Dalbey Education Institute

“Trickle-Down Optimism”

Do you remember the days when Ronald Reagan was president? I do.

One of the things that Reagan was known for was his theory of “trickle-down economics.”

Trickle-down economics is basically a theory that supports a system where there is no significant barrier to the accumulation of wealth by individuals. If the rich people do well, so the theory goes, benefits will “trickle down” to the rest of the people below them.

My objective here is not to write a political essay, but I do like “wealth” and “prosperity” – however you define it. And, I do believe that an overall positive outlook on life can trickle down and create additional benefits. I call it “trickle-down optimism.”

We’ve all experienced it. When those around us are happy, motivated or giving, we start to share in those good feelings too. Optimism is contagious; it’s like breaking out into an ear-to-ear grin when you hear a baby giggle. It’s the reason we go to parties… to share in and build up that positive vibe.

But, here’s the good news: optimism not only trickles down to impact our moods, but I also believe that a positive attitude and mind set trickles down to improve ALL aspects of our lives: our health, our relationships, our energy levels, our work.

How can optimism be so powerful? I think it’s because at its core, optimism is the belief that you have the power to change things.

It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, really: if you believe you can change things, you are more willing to try to change things, and trying always gets better results than NOT trying.

Pessimism is also self-fulfilling: if you believe you have no power to change or improve, then you simply won’t try to change things, and, again, if you don’t try, things won’t change.

You don’t have to believe me. But know that much greater minds than mine have felt the same! Here are some inspirational quotes to consider:

"While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us." - Benjamin Franklin

"An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity; a pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity."  - Winston Churchill

Warmly (and optimistically!),
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Easy Solutions for Work Hazards

Whether you work from your home office or in a cubicle with hundreds of others, there are some very real dangers that can accompany office work.

Working long hours at a desk can wreak havoc on your body. The air you breathe can be hazardous to your health. A hectic traveling schedule can mess with your mind. Even talking on the phone can injure you!

Here’s a short online article from msnbc.com with some smart tips on how to beat these “occupational ills”:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/20411671/

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Simplify

I am a busy guy these days. Work, family, cycling, projects, meetings, new ventures, seminars, workshops, communicating with students and graduates of the Dalbey Education Institute across the globe... I always have twenty (or more, to be honest!) irons in the fire.

The fact is, I like being busy. I’m used to it, and it’s how I’m wired. I thrive in a high-energy environment.

But, as I’ve gotten older, and especially since I have become a father, I am beginning to appreciate the simple things in life. And this newfound appreciation for simplicity got me thinking about – or perhaps I should say “re-thinking” – my personal philosophy of life and of work.

When I speak and write about being driven by and focused on goals, what I’m really saying is to create simplicity. Being successful boils down to recognizing what is most important to you: what it is you truly value and want out of life and your career.

I believe that when you’ve simplified your life and decided what it is you want to do, you can achieve anything.

Here’s how I try to simplify my life. Some of this I’ve said before, but it always helps me to remind myself. Maybe it will help you too:

1.    Write out a list of your top priorities or goals. This list should be short and sweet. Keep it where you can see it every day.

2.    Make a list of how you want to spend your time. Mine includes spending time with my family and friends, feeling healthy and happy, and helping as many people as I can by teaching them to better their lives. What’s on your list?

3.    Every day, create a “to do” checklist of what you want to accomplish. At the end of each week, look at these daily lists again and ask yourself, “Are these tasks helping me reach my long-term goals?” If not, reevaluate.

The idea here is to examine your daily activities critically. Make sure that you’re not spending the majority of your time doing things that don’t really matter… things that aren’t driving you in the direction of achieving your goals.

4.    Declutter. Physical clutter is distracting and leads to confusion. Only have and use what you need.

5.    “Weed your garden.” Is there something that’s working against your success… sapping your strength or using up your resources? Whether it’s a negative relationship, a bad work situation, or a health issue, getting rid of these obstacles will move you forward.

6.    Always ask yourself, “Is this activity/person/job/project adding value and enriching my life? Is this helping me get where I’m hoping to go?” Act accordingly.

7.    Go for quality, not quantity.

8.    Figure out who the most important people in your life are, and prioritize them.

If you’ve got any good tips for “successful life simplification,” please share them.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Next stop: a new perspective

So much of learning comes from exploring. Education isn't just about gaining knowledge... it's opening up your mind with new experiences, seeing new places and meeting different people.

Unfortunately, there are far too many individuals – kids especially – who might not ever have the opportunity to get a fresh perspective.

I was recently made aware of this really fantastic group that’s trying to help. It’s called the Godparents Youth Organization, and its mission is to stimulate personal growth and character development in urban youth through caring mentorship and travel.

This organization takes underprivileged teenagers on an extended cross-country bus trip to give them a taste of life beyond what they call home. Along the way, they visit American landmarks like the Grand Canyon, New Orleans and Washington D.C. (and all stops in between!).

As the organization’s founder, Tanya Walters, put it: “I want these kids to dream. We want to help them believe they can do anything and show them that despite their circumstances, there’s a life to live out there.”

Check out the Godparents Youth Organization website: www.godparentsclub.org

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute