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In today’s incredibly competitive work world, we need to tap intothe resources, ideas, and knowledge of the people around us.  Research indicates that many of the greatest ideas do not come from the headquarters of an organization, but from the “front lines.” Front line staff members are the closest to the problems, issues, and challenges. They are the people who know the “nuts and bolts” and how things reallywork inside organizations. Without this information and perspective organizations can become stale, lose their competitive edge, and ultimately become extinct.

The key question is: Are people around you sharing their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives?  Have you created an environment in which people feel as if they can? One sign this may not be happening to the extent it needs to is, if after you uncover a problem, you find yourself saying, “If only I had known.”  Often the answers to many of our issues and problems exist; unfortunately, sometimes we don’t find out in time or we don’t find out at all.

Sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking we are usually hearing most of the ideas and opportunities around us. But, just consider how often you have seen other people (and maybe even yourself) not express their ideas because they rationalize no one cares or it won’t do any good? Therefore, it is only logical to consider that others might be doing this with you. Unfortunately, sometimes we train and condition people not to share their ideas with us.  How and why does this happen? 

Click here to find out http://www.stevengaffney.com/blog/

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Are you where you thought you would be as the new year begins?

Have you put off changes that you need to make?

Are there people zapping your energy and robbing you of what you could achieve? 

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, here are 9 crucial actions that can help ensure that 2010 will be a great year for you. These actions can put your life on a different path. It’s like flipping the switch on a train track — the initial change is minimal, but down the line the difference can be enormous.

1. Distance yourself from the dream crushers, naysayers, and negative influences. Just like we are what we eat, we are a product of the people we spend time with and the information we take in. Who are you surrounding yourself with? What are you reading? How much are you dwelling on negative news stories?  I am not suggesting that we put our heads in the sand. I am suggesting that we fill our minds with the influences that empower us.  Take the time to clean house.

2. Let go of the garbage that you are carrying. Reach out to someone you have written off (but still think about), or to someone you’ve given up on or had some problem with. Talk to that person and do what it takes (legally of course) to reach some sort of resolution and put the situation behind you. Ask the other person, “What would it take for us to put this behind us?”  Their input can help you create a solution that works for everyone. By reaching out and having a conversation, you are extending the olive branch. This canc reate a new beginning and trigger conversations and events that can ultimately change your life. Remember: forgiveness is a gift you givey ourself. Make 2010 the year you give that gift. (For more informationon our 7-step procedure on how to forgive and let go of anything, checkout the corresponding chapter in Honesty Works: Real-World Solutions to Common Problems at Work and Home.)

3. Live 2010 with a long-term perspective. Ask yourself these questions: “When I am 90 years old and I look back at 2010, what do I want to say happened? What do I want to say that I accomplished?”  Be clear and honest with yourself about what is important to you in your relationships, in your job, and in your life.This might sound simple, but sadly many people drift year after year and let time pass by without really figuring out what is most important to them. Remember, time is one commodity we can never replenish. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. When you are not sure what to do, think about what your ninety-year-old self would tell you to do in 2010. Then take action. 

4. Stop negotiating things that are not negotiable. Are you suffering because you are being flexible and letting go of your standards and principles that are important to you? Decide what is negotiable vs. what is really not negotiable to you. If you are not clear, how can others be. Then let others know and take a stand. Many people get inspired when boundaries are set because clarity gives them power to focus their time and energy on areas of flexibility.

Click here for Crucial Actions 5-9 to Jump-Start 2010! 

This article belongs to the Steven Gaffney Company, please call 1-877-6-HONEST (646-6378) for permission to republish in print or online.

With more than 50% of Americans being overweight. Loosing weightisone of the most popular resolutions in America year after year.Duringthe holiday season, we tend to gain weight from all thoseholidayparties and social gatherings. Below is a list of to do's thatyou canchallenge yourself to take on and shed those pounds! Remembertovisualize and imagine that you can do it. You will see results inaweek if you really follow all 30 recommendations. Good luck and keepmeposted on your progress.

1. eat 1-2 apples a day

2. sleep 7-8 hours a day

3. drink 2-3 cups of natural unsweetened organic green tea a day

4. eat celery or carrot sticks dipped in hummus

5 eat only fish or chicken

6. drop all the artificial sugar flavorings and cut out the sodas

7. limit coffee to one cup a day (drink it black or w/o sugar)

8. lower your intake of alcohol or no alcohol at all for a month

9. walk 30 minutes everyday 5 times a week

10. have sex more often ( 3-5 times a week)

11. smile or laugh more, it will keep you young and burn calories

12. travel to southeast asia, you'll burn calories from walking in the heat and drinking lots of water

13. park your car further away when going shopping or to work

14. take the stairs instead of elevator

15. learn something new that challenges your mind and body (dancing, painting, sports)

16. do 5 minutes of deep stretching and breathing every morning

17. stay away from negative people who will drain you

18. get a dog, it will make you more active

19. say "I love you" to people you care about.

20. eat fruit only after 5pm

21. take a warm herbal bath once a week with candles and soothing music in the background

22. limit the amount of politics and news you watch daily. It can stress you out.

23. eat plain low fat yogurt with blueberries and unsalted walnuts

24. cut the carbs if you can and replace with sweet or red potatoes

25. drop a routine habit and try something new in place of it

26. quit smoking if you are a smoker

27. spend more time with people you care about and people who add value to your life

28. de-clutter your personal space...it will definitely release some stress

29. if you don't like your job, that can add stress. So look for a job that you like

30. take more long weekends it... does not have to be far or you don't have to spend lots of $$$

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