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By Kathleen Passanisi. Kathleen Passanisi PT, CSP, CPAE is an internationally recognized transformational speaker, therapeutic humor expert, healthcare professional and author. She has spoken to bajillions of people about life balance, wellness, the power of perception, and the link that exists between humor and health. Kathleen is a member of the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame and the funniest woman in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri (and, quite possibly, the Western Hemisphere.) For more information on Kathleen's presentations, books and products please visit the New Perspectives website at www.KathleenPassanisi.com
The faces and forms of the American fitness revolution have changed a lot in the last twenty years. Long before Tae-bo, spinning, or Bikram yoga dominated the workout world, step aerobics, calisthenics, and inline skating were hotter than Jane Fonda’s spandex fashions. The last twenty years also saw the rise and fall and redemption of Dr. Atkins, the cooling off of the South Beach Diet, and the sour resurgence of the Grapefruit Diet. Similarly, the last two decades have seen radical changes in pop music. Punk died, grunge faded, and the Macarena got really old really fast. Boy bands faded away into power ballad pumping solo careers. Music stars got reality shows. Reality stars released albums. And yet, through all this change, one fitness fad stood the test of time and has the results to prove it – Richard Simmons' literally timeless classic, “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.” With three million copies sold, “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” raises the question: what does Richard Simmons have that is so irresistible? It certainly isn’t those short shorts of his. The answer is a magical ingredient he tapped into long before the rest of us – the music! Now, twenty years later, science is proving his method. More gain with less pain! Studies by the Department of Kinesiology at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania and the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota have proven the multiple effects of music on exercise. These results were proven on the well and sick alike – and the news is very encouraging. In the first study, ten physically fit men listened to music while running on a treadmill. They exhibited healthier blood pressure, heart rate, and general comfort than when they ran without music. Their perceived effort was also dramatically reduced by the music. The scientists also tested twenty-four patients with moderate-to-severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.) All study subjects were told to walk at their own pace for twenty to forty-five minutes up to five times a week. All were given pedometers and twelve were given portable tape players to walk with. The walkers with music experienced a significant decrease in dyspnea (painful, short breathing) which allowed and encouraged them to walk further distances than the other group. No matter which group you are in, you can reap the benefit of adding a little pleasure. More gain with less pain! The better the beat, the bigger the bonus! The biggest part of Richard Simmons’ secret is that music is a major muscle motivator. And here’s the rest (also backed up by science, of course). There’s a reason he chose “Great Balls of Fire” and “Peggy Sue.” According to WebMD Medical News, new research now proves that listening to up-tempo music can increase the intensity and speed of your workout. Test volunteers, all in good health, were given a mix tape. They were instructed to cycle on a stationary bike for sixty minutes and listen to the full tape. The study showed that as the music’s tempo increased, the exercisers pedaled faster. Heart rate and power output also increased as the beats quickened. Like Michael Jackson always said, it’s “Easy as 1,2,3” Banish the idea of a painful, boring workout. The road to wellness can be fun and stress-relieving. So grab your Walkman, Discman, or iPod and get moving! Remember:
Wait, there’s more! Around the time my daughter learned algebra, research revealed that music is good for your mind. Enya CDs popped up in classrooms; quiet study time now had a Vivaldi overtone. So approach this science like an algebra problem: if music is good for your brain, and music is good for your body, can it exercise both at the same time? According to a research team at Ohio State University, “yes!” Thirty-three patients at a cardiac rehabilitation center were given a tape of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” to listen to while running. Shortly after, they were given a test on verbal ability. A few days later, this pattern was repeated without the music. The results were astounding. During the trial with music, the runners experienced healthier heart rates and blood pressure – a major benefit for people with cardiac issues. They also scored higher on their verbal tests that day. Not only does involving music make you healthier, it makes you smarter as well. Now that’s what I call having your (low-fat low-carb) cake, and eating it too! Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!
