tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17473574758126115732024-03-05T01:37:32.831-06:00Following My Passion To SuccessDo work you love. Follow your dreams.blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-87229936155748280242014-01-07T15:06:00.001-06:002014-01-07T15:06:43.464-06:00Why I Treat Negativity and Negative People Like a Plague<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm not sure how many of you read <span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amazon.com/Steal-Like-Artist-Things-Creative/dp/0761169253" href="http://www.amazon.com/Steal-Like-Artist-Things-Creative/dp/0761169253" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Steal Like An Artist</span></a></span> by Austin Kleon. It's a great book about creativity and productivity. The lessons taught in this book can be applied to any discipline, industry, or skill. It's been one of my favorite books since 2012—when I first read it. Like most readers of good work or good art, you find yourself wanting to connect with the creator of the good work. <strong>I tried</strong>. I followed Austin Kleon on <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/austinkleon" href="https://twitter.com/austinkleon" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Twitter</span></a>. I have also listened to several interviews featuring Mr. Kleon. In summary, I came away unimpressed and confused each time.</div>
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Today, I un-followed Mr. Kleon. Why? Well, the easiest way to explain why is to say that he's a <strong>jerk</strong>. I don't mean that disrespectfully, but as a honest opinion based on numerous observations. He didn't say anything negative to me, but it felt like every fourth tweet was <strong>negative </strong>or<strong> condescending</strong>.</div>
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.<a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/MatthewDiffee" href="https://twitter.com/MatthewDiffee">@MatthewDiffee</a>: “You’re an extrovert?” Me: “Yes, but I’m very grumpy, so sometimes you can’t tell.”</div>
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— Austin Kleon (@austinkleon) <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/austinkleon/statuses/310515817815093248" href="https://twitter.com/austinkleon/statuses/310515817815093248">March 9, 2013</a></div>
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I loathe negativity. It saps my energy. I don't like being angry. We have enough "angry Black men" in America, right? As I pondered why his tweets were so negative, I recalled a specific section in his book. Kleon writes the following:</div>
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"You're going to see a lot of stupid stuff out there and you're going to feel like you need to correct it. One time I was up late on my laptop and my wife yelled at me, 'Quit picking fights on Twitter and go make something!' She was right. But anger is one of my favorite create resources."</div>
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Ahhhh. It all makes sense now. He purposefully tweets negative things and comes off as a jack ass, because 1) He probably is a <del style="color: red; text-decoration: line-through;">jack ass</del> jerk, 2) He uses the negativity as fuel for his creativity. I respect the latter. I can relate. But there's something in my spirit, something that tells me that's not right—that's not the way to do things. Even in Kleon's own book, in chapter 8, it says "BE NICE. (The world is a small town). So why isn't this guy taking his own advice?</div>
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My problem is that I know the connection or correlation between having a successful business and connecting with people. I saw it firsthand with my grandfather. He woke up bright and early every morning. He came to pick his eldest grandson up—myself. I hopped in his jeep or his Volvo and we drove to Sam's Club, almost every morning. We grabbed donuts, big boxes of candy, coffee, water, chips, soda, and a copy of the <span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.jsonline.com/" href="http://www.jsonline.com/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</span></a></span>. Most of these items were for the vending machines. Grandpa would later remind me that the customers wouldn't get comfortable in a place of business without having access to some luxuries—such as snacks and beverages. The donuts and coffee were for the staff. He believed in keeping his barbers and beauticians fed. He made connections with his people in subtle ways. Additionally, grandpa helped his employees with their taxes, legal situations, and lives. He frequently met with his young staff to offer life advice. Despite his success, he never took any employee, vendor, or customer for granted.</div>
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Unsurprisingly, the thesis of <em>Welcome to Black Excellence</em> is <strong>connections</strong>. In order for the Black community in America to improve, we have to <strong>support one another</strong>. Ask any psychologist or sociologist, society is based on relationships and connections. There are no self-made millionaires or billionaires. Every human being needs someone. As an introvert, I can credibly say that even introverts or "home bodies" need people. If you create art for a living like Austin Kleon, you need people to want to read, view, appreciate, share, and buy that art. That requires you to be likable.</div>
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In this social media dominant era, artists, writers, entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, and professionals need to be mindful of what we say and do online. I encourage everyone to be genuine. "Be yourself." By being yourself, you will be unmistakable and possibly <a data-mce-href="http://followingmypassion2success.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-makes-you-remarkable-part-1.html" href="http://followingmypassion2success.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-makes-you-remarkable-part-1.html" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">remarkable</span></a>. But regardless of your gifts and talents, your personality and <strong>how you interact with others determines your success.</strong> Your attitude determines your altitude. Now I personally recognize that some people didn't like the content of <span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;"><em><a data-mce-href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Flexibility-Manifesto-Following-Passion/dp/1479192309" href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Flexibility-Manifesto-Following-Passion/dp/1479192309" target="_blank">My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success</a>.</em></span> I used positive psychology and spirituality to advise readers how to find meaningful, purposeful work and their life's purpose. Anytime you talk about politics, religion, or spirituality, you are going to turn some people off. I was well aware. Thus, my approach for <em>Welcome to Black Excellence</em> is different.</div>
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As an African American intellect and creative, here's my conundrum. There are 4.6 million African Americans with bachelor's degrees. A quick Google or Twitter search with the words "Black Scholar" will result in many results that include myself. In creating Black Scholars LLC in December 2010, I have seen two sides of the coin. One side of Black scholarship is harsh, extremely political, anti-White, anti-Anglo Saxon, anti-European or Western influence. The rhetoric is unforgiving of this nation's ugly past. This type of Black scholarship borrows from Nat Turner's rebellion and Marcus Garvey's teachings. A clear example of this type of scholarship can be found on Tavis Smiley's and Cornel West's <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/121330304588989/" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/121330304588989/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Facebook group</span></a> based on their collaborative efforts against poverty (which is strange, because neither Tavis Smiley or Cornel West subscribe to this scholarship).</div>
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The other side of Black scholarship is positive, uplifting, and future-focused (I even started my <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/frompovertytoprosperity/" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/frompovertytoprosperity/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">own Facebook group</span></a> that depicts that). This half of the dichotomy is cognizant of America's past and present, but it is not engulfed or handicapped by it. Although, I don't write much about slavery, America's true discovery, or African empiricism, I know that history well. I believe that history. I respect that history. But I didn't study African American cultural studies in college (independently I did examine many issues from the African American perspective). I studied psychology. I studied education. And now I'm studying professional and technical writing/communications. Combine all three, and you have <strong>me</strong>. A gifted writer that believes in the power of education and positive psychology. I recognize that our history books are inaccurate and mainly one-sided. But I can't change that bias. What I can change is the perspective that I write from and the perspective that some African Americans operate from. We can operate from a place of affluence, togetherness, and hope. Does that make me the ultimate scholar? No. But I'm learning.</div>
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Regardless of what side of Black scholarship I picked, inevitably I would piss some people off.</div>
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By being true to myself, I am creating the best art possible. I am focused on those that resonate with the future-focused paradigm of change in our communities. I am still being remarkable. I won't participate in racist antics or discriminatory practices against people who look different than myself. What's the purpose of the art if you delete the potential fans and viewers of the art? It's not about ME. It's about the people—all people—not just a small portion of the whole. Once we truly understand this, we will be successful as a society. Right now, we are not successful.</div>
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Consequently, teachers aren't teaching effectively in our nation's classrooms, because they still think it's about them. It's not! It's about the <strong>children</strong>. Businesses are failing one after another, because they think it's about them, their board of directors, their website, or their marketing plans. It's not! It's about the people, the consumers, the users, and the audience.</div>
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<strong>The reason why Apple and Oprah Winfrey are so successful is caused by their authentic focus on the people. </strong></div>
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The goal for any creator, artist, entrepreneur, or professional is to SERVE the people. It's about enhancing and increasing the lives of your tribe. That's why I encourage Facebook users to comment on statuses and interact versus simply liking posts and pages. If Facebook is truly a social platform, then people should be socializing.</div>
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Think about it from this perspective, would you rather sell a million books and no one talks about how that book changed their lives for the better? Or would you rather sell 10 books and it dramatically impacts the lives of the readers to the point that they start opening their own businesses, falling in love, believing in God, and volunteering for non-profit organizations? For most of us, we want the <strong>gray area.</strong> We want to be commercially successful while impacting lives. And we can have both. But it starts with <strong>YOU</strong> focusing on your <strong>PEOPLE</strong>. It's not about you. It's about them. If you approach your art, your work, and your business, from a perspective of how you can add value to your audience's lives, you will not be able to hold the abundance of blessings that will come your way.</div>
