Be a Good Finder, Not a Fault Finder by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

You have a choice!

Would  you rather be around someone who makes you feel good in life, who encourages you to be your best self?    

Or

  

Would you rather be around a person who tells you the “tons of faults” you have?

The choice is yours!

It takes work to be a happy positive person!

What words are you putting in your mind?

When babies come into the world they begin with blank pages! 

You carefully teach them the good positive things.

Like a new born baby, be careful what you write on “your” pages!

The words you speak to yourself are powerful! 

 Stop and think- before you open your mouth! Curve those lips up and then speak and say positive motivating words.

Words have power! Always start by saying something positive to yourself and others.

Choose your words wisely. It’s all about what you are putting into your mind!

Those blank pages! 

What are you eating ? 

Are you eating food that is good for your body?

Or 

 Are you eating junk food?

Are you creating intentional time in your day to think where you want to go?

Zig Ziglar says, “be a good finder not a fault finder.” He suggests making a list of all the things you like, admire, and appreciate about your job, your mate, family members, and friends. Then enthusiastically verbalize these things in front of a mirror each morning and evening.”

Ziglar continues, “The more you emphasize the good qualities, of your family, friends and associates the more good qualities you will find to like or love. As a result, you will treat your family members, friends, and associates with more respect, courtesy, and appreciation. Your relationships will improve and be more meaningful and happier.”

It's all about being a lifter! Being intentional about saying positive encouraging words to yourself and others. Be a builder of yourself and compliment others .

When you speak to yourself, self-talk, say positive, enthusiastic, and inspiring words that will motivate you and uplift you beginning your day and before bedtime.

Change your attitude to one of gratitude.

Diely Pichardo -Johansson, M.D. and Life Coach in her new book, “Bouncing Back: A How To Manual For Joy With Minimal Energy Expenditure”, says

"The most effective self-lifting tool in the world is a “Gratitude Journal.” 

She has “shared this with her patients and the doctors in the support group she runs; they reported amazing results.”

Every day write down what went well for you.  She says, every day, "write the entries in positive terms." 

For example: “I am grateful for my delicious coffee this morning. I am grateful for my son’s hug. I am grateful for my A/C because it keeps me cool and comfortable in the summer heat. Commit it to writing 5 things your grateful for. Keep it fresh. Write original entries. Savor it, in full sentences, and add Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.”

Dr. Diely Pichardo -Johansson: “Every night before bed, I remind myself of things that made me happy, and that quickly evolved to giving thanks for “the good events” that had happened during that day.”

She continues, "When I changed my thoughts, I became a magnet attracting better things into my life.” Her new positive attitude, relaxed her enough to handle the difficult situations in her life.

 Also begin and end your day with positive humor!

Write down any humorous stories, anecdotes, and jokes you hear and read during your day in your “humor journal” to re-read latter and share with family and friends to lower your stress and bring a smile to your face.

It takes work to be happy!

Let’s test out a little humor:

Actress and comedian, Carol Burnett stepped out of a cab one day and caught her coat in the door. The driver was unaware of her plight and slowly began to edge out into the traffic. To keep from being pulled off her feet, the comedienne had to run alongside the cab, down the block. A passerby noticed her predicament and quickly alerted the driver. 

He stopped, jumped out, and released Miss Burnett’s coat. “Are you all right?” he asked anxiously.” 

“Yes,” she gasped, “but how much more do I owe you?” (From “Great Leaders Wanted” by Doug Dickerson)

Humor helps to keep one’s composure during difficult times! And helps to build confidence.

What can you do each day to build a positive mindset?

1)   Zig Ziglar, “Be a "Good-Finder"...look for the good in yourself and others. Words are powerful! Begin by saying positive motivational words to yourself and give sincere compliments to others!

2)   Diely Pichardo -Johansson, M.D., Change your attitude to one of gratitude. In your “Gratitude Journal.”    Write down each day, what went well for you. Change your mood to a positive one!

