I learned this from reading and listening to motivational speakers. It's a fast, easy boost that always works for me.
When someone asks, "How are you?" Instead of responding with "fine," try more energetic language. Why hide behind "fine" if you're feeling GREAT! And, if you're feeling so-so, why compound it with ho hum language?
Fifteen years ago, I tried it for the first time.
Back then I managed corporate health promotion programs at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Fresh from an inspirational read, I went to the cafeteria for lunch. The nature of my work was such that I knew everyone in the hospital, from the housekeeping staff to the CEO. I stood at the grill counter at the back of the line. One of the cooks asked me, "How are you doing?" I boomed, "I'm unstoppable!"
I remember the response of the eight people standing in front of me like a slow motion movie scene: Every head turned in my direction. The looks on their faces were a mixture of amusement, curiosity and disbelief. I thought, now that's power. If I had responded with any of the usual responses - "Fine," "OK," "Can't complain" or "Could be worse" -
These folks wouldn't have flinched, let alone taken their eyes off their lunch.
"Unstoppable" is just one alternative response. Make up a list of your own, put the list in your wallet and refer to it often.
Years later, I added "Super fantastic!" to my list. After a pause I said, "If I was any better, there'd be two of me!" I've yet to meet a person who won't at least smile after hearing that one. Often, the response is larger. And, if I say it to a group of people, I can hear them buzzing over it as I walk away.
Life is about growth and growth is the result of taking risks. The Lesson of the Chopsticks is a wonderful metaphor and road map for how we must approach risks if we want to grow.
- Jack Canfield, co-author, Chicken Soup for the Soul®
Short and simple, yet profound and enlightening, Ms. Greenlee has a talent for teaching life's most important lessons in a clear and entertaining way.
- Mike Hernacki, success coach and author of The Ultimate Secret to Getting Absolutely Everything You Want
Gina Greenlee's Lesson of the Chopsticks is a delightful book that, in a relatively short period of time, can have you moving into new possibilities. Whether or not you are a skilled user of chopsticks, you will find yourself filled by this clever book for hours, days and weeks to come.
- Bill O'Hanlon, author of Do One Thing Different, featured on Oprah
Last time, Gina reflected on how the decisions she made five years ago have favorably affected her publishing life today. In this episode, Gina learns, yet again, that the business of publishing is easier when she follows the open door.
Did you know that it's easier to get an endorsement (blurb) for your book from Jack Canfield - a man whose books have sold more than 90 million copies worldwide - than it is to get a local Barnes and Noble to run a book-related workshop you proposed?
A friend held a door wide open for me. On the other side of it stood Jack Canfield, in full view, amenable to reading my galley and possibly blurbing my second book, The Lesson of the Chopsticks. Instead, I thought, No way am I going to be able to get near this man, I don't care how many points of contact I've been given. Fuggedaboutit.
So, I went to door number two. It was locked. But it was closer than door number one and less intimidating. I knocked. The door opened a crack. I could see one eye of the manager of a local Barnes and Noble, 10 minutes from my house. I'm thinking, I'm a former columnist for the state's largest newspaper; I already have a local platform, a readership and recent promotional events that were well attended. Piece of cake.
Three months, three follow-up calls, two surprise drop-ins and one press kit later? Door number two slowly creaked shut.
Meanwhile, my friend was still holding door number one open. This time, she kicked me through it.
One FedEx, two e-mails, two phone calls and 11 days later, a handwritten note on Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises, Inc. stationery came to my door tucked inside my galley.
As my Daddy used to say, "Now, that's class."
Gina's publishing adventures continue in episode 15: She finishes her third book, one she started writing six years ago…
Looks like writers are reading more than readers are writing for this issue!
Below are my three word reviews for strong reads since my last newsletter. What are you reading?
Non-Fiction
Conversations with God, Book 2 - Neal Donald Walsh
Points for chutzpah.
Get a Life: You Don't Need a Million to Retire Well - Ralph Warner
Money-fear antidote.
Michael from Minneapolis, MN recommends:
Fiction
Saving Fish From Drowning - Amy Tan
Non-Fiction
1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus - Charles C. Mann
Tell me about your Symbol Life. How have your own metaphors for living shaped you? What leaps have you taken? I'd
love to hear about them.
Thanks for taking time to read my newsletter. I appreciate it and I'll be writing to you again in February. A super fantastic New Year to you!
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