Positive Qualities – Sisterly & Systematic

Dear Folks,
Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school. — Robert Fulghum (1937-) Author
If you have no female siblings, use the qualities mentioned in the definition under Sisterly with the women in your life.
Those of us who are naturally Systematic (or any other quality) need to see how difficult it is for others to first, grasp the concept and then, and especially, to made some headway with it.
Peace,
Jim
            SISTERLY
Definition: affectionate <as the intimate kindness of a sister>; characterizing congenial or loyal relationship with or among women
Familial Quality: brotherly
            SYSTEMATIC
Definitions: (1) precisely organized; having a logical plan; methodical; (2) having the need to order things, thoughts, ideas, or systems into an integrated whole; thorough
Advice: It is easy for a systematic person to get caught in the rut of efficiency by pursuing a task in a linear manner. If you add the qualities of flexibility and objectivity, you will be able to focus on the detail as well as manage to see the overview.
Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Formal & Multidimensional

Dear Folks,
Every time we say, “Let there be!” in any form, something happens. — Stella Terrill Mann , Author
When we see details of the patterns of reality, whether in society, nature, or the connections within our own internal character, we are seeing a portion of the Multidimensionality of our complex environment. We are always expanding our view and sorting and sifting where this goes and that belongs. The better we are at fitting the pieces together, the more the Formal picture of reality comes into focus.
Peace,
Jim
            FORMAL
Definitions: (1) being in accordance with the usual (social) requirements or customs; observant of conventional civil behavior or procedure; punctilious; (2) done or made in an orderly fashion; methodical; (3) having a regular arrangement or pattern; symmetrical
Synonyms: ceremonious, exact, precise
            MULTIDIMENSIONAL
Definitions: (1) referring collectively to the elements and aspects making up a complete personality; (2) the integration and harmony of body, mind, and spirit; (3) having the ability to function or to adequately adapt on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels of being
Balancing Quality: multidisciplined
Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Qualified & Supple

Dear Folks,
Nothing endures but personal qualities. — Walt Whitman (1819-1892) Poet
Yes, as Judy says, we are all Qualifiedly Supple. I can still get up on the ladder and work on re-finishing the siding; and I am thankful for that, even if I feel creaky in the morning. And when I hear the opinions of others, I can at least try to see the truth in what they believe, no matter how much it contradicts my subjective reality.
Peace,
Jim
            QUALIFIED
Definitions: (1) having the qualities, accomplishments, or training making one fit for some function, office, or role; competent; (2) meeting the conditions required by law or custom for exercising a right or holding an office; eligible
Synonym: capable
Quote:

Sometimes it is more important to discover what one cannot do, than what one can do. — Lin Yutang (1895-1976) Chinese Writer and Inventor

            SUPPLE
Definitions: (1) an ability of the mind to be resilient and adaptable <especially to something new>; (2) soft and pliant; flexible; compliant; (3) limber; lithe

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Common Sense & Self-governing

Dear folks,
People say that what we are all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking or thinking. I think what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive. That the life experiences that we have on the purely physical plane will have resonances within … our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive. That’s what it’s all finally about and that’s what these clues help us to find within ourselves.
Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life.
We’re having experiences all the time which … render some sense of this, a little intuition of where your joy is: grab it. No one can tell you what it’s going to be. You’ve got to learn to recognize your own depths.
Interview with Bill Moyers, Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) Mythologist
We can develop a trust in our own gut. Common Sense is originally imparted to youth by adults. And one of the things we learn pretty early on is that adults do not have all of the answers. Nonetheless, we can accept their information as what they take to be the rules of life, and move on from their. Knowing what is expected in society is the beginning of self-governed behavior, for both the individual and for the society.
Peace,
Jim
            COMMON SENSE
Definitions: (1) practical understanding or intelligence; (2) sound and prudent judgmentDerivation: Originally, common sense was the faculty uniting and interpreting the impressions of the other five senses.
Quotes:
Today’s common sense is yesterday’s science. — Neils Bohr (1885-1962) Danish Physicist

Common sense is instinct. Enough of it is genius. — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish Playwright

A walking encyclopedia will walk over a cliff, for all its knowledge of cliffs and the effects of gravity, unless it is designed in such a fashion that it can find the right bits of knowledge at the right times, so it can plan its engagements with the real world. — Daniel Dennett (1942 – ) American Philosopher

             SELF‑GOVERNING
Definitions: (1) having control or rule over oneself; autonomous; (2) characterizes a state, community, or region that is governed by its own people; democratic
Quote:
That state is best which governs least. — Thomas Jefferson (1742-1826) American Statesman, 3rd President of the Unites States

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Improving & Radiant

Dear Folks,
Live what you believe with the highest light you have.Steps Toward Inner Peace, Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981) Pacifist
Progress can be agonizingly slow, especially if the project is large or the individual is young. But time is on our side. Doing a little bit every day to Improve will make the difference. Making a point of seeking the light will result in the beginning of an understanding of Radiance.
Peace,
Jim
            IMPROVING
Definitions: (1) rising to a higher or more desirable state or value; (2) advancing progress in oneself, another, or a situation; (3) becoming better and better
Synonyms: enhancing, proficient
Comment: Although there are those times when we experience a burst of flourishing growth, most of the time improving is like watching paint dry – sure and steady. It takes time but it looks good, even as it is drying and adding a protective coating. Unlike paint, acquiring qualities continues to grow in beauty beyond the drying time.