3)   Begin writing humorous stories in your "Humor Notebook" so you can begin and end your day by reading something humorous!

How can you help yourself and others to be their best self?

By giving them honest sincere compliments. 

Remember "stop and think before you speak." Smile and say positive uplifting words.

Be a builder, a lifter, and developer of people! Be a good finder!

 

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

Creating Unshakable Optimism by Lifting the Corners of Your Mouth by Madeline Frank, Ph.D

One of the best examples of success via optimism is Sir Winston Churchill.

His candor, wit, and belief in building up others helped him lead England from the darkest shadows of WWII to victory over Nazi Germany.

It's not just my opinion, here are several others:

When Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of England, German air force was "dumping planeload after planeload of bombs on England" at all hours of the day or night. "No one knew whether the British empire would be able to hold out for another week."

Despite the bleak outlook of the Nazis running over France, Belgium, and Holland. Joseph P. Kennedy, the American ambassador in London, "told Washington that Britain was finished."

Cameron C. Taylor wrote," In the mists of the gloom and turmoil and in the face of what seemed to others like impossible odds, Churchill took office with optimism and determination." (*8 Attributes of Great Achievers by Cameron C. Taylor)

Churchill understood the power of optimism to set the foundation for victory.

On the day he took office, Churchill wrote, "I felt as though I were walking with destiny that my past life had been but a preparation for this hour for this trial... and I was sure I should not fail." 

Churchill's key to his courage "was his unbounded optimism," Optimists are courageous as they depend on the hope "that dangers and hazards can be overcome."

In 1910, Churchill said, "I am one of those who believe that the world is going to get better and better." He "deprecated negative thinking". In 1916, in "a speech to his officers in the trenches in France, Churchill exhorted: 'Laugh a little, and teach your men to laugh... If you can't smile, grin. If you can't grin, keep out of the way till you can.'"

On May 13, 1940, Churchill gave his first speech as Prime Minister to the House of Commons. He said, "You ask, What is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory... victory in spite of all the terror, victory however long and hard the road may be... with all the strength that God can give us... I take up my task with buoyancy and hope, I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail."(Winston Churchill, The Second World War, Volume II, Their Finest Hour)

Just after becoming Prime Minister in 1940, Churchill "was advised of a doomsday plan to be implemented in the event of a full-scale German invasion of Britain." He "would not permit contingency planning for failure, knowing it would inevitably leak out and breed pessimism."

The plan: "The royal family and top members of the government would be evacuated to Canada. Churchill flatly vetoed the proposal adding, 'We shall make them rue the day they try to invade our island'" (Celia Sandys and Jonathan Littman, "We Shall Not Fail")

Even during the worst of times, Churchill remained optimistic and confident that they would achieve victory.

During a B.B.C. broadcast, Churchill proclaimed: "We are resolved to destroy Hitler and every vestige of the Nazi regime. From this, nothing will turn us-nothing. We will never parlay, we will never negotiate with Hitler or any of his gang. We shall fight him by land, we shall fight him by sea, we shall fight him in the air, until, with God's help, we have rid the earth of his shadow."

"Churchill not only saw reasons for hope and confidence in the darkest days of World War II but he was able to infuse his unique combination of stoicism and optimism into the very backbone of the nation, the armed services, and his own staff." 

Leo Amery, a minister in Churchill's government said, 'No one ever left his cabinet without feeling a braver man.'... Great leaders bring out the inner strength that people often do not know they possess."

Churchill empowered others to be their best selves!

"Churchill's determination to never give in and his optimism that victory would be achieved enabled his country to fight boldly and courageously through tremendous difficulties and also rallied the support of other countries in the cause until victory was achieved."

