“Understand that you will be like those with whom your surround yourself. Your environment is stronger than you are”.
~ Chinese Proverb

It is often easier to get pulled into the negative, rather than to walk away or seek a positive. We hear gossip and frustration several times a day. Do you choose to participate in the negative, walk away, or find the silver lining? I want to find the silver lining- but often still having to work at it.

“Find the Courage to hold on to your beliefs, even if the world around you chooses to believe differently. Have the Courage to change those beliefs that no longer fit the person you have become. In doing so, you truly become yourself.”
~ Chinese Proverb

Personally, I don’t seem to struggle as much in speaking my mind- even when others disagree (surprise). I do find, however, that once I have been very, very outspoken it is harder to back away from the statement. I am working to be more moderate in my language and allow for more insight as the topic develops. Maybe first- I need to understand that having a belief is different that jumping up and down and shouting said belief.

“No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?”
-Lee Iacocca

While building a new business the past few years, I have sometimes forgotten why I wanted to work for myself after all. I wanted more time with my family and to make a difference in my community. I am still a work in progress and struggle to make my schedule reflect my priorities, but getting better!

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure”
“Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it.”
~ Bill Cosby

When we started Retirement Connection almost four years ago it was a tough economic climate to begin a new business. Many asked me how they could trust that I would be around down the road. I found myself with one reply- “I don’t know how to lose”. This doesn’t mean it has always been without struggle and constant adjustment. But – My desire is still greater than my fear.

“Reputation is what people think you are. Character is who you really are. Take care of your character and your reputation will take care of itself.”
~ Anonymous

I remember asking my grandfather for advice growing up and he replied “Do you want to be liked or do you want to be respected.” I asked “can’t I be both”. His answer-“Not always”!
This was a hard lesson to learn, because most of us prefer to make the easy choice- to be liked. When your character and values are tested, being respected is more challenging.

“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”
~ Seneca

In setting your goals and resolutions, have you prepared for the upcoming new year? Have you done all you can so that when the opportunity comes your way you will be lucky? Start today! Prepare for the things you can.

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
– Michael Jordan

As I set my personal and professional Resolutions/Goals (whatever you happen to call them) for the upcoming year, I am also taking the time to reflect back on some of the “not so wonderful” moments. Some of my most important lessons were found in what seemed as failure. My biggest successes were born from having to redirect after adversity. Remember- it doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, just how many times you get up.

“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”
~ Tim Notke

“Genius is seldom recognized for what it is: a great capacity for hard work.”
~ Henry Ford

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”
~ Sam Ewig

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
~ Thomas Edison

“Success is your dreams with work clothes on.”
~ Anonymous

“It’s called WORK for a reason- no one starts at the top unless you’re digging a ditch”.
~ William B. Shaw (my grandfather)

He often had a simple but inspirational message – but mostly he led by example. He passed away more than 20 years ago, but remains my measure for work ethic.

Having a hard time managing all of the events and networking opportunities you attend? Well, there may be an easier way to populate and update your calendar using the resources already posted on Retirement Connection’s website – here’s how:

1. Go to the Networking Page.
2. Click on the button for the Events Calendar at the top of that page.
3. Once the calendar opens, on the bottom right, click the button for “Google Calendar”.
4. This will add this calendar and all supporting info to your calendar page if you use Google Calendar.
5. You can then also sync Google Calendar with Outlook, smart phones and other applications.

What’s so great about this- as meeting locations or topics change- your calendar is automatically updated as we receive the updated the details. We also provide a web link to more information for your calendar. The networking calendar remains independent from your personal entries for quick viewing.

We are happy to assist you in setting this up – Call Amy

One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. When you defend those who are absent, you retain the trust of those present.
~ by Stephen Covey

This goes beyond simply not saying something about another that you wouldn’t say directly to the person. It is to NOT speak negatively about those not present.