Timeless Tuesday – Mom Knows Best – Put Your Mask on First

Posted on September 9, 2014 by MarleneMB

oxygen-mask-227x300 — Put Your Mask on First

When you were a child the last thing you wanted to hear is another unsolicited advice from a parent pointing out the flawed in your plans. My mother was always counseling me about what I should and should not do in a given situation, and she still does. I must admit many times I have done the opposite of what she suggested only to eat crow later! Lucky for me, my mother is not one to say “I told you so!” :-).

One of the best advice she gave me was: “Put your mask on first.” This she said is the advice that the airlines instruct the passengers to do; should an emergency occur. Put on your mask first, then you would be able to provide better assistance to the other person. She said if you don’t have proper oxygen, how are you going to help someone else. (Picture a Jamaican mother with a Jamaican accent!)

She gave me this advice when she saw me trying to give help to others at the detriment of my time, health and financial income potential. I confess that it is hard for me to say “no” when someone seeks my assistance. My mother was concerned that I was doing so much for others that I was ignoring my own needs and wants. I had to admit that she is right. Now I reassess each situation, prior to saying “yes.” I ensure that I have the time and bandwidth to handle what is being asked of me. I also take stock of how it will impact my business.

Yes. We have to admit most often Mom Knows Best. Next time before you commit, Put Your Mask on First! Happy Timeless Tuesday.

Keep Living a Diamond Life. Live a Life of Purpose!

Get your autographed copy of Live a Diamond Life, Live a Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters at “A Day with the Authors Event” Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 (10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.

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Fun Facet Friday – Football Season is Here – Where are You?

Posted on September 5, 2014 by MarleneMB

Looking back on Joan Rivers’ life, my views of her are: a woman that paved the way for other female comics in her field, provided laughter to millions of people and was constantly re-inventing herself. Most of all I recall that she spoke exactly what was on her mind…sometimes, the truth isn’t so easy to swallow. Whether you agree or disagree with her she had MOJO, Brass, and was a BadA$$!

Well, my friend, Dawnna St. Louis, may not be a comedian like Joan Rivers, but she is funny as heck and she doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. I love that Dawnna is willing to share her knowledge with others. She keeps it real for her clients. In one of her latest article “SALES MOJO: WHAT FOOTBALL CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT INCREASING SALES,” Dawnna shares how she guided her client, Jay, through his sales struggle using Football analogies.

I really enjoyed reading the article and learned a few pointers that I intend to utilize in growing my business. Here is the link to read the article: http://www.dawnna.com/salesmojopart5/

As an international speaker, mentor, business coach and author, Dawnna strives, like Joan Rivers, to constantly improve herself and others around her. She has written several books including MOJO MOGUL MAVEN: Smart Strategies to Smash the Glass Ceiling. She will be signing her books at the upcoming “A Day with the Authors” event on Saturday, September 13, 2014, 10a.m. – 5p.m. at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Come out and meet Dawnna and the other authors!

Enjoy your Fun Facet Friday and Keep Living a Diamond Life. Live a Life of Purpose!

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Wisdom Wednesday – Excellence: The Result of Doing Your Best

Posted on August 6, 2014 by MarleneMB

I do the very best I know how – the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Commit to doing your best each time you dedicate yourself to accomplishing a goal. You may not be the top performer in the group, but doing your best will get you noticed. When I was promoted to the manager of my peers, I was not the most technical person. Yet, the director of my group told me that he saw that I always did the best I could, gave it my all and got the job done. He said this was one of the leading factor in offering me the position.

Do you best because you know it is the right thing to do. It gives you a feeling of satisfaction and pride in what you do. Do your best, not because you think someone is watching; however, know that your actions are observed by others. You never know, you may reap an unexpected reward..Excellence!

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Invincible Monday – Happy

Posted on August 4, 2014 by MarleneMB

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” ~ Helen Keller

It is no surprise that Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” is such a successful hit with many people across age groups, cultures and nations. People enjoy being happy. I haven’t met many people who enjoy being sad or down. In fact, most successful people I meet seem generally happy.

In the infancy of my corporate career, one of my managers called me into his office one morrning. He pointed out that my attitude was affecting the team. He said that when I came into the office with a great attitude it was as though the sun was shining. When I came in with a bad attitude, the place was gloomy. Whether I knew it or not many of my team members saw me as leader. As such everyone around me couldn’t help but become contagious with my attitude: good or bad.

This was an eye opener for me. I became more aware of my impact on others because of my attitude. Now most often I choose to be happy. This doesn’t mean that I don’t have bad days, it just means I choose how I react to each situation. By choosing to see things working out for the best, I feel better and happier. Happiness is a choice and is within you. Take Helen Keller’s advice “Keep Happy!”

Live a Diamond Life! Life a Happy Life of Purpose!

Pick up a copy of the Diamond Cutters book to learn how to find your purpose.

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Invincible Monday – Here’s a Hand

Posted on July 21, 2014 by MarleneMB

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Audrey Hepburn

Many people have extended their hands to help me throughout my career and my life. This has allowed me to extend my hand to others in the same manner. Helping others is not only taking your Diamond Living to a higher level…it will bless you.

When you reach out to someone else and provide assistance to them, you are also aligning yourself to receive many blessings. You may encounter some who don’t appreciate the helping hand you extend to them. Don’t let that stop your giving. Keep giving. In this way, your hand will already be open to receive life’s gifts.

Share your experience of how someone has blessed you by lending a hand, or a time when you were able to lend a hand in the comment section.

Pick up a copy of the Diamond Cutters book to learn how to find your purpose.

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