Strengths can be weaknesses

We all have different (“talents”) strengths and corresponding weaknesses.  This is by design because different roles and jobs require different strengths.  However we may have a strength that becomes a weakness when over applied in given situations.  

We are easy to get along with – we let people take advantage of us.

We are detail oriented – we don’t think big enough.

We are great at starting things – we don’t finish.

We are hard working – we work too much.

If we fully understand what our strengths are, we can keep ourselves in tasks, jobs and situations where our strengths are valued.  At the same time, we must be aware that there are situations where our strengths, or the over application of them is a weakness, and avoid putting ourselves in those situations for long.

What are your strengths, and how or where have they become weaknesses?  What can you begin doing where your strengths are strengths again?

Everyday is precious

I told you to make your bed, but you didn’t.

I told you to get good grades, but you didn’t.

I told you to take the trash out, but you didn’t.

I told you to listen when I said not to bring any pets home, but you didn’t.

I told you to save for a better car, and to hold off buying that one, but you didn’t.

I told you we’d go on that trip when you returned from Iraq…but you didn’t.

"One day" is not a day

“One day” you say.  

Look at a calendar.  You will not find “one day”.  

How about today?

You can say "I love you" now…

…or wait until the funeral.

Speed of Life

You can score ten points in a game, or ten in a quarter.

You can learn valuable things this year, or in 20 years from now.

You can earn a million dollars in 30 years, or five years.

You can buy your first nice home when you are 50, or when you are 25.

You can do 10 fun things in a year, or ten in a month.

You can live a full life in 20 years, or never.

How fast are you living?

Satisfaction = Delivery/Expectations

Why are some people happy with less results, and others unhappy with more results?

When you expected to be further along than you are, you are unhappy.  When you didn’t expect much, it’s easy to be happy.

What did you expect by now?

Are you happy?

Competition and Discretion in Education

Competition and discretion in a free market has spawned innovation and quality improvements for customers in any market.  Today, the government spends far more per pupil than 30 years ago with no improvement in results.  Some schools, especially in urban areas, are failing badly.

Is there much competition for students in the education marketplace?  Can most parents exercise discretion as to where to send their children to school?

It is time for the government to let go of their monopoly on education?  Wouldn’t it be far easier for them to give vouchers to parents and let them send their children to the school of their choice? 

What is your social/political philosophy?

There are two opposing philosophies – 

1) The collectivist/socialist idea of “from each according to his ability, to each according to his need”.

2) “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”; each individual’s fundamental moral right to his own life.

The first is the dead hand of socialism, that guts the spirit of man.  The second, the cause of freedom, that brings the best out of man.

Which do you believe in?

Thinking thoughts without accepting them

If we think our mind is us, then we believe every thought we think.  But we must understand that thoughts are tools to pick up and use, not use, and discard at will.

Can you think ideas through, holding their value in suspense, and only decide to accept them as true when you make a decision to do so?

Feeling better about you

If you want to feel better about yourself, help someone else feel better about themselves.

Who will it be today?