Author Archives: Harry K. Jones

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

A Wonderful Re-Frame!

Posted on by
Reply

We hear a lot today about “Thinking out of the Box,” “Re-framing,” and “Creative Innovation” and yet, when we seem to need it the most, we see very few examples of it. Our nation’s Capital seems to be a perfect example of a barren wasteland when it comes to creative thinking that can solve our current problems and deal with our growing challenges.

That’s interesting when they seem to be so well-versed in creating new ways to spend our money, increase our debt, and tax our citizens.

We’re fast approaching a point that will require RADICAL THINKING to achieve the necessary turn-around that can return this great nation to the success, respect, and peace of mind we once enjoyed.

Those who are there now, on both sides of the aisle, obviously need some practice in this new way of thinking. They actually need to consider reversing their current thinking patterns. Maybe the following exercise may be of assistance to them.

Reverse Thinking

Let’s start with an exercise that examines the way we currently live our lives!

Life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time, all your weekends, and what do you get at the end of it? … Death … a great reward!

I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get that out of the way, then you live 20 years in an old-age home.

You get kicked out when you’re too young, you retire, and then go to work. You work 40 years until you’re too young to enjoy your retirement.

Then you go to college, you do drugs, you do alcohol and you party every night until you’re ready for high school.

You go to high school, you go to grade school, you become a child, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a baby, you return to your mother’s womb, you spend your last 9 months floating around in the comfort of darkness and silence and you finish off as a gleam in someone’s eye!

Sounds better, doesn’t it?

Now maybe they can begin to consider how they’re currently governing and the necessary changes which need to occur, Let’s hope so — before it’s too late!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Creation of a Legacy?

Posted on by
Reply

I remember, with great fondness, so many life lessons learned at the knee of my cherished grandfather. It seems like only yesterday … and yet, today I find myself sharing that valuable wisdom with my own grandchildren. In addition, I’ve been able to add some personal insight of my own.

It recently dawned on me that this challenge is actually a great responsibility. I happen to possess a number of pieces which can be used to complete the “legacy puzzle” for my 9 grandchildren.

And yet I wonder if my words might fall on deaf ears. After all, I am a “Senior Citizen” these days … even though I can’t remember much of the rapid journey which brought me to this stage of my life.

Senior Citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. I know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others. However, upon reflection, I would like to point out that it was NOT Senior Citizens who took:

  • The melody out of music,
  • The pride out of appearance,
  • The courtesy out of driving,
  • The romance out of love,
  • The commitment out of marriage,
  • The responsibility out of parenthood,
  • The togetherness out of the family,
  • The learning out of education,
  • The service out of patriotism,
  • The Golden Rule from rulers,
  • The nativity scene out of cities,
  • The civility out of behavior,
  • The refinement out of language,
  • The dedication out of employment,
  • The prudence out of spending,
  • The ambition out of achievement or
  • God out of government and school.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!

In addition, we do understand the meaning of patriotism and remember those who have fought and died for our country. Does anyone under the age of 50 know the lyrics to the “Star Spangled Banner”? Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts!

Remember… Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what in the world happened.

YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I’m the life of the party … even if it lasts until 8 p.m.

I’m very good at opening childproof caps … with a hammer.

I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I’m smiling all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.

I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.

I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

I’m very much aware that other people’s grandchildren aren’t as cute or smart as mine.

I’m not really grouchy … I just don’t like traffic, waiting, crowds, lawyers, loud music, unruly kids, stupid commercials, barking dogs, politicians and a few other things I can’t seem to remember right now.

I’m having trouble remembering simple words like …

I’m beginning to realize that aging is NOT for wimps.

I’m sure they are making adults much younger these days, and when did they let kids become policemen and doctors?

I often wonder, if you’re only as old as you feel, how could I be alive at 150?

I’m a walking storeroom of facts … I’ve just lost the key to the storeroom door.

Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN, and I’m having the time of my life.

I simply pray that I can impart a fraction of the wisdom to my grandchildren that my grandfather shared with me. That challenge tops my Bucket List.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Does Attitude Really Make A Difference?

