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"My mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general; if you become a monk, you'll end up as the Pope'. Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."
- Pablo Picasso
Messages can be deep, and make us think about greater meaning and definitions. Sometimes, this is very enlightening and self inspiring.
Sometimes, messages can be simple, but packaged and delivered up in deep words and phrases.
And often, they are both so we receive the message differently depending on how we are feeling or where we are emotionally at that moment ... and we respond in connection with that influence.
Today - take it easy. You do not have to go deep, to find inspiration.
If you are so inclined, then please be my guest and go to the land of deep thoughts, however I am not asking you to this morning.
Instead, it might just be relaxing to carry a light weight thought with you today as your constant ally.
"Whatever you are, be a good one." ( I have got to remember who wrote that!)
Success does not have to be measured on some grand scale. Nor does it need be compared to your neighbor. You define your success on any and all levels. But certainly you must want it.
All I ask of you is that you count on and review often all of your personal success moments, and do not disregard them. Give yourself the momentum to drive on to further success, by recognizing all you have achieved already.
Aim high, and you will reach further. Recognize what you have done, and stand taller.
Thank you for sharing the week. Have a great weekend.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author... and Adding to my list of Personal Successes.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
AYD - Jan 31,2013 - Start Small, Grow Strong
" Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones tend to take care of the themselves."
- Dale Carnegie
I remember well the day that a man I did not know, took a few moments to show me how to properly sweep the floor in a large fabrication shop. Did you know there is a proper technique to sweep more efficiently and to prevent excess dust rising up? I did not, but I was shown.
This moment may seem trivial to many, but I recall it as one of my milestone moments in my start to grow and understand the value of the small jobs. I later went on to be the only labourer to keep my position, because I understood the importance of this small job, and my desire to do it well. It is not that I was the best floor sweeper; rather it was because I began to take more pride in my work, just for me - but the decision makers were watching, and the cycle began.
I took pride in my efforts, I did my task well, while I did not notice - my efforts sent a message to my supervisors, it defined a little about my ethic, I was offered more opportunities and new tasks and the cycle began again. There are alot of lessons a young man can learn in this that are unspoken but they show themselves as we find moments in our lives taking us back to a memory, and we make the connections.
"Ah Hah!"
As I later encountered larger tasks, I was able to draw on these little lessons that had become automatic in some ways, and offered a good starting foot print to get big jobs that initial momentum. It is the start that often stops many of us from achieving the results we desire, so if we have established a winning record on those small tasks, we are well armed to challenge the big ones. It could easily be considered training.
Will I ever knowingly use the sweeping lesson again? Certainly - as I embrace the larger task of being a father - I will show my son how to sweep out the garage. I will take the opportunity to tell him the story as an extention to my initial lesson, and attempt to show my son that a small boring task can be more engaging when given an alternate perspective on the meaning and value of it. He will see the results of his efforts. The bigger picture will present itself as he turns around to see his small accomplishment. That small job, will afford me the opportunity to define the value earlier to him, than it ever was made visible to me. ( He may not see my grand vision at the time...so I may need to repeat it ... each summer... until he is 25... but I will do it... for him.)
Can you look back on a time in your life when a simple small job stood out and showed it's value?
Something done well, that turned in an enlightening return?
Something that you may now reference back to, and draw on.
Our energy today might be on getting things done as we move toward the weekend.
Look at the little jobs - and make the effort to apply just a little more focussed attention to detail.
Good morning.
Good Success.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author... and Job List Maker.
- Dale Carnegie
I remember well the day that a man I did not know, took a few moments to show me how to properly sweep the floor in a large fabrication shop. Did you know there is a proper technique to sweep more efficiently and to prevent excess dust rising up? I did not, but I was shown.
This moment may seem trivial to many, but I recall it as one of my milestone moments in my start to grow and understand the value of the small jobs. I later went on to be the only labourer to keep my position, because I understood the importance of this small job, and my desire to do it well. It is not that I was the best floor sweeper; rather it was because I began to take more pride in my work, just for me - but the decision makers were watching, and the cycle began.
I took pride in my efforts, I did my task well, while I did not notice - my efforts sent a message to my supervisors, it defined a little about my ethic, I was offered more opportunities and new tasks and the cycle began again. There are alot of lessons a young man can learn in this that are unspoken but they show themselves as we find moments in our lives taking us back to a memory, and we make the connections.
"Ah Hah!"
As I later encountered larger tasks, I was able to draw on these little lessons that had become automatic in some ways, and offered a good starting foot print to get big jobs that initial momentum. It is the start that often stops many of us from achieving the results we desire, so if we have established a winning record on those small tasks, we are well armed to challenge the big ones. It could easily be considered training.
