I am thankful for the American taxpayer.

THEY SHOULD PAY THEIR “FAIR SHARE’.

How many times over the years have you heard a politician use this statement with regards to Federal Income Tax debates?

I have my own political opinions on all the “issues” but I’m not discussing what I think should or should not happen. What I AM concerned about is using misrepresentations to give an impression to the American public that: a) something is not currently happening and b) it is said to incite people who take the statement at face value.

Our tax structure has been the same for at least as long as I have been around. Taxes are based on your total income individually or married. You must count not only wages but interest earned, dividends, etc. etc. etc. Meaning all forms of “making money” count.

We pay a percentage of those earnings. As the income rises so does the percentage. The current percentages range from 0 to 10% for the lowest paying taxpayer to 35% for the highest earning tax payer just for the Federal Government.

Doesn’t this already mean that the more you make the more you pay? AND doesn’t this mean that not only is 10% of a higher income mean you pay more dollars (10% of $10 is $1 — 10% of $100 is $10) but on top of that you don’t just pay 10% you can get as high as 35% (35% of $100 is $35) if you reach the top levels of income?

The meaning of the word “fair” which has been used since before the 12th Century is “equitable, impartial”. Aren’t we already asking those who make more to pay more which isn’t “fair” but “accepted” in order to assist those who are less able to pay.

The increased revenue to the government is and has been needed to support our Federal  Programs and National Safety. We should be grateful higher paid Americans do pay proportionately more in taxes, not accuse them of taking advantage of the system or tax dodging.

Why don’t we hear; ” We are asking those who make more in our Country to pay more for the benefit of all, and we appreciate their sacrifices in doing so”.

Wouldn’t that be a “fair” statement?

We are also used to hearing about “loopholes” the wealthy can take advantage of in preparing and paying their taxes. These loopholes per se were put in place when there were specific needs our society had, and we encouraged those with money to spend it in the endeavors we needed. These deductions are continually in flux. They come and go. And not being a tax attorney I would venture to say they are almost extinct at the current time since you don’t see a run on Hummers right now.

Let’s be “fair” and appreciate our fellow Americans for what they do contribute – not what we think they don’t.

Let’s solve our financial problems with integrity not alienation.

I for one am thankful for the citizens who are able to support our country with their tax dollars in this economic climate to whatever extent they can.

Best Regards,

Kate

YOUR DREAM ; DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF IT

Where does your dream lead you?

Some people have a lot to say all of the time. This is a good thing especially when they are your favorite author, writer, speaker or any number of talents that attract your attention.

Some people are great listeners and after thoughtfully listening to your story provide encouragement, strength, enlightenment, comfort, hope or any emotion that may help us to move forward toward our goals.

Some people can do both well and provide the world with wisdom and winners.

I admit my dream is to become both a great listener and communicator. The listening can help me understand what people want; and the communicating can help me express to people what tools may be important to them to attain their dreams.

I also admit I have not reached my dream and often fall short of the intended mark. However I realize it is a constant education on my part to listen better and keep up with new tools available in our ever-changing world.

From every experience I have I gain new information to bring me closer to my dream. I learn to listen and communicate in a more beneficial way to my audience whether it’s one person, several or many.

I continually want to be better at helping others and in return helping myself. I want to encourage others as well as provide information that may help them. I want to give praise while helping them identify their unique talents. I want to give support while they are on their way to victory. I want to give them hope so they can hold onto it for their own.

But to accomplish this I must keep practicing.

I have to practice being present and asking questions. I have to ask them to describe their dream. I have to help them discover their unique talents if they have not done so on their own. I have to actively think of what I can personally do to assist them in attaining their dreams and using their talents.

I have to listen, learn and do something.

That something could be as simple as a heart-felt note to express my appreciation and belief in them; or as complex as setting up a difficult introduction to someone who could help them with their dream.

I want to be of help to others (my dream – it also includes writing meaningful articles that encourage people).

Just like those I want to help I must hold onto hope. The hope that I can become an outstanding mentor to others in attaining the strength and happiness they deserve in this life.

What is your dream ?

Success is not a mountain to climb; it is a path to follow all the days of our life.

Our gifts and our values lead us down the path. They are our road map (our GPS) to the destination of fulfillment. We can never get lost or give up hope that we will fulfill our dreams.

Have you thought about how to accomplish your dream?

Do you have advocates to support and encourage your dreams?

Have you done something about moving toward your dream today?

Have you assisted others in accomplishing their dreams?

Have you kept hope alive even through tough learning experiences and difficult economic times?

Rekindle your dream and never lose hope in its’ inevitability.

It has been said:

A person can live forty days without food; four days without water; four minutes without air but only four seconds without hope.

