Just Two Words :: The Blog

Two Words :: Release Regret

2010-12-15T12:12:00.000-05:00

Regret is one of those things that can creep into your mind at any moment, but one that can be projected into the future. Whether you have regrets now or not, the one thing you can control going forward is whether you will have regrets later.

That control takes the form of decisions and actions that we all make and do everyday of our lives. If you have a set of problems today, it's very likely that you created the conditions necessary for regret with past choices and actions.

I think there is one thing that most everyone wants at the end of their lives; no regrets. To get there, you have to forget regrets you have now and focus on making better decisions and taking action that does not produce regret later. Why? Because holding onto regrets now is debilitating. They are like anchors that cannot be pulled back. Releasing your regrets today is very simple ... just decide now that all those things you did or did not do that produced the regret are in the past. Let them drift behind you, and disappear like the bubbles of a boat wake as you move into the future. This is a choice ... release regrets.

Two Words :: Thank You

2009-12-17T15:45:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure of the statistics, but today's two words 'Thank You' are perhaps the most under appreciated two word combinations there are. A simple 'thank you' can change someone's day completely and goes along way toward being civil and kind to those you meet in your life.

Whether it's the cashier at the drive-thru window, someone who holds a door during wintery weather, or offers a compliment, saying thank you is always appreciated.

As we approach the holidays and the end of one more trip around our closest star, remember to appreciate others; those you know and strangers alike. It really can make a difference. I'll start ... 'thank you' for reading.

Two Words :: Repel Stagnation

2009-09-26T10:33:00.005-05:00

Everything in the universe is moving. Every particle, every galaxy, everything is always moving. Sometimes our perspective prevents us from seeing the movement, but this change is position is dominant. Stagnation is the opposite of movement. A still pond, lacking any movement will eventually stagnate with growth of those other things which are moving (like algae). A pond with movement, even the smallest ripples will stave off stagnation.

The same holds true for our lives. If we don't move, we stagnate. This is not just our physical movement which is important, but our mental movement as well. Keeping our brains moving with thoughts, challenges, puzzles, problem solving, or just by watching an enthralling movie keeps our neurons firing so that we don't stagnate. It's the only way to repel stagnation. So get moving!

Two Words :: Seize Now

2009-08-28T15:11:00.008-05:00

We've all heard the phrase 'carpe diem' or seize the day. Well I say why wait and seize the now.

The past is a history of actions and the future are actions not yet taken. The now moment, and it's fleeting, is the only time in which you can actually take action and do something tangible that has impact.

Sure, you can ponder the past which is a record of actions taken in long gone now moments, but you can do nothing to alter those. You can think about the future, but it's impossible to act in the future.

The flow of the future into the past happens right through the now moment; almost like a single picture frame with future frames pouring in from the right and departing just as fast to the left.

But within that single frame is your entire now moment. What are you going to do with now? Seize the now.

Photo credit: Stockphoto/danesteffes

Two Words :: Be Patient

2009-08-24T11:09:00.004-05:00

We've all been told of virtues before. Being patient is a good one, but a challenge at times, especially when the act of being patient requires you to look squarely into that thing out there in front of you and force yourself to not get excited or not take action.

That thing could be a goal you're reaching for, a gift you might expect, a prize you may win, that new thing you ordered that will reach your door step any moment now, or even a visitor you haven't seen for awhile but due in anytime. Patience may also be required when watching a child make a valiant effort in a race, but doesn't or is unable to win, or dealing with a new puppy who is not quite yet trained to do the right thing.

Of course the giddiness involved in not being patient can be enthralling, but also distracting.

That said, how long do you have to be patient? There's no time limit on how long being patient is necessary is given situation, but you can be sure of one thing; being patient is required to know how long. One of those catch 22's of life.

Be patient ... it will do you and others good.

Two Words :: Repeat Repeat

2009-08-21T14:07:00.005-05:00

What do you think about your brain or mind? The mind is a powerful tool to say the least, yet we generally don't give it a moments thought. If you want to create a new reality in your life, you can tap your very own mind in a very simple way and all you have to do is repeat.

Athletes use repetition all the time. It comes in a variety of methods including just plain old practice. Tiger Woods is brilliant because he repeats over and over, the same swing. He and others use repetition to improve physically. Muscles remember the same movement if it's done over and over. So does your mind.