The free world owes a debt of gratitude to Prime Minister Winston Churchill. At 66 years of age he inspired, motivated, and propelled his people to fight. He was a leader with a positive attitude. In the face of adversity,

On January 24, 1965 Churchill died. "Over 300,000 people passed by his casket and millions watched the funeral proceedings" by television paying "their final respects to the man who helped change the course of history."

Churchill presided over one of the great and most dramatic turning points of civilization. His actions were pivotal in the shaping of the world that we live in today.

"He knew that if he could rally the mind, spirit, and heart of the British people, they would eventually emerge victorious. Churchill not only saved Britain from defeat but now in retrospect, he saved democracy as a form of government in the world. Here was truly a single individual whose life made a profound difference to everyone on our planet." Hyrum W. Smith, What Matters Most (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000).

What 3 lessons on leadership did Prime Minister Winston Churchill teach?

1) Be optimistic and confident. "Bring out the inner strength of people."

2) Churchill, 'Laugh a little, and teach your men to laugh."

3) "If you can't smile, grin. If you can't grin, keep out of the way till you can."

Churchill was a builder and lifter of people.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

Ideas Have Great Power!

My friend, Bob, seems to have a command of a bottomless fountain of great ideas. Whenever someone has a problem that they can’t seem to solve, Bob has a solution. He also has started, bought, and sold several businesses; some of which rewarded him handsomely. 

Do you know of someone like my friend, Bob? 

Most people do. You may say things like, “He has the Midas touch. Everything he touches turns into gold.” or “They seem to enjoy so many fantastic trips together...what is their secret?”

It all begins with a blank sheet. 

Today’s society has conditioned us to be constantly on call for a response from a call, message, or email. When we are constantly in response mode, we sacrifice our creativity.

What would happen if you turned it all off for 15 minutes or an hour?

Maybe you would have time to think and write down an idea to solve one of your problems.

So, why not try it! Turn all your electronic devices off, take a blank sheet of paper out, and write down one or two  ideas.

Earl Nightingale says in his book “Transformational Living” that he keeps paper and pen handy in all the rooms in his house and office to write down ideas as he thinks of them. He does not want to forget any of them.

Nightingale, “There has never been a monopoly when it comes to getting good ideas, but the number of people who will take the raw material of a good idea and from it fashion reality in the world is small indeed. And it’s also true there is nothing in this world of less value than an idea about which nothing is done.”

Do you write down your ideas daily?

Do you take action on the ideas you have conceived?

Victor Hugo, “Nothing in this world is so powerful as an idea whose time has come.”

Do you have a place to think and write down your ideas?

Do you set aside time, each day, to think and solve your problems?

 

 Dr. John C. Maxwell, one of my mentors said, “When I was younger, my thinking spot was a rock on a hill. Later, I set up a “thinking chair” in my office, which I use solely for that purpose. These days, I also do some of my best thinking while swimming laps in the pool. It doesn’t replace the writing time that I still schedule. (I just haven’t found a waterproof legal pad yet…) But an hour of swimming laps back and forth, with its silence and rhythm, gives me just what I need to focus on one or two specific problems or ideas.”

Dr. Maxwell continues, “Maybe deep thinking and introspection comes more naturally for you. Even if it does, setting aside dedicated time for creative thinking will help you be intentional. No one can afford to go about their daily life waiting for the muse to strike. Instead, chase after and tackle her, doing so in a way that works for you.”

 Do you have a special place to think and write your ideas down each day?

Do you keep paper and pencil handy or a recorder, where ever you are, to write down or record an idea before you lose it?

Perhaps one of your ideas can solve a problem that you have!

Do you take action on your ideas?

Earl Nightingale: “Do you keep a list of your ideas handy?

When was the last time you acted on them? 

Make it a goal to choose one idea a week or a month to investigate, improve, or act upon. See if there are ways to build upon the original ideas you generate.”

 

Earl Nightingale says, “Turn your problems into projects.” His friend, Parky Parkinson said, changing the word problem to project.”                                                        

Earl Nightingale’s 4 Simple Steps in Straight Thinking 

         1)   Separate facts from opinions and analyze the facts.

