Positive Qualities – Facinating & Motivated

Dear Folks,
We become what we think about. — Earl Nightingale (1921-1989) Motivational Speaker
Why is people watching such a Fascinating activity? We all carry our genetics, experiences, attitudes, and Motivations with us. Some of these are manifested on the surface. And if you are a good judge of character, even more is visible.
Peace,
Jim
            FASCINATING
Definition: to attract by delightful characteristics; captivating; extremely interesting; compelling
Derivation: Latin, “to bewitch,” “to enchant,” “to put under a spell”
Synonyms: alluring, charming, enamoring, enrapturing, entrancing
Comment: If you possess a balanced and broad range of positive qualities, you will be naturally fascinating.
            MOTIVATED
Definitions: (1) furnished with an incentive or a goal; (2) having the power to cause motion; incite, impel
Synonyms: Motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act; impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution; incentive applies to an external influence (as an expected reward) that will rouse one to action; inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another; spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.
Balancing Quality: service minded
Quotes:
By their fruits you shall know them. — Jesus of Nazareth (7bc-30ad) The Bible, Matthew 7:20
All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire. — Aristotle (384-322) Greek Philosopher
In gaining an entrance into the kingdom of heaven, it is the motive that counts. My Father looks into the hearts of men and judges by their inner longings and sincere intentions. — Jesus of Nazareth (7bc-30ad) The Urantia Book (140:3.19)
Affirmation:
I feel healthy. I feel happy. I feel terrific. I am riding a consistent, persistent wave of good fortune. — William Clement Stone (1902-2002) American Philanthropist
Observations:
Motivation will take the form of desire or concern.
The Seven Motivating Conditions
1. Love – altruism, encouragement
2. Hope – reward, desire
3. Curiosity – interest
4. Obligation – duty
5. Necessity – protection, survival
6. Fear – guilt, embarrassment, doubt, concern
7. Hate – revenge
The Ladder of Motivation
1. Love
2. Delight
3. Wisdom
4. Need
5. Want
6. Comfort
7. Pleasure
8. Discomfort
9. Restriction of freedom
10. Fear
11. Pain
12. Death
Tips:
• Keep your motives high, pointed toward your finest ideas and ideals.
• Momentum and inertia: Once you get moving, you have a better chance to continue.
• Variety is the spice of life. Change what you are doing often enough to keep it interesting.
• Repeat your decision often to impress the subconscious mind with the sincerity of your decision.
• How to get up in the morning: Be motivated by something you want to do (internal) or have to do (external).
• The more efficient you are at a task the more that task can be fit into a shorter attention/time span. But the more interesting it is the longer you will be able to continue it.
Comments:
• The “Just do it” or “Do it now” philosophy implies that you have focused your desires down to one option.
• Motivation is sometimes affected by promises. But then, the one doing the promising must be trustworthy enough to come through on the promise.
• When your motivation is survival, you simply do it. If you can synthesize or juxtapose that level of need with a goal, you will proceed as eagerly as if it were an absolute necessity.
• Sometimes you are convinced by a clever argument or a logical alignment of facts. You compare this information with your inner knowledge and are motivated to act. But if your knowing is confirmed by your inner wisdom, you are more likely to act on it.
Questions:
• How am I motivated?
• How do I provide motivation?
• How long is my attention span?
Exercises:
On Motivation and Procrastination — Jimmy Calano and Jeff Salzman, founders of CareerTrak seminars, A Course in Winning audio tapes
1. Get started.
2. Plot it out.
3. Break it up.
4. Do the first step immediately to build momentum.
5. Make sure you can do it.
6. Get what you need.
• Tools
• Expertise
• Time
• Intestinal fortitude
7. Remind yourself how good you are. List your accomplishments.
8. Begin each day with the most important and difficult task.
9. Visualize completion.
•Relax
•Enjoy your achievements
•Go over details
10. Do it for ten minutes.
11. Commit publicly – invite others to monitor your progress.
12. Reward yourself for accomplishment of a specific goal.
13. Become an automaton.
•Just do it
•Put one foot in front of the other
Actions Toward Positive Self‑Motivation — Denis Waitley (1933 – ) American Motivational Speaker, A Course in Winning audio tapes.
1. Replace the words “can’t” and “try” with “can” and “will.”
2. Focus all of your attention and energy on the achievement of the objective that you are involved in right now.
3. Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success.
4. Be solution‑oriented when presented with a problem.
6. Seek and talk to someone this week who is doing what you want to do – and doing it well. Get the facts from them. Learn about other winners in the field. Go to conferences, courses, and seminars. Read books.
7. See yourself enjoying the rewards of your success.
8. Repeat again and again, “I want to—I can. I want to—I can” about your goals.

