What would you remind yourself of each day?
Posted by Dr. Earl R. Smith II in Questions, tags: adviser, advisory board, angel investor, board of directors, CEO, chairman, coaching, consulting, director, earl r smith ii, earl smith, Executive Coaching, federal circle, federal contracting, funding, Governance, government contractor, investing, investment, investor, Leadership, leadership assessment, leadership coaching, leadership development, leadership styles, management assessment, managing partner, Personal Growth, the federal circle, turnaround, Turnaround Management, Venture CapitalDr. Earl R. Smith II
Managing Partner, The Federal Circle
DrSmith@Dr-Smith.com
Dr-Smith.com
A couple of days ago a friend offered that old question, “if you were marooned on a desert island what one book would you want to have with you?” Well, I won’t bother you with that conversation but it triggered another question that I will bother you with.
If you reminded yourself of only one thing daily what would it be?
Choosing brings up a series of interesting questions. Let’s say that you set up your computer so that the screen lit up with this message each morning when you turned it on. Or maybe you would put a framed sign next to your bed so that it was the first message that you received each day. What would it say?
How would you go about choosing? What criteria would you select – what basis for the choice would you accept? Would your choice be self-righteous? Would it be focused on your self or others? How about on the results of being reminded – what would you expect to happen because you kept this particular thing in mind?
In an important way, this idea and your regular attention to it would become part of who you are as a person – and eventually how you are known by others. So, how do you connect that idea with your choice? Would you accept others saying beneath their breath, ‘oh no, here comes that fanatic with the one track mind. Don’t ask him how he is unless you want a sermon.’ Would you select the message because it is not proselytizing? Or would you insist that it be?
So let’s say that you have made your choice – and even gone so far as to make sure that you do present it to yourself at least once a day – do you tell others about your choice? Is this theme for your life that you have chosen – this guiding light, so to speak – a private matter or do you publicize it? In starker tones, ‘do you decide something about who you are and then hide it – or do you decide and then proclaim it?’
Finally, how long do you keep this pact with the idea before you access whether it has been good for you? Suppose you have been keeping your reminder daily in mind for a year or more. How long would you go before you sat down and asked ‘has this been a good idea or do I need to find another something else to remind myself of each day’?
Socrates has been quoted as observing that ‘a life unconsidered is not worth living’. I take that as good guidance. But once you begin to consider, questions such as the one above seem to pop up. Consider it and let me know what your daily message would be. Use the comment box below to add your thoughts.
© Dr. Earl R. Smith II
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Dr. Smith is Managing Partner of The Federal Circle. The Federal Circle partners with teams and existing companies. We help them up their game and win big in the Federal space. We also arrange funding for acquisitions and expansion by acquisition. Our model is based on the belief that, if you select the very best and work with them in a highly professional and focused manner, the results will be truly amazing. He is the author of Amazing Pace: Turbo-charged Business Development – a book that shows how Advisory Boards can dramatically increase revenue. Dr. Smith is also the author of Dream Walk: Parables for the Living – a book of Raven Tales and exploration.
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What a wonderful list and idea. If I may add one…..”encouragement is the key.” Every time I help someone else, I am actually helping myself grow as well.
87 Responses to “What would you remind yourself of each day?”
1.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm e
Trina Willard wrote:
I remind myself that I should make it a priority each day to say the things I want to say to the people I care about – family, friends, and colleagues – as tomorrow may be too late.
2.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:48 pm e
Jodi Blackley wrote:
To be the best that I can be. I cannot change what has already happened, but I can learn from the past and apply it to today.
3.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:49 pm e
Sharon Schierling wrote:
It’s not about me!
4.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm e
Linda Hamer wrote:
When I was self-employed, I used to keep a mirror next to my desk. I had two post-its on the mirror – one said “If I were your boss would I fire you?”, and the other one said “If I were your employee would I quit?”.
It was my gentle but direct way of being both the boss and the employee.
5.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm e
Stephen Farrington wrote:
The next day could be my last. This is a variation on a theme originated by my Stanford classmate, Mike Sides, who used to say “If you live to 80, you’ll see about 4000 weekend; how are you going to spend them?” Mike’s weekends ended October 31, 1999, when Egypt Air flight 990 plunged into the Atlantic Ocean, but his words are a constant reminder to live every moment with meaning.
6.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:54 pm e
Jeff Jamieson wrote:
Life is all about perception. The way we perceive things to be is reality to us. Make sure your perceive things in a positive light and understand that others perceptions are their realities.
7.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:56 pm e
Rachna Dhotarkar wrote:
To live in the present moment!