Posted on by
2

What if you discovered something that could possibly affect most every aspect of your life in a very positive way? Would you act on it? Apparently NOT!

There is something that meets that description, and you’re probably already aware of it. You simply don’t believe it! And that’s your choice.

As a professional speaker, I’ve been exposed to videos, audio tapes, books, magazines, and some of the greatest speakers in the business singing the praises of a “Positive Attitude.” I’ve spoken to tens of thousands of people on the subject myself over the years.

I’ve lost count of the stories of actual accounts where “attitude,” good or bad, made a decisive difference in the lives of people from all walks of life.

And most of us have heard the many platitudes which have been passed down from generation to generation:

“Two men looked out through prison bars; one saw mud, the other, stars.”
~ James Allen

“Life is 10% what you make it, and 90% how you take it.”
~ Irving Berlin

“Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure.”
~ Norman Vincent Peale

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
~ Zig Ziglar

And the list goes on and on. Millions of dollars have been generated spreading this message, and numerous studies have proven that your attitude can and does affect your:

  • Behavior
  • Relationships
  • Communication
  • Will to Live
  • Mental Health
  • Aging Process
  • Physical Health
  • Career Advancement
  • Emotional Health
  • Academic Advancement

If that’s true, why do we see so many people demonstrating negative attitudes today? Think about it. Visualize a typical day in your life. As you experience that day, from the time you get up until the time you go to bed, do you witness more people with positive attitudes or negative attitudes?

Attitude is defined as a way of looking at life; a way of thinking, feeling, or behaving.

Of course, there are numerous situations in today’s chaotic environment that can easily lead to a negative attitude. However, it’s also obvious that possessing a positive attitude creates much better outcomes in those situations.

Then why don’t more of us try that approach?

Did you hear about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude while in grade school? … middle school? … high school? … or college? Most of us didn’t, and why not if it affects every aspect of your life? Did you learn about it in Sunday School or from your parents or grandparents? Or did you learn it on your own through trial and error?

Here’s a better question. How are your children and/or grandchildren learning this very valuable lesson? That’s a powerful responsibility for each of us. If you haven’t started as yet, here’s a short, inspiring video that provides you with 7 Simple Rules for Staying Positive.

Try them yourself for a week or two and then pass them on to a member of today’s younger generation. Let’s see if we can make an impact!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

You’ve Heard the Wisdom. Did You Heed the Advice?

Posted on by
Reply

How many times have we heard that bit of wisdom about slowing down to smell the roses? It’s been around a very long time. Many songs and articles have been written on the subject. Books have been based on the fundamental message, and the advice has been passed on from generation to generation.

Most everyone has heard it, but how many have truly heeded the advice to avoid procrastination before it’s too late? How many people, in the last days of their lives, have looked back and said, “I wish I would have spent more time at work and less time involved with my children, parents, loved ones and friends?”

This is another perfect example of the failure to close the knowing-doing gap! We know exactly what we should be doing but actually fail to do it — time and time again.

Some of us don’t learn until very late in our lives and some never learn this valuable lesson at all. Read the following true story and give some serious thought to the moral of the story. Hopefully it will cause you to re-evaluate your philosophy of what’s really important in your life.

Discuss the story with a friend and/or family member and then pass it on to others. It’s certainly a message worth sharing.

What are YOU Missing?

A man sat at a metro station … in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Stress Is Taking Its Toll

Posted on by
Reply

Here are three simple questions about a prominent challenge for all of us in today’s current environment.

  1. What is the definition of stress?
  2. What causes stress?
  3. How does stress affect you personally?

Simple questions, right? However, ask a dozen people those three simple questions, and you’ll more than likely receive a dozen different answers to each of them.

The reason is simple. There is no common definition of “stress” that everyone can agree on. What may be stressful to one person may be pleasurable or have no effect whatsoever on another. For a wide variety of reasons, we all react differently to stressors.

However, most would agree that stress can be a crucial challenge in today’s ever-changing, chaotic environment. Most of us are busier than ever before. We’re busy at work, busy at home, busy with children, and busy with social and religious obligations … and simply trying to keep our heads above water.