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By Christine Cashen
My son started at a new high school at the beginning of this school year. As he knows no one, his motivational-speaker mom provided this brilliant advice: “I bet there are a lot of new kids. Just say hello and introduce yourself. Ask them about themselves and before you know it, you’ve started a conversation and maybe made a new friend.” Easy breezy. He’s a great kid. He’s got this! Then day #2… my son comes home with this, “Why can’t kids just talk to each other? No one asks questions. Everybody just looks at their phones. No one asked me a thing. They just want to talk about themselves.” Ugh. My pitiful response is that adults are not much better. With technology taking over, face-to-face communication has taken a back seat and people are getting rusty. Let’s bring the art of conversation back. So what kills conversations? What makes conversations killer (that means good)? Check out these common ways convos can either get hijacked or fly high…. The Conversation Karate Chop These people start or end a sentence with, “No offense," which is really code for: This is offensive, but I am going to say it anyway. The phrase means nothing except prepare to be offended. Don’t just cut “no offense” from your vocab, but also x-out what you were going to say before or after that. Stop using a phrase that tries to make insults socially acceptable. They’re not. Saying, “No offense” doesn’t excuse what you said. I’m just sayin’ (see what I did there?). The Yelper Do you know someone who posts to YELP every time they get bad service? We all have opinions, but could we be honest in the kindest way possible? Or better yet, do you need to give your view on everything? If you wonder whether you should post a negative comment, don’t. Do you have something more useful to do than try to change the opinion of someone else? Are you trying to make yourself look smarter or better than others? Maybe someone needs more support and less criticism. What can you do to be more of a helper — and less of a yelper? The Verbal Tee-Up This is the phrase you say before you criticize. “Don’t get mad but…”, “Let me be honest with you…”, “I hate to be the one to tell you this…”, and the infamous, “with all due respect.” Really?!? This should not be par for the course. The Unfiltered Before you say (or write) something, ask: Is it kind? Does it need to be said right now? Does it need to be said by me? Does it need to be said at all? Yes, you can think it, but filter, people, FILTER! “That dress is a little too clingy.” “That tattoo is unfortunate.” Just because you think it, doesn’t mean you have to say it. The Pretender This is when you think you can multitask, but you really can’t. Have you ever grabbed your phone to check a quick text? Ever sneak a peek over someone’s shoulder to see who else is around? Come on! Do you think the other person doesn’t notice? Sometimes you can even see in a person’s eyes that they are only half listening to you, and instead of thinking of what they want to say next. The Distracted Turn your phone face down. Consider turning it off (GIANT GASP)! Look someone in the eye. Be in the moment. Engage fully with another human being. Listening is not a performance. Just listen. The Boomerang These are people who always turn the conversation back to themselves. No matter what you say, this conversation narcissist will find a way to steal the conversation spotlight. “Oh, you said you are hungry? I had dinner at the best place last night.” These people may feel as though they are bonding, but they are doing the opposite. “You think that is embarrassing, you should hear my story.” Even though I can beat anyone with an embarrassing story, I work hard to zip it. The Competitor It is a conversation, not a competition. The best exchanges go back and forth. Make sure you share the spotlight. Try being more interested than interesting. Ask questions, listen to the answers, and if you feel like you are dominating the convo, say, “Enough about me — what about you?!?” I challenge you to join the conversation — in the right way — and work on being a convo master, not a disaster. Improve relationships, build rapport, and leave people feeling better for being in your company. If you don’t agree with me, well, “Bless Your Heart.” Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us today to make your healthcare event a success! By Kristin Baird
I was working with a long term care facility a little while ago that had horrendous turnover of nurses and aids – over 50% annually. Drilling down to learn more about turnover, I asked several questions about the culture and what made the particular organization stand out from its competitors. The focus went immediately to the physical amenities for the residents and other perks. There was lots of stuff people could point at to attract new residents, but not once did the HR manager mention the staff as an asset. Now, mind you: This is long term care where relationships between staff and residents are key satisfiers for both the residents and the family members. This sent up a big red flag. When I asked the HR director why she thought turnover was so high she said, “It’s the industry. People will leave us in a heartbeat for 25 more cents per hour. We can’t compete with that.” My question back to her was, “What would this organization have to do in order to create such intense staff loyalty that employees would stay in their positions even if the competition could pay a bit more?” After a moment of silence, she said, “I don’t think that is possible. People will always leave for a quarter per hour.” Perhaps this HR manager was a big part of the problem. Since she truly believed that money was the main loyalty-builder, nothing would change. The truth is: Although people want a competitive wage, they also want to work in an organization that values them and where they know they can make a difference. It’s all about culture. During focus groups with the staff, they talked about what is most important to them about their work. Nearly every person talked about wanting to make a difference for the residents they serve. I also asked what inspires them to do good work. Not one person spoke of money. What they crave is recognition from their supervisors and a respectful, mission-driven organization. These crucial elements, they felt, were missing from the culture. It’s easy to point at salaries when it comes to explaining turnover. But I contend that if leaders take time to create and sustain a culture of respect, recognition and ownership, great things will happen. I’ve seen it. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Ron Culberson. With a master’s degree in social work, Ron Culberson spent the first part of his career working in a large hospice organization as a clinical social worker, middle manager, and senior leader. As a speaker, humorist, and author of "Do it Well. Make it Fun.The Key to Success in Life, Death, and Almost Everything in Between", he has delivered more than 1,000 presentations to associations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations. His mission is to change the workplace culture so that organizations are more productive and staff are more content. He was also the 2012-2013 president of the National Speakers Association and is a recognized expert on the benefits of humor and laughter.