8.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm e
Christine Crandell wrote:
don’t sweat the small stuff and it’s all small stuff
9.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:58 pm e
Karen Louise Boothe wrote:
I remind myself, every day, that I have sincere gratitude for the opportunities given to me to make a difference. Since I work as a consultant both in the U.S. and Internationally
I know that important work needs to be done all around the world–whether it is in one’s own community or a community thousands of miles from one’s own home.
I am often asked by people, “how can I do international work?” and I tell them, “the most important work to be done in the world is wherever you find yourself at the moment.”
10.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:00 pm e
Krishna Raj wrote:
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst
11.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:02 pm e
Celia Baula wrote:
Be grateful for another day…To thank the Lord for another day here on earth.
12.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:03 pm e
Colleen Norris wrote:
What I remind myself daily:
What a gift this day is!
13.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm e
Kathleen Bernard wrote:
Take each day as it comes and everything that comes with it with calm passion.
14.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:06 pm e
Peter Nguyen wrote:
Joy.
In other words, I find that by constantly “reminding” myself to feel joy, I somehow raise everything else in my life, whether it’s opportunities, income, ideas, new friends, family life, etc.
It seems that everything in life moves in the direction of one’s targeted joy level.
For instance, if a person “decides” to feel a very low joy level, his life will tend to manifest according to that “decision” (which might be unconscious since few people know about this spiritual technique).
15.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm e
Girish Chawla wrote:
I would remind myself that I am not this body, mind or intellect. I am the soul who is the servant of the supersoul i.e God. I am here to serve him through my body, mind and intellect.I will try to remind myself of this every hour. I will feel myself surrendering to the will of God.
16.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm e
Amit Dharia wrote:
I am who I am and I will be true to myself.
I know I think and I breath therefore I am, but I will continue to search Who am I ?
Like yesterday I will surely have problems today, but there are many who are less fortunate and capable. I will have strength to carry their burden.
17.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:08 pm e
Anil Ballal wrote:
Keep smilin…
18.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:09 pm e
Kate Wiseman wrote:
Everything that happens is just the play of life. Accept everything as it appears bad and good as it could be no other way.
19.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm e
Kathleen J. Welsh wrote:
There is a reason I’m still on this planet — and try to do my best at whatever I do each day.
20.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:11 pm e
Viktoria Kish wrote:
that no matter what tragedy befalls me, or what victory I’m blessed with , there are about 1 billion people in China who couldn’t give a sh*t. Put another, more eloquent, way (with thanks to Rudyard Kipling) – I remind myself that when I meet with triumph & disaster [I should] treat those two impostors both the same.
What a great question!
21.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:37 pm e
Lauren Becker wrote:
Learn something new today.
22.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:37 pm e
Richard Tabor Greene wrote:
What are people 200 years from now, with 3 heads, 8 arms, 19 sexual organs, and living lifespans in hundreds of years, vitally interested in learning from primitive peoples like ourselves?
23.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:39 pm e
Susan Wanmer wrote:
The personal side reminds herself daily how blessed she is to have the life that she dreamed of as a teenager.
The professional side ‘rumplestilzkins’. That is to say that any bad situation (straw) gets turned to gold. A daily reminder when things don’t go so well!
24.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:39 pm e
Wan Saifuddin wrote:
To examine what one has gone through the day, and how one can be better, just before one goes to bed. Thankfulness for all the joys and pains, triumphs and trials.
25.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:40 pm e
Sid Mukherjee wrote:
To thank God for the wonderful life that he has given.
26.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:41 pm e
Verónica Ducrey wrote:
Just don’t get upset at what goes the opposite way you expected it to go. Focus, and go on. Life is only one, but plenty of opportunities.
27.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:43 pm e
Cristina Wildermuth wrote:
I actually do remind myself everyday to eat one more piece of my elephant (a.k.a. my dissertation). That’s the only way I’m making progress – by setting up mini goals – weekly ones, daily ones – reminding myself to reach them each morning and then celebrating mini achievements.
28.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:44 pm e
Anthony Eashman wrote:
Be yourself, let’s do it!!!!
29.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:45 pm e
Sandra Wright wrote:
Work hard enough to get paid well and live life to the max! A quote from an old friend.
30.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:46 pm e
David Landers wrote:
Life was yesterday, living is today.
31.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:47 pm e
Dan Wright wrote:
The same thing I am reminded of when someone close to me has passed away or when I have been sick and am finally feeling well again:
Enjoy life, make the most of it; it’s fleeting.
No matter how hard I try to remember that, it slips away a few days later.