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For the record, I admire Austin Kleon's work. I was only using him as an example to make my point. His book inspired my writing and creativity, but I don't like his personality.</div>
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If you liked this editorial, please comment below and share it with someone you love. Subscribe at the top (click the "Follow" button). Email me at Leonard.Wilson.Jr@gmail.com. Follow me at Twitter: <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/frompovertytoprosperity/" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/frompovertytoprosperity/" target="_blank"><span data-mce-style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">@BlackScholaronl</span></a>. And thank you for reading! I appreciate <strong>YOU</strong>.</div>
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-75723894651092625122013-05-09T20:03:00.001-05:002013-05-09T20:05:00.192-05:00Lost in Space<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-24589072636781054242013-02-27T14:40:00.001-06:002013-02-27T14:40:45.248-06:00Indie Author News: New Indie Book Release: My Flexibility Manifesto -...<a href="http://www.indieauthornews.com/2012/09/new-indie-book-release-my-flexibility-manifesto-leonard-wilson.html?spref=bl">Indie Author News: New Indie Book Release: My Flexibility Manifesto -...</a>: New Indie Book Release: My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success - Leonard Wilson Jr - Non-Fiction Self-Help / Success...blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-61705664609871129382013-01-13T11:10:00.001-06:002013-01-13T19:52:53.193-06:00A new year = a renewed focus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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1 John 2:7 "Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard." </blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> We all enjoy the coming of a new year. It gives us a reason to celebrate life. That's why many of us party on New Year's Eve. A new calendar year becomes a fresh start. Many people become goal-oriented around this time of year. Promises of weight loss push us to join exercise gyms and count calories. Financially we strive to save more money and spend less. To improve our professional lives, we return to college, enroll in graduate school, and strategize our careers. However, the beginning of the new year does not mean that everything should be new.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I mean that if we are creating new goals year after year, what does that say about our previous goals? Did we accomplish them? If we did reach them, then why do we establish the same new goals every year?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During my teaching tenure, my goal was to meet my students where they were academically, and gradually raise their astuteness. Thus, I created a pattern within my lesson planning. Referencing Bloom's Taxonomy, there are different tiers of learning that are developed upon each tier. For example, a student learning about the Civil War is entry-level knowledge. Creating a play based on the Civil War requires a higher skill. Thus, I argue that we need to stop creating new goals every new year. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead, we should push our goals to higher levels. Simple goals deserve complexity. For example, let's assume you possess a goal of losing five pounds. After reaching this goal, it should be heightened with taking cooking classes to eat healthier, jogging one mile every other day, buying organic foods weekly, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my goals over the past few years has been to improve my writing to fulfill God's purpose for my life. This began with studying grammar and literature, writing daily, blogging, reaching out to successful bloggers, pitching articles to <i>USA Today</i>, and reading more books. Last year, I released <a href="http://www.followingmypassion2success.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">this blog</a> and my first book, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-flexibility-manifesto-leonard-wilson/1112745960" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success</i></a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year I continue my commitment to my writing goal. I dropped out of a superfluous MBA program to join a technical writing graduate program to master the fundamentals of clear professional writing. I am working on a new hip-hop album that will be free of explicit language, but filled with positive honest messages and themes. I continue to blog, read, and write. I am working on <i>Welcome to Black Excellence: From poverty to prosperity</i>, my next nonfiction book. This is how I developed a single goal into several tiers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now that I've shared my development of my writing goal, what goals are you leaving behind that deserve your full commitment? </span><br />
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-51914321165607730482013-01-13T01:13:00.001-06:002013-05-09T20:13:10.458-05:00A Chosen Path<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Spartacus is driven by his purpose in life, which, pushes him beyond humanly limits and expectations.</b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">Before I formed you in the womb I knew you</span>, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b> I</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> am a huge fan of the Starz network drama series </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Spartacus</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">. During their escape from slavery, Spartacus and his fellow gladiators had an important decision to make. Having just killed their slave master (Lentulus Batiatus) and several key Roman leaders, they were free of bondage and servitude. They could leave Rome and try to rebuild the lives they previously enjoyed or they could join Spartacus. By joining Spartacus, they would be risking their lives to free other slaves and have to share food and living quarters with strangers. As Robert Frost romanticized, there arrives a time in each of our lives where we must choose a path to take. Despite their better judgment, many of the former slaves decided to join Spartacus in his cause.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> For us in modern society, that complicated decision may be between having children or traveling the world, attending law school or joining <i>Teach for America</i>, or dropping out of college or signing a recording contract. Regardless of the specifics, we all arrive at this point in our respective lives. As difficult as these decisions are, looking back, things work themselves out. We cringe change, but some how, some way, we adjust. We stay in jobs too long out of the fear of uncertainty. We stay in careers too long because of our fear of instability. We accept the <strike>status quo</strike> (<b>I don't</b>) because we fear being outcasted or criticized. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I challenge you to face your fears. Our lives are predestined by God. We were all created with purpose. Thus, we should live purposeful lives. Pray, meditate, participate in fellowship, and learn about God. Establishing a strong relationship with our Creator may en graph a spirit of prosperity, success, purpose, favor, entrepreneurship, and more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Regardless of your upbringing, the lack of family support you receive, or your socioeconomic status, by building your spirituality, you will find your purpose. Finding your purpose clarifies your past, your talents, and your future. That should give you reason to celebrate. You know why you were created and why God gave you the talents he did give you. Now it’s your responsibility to accept this purpose and hone your talents towards fulfilling your life’s purpose. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> There is nothing <u>sadder</u> than watching someone spend their entire life working in an area that is not their respective purpose. That person appears to be successful, but he or she is not successful. True success should be in your area(s) of purpose. It’s why you were created. That’s why NFL star Tim Tebow can’t accept playing any position other than quarterback. He believes his <u>purpose</u> in the NFL is to use his talents as a quarterback to win and to spread his love for Christ while doing so. Whether he is right or wrong is irrelevant. The point is to find your purpose and use your interests, talents, and goals to fulfill that purpose. You must invest everything into honing your talents and maximizing your potential. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Subsequently, we all have a chosen path in life. That is our <u>purpose</u>. Thus if you build your spirituality with God, your problems and concerns diminish. They don’t matter as much, because you are connected to something greater than your city, your residence, your job, etc. If you desire to become successful and to achieve great things, you need <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">inner greatness</span>. That greatness comes from developing a <u>deep</u> understanding of your existence. By developing your spirit, you influence your mind. By shaping your mind positively and progressively, your enlightenment begins to show. That's why I stopped worrying about common adult problems (</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>what car I drove, how high is my credit score, should we find a bigger house, etc.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span">). I knew that with faith, optimism, and clear thinking that I possessed the power to accomplish anything. By knowing my purpose and choosing to accept that purpose, I have chosen my path. Are you ready to choose yours?</span></span></div>
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-61492251841371118592013-01-05T11:20:00.001-06:002013-01-09T21:38:21.581-06:00Falling for Christ, I owe it to my brother Corey (part 2) - Commitment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Big Wood, Matt Vasgersian, <b>Corey</b>, and Shady (in Detroit, MI)</td></tr>
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“I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost</blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"That is why your death is going to be so sad... You've never fully committed to anything." - Bishop T.D. Jakes</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">W</span></b>hat is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">commitment</span>? According to the <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merriam Webster dictionary,</a> commitment is defined as "an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; something pledged; the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled." </span><br />
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When the circumstances of life become difficult, people disappear. Marriages are not long term, because we don't understand commitment. Commitment is only realized through <b>reciprocity</b>. Do you give as good as you receive? Do you understand that any relationship requires<a href="http://www.lawofreciprocity.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> reciprocity</a>? To be committed to your dreams and goals is a relationship. It's a relationship that you have to constantly add to. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think of a relationship as if it's a front lawn of grass. If you don't water this grass, remove harmful materials from it, and feed it with the proper resources, that grass will die. Likewise, any relationship that lacks the proper attention and care will diminish. That's why many of us don't reach our full apex. That's why people talk about becoming this or becoming that, only to fall short years later.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices... </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. </span></blockquote>
