Josh Hinds' Motivational & Inspirational Journal
Josh Hinds - Syndicated columnist - Writer - Author - New Media Publisher :o)


Friday, October 25, 2002  

Does Everyone Win?
By Josh Hinds
(c) 2002

Make sure there is a win, win! - What's the big deal about win, win situations? I'm so glad you asked. You see, there's something absolutely magical about being involved in win, win scenarios. The simple fact is people like to deal with those that do not simply focus on the "what's in it for me attitude", don't you agree?

Admittedly one doesn't have to look far to find traces of people who appear to have done very well for themselves by not adhering to the win, win way of thinking. Look under the hood of these folks, look deep at how his or her peers truly view them. Think of how many missed opportunities they have had simply because overtime they've chosen to burn their bridges rather then build strong networks with others.

Suffice it to say it is worth taking the time to analyze each undertaking. Do not fall into the trap that for you to benefit, someone else has to lose out. One of my mentors used to always say, "leave a little extra on the table for the next person". On the flip side of this someone might say, but your mentor was foolish since he essentially gave away more of his profits then he had too.

Nothing could be further from the truth. You see, he knew very simply that word travels fast when you are viewed as being good to deal with, but far faster when the other party feels they have been done wrong or got the short end of the stick in some way.

Leaving a little extra for the person ensured that he built his reputation and that people would want to do business with him. He is a shining example for me of the importance of the win, win, and the benefits that go along with making it a part of your life... Your friend in success, Josh Hinds

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Friday, October 11, 2002  

Defining Success
Josh Hinds
(c) 2002

I'll be the first to admit that everyone has his or her own definition of success and what constitutes living a life with greatness. Success comes in so many shapes and sizes that it can often go unnoticed if you do not take the time to recognize the many facets where it is in your life. With that said, I would like to offer up my short definition of success.

Success is the mother or father who sacrifices to make a better life for their family. It is the person who spends countless hours studying, and scrimping to pay the bills so they can have the honor of being the first person to graduate from college in their family.

Success and greatness is in the man or woman who against all the critics sets out and starts that small business that no one seemed to think would work. Success is the person who takes care of their aging parents (just as their parents did for them). Success is the person who lives their life as an example to others and actively shows those around them how to achieve more in their personal lives.

Truly successful are those who do the things that make them happy. Success is the person who works two jobs so that he or she can make a better life for himself or herself. Success is the teacher who works hard and at the end of the day has made a positive impact on the lives of so many.

Success is taking time out throughout your busy day to realize that you are in fact an amazing person, and acknowledge that your contributions make this world a better place. Success is the entrepreneur who takes their idea and translates it into real jobs for others.

You see my friend, success is so many things, and reaches far into various areas of our lives. All to often we run through our days not realizing that we are already successful in many areas. Take time to honor your many achievements -- all the while taking comfort in knowing that many more such accomplishments will find their way to you. Remember this, greatness is part of who you are... Your friend in cyberspace, Josh Hinds :-)

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Friday, October 04, 2002  

Are you really listening... Or rehearsing what to say next?
By Josh Hinds
(c) 2002

I used to be one of the absolute worst when it came to succumbing to the 'what am I going to say next' syndrome (admittedly, sometimes I still regress, but hey, I'm working on it...lol). It's like I would be sitting there and all the while rehearsing in my mind what I was going to say next. Not fully giving the other person their due time.

Have you found yourself in a similar situation? Be honest, you are not going to be graded on this. There are several key reasons to make a concerted effort to abolish this habit. For one thing, you are doing both yourself and the person you are engaged in the conversation with a great disservice.

Equally as important is that there is a good chance that the other person is aware of the fact that you are not really hearing what she or he is saying. Couple this with the very real chance that if you are rehearsing what you plan to say next as the other person is talking, they are likely to do the same when it is your turn.

Needless to say it does not take a rocket scientist to come to the conclusion that this is a clear prescription for a negative outcome. Believe me, 'one upping' the person you are conversing with is not worth it.

We all have a basic human need to truly be heard. Learn to work within that most basic of needs and you will find yourself moving leaps and bounds above your peers. Most people do not practice strengthening their listening skills. Furthermore, most people do not even make an effort to do so. Make it a priority and you can use that to your advantage.

The truly great leaders know how to listen. They tend to translate into those that inspire others and bring out the greatness in them. The beauty of becoming a superb listener is that you actually exert less brain power then you do when you are continuously having to be on the lookout for what to say next. Instead you are letting the conversation flow and showing a greater respect for the other person (which inevitably will shine through).

Simply put, it is worth the time it takes to develop your listening skills. I am convinced you will gain far more then you can imagine as a result. Keep in mind it is an ongoing effort. As I mentioned before, we all back-track at times, the key is to be aware of it and make corrections as needed... Your friend in cyberspace, Josh Hinds

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Motivation and Self-Help Articles
Author, Josh Hinds