"Don't Let Them Think About Spiders"

I am a big fan of strange statistics and their connection to human behavior. I found one the other day that I think may qualify as the strangest one yet. In a study at the Open University in the UK they found that "Talking on the phone about spiders while driving causes greater driver error by people who are spider phobic than those who aren't afraid of spiders." The difference in error was 6.5 for spider phobics and 4.5 for non-phobics. Who would have guessed spiders could have such an impact?

The research highlighted the results which suggest that emotionally-charged cell phone conversations may impact people's ability to focus on driving. I would take the concept a bit further and suggest that we always need to be careful about engaging in emotional conversations when on a mobile phone. The sound is usually not as clear as a landline so the emotional tone of the voice is often lost or minimized. And you just never know when you might drop the call... and it's at a point where you really needed to have the full focus of both parties.

Trying to discuss sensitive issues by mobile phone is a little better than using e mail (a post for another day), but take every effort to make the conversation face to face or at least at a point where both individuals are able to focus on the subject at hand... and not veering across the road toward you or me because they get so upset.

"To Begin Is To Win"

Cornell McClellan is the "First Trainer." Or should I say he's the fitness trainer to the Obamas. He gave some solid advice about exercising and fitness in a recent Sunday newspaper magazine article. The most powerful part to me was the phrase "To Begin Is To Win." As he shares in the story, "Most of the roadblocks to physical fitness and longevity are mental. Once you make the decision to get healthy, the battle is over."

I recognize the power of his phrase each day I go running. Even though I am an avid runner, and run a few half-marathons a year, It's the first quarter mile that's the toughest. My breathing is labored and I almost tell myself I just can't do it today. But, if I hold on until the first turn, it seems like everything begins working toward success and I never look back. I see a similar dilemma in writing. The first sentence is the hardest. Once finished, however, it flows into a paragraph and then a paragraph becomes a page.

What do you need to "begin" today? If not a more healthy lifestyle regimen, maybe it's a better way of doing your job or improving your relationship with a co worker. Make one step in the right direction, and Cornell McClellan says you are on your way to success.

"Honoring Commitments"

On Sunday night I made a conscious decision that I would do my best to honor any commitment I made to myself or others on Monday. Okay, it's not that I don't always work hard to "keep my word" but I sometimes find myself overcommitting, especially in attempts to be "all things to all people." I also find myself expecting to accomplish way more in a day than is humanly possible. The result is that I don't achieve the level of excellence in most things I attempt to do.

As I reflected on my short experiment I found that when I consciously evaluated every commitment before I made it I was able to scale it to a size that was more "doable." I wasn't running behind as much all day, and the pressure on my time and energy were reduced. What I also found was that I was more available for life's unexpected moments-like a  lengthy phone call from a client or the chance to take a walk with my wife.

What are some techniques you use to prevent yourself from being overcommitted?

"At Peace With Yourself"

While on a plane to the West Coast recently, I sat next to an amazing lady. We'll call her "Dot." She was so excited about taking a 3 week cruise (I get seasick in a porch swing-so it held no appeal to me). She was in her 70's traveling alone, and just had a marvelous presence about her. As she began to unfold her life's journey to me it became apparent that she had several reasons not to be so calm and collected. Her marriage had included raising 4 children as the spouse of someone in the Navy, living in several different places around the world. One of her children is mentally challenged, and continues to live with them even as an adult. Her husband is suffering from dementia and she has endured some tough times working with him.

But as I sat listening to her, I couldn't help but hear how excited she was about all the good things in her life and how much she treasured the relationships with her friends, family and even strangers like me. You just couldn't leave this woman's presence without feeling better about life. Dot was at peace with herself. Why? Because she had done her best every day, whether it was caring for her children, working as a school nurse or managing challenges with her aging husband.

Her story reminded me of how important it is to give life your best every day. Whether it's on the job, in your family role or just in taking care of yourself. Making that a priority offers you the chance to have a sense of peace that nothing can take away... at any age.

"Good Quote To Frame Your Day"

I sincerely enjoy posting my favorite quotes on Twitter, but every once in a while I find one that's too good to pass up just because it is more than 140 characters. Here's one I came across recently:

I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death. -Leonardo da Vinci

May his amazing words give you a better perspective on your opportunities today.