- Posted on January 26, 2012
Beneficial Stress
Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal featured an article, "When Stress Is Good For You". In an attention-getting graphic, a half-page picture of a gauge was depicted as a way to measure your current level of stress.
The far left reflected low stress, the far right showed harmful stress, and the center highlighted beneficial stress.
Beneficial stress occurs when you're in "the zone" - your heartbeat and breathing pick up a bit and you demonstrate sharper mental clarity and higher energy. Think of it as analogous to doing an aerobic work out at your target heart rate.
We often think about stress in a negative context, yet optimal stress can help you get more done and feel better while you're doing it. Here are some ways to get into this state:
- Bring your mind into a positive state, and think about the optimal outcome that you want to achieve.
- Do a few low impact exercises (such as arm circles or knee raises) to increase your circulation.
- Stand while you're on the phone; it gives you more energy. Use a headset if you're constantly on the phone.
- Make sure you move around at least once an hour.
- Practice deep breathing if you feel yourself moving into a harmful stress state.
Remember that what works for you doesn't necessarily work for a co-worker or friend. You need to practice to see when you reach your optimal state. You'll know when you reach it because you'll have higher energy, better concentration, more creativity, and greater productivity.
A little good stress goes a long way...
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"Stress should be a powerful driving force, not an obstacle."
- Bill Phillips
On this Day in History
In 1950 India's constitution went into effect and India became a sovereign state. January 26th has been Republic Day of India since then.
- Posted on January 19, 2012
Insights from a Winner
I just returned from a professional conference hosted by TTI Performance Systems that I attend every January. As expected, I feel pumped up and energized. It's always great to take a few days out of your routine to receive fresh insights, catch up with long time colleagues, and make some new friends.
This year my good friend, Skip Murray, received TTI's life time achievement award. A 25 year business owner, Skip is a generous and dedicated professional whose company is committed to the professional growth of its clients. In honor of this award, I asked him to share some of his success secrets.
Skip starts every day with a precise intention, that is, he has a specific reason for what he plans to do each day. He feels that intention helps keep him focused on completing these activities.
One day may be dedicated to client service, while another day centers on marketing and selling his services. And in addition to business, intention includes having some guilt-free fun days.
Next, Skip says that we choose whether we have good days or bad ones. He believes that we cannot let negative forces consume us, and that we can find a positive that can outweigh a negative. This is more than the power of positive thinking; it is the discipline to supplant negative thoughts with more productive positive ones.
Finally, Skip feels that it is essential to know yourself, especially what makes you great. When you focus on what you do best, commit to doing it fully, consistently and passionately. His motto is, DWYSYWD, or "do what you say you will do".
Congratulations, Skip, and thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 19th Trivia
Today is "Little Ricky" Day, marking the 1953 birth of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo's son on "I Love Lucy".
On this Day in History
In 1825, the process for preserving food in tin cans was patented.
- Posted on January 12, 2012
Your "Charisma Quotient"
Spurred by the primary election season, CBS Sunday Morning recently featured a story on charisma. The perspective of this story was how charismatic people have an edge.
Charisma is personal magnetism, or an ability to easily connect with people and draw them in. Experts often cite charisma as an attribute of effective leadership.
Although sometimes perceived as a "soft skill", scientists are now able to measure the impact of charisma. Professor Alex Pentland and his team at MIT's Media Lab have developed a device called the "sociometer" than measures "how" you say things.
In their study measuring the impact of charisma on business decisions, two factors stood out: the level of energy or excitement of the presenter and the consistency of how they presented their point of view.
You can certainly argue the importance of charisma among other leadership factors, and in the business world, charisma goes in and out of vogue. My own view is that charisma backed up by strong content is a winning combination. Without substance, charisma can have a limited shelf life.
Think about your own level of charisma, and how you might pump it up a bit. Energy and strength of conviction are factors you have control over. If you focus on these factors, chances are good that you will be more charismatic.
Concentrate on your "charisma quotient" in the week ahead and see what happens. I'd love to hear your success stories.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer."
- Muhammad Ali
January 12th Trivia
Today is National Pharmacists Day, dedicated to honoring the role that pharmacists play in medical care.
On this Day in History
In 1915, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected a proposal to give women the right to vote.
- Posted on January 5, 2012
A Digital Dilemma
Happy New Year!
I find it curious that several articles have appeared in this first week of the new year about the importance of disconnecting from digital devices. I'll share two with you, both from The New York Times.
The first was the cover article of the Sunday Review section, "The Joy of Quiet", which described the need for quiet and stillness in order to recharge. The second is "Disruptions: Resolved in 2012: To Enjoy the View Without Help From an iPhone", where the author talked about his iPhone obsession.
The continual interaction with mobile devices - what with talking, texting, emailing, tweeting, Googling, Skyping, taking photos - has reached massive proportions. We have become slaves to these devices.
When we constantly abbreviate and catalogue, we offset our ability to think critically and reflect. Ultimately, this has an impact on everything from creative thinking to problem solving. In effect, our brains rewire as neurological processing changes.
Being incessantly tethered to digital devices diminishes our ability to concentrate and focus. It's impossible to be at our personal best when we surrender to constant interruptions.
This topic isn't new. But since now we're able to carry around the equivalent of a desktop computer in our hand, the underlying issues have intensified.
As you think about what you might do differently in 2012 (remember New Year's resolutions?), consider how your digital device can serve you, rather than you being a slave to it.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June."
- Jean-Paul Sartre
January 5th Trivia
The TV comedy "Mr. Ed", starring a talking horse, began in syndication in 1961.
On this Day in History
Construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge in 1933.