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Indefatigable & Princely

Dear Folks,
We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) Poet
These two qualities remind me of my brothers. They are Indefatigable artists. It is in their blood, but more importantly it is in their souls. Maybe they cannot help but see the world in beautiful patterns, but their decisions to share that beauty – and to be the Princes they are – is wonderful to behold.
Peace
Jim
            INDEFATIGABLE
Definitions: (1) persistent and persevering through difficulty; (2) not exhausted by labor or yielding to weariness; untiring
Synonyms: assiduous, sedulous, unremitting, unwearied
Comment: Positive qualities are like a whole field of pearls of great price. Each is worth an inexhaustible effort.
            PRINCELY
Definitions: (1) liberal; generous; loyal; (2) befitting a noble prince; rich; imperial; regal
Synonyms: grand, lavish, magnificent, munificent, superb
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Jesus of Nazareth (7bc-30ad) The Prince of Peace

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Directed & Significant

Dear Folks,
Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or weak; and at last some crisis shows what we have become. — Brooke Foss Westcott (1825-1901) Theologian
Personality is where our free will resides. We are valuable to the most important Person in the Universe. Each of us is Significant. He gave us the prerogative to Direct our path. Simply look back on what has transpired in your life. How much of it was inner-directed and how much were you reacting to an outside influence. Even if you see you have been pushed hither and yon, you still and always have control of your own attitude.
Peace,
Jim
            DIRECTED
Definitions: (1) knowing where you are going; having a clear purpose; (2) guided, regulated, or managed <by oneself or by another>
Quote:
God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you. — Paulo Coelho, (1947 – ) The Alchemist
            SIGNIFICANT
Definitions: (1) a person of value; (2) the self-realization of one’s own worth; self‑esteem; (3) important

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Excellent & Sure-handed

Dear Folks,
Remember that your character is your destiny. — Author Unknown
You may consider yourself as Excellent in your own mind, but more likely, if you consider it at all, it is in combination with other qualities. One which is should be paired with is humility in order for the ego not to be overfed, but this week we can join it with Sure-handed. Maybe that will save the glass in the house from being dropped.
Peace,
Jim
            EXCELLENT

Definition: being of the very best quality; exceptionally good; first‑class; of great worth; superior; admirable
Synonyms: choice, prime, sterling, transcendent, worthy
            SURE‑HANDED
Definition: (1) displaying dexterity with confidence and proficiency; (2) good with money or with any important matter <A mother has to be sure-handed in many areas.>

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Determined & Gentlemanly

Dear Folks,
Your desires,
Whether or not your achieve them
Will determine who you become.
Parable of the Sower, Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006) Author
One must be careful with Determination. First be sure the ideas and ideals you aspire to are worthy, with that clarity your Determined focus is warranted.
As we have seen before, there is gender specific language we must use. This week it is the behavior of a Gentleman. If we look behind the words, we will see the qualities they represent.
Peace,
Jim
            DETERMINED
 Definitions: (1) resolute; unwavering; staunch; (2) having one’s mind made up; decided; resolved
Synonyms: firm, fixed, immovable, settled, steady
Compatible Qualities: The Principles of Kwanzaa: cooperative economics, creativity, faith, purposefulness, self‑determination, teamwork with responsibility, and unity
Too Far: stubbornness, narrow-mindedness
Comment: Once you recognize your desire is worthy, then pursue it with determination.
            GENTLEMANLY
Definition: pertaining to or becoming courteous, a gracious man with a strong sense of honor; polite; complaisantNote: If you are female, the traits described in the definition are still applicable. Use them.

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Positive Qualities – Frisky & Cagey

Dear Folks,
Be you perfect, even as I am Perfect. God The Father – circa 100 Trillion BC.
God sure thunk up some stuff! — John P. Downs (1913-2003)
Puppies and children are Frisky. If we maintain the natural habits of youth, we can retain them for a lifetime. An old person can still have a frisky mind.
There are often several definitions of many words. The idea of Cagey as  “practical foresight” gives us a new insight for this quality.
Peace,
Jim
            FRISKY
Definition: gaily active; lively; playful
            CAGEY

Definition: the ability to see what is coming and act accordingly; practical foresight; shrewd; clever; cunning
Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Gamesome & Well-spoken

Dear Folks,
It’s not having information that is going to make you happy and successful; it’s using that information that’s going to make the dramatic difference in your life.— Zig Zigler (1926-) Motivational Speaker, Author
One may have athletic talent, but if they are Gamesome without being sportsmanlike, is it valuable?  One may be Well-spoken, but if they do not care for the thoughts of others, is it worth the effort?
Peace,
Jim
            GAMESOME
Definition: sportive; playful; frolicsome; merry
            WELL‑SPOKEN
Definitions: (1) able to communicate with grace, kindness, or propriety; articulate; (2) civil; courteous; (3) having the ability to converse with ease; quick‑minded
Comment: It can often be a greater kindness not to speak.

