Category Archives: Attitude

Negativity Bias

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The human brain is wired to give more weight to negative information than to positive or neutral information. It is wired to focus on what’s wrong in your life and environment.

Negativity bias is thought to have evolved as a survival mechanism of the human brain. Historically, recognizing and reacting to negative or threatening stimuli was crucial for survival, as these could indicate potential dangers such as predators. It allowed humans to survive the challenges and risks of living in the wild amongst predators.

This evolutionary background has led to a predisposition for humans to focus on negative information, which persists even in modern environments where such immediate threats are less common.

An example of negativity bias is: You are hiking with friends. While enjoying the scenery, you suddenly see a rattlesnake. The snake immediately slithers away. However, when asked about the hike later, you remember the snake incident more vividly than the beautiful scenery.

Being aware of negativity bias and actively seeking positive information can help balance the disproportionate focus on negative events.

Negativity bias causes you to dwell on the negative, making bad experiences seem much more important than they really are. This, in turn, can impact your decision-making and the opinions you form about others.

Negativity bias is a cognitive bias where negative experiences have a greater impact than positive ones. While negativity bias is pervasive, it can be mitigated through mindfulness, gratitude and focusing on positive experiences.

References:

  1. Kassiani Nikolopoulou, What Is Negativity Bias, Scribbr.com, February 2, 2023. https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/negativity-bias/

 

Success Lies in Your Mindset and Habits

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Some people stop because it’s hard while some people start because it’s hard. The difference between those who give up and those who push through challenges lie in their mindset and habits.

If you feel that you are still stuck in the same place as you were last week, last month, last year, etc etc.

Then you blame everyone and everything else as to why you aren’t where you want to be, and why you aren’t making progress, taking zero accountability for yourself which keeps you stuck in the same place.

It’s time to realize that achieving your goals and realizing your future lies within you and your ability to “think” to “achieve”.

If you are someone who’s struggling in your business, career or life goals or you are afraid to try something new….please know the only problem is you and the problem lies within you.

Harsh truth…It’s time to work on your mindset and habits..especially if you want to attain any desire goal or level you aspire to achieve!

Your mindset and habits are not in the place that allows you to try something new such as starting that online business or workout program or continued progress and success within your goals.

Instead of seeing challenges and obstacles as roadblocks, successful individuals view them as opportunities for growth and learning.

When faced with a tough situation successful people don’t back down – they rise up to the challenge to show what they are truly capable of.

It’s time to work on your habits, thoughts and mindset!

Because, It’s your thoughts, beliefs, mindset, and the consistent actions and systems you put in place that truly shape your life.

As James Clear, in his book “Atomic Habits,” said:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems (habits).”

Clear emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who have the habits you want to have and empathizes the transformative potential of small, consistent improvements.

References:

  1. https://x.com/devinkkilgore/status/1817305137725235250
  2. https://jamesclear.com/quotes/you-do-not-rise-to-the-level-of-your-goals-you-fall-to-the-level-of-your-systems

Your Mind is Powerful

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Your mind is powerful. What you spend your time thinking about manifests itself into reality. So focus your mind on what you really want in life, and make it happen.

You spend so much mental energy on your fears, worries, disappointments, and regrets.

To reach any goal, you must decide that it’s yours.

Once you make a commitment and focus on it every day, you will find the forces of the universe bringing that goal to you. With your thoughts tuned in to your goal, you form a keener awareness and opportunities you never noticed before.

Define your goal, focus on it, and prepare to succeed.

Parable: “200 Year Old Watch”

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A dying father called his son to his bedside and presented him with an old pocket watch. The father said,

“Your grandfather gave this watch to me. It is more than 200 years old. But, before I give it to you, I want you to go to the watch shop and tell the owner you want to sell it. Ask him what price he would pay for it.”

The son went to the watch shop and then returned to his father’s bedside. He reported, “The watchmaker said he would pay $5 for the watch because it is old and scratched.”

The father then said to the son, “Go to the coffee shop and ask the owner if he would be interested in buying the pocket watch and what he would be willing to pay.”

The son ran to the coffee shop and quickly returned. He told his father, “The coffee shop owner said he didn’t have much use for an old pocket watch but offered $3 for it.”

Finally, the father told the son, “Go to the museum and show them the watch.”

The son left for the museum and returned with a look of astonishment on his face. He whispered, “Father, the curator at the museum offered me $10 million for this pocket watch!”

The father laid his head back, closed his eyes and said: “I wanted you to experience for yourself that the right place, and the right people, will value your value in the right way.

Never put yourself in the wrong place, with the wrong people, and then get angry when you don’t feel valued. Don’t stay in a place, or with people, that don’t value your value. Know your worth and while being confident in your own value look for the value and the potential worth of others.”