Will I ever knowingly use the sweeping lesson again? Certainly - as I embrace the larger task of being a father - I will show my son how to sweep out the garage. I will take the opportunity to tell him the story as an extention to my initial lesson, and attempt to show my son that a small boring task can be more engaging when given an alternate perspective on the meaning and value of it. He will see the results of his efforts. The bigger picture will present itself as he turns around to see his small accomplishment. That small job, will afford me the opportunity to define the value earlier to him, than it ever was made visible to me. ( He may not see my grand vision at the time...so I may need to repeat it ... each summer... until he is 25... but I will do it... for him.)
Can you look back on a time in your life when a simple small job stood out and showed it's value?
Something done well, that turned in an enlightening return?
Something that you may now reference back to, and draw on.
Our energy today might be on getting things done as we move toward the weekend.
Look at the little jobs - and make the effort to apply just a little more focussed attention to detail.
Good morning.
Good Success.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author... and Job List Maker.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
AYD - Jan 30, 2013 - Just Do It
"The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesn't like to do."
- Thomas Edison
First item on the list.... hard work.
Define "Hard Work" - It is not about grabbing a sledge hammer and busting rocks. It is not about hard physical labor. Do not get distracted. Work is hard because we have fears of not succeeding.
"I can't get a job because I don't have any experience. How can I get experience if I can't get a job?"
Now we try it.
I cannot get my motivation to succeed because I am afraid of doing what it takes. I am afraid to do what it takes because I have not had success to motivate me further.
Back when I was younger, and more immature, just out of highschool... we thought we knew things. I believe what we were missing is perspective. We had some friends that we chose to make fun of. Not sure why really. We just did. You see, one friend worked at McDonald's. This was in the early 80's. We joined in to the chorus of Ha Ha at this person's expense because he was working...at of all places... McDonald's.
As I look on it today, from my more mature perspective, I cannot recall really how this job warranted our snide comments. HE had a job. HE was making money. HE was gaining experience... that thing HE knew he needed to get the job he would later want... and get... because HE did what the rest of us thought we were too good for at the time it was needed.
He connected the dots on his personal road map.
Another friend had a car. In the 80's it was known as a K car. Small, unattractive, not a hot rod so it was a Ha Ha... car. Must I repeat.... He had a car. We did not. We were walking around town...repeating the nothing we did the day before. I used to take my girlfriend on dates... on my 10-speed bike. I did not have a car...but I sure had a mouthy opinion without a big brother named Perspective to clear my vision.
Simple examples of obvious Do and Achieve lessons.
We often reflect on our youth as we joyfully tell stories of "back then". Sometimes we do not like to remember. Maybe it is because the lessons are right there to acknowledge. And if we do...we might just see we are repeating our pattern.
You know I believe in one step at a time. Take a step today and do something you have been avoiding. Recognize one thing that you know will bring you an element of success if you Just Do It. ( That is a Nike slogan... and they spent alot of money saying what we are saying here to get you the same result so it must have some merit. )
You will feel great when you do.
Good Morning.
Good action.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and professional Unintentional Procrastinator.
- Thomas Edison
First item on the list.... hard work.
Define "Hard Work" - It is not about grabbing a sledge hammer and busting rocks. It is not about hard physical labor. Do not get distracted. Work is hard because we have fears of not succeeding.
"I can't get a job because I don't have any experience. How can I get experience if I can't get a job?"
Now we try it.
I cannot get my motivation to succeed because I am afraid of doing what it takes. I am afraid to do what it takes because I have not had success to motivate me further.
Back when I was younger, and more immature, just out of highschool... we thought we knew things. I believe what we were missing is perspective. We had some friends that we chose to make fun of. Not sure why really. We just did. You see, one friend worked at McDonald's. This was in the early 80's. We joined in to the chorus of Ha Ha at this person's expense because he was working...at of all places... McDonald's.
As I look on it today, from my more mature perspective, I cannot recall really how this job warranted our snide comments. HE had a job. HE was making money. HE was gaining experience... that thing HE knew he needed to get the job he would later want... and get... because HE did what the rest of us thought we were too good for at the time it was needed.
He connected the dots on his personal road map.
Another friend had a car. In the 80's it was known as a K car. Small, unattractive, not a hot rod so it was a Ha Ha... car. Must I repeat.... He had a car. We did not. We were walking around town...repeating the nothing we did the day before. I used to take my girlfriend on dates... on my 10-speed bike. I did not have a car...but I sure had a mouthy opinion without a big brother named Perspective to clear my vision.
Simple examples of obvious Do and Achieve lessons.
We often reflect on our youth as we joyfully tell stories of "back then". Sometimes we do not like to remember. Maybe it is because the lessons are right there to acknowledge. And if we do...we might just see we are repeating our pattern.
You know I believe in one step at a time. Take a step today and do something you have been avoiding. Recognize one thing that you know will bring you an element of success if you Just Do It. ( That is a Nike slogan... and they spent alot of money saying what we are saying here to get you the same result so it must have some merit. )
You will feel great when you do.
Good Morning.
Good action.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and professional Unintentional Procrastinator.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
AYD - Jan 29, 2013 - A Better You
"You can always become better."