2) Define the real problem and consider possible solutions.

3) Secure evidence on possible solutions.

4)Weigh the evidence and arrive at a sound conclusion.

“Anytime a person comes to you with a problem you feel you should help with, say, “Let me think about that. I don’t like to make quick decisions on important matters.”

How will you capture the important ideas running through your mind each day?

How will you turn your problems into projects?

Do you read books or take courses to get new ideas?

 

Many years ago, a young man decided he wanted to learn about stock investing. He bought and read a book by Benjamin Graham called The Intelligent Investor . The young man embraced Graham’s philosophy and system, Mr. Graham became his mentor, and the young man signed up to take classes from Professor Graham at Columbia University. “He even offered to work for the professor for free.”

Benjamin Graham in 1954, hired this young man to work for him at Graham-Newman, his New York investment firm, for a yearly fee of $12,000. (In 2021 dollars, $119,131.90 per year.) Graham retired two years later closing his investment firm.

The young man in 1957, began an investment partnership “with seven family members and friends who invested $105,000.” ($991,271.86 in 2021 dollars).  The young man “investing $100 of his own money.” ($966.89 in 2021 dollars) Eleven years later in 1968, his investment partnership business was worth $104 million ($553 million in 2006 dollars).” (8 Attributes of Great Achievers by Cameron C. Taylor) (original story)

This young man throughout his life “continued to apply” Graham’s investment strategies. His net worth today, September 8^th is $103.9  billion. This man’s name is Warren Buffett. He is 91 years old. 

“Like most other overnight successes, it was about twenty years in the making.”
– Sam Walton, Founder of Wal-Mart

Learning new skills is a process to follow with a mentor modeling how to do it step by step. It takes many years to master these processes. 

What books do you read to stimulate your mind and give you new ideas to achieve your goals?

 What mentors, courses, apprenticeships have you taken to develop your skills? 

 

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Key to Success is Persistence by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

Earl Nightingale, American radio speaker and author says, “Sometimes it appears that there is a hidden guide someplace whose duty it is to test men and women through all sorts of discouraging experiences. Those who pick themselves up and keep trying after getting knocked down arrive. It’s an uncanny thing, but it works. And this hidden guide lets no one enjoy great achievement without passing the persistence test, it seems. And those who can’t take it simply don’t make the grade.” (From Earl Nightingale’s book “Transformational Living”)

Nightingale continues, “And those who can take it are bountifully rewarded for their persistence. They receive as their compensation whatever goal they’re pursuing. And that’s not all, because they receive something infinitely more important than material compensation, although they get that. But they get the knowledge that every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent advantage. There are exceptions to this rule. A few people know from experience the soundness of persistence. They’re the ones who have not accepted defeat as being anything more than temporary. They’re the ones whose desires are so persistently applied that defeat has finally changed into victory.”

The people who become the leaders of their lives rather than going with the flow and accepting the scraps that life tosses them understand the power of persistence.

W. Clement Stone tells the story of Tom, “who was born without half of a right foot and only a stub of a right arm. As a boy, he wanted to engage in sports as the other boys did. He had a burning desire to play football. Because of this desire, his parents had an artificial foot made for him. It was made of wood. The wooden foot was encased in a special stubby football shoe. Hour after hour, day after day, he would practice kicking the football with his wooden foot. He would try, and keep on trying, to make field goals from great distances. He became so proficient that he was hired by the New Orleans Saints.”

Nightingale says, “what would you say a person’s chances of playing professional football were if he were born without half of a right foot and a withered arm?”

66,910 football fans could be heard screaming “when Tom Dempsey with his crippled leg, kicked the longest field goal ever kicked in a professional football game, within the last two seconds of the game, to give the Saints a winning score of nineteen to seventeen over the Detroit Lions.”

