Press On

August 1, 2024Leave a comment

Olympic athletes inspire me. No, not to run a marathon or take up synchronized swimming, but the competitors inspire me to persevere, press on, and push forward – even when the going gets tough. When I watch these world-class athletes, I am motivated to put in the extra effort to do my best with the gifts and talents God has granted me.

Somehow the Olympians make their sport look effortless during competition, but in reality their accomplishments don’t come easily. We rarely see the countless hours of early morning practices, aching muscles, failed attempts, and frustrating injuries. Yes, every spectacular performance is preceded by unspectacular preparation.

As we watch in wonder while our favorite athletes perform, let us consider how we can persevere through the personal hurdles in our own lives. It may be facing challenges financially, or difficulties in relationships. It could be a physical or emotional setback. Whatever we are facing, we can gear up with mental toughness, grit, and perseverance, recognizing that we are not alone in our struggles. There are others who have stumbled down similar roads, and we can gain strength from their encouragement, advice, and examples. Most importantly, we can look to God for our help, hope, and guidance.

Remember the Lord’s words to the apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul went on to say, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”*

Through prayer and perseverance press on my friend. You are stronger than you think.

For more on perseverance, check out my latest book, Positive Connectivity.

*2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Photo by Austrian National Library on Unsplash

The Power of a Smile

October 24, 2023Leave a comment

It may seem simplistic, but a confident and sincere smile is an important part of the equation when it comes to communication. A smile speaks a thousand words. It says:

“I’m glad to meet you.”

“You are important.”

“I care about you and am listening to you.”

“I believe in what I am presenting to you.”

“I feel confident about my product.”

A smile welcomes others and makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. It speaks confidence, openness and understanding. Savvy salespeople know that a smile, even when they are talking on the phone, can be perceived by the listener and changes the tone of the conversation. Now you may be thinking; but I don’t feel like smiling. I’m not saying you should wear a fake smile – everyone can see through that. Be honest and real with how you feel, but think of a smile as a gift to other people – it’s not about you. When we smile, the serotonin level (the happy hormone) in our brain is elevated. So, smiling can actually make us happier people! When you smile, you are not only building up others, you are also benefiting yourself as well.

When my dad, was a young insurance agent in Bloomington, Illinois, his office was in the downtown square near the city courthouse. On days when dad didn’t have a lunch appointment, he chose to walk the city square, not only to get exercise and a little sunshine, but also to practice the art of smiling. He smiled at everyone he encountered and soon smiling became a natural habit. Interestingly, I learned the habit of smiling from my dad. While I was at Baylor University, many people seemed to comment on my sunny disposition. In fact, that is one of the traits that attracted my husband, Curt, as he saw my consistently upbeat demeanor on campus each day. Give the gift of your smile to uplift others – you never know what doors it may open.

This blog is an excerpt from my new book, Positive Connectivity. Click here to order your copy.

Make a PLAN

September 26, 2023September 26, 2023Leave a comment

Study the word PLAN. Prepare Logically — Adapt Needfully. In other words, make thoughtful, definite plans. Then, adapt and modify those plans as the situation might require. Great salespeople, like effective performers in all walks of life, are those who are organized, flexible, and adaptable. They size up situations and, when the occasion demands, they quickly, effectively and confidently alter their original course and go to “Plan B.”

In the Navy, this kind of adaptability is referred to as “changing the course.” In the Boy Scout training, it’s called “improvising.” In football, it’s “calling an audible.” In selling, it’s adapting the prepared agenda to meet the need. In other words, the situation is the boss. In every sales encounter, you must learn to adjust and adapt. When the prospect starts making objections and offering resistance, “call an audible” — adjust and adapt.

Display flexibility. Move ahead to achieve your goal – another satisfied customer. Remember that in order to be able to adapt needfully, you must be prepared. Ad-libs are for amateurs. Preparation will give you the confidence to adapt, should the situation require it.

This is an excerpt from the new book I wrote with my dad, Garry Kinder. It’s more than just a business book, it is an “inspiration for life” book. Click Here to order your copy of Positive Connectivity.

Construction Photo by Shivendu Shukla on Unsplash

Positive Connectivity

August 21, 2023August 21, 2023Leave a comment

We live in a society that is attached to our mobile devices. In fact, psychologists recently coined the term nomophobic (no-mobile phone phobia) for those who have a fear of being without their phones. Honestly, who doesn’t have a bit of a sinking feeling when their phone is nowhere to be found? Perhaps we all are a little nomophobic now and then. Yet, despite the fact that we are constantly electronically connected, most people feel disconnected when it comes to human relationships.

A recent Harvard study found that 36% of Americans are experiencing “serious loneliness.” Whether we are engaging with friends, family, clients or business relationships, we must go beyond merely messaging or emailing to experience a true sense of understanding and connection.

One thing we have learned through the recent global pandemic is that people are not created to be completely isolated from one another. On the contrary, humans need authentic interaction. In fact, most people thrive through healthy connectedness – feeling heard, seen, and valued by another person. In the next few weeks on this blog, I want to help you spark that kind of positive and lasting connection. I want to encourage you to relate in a deeper and richer way with the people in your life, both family and friends.

How does that kind of connection happen? We will explore areas such as perception, presence, the power of words, perspective, potential and purpose. Bottom line, when we think about satisfaction in life, it begins with the satisfaction of experiencing lasting and meaningful relationships. Let’s never stop learning to build deeper and stronger connections with the people God puts in our lives.

Check out my new book, Positive Connectivity.