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Sunday, January 10th, 2021

Looking with Envy at the Success of Others?

All too often we look at others … why is he a millionaire? … how come she makes more than I do? … why do athletes get paid so much more than teachers?

It doesn’t matter how true those statements are.

What does matter is that we too often let those observations get in the way of our goals?

The gift you can give to yourself is the realization that while we’re all on the same life’s journey, some people have taken a different road … some are in a different stage of their journey … and some are simply further down the road than you.

So what?

The one thing you have in common with everyone else is that all of us have to start from the same place: WHERE WE ARE TODAY!

Get rid of the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” point of view and get real with where you are.

That’s where you have to start.

Today.

Where you are.

Today!

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Sunday, January 3rd, 2021

10 Things You Can Do in 2021 With No Talent

Sure, talent is always a plus, but there are a lot of things you can do that require no talent at all.

Since the New Year is just beginning … and let’s face it, we couldn’t get rid of 2020 fast enough … let’s cut ourselves a break for a bit and focus on what we can do in 2021with absolutely no talent!

What Can I Do If I Have NO Talent?

You may have seen a list like this somewhere, so I won’t belabor it.

If nothing else, it is a valuable reminder that you have a contribution to make.

I know you have many talents, probably in many areas, but this is a reminder that talent is not required for some of the most important behaviors that make us successful … at work, at home, in our community … in LIFE.

1. Be on Time

As many of you know, I’ve written about this before. Nothing could be easier.

2. Work Ethic

I think you already know this.

Hard Work will cure a lot of ills, and overcome virtually any lack of talent.

Keep reading for 8 more things that require no talent …

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Sunday, December 27th, 2020

What’s the Hallmark of Superior Performance? Focus?

By any other name, FOCUS is the one thing we all struggle with.

There is too much to do, too much coming at us and we want it all.

We want to work hard, perform well, love our families, dote on our children … and be great athletes, gifted musicians … did I leave out the Red Carpet encore?

This simple quote is another way to frame the issue.

The less we try to do, the more we can accomplish and this is one swing thought that might help.

Question:  What’s the one thing you can STOP DOING TODAY … so you can focus on what you really need to get done?

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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020

Ever Wonder about the 2020 Cost of the 12 Days of Christmas?

12 Days of Christmas; Source unknown

The cost of the fanciful mix of gifts described in the classic carol, The 12 Days of Christmas, has been tracked for over a quarter of a century.

The good news is that since last year, the true cost of Christmas has come down dramatically.

The bad news? Four of the 12 items are not available in 2020.

I examine this every year … just for fun … and for the last 5 years, the total cost of the basket was approaching $40,000.

Not that there’s anything wrong with a basket of assorted swans, geese, French hens and turtle doves … I’d prefer a beef tenderloin myself … but who would have expected to spend almost $40,000 for the entire basket?

The COVID-19 Pandemic Made a Huge Difference

The PNC Christmas Price Index, courtesy of PNC

Keep reading so you can purchase all 12 days …

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Sunday, December 20th, 2020

The 12 Pains of Christmas | A 2020 Executive Sing-a-Long

The holidays are here and we’re still trying to figure out how we’re going to get it all done. You know, all the productivity stuff we talk about?

So, instead of asking you to work at something – anything – I’ve decided to give you a gift of holiday music to spark your spirit!

The 12 Pains of Christmas
Property of the author and Exkalibur

There’s some pretty stiff competition … a lot from a bunch of fluff balls … animated folks like Elmo, Winnie the Pooh, Shrek, the Muppets, the Chipmunks … so what can go wrong with my brilliant effort at holiday song-writing?

I should get a break because there is a remarkable breakdown of taste and intelligence at Christmastime.

Mature, responsible grown men wear neckties made of holly leaves and drink alcoholic beverages with raw egg yolks and cottage cheese in them. ~ P.J. O’Rourke

I know what you’re thinking … don’t quit your day job. (No chance of that.)

So, feel free to sing along to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas 2020.

Key of D Sharp, please.

Click below for the instrumental music and sing right along:

Courtesy of YouTube Audio Library

The first thing in business that’s such a pain to me … is WAY TOO MUCH STINKING EEE-MAIL.

The second thing in business that’s such a pain to me …ZOOM IS NEVER ENDING … and the always too much stinking eee-mail.

Keep reading to keep singing ALL of the lyrics
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Sunday, December 13th, 2020

Planning? Is It Something, Everything? Nothing?

Have you finished your plan for 2021?

Should have … could have … might have?

If it isn’t finished, any chance you’re waiting for a clear view of the future?

When will the pandemic end?

What will the future look like when it does?

For sure, there’s plenty of uncertainty to go around. You don’t even have to share your portion. Everybody’s got plenty without yours.

Today, as we lead up to the holidays, I’m going to share with you several quotations that frame this planning question and highlight several ways to think about it.

You know the name of the enemy.

PERFECTION

The two quotes that follow are from soldiers … warfighters … who knew that scenario planning is essential to success … but that the enemy also gets a chance to turn your plans inside out.

Said another way …

Continue reading for additional quotes
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Sunday, December 6th, 2020

Is What You Have Ever Enough?

As the Christmas holidays approach, it’s easy to get all wrapped up in shopping, Christmas gifts and increasing our bounty of material things.

While this year is a downer in so many ways … the pandemic, fires, smoke, protests, a divided political environment … maybe we can turn it to a positive.

Maybe it will force us to revisit our expectations to focus on what’s most important to a fulfilling life … the friends and family relationships that enrich our lives.

Continue reading for more Quotations …
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Sunday, November 29th, 2020

Hmmm. Who Can I Blame for This?

If there was ever a time to be reminded of this, it’s now.

Let’s face it. The COVID-19 pandemic sucks!

It’s resulting in restrictions at all levels – for your family, your business, your community, your church … and the list goes on.

mon_quote_decisions

BUT … you still need to act. You need to get things done.

You have to tackle this in your own way, but it’s not the circumstances you face.

It’s you. The decisions YOU make. 

Look in the mirror. That’s the person you need to manage …. and it’s the only person you can point to for what’s happening in your life.

Always – and in all ways – you have to deal head-on with the circumstances and live with the decisions YOU make in those circumstances.

There are no alternatives. You own it.

So, own it!

You can easily add your comment below, or by visiting our Facebook Page or @Exkalibur on Twitter. I visit them every day and look forward to hearing what you think about our individual responsibility for the decisions we make.

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