Just Two Words is all about this and uses simple two word combination's to focus your internal dialog. All you have to do is repeat, repeat, and then repeat them some more. The sub conscious mind is malleable; give it some clear concise instructions using your internal communication, repeat it over and over and over again, and you'll be amazed how effective it can be. Go write down a list of your own two word combination's' that will take you toward your goal. Then, repeat those, over an over.

Two Words :: Give Light

2009-08-19T10:57:00.005-05:00

Here is a pretty cool idea ... and a great thing you can do for someone you know; giving the gift of light. Our friends over at Give the Green Light have a great gift idea that works for almost anyone.

You can give someone the gift of light (yes, an actual light bulb) along with a nifty coffee mug or stainless steel SIGG water bottle (totally recyclable). Your gift comes with a standard CFL bulb which uses just 13 watts and will save your gift recipient some money on energy bills too (up to $47 during the bulbs lifetime).

You can also Give Light by just being a good person to someone you care about or a perfect stranger ... give light are two great words. You can visit Give the Green Light at http://givethegreenlight.com.

Two Words :: Be Aware

2009-08-19T10:20:00.005-05:00

Are you awake? Are you sure you're awake? Our daily lives are chock full of stuff, they are replete with distractions and filled with tangents which can easily cause us to lose focus, and worse, lose sight of what's around us. Ever driven down the road for a few minutes only to suddenly "wake up" and realize you don't remember driving the last ten miles? You were distracted (hopefully not sleeping).

Not good. Our powers of observation can be a powerful ally to our goals and what we want to do with out lives. But we have to remain alert and awake in order to make those important observations. It requires stepping back and taking a higher view of things sometimes. This is a good. Go climb a tree or sit on a high dune and recognize what kind of perspective you have from those vantage points. Be aware.

Two Words :: Let Go

2009-08-19T09:53:00.005-05:00

Ah, that security thing. Holding on is important but not always. Letting go can be life changing. Letting go of old habits, letting go of negative thoughts, of bad experiences, of hate and jealousy. At a high level, security is an illusion. Security really only exists in our minds. After all, the planet could get hit any second by a huge rock and we would all be dust in short order. We can't worry about that or anything else for that matter, except for how we live our lives. How we live our lives is a result of how we talk to ourselves.

Hanging on to history does no favors. Sure, it's important to learn from the past, but then it's okay to let that go and look to the future. What you are going to do now, or next? Let go. It's okay.

Two Words :: Reframe Problems

2008-11-11T16:16:00.004-05:00

We all have them. Problems, that is. They sit there pestering us, waiting for nothing to happen, hoping to have an negative impact.
Problems are real, but they are (always) what we define them to be. That means they can be redefined. This doesn't mean the problem itself changes in a fundamental way, but our perception of it can. It's our perception that makes the difference and determines, in many cases, how we approach solving it, including getting the train in motion toward resolution.
One way to address a problem is to reframe it. See the problem as a picture and then put a new frame around it. Look at it from a different perspective.
Life is a canvas, so you can choose to change the canvas as well as the frame by altering your perception of it. Paint a picture of the problem on your virtual canvas (i.e. a visual thought.), then erase it and start over.
For example, let's say your problem is how to reduce expenses at work and you just don't know where to start. The task seems daunting. There is too much to deal with.
In just a minute, you can paint the current problem in your minds eye. For example, paint (see) this problem in your minds virtual eye as very large piles of stuff on a messy desk, with more stacks of stuff all over the office floor.
Your office is gray, with a single gray door, desk is small and filled with clutter, the walls dingy with notes taped to them. There are no pictures on the wall and there is a pathetic flickering florescent light overhead illuminating the dull space.
Tattered folders and bland binders of papers stuffed to overflow capacity represent all those expenses. The view of this is as depressing as the tattered stained carpet underfoot. The piles are so large and chaotic, you don't even know where to start.
If this is your view of the problem, then let's erase it and repaint with the following.

Imagine the entire office and your desk clear of all the clutter immediately, and one wall is now entirely glass with the most pleasant views you can imagine, a high bluff overlooking the ocean, with natural light streaming in.

The other three walls are a neutral sand color of your choosing with gorgeous photographs of sailboats. There is new furniture matching your exact taste and specifications, the desk is large and well organized with only those things you need for total productivity. The floor is a beautiful teak hardwood and the environment is conducive to problem solving in all respects. It was design for just that.