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Commitment is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: lime;">unusual in our society</span>. When <a href="http://followingmypassion2success.blogspot.com/2012/10/falling-for-christ-i-owe-it-to-my.html" target="_blank">my best friend Corey found Christ</a>, he realized that he had to fully emerge himself in God to reach his personal and professional apex. That required him to lose some friends. He stopped hanging around people who were negative, evil, and promiscuous. He tried to persuade many of his friends (including myself) to develop spiritually. He did this as a high school student in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee for many teens is all about sex, parties, alcohol, and drugs. Corey fought against that status quo. </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is costly. True commitment is an investment. To reach your apex in any area of your life, you have to invest everything. That means your time, energy, soul, body, money, and faith. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It requires patience. In a technology-savvy society, we are able to obtain many things within a press of the button. As great as technology is, we have become impatient people. To reach the apex of your success, you must be able to delay gratification. Thus, if you need to go back to school to retrain for a specific career, that will take time. There are no shortcuts to holistic success.</span></li>
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Corey's daily activities changed to studying the bible, praying, attending church multiple times a week, starting a bible study class at our high school, finding a spiritual mentor, and more. He did all of this as a 16-year old male. He continued to enjoy Chris Rock movies, to play basketball, and to listen to some hip-hop music. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The things that we loved about Corey didn't change when he found Christ. They were enhanced. His sense of humor was funnier. His oratory prowess skyrocketed to a higher plateau. His academic ability heightened. He would even occasionally showcase his rapping and poetry skills. He was a normal 16-year old male like the rest of us. But unlike the rest of us, he had a <b>commitment</b> to something greater than himself. </span><br />
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Until God called my best friend and brother to Heaven, he continued those activities at a higher level. At this point, he had attended Rhema Bible College, used his basketball gifts as a college student, and returned to Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Milwaukee where he began preaching. </span><br />
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Thus, from the age of 16 until the age of 22, Corey did what was considered odd, weird, or unpopular for men of this age. He could have been partying, drinking, sexing, and balling. Corey possessed the talent to play Division 1 college basketball. His intelligence defines the true meaning of student-athlete. He didn't half-step or half-ass anything he pursued. He didn't mind being a misfit. <u>He wasn't trying to fit in</u>. He was always seeking more. Wherever Corey went, he stood out. He wasn't created to be <u>of</u> the world rather he was designed for God.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">What should we be committed to?</span></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be committed to God. Regardless of your beliefs or religion, he gave you life. As evil as this world is, you need to focus on your spirituality to reach your personal apex. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be committed to family. Your relatives need you. Individually, we all encounter obstacles. It is our individual responsibility to be committed to the well being of one another. The government won't help us, the one percent (of the wealthiest families in America) could care less about us, and non-profit organizations have enough people to care for. The onus falls on us. Show love to your parents, teach your siblings, and raise your children with love.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be committed to church. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be committed to your dream(s).</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Corey understood this. He proved his commitment to God by consistently attending church, consistently reading his bible, consistently praying, learning from several mentors, enrolling in a biblical college, and more. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was committed to his family as he encouraged all of relatives and friends to build a deep relationship with God. He didn't mind being challenged. He used his debate experience to persuade his loved ones to change their life for the better. He desired to become a minster. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He committed himself to the church. When everyone else was watching television, sleeping, or partying, Corey remained steadfast to his goals by sacrificing himself for the benefit of the church. He was involved in multiple ministries at Christian Faith Fellowship Church. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly, he was committed to his dreams by learning from strong church leaders and ministers, learning how to study the bible, and expending the time and energy to gain a strong understanding of God.</span><br />
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His wisdom surpassed his years of age. At a young age, he decided that he wasn't born to be like everybody else. Thus, he lived differently to fulfill the destiny that God had designed for him. Corey saved souls. I cannot count the number of people that found God, developed their spirituality, or became better people because of Corey's advice, wisdom, and life.</span><br />
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It's amazing that <u>one person</u> with the right amount of focus, determination, and commitment could impact the lives of hundreds or thousands of people.</span><br />
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So what's stopping you from being great? What are you willing to do to fulfill your destiny? If you are seeking your purpose of life, I recommend you began reading a bible, join a bible study class, and read <a href="http://purposedriven.com/books/pdlbook/#purpose" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren</a>.</span><br />
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If you know your purpose, then I recommend you read books and listen to podcasts about commitment. Focus on positive thinking as your thoughts influence your actions. </span></div>
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-84371721914545549832012-11-24T12:30:00.002-06:002012-11-24T12:30:57.313-06:00Being a professional - Being positive<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeIXWsVgyJHiMYSeUUuGpP-5mjSdUrGSf-2c1zE0jKmBufz_bW9KCVfFXpxn13p5Fyy73aMph9pytMKJ02KITaPA7YccqXveCycv5YmACboRcaENh1_kyljbSxWbhseWpfOIpyA2ZCten/s1600/being_positive_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeIXWsVgyJHiMYSeUUuGpP-5mjSdUrGSf-2c1zE0jKmBufz_bW9KCVfFXpxn13p5Fyy73aMph9pytMKJ02KITaPA7YccqXveCycv5YmACboRcaENh1_kyljbSxWbhseWpfOIpyA2ZCten/s1600/being_positive_1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Why try to fit in when you're a stand out." - Joe Budden</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mother always told me that God does not like ugly. Somewhere in the Bible, it states that God knows us through our spirit. He knows who we really are. In his eyes, we are transparent. Thus regardless of our socioeconomic status, clothing, degrees, social status, etc., we cannot disguise ourselves from our Creator. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is refreshing to know. However, some people possess ugly attitudes, personalities, and traits. They think negatively, thus they act negatively towards others. This is evident in the work place. There is something about the work place that breeds envy, jealousy, negativity, and pessimism. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That negativity is shared through human interaction. As company representatives interact with consumers, interactions get ugly. This fact is on display during the busy holiday season as shoppers show their frustration in the process of attempting to save money on various products. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During this holiday season, it is understandable that workers are emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. Mandatory overtime hours combined with a lack of work-life balance leads to frustration. That frustration boils out in interactions with coworkers, consumers, and relatives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, as we strive towards excellence. The onus is our responsibility to live like no one else. Living like no one else requires responding positively no matter how negative someone is. It requires responding not reacting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When someone reacts, he or she risks emotional control. Emotional stability is a necessary component of striving for excellence. Emotional stability is a trait of being steadfast in expressing your emotions. An emotionally unstable person reacts to adverse conditions. Road rage is an example of emotional instability. In the work place, your current employment, potential promotions, and professional references depend on your emotions. Your emotions reflect your attitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What kind of person are you? Are you moody? Sometimes, I am. Are you constantly energetic and happy? Your attitude is how people view you. It leaves a lasting impression of your character. I would argue that your attitude is more valuable than anything you own, your skills, or your appearance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A person with a positive attitude attracts favor. Knowing your temperament, pet peeves, and habits is intrapersonal awareness. By knowing yourself well, you know when you're irritated, what irks your nerves, and when you are feeling down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This topic must be examined among the Black community. Because we are viewed differently according to our disposition. Black males are falsely viewed as angry and aggressive. Black females are falsely viewed as controlling and difficult. These stereotypes create a barrier for people of color in the work place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To overcome this barrier and other prejudices, be as positive as you can be in all interactions at work and outside of work. Make people view you as a good person. If you are having a bad day, take a break and go outside. Walk around the parking lot or building. Bring photos of your loved ones to work. Read an uplifting scripture or book. Take deep breathes to ease tension. Pray. Call a loved one that you haven't talked to in awhile. To summarize, do something positive and constructive to maintain your composure, cool, and positive attitude. Lastly, fake it 'till you make it. If you aren't in the mood for your peers or consumers, pretend you are a low-paid actor. And act. </span>blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-64884755524240404972012-10-26T16:50:00.002-05:002012-12-31T21:28:52.589-06:00Falling for Christ, I owe it to my brother Corey (part 1)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Corey Scott on the left, me on the right</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: yellow;">"When Corey died, my mama called trying to comfort me/ That night I did not sleep/ I sat alone, tears in the dark/ It's been years, still hold a broken heart/ Don't know where to start, just trying to make my brother proud/ He looks down on me high from a sea of clouds..."