When I was young, we dialed 411 or “Information” on the telephone when we needed to find out the time, the weather, or someone’s phone number. Today we use Google or Siri to find just about anything we need. But sometimes, in the middle of a conversation, we may need clarification or more details to help us understand and we’re not able to dial 411 or ask for Siri’s help. A few weeks ago, I was boarding a United flight from Washington, DC to Madison, WI on a small plane with only fifty seats. Because I often find myself on these small regional jets, I purchased a medium-size duffle bag that will fit in any overhead compartment. That way, I don’t have to check my bag and can get to my connections more quickly. On this particular flight, I approached the plane and a United agent told me I would have to check my bag. I assumed that she assumed the bag would not fit. So I said, “Actually, I’ve used this bag many times before. I’m sure it will fit.” She said, “Sir, you are only allowed one bag on the flight.” I said, “Yes, I only have one bag…and then this backpack.” She said, “No, you are only allowed ONE bag…period.” When someone says “period” out loud rather than just letting it sit silently at the end of a sentence, it sounds just a tad more aggressive. I asked her, “Why would I only be allowed one bag when the policy on your website says, ‘one bag and a personal item such as a purse or a briefcase’?” She said, “Sir, you’re just not allowed to take this bag onboard. Now give it to me.” She pulled the bag from my hand, put a green tag on it, and placed it on the cart with the other checked bags. I was flummoxed (and I don’t even know what that is). When I got onboard, I asked the flight attendant why I couldn’t bring my bag on the flight. She said, “I have no idea.” This is when I started to feel a spike in my blood pressure. If two employees who work for the same company couldn’t explain a new policy that led to my bag being taken from my cold dead hand (OK, granted, that’s a slight exaggeration), it was going to ruffle my feathers (and I don’t know what that means either). Can you imagine being given a ticket from a police officer and when you ask why you got the ticket, he simply says, “Because…period.”? This approach might work for us parents who sometimes enforce a rule out of frustration rather than a well-thought out policy but in the real world, it doesn’t usually fly. This bag fiasco happened on two subsequent flights. In each situation, I asked the ticket agent and the flight attendant why I couldn’t take my it-will-squish-and-fit-on-any-plane bag onboard. Each time, they just said they didn’t know the details but that it must be an FAA policy. After the third encounter, I sought out a United Customer Service Center representative within the airport and asked if she could explain the rule. She said that she “thought” it was a relatively new policy and had something to do with weight and balance issues. In my typical sarcastically frustrated way, I explained that all of these planes were now flying with empty overhead bins and it seemed to me that since the planes were built with these bins, the manufacturers probably intended them to be used. Also, I added, that if the planes are that sensitive to weight and balance issues, there is a bigger problem here that we’re not addressing. She had no further explanation but I could tell she was a bit flummoxed with my typical sarcastically frustrated approach. So, let’s unpack my baggage issue a bit. First, United has a new inconsistently applied baggage stowage policy that needs to be resolved internally. Second, and the part that applies to most of us, is that we all want to understand the policies that affect us. We just want the 411 and don’t appreciate being kept in the dark. In most situations, it makes more sense to over-communicate than to under-communicate. Once, a couple of decades ago, I participated on a committee that was charged with eliminating ten percent of our organization’s workforce due to financial troubles. We worked for several weeks trying to find the right way to accomplish this. Finally, when all the positions to be eliminated were identified, one of my colleagues reminded us that even though we had discussed, argued, and lived with our decisions for several weeks, when we announced the changes to all of our employees, it would be new information to them. She suggested that we allow the employees to have time to absorb the information, to ask questions, and to challenge our assumptions. That way, they would be better able to understand and cope with the changes better. I thought it was a brilliant observation that I remember to this day and try to apply to my own communication situations. The bottom line is this: We shouldn’t stow away data as United did with my carry-on bag. Instead, when we’re dealing with information that other people may not completely understand, we should take the time to understand the issue, explain what we know, and then try to help them understand in a patient and non-defensive way. The more we understand what others understand, the better we will be able to close the gap of understanding by then understanding the informational differences in our understanding. And while that may be repetitively redundant, I hope you got the 411. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Colette Carlson