I also love the old aphorism (not sure of the source): “Someone once told me that the secret to life is not to sweat the small stuff… and then told me the bigger secret: it’s ALL small stuff.”
32.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:48 pm e
Troy Nielsen wrote:
Stop worrying. It’s not productive.
33.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:49 pm e
Russ Kovar wrote:
find something good in every day!!!!!!
34.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:49 pm e
Arpana Rawat wrote:
why am I running around like a chicken with it head cut off
…just chill…
…the kids are beginning to take care of themselves..I mean the younger one can actually put his shoes on!!!
35.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:50 pm e
Chris Humphrey wrote:
I recall what my acting mentor has asked so many times:
Are you DEAD or DANGEROUS?
I want to be dangerous every day!
36.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:51 pm e
R Wolcson wrote:
Remind yourself that every new day is a chance to start over
37.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:40 am e
D. Kate Forbes wrote:
No matter how bad I think things are, someone else has it much worse and I should be grateful for the abundance of good in my life.
38.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:41 am e
Rhonda Ursulak wrote:
a great one that gets me through each day is
“Don’t worry about tomorrow, forget about yesterday, concentrate on winning today!”
and
“that what I do each day is NOT about me.”
39.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:42 am e
Sridharan G.V wrote:
The famous words of William J. Bennett, ‘We are here to help one another along life’s journey’
40.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:43 am e
Shariff Masood wrote:
I just tell myself – Life is too short to be be bothered with trifles. Enjoy each moment. Have fun. Bring joy to those you care about. Help others.
41.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:43 am e
Jesse Domingo wrote:
The ONE thing I always remind myself of is… EXCELLENCE.
Life is temporary… and people need people;
therefore,
I have to DO Everything in the Highest Level this planet will know of…
In the service of man, for the glory of God.
42.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:44 am e
Tyler Palmer wrote:
I would remind myself that time is running out.
43.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:45 am e
Sanjay Vyas wrote:
To learn something new…
44.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:46 am e
Alyona Yakovleva wrote:
Be cool and fun:)
45.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:47 am e
Louis Rosas-Guyon wrote:
Live the adventure.
46.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:00 am e
Jerome Jewell wrote:
I struggle to remind myself to count my blessings, such as my health, the health of my family and friends, outstanding memories and the potential for a great future.
47.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:00 am e
George Anderson wrote:
Based on our efforts yesterday, how successful were we over night?
48.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:01 am e
Madhu Sameer wrote:
The transience of all perceived phenomenon……so I can see things as they are not as I want them to be…..
49.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am e
Dawgelene Sangster wrote:
I would be reminded that I have another day to get it right, another day to apologize to someone, another day to ask for forgiveness to someone I hurt, another day to encourage someone else, another day to be a mentor/coach and another day to love and be loved!
50.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:05 am e
Nichole Cuomo wrote:
To slow down…I think in almost everything we can do in life, we should just slow down. We will get there eventually…
51.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:06 am e
Jeff Williams wrote:
Serve, help, promote, support, encourage, thank somebody!
52.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:07 am e
Nicole Lynskey wrote:
I have a little gratitude/intention setting practice I do each day. So, part of this is that I remind myself of all the things/people I am grateful for. I’ve noticed it starts to affect your outlook – what I am grateful for is now more in the forefront of my mind.
53.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:07 am e
Tarek Foda wrote:
What do I need to do today, to make tomorrow better than yesterday?
54.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:08 am e
John O’Dea wrote:
Should I really be doing this if I knew I only had a short time to live?
55.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:10 am e
Tracy Price wrote:
I’d remind myself to smile. It makes everything feel better.
56.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:11 am e
Tim Tymchyshyn wrote:
that people are sheep
57.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:11 am e
Gerry Mann wrote:
Find new ways to honor generously those you love and cherish.
58.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:12 am e
Glenn Curry wrote:
So many things come to mind.
First the line from “All That Jazz”. Especially when I was on the road almost constantly, doing clinics and seminars, taking people out every night and getting up early every morning for the next session. Get up, look in the mirror, smile and:
“It’s show time!”
Then the line when a very old person was asked his “secret” from living a long life:
“I try to wake up every morning”.
Both bring me to the same point. The most important thing to remember each and every day that you have the good fortune to be aware of, right now you are alive. make something out of it.
59.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:14 am e
Arnnei Speiser wrote:
So, what is it that I have to remember ???…. ahhhh, read my notes booklet. What is there:
- Answer at least one question at LinkedIn
- You are alive today… 2morrow…
- You can only drink the half glass that is full… so ignore the other half
This question reminds me of a similar one. What would you ask the Jini that gave only 1 wish ? One answer could be – please get me the Jini with 3 wishes.