The lesson of this parable is that you must value your own value. Along with recognizing your value you must also avoid putting yourself in the wrong place, with the wrong people, who don’t or who are unable to value your value.

https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2019/12/11/21012123/what-an-old-pocket-watch-says-about-your-unique-worth-and-leadership/

Taking Risks

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“Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” — Oprah Winfrey

The greatness you desire, the success you dream about, is on the other side of your doubts and fears, explains media mogul Oprah Winfrey. You must confront and manage your self-doubts and unrealistic fears if you ever expect to live a life of purpose and meaning. You must believe in yourself, be courageous in your actions, and be grateful for your current life.

You don’t find life’s purpose and meaning, you create them!

The kind of life you were created to live, a life of purpose and meaning, will require you to leave your comfort zone and take risks. Staying within your comfort zone and avoiding risks may seem safe, but they can also lead to missed opportunities for growth, learning, and progress.

Every decision involves an opportunity cost—the value of what you could have gained by choosing an alternative path. Taking risks involves making decisions or engaging in actions where the outcome is uncertain but there is a potential benefit or reward.

Not taking risks is a risk in itself. Many people are not living their dreams because they are living their fears.

Fear of failure often prevents people from taking risks. However, failure itself is a valuable teacher. You will never amount to anything if you let your doubts and fears hinder you from trying things.

Embracing failure as a stepping stone toward growth and learning is essential.

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” — Michael Jordan

Your pursuit of security is what’s hindering you from reaching greatness. You can’t be safe and still be great because greatness will require you to take risks and try things you’ve never done before. But it’s in taking risks that you find security because proper security is having no fear of trying.

Nothing great is built in your comfort zone. Life is all about taking risks. It’s a daring adventure or nothing at all.

What’s stopping you? In the face of death, life’s fears hold no meaning. So live while you are still alive.

Go out, try things, do what scares you, let go of your doubts and fears, and embrace the uncertainties. What’s life if we aim for less because we fear more?

Take the risk; it’s a part of life, not part of it. Never take the risk of missing the chance to live.

People tend to regret missed opportunities more than failed attempts.

“Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success.” — Robert Kiyosaki

REWIRING YOUR SUCCESS

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BOOK TITLE : REWIRING YOUR SUCCESS:  |  AUTHOR : JOHN QURESHI
Success is not a matter of luck.
Successful people are not just lucky; they make their luck by taking action and persevering through setbacks.
Success is a journey, not a destination.
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. What works for one person may only work for one person. The important thing is to find your path to success and to be willing to make the necessary sacrifices along the way.
Success is not about money.
Money is important, but it is not the only measure of success. Successful people also find fulfillment in their work and make a positive impact on the world.
Success is a habit.
Successful people have developed habits that help them achieve their goals. These habits include setting goals, taking action, and never giving up.
Success is a choice.
You choose to be successful or not. It is not something that happens to you; it is something you create.
Success is a mindset.
Successful people have a positive mindset that allows them to see possibilities instead of obstacles.
Success is about personal growth.
Successful people are constantly learning and growing. They are unafraid to step outside their comfort zones and try new things.
Success is about giving back.
Successful people use their success to help others. They know they are not alone and feel responsible for giving back to the community.
Success is about leaving a legacy.
Successful people want to make a difference and be remembered for their positive contributions.
Success is possible for everyone.
You can achieve your dreams no matter where you come from or your circumstances. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but you can reach your full potential.

10 Lessons from The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Success by Achieving More with Less
  1. Identify the critical 20% of activities or efforts that yield 80% of the desired outcomes and prioritize them over less important tasks.
  2. Work smarter, not harder. Focus on maximizing efficiency in the tasks that deliver the most significant results rather than trying to do everything.
  3. Streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary complexity to increase effectiveness and productivity.
  4. Develop a strategic mindset by focusing on high-leverage activities that align with long-term goals and objectives.
  5. Recognize that not all decisions are equally important. Focus your time and energy on decisions that have the most significant impact on your goals and outcomes.
  6. Identify and leverage resources, talents, and opportunities that contribute the most to your success.
  7. Embrace a continuous improvement mindset by regularly evaluating and refining your strategies and processes.
  8. Remain flexible and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances. Be willing to adjust your approach as needed to stay aligned with your objectives.
  9. Recognize and mitigate potential risks that could derail your progress toward your goals.
  10. Seek balance and harmony in your life by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary distractions or obligations.

You Have Greatness Inside of You

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If you’ve ever felt like who you are is not enough.

Jamie Kern Lima, the founder of the billion-dollar company IT Cosmetics, just released a new book called “Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life.” In it, she shares her framework for reframing rejection and feeling worthy of success. If you’re looking for practical, inspirational advice for beating the self-doubt that’s holding you back, then her book may be for you.

Favorite quote:
“Don’t let your doubt doubt yourself out of your own destiny.” – Jamie Kern Lima

Jamie’s journey, from adoption to battling self-doubt, led her to advocate for women’s empowerment. She’s a mother of two, investor, speaker, and philanthropist, funding leadership training in over 100 prisons and shelters and donating $40 million+ to help women facing cancer.

