There is a new place to eat in my community. It is a little place called the Huddle House. It is set to open this week. Like most restaurantuers, the owner had a few friends and family come by for a practice run. We got a glimspe of the new place and enjoyed a meal and some fellowship. We "huddled up" if you will.
After returning home from dinner, I was reading an article about a chain of grocery stores. The owner attributed the company's success to doing the little things well, strong relationships and getting his employees together every morning. He said it is a big part of their culture to "huddle-up" every morning to touch base and connect.
Are you like the football team that is operating out of no-huddle offense, or are you taking your time to huddle up with your team? Is everyone on the same page? Assume nothing in business or in life.
Today's Winning Thought: It has been said that the biggest play in football is the next play. Make sure everyone is clear on what that play is. Then, when you break your huddle, execute.
My wife and I attended our Sunday school class party this weekend. We are blessed to be able to lead a great group of young adults. We are grateful for the Christmas gift they shared with us, and for their friendship. They surprised us with the perfect gift: Starbucks and Barnes & Noble gift cards.
Around our house it is a case of so many books and so little time. As I wrote that, I noticed a particular book on a nearby shelf entitled The Overload Syndrome. I think I need to read it again. It speaks to where many people are today, me included. They are busy, stressed for any number of reasons, tired and just feeling overloaded. Many are simply worn out. But there is hope, according to Richard Swenson, M.D., the book's author.
The author defines overload, and the things that contribute to our feeling hurried, exhausted and overwhelmed. Some people are weighed down by their debt. Others by their activities and commitment. And still others are dealing with media overload.
The Overload Syndrome was published in 1998. It could have just as easily been published in 2011 because it is still relative today.
"Media in its various forms have penetrated all aspects of contemporary life," Swenson wrote.
You can probably find this book online. Our pace of life has become insane, writes one person who reviewed the book. If that describes you, and you are feeling stressed and overloaded, this book would be a good one for you to read. And soon.
Today's Winning Thought: "One of the tenacious paradoxes of technology is that we have more choices, but less time to choose." -- Edward Wenk, Jr.
We are at the start of another week. I will begin the week as I always do - breakfast with my mentor and friend. Then, I will walk across the street to my office.
This work week will begin by addressing a mistake with a client's order. I did not say a problem because I believe it is more positive to view our trials and adversity as opportunities.
I have a plan for this week, but like this client's order, sometimes things do not happen according to our plans. Then what? Have a back-up plan. Give yourself some options. You want to catch the dagger that is being hurled at you by the handle, not the blade.
I hope you have a nice week. I hope you do not have any obstacles. If you do, I hope your back-up plan will allow you to navigate the detour successfully.
Today's Winning Thought: "When fate throws a dagger at you, there are only two ways to catch it: either by the blade or by the handle." -- Harvey Mackay
Every Christmas, I receive a subscription renewal to Reader's Digest. I especially enjoy the quotes, new words and the jokes. Here are a couple that of jokes I read in the most recent issue.
Sometimes men don't date women for their IQs. Here is an example.
"Today, my girlfriend asked me if my grandmother had any kids."
And this one.
"A man went to the doctor to have some blood drawn. The technician had the usual long list of questions. They included these.
"Has your address changed," she asked.
"No," I answered.
"Your phone number?"
"No."
"What about your birthday?"
This was interesting. Thomas Friedman, New York Times writer and author of The World is Flat, was quoted. In 2004, Twitter was a sound, the cloud was in the sky, 4G was a parking spot, Linkedin was a prison, applications were what you sent to college, and for most people, Skype was a typo."
Speaking of Twitter, a man told his doctor, "Doc, help me. I'm addicted to Twitter."
The doctor replied, "Sorry, I don't follow you."
Hey, I am just repeating what I read in the magazine.
Today's Winning Thought: That quote by Thomas Friedman is a reminder of just how fast the world is changing. We also need to be growing and changing every day.
One of the applications on my phone is Wise Proverbs. I love that Old Testament book. And the app. There is a different verse each day. They are thought-provoking and life-changing. Oh, to learn them at an early age.
The other day the daily thought was "Don't Start Trouble." The verse was Proverbs 26:27, which says this:
"If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him." Don't go looking for trouble. It will recoil on you. It will come back to haunt you.
I thought of how many lives might have been changed forever because someone dug a pit or rolled a stone, only to pay a heavy price.
Today's Winning Thought: Don't start trouble. Don't even put yourself in a position to do so. Be very careful if you roll stones.
