August 17, 2010

Bragging Rights   Let's face the facts.  People brag.  They brag about how much money they make, how wonderful and smart their children are, the vacations they take, their spectacular sex life, the fancy car they drive, how many friends they have, and on and on.  Yet, bragging turns others off.  Who wants to listen to someone rambling on about how superior they are to you?    But, there are times when a good brag is in order. Why?  Because too often you focus on what is wrong in your life instead of what is right.  And, I don't have to remind you that you get what you focus on.   So, today is brag day.  You are going to build yourself up instead of tear yourself down. You are going to focus on what is right in your life.  Actually, you are going to focus on what is the BEST in your life.   Hence, I ask you this question:  What is the BEST thing in your life right now?    Furthermore,   What is the BEST thing you do well? What is the BEST thing in your marriage/relationship right now? What is the BEST thing in your career right now? What is the BEST thing you bring to your job? What is the BEST thing people say about you? What is the BEST activity you're involved in? What is the BEST thing we do in our dental practice/place of business?   I challenge you when you answer.  Ramble on for several minutes about what this BEST thing is.  Put your five senses into your answer, use descriptive, flowery words, exaggerate a bit, get emotional, and tout your successes.  In other words, BRAG!   P.S.  Do you watch the Food Channel?  This exercise is modeled after the program "The Best Thing I Ever Ate".  The foodie rambles on for a good five minutes describing the best fried chicken they ever ate, the best seafood they ever ate, the best chocolate dessert they ever ate, etc.  Watch their emotions, their gestures, and the descriptive words they use.  They draw you in so that you want that best thing also.       "It is important that you recognize your progress and take pride in your accomplishments.  Share your achievements with others.  Brag a little.  The recognition and support of those around you is nurturing."             Rosemarie Rosetti   "You have to do a little bragging on yourself even to your relatives - man doesn't get anywhere without advertising."             John Nance Garner   "If you done it, it ain't bragging."             Walt Whitman   "Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."             Ralph Waldo Emerson     I'm always amazed at how the TV hosts can ramble on and on in their descriptions of a product or a food item.  C'mon, how much can you say about a piece of fried chicken or a ring that is really gaudy?  (They'll find 5-10 minutes!)   We need to take a lesson from these hosts, though.  It's time to ramble on about our successes, our accomplishments and achievements, and what we are really good at.  It's time to build ourselves up, not tear ourselves down.   Have a fantastic week and brag today.   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