Eye of the Tiger - Let it Rest!

Greetings MIIS Family,

It seems that everywhere you look - online or off - someone is talking about the so called Tiger Woods scandal. I'm not going to go into great detail about all the allegations; that's been done enough already. What I want to do is write about what most are not, perhaps because it's not as newsworthy: Tiger's humanity.

I know I've raised a few eyebrows with that phrase but I really want to voice my opinion about this whole thing. First, Tiger is a human being and regardless of his status he is still pone to make mistakes like the rest of us. If he were just some run of the mill golfer or any other average Joe no one would care, outside of his immediate circle, what he did.

Secondly, who are we - the average Joe/Jane TV viewer - to judge Tiger for what he's accused of doing? I'd bet that more than half the people that are snapping and snarling about how much of a bad man Tiger is have or are currently doing the same thing or something similar. How much better the world would be if we offered up a prayer or kind words for Tiger and his family that encourage healing and a sincere recognition of the pain caused (to himself and those around him).

In today's society it is much simpler to jump on the bandwagon with everyone else and blame him as though we know the man personally. None us, save for those closest to Tiger know the true story and what's behind his alleged actions. Even if it's confirmed that he's done exactly what the media has claimed who are we to judge him?

Finally, today I say we free ourselves from wasting our energy on judgment and refocus it on something more productive...like, I don't know...celebrating Christmas? I mean it is the season to give, right? Let's give Tiger some peace so that he and his family can sort through this difficult moment in their lives. As a human being doesn't he deserve it?

Have a PERFECT day!

Michael
MIIS

Image: AP Images

Freedom from the Message

Greetings Readers!

Today's Freedom Friday post centers on being mindful of the subtle influence of the media...Enjoy!

I was sitting with my grandkids watching Clifford The Big Red Dog - an episode appropriately titled "Food for Thought" - in which Clifford and his two friends became insistent on getting this paticalar dog food after watching a TV promo and viewing a billboard about the product. As the episode ensues the trio, after sampling the dog food, come to realize that what they see on TV isn't necessarily true, they can get strong and jump higher just by doing what they normally do and, most importantly, they should put more thought into something before they decide they want it.

How many of us have seen something on TV or saw something in a store window or on the side of a bus or on a billboard and immediately thought "I MUST HAVE IT!" I use to be like that...OK, I can STILL be like that. :)

Better question: how many of us, after getting the thing we wanted so badly felt like it didn't meet our expectations? That's how the media gets you. They know they we are emotional creatures, habitual creatures and they tap into that with every commercial, radio spot and billboard you see.

Are the ad companies wrong for doing this? Nope! I'd do it too to attract more buyers. The point is that we should be more mindful of the message behind the ad and ask ourselves serious questions before we go lopping the proverbial arm and leg to buy the newest iPhone, Vizio or Mercedes Benz.

I remember reading something in Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad book that mentions we should allow our money to work for us and use the assets we create to buy the luxuries we want...makes sense right? That way, our money is working for us AND allowing us to get the things we want.

Back to my point though: We need to free ourselves from being slaves to the hidden messages in ads that cause us to run like hungry dogs after every bone tossed to us. We need to learn the lesson behind delayed gratification and the pain of instant gratification.

And to think some parents say you don't learn anything from watching cartoons! ;)

Have a PERFECT day!

Michael
MIIS

Image Courtesy: NHPTV

5 Fab Ways to Boost Productivity

Ever wish you had more time in a day to get just a few more things done? Everyone could use an extra set of hand or at least some good productivity tools to make their day a little smoother. Below are  five suggestions to give your productivity a jump start!

1. Stop Procrastinating - The biggest thing that hinders most people is the lack of any action at all. You can't get anything done if you aren't out doing it! The old saying never put off until tomorrow what you can do today applies here.

2. Evaluate Your Current Productivity Level - Once you get the ball rolling you need to know where you are before you can set goals for where you want to be. Make a list of all your primary tasks and daily obligations and see how many of them you complete in an hour, a day or whatever time frame is sensible to you. After compiling this data you can gauge where you can improve and set quantifiable goals for yourself.

3. Get a Smartphone - Back in the day a person could get a way with using just a desk calendar and/or a day planner. With so many people demanding information moment to moment a smartphone such as a Blackberry or Treo is a must for staying connected and accessing important documents and information fast.

4. Hire a VA or PA -  If all else fails and you just can't get organized then I highly suggest looking into getting either a personal assistant - someone at your beck and call to handle administrative tasks - or a virtual assistant - someone you can go to on a project by project basis when you only need a set of hands temporarily. I can work with you in both capacities; shoot me an email to sensiblesolutions6672@gmail.com with Assist Me in the subject line for more details.

5. Breathe, Relax, Let It Go - The most important thing for you to remember is to keep cool and  act, don't REACT, to your productivity challenges. Knowing you have a need to change your productivity habits brings you one step closer to solving them. With a little creativity you will be on track in no time!

Free Yourself!

Michael
MIIS