Success Initiatives Blog

     Two simple words that can change the course of our relationships with others. Not just those close and personal relationships, but every interaction we have with random strangers too. All people deserve our kindness, not because it makes us better but because it might be just what they need to get through their day or even make them better.      One of the biggest concerns is that we are raising a culture that thinks of kindness as a weakness, when it couldn't be further from the truth. All great things begin with a positive intent . We should encourage a kind heart and love for others.      Our purpose should be to serve as role model for others, especially the younger generations that might not have the opportunity to experience kindness as frequently as they should. Whether young or old, everyone can be made different by an act of kindness. Sometimes it's a gift, a card, a helpful hand, a word, or even just smile that sa...

Oh how easy it is to respond in anger, how easy it is to be rude. We want to be right at any cost, but are we really willing to pay that cost. Perhaps none of the above actually has a payoff, but instead leads us into isolation and loneliness. "Where did everyone go?" or "Where are all my friends?" Perhaps being right is not the answer.  We can choose to be kind, to speak from a place of kindness and communicate to be heard instead of being right. Kindness is a sign of strength, a place of control over ourselves. Kindness shows that we are a person of character, of virtue, of value. We respect all humankind. We don't concern ourselves with being right, but with coming from a place of kindness and respect.  So where are all my friends? Well, they are around me. They are in my life, because they are treated with kindness and respect. They are valued for making my life better and for being there in a pinch. Have some left, the answer is yes. They were no lo...

Run for life.......... This morning as I ran and thought about how running mirrors life, I couldn't help but smile from the inspiring lesson I was taking in. My run usually begins as a slow trot just trying to get moving, then progresses into a smooth cruising pace, encountering a few challenging hills along the way, with a few moments feeling like an Olympic athlete, then finally a look back at my accomplishment and a great feeling of endorphin filled success. Life seems to mimic this process, but we must feel and listen to life as we do our body during a run. The slow trot is needed, much like learning to walk, read, and learning about what it is we want to become someday. Those years mold us, shape us and prepare us for the progress we will experience during the cruising years. We must stay aware and know that this is the time to learn and make things happen. Yes we will encounter some uphill battles and surprise challenges along the way, but those moments build us into our be...

Everyone deserves a shot in the arm once in a while.  Not literally, but figuratively.  The shot of acknowledgment, praise, positive feedback, kindness, and a simple thank you for all they do. Make it a point to give someone some of your time to acknowledge how they make your life better.  Let them know how much you enjoy how they contribute to your life.  Nothing will motivate someone to try harder and give even more than these acknowledgements.  Think of the last time someone said what an amazing parent you are, co-worker, spouse, or friend. What feeling came from it? Did you feel empowered and excited about life? Here's a secret, it feels better to give it. The next time someone touches your life in a positive way, make sure to let them know. Give them the praise they deserve for touching your life and making you a happier person.  The words are worth more than gold!!! Jorge Success-initiative.com

Working in a helping environment is one of the greatest joys of my life.  It took a few years of my own personal coaching experience to figure out my path, but I am glad I went through my own design coaching and am forever grateful to my mentors and coaches.  I have arrived at what I feel is my purpose and contribution as design coach to others, and I'm enjoying more than ever adding value to others by helping them design their best life. In any career field you have chosen, you will be performing the work of adding value to others.  It is important to learn the skill of valuing others in order to be successful. You see, it's loving our job that matters, not doing our job.  If you are really about loving your job, honing your craft, and being a peak performer, it will come not by working harder, but by adding value to others.  It is that contribution to bettering others that will bring happiness and joy to the career you have chosen. Choose to value othe...

Do you ever look at someone and say, "what is wrong with that person, that is absolutely ridiculous."  We've all been there, the meeting, the party, the conference.  That moment when something in you responds to another person in judgement and disbelief at the lack of ability to act accordingly.  Unfortunately, accordingly is based on the script we have been programmed to assess whether something is wrong or right for us.  The curious part of all this is that what may cause us stress and grief, might make another beam with glee. Passing judgement on a person for their behavior creates a low energy field that feeds our cells with negative feelings.  These feelings are what we describe as stress, and stress is what leads to dis-ease. Curiosity on the other hand may not only save you from dis-ease, but actually inspire a happier view of life. You see, your mind is happiest when it is trying to make sense of life.  That curiosity creates a high energy field t...

Remember the picture of the woman in your Intro to Psych class?  Which was then followed by the question, "Do you see the young beautiful woman or the frail old lady?" Depending on how we see life or our mental attitude, the outcome usually varies from person to person.  The same goes for the question, "What are you settling for?" Depending on your thoughts, you either came up with a long list of things that are not right in your life or have been really bothering you. (Negative).  On the other hand, some of you might have immediately read the question and answered, "You're right, what am I settling for!!"  (Positive).  This attitude about life immediately springs you into thinking, action, and coming up with a whole different list.  A list of things that you have been putting off or still dream of doing. Why is this list different?  Because it inspires you into personal action.  Action in the direction of the things that get you excited a...

Geniuses, Gurus, know-it-alls!!! Call them what you want, but there is a small group of people that influence your thoughts and actions on a daily basis.  The group is usually comprised of those people that you are around most often.  As Jim Rohn said, "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with".  So who are your 5 people?  If you are not sure, they are still there.  You just don't have them available in a way that helps your life. If you know who they are, it's time to take inventory of the influence they have over your life.  If these are the people that influence you to be your best, then congratulations!!! You have a Mastermind Group.  A group that you can count on to be there for you and are honest with you about your life. I am fortunate to have found this grou,p at the best time in my life.  Since having a mastermind group I have grown personally, and my purpose to serve others has ...