Bringing Out The Best In Our Children by Dr. Deborah Tillman

Parenting is a journey not a sprint. There will be many peaks and valleys. There will be wins and losses; ups and downs but through it all, Jeremiah 29:11 says; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.” These words must be placed deeply in our hearts and souls as we raise our children. After working with children and families for over 26 years, there are some crucial things we as parents can do to bring out the BEST in our children.

First, Expect the Best: If you think they can or if you think they can’t you are both CORRECT! It is important that we always look for the silver lining. Children need to know that we are their number one cheerleader and that we will stick with them through thick and thin. We do that by leading by example. Children will BE what they SEE so show them what kindness, forgiveness, character and humility really look like.

Second, Eliminate Excuses: We live in a country where everyone is so busy that we don’t have time for anything including the children we birthed. I will tell you like my mother use to tell me… We make time for what we want to make time for. Children are a gift and no matter how busy we think we are our children should be a top priority when it comes to sowing seeds of success in their lives because LOVE to them is spelled T. I. M. E.

Third, Effectively Discipline: Discipline comes from the root word to “disciple” which means to teach. It is imperative that when we discipline our children we are teaching them a valuable lesson. A lesson that does not require inflicting pain which leaves them feeling humiliated and embarrassed but a lesson that they can glean from and think
twice before doing it again.

And finally, it is imperative for we as parents to Evaluate Our Words: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue. Some forty and fifty year-olds are still suffering in silence from something someone negatively said to them when they were younger. Let us all begin to connect with our children before correcting them. Respond instead of reacting
and speak life into our children no matter what they have done and give them the grace that we so needed and perhaps didn’t get growing up. When we say, “there is greatness in you; you are a winner; I believe in you; you are enough, you are fearfully and wonderfully made,” they will believe in themselves. As they do, they will realize that all things are possible even their opportunity to be their BEST!

Learn more at about Dr. Tillman via her website at www.deborahtillman.com  follow her on Twitter @deborahltillman

5 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Find True Happiness: Here's a Hint, Make More Money Is Not on The List by Dr. Toya Wilson

What is happiness? Many entrepreneurs measure happiness by their level of accomplishments and achievements. However, research has shown that happiness is not achieved by obtaining a certain measure of success. Instead, it's actually the opposite. True lasting success is obtained as a result of living a life of intrinsic happiness.

Entrepreneurs have a tendency to buy into the 'I'll be happier when....' myth. Living in a current state of stress, and unfulfillment in hopes of a future payoff to come as a result of their sacrifice. Hiding behind the belief that money and success will bring them happiness. But, how many times have we seen interviews with celebrities and well-known public figures revealing their inner turmoil and the unhappy lives they led? If money and accomplishments were the measuring stick for true happiness, people like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Phyllis Hyman would have been some of the happiest people on the planet. But, they are each clear examples that money and status are not what brings true happiness.

So if more money doesn't automatically equal happiness, then what can we as entrepreneurs do to have it all? How can we run successful businesses, have fulfilling personal relationships, and enjoy the fruits of our labor? I believe the answer is to adopt a balanced mind, body, spirit approach to life. This requires working on yourself with as much intent and care as we work on our businesses and to understand that we are the fuel that drives the business. If we're running on E, the business can not succeed and lasting happiness is not possible. But being happy right now isn't as easy as it may sound.

Here are 5 ways entrepreneurs can ensure personal happiness that excludes the pursuit of money

5. Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure you have at least 3 people who can serve as a positive and supportive voice when you need it.

4. Take time to assess your internal condition. Are on the verge of being depressed, exhausted, or overwhelmed? If so, take steps to bring yourself back into balance.

3. Take care of your body. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables. Drink water as often as possible. When your body is healthy the mind is happier

2. Contribute to something greater than yourself. Helping others in need is an amazing way to be internally happy. It also puts the Law of Reciprocity into action. The more you give, the more you and business will receive. (Please note: there's a wrong way and a right way to give. Giving from an empty cup causes stress and dysfunction. Giving from the overflow brings happiness and joy to all parties involved)

1. Be in the moment. Remember, every moment is always NOW. Tomorrow is a myth. Everyday is always today when it arrives. So stress yourself out tomorrow. Don't forgo joy now by having an 'I'll be happy when..." attitude. Live, laugh, and love in the present moment.

Learn more about Dr. Toya via her website at www.drtoyakwilson.com and follow her on Twitter @DrToyaK

Work Smarter Not Harder by Dr. Catrina Pullum

Interpersonal relationships are a basic element of workplace environments. Navigating those relationships, either as a “boss” or an “employee”, is key to workplace happiness. In this post, I am going to discuss how to manage your boss and how bosses could be sabotaging their subordinates.

Managing your boss sounds counter-intuitive, but it is actually the opposite. A key to building a great working relationship with your boss is understanding how they think, process information, their strengths, weaknesses, goals, basically what is going to drive them in their assignment. Once you understand these things, managing to these expectations is how you truly “Manage your Boss”.  Presenting them the information they need, in a form that they can quickly and effectively process it, shows how much you value their time and energy, and allows them to focus their time and energy where you want it, solving your major issues and accomplishing your goals.   

Why are low performing employees at the bottom of their workforce pools? If it is not energy levels being below normal, sometimes it is their manager. Managers can unintentionally set an employee up to fail. When the employee fails to perform, the manager can start micromanaging to compensate. When the employee experiences micromanagement, they doubt themselves and their abilities and begin to move away from decision-based tasks. Lack of initiative from the employee leads the manager to up the pressure, causing the employee to withdraw more and ending up in a spiraling, cataclysmic finish, usually ending with the employee’s dismissal.

            Typical workers, as they have more to do, stay longer at work. Companies foster this culture as well, asking employees to work longer and harder. Smarter companies are finding a new methodology to get more productivity from their work force. Companies are looking at the employee holistically, and dealing with four different aspects of the “self” of the employee. These employers are developing practices to help employees renew themselves in four different ways: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. This is combatting the energy drain on the employees, the actual cause of lower productivity, which shows in symptoms like: exhaustion, disengagement, stress, and illness. Helping the employee build habits to regenerate these different areas of energy usage, create opportunities to increase overall productivity in the workforce.

            As a Boss or Manager are you working smarter or harder? To work smart is to assess your team along with yourself.  Do not be afraid to delegate and utilize your team strengths. Every week, dedicate time to learning something different by doing team building exercises. Also, educate yourself on your industry. Be prepared to leave your comfort zone.

Research taken from Harvard Business Review’s On Managing Yourself, and Harvard Business Review’s On Managing People. 

Learn more about Dr. Trina via her website at www.pullcorp.com, and follow her on Twitter @DrPullum