Monday Morning Motivations Tenacity Pays

Published by Robert A. & Vicki L. Prentice of Professional Development Systems
November 17, 2008 Issue 327

From the Desk of Bob

Keep up to date on the latest opportunities for our "webinars" on my website. Currently, I have several scheduled in different day parts to fit into people's varied schedules.

If you would like to participate in my "One Year Life Strategy Makeover" sign up today and I will walk hand in hand with you throughout 2009 to assist you in fully achieving your personal and professional goals. This program-priced right at only $99.00-includes my e-book Home Grown: Seeds of Success, as well as a special bonus to married couples-get two "makeovers" for the price of one. Click on the link at http://lifestrategy.eventbrite.com/ to learn more.

Remember that all of our back issues of MMM are on our website archived for your review.

Have a Fantastic Week! Bob.

Life Attitudes

Bill Cosby: "Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it."

Mark Twain: "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place."

Hugh Sidey: "A sense of humor... is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life."

Seeds of Success: Humor–It's Still the Best Medicine

By Robert A. Prentice

My sister-in-law stayed with us for a couple of days this past week. In the middle of our many varied conversations she mentioned how she was able to resolve some pretty major difficulties she was having with a couple of her co-workers. I was most intrigued as she shared with me how in both cases, with a little dash of humor at just the right time, the situations were resolved.

I guess we all are living in a pretty serious world right now. Or, maybe some of us just tend to take ourselves a little bit too seriously. Either way I believe my sister-in-law's objective to resolve and restore these relationships with the use of humor was brilliant. Her story reminded me of the power that is in humor and how well it works when it comes to talking to people about the tough stuff we sometimes need to talk about. Well-placed, thought out, perfectly timed humor can often work like magic to diffuse a difficult situation when it flows naturally from you. Humor has the power to virtually change people's attitudes in miraculous ways.

Many who attend my seminars say they love my sense of humor. Over the years, I have told a lot of funny stories and played myself down a bit, which of course, almost always gets a laugh from my audience. I love to hear people laugh!

Here are some tips to help you put a dose of humor into your life:
* Make laughter a part of your daily routine. Start by reading the Sunny Side of Life in MMM each week. Read jokes and funny stories throughout each week to keep you laughing.
* Instead of beating yourself up when you make a mistake, learn to laugh at yourself. After all, there's no use crying over spilled milk.
* Try to see the bright side of situations and circumstances. Even the most negative things have something to chuckle about if you are willing to look hard enough.
* Sometimes something is just so negative and difficult, it is hard to see anything funny at all. At those times, take a break from things and focus on something totally different for a while to help you get a better perspective on things.
* A heated argument can often be diffused by simply stopping the arguing and doing something that will make the other person laugh. Wiggle your nose or your ears, break into a smile or start laughing out loud. Remember the old staring contests you used to have as a kid. I dare you to try that and see if you don't both start laughing.
* Remember your goal is to get people laughing at the situation, not to hurt their feelings, so never under any circumstances do you want to make someone else the brunt of your jokes. The best strategy is to downplay yourself and get the other person laughing at your flaws and weaknesses. Maybe then, they will be able to laugh at their foibles as well.

Today, why not try to use a little humor to diffuse a potentially negative communication or situation? I believe great things will happen for you and for the person you are involved with. Using good humor is an art form and a skill I believe we all should work at and possess in our relationship building skills toolbox.

Humor is still one of the best medicines around. I believe I will take my humor pill today-or is that something I need to get a prescription for?

P.S. I would love to hear some of your favorite tips on using humor in your life, so send your stories to bob@mrattitudespeaks.com.

On the Sunny Side of Life: NO KIDDING?

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Person asked the young Engineer fresh out of MIT, "And what starting salary were you looking for?"

The Engineer said, "In the
neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package."

The HR Person said, "Well, what would you say to a package of 5-weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every 2 years - say, a red Corvette?"

The Engineer sat up straight and said, "Wow!!! Are you kidding?"

And the HR Person replied, "Yeah, but you started it."

Bob "Mr. Attitude" Prentice is available for Keynote, conference engagements, and in-house company training assignments Call to schedule Bob TODAY! 800.437.9715

Read on...

Mr. Attitude's Life Tested Tools

Bob "Mr. Attitude" Prentice is available for Keynote, conference engagements, and in-house company training assignments.

Bob says,"My training sessions consist of the principles, attitudes and skills that I have discovered over the course of my life, and that I aspire to practice in my day to day living. These are the Life- Tested Tools that I have to offer..."

KEYS TO BETTER LEADERSHIP
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AND MORE!

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