Detroit Coach Joseph Schmidt said, “We were beaten by a miracle.”

The truth of the matter was “they were beaten by perseverance.” 

Tom Dempsey was persistent and willing to do the hard work to reach his goal. He fell in love with the process of being the best kicker he could be. Even though he had different abilities than his teammates; he was determined, with a positive attitude, always looking forward!

How strong is your burning desire to reach your goal? 

If you created a 3 step process, what would that look like? 

What is your first step?

Gayle Benson, Saints owner says, “Tom’s life spoke directly to the power of the human spirit and exemplified his resolute determination to not allow setbacks to impede following his dreams and aspirations. He exemplified the same fight and fortitude in recent years as he battled valiantly against illnesses but never wavered and kept his trademark sense of humor. He holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the Saints family.”

Tom Dempsey continued to be an inspiration to others until his death in 2020, and his legacy lives on.  

All of us have felt the pang of regret when we’ve given up on a difficult task, knowing that we have somehow short-changed our true potential. Conversely, most of us have felt the joy of a hard-earned victory when the future seemed bleak.

Earl Nightingale, read “about the great Knute Rockne of Notre Dame who believed and applied, the rewards of persistence” 

“He had a blood clot in one leg, and his doctors told him if that blood clot broke free, it could kill him if it landed in his heart, brain, or lungs. But the Notre Dame team was playing far from home that day, and he insisted on being taken to the game on a stretcher. So, they got him to where the game was to be played. And they took him down to the dressing room where his football players were getting ready for the game. And the perspiration was running down his face and he was in terrible pain and he propped himself up on his elbows with a tremendous effort and said, “This team you’re playing today beat us last year.”

“I want you to get out there and win.” 

He then said, “The team that won’t be beat, can’t be beat.”

Rockne “then fell back on his stretcher, out of breath and suffering terribly, and the team went out and won the game, and they never lost another game as long as Knute Rockne was alive, because when they saw the type of courage that he could develop, how persistently he fought to win even though he was flat on his back, it made giants out of men.”

Nightingale: “And people that stand on the sidelines of life see the overwhelmingly large number who go down in defeat, never to rise again. They see the few who take the punishment of defeat as an urge to greater effort. And these fortunately never learn to accept life’s reverse gear, but what we don’t see, what most of us never suspected existed, is the silent but irresistible power which comes to the rescue of those who fight on in the face of discouragement.”

“Now if we speak of this power at all, we call it persistence and let it go at that.  One thing we all know, if one does not possess persistence, one cannot achieve any noteworthy success in any calling.”

To reach your goal or dream ask yourself these three questions:

1)   Do you have a burning desire to reach your goal or dream?

2)   What is your step by step process for reaching your goal or dream?

3)   Are you willing to be persistent and do the work like Tom Dempsey?

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

How a Little Known Productivity Technique Earned $475,318 by Madeline Frank. Ph.D.

Have you ever caught yourself engaging in productivity envy? Some people accomplish so much, yet it seems like no matter how hard you work, your task list keeps expanding and you don't feel like you've made significant progress.

While there are many "productivity tools" and hacks that promise instant efficiency at lightning speed; all you need is one sheet of paper.

Charles M. Schwab, was president of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, the largest shipbuilder, the second-largest steel producer in America, and one of the richest men in the world.

Schwab was continuously seeking new ways to improve the efficiency of his company and keep an edge over his competition.

Ivy Lee, a well-known consultant in productivity and management, successful businessman, and a pioneer in public relations arranged for a meeting with Schwab. (As retold by Charles "Tremendous" Jones in his book "Leadership Is For You", pp. 42-44. (1968)

Schwab said, "Show us a way to get more things done, I'll be glad to listen to you. And, if it works, I'll pay you whatever you ask within reason."

Lee responded, "If that is what you want, I will show you a method that will increase your personal management efficiency, and that of anyone else who applies it, by at least fifty percent."

