adventures at my https://fun-damentals.com/category/travel/.
I want to thank everyone for the very positive feedback and input you have all given me and I encourage everyone to keep sending me your thoughts. Until then I hope you have FUN & Fabulous rest of your year! Susan
Reader Responses
“Congratulations to you on your lucky seventh year with Wow! The words you select every week usually have some relation to my personal and/or professional lives. The word choices and columns help me think. Your word choices remind me of what former NBA star Walt “Clyde” Frazier does with his words of the day. A graduate of Southern Illinois University and a Hall of Famer, Frazier decided a number of years ago that he would learn one new word every day. Occasionally, he sprinkles these words into his television color commentary of New York Knicks basketball games on the Madison Square Garden Network. It is great for knowledge and helps in conversation with a wide variety of people in life. Your WOW! columns have helped me learn something every week.” – “Warrior” Joe
“I am enjoying re-reading your book. Your advise and insights will help me get the points of great service across to a new staff I am working with.” – Terry
“Happy Anniversary!” – Warmest, Em
“CONGRATS on 7th WOW Anniversary! How time flies when you’re having FUN! ;)” – Sarita
“Good Morning Susan! 7 years – well done!! We have been receiving your WOWs almost from week 1 and have kept them all for reference and refreshers. Thank you so much for sharing your FUN!! We would sure like to order 2 of the “FUN-damentals of the Secrets of Service” books. Please send me the payment form at your convenience. Thank you again – have a great/safe trip abroad!!” – Mary
“Congratulations Susan!!! I’m so proud of you and keep it up for another 7…. Stay cool in beautiful San Diego…. I’m boiling here in San Antonio. Thanks” – Linda
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #364: Wonder
July 25, 2011 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #364: Wonder
Wonder – inexplicable by the laws of nature; filled with curiosity.
Are you naturally inquisitive? Are you amazed by archeological sites like the Pyramids in Egypt and wonder how they were ever built? Do you find yourself filled with curiosity about the world as you get older?
“The meaning I picked, the one that changed my life: Overcome fear, behold wonder.” ~ Richard Bach
This week’s WOW has two different definitions on purpose. I am filled with curiosity about traveling and seeing the world. In the summer of 2007, more than 90 million people cast their votes to determine which architectural marvels in the world deserved to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There were a total of twenty-one landmarks vying for that title.
The Pyramiids of Giza
Of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, only the Great Pyramids in Giza, Egypt still stand. The pyramids were given an automatic spot after infuriated Egyptian officials said it was a disgrace to have to compete for something that had belonged to their country for so long. I agree!
It is our goal to see all twenty-one landmarks. Also, Chris and I have collectively seen a lot of the twenty-one, however, not together. So the rule is, we go back and see all of them – together! So far we have been to the Pyramids and two of the New Wonders – Chichen Itza and the Great Wall of China. As for the runner ups we have been to five of them – The Statue of Liberty, Sydney Opera House, the Acropolis, Hagia Sophia and the Eiffel Tower.
What I am really surprised about is how much I enjoy history and geography. I hated school! (Probably because they dictated what I should learn.) This week focus on what your wonders are. What subjects or hobbies are you curious about? Do you like watching the History or Discovery Channel? Do you have a desire to visit any of the Wonders of the World?
Reader Responses
“I have a goal of seeing the new 7 wonders as well. Rog and I climbed all over Chichen Itza. Were you able to climb their pyramids or was it blocked off by then? Fabulous place.” – Elaine
“I hope this finds you well. WOW is one of my favorite words. Every restaurant needs some. Cheers!” – Phyllis
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #363: Creativity
July 19, 2011 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #363: Creativity
Creativity – the ability to stimulate imagination.
Would you say that you have a vivid imagination? Does your job allow you to use your creativity? Can you easily tap into your creativity or know the things to do that will spur your creativity?
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” ~ Mark Twain
This week’s WOW is a response from Bob who had this to say about last week’s word – Anxiety. “Just got around to reading your item on the subject of “worry.” It focuses mainly on worrying about your kids, but I define it as ‘using the power of creativity, but not in your best interests.’ Thought is creative.”
I Could Get Creative Here!
“What we think about the most tends to be what we manifest in our lives. If we would all spend more time thinking about what we WANT, and less time thinking (worrying) about what we DON’T want, we would all be a lot more content. Try to cultivate an awareness of where your thoughts are at any given moment. The minute you realize you are worrying, shift that to a thought of a desired positive outcome.”
“Instead of fixating on everything that can go wrong in your upcoming job interview, visualize impressing the interviewer with your grasp of his/her industry, sitting at your new desk, spending your first paycheck from the new job. We really can change our thinking and change our lives.”
I couldn’t agree more! So many people focus on what they don’t want and continue to get just that – what they don’t want. Your thoughts create your life. The more positive and creative you allow your thoughts to be – the more positive and creative your life will become.
This week’s focus is creativity. What can you do to stimulate your imagination in a positive way? What do you desire? How can you harness your power of creativity to your best interest?
Reader Responses
“We are all creative in our lives. It is just manifested in different ways because of our uniqueness. We can put it to best use with situations in our lives that call for us to figure things out in a positive way. Those who are stymied in that regard have never really thought creatively lduring their lives. Instead of thinking of it as an opportunity, these people think of it as a problem. This mindset focuses on the negative and not the positive, nullifying the possibilities for creative thinking. The most creative ideas emanate from a positive mindset, where the realm of possibilities are wide open. Every day is like a brand new lifetime, offering opportunities to use that God-given creativity. We all have it.” – “Warrior” Joe
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #362: Worry
July 12, 2011 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #362: Worry
Worry – to feel uneasy or anxious about something.
