Unexpected Gifts

When I created the Random Acts of Kindle Kindness to celebrate the one year anniversary of the events that became Don't Die with Your Song Unsung, I had some strategic goals for the book and the campaign. 

I did not achieve those goals.

Instead, the campaign is achieving goals I could never have planned to achieve -- that is why success is so difficult to define.  This is a note I received today:

Hi Andrea . I wanted to share with you what fun we had today at school.  In keeping with our delivering happiness core value, I was sharing with my students our chance meeting, synchronicity, Gary's video and about the book.  

We had a few guests visiting and decided to give them a wow experience by telling them the story and gifting them with the electronic book that you were so kind to donate.  I even ironed the dollar bills so they would look nice and crisp!!  We then asked them to pay it forward and deliver a smile to someone else.   

They loved the experience!  It was a great day!  Thank you Thank you Thank you a hundred (or two :) times over!

May God Bless You have blessed us and more.

What can I say to such a note but bach at you with a bigger Thank You!  Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
The photo of the hummingbird was taken by Gary Little(c) all rights reserved. 
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Random Act of Kindle Kindness

As August, 2012 comes to a close with the light of a Blue Moon, I wanted to re-post this offer that expires this Monday.  Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day Weekend.  If your travels take you to Queens, NY Resorts World New York, Gary Russo will be performing free at the 360 Bar, Sunday and Monday 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.  You will have more fun that a person should outside of Las Vegas!

Growing up on the East Coast my Dad and Uncles had a fun habit.  When we were caravaning to some family outing, the lead car generally paid for the cars behind.  When I began to drive, I continued the practice with total strangers.  Well, maybe if truth be told, as a teenager if I spotted a car driven by a hot guy, I would pay his toll!  Never got a phone number, but did get lots of hot smiles.

Since smiling started the Don't Die with Your Song Unsung story, I decided to create a Random Act of Kindle Kindness.  First, I priced the Kindle edition of the book at a silly .99 cents for the month of August 2012.  Happy anniversary Gary Russo!  Then I started going through my address book and randomly sending a copy a day to someone in one of my many, many circles.  In the gift message box I put this message:

You have received this book as a random act of Kindle Kindness celebrating the anniversary of the events in the book.  If you can, please pay-it-forward by purchasing a Kindle edition for a silly .99 cents for someone.  If not, please remember to smile as you enjoy this gift.  Thank you.   

I just started yesterday...and it has been so much fun -- and cheaper than a toll costs today.  Disclaimer:  I developed this process to help drive the SEO on the book.  If you can, try it.  At a minimum you will see how little it takes to smile and elevate your mood. 

Here is the direct link to Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Your-Song-Unsung-ebook/dp/B006EJFM36/ref=tmm_kin_title_0 

I would love to know how this makes you feel.  Please drop me a note at DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com  Thank you, Andrea Goeglein

V is for Vitality

Nothing brings back your vitality than vacation.  So that is what I am doing for the next eight days -- mixed with just the right amount of business connections and re-connections each day. 

Most of all I plan to keep up my Random Acts of Kindle Kindness.  It has been a delight to hear the responses no only to the book, but to how nice it was to hear from me (or the troops of others doing the same thing).  Such a inexpensive way to make people smile. 

While I am gone, enjoy this interview with Susan Brender of V is for Vitality

http://www.womensradio.com/2012/08/v-for-vitality-3/

Remember Success books, and especially Don't Die with Your Song Unsung, can be the quick reminder of how to feel vitality again. 

Thank you. 

The Shadow Knows

"The shadow knows" is part of the infamous opening line of the radio late 1930's radio show, The Shadow.  I was reminded of the line, and its part in my life (my Mom's says it often), when reading a chapter in the book, Integral Christianity, in preparation for a meeting to discuss how to identify and resolved shadow issues*  in our own lives.

Then an everyday example came through a client encounter.  A client sent me the photo shown here after one of our sessions.  He commented on its meaning for him.  Part of his explanation included how grass can grow in cracks.  During our next call, he mentioned his observation how people were so technologically involved during their commutes, they were not noticing, nor were they connected to, nature.  This observation lead to a discussion about a business line he wanted to develop.  "His shadow (unconscious) knew"...and was pointing him in the direction of his idea all along.  His shadow was also showing him an area of his own life he wanted to explore - how he does not notice his surroundings, he rushed, potentially took beauty for granted.  Not major psychological challenges, yet attributes that can erode the quality of life.  Once the challenge is brought to light, the ability to see other areas more clearly is easier. 