Connection is the glue that keeps relationships, projects, and organizations together, which is why leaders and teams often look for opportunities to strengthen bonds in the form of internal events and outside activities. Research supports that teams who play together have a better chance of staying together. Experiencing the person behind the position leads to deeper understanding which translates to more effective communication and collaboration back on the job. These occasions might resemble simple pot luck lunches in the breakroom to elaborate off-site, trust-building rope courses. However, the best of intentions to create a sense of community can backfire when organizers fail to fully consider the impact of their choices and actions on others. For example, many companies or teams still celebrate a finished project or the achievement of a sales goal by gathering at a local bar following the workday. Having participated in more than a few happy hours throughout my career, I’m well aware of the value of showing up. Time together outside of the office creates space for finding common ground and exploring interests. As individuals relax, conversations flow and information gets shared. This environment can provide face time with a supervisor who otherwise is too busy. This proximity power allows you to share your accomplishments or goals with those who have the platform or persuasiveness to get your ideas or agenda acted upon. Even though I’ve personally benefited from and leveraged a few relationships and conversations as a result of these gatherings, they’re not inclusive and therein lies the problem. When a supervisor suggests going out for a drink with the team as a way to connect, they haven’t taken into account team members who have obligations outside of the workday, colleagues who refrain from drinking alcohol, or individuals who prefer not to put themselves in an uncomfortable situation given how alcohol can affect behavior. Add to that list introverts who prefer not to make small talk and need downtime to re-energize or individuals from other cultures who show up but remain on the outside as those with more in common congregate at one end of the bar. A more effective way to support positive workplace culture is to create a space and place for everyone to feel included and contribute. This might come in the form of taking time away from work to volunteer together at a non-profit event or tweaking the pot luck lunch to include sharing the history behind or fun story about the chosen dish. Here are three things to consider when planning your next team event: 1. Create a diverse planning committee. When you include and solicit input from a variety of ages, genders, cultures and personality-types, you automatically increase the likelihood your activity will be more inclusive and innovative. If that’s not feasible, make time to individually gather team members insight, ideas and interests. 2. Have a clearly defined goal. Individuals prefer not to waste precious work or personal time on contrived activities or icebreakers without a strong purpose or takeaway. 3. Seek an activity with structure. Coming together and accomplishing something as a team can be a powerful experience with lingering effects. For example, a company who brought me in to speak collectively builds a Habitat for Humanity home every summer. These activities can build genuine, long-lasting connections and teams often find themselves reflecting together on the experience. As one person told me, “After pounding nails and sharing a few laughs with Jon that day, I’ll never hesitate picking up the phone and calling him the next time I need support from his department.” Now that’s connection in action. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
One-Click to buy. Same day delivery. Swipe Right. We live in a society that loves instant gratification. But an unusual study on the campus of Stanford University suggests there is significant value in waiting, postponing, and delaying delight. And the experiment revealed a surprising predictor to success in health, vibrancy, work and life based solely on the ability to delay gratification. Let me explain. In the 1960s, researcher Walter Mischel began conducting studies using an unexpected group of participants: 4 and 5-year old children. The experiment began with a child entering the room. They were welcomed by the researcher and seated in a chair. A marshmallow was then placed in front of the child. As the little ones’ eyes widened with excitement, a strange deal was offered to them. The researcher explained that he was going to leave the room for a few minutes, with one caveat: if the child did not eat the marshmallow while he was away, the child would be rewarded with a second marshmallow upon his return. However, if the child decided to eat the first one before the researcher came back, they would not get a second marshmallow. Pretty simple decision, one would think. Can I postpone pleasure for 15 minutes in order to get twice the joy later on? Hidden cameras were rolling for the entire experiment providing not only a glance into the fashion of the 1960s, but insight into the mighty struggle some of the little ones endured in the wait. As you might expect, some children plopped the marshmallows into their mouths even before the researcher had pulled the door shut. Others showed no challenge at all waiting the entire 15 minutes. But the vast majority of the children – and I’d suggest, the vast majority of us – are somewhere in the middle. Yes, they wanted the second marshmallow, BUT the immediate temptation of the first was too great and