I have personal friends, family and associates who are currently dealing with the consequences of stress. Earlier in my career, I actually lost my eye sight for a period of time as a result of stress factors in my life.

Most of us can easily define the “stress” we’re currently dealing with. We’re well aware of the fact that stress is responsible for high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and a growing number of other health issues.

Most of us know exactly what’s causing the stress in our lives.

And, ironically, most of us know a number of things we can do to reduce our current stress levels. It might be diet, exercise, sleep, or any number of coping strategies that we’ve been exposed to. We know what to do—we simply don’t it.

For some, it’s because they really don’t believe they’ll experience those negative consequences. They have to SEE it to believe it. They actually have to experience a

S ignificant
E motional
E vent

before they’re willing to take coping action of any kind.

In short, it goes back to the knowing-doing gap. We know what we should do—we simply don’t do it.

You might want to take a proactive stance on this critical issue before you suffer the negative consequences which could very well change your life.

Take a few minutes to review this short video to learn 10 Rules to Simplify Your Life and reduce stress levels.

You’ll gain nothing by watching the video.

You’ll gain nothing by learning, even memorizing, the 10 rules.

You’ll gain a great deal by executing what you learn from this short video!. Are you willing to do that?

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Productive Chaos – Oxymoron or Success Strategy

Posted on by
Reply

Over the past few weeks, I’ve received a number of inquiries concerning our “Productive Chaos: Riding the Wave of Change” seminar. Apparently, our recent newsletter and Facebook reports on our many appearances across the country sharing this popular program have peaked the curiosity of many of our readers.

Of the dozens of programs we offer, “Productive Chaos” is, by far, the most requested and has been for the past 20 years. It applies to any organization in any industry because it focuses on the power, potential and productivity of PEOPLE — the foundation of any successful business.

While we’ve delivered this program, with great success, all over North America, for the past several decades, it’s interesting to note that no two clients have received the same program. That’s how it was originally designed in order to deliver the greatest impact for each client.

Each and every seminar has been customized, at no additional cost, to meet the need of the client as it pertains to their industry, product, service, staff and customers. Each program has also been updated to include the latest tips, tools, data and strategies derived from our on-going and in-depth research. Information is shared from media reports as recent as the day prior to the presentation.

The content of each program is determined after focused conversation with the client as to their current challenges and concerns, targeted outcomes, current status, and potential barriers.

In 1987, Tom Peters, noted author, speaker and business consultant, wrote a book titled Thriving on Chaos. In that bestseller, he shared a profound observation that is as relevant today as it was at that time. He pointed out the simple fact that chaos has been with us forever and, more than likely, always will be. There is little or nothing we can do to stop it as long as change continues to appear in our fast-paced environment. It always has and it always will.

However, there is a conscious choice we must consider.

  1. Do we become a victim of this chaos as so many others have over the decade? We’ve watched one-time leaders in every industry fade into oblivion as their relevance diminished as a result of the chaos they encountered.
    OR
  2. Do we adapt to the constant change in every aspect of our environment and harness the potential greatness which can be found amidst the chaos? In doing so, we find ourselves in the very unique position to be able to succeed by doing the same for others.

The choice is OURS! The outcomes phenomenal!

The winners of tomorrow must deal proactively with chaos and must view it as the source of market advantage, not as a challenge which must be overcome. Chaos and uncertainty are now and will be market opportunities for those who prepare today for future success.

There is much rhetoric today about “adaptive organizations,” as there well should be. In these perilous and fast-changing times, adaptivity is arguably skill/goal #1 and the bones of those, old and young, who fail to adapt will litter the landscape.

Our “Productive Chaos” seminar and/or boot camp shares not only tips, tools, and strategies for harnessing the power of chaos but also focuses on those organizations that have done so and many that failed in their efforts. Lessons abound in this fast-paced program.

Successful organizations in every field are those that constantly adapt, evolve, and create “Productive Chaos.” Are you prepared for the challenges which lie ahead? Contact Dr. Jeffrey Drake at our office at 800-886-2629 or fill out our form for further information.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Goals for Glory

Posted on by
Reply

GOALS — A simple 5-letter word that genuinely strikes fear, trepidation and loathing in the hearts and minds of millions of people all over the world. The question is WHY?