Be the hope you need and give hope to those around you and as they say ” may all your dreams come true”.

What Does Your Workspace Say

Have you ever looked around your work environment and seen a lot of  “different environments”?

Some desks are clean surfaces with workable tops. No stacks, no clutter and no paper in sight at the end of the day.

Others are filled with stacks of papers.

And yet others are not only filled with uneven stacks but strewn with clutter on floors, cabinets and any available surface with no apparent place to perform a task.

In this age of  “paperless” communication  there seems to be even less reason for this workspace’s seemingly chaotic environment. However it still exists as it always has perhaps to a lesser degree. (This same philosophy applies to computer files, emails, social media, etc.)

Our professional workspace is a microcosm of how we interact with and manage the “things” in our life and how we “think”.

Consistency and order are reflected in the spotless workspace. There is a sense of having and needing control. Control over our work, its output and how much we accomplish. Structure brings this person gratification. The quality of the output is consistent. Daily processes and procedures are met rigorously. Interruptions to routine are met with resistance. Piles are not required because when work is put in its proper place it will be taken care of in its ordered time.

Spaces where piles reside do not indicate any less desire for control but perhaps a sense of “urgency for all tasks”. All work is considered equal. Everything must be done at once. Decisions about order are not made easily. Things become sorted by: 1) Must do 2) I might be able to do and 3) It might be something extra I will be able to get to later. The daily work is done with skill and pride but there might be more I can do and by having it in sight I’ll remember to “get to it”.

Chronic chaos is just that. Work is done as the need arises. The more urgent work comes to the surface through deadlines (both internal and external). When the work is done it posses exceptional concentration and thoroughness. The person devotes their whole being and brain when performing any task. The work is detailed and insightful but not done in any consistent order or any predetermined schedule. The chaos does lead to things being “forgotten” or not attended to without assistance, but the work is so valuable when done that the aid of an assistant to set priorities can be worthwhile as a tool for this individual.

In all three cases it is always imperative that the person’s work is exceptional and they are the best person to perform certain jobs for the company.

Given that prerequisite, how does a leader (or parent, or teacher, or companion) relate to and embrace these differing styles of work and behavior?

You have the responsibility of bringing the BEST work out of each person and the group as a whole.

Each of these individuals brings different values that combined should bring excellence.

Your goal is to know how to assign jobs, roles, projects and responsibilities. Your job is to put the pieces together in such a way that the outcome  is beyond what any one person could accomplish.

The “organized” worker or “deleter” in computer terms, is excellent at knowing  and meeting their deadlines and the deadlines of others. Use this strength. Work that is repetitious and needed weekly, monthly, etc should become their responsibility. In addition they can be in charge of prompting others for deadlines they need to meet and usually cannot on their own. Their work is communicated well so everyone understands what their part is in order for the deadline to be met.

The “piler” or “file folder winner” in computer terms, is invaluable at seeing a bigger picture, formulating process and procedure, looking for new or better ways to do things or how change can occur. They can see to the end of the puzzle and work backwards to the steps that need to be taken along the way. They are not rigid but more flexible in reorganizing priorities as the need arises. They do adhere to and understand deadlines and are usually willing to help others achieve the results required in the time allotted. Their talent at problem solving can be used throughout the company.

The “chaotic” or “ram user” can bring genius. Innovation is usually more important than following tradition. They can be more “thinkers” than “doers”. They can be invaluable in getting others to see new possibilities. They can help sales by looking at new products or services. They can streamline production. They can use methodology to simplify process. They can assist the company in keeping up with technology.

Of course not all people exhibit their strengths through the state of their workspace or the way they manage their computer files, but when you get to know their work product and their abilities it is always up to you – the leader – to provide them with the opportunities to use their talents to their fullest potential.

Pay attention to your team as a group and as individuals and you will never be disappointed in the outcome.

What does your workplace normally say?

How can you look around and better redistribute duties to strengthen the team? ( Who should really be responsible for that monthly report? Who should be in charge of monthly sales quotas? Who should be responsible for social media? Who should be editing my blog? Just checking you got to the end.)

Love to hear from you!

Mother’s and Mentor’s Day

I am so grateful to have a dear friend who among other gifts and talents does relationship coaching/consulting. ( Understanding relationships is vital to both your professional and personal growth. )

Years ago I heard her give advice to a group of women as Mother’s Day approached.

Her message was heartfelt and impactful. Mother’s Day is a reminder to thank not only your Mother but your Mentors as well. The people in your life who have served as surrogate “mothers” throughout your life.

Writing a note to someone ( female or male ) who may or may not know how important they are to you, or how they have helped you along the way, is a great way to say thank you.

________________________________________________________

Some things you may want to say:

Thank You for being in my life.