they ate it before the researcher returned. Others fought diligently, covered their eyes, sat on their hands, and talked to themselves, reminding themselves to wait, wait, wait. What Does the Marshmallow Test Mean for Us? As interesting and enjoyable as the behaviors of these children were, it’s the second part of the experiment that is most fascinating – and most relevant to all of us. Years passed after the original experiment, and after checking in with participants, Mischel found a most surprising correlation. The little ones who had willed themselves to wait, to not give in, who had fought and sat on their hands and even covered their eyes in the hopes of not giving into the temptation in order to get two marshmallows, did better in school and had higher standardized test scores. But there’s more. These children also became adults with significantly lower levels of substance abuse than those who gave in, were less obese, had better social skills, enjoyed higher levels of earning power, and reported greater overall satisfaction and success in life. It turns out, at least in this one 15-minute test, that the willpower to delay what we want in the moment for something even greater in the future has profound applications in our lives. Find Real Success by Resisting the Need for Instant Gratification My friends, we know this truth intrinsically. We know we should push back from the table when we’re full, to say no to the extra glass of wine, and to wake up early to get the work out in. We know there is a benefit to making extra sales calls, continuing our education, or investing time to grow spiritually. We know the value of living within our means, of saving for tomorrow, and of working hard today in order to pour the foundation for an even bigger, brighter tomorrow. And yet, how often do we take that extra slice of cake, forgo our morning prayer, or put that expensive treat on the credit card? Our desire for instant gratification impacts us in every area of life. And perhaps no place more profoundly than in the example we are setting for our children. They’re watching the real-world marshmallow test everyday of their lives. If we aren’t passing it, how could we possibly hope that they will? Because, in the end, real success awaits those who steadfastly commit to any requisite sacrifice. It’s true with marshmallows. It’s also true in life. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Beth Boynton
Do you ever wonder why passive-aggressive, passive, and even aggressive behaviors are so common in healthcare or politics? Assertiveness involves relationships, cultures, and communication skills. Trying to be assertive in a culture where aggression is dominant or with a person who is aggressive is very tricky. Since assertiveness means you respect and take care of your own needs as well as others, when it isn’t mutual it doesn’t work so well. A parable that helps to explore this concept What do you do if you knock on a door and no one answers? (Assume you can hear voices behind the door.) Knocking louder seems like a natural response. But what if still, no one answers? Then what do you do?
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Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Laurie Guest
During my years as a professional speaker and trainer, I have paid close attention to the actions of successful business management teams. One factor that seems consistent is the ability to retain good staff. I have a few common sense ideas, often overlooked by employers, for retaining good people and building long-term professional relationships... Appreciate good work Watch staff members in action and comment on their good work. When was the last time you gave a sincere thank you to the staff for arriving early to open, staying late to close, or making your day go smoothly? A quick “Thanks a lot!” yelled over your shoulder as you are halfway out the door does not count. Take the time for sincere gratitude. Acknowledge productivity Increased customer volume directly benefits the owner. The staff, on the other hand, may only see it as more work. Recognize hard work with an individualized reward system that increases morale. The key to this idea is to determine what each staff member feels a good “reward” would be. Donuts for breakfast may not always be the extra special treat you anticipated. While one person would like a small cash bonus, a working mother might appreciate time off to catch her child’s soccer game on a Saturday afternoon. Provide continuing education Make it a top priority to send your staff to educational programs in your industry. Encourage your team to become members of any state or local organizations that are pertinent to your product or service. If there is no such thing, then create “on-site” teaching opportunities. Employees that feel they are growing in their position will stay longer. You would not think of denying your children a chance to go to school, yet many staff people are denied “work schooling” that could make a big difference to their careers. Build opportunities for growth Plan annual retreats and develop long-term action plans. Focus on personal growth for each team member along with business goals. Allow shadowing of different areas of the company so overall knowledge is as widespread as possible. On occasion, send key staff people to visit others in your industry in a non-compete area in order to bring back business building ideas to share in the workplace. In summary, if you want to know how to find and keep good people, think of it like a good marriage. Find staff people who have similar interests and values, then treat them like treasured family members. Open communication, mutual respect, time for fun, and plans for a future together will build a long-term professional relationship. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Roger Crawford