This bold promise intrigued the business mogul.

Lee "handed Schwab a blank piece of paper and said, "Write down the most important things you have to do tomorrow."

Schwab took about five minutes to do this.

Lee then asked Schwab to number them in the order of their true importance. (This took a little more time for Schwab.)

Lee then shared the last step of this simple system, "The first thing tomorrow morning, start working on item Number 1, and stay with it until it is completed. Then take item Number 2 the same way. Then Number 3, and so on."

"You will have completed the most important projects before getting to the less important ones. If you can't finish all that you planned for tomorrow with this system, there's no other way you would have finished. And without this system you probably would have taken much longer to complete what you set out to do, without taking care of things in the order of their real value to you and your company."

Lee then encouraged Schwab to do this every working day. After he had convinced himself of the value of this system, have his men try it.

He closed the meeting by saying, "try it as long as you like, and then send me your check for whatever you think the idea is worth."

Charles Schwab and his executive team at Bethlehem Steel used Ivy Lee's Method for productivity with great success. Three months later, Schwab sent a check for $25,000 to Ivy Lee. ($25,000 in 1918 is equal to $475,318 in 2021.)

Schwab stated that this lesson was the most profitable one he learned in his business career. It was later said that this was the plan largely responsible for turning a little steel company into one of the largest producers in the world."

Ivy Lee's 4 step method for achieving peak productivity:

1.) At the end of each work day, write down the six most important things you need to accomplish tomorrow. Do not write down more than six tasks.

2.) Prioritize those six items in order of their true importance.

3.) When you arrive tomorrow, concentrate only on the first task. Work until the first task is finished before moving on to the second task.

4.) Approach the rest of your list in the same fashion. At the end of the day, move any unfinished items to a new list of six tasks for the following day.

Repeat this process every working day.

Many businesses over the last 103 years have used Ivy Lee's system for peak productivity with great success. It's all about focusing on "managing priorities well".

I promise you, this will cure your case of productivity envy!

Let me know how it works for you!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

Gifts by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

There is a certain magic that you feel when you give some of what you have and/or some of who you are to brighten someone's day. This is the true gift of giving.

One of my most cherished books is Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Einstein had a different learning style and never really blossomed academically until he picked up a violin and began playing as a little boy. He often attributed his clarity of thought and creativity to the practice of playing music (by engaging both hemispheres of the brain).

I also had a different learning style than most. As a little girl, I struggled in the classroom. When I picked up the violin, it was as if the shackles that had been holding my mind's potential hostage started to release.

The book was a great reminder of two things:

1. I am not alone. Other people have struggled with the same issues I face and gone on to do great things.

2. Sometimes the keys to your success aren't always obvious.

While we were cleaning out our home this spring, I decided to give this book to a deserving young girl or boy with the hope that it may encourage them to study science, or at the very least, embrace whatever struggle they may be enduring.

There is a certain magic that you feel when you give some of what you have and/or some of who you are to brighten someone's day.

This is the true gift of giving.

While we were doing our spring cleaning I found my beloved grandmother's handmade crocheted blankets. She enjoyed making these blankets while unwinding after a long day at work.

As I reached adulthood, I began to realize the relaxation that happens when I wrap Grandma's beautiful blanket around me and feel her comforting presence surround me. To share her handmade blankets with my children is a wonderful gift.

When you are doing your spring cleaning or packing to move to a new house what kind of hidden treasures will you find to share with others?

Perhaps you have treasured books, DVDs, CDs, clothes, shoes, musical instruments or other household goods to share.

Maybe you will find a lost heirloom like my Grandma's handmade blanket, a beautiful bowl, a silver tray or other things from your grandparents and great grandparents that you can share with other family members.