</b> - <i>My Song Cry</i> on my 2008 hip-hop mixtape <i>Necessary Evilz</i></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">7</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> years ago</span></b>... I experienced a typical college day for a student. My morning consisted of several classes at Tennessee State University. After my last class meeting, I stepped outside; the sun illuminated the wet blades of Nashville grass. Here I stood searching for something meaningful in life. 22 years of age, 600-miles away from friends, family, and comfort. Comfort. I can't recall exactly where I heard the following statement. I was reading a book and I came across a powerful truth "<u>With comfort, there cannot be greatness</u>." Thus, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to find something greater, something meaningful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That search for greatness was redefined on an October afternoon. At Dillards, I checked my Facebook account and noticed a message from one of my best friends, Robert Croston aka Rob C. As I read his message, I reread the words over and over. My heart dropped to the floor. If this was a nightmare, I was eager to awake. Unfortunately, I wasn't sleeping.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twenty minutes later, I was leaving Dillards. Speeding down Interstate 65, I didn't have the strength to restrain the tears from pouring down my face. My mind flooded with images of debate competitions, basketball practices, outings at fast food restaurants, SummerFest, Milwaukee Bucks' games, and more. As I entered my apartment, I crawled up the stairs to reach my bedroom. Closing the door behind me, I collapsed to my knees near my bed. In a midst of tears, I cried out to God. I felt anger, confusion, and bitterness. After my nerves calmed, I prayed to God again. This time I thanked God for allowing me to have such a genuine friend in my lifetime. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I</span></b> was raised in a Christian household. I attended church every Sunday. My family and I put on our "Sunday best." We washed our cars on Saturday in preparation for Sunday. Every Sunday, Grandma filled the kitchen with the aroma of soul-food. She looked like a scientist operating multiple appliances in prepping our weekly feast. In my upbringing, believing in God and attending church was a tradition. That tradition continued until I became a teenager.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As my friendship with my best friend matured, we pushed each other in various aspects: academically, intellectually, emotionally, and athletically. My best friend exhibited a delicate balance of street smarts and book knowledge. Emotionally we both dealt with anger issues and both used sarcasism. In terms of athletics, I had never met a guy who could play several sports with such a high level of skill. He dominated the game of basketball, threw a beautiful spiral, and could pitch and hit on the baseball field. Our bond strengthened through a love and talent for basketball. Intellectually, he possessed a keen sense of politics and history. It inspired me to read more and watch more political shows on television.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beginning of our sophomore year of high school, my best friend found Christ. He was <u>reborn</u>. He encouraged all of his friends to do the same. He wasn't pushy or preachy but he was direct. He frequently spoke of things he begin to see in each of his friends. He wanted us to be greater. He saw that God had a purpose for our lives and he tried his best to bring us to Christ. Rob C. fell first. He dove into Christ with a hunger for purpose. Our friend Matt resisted. He came up with every excuse in the book to miss church service. Big Wood began to attend church but he didn't show full commitment. Possibly because of my upbringing, connection to several pastors (Grandfather, great uncle, uncle, and cousin), or observation of my father changing his spiritual life when I was young, I fell for Christ. <u>I fell hard</u>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My best friend gave me that. He taught me that going to church was not enough. He proved that you could be yourself and be a committed believer. He loved God without inhibition and continued to be hilarious, sarcastic, and cool. He taught me how to believe in God and myself. He showed me that change was possible. He gave me hope. His life gave me life. If you've ever lost anybody, you know how difficult it is to move forward. Using my best friend as constant motivation and inspiration, I have matured spirituality since graduating college in 2008. My best friend lives on through my academic accomplishments, career trajectory, submission to God, and love of God, family, and church. God blesses us all with specific gifts and talents for a reason. So when I think back to that October morning as I stepped outside after my last class and stared at those shiny wet blades of grass, I take a deep breathe. I have found my purpose in life. I would not have found that without God. I would not have found God without Corey. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God puts special spirits into your life for a reason. Surround yourself with positive people. As you grow spiritually and desire a better life and future, you will outgrow some friends and acquaintances. But when two kindred spirits align, if you genuinely love someone, you will inspire to grow parallel to them. I love all of my friends, but I will never have a closer friend than Corey. He's my brother forever. I can't wait to see him again. </span><br />
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-13723672637789935762012-10-09T15:29:00.002-05:002012-10-09T15:29:30.564-05:00Belonging to something greater than myself visual<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright belongs to Leonard Andre Wilson, Jr., author of <i>My Flexibility Manifesto</i></td></tr>
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-20541179691611303292012-10-03T08:56:00.000-05:002012-10-03T08:56:26.553-05:00Some of my old music for socially observant souls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe class="widget_iframe" src="https://www.reverbnation.com/widget_code/html_widget/artist_2476975?widget_id=50&posted_by=artist_2476975&pwc[design]=default&pwc[background_color]=%23333333&pwc[included_songs]=1&pwc[photo]=1%2C0&pwc[size]=undefined" width="380" height="320" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-87866241596168056812012-10-01T08:15:00.000-05:002012-10-01T08:15:12.413-05:00 The wealth gap widens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-63742459946441752762012-09-20T22:49:00.001-05:002012-09-20T22:49:19.940-05:00A dream deferred<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h1 align="center" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
A Dream Deferred</h1>
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<i><span>by Langston Hughes</span></i></h1>
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What happens to a dream deferred?</center>
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Does it dry up<br />like a raisin in the sun?<br />Or fester like a sore--<br />And then run?<br />Does it stink like rotten meat?<br />Or crust and sugar over--<br />like a syrupy sweet?</center>
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Maybe it just sags<br />like a heavy load.</center>
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Or does it explode?</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the government lowers taxes, they strategically do so for corporations. In turn, those businesses are expected to hire workers. On the contrary, companies tend to proceed cautiously by freezing hiring. Thus, we have 14 percent black unemployment and 12 percent Hispanic unemployment. This is a significant proportion of our society that is not able to improve their financial circumstances or increase their career opportunities. Subsequently, high unemployment causes the economic gap to widen between whites and minorities (not including Asian Americans). According to the Economic Policy Institute, the “top 1 percent” of wealthy Americans are 288 times richer than the rest of the country. How’s that possible? The average median household income is $57,000 versus over $16 million for the “top 1 percent.” For a country self-labeled as the “land of opportunity,” the “American Dream” appears deferred for many Americans. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interestingly, the current presidential election unveils the question of economic uncertainty. How much of an impact does the president of the United States or federal government have over unemployment and the creation of jobs?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They can’t do much unless they create new ways of changing the status quo. Until then, businesses possess the <b>true power</b>. There are many big businesses in America that spend millions of dollars in lobbying to keep the status quo. Therefore, they can condition the living situation of current employees, prospective employees, and society. Wealth can’t be built without generating significant income. The impoverished can’t escape poverty without a well-paying job. You can’t reach upward mobility without a progressive career trajectory. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what can we do to get back power as workers, thinkers, and professionals? The best way to undermine power is to <b>force </b>the holder of power to <b>devote </b>resources to impact the lives of others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, the government and president must create ways to <b>force </b>companies to hire. They could legalize hiring quotas, demand quarterly hiring reports or raise business taxes on those businesses who freeze hiring. That appears to be complex and pragmatic. What’s a better solution? What can we do? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you can’t be them, then <b>join them</b>. To those millions of American without jobs, we can alter the status quo by <b>creating</b> our own businesses. For every one small business opened, that can lead to lower unemployment. I believe (as I write about in my book <i>My Flexibility Manifesto</i>) our country’s axiom is wrong. American businesses are created to earn profits. Japanese businesses are created to create jobs. Our country values dollars over lives. Politics are important but creating a small business or supporting a small business is more important to change. America is not equal. We can <b>help</b> change that- one small business at a time. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Welcome to Black Excellence</span>: From poverty to prosperity coming soon</span></h4>
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-12126856403880856702012-09-20T08:47:00.000-05:002012-09-20T08:48:55.563-05:00Another book giveaway of My Flexibility Manifesto, rated five stars via Amazon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com" target="_new">Goodreads</a> Book Giveaway
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15840593"><img alt="My Flexibility Manifesto by Leonard Wilson Jr." src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1346946388l/15840593.jpg" title="My Flexibility Manifesto by Leonard Wilson Jr." width="100" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15840593">My Flexibility Manifesto</a>
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by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6474598.Leonard_Wilson_Jr_" style="text-decoration: none;">Leonard Wilson Jr.</a>
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Giveaway ends September 26, 2012.