Thank you for your guidance, your caring and your support.

 Thank you for the unconditional love you have given me. ( Sounds like Mom doesn’t it ? )

Thank you for your shoulder to lean on, your words that soothe, your insights and your unwavering belief in me.

Thank you for your example of strength and courage, your ability to see the true me and your trust in my success at whatever I choose to do.

I’d like to thank you today as I do every day when I remember the things I am grateful for in my life.

Through your example I have learned to “mother” and mentor those who I have had the privilege to know and love.

Every word I speak, sentence I write and action I take has been positively influenced by knowing you.

 ________________________________________________________

There is no better way to live life than to be an inspiration and advocate for others.

Don’t wait — write your notes today. You will be giving the gifts of recognition, praise and gratitude.

_________________________________________________________

Relationship Coaching/Consulting:

Cottor Consulting Ltd., Sharon Cottor — www.cottorconsulting.com

_________________________________________________________

The Nay-sayers; Don’t listen

A few encounters recently lead me to reflect on how I react when others are negative about an idea or plan I have developed.

A friend of mine Jackie Dishner first pointed out the word “Nay-sayer” in a presentation she gave to a group of business women. (I would highly recommend her as a motivational speaker.) It was the way she said it with so much disdain combined with laughter that first caught my attention.

A Nay-sayer is anyone who does not believe. They don’t believe in you, your ideas, your abilities and most likely don’t believe in change or creativity.

When I encounter a Nay-sayer my first reaction is usually doubt in myself. It takes a lot of work and self-esteem to just let it roll off your back and proceed straight ahead.

I have worked very hard at letting this occur and I have found that each time I regroup, revisit, clarify my goal and plow ahead I come out even more determined to reach my desired outcome.  

Then I share my plan or aspiration with more people and dismiss the Nay-sayers until eventually I find someone willing to give encouragement. The moment I have been waiting for – someone who believes.

Right after the first believer my enthusiasm and determination begin to ascend. I add to my plan. I can envision the outcome. I can get more people to believe and they in turn share their belief – and so the ball starts to roll.

Eventually the ball becomes so big that it takes everyone involved to carry it up the hill to the top of the mountain – where we can all see clearly the final outcome or result. And as a group who have supported and encouraged each other we are very proud of our accomplishment and the result we’ve attained.

This pride both individually and collectively ironically was part of the original plan. Pride in our contributions. Pride in our determination. Pride in our ability to change, to grow and to help each other along the way.

And so the journey begins again. We develop a sustainability plan. We develop the next growth plan. We look around for what we can improve or what gives us more joy and satisfaction.

Then we dismiss the Nay-sayers and find our new group that will help us on our next journey just as we will help them.

I’ll see you along the way in the valley and meet you at the top of the next mountain.

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Kate Rakoci  krakoci@cox.net   www.askmisskate.com

Reference:  Jackie Dishner  http://bikewithjackie.blogspot.com

Recommended reading: “Our Iceberg Is Melting” by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber

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The Wearing of the Green

I know why every year I celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It has to do with a mother whose maiden name was O’Connor and was born on the Emerald Island.

I started to wonder why others who may not have the same heritage are always happy to enter into the celebration. Then I came up with my own theory.

In life as in business it takes all different types of personalities, strengths and skill sets to get the best possible results on any task. We more often than not work with others and discuss our differences; different styles, different opinions, different methods. In doing so we have an opportunity to learn and grow from those around us. We can also create the best possible teams getting the best possible results (as illustrated in “Our Iceberg Is Melting” by John Kotter — a good read).

However commonality makes us feel like we belong. When we have something in common with others we create a bond. We feel liked, welcome and safe (a shared vision or goal is the result of working as a diverse team and creating common goals).

Ultimately we need both differsity and commonality to move forward for the desired outcome.

I choose to think of St. Patrick’s day as a display of both. For one day we can all be different and the same. We can wear green and shamrocks, drink green beer, look for leprechauns with pots of gold and have fun regardless of differences and nationalities.  We all have a mutual goal —- to have fun and be with others who want to have fun.

If you have the opportunity to create fun at work even better — we could all use laughter and humor to keep things in perspective. It’s also a great day to show your appreciation for a job well done.

So pass out the shamrocks, dust off the Irish jokes, wear green and tell everyone you meet “May the luck of the Irish be with you!” today and always.

Stand a head above the crowd and say “I”

If you’d like to differentiate yourself from everyone else around you, use the word “I” and use it properly!

It is not “me and Kate Middleton” , nor “me and my friend”.

It is not “me and Colin”, nor “me and the rest of the attendees at the Academy Awards”.

It is “my friends and I”,  “Saint Patrick and I”, “my boss and I, “my fellow constituents and I”, “the whole gosh darn world and I”.

