Word-Of-the-Week #1003: Guffaw
October 26, 2023 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #1003: Guffaw
Guffaw – a hearty, boisterous burst of laughter.
When was the last time you experienced true, unforced laughter? Do you remember what triggered it and how it made you feel? Do you know that laughter can have a positive impact on your health?
This Chicago Tribune article by Marissa Levin, “FUNNY BUSINESS Cutting up at work offers host of benefits. Corporate America needs to loosen up” is so on target and a major point I made in my speeches.
“According to research from Wharton, MIT and the London Business School, giggles and guffaws offer several business benefits. Laughter can relieve stress and boredom, boost engagement and well-being and spur not only creativity and collaboration, but also focus and productivity, Harvard Business Review notes.
Babies laugh about 400 times a day; people over 35, only 15, Harvard reports. A recent study of Gallup data for the U.S. found that we laugh significantly less on weekdays than we do on the weekends.
- With the onslaught of negative information coming at us these days, going to an office that values fun helps us to maintain perspective and optimism.
At my first company, Information Experts, we had a Good Times Committee (GTC) that was responsible for planning fun events. We had a line item in our budget for fun. No matter what the day held, we knew there would be some laughter along the way.
This week features 2 ways workplace goofiness can improve your culture and bottom line.
Laughter keeps us focused on tasks.
In a study, psychological scientists David Cheng and Lu Wang of the University of New South Wales found that people who watched a funny video clip spent twice as long on a tedious task compared to people who watched neutral or positive (but not funny) videos.
“There has been increasing recognition that humor may have a functional impact on important behaviors in the workplace, and that exposure to humor may increase the effectiveness of employees,” Cheng and Wang write.
Laughter is a great natural team builder.
A study from the staffing firm Accountemps revealed that nearly 80 percent of executives said an employee’s sense of humor is important for fitting into the company’s corporate culture.
Mike Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps, said an employee’s sense of humor can boost morale and improve connections with co-workers.
- “Creating a positive and friendly work environment can lead to higher levels of employee engagement and productivity.”
Humor also can lighten the mood when something goes wrong.
“Not all business matters are funny, but a little levity can go a long way, particularly when it comes to defusing tension or recovering from a minor mishap,” he said. “There’s nothing like a joke to put people at ease.”
This week is all about guffaws. How would you rate your sense of humor? How often do you laugh in any given day? Do you work in a positive friendly environment? Are you fully engaged and productive?
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Word-Of-the-Week #1002: Appreciative
October 19, 2023 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #1002: Appreciative
Appreciative – feeling or expressive of gratitude.
Can you find contentment in simple pleasures? Are your friendships and relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and encouragement?
This week features the 2nd half of “If you have these 7 things, your life is going much better than you may realize” by Justin Brown at HackSpirit.
To Recap: There are probably things in your life right now that you haven’t even considered as markers of success. If you have these 7 things, your life is going much better than you may realize.
- You have a supportive circle of friends and family
- You have a sense of purpose or passion
- You can find contentment in simple pleasures
- You’re able to express gratitude and appreciate what you have
Gratitude isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. It’s the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, no matter how big or small. Do you find yourself saying thank you for the meal you’ve just enjoyed, or the warm bed you sleep in at night? Are you able to appreciate the effort someone put into helping you, or the beauty of a sunset at the end of the day?
Being able to express gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges or difficulties you might be facing. Rather, it’s about focusing on the good and acknowledging the blessings that are already present in your life.
Gratitude has been linked to increased happiness, improved relationships, and even better physical health. It’s a mindset that encourages contentment and a positive outlook on life.
If you can pause to recognize the good in your life, to truly appreciate what you have rather than constantly longing for more, then you’re embracing a powerful tool for well-being. Your life is already filled with abundance, and recognizing this fact means your life is going much better than you may realize. It’s a sign of emotional maturity and a balanced perspective, a sign that you’re on a path to true fulfillment.