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See the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/33380" style="text-decoration: none;">giveaway details</a>
at Goodreads.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTKzbGcgRl7q9qgVrZ0tEu8szZC9JmruS-t25exz3aojkrJ0FDWG4R8dBZHnEbrqBcBI9t8kv8WZqLRbBeiNCq9uWmg-XzqbEf7N-bLhdMSM84tonKS7zQYK0bFX5zP0ssp8Fc8qOh4IJ/s1600/LousyCapitalism.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTKzbGcgRl7q9qgVrZ0tEu8szZC9JmruS-t25exz3aojkrJ0FDWG4R8dBZHnEbrqBcBI9t8kv8WZqLRbBeiNCq9uWmg-XzqbEf7N-bLhdMSM84tonKS7zQYK0bFX5zP0ssp8Fc8qOh4IJ/s400/LousyCapitalism.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">America, the home of the rich<br /></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"As the proverbial 'American Dream' continues to escape our grasps as a culture, one has to ponder 'What the hell do I do now?'" -- <b><i><a href="https://www.createspace.com/3976772" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success </a></i></b></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Equality in the United States of America is based on equal access to capitalism. The game is capitalism. The rules of the game is the survival of the fittest. You have to be fit to survive. You have the freedom to participate to the best of your skills and ambitions. Thus to the best of your ability, it will allow you to participate in the game. Once you get in the game, you are free to do what you are able to do. Equality is a part of reform Darwinism. It gives you equal opportunity to get in. Survival of the fittest is social Darwinism. It gives you equal opportunity to get in. Survival of the fittest is social Darwinism. There is no real equality but this is the equality we have available in the U.S.A.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you have ever felt like your back is against the wall and nothing is going right, subscribe to this blog and order<b><i><a href="https://www.createspace.com/3976772" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> My Flexibility Manifesto</a></i></b>. It's a powerful, inspirational resource to get you reenergized and refocused. </span></div>
blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-29530150040230761222012-09-07T08:49:00.000-05:002012-09-07T08:49:38.698-05:00Book giveaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15840593"><img alt="My Flexibility Manifesto by Leonard Wilson, Jr." src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1346946388l/15840593.jpg" title="My Flexibility Manifesto by Leonard Wilson, Jr." width="100" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15840593">My Flexibility Manifesto</a>
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<h4 style="margin: 0 0 10px; padding: 0; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">
by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6474598.Leonard_Wilson_Jr_" style="text-decoration: none;">Leonard Wilson, Jr.</a>
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Giveaway ends September 14, 2012.
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</div><script src="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/32626" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script>blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-82712194274414685582012-09-03T20:47:00.000-05:002012-09-03T20:48:59.258-05:00What do you fear? Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIrNlbakbgLQMUIFTDb2cKkqOw0p4wIEtD-WNZHQPDSAXfiQ3eDp_L9yE-Z1F9_CpB3N86dPCGqN6VQ9VDrH4AVVk9qU9pRkFO940E32kGyZXuHsKisLtWbhrE4vNLF0pfN2UwBjhyphenhyphenR0P/s1600/fear_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIrNlbakbgLQMUIFTDb2cKkqOw0p4wIEtD-WNZHQPDSAXfiQ3eDp_L9yE-Z1F9_CpB3N86dPCGqN6VQ9VDrH4AVVk9qU9pRkFO940E32kGyZXuHsKisLtWbhrE4vNLF0pfN2UwBjhyphenhyphenR0P/s320/fear_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"As you discover yourself, you will realize that your old friends do not understand or support your growth and ambition to live life on your own terms." - <i><b>My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success</b></i></blockquote>
In <a href="http://followingmypassion2success.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-do-you-fear-part-1.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my previous article</a>, I discussed the idea of fear and that most people admit possessing a fear of failure. That fear of failure is socially constructed. Through our interactions with information (social media, news, history, books, podcasts, etc.) and our interactions with people (family, friends, classmates, customers, peers, etc.), we develop perceived expectations of ourself. Those expectations sometimes overwhelm us and define us.<br />
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In Chapter 4, "Why Are You Scared?" of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Flexibility-Manifesto-Following-Passion/dp/1479192309/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346722965&sr=1-3&keywords=my+flexibility+manifesto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my book</a>, I recommend several steps to overcome fear. Examining a few of the steps, I will share one of my fears.<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Write down your fears</b>. I fear the possibility of being unloved.</li>
<li><b>Talk to someone you trust about your fears</b>. I confessed to my wife that I was upset that my family did not make more of an effort to be a part of my life, more importantly that of my daughter's. It has been a year and a half since my family has seen my daughter. During that time, a lot has changed for my family career-wise and income-wise. Thankfully, amazing opportunities have opened up for us, which, will dramatically improve our economic stability. But during that time of struggle, where has the support been? Outside of my parents, where was the family support for me when I was teaching, starting my own business, earning my master's degree, relocating to Tennessee, relocating from Nashville to Memphis, when I was in between jobs? <a name='more'></a></li>
<li><b>Seek constructive advice regarding your fear</b>. I plan to speak to a counselor. When I write about my fears and speak to trusted friends, it will bring closure on this issue.</li>
<li><b>Form a support group</b>. Be creative and assertive in building your army. Extended friends and family can become great supporters. Add value to others and people will be drawn to you and your goals. Be transparent, honest and trustworthy. From church groups to greek organizations, there are many options to connect with people.</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">For more advice on personal and professional growth, subscribe to this blog or purchase his career/personal improvement book, <b><i>My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success</i></b>, available on <a href="http://https//www.createspace.com/3976772" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Createspace</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=my+flexibility+manifesto" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Amazon</a>, and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-flexibility-manifeso-leonard-wilson/1112714047?ean=2940015057355" rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Barnes & Noble</a>. Thank you.</span></div>
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-38591500619933457292012-08-30T17:50:00.001-05:002012-08-30T17:51:55.524-05:00What do you fear? Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJbP98EZisxwKQOuHybLJH8sBkPTUAAcEtIcv4J_BDpmh9oUfy5lYPLl3cZVIwCw9PYFhBa3Fye1y7CFrCeZG4pGFdWySg4-vUnc_0ppzdJD7xWbVWkwSHlcidnLWjIU1u5CJ8___NRNY/s1600/fear_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJbP98EZisxwKQOuHybLJH8sBkPTUAAcEtIcv4J_BDpmh9oUfy5lYPLl3cZVIwCw9PYFhBa3Fye1y7CFrCeZG4pGFdWySg4-vUnc_0ppzdJD7xWbVWkwSHlcidnLWjIU1u5CJ8___NRNY/s640/fear_image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original artwork by Leonard Wilson, Jr.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." - M. Williamson</span></blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Chapter 4 of <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3976772" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success</i></a>, I discuss fear. In my research, I discovered that most people fear failure. Digging deeper, I realized that the fear of failure only touches the surface of the problem. By stating "I fear failure, an individual is confessing the fear of something bigger. More than likely, fearing failure is a coverup for fearing the possibility of disappointing someone. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That someone could be yourself, your parents, your friends, your family, your peers, your sorority sisters, etc. The definition of failure is socially constructed; society created it. Thus, society through media and interpersonal connections inevitably built pressure on you to achieve certain goals.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It isn't unreasonable to consider that a majority of our goals are socially constructed. Through our interactions with information and people, each individual is expected to be something (of importance and significance). No one wants to be a "loser" in the eyes of our social circle and family. Furthermore, it does not matter if that something that people expect from us is positive or negative. Unfortunately, some people are expected to fail. It is dependent on the individual (you) to meet those expectations or reject them altogether. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Part 2 will discuss how to overcome your fear of failure. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you have not had the chance to read my recently published book, I am giving the PDF version via email for FREE. Simply email me at <a href="mailto:leonard.wilson.jr@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leonard.Wilson.Jr@gmail.com,</a> with the subject "eBook reviewer." I only ask for an honest review in return that you would write on Amazon. If you are interested in the Kindle or paperback version, those are available on <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3976772" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Createspace</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Flexibility-Manifesto-Following-Passion/dp/1479192309/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1346366826&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=my+flexibility+manifesto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. Thank you.</span></div>