All those pieces of paper in the prior picture are not seen, but neatly organized into color coded folders stored in a credenza, and each of the expenses has been dutifully entered into a spreadsheet that clearly shows what was spent, when it was spent, why it was spent, and how much was spent, and you can quickly access both summaries and details of all expenses in each category.

NOW, how would you go about solving the original challenge? I think you know.

Photograph Copyright 2007 Joseph Allen: North Pier at Sunset

Two Words :: Look Ahead

2008-11-11T16:15:00.004-05:00

There are times when we forget about looking ahead, even with our eyes wide open. Yet this direction of view is probably the most important view of all in life.

We can look to the past, or view those things that we put behind us, but the value in this is limited. We can only learn from history. Important? Yes. But looking ahead, viewing the road out in front, seeking out the horizon is what gets us from point A to point B on the journey. We are adept at making adjustments to survive. We’re wired to proceed forward.

Life brings challenges and all sorts of change as we live it out. Some of those challenges and changes are negative if we perceive them as such. Losing a job, breaking up from a relationship, dealing with the death of a loved one, finding out your have a disease and a thousand other things which are bad news can all be dealt with. How?

By placing those things behind you. This is not dismissing them as unimportant or that you’re sweeping the bad news under the rug. Accept the challenge, accept the loss, accept the change. Putting those things behind you is a tool to deal with adversity so that you can do what’s important; look ahead.

Two Words :: Rise Above

2007-12-17T17:44:00.001-05:00

We're not talking about floating, but make a conscious effort to rise above the fray when the fray happens. What is fray you say? Well, chaos, malarkey, or just plain uncomfortable situations. Step back and look at the picture. So many times, we let ourselves get pulled into chaos because we fail at recognizing what's happening or we just can't help sticking our nose in where it either doesn't belong, or having there makes things worse. Stop, think and rise above, because only from that vantage point can you analyze a situation, identify the problem and formulate a resolution.

Two Words :: Say Goodbye

2007-11-22T12:46:00.000-05:00

Seth Godin has a great post titled "Saying goodbye" which is something we don't do as often as we should today, even in situations where it's expected or at least desired. It got me to thinking about technology.

We live a world where you can break up with someone by shooting off a cryptic text message (i no cu no mo) and in our Dilbert-ville work environment, with an actual telephone within easy reach or a co-worker right next door, many of us would just send an email to ask a question or request information, rather than talk. Technology offers great communication tools and efficiency is through the roof, but human interaction is somewhat of a requirement.

I find myself doing this, sending an email for information or to ask a question, when a quick phone call or stopping by someone's office is just as effective (if not more so). So I shall make it a point to interact more often than I do and use the technology a bit less. Though in this case, I cannot call each one of you, so I will just say goodbye for the moment.

Two Words :: Favorite Links

2007-11-21T15:54:00.000-05:00

Just a quick holiday post to provide two words which represent my favorite links and a make a blatant attempt at selling a coffee mug. My favorite links are golf and sausage. I was just doing some organizing of files of some older web site content and activities and ran across this design I had done. So no, my favorite links are not pushing other websites, but those "other" links.

As we move into the holiday season (and winter in some parts of the world), I thought this might be a clever gift for those who you know may enjoy challenge of golf (notably on a sunny warm day) or the smell of maple sausage links in the morning. What can I say about sausage that's not already been said. Sausage just makes starting your day just that much better. Have a safe and happy holiday.

Get Your Very Own Golf & Sausage Coffee Mug - $12.99

Two Words :: Get Busy

2007-11-15T18:59:00.001-05:00

What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for someone to call you and give you the answer? Hoping the postman drops off a manual on figuring it all out? Holding out for more information before you do anything? Pausing to see what the other guy does first? If you answered yes to any one of those questions, then it's time to get busy and get busy now. Finish the next few sentences though ... there is no time like the present.

If fact, right "now" is the only time there really is. It's the only time we can measure, and the only slice of time we can actually take action in. All other time is either in the past, or yet to come. This "moment" is here, now, and then ... see, it's gone. You can only take action in the present. So, what are you waiting for? Get busy.

Photograph Courtesy NASA

Two Words :: Generate Excitement

2007-10-17T00:19:00.000-05:00

Looking to turn a new leaf? Hoping for a change of venue? Expecting opportunity to come knocking? None of these things will happen without generating a little excitement. There are few things you can't have or be in life. It's unlikely most of us can expect to become the Queen of England and being the first human to set foot on the moon is already taken. But you have a dream, you have an idea and you have a plan. To get that train moving, generate a little excitement. Talk to people, ask a thousand questions and make the phone call.

