The Attitude Factor

Jerry Lewis & Dean Martin (A Love Story)

I was struck this morning by a cover story in the Sunday News Parade Magazine. As I prepared to toss it aside (as I nomally do) I saw a picture of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis leaping into the air that immediately captured my attention.

The short piece called "The Story Behind Their Story" was actually an excerpt from Jerry's book: "Dean & Me (A Love Story)." As I soaked in the deep and unique frienship that these two entertainers shared, I welled up with emotion as I pondered the years that they choose to spend separated from each other. I wondered what they missed during those long years and how it could have further shaped their lives. Since we become who we are in relationships with each other, it stands to reason that both of these high profile men, could still have been more had they had continious access to each other and been nourished by this mutual love.

As Jim Rohn once said, "life is not a practice session." It is the real deal. We will all die someday. Our best friend will die some day. We are all guilty of putting off important relatiohships in our lives, of not investing time with those we love. Before you leave this page think of just one person that you have put off calling. Now, call them, or write to them today. Don't wait.

The Attitude of Forgiveness

The Association for Conflict Resolution is a group committed to ending all the destructive conflict in our world and has declared October 20, 2005, as Conflict Resolution Day across the United States. Many states have planned special events on this day to raise awareness and develop greater skill in resolving conflict. John D. Willis PhD, and Director of Graduate Studies in Dispute Resolution  in Kentucky makes the following suggestions to celebrate this day, but they are great guidelines for each day of our lives:

• apologize for what you did
• forgive, accept an apology and move on 
• stop negativity or gossip all day
• cancel a debt for someone who can't pay
• analyze why you are angry and get control of it 
• tell the truth all day 
• send an email of appreciation to someone who will be surprised 
• lead your group in the right direction, all day
• present a workable solution to the group that shows goodwill
• sit with a lonely person and listen carefully to them

Think of the impact that forgiveness alone could have on conflict world-wide. Peace can only begin with each of us as individuals. Our world cannot be at peace if we cannot first cultivate peace between oursleves and those closest to us. "Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now...."

Yes! Attitude is Everything!

According to a recent study from the Forum for People Performance Management and Measurement at Northwestern University, called "The Impact of Employee Attitudes on Market Response and Financial Performance" a direct link exists between employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction and a company's financial performance, even if the employees have no direct contact with customers.

While I have always known this to be true, it was so kind of Northwestern University to prove it. I will surely encouage one of my children to go there for their education :-)

Study: Optimists Live Longer

Link: Study: Optimists Live Longer.
Nine years ago a study group -- 999 men and women aged 65 to 85 -- completed a questionnaire on health, self-respect, morale, optimism and relationships. Since then, 397 of them have died.

Optimistic participants had a 55 percent lower risk of death from all causes and 23 percent lower risk of death from heart failure.

Just another good reason to work on keeping those attitudes positive.