- Tiger Woods
Becoming better is not about competing with someone else. That is not the motivation with Self Leadership and Growth.
Striving to be a better you is not vain, nor does it mean you are arrogant or hard to satisfy.
Wanting to experience the best you is a personal challenge.
The meaning for me is, Have You Given Your All ? Have you given the best of you to your challenge or task? Or can you discover that there is more drive within you and one more step forward is achievable?
One more step, further than the last.
Join me today as I challenge myself to the awkward truth - that I know there are some things about my day, and my efforts and my passion - that I can apply more energy to.
Join me today in acknowledging at least ONE thing that we can do better. For our work, for others, for ourselves. Specifics do not enter the relevant details. Identifying a gap, making the effort, and caring to succeed. That right there puts you on the path to be better.
Apply yourself, and enjoy that new part of you.
Good morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author.... and behind in my work, so working at getting better.
- Tiger Woods
Becoming better is not about competing with someone else. That is not the motivation with Self Leadership and Growth.
Striving to be a better you is not vain, nor does it mean you are arrogant or hard to satisfy.
Wanting to experience the best you is a personal challenge.
The meaning for me is, Have You Given Your All ? Have you given the best of you to your challenge or task? Or can you discover that there is more drive within you and one more step forward is achievable?
One more step, further than the last.
Join me today as I challenge myself to the awkward truth - that I know there are some things about my day, and my efforts and my passion - that I can apply more energy to.
Join me today in acknowledging at least ONE thing that we can do better. For our work, for others, for ourselves. Specifics do not enter the relevant details. Identifying a gap, making the effort, and caring to succeed. That right there puts you on the path to be better.
Apply yourself, and enjoy that new part of you.
Good morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author.... and behind in my work, so working at getting better.
Monday, January 28, 2013
AYD - Jan 28, 2013 - Positive Perspective
"There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with."
- Harry Crews
I could talk and talk and talk some more on this little comment. But I recognize that sometimes, it is best to let the idea sink in deep and allow a person to wander the wonder that is our own self directed analysis.
Key words here are "all scars of whatever nature." It does not have to be the visual reminder upon our skin that we catch ourselves rubbing when we are nervous. Many of our scars are retraced by a passing thought, like a finger feels that raised and hardened texture.
In keeping with a part of my foundation belief, that we can revisit memory to remind and reenergize, I would like to offer you this thought on yet another Opportunity Monday.
Think of a time in your life, that left you with some form of scar.
Think of the event. Remember your feelings then, but keep in mind that you control the feeling now.
What is your reflection? What is the unspoken lesson you gained? I say "gained", because you are here now looking back from an advanced position.
Can you touch this moment in history, and feel good that you have grown stronger now and have a more positive perspective in your Inventory of Treasured Growth?
I believe we all can. And I also believe that we need to identify these moments directly just to see clearly, how successful we have become.
The theme this week is Personal Success in all forms.
Positive Perspective in retracing and embracing our scars is an ally in our growth.
Life experiences are Inventory for our Success Skills.
Think of one this morning. Touch a scar of whatever nature, and label the file for your self worth research.
You are stronger because of the scar. You have more insight as a result of it. There is something good to pull forward from all of our scars.
File it under, Growth and Achievement.
Opportunity Monday, brings you a cup of Positive Perspective.
Better than a cup of coffee to get you started.
Good morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author.
- Harry Crews
I could talk and talk and talk some more on this little comment. But I recognize that sometimes, it is best to let the idea sink in deep and allow a person to wander the wonder that is our own self directed analysis.
Key words here are "all scars of whatever nature." It does not have to be the visual reminder upon our skin that we catch ourselves rubbing when we are nervous. Many of our scars are retraced by a passing thought, like a finger feels that raised and hardened texture.
In keeping with a part of my foundation belief, that we can revisit memory to remind and reenergize, I would like to offer you this thought on yet another Opportunity Monday.
Think of a time in your life, that left you with some form of scar.
Think of the event. Remember your feelings then, but keep in mind that you control the feeling now.
What is your reflection? What is the unspoken lesson you gained? I say "gained", because you are here now looking back from an advanced position.
Can you touch this moment in history, and feel good that you have grown stronger now and have a more positive perspective in your Inventory of Treasured Growth?
I believe we all can. And I also believe that we need to identify these moments directly just to see clearly, how successful we have become.
The theme this week is Personal Success in all forms.
Positive Perspective in retracing and embracing our scars is an ally in our growth.
Life experiences are Inventory for our Success Skills.
Think of one this morning. Touch a scar of whatever nature, and label the file for your self worth research.
You are stronger because of the scar. You have more insight as a result of it. There is something good to pull forward from all of our scars.
File it under, Growth and Achievement.
Opportunity Monday, brings you a cup of Positive Perspective.
Better than a cup of coffee to get you started.
Good morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author.
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