April 1, 2008

Acquiring The Knack Of Living Harmoniously With Others   The granddaddy of failure in human relations is the "lack of ability to get along harmoniously with others," said Napoleon Hill.   Most everywhere you turn you're interacting with others; whether it's at home, social events, work, or even the grocery store.  You're surrounded by people; your spouse, children, employees, co-workers, colleagues, neighbors, friends, and those who serve you, among others. How well you connect with them has a huge impact on the success and happiness you realize, both in your personal life and professional life.   Getting along with others is a must-have skill if you want to achieve life's rewards.  In his book, Napoleon Hill's A Year of Growing Rich, the author gives ten rules to adopt and follow to acquire the knack of living harmoniously with others: Go out of your way to speak a kind word or render some useful service where it is not expected. Modify your voice to convey a feeling of warmth and friendship to those you address. Direct your conversation to subjects of greatest interest to your listeners.  Talk "with" them rather than "to" them.  Consider the persons with whom you're conversing as the most interesting in the world, at least at that moment. Soften your expression frequently with a smile as you speak. Never, under any circumstances, use profanity or obscenity. Keep your religious and political views to yourself. Never ask a favor of anyone you haven't yourself helped at some time. Be a good listener.  Inspire others to speak freely. Remember that an ounce of optimism is worth a ton of pessimism. Close each day with this prayer: "I ask not more blessings, but more wisdom with which to make better use of the blessings I now possess.  And give me, please, more understanding that I may occupy more space in the hearts of my fellow humans by rendering more service tomorrow than I have rendered today."   Hill's insights are as powerful today as they were then.  He knew the importance of connecting with others and its impact on your success as you travel through life.    How well are you living harmoniously with others?     "If life isn't about human beings and living in harmony, then I don't know what it's about."            OrlandoBloom   "Harmony makes small things grow, lack of it makes great things decay."             Sallust   "You can develop the right attitude toward others if you have kindness, love and respect for them, and a clear realization of the oneness of all human beings."             The Dalai Lama   "The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people."             Theodore Roosevelt     It's safe to say the skills necessary to achieve personal and business success haven't changed much over the years.  Oh, someone might have a magic bullet or a new formula or scheme now and then, but the tried and true principles stand the test of time.  Our ability to get along with people affects all that we do and all that we strive to accomplish.  We'd have no dental practice if we were unable to live harmoniously with our team and our patients, just as it would be difficult to have any successful business if we could not get along with our co-workers and customers.    Our personal relationships are no different.  We can deepen those and create greater intimacy by listening and talking "with" our loved ones rather than always having the conversation be about us.  The surprise kind word or act is appreciated by all and a smile on our face adds warmth to any situation.  In addition, more wisdom and understanding, as Hill said, will strengthen our connections.   We cannot undermine the importance of living harmoniously with others.   Have a fantastic week and acquire the knack.    Stephanie     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com