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-70785179390418148912012-08-25T17:10:00.002-05:002012-08-25T17:18:59.881-05:00What customers want from all businesses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVn2vscwVyMme5f8O2wGNEVsu0vxPzX05HnfTL74pWDZaHCf3mFyJ2FGl4h1_c6ZgDV5vnBpGQ8NxT-Lq32AVdQbn3LwyIDxC8lRC-6OCwK8e6yg6ORPalazj28vbGrsaa5RzA3EvBQZa/s1600/images-15.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVn2vscwVyMme5f8O2wGNEVsu0vxPzX05HnfTL74pWDZaHCf3mFyJ2FGl4h1_c6ZgDV5vnBpGQ8NxT-Lq32AVdQbn3LwyIDxC8lRC-6OCwK8e6yg6ORPalazj28vbGrsaa5RzA3EvBQZa/s1600/images-15.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A satisfied customer shows her satisfaction.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you plan to be successful in creating a service-based or product-based business, you have to consider the customer's experience in purchasing your product or service. Here is a list of traits a customer looks for:</span></td></tr>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Low Price</b>: Pricing ties in directly to public perception of a company and its products or services. For example, Apple offers higher costs products that are of high quality. Because of the expected higher quality, people are willing to pay top dollar for an Apple product. However, Apple may lose potential customers because of the products' higher costs. On the opposite end, more people may buy Dell products than Apple products because of the lower costs. The lower the costs, the more affordable a product line becomes and reaches more potential customers. Apple has a different business strategy and focuses on a particular segment of the consumer base. They prefer more affluent consumers than Dell. Dell wants to be in everyone's home, thus they charge lower for their technology products. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>High Quality</b>: This speaks for itself.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Top Customer Service</b>: Although Apple is mainly known as a product-based business, they implement a strong customer service philosophy. Therefore, their goods are known as facilitating goods. A facilitating good is any physical entity accompanying a transaction that adds value. The masterminds at Apple are always asking "How can we add value to our customers' lives?" If you create a business that focuses on this single question, you will stand out in any industry. Guaranteed.<a name='more'></a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Low Variability</b>: If a customer orders a steam mop from a company, that steam mop should function correctly with the same features in each household. There should be no difference in functionality. Imagine if you ordered a new iphone and your neighbor ordered the same product model. You would be pissed if your iphone did not have access to GPS or gmail. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>High Flexibility</b>: Using iphones as an example again, there have been several models of iphones that were released with software bugs and malfunctions. Apple was able to save face by being able to immediately respond to the market by creating updated software to correct those iphone malfunctions. Companies have to be quick in correcting problems and offering new products to evolving markets. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Short Response Time</b>: With the constant development of technology, business systems have dramatically improved across the globe. Businesses are able to partner electronically with shipping entities to get the product in the hands of the buyer in rapid speed. Thus, people expect what they paid for within a short period of time. Companies that do not meet the response time needs of consumers will find themselves frequently looking for sales. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To summarize, customers want value. Value is the perceived benefits and costs your particular product or service gives a customer. Does your product offer the feeling of a higher-end lifestyle like BMW does? Is your product always dependable like Apple offers? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nowadays, businesses regardless of scale cannot afford to anger customers. Research shows that a great customer service experience with a company will lead to two or three positive referrals from a single consumer. On the contrary, a negative experience will lead to a minimum of eight or nine negative referrals from a dissatisfied consumer. Thus, it makes business sense to treat your customers right. If you have a difficult costumer on hand, proceed with caution if you plan to continue that relationship. If you decide not to continue doing business with that person, be professional and honest on why you will not be able to do business with the respective consumer. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are uncertain of your future and need relevant, applicable answers and direction, <b><i>My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success</i></b> is a combination of spirituality, business, and career advice to put you and your family on the path to success and happiness. It is available on <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3942348" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a> via paperback and Kindle. The PDF eBook is available on the right. Thank you. </span></div>
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-80102664236972601352012-08-24T16:42:00.000-05:002012-08-24T16:43:34.040-05:00Guest Post: Andrea Wilson, CEO of DopeAzzHeels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you didn't know, creativity, entrepreneurship, and rebelliousness runs in my family. My sister, hence the same last name, designs footwear (samples of her work featured above). She can take the simplest pair of heels or sneakers and add her magic to them. Amazingly, she has built contacts and relationships with reality television stars from <i>Bad Girls Club</i> featured on the <i>Oxygen </i>network and various artists. I asked her to inform my readers how she did it. Enjoy! Sis, take it away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I started my own business I attended school full-time and I worked full-time. I remember sitting in class <u>not being happy</u> with where my life was headed and seeing that I have always had a love for fashion and art, I decided to start my own business. Traditionally, as a child you are taught after high school you go to college. Although I did not want to disappoint my parents, <u>I knew I would be happy waking up the rest of my life with a fashion based career</u>. <b>Faith</b> played a huge part in this decision. Society stresses to everyone you must have a college degree. I took the nontraditional route, <u>instead of</u> listening to society I <b>took a leap of faith</b> and God caught me. To everyone following their passions, I just stress to pray and <u>never give up</u>. At that moment you feel yourself giving up could be the moment you hit the big break you have always wanted. When chasing your dreams, you have to give it your all, 100 % dedication and <u>surround yourself with positive people</u> that will push you to the next level and eliminate those that don’t!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"> </span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How can people reach you for shoe orders?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">My email where people can send custom shoe requests is <a href="mailto:dopeazzheels@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dopeazzheels@gmail.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I have a big cartel site that's under construction at</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.stilettomonroe.bigcartel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http//www.StilettoMonroe.bigcartel.com</a></span></span><br />
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blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-51588622096934230832012-08-22T11:03:00.000-05:002012-08-22T11:05:24.157-05:00How to deal with difficult people<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion." - Colossians 3:12</span></b></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night I shared a necessary venting session with my beautiful wife. Like anything of importance in my life, I need to express myself through writing. Thus, I am sharing with you a very disturbing event that recently took place recently in my life. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of you may know that I am a graduate student in a MBA program in Memphis, Tennessee. I attend Union University, a private, Christian-based University. Thus, the students and professors are expected to behave in Christian-like behavior. Currently, I am taking an Operations Management course that meets for eight-weeks, one night per week. The scheduled class time is 6:00 P.M. through 10:00 P.M every Tuesday. This class has been going for four weeks now. The major complaint that I and some of my classmates have is the excessive story-telling that the professor uses during every meeting. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On this particular night, the professor had a short chapter to discuss and teach. The class already read the chapter before class as assigned. Thus, the only duty of the professor is to add to the chapter and clarify any confusion. Nonetheless, the material could have been thoroughly covered in about two hours time. How do I know this? Well, first, I read the chapter. Second, I possess a master's degree in teaching. Third, I taught for two years, which required extensive lesson-planning and quality instruction. Thus, I understand how to instruct a classroom; I can not say the same for this particular instructor. He literally wasted two hours of the instructional time with superfluous stories about his professional experiences as a consultant. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I regress. I recognize that every graduate student is different. We have different expectations and toleration for frustrating circumstances and boring material. For me personally, I felt insulted that this instructor choses to waste valuable class time and our time as adults by telling us stories I personally consider superfluous. I recognize that not everyone feels the same way. Moving forward, the cohort MBA class is suppose to have one break for 15-minutes and we would be dismissed 15-minutes early. This time arraignment came directly from the professor's mouth. Besides wasting a large portion of our lives with his "old-war" stories in manufacturing and business operations, he waits until the last minute to give us the most important information of class. Why? Where is the logic supporting this practice? As a teacher of working adults taking a long night-class, why would you delay the most valuable information until they are sleeping, hungry, and barely focused? It makes <u><b>no</b></u> sense.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Subsequently, as I anxiously wait for him to discuss the mid-term exam (coming next week) and team presentation (week seven) information, he continues to babble with long, boring, often off-topic stories. As times elapses, I glance at my watch, it is now 9:45 P.M. At this time, I am hungry, anxious to see my family, and frustrated at the lack of on-topic information presented. As he finally discusses the exam, he does not tell us what will be on the exam specifically, but like a high school teacher, he informs us of the actual exam structure such as multiple-choice questions, essay questions, etc (which is already listed in our syllabus and has been previously discuss on the first meeting of class). As quiet as a mouse, I grab my things and silently move towards the door. Suddenly I hear, "Where do you think you're going?" I stop, turn around, and respond "It's 9:45, I have to go." His response is "We still have to talk about team stuff." I shake my head, "It's 9:45, I have to go." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disgusted and slightly embarrassed that he interrupted my quiet exit, I walk down the hall when suddenly I hear my name being loudly yelled with anger (what the heck is this old guy angry for?). Next thing I know, this guy is literally running down the hall towards me. My fight-or-flight instincts kick in. To abbreviate the rest of the story, he asks me if I talked to the dean. I state I did. He informs me that class ends at 10:00 P.M. I repeat that I have to go. He asks me if I have to go to work. I respond "sure." