Return on Life: Let someone else know they matter

My husband and I just finished teaching the Junior Achievement class "Economics for Success" to two eighth grade classes at Seneca Valley Middle School in Zelienople, PA. This was our first experience as JA volunteers and I wasn't sure what to expect from kids that age. We were both pleased to find that the classes we were assigned to were polite, interactive, and appreciative of our time.

What struck me the most, however, was something that happened on the last day of my class. I handed out certificates of completion to each student as they shared, one by one, what they would most remember from the class. After the first few students, I noticed an intense interest in the certificates, which was followed by a series of questions: Had I actually signed all the certificates myself? Had I really written each student's name and date on there myself? (yes, yes, and yes). Then the reaction: "Wow, that was a lot of work. You really made these for each of us."

Each student shared an insightful learning from one of the six classes. But I really think that at least during that last class, what was most important to the students was that they truly felt important. They knew they mattered. How small a thing--hand writing 24 certificates--and how big an impact.

What can you do to let someone else know they matter? It's so often the things we feel are nearly insignificant that have the greatest impact. Say thanks, give a sincere compliment, make the bed if you normally don't. You'll have a greater impact than you would imagine.

Return on Life: We're all in the same boat!

Yesterday I was the keynote speaker at a workshop presented by Pittsburgh Professional Women (PPW). My speech was preceded by a panel of five female business owners. Beth Caldwell, of PPW, asked each panelist a series of questions around the topic "Getting paid what you're worth." Her questions addressed issues such as how each panelist set fees, whether fees were the same for the same product or service sold to different markets, and what they would have done differently in starting their businesses.

The panelists ranged from young to not young and their businesses included psychologist, life coach, DJ, personal organizer, and an owner of multiple businesses including one which sells furniture.

What was interesting about their responses was the similarity of the issues they faced. Each dealt with them differently, but when it came right down to it, they have all faced many of the same struggles in building their businesses. And by their comments, the attendees (mainly women in business as well) faced the same issues. The workshop was a good reminder of how helpful it is just to hear 1) we all struggle with the same issues, and 2) it helps to hear other's perspective of how to deal with the struggles--or even sometimes just to share our own.

I believe this is true of our lives in general. Sometimes we feel as though we are the only one struggling with a particular issue. That alone-ness makes it difficult to maintain a positive attitude. I can say pretty confidently that whatever struggle you are having, someone else has the same struggle now, or has in the past. Sharing your struggles (not whining and complaining, mind you) helps just in the sharing, but also by confirming that we are not alone. That in itself can improve your attitude. It might also help you find a solution to the issue. Being willing to share past struggles and how you've dealt with them can help someone dealing with a current issue.

We sometimes tend to believe that others have it all figured out simply because we don't see evidence of struggles. Don't imagine that you're the only one, and don't hesitate to seek help or to provide it. Either way, you'll be part of making this journey of life a more fulfilling one all the way around!

Return on Life: The Groundhog Day Lesson

I'm not referring to February 2, celebrated as Groundhog Day each year, but to the 1993 movie starring Bill Murray and Andie McDowell. I had seen it when it first came out, but hadn't actually watched it since. My husband and I happened across it this weekend. All I had really remembered (and frankly, ever heard reference to) was that the movie was about Bill Murray getting stuck living Groundhog Day over and over again in an endless loop. I thought of it as a mindless Bill Murray comedy.

As we watched again this weekend, I realized that I had missed the entire message (or at least not retained it). If you haven't seen this movie for awhile, watch it again. What you'll learn is that the reason Bill was stuck on that same day is that he hadn't learned to care or think about others. Once he did--truly, not just by pretending--he was able to move forward with his life. It was all about how he saw things and what he focused on. The movie illustrates one of the five basic attitudes necessary for increasing your Return on Life--have an attitude of love.

Are you feeling stuck in your life--as if it's the same day over and over again? Watch Groundhog Day, and adopt an attitude of looking at what's right in the world, and how you can make the lives of others better. Just as in the movie, it will propel you to a brighter, sunnier future. It will increase your Return on Life!