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Adroit & Open-hearted

Dear Folks,
The Beatitudes: • Humility (The poor of spirit); • (Thirst for) Righteousness; • Meekness; • Pure- hearted (The pure of heart); • Tenderhearted, Sympathetic (They who mourn); • Merciful; • Peacemaker; • Endurance, Perseverance (Persecuted for righteousness) — The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus of Nazareth
We all have some natural or acquired knack. We are Adroit at something. We know we can develop these talents and become better than we are. Being Open-hearted means recognizing the heart and soul of the other person as valuable. Focus on your skills and desires, serve them, and they will become a part of you.
Peace,
Jim
            ADROIT
Definitions: (1) expert in using the body or mind; nimble; (2) cleverly skillful; resourcefully inventive; ingenious
Synonyms: artful, dexterous, proficient
Derivation: Latin, “to set in a straight line”
            OPEN‑HEARTED
Definitions: (1) candid; frank; (2) generous; kind; benevolent
Too Far: bleeding hearted

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Broad-minded & Stable

Dear Folks,
You, indeed, become what you want to be by affirming that you already are!The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity, Catherine Ponder (1927 – ) Minister, Author
The more Broad-minded we are, the more Stable is our foundation. It is a difficult process to transfer our secure footing from physical gravity to spiritual gravity, and yet the most stable of physics is heavenly.
Peace,
Jim
            BROAD‑MINDED
Definitions: (1) tolerant of various views; liberal; (2) inclined to tolerate, or even condone, departures from conventional behaviorComment: Some conservatives of this era have shunned the idea, and possibly even the ideal, of being liberal. But it seems the ideal of being broad‑minded is still considered valuable. There are many ways to think.
            STABLE
Definitions: (1) not easily moved or thrown off balance; not likely to break down, fall apart, or give way; steady; fixed; (2) firm in character, purpose, or resolution; steadfast; (3) enduring or possibly permanent; long lasting; (4) capable of returning to equilibrium or original position after having been displaced; flexible
Balancing Qualities: adventuresome, changeable, lively
Too Far: stagnant

Quote: Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American Author

Reflection: We hold on to our old selves while allowing our new selves to grow around the old. We are like coral, where the old is the structure upon which the new growth of life is active. The old self is a record of what we have chosen. The only you that is alive and vibrant is the new you. The past is the structure upon which we rely for stability. We know ourselves by who we have been, and yet we are not our past structure any more than we are our body.

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Meritorious & Thinking

Dear Folks,
A man is what he thinks about all day long. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) Essayist
Talk slowly but think quickly. — Author Unknown
Meritorious is an after-the-fact quality. Thinking is an in-the-moment quality, but the ‘moment’ includes the past and the future. Both are intrinsic. What do you think of that?
Peace,
Jim
            MERITORIOUS
Definitions: (1) worthy of notice because of superior qualities; (2) deserving fame or happiness as a reward for service; praiseworthy for exceptional action; (3) of intrinsic value
Derivation: Latin, “to earn,” “to gain,” “to deserve”
            THINKING

Definitions: (1) the power of reasoning and conceiving ideas; imaginative; (2) the ability of a person to form mental images; envision, (3) given to pondering a suggestion; cogitation; (4) focusing on something in order to arrive at a conclusion using logic, judgment, and inference
Synonyms: deliberating, fancying, realizing, reflecting, speculating
Quotes:
I am, therefore I think. — Dr. Chris Halvorson (1960 – ) American Theoretical Physicist

If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace

Then only are we thinking when the subject on which we are thinking cannot be thought out. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German Artist

Comments:
• Thinking people apply their knowledge to new situations unrelated to the original situation.
• To move from a single good idea to its completion surround it with compatible ideas, and umbrella it with good ideals.
• Complexity results from keeping ideas in your head. Create systems to help you express your thoughts. Holding ideas takes energy – write them down.
Types of Thinking
Additive, Aggressive, Anthropological, Brilliant, Aesthetic, Analytic, Extroverted, Financial, Clear, Constructive, Applied, Introverted, Historical, Deep, Creative, Backward, Kinky, Humanistic, Keen, Efficient, Broad, Optimistic, Legal, Mercurial, Expressive, Converging, Market‑oriented, Methodical, Innovative, Critical, Mathematical, Quick, Insightful, Decisive, Medical, Right, Instinctive, Deductive, Product‑oriented, Powerful, Literal, Diverging, Scientific, Productive, Practical, Eliminative, Sociological, Precise, Focused, Technological, Random, Forward, Verbal, Visual, Imaginative, Wishful, Incisive, Inductive, Intuitive, Judgmental, Narrow, Objective, Qualitative, Quantitative, Rational, Speculative, Subjective, Theoretical
Advice: A teacher must know the level of each student in order to challenge each with those things just outside his or her current level of understanding. But it is the responsibility of the student to commit themselves to strive for that understanding. If the challenge motivates them, they will give it some thought.
Color: sky blue
Symbols: 1) the hat; 2) the pansy; 3) the helmet

Consider the Source