Say What???

Recently I was listening to one of my favorite radio stations, 104.9 THE RIVER. It's a Christian Rock station. They had released a list of the most "happy" states in the country. Among the top was a real shock! You will never believe it! It's Michigan!!! SAY WHAT? Really? Detroit has one of the highest unemployment rates, the area is sooo depressed, but one thing is not....The value of family, faith and helping others! Yep, you heard it. The top three reasons they feel happy is because of their family values, faith and their involvement in community service. Ironically, three of the top secrets to happiness, you will also find in my book. If those areas are "right" in your life, there is not much that can go wrong...even at work!

Speaking of being happy, I am about to head out on vacation. Heading to Florida to watch my daughter compete in a National Cheer competition (GO iYooWee Fusion All Stars!) for 4 days in Orlando, Florida...Then we are heading on a 6 day caribbean cruise with friends...Sooo...I will chat with you when I get back.....Have a HAPPY Day!

Oh What a Night!

This title may bring you back to a great song that used to be one of my favorites, Oh What a Night (late Dec back in 63)...Loved it and that is how I feel about the book signing at Wyandotte Winery held last night! We had a packed house and great discussions. It is so interesting to me how many people really struggle with happiness at work. When I asked the group (of about 40 ppl) how many were happy at work, only about 10% raised their hands. It's tough enough to be happy in our economy now and after seeing so many wonderful people out of work struggling to make ends meet. So, today if you ARE happy at work, be GRATEFUL! If you DO have a job, be GRATEFUL. If you know someone struggling, reach out and help them. THAT is what finding happiness is really all about... Until next time my friends...

Video of WGN National TV Interview

Things have been a bit crazy. Had my Barnes and Noble book signing last Thursday, March 18th. I was overwhelmed with the show of support from my adorable family, friends and colleagues. Thanks to all who made it such a special night. A night I will always remember. Today I was filmed on WGN National TV In Chicago. Check out the video:

Chicago News: daily news, local news and TV news - WGN
www.wgntv.com
Chicago's Very Own WGN-TV Channel 9

This week, I will be at my sister's winery for another book signing - Thursday March 25th RSVP at wwww.wyandottewinery.com... And..it's my sister's 50th birthday. Happy Birthday Valerie!!! I love you!

My First Book Signing Event

Yesterday ended up being a GREAT day! In the morning, my daughter Madison had wrist surgery to remove a "mass" that needed biopsied. We knew going in it could either be a ganglion cyst that was broken up with scar tissue OR a tumor. You can imagine the emotional mess I was. Waiting 2 hours for the Dr to come out and finally tell me he thinks it is a cyst and scar tissue! Thank GOD. Then I rush home to change and get ready for my first book signing at my company, Sequent, to share my book with our clients. It was one special evening. I felt honored and proud to be the guest of honor. MY CEO and his wife, Jerri Sue and a few special executive admins worked tirelessly to make it a special event and it sure was! Just another reason I love my job and am POWERED BY HAPPY at work. It's so important to ensure that your culture is aligned with your same values, integrity and morals. When it is, cultivate it, appreciate it and make it work for you, because it is the core to your happiness at work and I am so lucky to have found that! Enjoy your day...

PS - My first TV debut is on You Tube - copy the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLS8hIMoS2g

Tricks to Office Politics

It's always a good thing to understand the "political landscape" in your company. Understand where the land mines are. Who to align with or who to stay away from. Understand what behaviros are not tolerated and understand what behaviors are celebrated! Depending on the company, these can be key factors to your success. Here are some tips on dealing with Office Politics.

Find a person within your company that has been there a long time, pick their brain on the office politics and how they have avoided any "pot holes"!

Try your best to stay neutral. If conversations with a co-worker head into a bad direction, make an excuse to exit the conversation.

If you feel you are the target, try politely confronting the person in private. Say something like, "I get the feeling you are upset with me. Have I done something? I value our working relationship and want us to get past this." Many times it is a misunderstanding that you can get past. If it is not, you'll learn a little more about what you are up against so you can avoid it.

Stay positive and only vent to "safe" friends. Enjoy your day!

Marshall Goldsmith - NEW Book - A great read and aligned with Powered by Happy!

Marshall's new book is entitled, Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose It. The title reminds me of an Austin Powers movie, but his message is really useful, especially now, in this uncertain, and to be frank, scary new world where whole industries are dramatically shrinking and you, me and everyone else is wondering if their job will still be here in five years, much less twenty.

Marshall acknowledges the angst of this age, but puts things into their proper perspective. The most important thing in life is personal happiness. Everything else flows from that. If we are healthy, earning a good living, maintaining personal relationships with those we love and respect, doing something that's meaningful and that you enjoy doing, you've achieved happiness. There is no other component.

The "Mojo" part is the key to achieving happiness. It is the moment when we feel we're 'on a roll,' firing on all cylinders, and everyone around us senses it. It's when we're moving forward, making progress, achieving goals, clearing hurdles, passing the competition — and doing so with increasing ease. Sports people call this being "in the zone," others describe it as "flow." Marshall describes it as Mojo — "that positive spirit toward what we are doing now that starts from the inside and radiates to the outside." Mojo plays a vital role in our pursuit of happiness and meaning, because it is about achieving two simple goals: loving what we do and showing it.

It's over!

Well, my first TV apperance is over! I have to say I am relieved! It was a great experience and now I know what to expect for next time so I can get better! My biggest tip - Keep a mint in your mouth or have a glass of water near by. I felt like I had 7 cotton balls in my mouth! Thought I would recap the segment. We talked about 3 hot tips if you are unhappy at work right now.

Understanding that 80% of people leave their BOSS not their job, here's the tips:

1 - Do an self - check. Look in the mirror? Do you hate your job because of something YOU are doing? How is your attitude? Your performance? Your results?

2 - Find out what others have done to work successfully with your boss and steal shamelessly their secrets to success.

3 - Confirm your boss's expectations (continually) and try to exceed them. Being successful in what you do makes you happy! Ask him / her - If you were to come to me in 6 months and tell me I have done a fantastic job, what would I have accomplished?

And finally - the overall tip. Always have a PLAN B. Just in case, it's so miserable you have to leave. It helps you feel a bit more in control with your career!

Today, I will be on WBNS radio at 3:30...Have a Happy Day!

Update to TV Appearance

FYI...I will now be on at 8:15am for the Good Day Columbus Show!

Upcoming TV Appearances

Hey everyone...Watch for the following two TV appearances to preview ideas around How to get and stay happy at work!

March 3rd - 7am Good Day Columbus (Fox)

March 22nd - Noon WGN Chicago National News (not sure which channel!)

Wish me luck! :)