60.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:15 am e
Jay Patel wrote:
* Blink! For many of us who stare at a computer screen we simply don’t blink enough.
* Breath! Someone else mentioned this as well. We seldom realize how erratically we breath when we’re stressed out or engrossed in something. Taking a deep breath regularly has big benefits.
* Stretch! Again, those who have a desk job (computer or no computer) even forget to stretch every so often. Get up and loosen your legs, arms, neck, etc. Boss isn’t going to kill you if you break for 5 minutes, walk around the building and come back.
61.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:13 am e
Amy Suijkerbuijk wrote:
Get the max out of your life, it could be over in a blink.
62.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:14 am e
Trish Coleman wrote:
Gratitude – not attitude!
63.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:15 am e
Doug Hering wrote:
If I only had one thing it would be to focus and be a single-minded person.
64.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:16 am e
Bruce Mendelsohn wrote:
That my easiest day was yesterday.
65.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:18 am e
Mitchell Friedman wrote:
Fear, worry, and anxiety are counterproductive. Relax and take it easy.
66.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:19 am e
Gary Clarke wrote:
My kids
67.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:20 am e
Eunice Lim wrote:
Be patient, things will always work out. I deserve the best that life has to offer.
68.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:21 am e
Nigel Fortlage wrote:
How lucky I am to have the life I do.
Born in the turmoil of Northern Ireland and Belfast, I grew up expecting soldiers in the streets, buildings been blown up, and watching who you make friends with as normal.
Now that I have spent the greater part of my life living in Canada, I truly appreciate the opportunity I have each and every day. As it says in our national anthem, we are “The True North strong and free!”
69.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:22 am e
Nancy Babyak wrote:
Everything really is calm… it’s all a matter of perspective.
70.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:24 am e
Mary Lascelles wrote:
Friends are our lifeblood!
71.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:24 am e
Ravi Kikan wrote:
Wake up, You are not Hugh Hefner !!!!
And I have a bad amnesia every morning !!!!
72.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:25 am e
Dheeraj Kapoor wrote:
I am safe. I am the source. I have to create my day.
73.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:26 am e
Miccilina Piraino wrote:
Earl: That my attitude, outlook, future and daily decisions are under MY control, I decide my fate, my luck and my future – Better make it GOOD! Micci
74.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:27 am e
Olga Bleykhman wrote:
Brilliant question!
I remind myself as often as I can:
Cheer up, never surrender, and for to feel yourself happy – help to somebody, and you will feel yourself happy!
It helps every day!
Hope it will help to somebody!
75.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:33 am e
Kim Mills wrote:
That you only live once! Take risks and enjoy life!
76.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:34 am e
David Willson wrote:
To limit my time in front of the computer (the new boob tube) use the phone instead of e-mail when appropriate and try to accomplish at least one thing on my not-immediate-deadline list. That’s three things, but they’re all tied in together.
77.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:37 am e
Danny Small wrote:
Hi Dr Earl.
Got yo be a few positive things :
smile
don’t wait do it now
today is what matters
it’s ok to say sorry
If you get it wrong …. move on
Think before you act…
Say thank you..
Make the call…
There are oh so many words i could put… brilliant question.
78.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:38 am e
James M. Koenig wrote:
Breathe.
79.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:39 am e
Veronika Svobodova wrote:
I remind myself of how lucky and fortunate I am to have my husband. As every couple, we do have our little arguments at times and as I have also seen from my friends, when in similar situations, people tend to forget the good and just focus on the bad. I always remind myself of how happy and good we are together. It works magic, and helps us go through any situation we are facing, either on our own or as a couple.
80.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:42 am e
Kajal A wrote:
Loving life.
81.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm e
Elaine Springer wrote:
I am doing the very best I can every moment of my life.
Thank you for the question, Earl. It in itself is a great reminder to reflect upon and appreciate our lives.
82.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm e
Alison Coulson wrote:
to take my medication
83.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:06 pm e
Bryan C Webb wrote:
Be happy and enjoy life.
84.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:07 pm e
Olivia McKinsey wrote:
I remind myself that life is what you make of it, not what happens to you.
85.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:08 pm e
Jacob Kort wrote:
That I am the most important in the world, and that work and other outside things will not be allowed to change this view.
‘I’ also include closest family members.
86.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:09 pm e
Melody Thacker wrote:
It’s a wonderful new day, full of possibilities, all of which I’m very grateful for!
87. Robbie S. Redmon, LPC Says:
June 5th, 2008 at 3:52 pm e
I am truly blessed in my service to others.