Jamie Kern Lima, author of the new book ‘WORTHY: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life,’ is a New York Times bestselling author, former Denny’s waitress turned founder of IT Cosmetics, which she grew into the largest luxury makeup brand in the US. She made history as the first female CEO of a brand in its 100+ year history when she sold it to L’Oréal in a billion-dollar deal.

Measure Your Life

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7 Powerful Lessons from “How Will You Measure Your Life?”

1. Define your “yardsticks”: Instead of chasing external metrics like wealth or fame, the book encourages identifying your values and defining metrics that reflect your true priorities. These “yardsticks” become the foundation for measuring your life’s progress and satisfaction.

2. Invest in relationships: The book emphasizes the importance of nurturing strong, meaningful relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. These relationships are the source of true happiness and fulfillment, and investing time and effort in them is crucial for a successful life.

3. Focus on the “becoming” over the “doing”: The book challenges the conventional focus on achievements and results. Instead, it encourages prioritizing growth and learning, the journey of becoming a better person. Continuous improvement and self-development are critical to a fulfilling life.

4. Manage your time like a CEO: Time is your most valuable resource. The book teaches you to manage it effectively, prioritize tasks that align with your values, and avoid distractions that hinder your progress toward your goals.

5. Say no to protect your “yes”: The book emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and saying “no” to commitments that don’t align with your values or priorities. Setting boundaries allows you to focus your energy on the things that truly matter and maximize the impact of your “yeses.”

6. Embrace the power of “deep love”: The book differentiates between “shallow love” based on external factors and “deep love” rooted in shared values and commitment. Deep love provides a strong foundation for lasting relationships and contributes significantly to a fulfilling life.

7. Remember, it’s never too late to change: The book offers hope and encouragement to individuals at any stage of their lives. It emphasizes that it’s never too late to re-evaluate your priorities, adjust your course, and start living a life that reflects your values and aspirations.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/48DCGPl

Source:

America Needs a National Business Plan

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“We need a business plan that should include being the most efficient. We’re not at war with ourselves, we’re at war with China and Russia. Their governments are subsidizing everything,” says John Hope Bryant, founder of the non-profit Operation HOPE, Inc. “We’re shooting at each other when we should be better together.”

Many think that we should have gridlock in Washington and “…should have a divided government, what we have is a divided people,” states Bryant.

Political free agents

When solving problems is the goal, and not simply picking winners and losers, talking with folks that you may not have a natural affinity to or agreement with almost always makes more sense than not.

Frankly, Bryant just want people to learn to think for themselves, to further realize that they are in the driver’s seat in their respective lives, to expect more from themselves, and to demand more from those who call themselves their leaders and representatives; whether it be in community, national or in the world of politics.

Blacks should all be political free agents from time to time, making both Democrats and Republicans “work” for our vote. We should all remember that FedEx made the U.S. Postal Service a better 2-Day mail service carrier, almost over night.

Now, when Bryant say things like this, people often wonder whether he is a Republican for some reason. Well, the answer is no. But respectfully, he has problems with both my Republican and Democratic friends, so no one should get a pass here. African Americans need results in their community these days, and that is why I am down with what I call the “Get It Done Party.” I just want folks to “get it done.”

I remember when in 2002, Operation HOPE became the only non-profit organization to host two U.S. Presidents in one week; former President Clinton in Harlem (arguably our “first Black President” – smile), who co-taught a Banking on our Future financial literacy course with me, launching our Harlem Partnership together, and thereafter President George W. Bush in South Central Los Angeles, on the 10th anniversary of the revitalization of community following the 1992 Rodney King Riots.

Now, no one in the political establishment said a word about President Clinton and HOPE and me. But when we brought President Bush to South Los Angeles and to First A.M.E. Church, led at that time by my spiritual father Reverend Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, our co-host for the event, you would thought the world had come to an end.  I was derided by some at the time for hosting the President, mildly threatened with reprisals, and my “real black man” credentials were no doubt called into question — but we persisted, and we moved forward. And everything worked out just fine. And when I am asked why we hosted the President of the United States, my response is simple and immediate — because he’s the PRESIDENT, that’s why.

References:

  1. https://johnhopebryant.com/2006/10/the_politics_of.html

Green Grass

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The phrase “Is the grass greener on the other side?” is a common way of asking if something that seems better or more desirable than one has is so. It is based on the proverb, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”, which means that people tend to be dissatisfied with their situation and always think that others have it better, even if they don’t. The proverb has been traced back to ancient times, but it became popular in English after a song by Raymond B. Egan and Richard A. Whiting in 1924.

The phrase can be used in different contexts, such as relationships, careers, lifestyles, etc. For example, someone unhappy with their marriage might wonder if the grass is greener on the other side, meaning if they would be happier with someone else. Or someone bored with their job might think the grass is greener on the other side, meaning they would enjoy a different career more. However, the phrase also implies that the grass is not greener and that changing one’s situation might not bring the expected happiness or satisfaction. It is a way of reminding people to appreciate what they have and not to idealize what they don’t have. A counter-phrase that expresses this idea is “the grass is greener where you water it, ” meaning that good situations come from the effort and attention you put into them, not from dreaming about them.