Two Words :: Take Responsibility

2007-10-17T00:09:00.000-05:00

There are few things in life as important as taking responsibility. But so often this simple act is left on the shelf. In an age of abundance, we sometimes forget that we are responsible for our own lives. If you're an adult, move forward and take responsibility; for your actions, for your inaction, for your mistakes and for the life you lead and the choices you make. If someone is in need of help, provide assistance and if you need help, ask. But don't let the gifts or hard work of others turn into your own welfare system or a free ride beyond reason. We all need assistance from time to time, and charity is part of being human so giving of your time and resources is a gift you can give others. Stand up, look in the mirror, and take responsibility.

Two Words :: Recognize Opportunity

2007-07-23T09:36:00.000-05:00

I ran across a great post by a fellow blogger Steve Olson called 7 Ways to Help Yourself Recognize Opportunity, so our two words de'jour are Recognize Opportunity. Here is a summary of what Steve suggests, and they are all great:

* Develop relationships with highly creative people
* Write down everything that surprises you
* Journal about problems
* Journal about possibilities
* Be open to unorthodox ideas
* Eliminate limiting beliefs and mindsets
* Be grateful

Steve provides some astute observations and provides more detail for each of these seven ways on his blog.

I will add one more suggestion that I recommended in Just Two Words (the book) and that is to take a few 3x5 cards or Post-It Notes(tm), write the seven ways (above) down in bullet list form and place them in spots that you'll notice every day and hopefully multiple times a day.

Recognize the opportunity to remind yourself how to recognize opportunity as your day progresses; tape one of the cards to your bathroom mirror, add one to the dash of your car, put one up on the fridge, tack one up in your cubicle at work, or post on the edge of your computer monitor. Recognize Opportunity.

Two Words :: Live Free

2007-07-16T17:04:00.000-05:00

This is not a financial suggestion or a request to move to New Hampshire where Live Free is part of the state motto, and featured on every license plate in the state. Live free is a recommendation to live your life free of those things which prevent the future from unfolding as you desire.

In many cases this means literally making the decision in your own life not to accept those hurdles which create barriers to what you want to do, what you want out of life. In other cases, you create those hurdles. Stop it.

Do what makes you happy. How simple is that? It's all up to you and whether you decide to live free.

Two Words :: Walk Barefoot

2007-07-13T16:58:00.000-05:00

After all those formidable years without a care in the world and that "I really don't care what anyone thinks" attitude, it's high time to re-harvest some that youthful innocence.

Somewhere along the line, we started wearing socks and shoes, without fail, everyday and nearly all the time. Some even wear socks to bed (I make no judgment, just reporting the facts). Those who wear shoes to bed, well ... that's another story.

Recently, I tried to remember when I had actually gone barefoot for any length of time. No, we're not talking about being barefoot on the cushy pile carpet in the family room after a rough day at the office where even more carpet is spread out underfoot. We're talking about going bone cold barefoot out of doors, as in feeling natures carpet in your own yard, or strolling down the shoreline of your favorite beach, or even down the sidewalk (made of actual concrete).

So I decided to make a concerted effort to just go through the day inside and out, sans socks and shoes. If it's been awhile since you experienced the cool soft step of grass between the toes, I suggest tearing off those socks and shoes and go do a bit of that "like a caveman" walk through the yard.

It is good for both your soles and more importantly, your soul. Make it a point to be aware of what it feels like as each of those sensitive feet of yours touch Mother Earth below. Walk Barefoot.

Two Words :: Create Luck

2007-07-13T15:51:00.000-05:00

Given today is Friday the 13th, that infamous day of proclaimed bad luck, let's talk about luck. So how lucky are you? I submit only as lucky as you've chosen to be. How is that possible? Here is the first definition of the work luck at dictionary.com:

The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities

Therefore, I suggest the force in play, is (drum roll please), YOU! By large, you are the biggest force that operates in your life, for good or ill. Granted a two year old can't say this, but you get my drift. Although your upbringing and environment shapes your own circumstances to a degree, there is nothing more powerful than your own will and the force within each of us to take action.

I hear the questions from the back of the room: So how can I win the lottery? Well, first of all, you have to play the lottery. That is about the only impact you can have since you have no control over the little plastic ping pong balls that are randomly mixed and drop to render a winning combination.