*Shadow issues in Integral Christianity are described from the Jungian perspective.  Simplistically, shadow issues generally refer to ways of behaving or responding that we are unaware of in psychological development are defined as:  "the entirety of the unconscious, i.e., everything of which a person is not fully conscious" (Wikipedia, Jungian Shadow)

Dr. Success Challenge:  What does your shadow know that you are not paying attention to?  Sit for 10 minutes with no distractions and repeated ask yourself that question.  Do not expect to get an immediate answer.  Just become observant of what you begin to notice in your day to day life.

Thank you, Andrea Goeglein

DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com



Living the Don't Die Spirit

Many have questioned why I am so devoted to my trademarked title Don't Die.  Most who question the title just don't like what they feel is a focus on death.  No amount of me saying, "Don't Die books are all about living a don't die spirit" seems to matter. 

Then I see a story like the one in the video above.  I don't need to explain what a don't die spirit is -- this young woman is living it.  Remember:  Do not count a full life by how long you live.  Live a full life that counts no matter how long you live. 

I have not signed up to be an organ transplant, but I will this week.

Charity Tillemann-Dick to say you are an inspiration seems shallow.  The depth of your contribution to our world will be sung with every additional donor who signs up because of your bravery.  Thank you for sharing your spirit, your talent and your life.  You are living a well sung life.

Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
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Greg Smith, Goldman Sachs and Courage

In this week’s episode of the CBS drama, The Good Wife, a lead character is chastised by a subordinate with the line, “It’s a tough economy for integrity.”  The line stopped me in my tracks because I believe it to be true. 

Any serious business person has read or heard of the now infamous public resignation letter by former Goldman Sachs employee, Greg Smith.  I had several thoughts when reading the letter.  My first thought was “How bad could it have been that he went to the press, instead of just resigning?”  My second thought was “Good advertising for him creating his own fund.”  My third, “He must have made enough money never to need to work again so he finally had the courage to do what he should have done sooner.” 

Then my last initial thought was, “What skill would he have had to develop personally that would have given him the strength to stand up to the practices he felt were out of integrity, and possibly see the company change?”  Again the word courage came to my mind. I would like to recommend that Greg read Bill Treasurer’s Courage Goes to Work. 

Don’t get me wrong, I actually believe every word Greg Smith wrote.  I equally believe that his letter will have little impact on how Goldman Sachs operates in the short term.  The reason is, as Greg mentioned, clients don’t stay if they don’t make money. 

Goldman’s largest clients actually support Goldman’s practices because they are making money.  The clients suffering loses are generally smaller, less ‘important’ clients.  Unless someone gives those clients proof they were knowingly sold products that that would harm them, they have nowhere to turn but to quietly exit the closest door.  Supplying that information would have taken courage. 

I really am not trying to second guess a person or situation about which I have no real knowledge other than what I have read.  Yet, yesterday someone recommended another book that Greg might have found useful, Three Signs of a Miserable Job, by Patrick Lencioni.

I will watch with interest what comes of Greg Smith and Goldman Sachs’ practices.

To courage, Andrea
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Positive Intelligence - Harvard Business Review

Positive Intelligence - Harvard Business Review

I will admit, this is my favorite article in the series.

How could I not like an article that states: In fact, it works the other way around: People who cultivate a positive mind-set perform better in the face of challenge. I call this the “happiness advantage”—every business outcome shows improvement when the brain is positive.

Might I add: Amen!

Enjoy. Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
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The Science Behind the Smile - Harvard Business Review

The Science Behind the Smile - Harvard Business Review

The simplest of actions. The greatest of impacts. What more could you ask? Right behind my dislike for the word Pollyanna when someone is attempting to rebuff the impact of Positive Psychology, is the apparent need mock the impact smiling can have on mood elevation.

Again, I will be as loving as I can when I write this -- mock on, and accept you are wrong! Whether it is the book The How of Happiness, or Gary Russo following his dream of singing by starting with creating smiles, smiling works.