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I drove away from campus, I felt seriously angry, embarrassed, and insulted. Was I being too sensitive? Did I do something wrong? Then reality set in, I am a grown man, an adult with a wife and child, and years of professional and academic experience. I am a child of God attending what is supposed-to-be a Christian University. Why did he yell my name like that? Is this a White versus Black thing (I strongly dislike racists)? Does this University expect me to act like a child in elementary school obeying my instructor's every command? If so, I am done. I can get a MBA from anywhere. Regardless of those questions, let this be a lesson in humility. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you encounter difficult people, <u><b>control</b></u> your anger. You should refrain yourself from cursing, fighting, yelling, etc. By stooping down to the other party's emotional level, you are denying yourself an opportunity to grow. I could have knocked that disrespectful professor down (Floyd Mayweather-style). I could have verbally assaulted him loudly to affirm my genetic prowess as a man. Instead, I stopped, answered his questions respectfully, and kept it moving. Time is too valuable to be wasted. As a professional and human being who wants to reach holistic success and happiness, you do not have the time to sweat the small things (God will handle your enemies and problems). However you feel at the moment of confrontation, <b><u>do the exact opposite</u></b> and keep it moving. Remember, this life is a test and God is looking for opportunities to trust us more and bless us. Be the bigger man or woman. </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Do not let your anger linger." - Ephesians 4:26</span></b></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you were not aware, I thoroughly discussing improving your personal and professional life in my recently published book, My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success, available on this blog, my <a href="http://www.blackscholaronline.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Flexibility-Manifesto-Following-Passion/dp/1478274727/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345644484&sr=8-1&keywords=my+flexibility+manifesto" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> in Kindle or paperback. Thank you and <a href="mailto:leonard.wilson.jr@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> if you have any suggestions on future article topics.</span></div>
blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0Union University, 2745 Hacks Cross Rd, Germantown, TN 38138, USA35.07499 -89.796640935.061995 -89.8163819 35.087984999999996 -89.7768999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-81802791857875174802012-08-18T04:32:00.004-05:002012-08-22T08:42:23.128-05:00Great information, reasonable price, eBook to help you find or create work you love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My Flexibility Manifesto: Following Your Passion 2 Success is available for purchase. I promise you will love it.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Print copy available at <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3942348">https://www.createspace.com/3942348</a>. </span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"If you are true to your authentic self, there is no competition." -- Shayna Rattler, owner of Success Unlimited, LLC</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>M</b>y entrepreneurial goal is to create a business that allows me to be hands-off. I want to work <b>on</b> the business, not <b>in</b> the business. To elaborate, when I owned and operated <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wilsons-ChemDry-of-Bartlett/150311428365477" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wilson’s Chem-Dry of Bartlett</a>, a carpet-cleaning franchise, I was working in a business. I bought myself a full-time job disguised as a business opportunity. Without any employees to delegate tasks to, I was responsible for marketing, accounting, customer service, carpet cleaning, equipment maintenance, etc. I loved the autonomy; however, I quickly grew mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. That exhaustion led to a decrease in motivation, lack of business growth, and feelings of burnout. Several months later, I was tossing business brochures in the trash. So as I increase my focus on building my business acumen through graduate studies, business books, podcasts, and workshops, I am currently overwhelmed with several business ideas that focus on products, services, and mixtures of both. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a fan of business innovators Chris Guillebeau, Dan Miller, and Tim Ferris and their respective published works, I am leaning towards a product-business. So, what does a product-business mean? A product-business produces a tangible good like a cell phone, a laptop or a coffee maker. When running a product-business, your business has minimal contact with clients. Because you produce tangible goods, the quality of your business is easy to measure. Additionally, a product-business relies on equipment-intense production. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What specifically appeals to me about a product-business that you should consider in your own business pursuits? As previously stated, I do not want to create a business that requires me to do all the work. That is too draining for me at the age of 28. Ideally, I could hire employees, but that requires me to manage those employees, train those employees, and pay those employees. That is too much of a headache. I desire a business that generates revenue without the need for employees. A product-business is not labor intensive and does not require extensive contact with clients. Perfect. A business that is automated, runs smoothly, and systems-dependent not owner-dependent is a strategic business built for long-term success. A strategic business must be properly designed to be able to function without an owner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thus, the ultimate business goal for any entrepreneur, specifically a solopreneur, is to design a highly profitable business that runs automatically while you manage it and worth a fortune when you sell it. A service-based business that depends on you will not be worth much without you. The probability that anyone would want to buy a service-based business dependent on ownership will not bring you wealth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A great example of a produce-business or product-based business is Dan Miller’s <a href="http://www.48days.com/store/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">48 Days website</a>. On this website, Dan has a valuable online store front that features books, compact discs, DVDs, personality profiles, workshops, and more for sale. Thus, Dan earns profits while he sleeps, blogs, writes books, records his podcast, interacts with clients, etc. That is a systems-based business that requires very little of the owner. He has a system in place to sustain his business and to grow it. Additionally, he has an affiliate program (that I am a part of) that brings in more traffic to his website and products. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Subsequently, I have decided to create my own 48 Days website based around my writing ability and yearning to help others find work they love. By becoming an expert in careers and entrepreneurship, I can focus on those two areas in creating e-books, traditional print books, newsletters, audio books, podcasts, radio shows, webinars, online courses, affiliate programs, smartphone apps, and more. Consider areas that interest you. Use your God-given talents to create a strategic business as a solopreneur and work diligently on your business by adding value to your clients’ lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*If you are confused with what you want to do in your life or simply looking for a better life and job, my e-book <i>My Flexibility Manifesto: Following your passion 2 success</i> will provide you clear solutions to reach holistic success and happiness. Follow me on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blackscholaronl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackscholaronl</a>. Thank you for reading. And please let me know how I can help you in your goals.</span></span></div>
</div>blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-71882634158065243422012-07-30T09:31:00.000-05:002012-07-30T09:31:51.221-05:00What to do when a company does not want you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my May article <a href="http://www.followingmypassion2success.blogspot.com/2012/06/creative-job-search-does-work.html" target="_blank">"The Creative Job Search Does Work,"</a> I confidently boasted that the creative job search works. And, I still encourage job-seekers to use it, because it does indeed get your foot in the door. However, that particular company that I interviewed with has yet to call me back. And this is after a phone interview, a 90-minute face-to-face interview, and appropriate follow-up including a handwritten thank-you card. The only thing I have failed to do is to pick up a phone and call them. But I figure, after sending you a thank-you card and a continued-interest letter in which I specifically state "please let me know either way," that those managers are purposely not contacting me. Additionally, I was informed I would be contacted within a week and a half after the interview. That time has surpassed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what do you do when you know you did everything right but the company is sitting on its hands until it finds the perfect candidate? Here a few things I have considered doing:</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drive to their location and demand a meeting.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Send an additional letter with an emphasis on "please let me know either way."</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally pick up the phone and hope to speak to someone.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Move on.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My advice, if you find yourself in this predicament, is to <b>move on</b>. If you have done everything the company asked for, performed an excellent interview, and followed up appropriately with a letter or card, it is on the company to return the courtesy and professionalism. The fact that this company did not contact me back after two methods of contact informs me that this is not a company I would work for on a long-term basis. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember, the interviewing process is a two-way process. It is true that you have to appeal to the company as an applicant. However, the company has to appeal to you as well. Early on, this company seemed unique, different, and a good fit. After not returning contact to simply let me know that the position has <u>already been filled</u> or that the company is<u> looking at other applicants</u>, this company revealed to me that they ignore people and cannot maintain relationships. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember I initially contacted this company for a sales position. They came to me, based on my resume, with a management position opportunity. If they were no longer interested, just say so. That's what exceptional companies do. As an exceptional professional and human being, I will not work for a company like that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankful for the experience, I am honing my interview techniques to obtain a dream job and to share my expertise with you, my audience. Remember, your resume, elevator speech, cover letter, online presence, and interview should all tell the same story. That is the key to finding work you love. However, if you cannot find it, create it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Subscribe to my blog via e-mail above or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blackscholaronl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">follow me</a> on Twitter. Thank you. </b></span></div>