Studies have forever verified the fact that goal-setting has enhanced levels of productivity, achievement, and profitability for both individuals and organizations alike. Plain and simple! No questions asked!

Why then do so many people fear this most productive process?

Why then don’t more businesses teach, encourage, and support a process that has proven to be so beneficial?

I’ve met CEOs, Ph.D.s, entrepreneurs, and time-tested leaders who, although familiar with the goal-setting process, choose not to take advantage of it.

In fact, extensive national studies all agree that:

  • Less than 5% of the population set goals!
  • The vast majority have no goals at all!
  • Less than 1% of those who do have goals, write them down!

Consider the value here. If you set goals, you have an definite advantage over 95% of the population!

If you write those goals down, programming your subconscious as a keyboard programs a computer, you have a major advantage over those few who do set goals!

The question remains: “Why don’t more people take advantage of the vast benefits provided as a result of utilizing such a simple but powerful strategy?”

Studies have revealed several reasons why people don’t set goals:

  • People simply don’t understand the importance of goal-setting.
  • People don’t know how to set goals.
  • People have a fear of failure.
  • People have a reluctance to meet expectations.

These reasons obviously outweigh the many benefits provided by the goal-setting process.

Pause for just a moment to take a look at the last year of any aspect of your life … business or personal. I think, if you’re honest, you’ll have to admit that you’ve experienced a great deal of change.

To cope and conquer the challenges of this constant change, successful goal-setting will be essential to both individuals and organizations.

Consider the simple process of strategic planning … in essence, fancy words for goal setting. Doesn’t it make sense to establish a big picture strategic plan for your organization and then follow through by having your middle management level do the same? This plan would reflect the chosen strategy for supporting the larger focus. The front-line staff should then create individual goals describing how they plan to support the corporate focus.

Organizations that have chosen this simplistic multi-level approach to strategic planning have enjoyed tremendous success! Ironically, this productive approach is based on the simple process of goal-setting.

Sadly, far too many businesses and organizations have yet to expose and involve their employees to this essential process. Our “On Your Mark, Get Set, Goal!” program does just that. Call us at 1-800-886-2629 for more information about this powerful program. In fact, set a goal to call us within the next 48 hours!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Return of the Work Ethic

Posted on by
Reply

What do the following Hollywood superstars have in common?

  • Bill Cosby
  • Kevin Costner
  • Robert De Niro
  • Clark Gable
  • Whoopi Goldberg
  • Dustin Hoffman
  • Bob Hope
  • Michael Landon
  • Sophia Loren
  • Mary Tyler Moore
  • Ronald Reagan
  • Burt Reynolds
  • Tom Selleck
  • Suzanne Somers
  • Sylvester Stallone
  • John Wayne
  • Marilyn Monroe

ANSWER: They all began their film careers at the bottom as “extras.” They started at the entry level of their chosen field and earned stardom which many would describe as “overnight success.” For the majority of those listed above, that “overnight success” took years and, in some cases, decades. They gained knowledge and experience, sought mentors, learned the rules of the game, and demonstrated perseverance against all odds.

The same scenario has been witnessed in most every field of endeavor … politics, sports, manufacturing, sales, military, finance, technology, health care, and the list goes on. This path to foundational strength is essential for success in today’s very competitive and ever-changing environment. And yet, sadly, it’s seldom discussed, much less encouraged, in high school and/or college classrooms across the country.

By the time an entry-level employee reaches his/her career battlefield today, most employers assume this traditional work ethic is well understood and about to be eagerly executed. Sadly, that seldom, if ever, occurs.

At a time when employment is difficult to secure, far too many applicants are ill-equipped to compete. When can we expect to see the re-emergence of the traditional work ethic that built this great country? I’m afraid it’s going to take a concerted effort by many — parents, teachers, employers, mentors, and leaders in every field. Until that happens, we will continue to struggle.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Are You Gonna Make a Comeback?

Posted on by
Reply

As we approach another election year, we’re hearing from the current administration and all of the current candidates that they can and will engineer a recovery. I’m not certain the average American is buying this recovery rhetoric … and I certainly can’t blame them. We’ve all been there and heard those promises far too often.