It’s a simple formula to remember when you actually want to sound like you know what you are talking about and how to express it appropriately.

You always come last — and you refer to yourself as “I”.

Our forefathers apparently understood courtesy and manners. They gave us a language that showed respect and regard for others. Others come first.

If you truly want to be different and value others as much as yourself a simple start would be to use the English language correctly.

It shows your determination to be the best you can be at whatever you do. And, those people who appreciate effort will take notice.

It is not our place to “correct” others. Everyone has a choice on how they want to be perceived and how they choose to communicate.

But I guarantee if you consciously make an effort to go back to proper grammar others will notice, and if they notice maybe they will copy. Set the example.

They say imitation is the best form of flattery. Let yourself be flattered.

Show how you stand apart from the pack.

Goals; make them realistic but NOT pessimistic

Halfway there

 You’ve taken some time for yourself and formulated your goals (January 17 topic). You’ve “wordsmithed” them to create experiences (January 22 topic).

You’ve realized that stated goals are very powerful. They dictate everything, your choices, your behaviors, your attitudes, and most importantly where you spend your energy.

One more caution —  the experts say to be realistic and set goals within your control.

However too often this can lead you to be afraid to set a goal because of your perceived view of outside influences (the economy, your current job, negative friends or coworkers, etc.).

I encourage you to be realistic but not pessimistic. You do have control over your own life. You can attain your goals regardless of other people’s pessimism or even your own.

Fess up to your real desires. Imagine what your life would be like. Take it one step at a time.

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” Walt Disney

Find the people in your life that you can share your goals with freely. The people who will support and encourage you to keep on moving forward. Keep in touch with them regularly for positive feedback.

If you have the right goal for you and you feel you are not progressing, remember these thoughts when things seem harder than anticipated.

Don’t leap to the end; think incrementally

Incentivize yourself

Celebrate your victories

Believe you can attain and you do deserve

Be resilient

AND at the end of every day reflect on the progress you’ve made — take a deep breath, smile and know that tomorrow will get you yet another step closer to your goal.

Reflecting

“Wordsmith” Your Goal

Take a close look …. at what you really want when you set a goal? Take time to evaluate your goals and say what you want the end result to look like.

What is the detailed picture you want to experience?

 

I read an article by Martha Beck on goal setting strategies and I was really impressed with her insight on the topic.

Her insight is as follows:

In setting a goal you need to focus all your efforts on the quality of the experience you want to create (not the situation).

Her method is to use adjectives in setting your goal instead of merely nouns and verbs. It is a tremendously powerful tool.

 

For instance if my goal is to be financially independent.  I should state it using adjectives about how I want to feel when I accomplish this goal.

 

What if I reach my goal but I have no relationships and feel lonely, or do not have good health and can not really enjoy my financial independence because I am physically dependent on others.

 

What do I really want? Freedom? Independence? Choice? The ability to be generous? The ability to help others? To be free from worry? The ability to work on what I want instead of what I need to in order to pay the bills? Etc.

 

As Martha Beck says, adjectives in a goal define the experience — not the situation.

 

Great advise. Start looking closer at your goals and sprinkle them with adjectives. Visualize how you want to feel. 

 

Each day make choices that make you feel the way you’ve envisioned and move one step closer to the goal.  

Turn your resolutions into goals; one step at a time

This time of year we hear a lot about resolutions.  What is the difference between a resolution and a goal? 

The definition of a resolution is “a promise to yourself that you’ll make a serious effort to do something”. 

When we make New Year’s resolutions we often say “I will” or “I’ll stop”.  We look at a behavior or we focus on a short-term change (losing weight, exercising, doing something better, etc).  These seem to represent steps toward something else.

The definition of a goal is “the end toward which effort is directed”. 

This would indicate you will be taking steps (resolutions) that will ultimately get you to an end you desire. Synonyms according to the dictionary are: aim, ambition, aspiration, dream, end, idea, ideal, intent, intention, purpose and target to name a few.

I encourage you to look at the resolutions you may have verbalized and evaluate how to broaden them to express your ultimate goal.

If your resolution was to lose weight or exercise more,  is the goal really to be happy, healthy and self-confident?  If it is to be more helpful to and tolerant of others, is the goal to be compassionate, loving and have peace of mind.

The goal is so much more than the resolution. It is how you want to experience the world around you, it’s how you envision living your life.

You can start attaining your goals immediately.  If you have your goal clearly in mind, every time a decision is required you will choose your course with intention.  Your goals will light the path to your ultimate destination.

“If you don’t know where you are going any road will take you there.” Lewis Carroll

Set goals, change them whenever you feel the need, believe you can attain them and you will be on the path of your chosen life.