</div>blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-58830773970483695292012-07-18T12:31:00.003-05:002012-07-18T12:32:33.203-05:00Happiness leads to success<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is holistic success and happiness?</span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happiness can be defined as success in four areas of life.</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Material abundance</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love and relationships</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Health and well being</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spirituality (intuition, creativity, connection to a higher power)</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holistic success is important because it improves your:</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">physical health (immunity towards diseases)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">better relationships (family, friends)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">self confidence</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can not define your success by income. If you sacrifice holistic success in those four areas, you may make a lot of money but you will be extremely vulnerable to hypertension, stress, feeling miserable, addictive behaviors, etc. Being successful does not mean you are <u>happy</u>. A <a href="http://www.success.com/articles/1795-why-happiness-matters" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harvard study</a> shows that success does not lead to happiness but vice-versa. Happiness leads to success. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So how do I reach happiness and holistic success?</b></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Pay people attention</u>. Show them your affection. Try to find a way to add to someone's life today. That could be a friend, a family member, a potential customer, etc. Christian pastor Joel Osteen encourages Christians to treat people with honor regardless of how he or she may be treating you. As a child of God, we are held to higher standards in how we think and behave. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Define daily worthy goals and achieve them. It takes small steps to reach ambitious milestones.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exercise, meditate, pray, relax, take a walk, get physically active.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Happiness</b>= <b>set point in the brain</b> (determined in the first four years of your life that determines your emotional intelligence) + <b>conditions of living</b> (if you are extremely poor you are unhappy or if you are extremely rich people obsessed with money you are unhappy) + <b>voluntary choices or actions daily</b> (doing things for pleasure like going to the movies, sex, shopping, expressing creativity, are you doing meaningful work, are you making someone else happy) thus S + C + V = H</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">your emotional intelligence can be improved through therapy, cognitive analysis or meditation</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These ideas are credited to <a href="http://www.deepakchopra.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deepak Chopra</a>, a physician and writer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackScholarONL" rel="nofollow" style="color: #4873c2; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@BlackScholaronl</a>. Email me any suggestions, ideas, or questions at <a href="mailto:Leonard.Wilson.Jr@gmail.com" style="color: #4873c2; text-decoration: none;">Leonard.Wilson.Jr@gmail.com</a>. Thank you for reading. Subscribe via e-mail at top.</span></span></div>
</div>blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747357475812611573.post-88494257835475706942012-07-17T14:54:00.000-05:002012-07-17T15:42:50.064-05:00Put your money where you mind is<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span></b> lot of people claim they want to live better lives. They pray, encourage others to have faith, and sustain a successful, optimistic persona. But deep down, they know they <u>still</u> have a lot of work to do. However, the words they communicate and the actions they take are two different things. In the words of Barry White, people should "practice what they preach." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you practicing what you preach? Are you really looking for your dream career or job? Are you truly focused on success? More importantly, are you working towards holistic success? Let me share what I have spent my dollars on recently.</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent $299 on <i><a href="http://99designs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">99Designs</a></i> to create the book design for my e-book <i>My Flexibility Manifesto: Following my passion 2 success</i>. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent $50 on a networking opportunity for July 20th-July 22nd called <i><a href="http://startupmemphis.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Startup Memphis</a>.</i> This event will allow me the opportunity to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, young professionals, and creative thinkers. Additionally, it will allow me to collaborate with others to help develop my own business ideas. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent $50 on a membership to <i><a href="http://www.mulyp.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Memphis Urban League of Young Professionals</a></i>. This is a community service organization in Memphis, Tennessee that enables networking between young professionals. As a young entrepreneur, freelance writer, professional blogger, and MBA student from Milwaukee, can you see how this is a valuable opportunity for someone like myself? Remember I spent a majority of my time in Memphis in the classroom as a graduate student and a special education teacher. As I look to switch industries, I have a lot to learn and could use the valuable advice and companionship of like-minded professionals in the area. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent $6 to join the <a href="http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dollar Shave Club</a>. This is a time saver as I automatically receive my shaving equipment at the beginning of every month. It works like clock work. I can keep a professional look at all times. And I do not have to rush to the store to buy equipment last minute. This is the philosophy of Tim Ferris's<i> Four Hour Work Week</i>; automate your life. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent $6 to subscribe to the local newspaper's, <i><a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Commercial Appeal</a></i>, Sunday only delivery. The Sunday edition is the largest, and most informative edition than any other day of the newspaper. From extensive editorials to a larger business section, I generate a lot of ideas and savings from reading the Sunday edition. This saves me $2.00 a month and this saves me time. Automation.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent $14.41 on Eric Ries's <i><a href="http://theleanstartup.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lean Startup</a></i>. I read the first half of the book before I sold it on Amazon. I actually only paid $4.41. I used a $10 gift card I received from USA Today for an article contribution. I sold the book for $10.00. This book was a <u>dry</u> read for me but it improved my knowledge base.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent $34.95 on a subscription to <a href="http://www.success.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Success Magazine</a>. I usually buy this magazine at my local Barnes and Noble but I wanted to continue to automate my life while saving a lot of money. More importantly, I am continuing to feed my knowledge base more complex information to grow as a person, professional, writer, Christian, business man, student, etc. Other magazines I recommend for anyone looking to create their own dream job or to generate multiple streams of income is <i>Fast Company, Inc., Money, Time, and Enterprise</i>.<a name='more'></a></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">need</span> to do:</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Automate</u></b>. Find ways to save yourself time. Sometimes I order takeout because I rather spend more time with my family then to go shop for groceries, prepare the food, cook the food, serve the food, eat the food, and clean the kitchen. What ways can you automate your life to balance your busy schedule and to make life easier, smoother? By having things automatically delivered to your home can save on time and money, both valuable assets to have.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Buy information</u></b>. If you hope to grow in business, life, school, relationships, etc., you have to constantly feed your intelligence. From listening to podcasts to reading, you can substantially enhance your knowledge and expertise on various subjects by exposing yourself to new complex information. There are new books of high quality in many areas constantly being released. Do not be afraid to expose yourself to that new knowledge. If you don't like the book, read half of it, take notes, and sell it on Amazon. Lastly, magazines are filled with great ideas that could lead to your dream job or next business opportunity. What do you have to lose? A few dollars. You spend that on McDonalds three times per week or more. Focus your dollars to improve your life.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Spend on networking</u></b>. Networking is the best opportunity to find your dream job, enhance your current business, or to develop a network that can aid you in the future. Great friendships and relationships can develop through networking. The best marketing derives from networking. Stop spending money on advertising. Start spending on joining networking events and organizations. If you are genuine and sincere, people will be attracted to you and any product or business you are selling. Remember to get a dream job, you are selling yourself. You never know who has a connection at one of your targeted companies. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackScholarONL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@BlackScholaronl</a>. Email me any suggestions, ideas, or questions at <a href="mailto:Leonard.Wilson.Jr@gmail.com">Leonard.Wilson.Jr@gmail.com</a>. Thank you for reading. Subscribe via e-mail at top.</span></div>
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</div>blackscholaronlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07551930487342238396noreply@blogger.com0