- You’re able to learn from mistakes and grow
Life isn’t about never falling down; it’s about learning how to get back up. Have you found that you can reflect on your mistakes without beating yourself up? Can you see failure not as a dead end but as a valuable lesson?
Embracing mistakes and learning from them is a sign of resilience and wisdom. It shows that you understand that failure is not a reflection of your worth but a step on the path to growth and success. It’s a mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities and turns setbacks into stepping stones.
If you can look back on your mistakes with understanding and compassion, using them as fuel for personal growth, then you’re cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself. You’re acknowledging that imperfection is part of being human, and you’re embracing the journey with all its ups and downs. Your life is going much better than you may realize, and this ability to grow is a sign of true strength.
- You take the time to invest in self-care and personal development
Do you take the time to nourish your body, mind, and soul? Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, reading, or simply taking a moment to breathe and relax, self-care is an investment in yourself.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. It’s about recognizing that you have needs and that meeting those needs enables you to be your best self. It’s about understanding that personal development isn’t a luxury but a continuous journey towards becoming the person you want to be.
If you prioritize self-care and personal development, you’re acknowledging that you are worthy of love and attention. You’re building a strong foundation that allows you to face life’s challenges with confidence and grace. You’re nurturing a relationship with yourself that is based on respect and understanding.
- You cultivate positive relationships and surround yourself with supportive people
The people you choose to surround yourself with say a lot about where you are in life. Are your friendships and relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and encouragement? Do you feel supported, valued, and understood by those closest to you?
Cultivating positive relationships isn’t about having a vast number of friends or being constantly social. It’s about the quality of connections, the depth of understanding, and the genuine care and compassion that defines your interactions with others.
If you’ve nurtured relationships where you feel safe to be yourself, where you can share both joys and struggles without judgment, then you’re building a strong social support network that enhances your life. You’re recognizing the value of human connection and the importance of love and friendship.
Your life is going much better than you may realize, and these positive relationships are proof of your emotional intelligence and ability to create meaningful bonds.
This week’s focus is on being appreciative. Are you able to appreciate the effort someone put into helping you, or the beauty of a sunset at the end of the day? Have you found that you can reflect on your mistakes without beating yourself up? Do you feel supported, valued, and understood by those closest to you?
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Word-Of-the-Week #1001: Well-lived
October 12, 2023 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #1001: Well-lived
Well-lived – a life filled with purpose and meaning.
Do you have a supportive circle of friends and family? Do they cheer you on, lend you a shoulder to cry on, and remind you of your worth even when you doubt yourself?
This week features the 1st half of “If you have these 7 things, your life is going much better than you may realize” by Justin Brown at HackSpirit.
Sometimes, we’re so caught up in the daily grind that we lose sight of the bigger picture.
We work hard, we hustle, and we chase after dreams, often neglecting to recognize the real successes that we’ve already achieved.
It’s a common human tendency to overlook our progress and fixate on what’s missing.
But what if I told you that your life might already be going much better than you realize? That the things you’ve been taking for granted are actually signs of a life well-lived?
My neighbor used to tell me, “If you’re always looking for gold, you’ll miss the sunshine that’s already shining on you.” It’s a quirky saying, but it’s full of wisdom. You don’t need to have it all to live a life filled with joy and fulfillment.
In fact, there are probably things in your life right now that you haven’t even considered as markers of success. If you have these 7 things, your life is going much better than you may realize.
- You have a supportive circle of friends and family
Remember when you were feeling down, and a friend showed up at your door with your favorite comfort food? Or that time when your family threw you a surprise party just to celebrate a small victory in your life?
These aren’t mere coincidences; they’re signs of a life well-lived.
Having a supportive circle of friends and family is more than just a social convenience. It’s a safety net, a source of joy, inspiration, and an essential part of your emotional well-being. It’s about those people who stand by you, not just in your triumphs but in your trials as well. They cheer you on, lend you a shoulder to cry on, and remind you of your worth even when you doubt yourself.
In a world where superficial connections are all too common, having genuine relationships with friends and family who genuinely care about you is a treasure. It’s a clear indication that your life is richer and more fulfilling than you might have given yourself credit for.
