Well, here we are in 2017 and the election is over.  Here are 5 key strategies to think about  to calm the conversations if you engage in political discussions and want to remain friends!:

1.  Stress the beauty of our democracy over individual choices. We have a democracy that the world watches and we always need to respect the process.  IF we focus on the process and downplay the players, you can bring the conversation back to a calmer tone..I always tell folks that if we don’t like a certain President, then the voting booth is the best place to voice your opinion, not facebook!
2. Recognize that we truly don’t have access to all of the facts about any one situation.  If you don’t know, then it is best not to talk!  Active listening and respect for another is what counts.
3. Ask yourself:”What issue or sin about yourself if came out, would shock people”. That is why it is very important to examine yourself first as it is very difficult to recognize your own sin, but very easy to focus on the sin of another.  As I have said, I am so happy and thankful that Jesus didn’t judge me the way some have judged our presidents.   The Bible tells us:”He who is without sin should cast the first stone”.
4. Try to seek understanding first and listen to what others say.  I always like to ask lots of questions as to why a person thinks and feels the way they do. Everyone sees their world through their lens and perspective.  The key is to seek understanding versus just having your opinion heard.
5. Keeping silent when you see results.  Successful business executives typically employ Rockefeller habits.  Strategically aligning and executing plans to take us from one place to a desired place.  Watch for the speed and execution of goals and strategies. Its about powerful habits directed towards the right goals that successful leaders drive businesses, organizations and the country. When you see someone creating results that are needed, it is better to say nothing and just keep smiling!

Happy New Year 2017!   Its time again to roll out our New Year’s goals and dreams for the upcoming year.  For many of us, we plan our goals in the previous 4th quarter for the roll out that happens now.  So, how are you doing so far executing your plan?  Here are some suggestions to help you keep on track with your New Years goals and resolutions.

1. The main reason why we don’t manage to keep our resolutions and achieve our goals is caused by previous paradigms we have developed either from our parents or from our experiences in life.  Our paradigms keep us from achieving all what we have hoped for if they are not aligned properly with what we want to achieve.
2. Our Paradigms keep us in unproductive habits and addictions.  The way we look at the world can have either a positive or negative effect on what we achieve.  So the secret to achieving more in life and keeping our promise to ourselves is deeply rooted in how we change our habits into productive habits!  And changing habits takes practice and discipline.
3. Alignment is critical.  We have to  know exactly where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow if we have any chance at reaching them.  Then, we work towards aligning our habits and changing them if necessary to be able to put ourselves into a position of success.
4. The daily grind of executing the details of our work and the people who try to bring us down have to be dealt with very strategically.  Remember that when you dream big, someone will probably be there to pull you down.  And often times, its a family member or loved one.  But you must resist and keep moving forward.
5. Surround yourself with people who have big dreams as well.  These folks will provide energy for you to keep going.
6. Keep learning each and everyday how you respond to obstacles and then try to respond in a new and more effective way each and every time.  Remember, that each day you don’t take steps towards your goals, you are actually moving away from your goals.
7. Figure out the most productive time of the day for yourself and try to put the most important work during that time.  For me, I try to put 5 hours each day into product sales and marketing.   The remaining hours are spent in less productive work that needs to be handled.
8. The biggest mistake is to over analyze and try to make everything perfect.  JUST GET STARTED and don’t worry about the criticism. I know my blog isn’t the greatest, but I try each and every day to make strides in my work.  So, just START!