Dr. Success Challenge: Rate your mood on a scale of 1-10 (1 low - 10 high) right now. Now read the HBR article The Science Behind the Smile. When you are done reading the article, again rate your mood on a scale of 1-10. Share your results with me by writing to me at DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

Thank you, Andrea Goeglein
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Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders | Video on TED.com

Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders Video on TED.com

It is hard not to be following Sherly Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, given the pending IPO. I have been researching her since reading an article in the NY Times last week. Very gracious woman. Very sound advice. And I like that I don't feel an edge of resentment that I often sense in many mega successful women. For me, her style invites you into her way of thinking without judgement.

Enjoy, Andrea T. Goeglien, PhD
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Winter

Giant Leap Consulting posted the following in their newsletter:

During the winter months, our pace often slows down. If we look around us, nature seems to do it too. Animals hibernate, trees go bare, growth slows down and prepares for the warmth of Spring. Now is also an opportune time for organizations to consider what they want to achieve in the new year. What mark will you make? What innovation will you try? What risk will you take?

At Giant Leap, we believe in the value of planning. Our experience has helped us to develop a strong model for strategic planning and implementation. This month, we want to share some of those resources with you.

This message is an organizational version of what Gary Russo experienced in the ‘winter’ of his life – and the actions he took lead to an incredible spring, summer and fall.  Read how Gary transformed his life in Don’t Die with Your Song Unsung. 

If your need is organizational, I suggest you check out Giant Leap Consulting.   I highly recommend them. 

Dr. Success Challenge:  The challenge is to remember: What you begin in winter, determines how you spring into action and harvest your visions. 

Thank you, Andrea Goeglein, PhD

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Target hits the Target with Zoe Glassman

In June 2009 I wrote of a customer service experience I had at my local Target store.  It was an example of incredible customer service.  Now I would like to share with you an example of an incredible customer! 

What this young lady, Zoe Glassman, exemplifies is how well Target is branded and how well they deliver on their brand.  Target hit the branding jackpot having this television reporter unknowingly select a customer who was the target age for their product line (the new Missoni for Target), has the potential of being a customer for decades to come, and who could articulate the price-value proposition of the brand. 

Target should write a self-help book or success book on branding. And then there is luck! This time Target hit the Target without even trying.  Think Zoe Glassman may have a future as their national spokes person!

Happy shopping.  Remember smart shopping is a wise investment in America's future.  Target delivers on that investment.

Thank you, Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com
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Expectation vs. Action Part 2

Dr. Success Challenge:  Manage your expectations of what is most likely NOT going to happen today and TAKE ACTION of those things that possibly can. 

This is how it worked for one person.  I’ll share the story with you in numbers:

• 30 years of work and a mere $700 the balance in the bank.  Most likely not going to change today.
• 30 minute lunch break and thousands of anger neighbors.  Most likely not going to change today.
• 30 years of singing to anyone who will listen.  Most likely not going to change today.

Unless, of course, you take action on those things that are possible.  Here is what it looked like for Gary Russo:

• Use your 30 minute lunch break and sing to your angry neighbors. 

Results:  Over 700,000 ‘anyone’s’ chose to listen in less than 3 days.

As for the bank account, I guess he will have to see if the saying, “do what you love and the money will come” is true in this situation!

Peace, Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
Dr. Success™
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The Wisdom of Platitudes

You have probably heard, “Do what you love and the money will come”, “No matter what your plan is, the right people show up at the right time”, and “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”

And you have heard me say, “Blah, blah, blah….”

I am writing because I was proven wrong this past weekend.  I will get to that in a moment.

First, I want to share how I laughed when the August issue ofO arrived a week or two ago.  As is my custom, I read What I Know for Sure first.  It was a piece on how Oprah has always followed her gut on her biggest life decisions.  I knew as I was reading the piece Oprah was speaking in part about the current tenuous nature of her creation of the OWN network. Currently, it does not have the best ratings, press or a very complete offering.  I can say the same thing about my Don’t Die™ brand.

I created and began marketing the first Don’t Die With Your Book Inside You workshop on June 14.  I had a modest goal of 30 participants.  That goal was set for two main reasons:  1)I wanted enough diversity in the room to make the workshop stimulating for the attendees and 2) I wanted it to be economically beneficial for me.  I chose Stillpoint Center for Spiritual Development as the location as much for convenience as I did for any business reason. 