Giving the gift of music:

While doing our spring cleaning I decided to give the gift of music to several of my former students, teachers, and friends who I knew would enjoy them. I shared Concerts and masterclasses on videos and DVDs of the greatest classical musicians Heifetz, Casals, and others playing the violin, viola, or cello. Also, I shared magazines and books about the great artists work and gave instruments in my collection to several students, teachers, friends, and local music schools.

So what gifts will you share with others?

What seeds of growth will you plant in others?

We also donated to GoodWill and Disabled American Veterans my books on teaching fractions and decimals to students in grades K-5, the fun way, through musical rhythm. (Musical Notes On Math) and "The Secret of Teaching Science & Math Through Music."

If my book helps a few children to understand fractions and decimals it will be worth it!

What gifts will you share with others?

Madeline's Rusty Nail story:

https://www.madelinefrank.com/blog/what-sparks-your-creativity/

Having traveled the world playing concerts and teaching classes, my husband and I have purchased coffee mugs representing the wonderful places we have traveled. These mugs have scenes of the cities we visited. We decided to gift many of these mugs so others could enjoy them.

What gifts will you share with others?

What seeds of growth will you plant in others by giving that special gift?

Will one of your gifts help others take that first step for their future?

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before It’s Too Late Wake Up! by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

 Are you living on autopilot?

 A friend of mine always says with a smile on his face, "I am grateful to be  alive."

When I was in my late 20s, I went to the hospital to have a growth removed that the doctor thought might be cancerous. My Mom came to the hospital with me. Once I was on the operating table, the anesthesiologist gave me anesthesia to put me under. When the procedure was over and I was in the recovery area, the doctor and surgical staff could not wake me up and the doctor asked my Momma to come in.

Momma said to him in a clear loud excited voice "Wake her up!"

I came to with the doctor pounding on my chest and my Momma standing nearby!

I was having a happy dream and did not realize they were unable to wake me up! If not for my Momma I would have been dead!

The doctor said, "You are allergic to the anesthesia I gave you and I was not able to wake you up until your Mother insisted I wake you up." 

"Do not ever allow them to give you this type of anesthesia again!"

They discovered that I was allergic to one of the drugs that I was given during surgery.

I nearly didn't wake up; but I was oblivious... because I was unconscious.

Open your eyes.

While this story was literally about waking up; most people are drifting through life on autopilot with their eyes closed.

And most people are oblivious to the fact that they are "unconscious" to their priorities and life. 

By having your success habits in place, you release your tension!

When you have intention, you open up your eyes, gain clarity, and take action!

When you gain clarity, you are compelled to move forward.

When you begin to move forward, you generate momentum.

When you generate momentum, others take notice.

Have you ever been at a stop light with a person texting on their phone, or been in an accident caused by a distracted driver?

The benefits are quite obvious when a distracted driver chooses to "open their eyes" and "decides" to put their cell phone in the back seat before they begin driving to prevent them from having another accident.

I challenge anyone to argue the benefits of a driver soothing their boredom by gluing their attention to a screen rather than paying attention to driving. Put it away.

Do you know someone who listens to the news without stopping, 24 hours a day? If that is their only intake of information, they are likely quite bitter and angry.

What can you do to improve this situation?

Replace an hour of listening/watching/reading the news with something uplifting, growth oriented, or gratitude related. See how you feel after one week. How about after one month?

Are you still angry? Has your mood improved? Are you able to think clearly and focused?

Have you ever been in a home with drafty windows?

Not only is it uncomfortable, but they can let in bugs.

Sealing your home with new windows will not only make it more comfortable; it creates a cleaner environment.

Your relationships and your standards are the windows of your life. If you are willing to tolerate pests, bugs, and other nasty creatures into your home, you may also let in negative people, stagnant people, and those who drag you down.

How can you improve your relationships and connect with others?

1. Ask them how they are and then ask them how their family is?

2. Listen carefully to what they say and offer your thoughts when appropriate.

By having your success habits in place, you release your tension!

When you have intention, you open up your eyes, gain clarity, and are moved to take action!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com