Stocks and corporate profits may be rising and the economy may be expanding a bit. However, far too many Americans feel left behind. The problems remain frustrating … joblessness, home foreclosures, and the growing ranks of the long-term unemployed.

8.7 million people lost their jobs during the recession … think about that number! Sadly, more than 7.3 million are still without work. There are still nearly five job seekers for every job opening.

Washington politicians tell us that it will be years before the economy puts all those folks back to work. That’s probably true if we depend on them to make it happen.

Many, however, have decided to avoid reliance upon empty promises and instead have chosen to engineer their own comeback.

The rules are somewhat simple … the execution a bit more challenging. However, chances for successful outcomes are greater than waiting for others to do the job for you. Take a look …

Comeback Rule #1:

Refuse to die. Those with the character to triumph in the end tend not to allow the indignity of failure to force them down. Those who come back accept disaster, laugh in its face, and crawl to their feet again.

Comeback Rule #2:

Decide to fight. Those who come back have an inner sense of justice that refuses to be violated. They manage their emotions, reminding themselves of where they’ve been and why they’re here, and resolve that nothing will stop them.

Comeback Rule #3:

Get clever. Savvy fighters won’t make the same mistake twice. They accept the hard rules of the real world, analyze how they wound up on their back, and chart a course around the problem. Often as not, they turn trouble to their advantage.

Comeback Rule #4:

Focus, focus, focus! Once you’re on your way, don’t look up and don’t look back. A hundred distractions, doubts, and setbacks will haunt someone recovering from disaster. The true champion rolls with the punches and keeps coming back for more.

Comeback Rule #5:

Enjoy the ride. The reward for those making a comeback is to see their vision come to life in the real world. And they enjoy the deep confidence of one who had fought his way through hell and emerged to see the stars.

Begin your journey today!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

The Dominant Thought Strikes Again

Posted on by
Reply

There is an old story about a man who sold hot dogs by the roadside. Life was simple and very good for the elder gentlemen.

  • He was illiterate, so he never read newspapers.
  • He was hard of hearing, so he never listened to the radio.
  • His eyes were weak, so he never watched television.

However, enthusiastically, he sold lots of hot dogs. His sales and profit went up. He ordered more meat and got himself a bigger and a better grill. Things were certainly going well.

As his business continued to grow, his son, who had recently graduated from college, joined his father. Then something strange happened.

The son asked, “Dad, aren’t you aware of the great recession that is coming our way?” The father replied, “No, but tell me about it.” The son said, “The international situation is terrible. The domestic is even worse. We should be prepared for the coming bad time.”

The man thought that since his son had been to college, read the papers, and listened to the radio, he ought to know and his advice should not be taken lightly.

So the next day, the father cut down his order for the meat and buns, took down the sign and was no longer enthusiastic. Very soon, fewer and fewer people bothered to stop at his hot dog stand. And his sales started coming down rapidly. The father said to his son, “Son, you were right. We are in the middle of a recession. I am glad you warned me ahead of time.”

This same process is happening to US today. The national media (radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, Internet) reports only the negative for the simple reason that they make more money by doing so. If we allow them to control our dominant thought we downsize, lay off, reduce advertising and training, become less creative, fail to offer service as we should, etc.

This is an interesting concept at a time when we see very successful organizations grow, hire more people, become more creative, increase advertising, marketing and training, enhance customer service, and offer new products and services.

As a result, they prosper at time when we’re told that can’t and won’t happen! You can see examples in most every industry today. The moral of this story SHOULDN’T have to be explained. It’s as plain as the nose on your face! However, it’s quite obvious that far too many CANNOT learn from these positive examples. For those we offer the following:

  1. Many times we confuse intelligence with good judgment.
  2. A person may have high intelligence but poor judgment.
  3. Choose your advisers carefully and use your judgment.
  4. The tragedy is that there are many walking encyclopedias who are living failures.
  5. YOU control your most DOMINANT THOUGHT and you will ALWAYS move in that direction! What is YOUR most DOMINANT THOUGHT at the moment?

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.