If you find yourself surrounded by loving friends and family who enrich your life, take a moment to appreciate this incredible blessing.
- You have a sense of purpose or passion
Have you ever found yourself lost in a task, completely immersed in what you’re doing, and realizing hours have gone by without you even noticing? Whether it’s a hobby, a career, volunteering, or even a personal project, having something that you’re passionate about adds a profound depth to your life.
It’s not about being famous or the best in the world at something; it’s about that spark that makes you feel alive. It’s the thing that makes you jump out of bed in the morning, excited to start the day. It’s the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment you feel when you’ve poured your energy into something that truly matters to you.
A sense of purpose or passion is a guiding star, leading you through the maze of life. It’s an internal compass that helps align your actions with your values, and it makes the journey infinitely more rewarding.
If you’ve discovered something that makes your heart sing, that ignites a fire in your soul, then you’re experiencing one of the most fulfilling aspects of human existence. Embrace it, nurture it, and know that you’re living a life that many only dream of.
- You can find contentment in simple pleasures
Do you relish the warmth of a cup of tea on a cold morning? Can you lose yourself in the pages of a good book? Does a walk in the park, feeling the fresh air and hearing the birds sing, bring a smile to your face?
Finding happiness in these small, everyday experiences means you’re attuned to the present moment. You’re not constantly chasing after the next big thing; instead, you’re grounded and appreciating life as it unfolds.
This ability to be present and find contentment in simple pleasures shows a profound understanding of what truly matters. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive possessions; it’s about the pure, unadulterated joy that can be found in life’s ordinary moments.
If you can find happiness in the simple things, you’re embracing a rich and fulfilling way of living. You’re recognizing the beauty that surrounds you every day. Your life is going much better than you may realize, and this contentment in simplicity is a treasure that keeps on giving.
This week’s focus is having a life well- lived. Do you have something that you’re passionate about? Does it make your heart sing and ignite a fire in your soul? Do you take the time to nourish your body, mind, and soul?
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Word-Of-the-Week #1000: Tenacity
October 5, 2023 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #1000: Tenacity
Tenacity – persistent determination.
Have you ever failed at something and continued to try again? Would you have the strength and determination to continue if you failed for 5 years? Would you have the strength and determination to continue if you failed for 20 years?
One of the most successful people I know failed for five years before he started having some degree of success. Now, that’s persistent determination!
You probably have heard of him too. In 1969, he moved to Nashville to make it as a country singer. He was rejected by 26 record labels before securing a record deal. His debut album sold only 324 copies. Flat broke; he moved to south Florida and played in the local bars where, at times, nobody even showed up.
In 1974, he had his first hit single. But it wasn’t until 1977 that he became an “overnight” star. Have you figured out who it is? Jimmy Buffet! He continued to be one of the top grossing acts and had a cult following. He continued his success by creating a clothing company, restaurants, writing children’s books and several other ventures.
And sadly, he passed away on September 1st, the same week The Margaritaville Hotel opened in downtown San Diego. He had a net worth of $1 billion which is truly amazing!
And this from Wikipedia, “Buffett called his music “drunken Caribbean rock ‘n’ roll”.
“It’s pure escapism is all it is…I’m not the first one to do it, nor shall I probably be the last. But I think it’s really a part of the human condition that you’ve got to have some fun. You’ve got to get away from whatever you do to make a living or other parts of life that stress you out. I try to make it at least 50/50 fun to work and so far it’s worked out.” – Jimmy Buffett
And on another note, did you ever watch the Dallas Buyers Club movie? Did you know that it took 20 years and 86 rejections before it was finally financed and filmed?
This week’s focus is on tenacity. The question is, “Do you have tenacity?” Would you have persistent determination for one year? Would you have persistent determination for seven years? How about 20 years? When we really want something and know it in our heart, we will do whatever it takes to keep going and make it happen! What are you determined to have? How persistent are you willing to be to get it?
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