Luck is more than just random chance. We must put ourselves in the position to win. If not, we can never win. Whether it's the lottery, pitching for a world series ring, creating winning values for your company or establishing a winning attitude in life, if you don't prepare and create those opportunities, we will forever be saying "with my luck, it will never happen".

Luck is an opportunity we create conditions for, and the better job we do at preparing, the greater chance we'll experience what everyone else calls luck. Create Luck.

Two Words :: Think Simple

2007-07-12T11:15:00.000-05:00

We need simple. We really do. Simple is as simple does. If you came up with that phrase, you deserve royalties. But "simple" is fundamental to us over complicating, chaotic thinking humans. Simple helps to remove clutter from our world, from our thinking. I call it "brain rubble" in my book Just Two Words, but whatever you wish to call it, complexity is a serious issue to contend with. Many times we are so deep in the rubble, we don't even realize it. Bad.

The old acronym KISS (keep it simple stupid) actually means something. First, it refers to the fact that we are all mostly stupid. Don't mean that as a direct insult and it's offered in the most compassionate way possible. We humans are wired to make things complicated, and many times do. That wreaks havoc with getting through life.

So stop and think first, as always. There is no requirement for complexity unless you're the federal government (that seems to be their job). It's an elegant approach to life really. If someone is bombarding you with complexity, stop them and suggest "give it to me in a few simple terms". If something is causing you strife with complexity (like every VCR on the planet), rid yourself of that device and seek out the simpler solution (and there are many).

Say it simple. Do it simple.

Two Words :: Give Praise

2007-07-11T15:25:00.000-05:00

Nothing goes further than a few words of praise. No, not talking about religion here, but just the average Joe. If you see someone doing something that's good or helps or simply makes a small impact on you or someone else's life, why not tell that person. Even if they are a stranger (oh go ahead, talk to someone you don't know). Whether it's on the job, in school or at the grocery store, giving praise for a helpful hand or a handful of jelly beans offered, it's a great feeling to give praise and to receive it.

So often we go through life hearing only the negative of what we did or how we did it, or what we said or how we said it. Sure, we all make a fool of ourselves on occasion and stick our foots in our collective mouths, but by in large, we all try and do and say the right thing. Doesn't take a but few seconds to appreciate someone with a few kind words.

Two Words :: Decide Now

2007-07-09T18:20:00.000-05:00

What are you waiting for in order to make that decision? More time? That's called procrastination. The fact is none of us have more time. We only have now. The future, that extra time you're waiting for may not arrive. Or if it does arrive, you may be so distracted that either forget to make the decision or use it for an excuse not make it.

We all make decisions. Do you make them now or do you wait and never make a decision? If you're in the latter group, consider this: For every decision you delay in making, someone else will make. In some cases, you will lose out on any benefit of making that decision whether it be pursuing a dream, investing in education, taking a walk to burn a few calories, or whatever it may be.

How many more trips around the sun do plan on making? Time is short indeed. Decide now. Take action now.

Two Words :: Write Now

2007-05-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

I had lunch today with someone whose job is to help people with planning and starting businesses. I've started a few in my time and will again, but he reminded me of something which remains important for anyone interested in starting and a business: and that is to write it down.

What should you write down? Everything and as much as you can. I am reminded of a few passages from a book I'm reading titled "The New Think & Grow Rich" by Ted Cuiba and Napoleon Hill (yes, the very same Napoleon Hill who penned the original book last century). Pick up a copy of The New Think & Grow Rich: An Unauthorized Re-Presentation of Napoleon Hill's Success Classic at Amazon if you wish.

You'll find lots of useful help in this and many books on how to do it, and every one of them instruct us to write it down. Write down why you want to go into business (you must have a compelling reason), what is your vision and how will you operate (mission statement), what your market is (who are your customers), how much will it take to operate, break even and make a profit (project revenues and expenses), what it will cost to start up your business (capital requirements), how you will compete for customers (marketing and promotion), and how you will manage funds (cash flow) and what your contingency plans are (in case your projections or the economy changes).

It's true that nothing is created without an idea. You have the idea. But nothing succeeds without a plan, whether it's building a house, landing on the moon or starting a business. Any successful plan must be committed to paper. Try it. It's both empowering and real at the same time. There is no time like the present to get down your ideas, thoughts, and plans in detail and on paper. Write Now.