THE ILLITERATE OF THE 21ST CENTURY

timism of the day: One of the important concepts that i have learned over the years is that we are creatures of habit, thus unlearning something to acquire a new skill, to adapt, and change with the ever pressing pace of this world is tantamount for survival. Of all the types of learning, unlearning can be the most difficut, but difficult as it may be, i am convinced that the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot and/or wll not choose not to learn, unlearn and relearn. Just sayin. Take it. Test it. Teach it. tim

LEARNING TO BE UNHAPPY

timism of the day: Alot of people that I work with have been learning to be unhappy much of their lives. The tendency is to compartmentalise their lives and say that they are doing great at work but their home life is a mess or vice-versa . This is a false dichotomy . You have one life - not a "home life" and a "work life" and a "something else life." And if any one aspect of your life is out of whack, your life is not working and the ramifications are felt everywhere.



Indeed there is no shortage of practitioners in this field and some are very good and some are charlatans. Most tend to use techniques to "fix" problems. For example, if an executive's problem is anger outbursts he might be advised to breathe deeply before speaking or to count to ten slowly.



I don't play in this arena. I help executives identify the mental models they use that precipitate the unsuitable behavior and make changes in these models. This approach frequently solves a whole raft of "problems " simultaneously. Thus many, who have taken to my approach report that they feel less stress, have better relations with bosses, peers and subordinates and get more done in less time. Just sayin. Take it. Test it. Teach it. tim

THE MORE IT HURTS, THE MORE YOU LEARN

timism of the day: i have found that every hurtful event holds lessons, and that the more it hurts, the more you learn. Just sayin. Take it. Test it. Teach it. tim

NEVER TRY AND OUTWIT YOUR DAD

timism of the day: A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.



His father said he'd make a deal with his son: 'You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut. Then we'll talk about the car.'



The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.


After about six weeks his father said, 'Son, you've brought your grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm disappointed you haven't had your hair cut.




The boy said, 'You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair...and there's even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.'

To this his father replied, 'Did you also notice they walked everywhere they went?' Just sayin. Take it. Test it. Teach it. tim

QUICKEN YOUR PULSE

timism of the day: Never before has there existed a time in our history that exudes so much excitement... and so much fear. Like rebuilding a supersonic aircraft while in flight, the world is constantly redefining and re-creating itself. New businesses, new technologies, new strategies and ideas, it's enough to quicken your pulse. But once you learn to adapt, you'll gain an edge that serves you for a lifetime. The quicker you learn, the quicker you can relearn! Just sayin. Take it. Test it. Teach it. tim

6 PROPHETIC CURSE WORDS

timism of the day: Sick, tired, crazy, hate, kill, death, 6 words we often use daily and wonder why we don't like the way we feel. If you say it you see it, and if you see it you become it. Literally, your prophesy is what you allow to roll off your palet. Why do we have to be so focused on the negative? Why do we have to say I am sick of..., or I am so tired of..., or I hate, or this is making me crazy. If fact even when we have the occassional cathartic belly laugh till ya almost pee your pants (so you women say), why is it that we have to ruin it by sayin You're killing me..., or that we nearly laughed to death, or you're going to be the death of me. When are we going to realize that there are words that we speak that are prophetic and deplete us spiritually and emotionally which then ofcourse effects our actions and ripples into the ebb and flow of our relationships. Keep it positive folks as your words are alive and prophetic of your future. Don't say I am anything unless it is biblically correct and positive. I am in shape. I am working out. I am handsome/beautiful. I am strong. I am exactly the weight that got wants me to be. I am blessed. I am inspired. I am happy. I am at peace. I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. I am forgiven. I am a child of God. Etc... Now see how much better that feels? What are your prophetic words that you have, or are going to speak into being that you are going to at least start saying today? Let me/us hear your responses. We may need a few good ideas. Share your vision with us today. I look forward to hearing and seeing your encouraging words.

EAR TICKLER

timism of the day: When Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets" (Luke 6:26), he was saying essentially, "Don't be an ear tickler. Don't be a chronic peacemaker." If everything you say is loved by everyone, the odds are good that you're bending the truth. One of the sayings i'm known for is that if your are liked, loved, and approved by everyone, you're likely weak. Sometimes you have to pick a side. Setting limits has to do with telling the truth as you see it. Those who respect your version of the truth and respect your boundaries are your true allies. They don't have to be your friends, but they do show you respect in your individuality and your uniqueness. They listen to your worldview and applaud you for having a seperate opinion. In fact, those truly healthy will say they are glad you have passion and they can perhaps learn a thing or two from you. This person, if you can find them, are what i call wise and even righteous. Stick with them, as they like you despite your differences and are hard to come by. i stopped a long time ago trying to be an ear tickler, have lost a few friends due to it, but i assure you, it's worth the rejection. Who needs em. Not me. We can at worst respect each other and agree to disagree and still have fun together. Just sayin. Take it. Test it. Teach it. tim