Do you know anyone who always seems to be anxious? Do you spend time worrying about things you have no control over? Are you a parent that worries about your children’s future?
An LA Times article by Mary MacVean titled “HANGING ON TO ‘BABY’ states, “The desire for children to have the best lives possible is still translating to heavily involved parents full of anxiety.” Sonya Gohill, a pediatrician in Bentwood says, ” Most parents are just scared. Scared they’re going to do the wrong thing, not do enough, they’re going to miss the boat. It’s like they’re in competition from the minute their kids are born. Who’s kid is crawling first, and why does my kid just sit here on my lap?”
Cindy Grolnick, a professor at Clark University in Massachusetts says, “There’s a sort of biological propensity for parents to be worried about and protect their children. Parents who didn’t had kids who died and got eaten by the lions.” She goes on to say, “Right now the level of competition that’s in our environment is just unprecedented. You now have to compete in community service, to help people! My kids are applying help someone and worrying about if they will get in.”
Sonya Gohill goes on to say, “My patients are extremely well-educated and have retired to be stay-at-home moms. They’re rechanneling their energy. Their kids are their project. The outcome is important because they’ve put so much time and effort into it.”
Susan Engel the author of “Red Flags or Red Herrings” offers insight into the research about what parents can change and what they cannot. Her first sentence reads:”You cannot dictate who your child will become. It’s a ‘dangerous myth’ to think that if you just parent well enough, make all the right decisions about schools, discipline, activities, friendships, that you can fix your child, that you can tailor a child. But you can’t.” Her final statement is, “If you’re spending more than an hour a day thinking about your kid when they’re not there, find something else to do.”
This week focus on how much time you spend worrying. If you’re like me, it’s not much. How about the people around you? Is there someone you could help to ease their anxiety? Can you understand the behavior of some young people who have parents that do everything for them?
Reader Responses
“Just got around to reading your item on the subject of “worry”. It focuses mainly on worrying about your kids, but I define it as “using the power of creativity, but not in your best interests.” Thought is creative. What we think about the most tends to be what we manifest in our lives. If we would all spend more time thinking about what we WANT, and less time thinking (worrying) about what we DON’T want, we would all be a lot more content. Try to cultivate an awareness of where your thoughts are at any given moment. The minute you realize you are worrying, shift that to a thought of a desired positive outcome. Instead of fixating on everything that can go wrong in your upcoming job interview, visualize impressing the interviewer with your grasp of his/her industry, sitting at your new desk, spending your first paycheck from the new job. We really can change our thinking and change our lives.” – Bob
“I see anxiety around me every day at work. Life is too short for any of that. My wife and I just want our girls to enjoy being kids and having fun with us because they won’t be around forever. So, we have made sure to spend time with them, playing games, playing out in the yard and taking them places with us. Yesterday, I filled up plastic pools for my daughters and their friend so that they could swim in the backyard. Nothing fancy, just a simple, fun activity. My older daughter sees things that she wants to do and gets involved with them, like piano lessons and ice skating lessons. She wants to play soccer and begin taking Irish step dancing lessons. We don’t push any of it. We just let her do what she is interested in during the summer months and in school. I always tell her that I want her to have fun, especially with her friends. There are some parents in our area who want to make sure their kids get into the “right” schools. My daughters are both very smart, so I don’t have any worries. I have no intention of pushing her into a “profession.” When she is ready, she will be able to make the decision she knows is right. I know childless couples who have said to me, “I worry about your kids in the future.” I don’t because our kids could very well make a difference in this country and in other people’s lives. As I mentioned, I just want to enjoy our girls and have fun with them, because they won’t be around forever. Life is too short for all of that anxiety. Thanks for the word, Susan. Take care.” – “Warrior” Joe
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #361: Difference
July 5, 2011 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #361: Difference
Difference – having a positive effect.
Has anyone done something for you that made a difference in your life? Do you feel empowered at work to do the things that make a difference? Is it important for you to know that you have had an effect on someone?
Last month we flew Southwest Airlines to Oakland to start our US/Canada vacation. I have never been a big fan of them. That’s probably because I got spoiled by United and getting first class upgrades! Did you know they have been in business for forty years? Did you know that the major airlines tried to run them out of business time and time again?
Their on board magazine featured an interview between the current CEO Gary Kelly and past CEO Herb Kelleher, who was critical in the early success of Southwest. When asked what he considered to be the essential contributing factors to Southwest’s success Gary said, “I think it’s the people you’ve been able to attract. Yes, we fly airplanes very well, and yes, we’re very efficient; we’re good at running an airline. But it’s our people who make the difference.”
The Southwest Difference
Did you know that 168 airlines have gone out of business? Southwest has gone through lots of changes and when asked what has not changed Gary’s response was, “I’d say our core values, what we stand for: putting our people first, making our people top priority – clearly that was your principle concern all the years that you led Southwest. The passion that we have for customer service shows up all the time, and our people feel empowered.”
“You know, the story of our captain holding the aircraft for a customer who needed to get to his grandson’s death bed. While that was certainly the right thing to do, and was certainly a very compassionate thing to do, I don’t think that any Southwest employee thought it was an extraordinary thing to do, in the sense that it was unusual that one of our people would do that. And yet it’s fascinating how the external world thought, Wow! That’s something to be proud of: that all of our people know what’s right, and they feel empowered to act on it. That hasn’t changed.”
This week’s focus is about making a difference. Who do you know that has made a difference in someone’s life? What could you do that would have a positive effect on the people around you?