What happened was the following:

Ten participants signed up.  Their hair was blond, their skin was brown, they represented countries near and far, there was no central spiritual or religious denomination.  Yet there was one thing they all had in common:   they came in for individual reasons and left 10 hours later knowing they shared more in common than any of them could have ever anticipated. 

After the first night of working together, one of the participants arrived with a gift for me.  In the gift bag I found two things:  a beautiful Thank You note to me for arriving as her teacher and a little bowl with the message To Teach Is to Touch a Life Forever.
Sometimes the business of personal development makes no economic ‘cents’ and yet investing in my passion to share the Don’t Die Spirit continues to make all the sense in the world.  Go figure!

Thank you Rose Pinard for seeing that before I did!

Success Books -- Yours!

http://dontdiebooks.eventbrite.com  Thank you, Andrea  Write if you need additional information:  DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

Anyway

It is my intent to fill in a lot of the story behind the scenes of Don't Die.  Here is today's installment.

Truth be told I enjoyed my prep day enormously. The book I was reading ended with a passage entitled Do It Anyway. I knew that passage, and I knew it well. It had come into my life in the late 1990’s. My spiritual advisor, Vicki, had introduced one line from the poem to me as a comfort. During the many years of work with Vicki, I agonized to understand a destructive business relationship my husband was involved in. Vicki attributed the piece to Mother Teresa, as did the book galley I read that day. I found out a few years later the passage was often attributed to Mother Teresa. The real author is leadership visionary, Kent Keith. Keith wrote the piece when he was a 19 years old sophomore at Harvard as part of a booklet created to teach leadership skills to high school students. The correct title is The Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership.

The Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership

By Kent Keith[1]

People are illogical,

unreasonable, and self centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good,

People will accuse you of

selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win

false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today

will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness

Make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest of men and women

with the biggest ideas can be

shot down by the smallest

men and women with

the smallest minds.

Think big anyway…

People favor underdogs

but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building

may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help

But may attack you

If you do help them.

Help them anyway.

Give the world the best

you have and you’ll get

kicked in the teeth.

give the world the best

you have anyway.

Reading the concluding passage in the book galley flashed me back to the years 1997 through 2000 when my husband of struggled to get a project built. Each time I lamented whether we should be involved with the project, Vicki would say, “I don’t know if you should be involved but I do know Richard was meant to build this project. As I sat there in June 2007 I could remember every time Vicki quoted the line, “What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.”

Her guidance during that time did not give me any comfort. I did not grasp that a situation could be terrible but I was still suppose to be doing it.
Guess I needed to remember to: Live the 'Don't Die' Spirit©
Andrea T. Goeglein, Ph.D.
http://www.dontdiebooks.com/
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866 975 3777 Toll-Free
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[1] Anyway:  The Paradoxical Commandments.  Copyright 2001 by Kent M. Keith. Inner Ocean Publishing, Inc. Makawao, Hawaii.

Success Not By The Book

I have had an interesting start to the day.  The messages I am receiving from unrelated sources are giving me a lot to work with, especially as I prepare for Thursday's final free library event on Don't Die With Vacation Time on the Books.  I have been cleaning house literally and figuratively.  During the literal cleaning I came across a DVD of the first Prescott Professional Women's Conference.  I have been looking for the Closing session for over a week -- I found the opening session! 

Change Your Awareness and Your Perspective Changes...I open Don't Die with a quote from Michael Bernard Beckwith, "Remember to remember", and let's just say I forgot a few things. 

In a few days I will upload that video for you all to see.  For today I would just like you to think about some issue in your life you have created a challenge around.  What awareness do you need to examine?  What perspective change can you experience from that shift in your awareness?

If you are in Las Vegas, join me Thursday evening for the one hour workshop where you can explore and share with others awareness, perspectives and how to move forward with renewed energy.  Thank you.

Andrea Goeglein, PhD
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Success by the books

During a discussion with a colleague this morning, I found myself asking the question:

Do you measure your self-worth by your net worth?  I noticed I have asked this question of several people this week.  That pattern in my work usually means I need to stop and ask myself that same question. 

I did not create that question.  It came into my preview most likely thought a book like Eric Butterworth's Spiritual Economics

Join me this Thursday for the last of the free Las Vegas Library hosted events for Don't Die With Vacation Time.  Come see what questions you need to ask yourself. 

Thank you, Andrea
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