            RADIANT

Definitions: (1) expressing love, confidence, happiness, and joy; (2) beaming <a radiant smile>; (3) feeling vitality and well-being; (4) emitting light; shining brightly
Quote:
The truth is inconcussible – forever exempt from all transient vicissitudes, albeit never dead and formal, always vibrant and adaptive – radiantly alive. — The Urantia Book (118:3.3)
Comments:
• Do not forget, radiance has a source. We see and feel a person’s light and call it radiance. But within their soul is the source of the joy which cannot be confined to a small human shape. Love emanates.
Quantitative matter, no matter a sun or an atom, radiate energy and seek entropy (degradation of energy). Qualitative elements work with an anti-entropic physics. They gain energy; they grow. The more spiritual energy you radiate the more you have to give.

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Original & Poised

Dear Folks,
Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. — Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) Jurist
We are all Original; each a unique person with a singular history of choices and experiences. Poise is also unique, our manner of carrying the qualities we have attained in our human shaped envelope.
Peace,
Jim
            ORIGINAL
Definitions: (1) first in order; preceding all others; the beginning; (2) arising or proceeding independently; inventive; novel; (3) thinking or acting in an individual or creative manner
Quote:
A mind that’s afraid to toy with the ridiculous will never come up with the brilliantly original. — David Brin (1950 – ) Brightness Reef
            POISED
Definitions: (1) composed, dignified, and self‑assured; (2) being in balance or equilibrium
Quote:
It is to the mind of perfect poise, housed in a body of clean habits, stabilized neural energies, and balanced chemical function – when the physical, mental, and spiritual powers are in triune harmony of development – that a maximum of light and truth can be imparted with a minimum of temporal danger or risk to the real welfare of such a being. By such a balanced growth does man ascend… — The Urantia Book (110:6.4)

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Materful & Victorious

Dear Folks,
We can discover this meaning in life in three ways: 1) by doing a deed; 2) by experiencing a value; and 3) by suffering.Man’s Search for Meaning (page 176) Dr. Victor Frankl (1905-1997) Psychologist
Our first impression of a word is often the one we hold as its only meaning. One can get the full flavor of a quality by seeing how it is used by many minds. We often think of this week’s qualities in their final stage of accomplishment. It is very rare to jump all the way to the end without going through the steps.
In order to Master our possibilities we must be Victorious in the small things. Progress is the real victory.
Peace,
Jim
            MASTERFUL
Definitions: (1) having the ability or power to control <self or others>; authoritative; (2) showing skill or knowledge proving one as an expert of a subject
            VICTORIOUS
Definitions: (1) exalted in having gained the advantage or superiority over negative passions, appetites, or temptations; (2) successful in the accomplishment of a positive goal; fulfilled
Synonyms: triumphant, successful
Symbol: the palm tree
Historic Figure: Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar [El Cid] (1040-1099) was victorious in every battle

Consider the Source




Positive Qualities – Explorative & Flair

Dear Folks,
The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire. — Socrates (470–399 B.C.) Philosopher
We are all blessed with certain fundamental qualities. We come in this world with innocence, curiosity, sweetness, and many others. These are our qualitative starting point. One of these gifts of grace is a knack, an ability, a Flair for something. We usually exhibit it as a child. Good parents notice this natural tendency. They allow and encourage their child to develop it. As we Explore our inner and external environments, we find new ways of being who we are, but also new ways of become who we can be.
Peace,
Jim
            EXPLORATIVE
Definitions: (1) look into closely; meticulous search; strict or careful examination; (2) willing to travel for purposes of discovery into regions previously unknown or little known
Familial Qualities: adventuresome, curious
Consequential Qualities: experienced, knowledgeable
            FLAIR
Definitions: (1) a natural talent, aptitude, or ability; bent; knack; (2) a uniquely attractive quality <as elegance, smartness, or sophistication>; style; (3) instinctive perceptiveness; discernment
How to Live This Quality Today: Notice what qualities your friends have a flair for. Weave that recognition into the conversation. By doing so, you will be building a flair as an artful complimenter.

Consider the Source




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