Post #27: 50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years: One step at a time

So after this post, this series will be complete in 23 MORE posts...WOW - this project IS A TON HARDER than I envisioned. So this "AHA" lead me to create:

Lesson #27 Learned: 

Most BIG GOALS are NOT EASY to complete, and it takes several smaller steps over a long-term to achieve SUCCESS.

 Instant Gratification is NOT going to do you ANY GOOD if you have a 

BHAG - Big Hairy Ass Goal

So many people want to make a big splash and accomplish something QUICK and EASY so they appear like a SUCCESS...but I have found that taking small steps toward my goal over time will reap the greatest benefit and long-term sustainability (WOW - that didn't sound like a fundraiser who occassionally writes grants - in my sarcastic voice)...

PERSISTENCE and PATIENCE and a GOOD ATTITUDE are key to the slow moving pace of working toward a BHAG.

NEVER EVER GIVE UP! ;-)

Post #26: 50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years: EVENT DAY readiness - ATTIRE Edition

Post #26: 50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years: EVENT DAY readiness - ATTIRE Edition (i may have another addition later with other useful tips to reduce your stress level)

If you ever have to plan and execute an event...and have to work all day and don't have any time to change your attire before said event (like fundraisers who work for nonprofits, like ME) then here are  a few tips I've Learned:

A. Wear something comfortable and cute (in case you don't have time to change later) and something that DOES NOT SHOW SWEAT!

B. If you think you might have time, then bring an extra set of clothes to change into.

C. Wear comfy shoes most the day, but bring the cute "fancy" shoes for the event to slip on about 15 minutes before guests arrive.

Here's what I wore (a good choice all around for this type of event prep day) recently - we had a Wine/Cheese event from 5 to 7 PM...i had to be at work earlier that day and go help buy the food and do all the other final prep leading up to the guests arriving:

Post #25: 50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years: The 4 Agreements

HALF-WAY thru this project to post 50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years ... see the first one here.

Post #25: The 4 Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

My friend Susi (purple font in her honor) introduced me to this wonderful little book about 16 or so years ago...These are truly powerful AGREEMENTS that if you follow, your life will run sooooooo much smoother. 

Follow Ruiz on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialFourAgreements/

In a nutshell, here's the summary:

Post #24: 50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years - Empathy vs Sympathy

I have always believed that I am empathetic, but I don't always get it right. I try to "SHOW UP" for those I love and sometimes even "show up" for those I don't particularly love (but feel obligated to show up by some other community or professional duty)...but I digress.

My next entry in 50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years is the difference between Empathy and Sympathy. I learned this from reading many of her books and this short video that is a great explanation by Brene Brown. Here, I am re-sharing what I have learned from her:

A. FIRST: The Power of Empathy Video - 2 minute explanation!

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B. NEXT: Brene Brown RESOURCES:

My intro to her several years ago: Her June 2010 TedXHouston "The Power of Vulnerability". <----click font="" there="">

Her website listing all her books, talks, etc. https://brenebrown.com/

I'm currently almost finished with her latest book: Dare to Lead. 

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C. LAST (but not least): THE quote she uses as a basis for most her research and practical applications of vulnerability (also one of my favorites BEFORE I was ever exposed to her work):

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”  --Theodore Roosevelt (American 26th US President (1901-09), 1858-1919)