Last month, I was asked to speak in front of four thousand Boy Scouts at their Annual Expo. After my presentation, I met a young man I will never forget. He approached me with a big smile. He was wearing a Scout uniform that was a few sizes too big and looked to be around eight years old. “Roger, my name is Gus, and I am a Wolf Cub. During your speech, you said you weren’t a Scout, but you could be,” he said. Then, he explained: “You only need three fingers for the Scout Salute, so you have enough.” Gus made my night, and his wisdom is something we all can be inspired by. Have you ever felt you weren’t good enough or didn’t have enough to be successful? If you have developed negative beliefs about yourself and feel as if you don’t have what it takes, consider that the opposite may be true. Perhaps, what is holding you back from realizing your potential is not something real, but something imagined. If you believe you have enough, it can take you from where you are to where you want to be. Believing that you have enough doesn’t mean it’s not necessary to continually improve and grow. It means you believe you have the determination, drive, and discipline to turn your dreams into reality. Here are three questions that can give you a fresh perspective and provide proof that you have enough: 1. Where have you been? No one should live in the past. However, you can use the past as a reminder that you have enough. When you’re gripped by self-doubt, you are likely overemphasizing past failures and overlooking past successes. You have many accomplishments to be proud of. You may have overcome obstacles in the past. By reliving those moments, it increases your self-belief and gives you the motivation to do more and be more in the future. 2. Who do you think you are? The worst bully in life is typically inside us. This inner bully is the voice that says, “I can’t,” “Others are more talented,” “Why try?” or “I’ll just fail again.” Whenever you have negative conclusions about yourself, you will subconsciously seek evidence to support these pessimistic beliefs. Most of our thinking is automatic so slowing down will help you pay more attention to your thoughts. This awareness helps you see you are more capable, intelligent and worthy that you give yourself credit for. 3. What makes you unique? You have talents, skills, and abilities no one else has and that makes you extraordinary. People ask me, “Do you want to be someone else?” My response: “I know the handicaps I have. I don’t know what handicaps another person has. When we compare ourselves to others, we are looking at their exterior. We don’t see the interior.” Take a step back this week and think about what you have to offer to the world. Your life experiences put you in a unique position. By celebrating your own gifts and seeing the true value of your strengths, you quickly recognize you have enough. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Donna Cardillo
I always marvel at how hung up on age so many of us are—even when we’re still relatively young! I often receive Dear Donna questions such as: “I’m 28 years old. Am I too old to become a nurse?” or “I’m 48 years old and just got out of nursing school. Will anyone hire me at this age?” or “I’m 55. Is it too late to go back to school for a higher degree?” If only I had a nickel for every time someone asked me if they were too old to do something—I’d be rich! Recently, while in a stationery store, I saw a card that read, “What age would you be if you didn’t know what age you were?” What a great question to contemplate. Some people feel old at 28, and others feel young at 75. So many people in their 50s talk to me as if their lives are almost over, even though life expectancy is at its highest point ever. I always ask, “But what if you live to be 100? What do you want to do with the rest of your life?” How can you stay young at heart, mind, and spirit and get the most out of life and your career? Here are four ways: Never stop learning. The day you stop learning you become old—at any age. Just as weightlifting is to your muscles, learning is to your brain. To keep it sharp, strong, and high functioning, take a class, engage in self-study, do more challenging reading, take music lessons, learn a new language, talk to people who do something different from you. Learning keeps you young and makes you feel alive and engaged in life. Keep laughing. There is an expression: “You don’t stop laughing because you get old—you get old because you stop laughing.” There is humor in almost every situation if you look for it. Learn to laugh at yourself. Humor is therapeutic. It reduces stress, lightens the load, and keeps you young at heart. Set goals. As soon as you stop setting goals, you switch from fast forward to stop or even reverse in your life and work. You need to be continually striving for something, challenging yourself in some way. Stretching yourself helps keep you feeling strong and brave and enthusiastic. Step out of your comfort zone. Always be trying new things, whether a new project at work, applying for a higher-level position, or working in a new specialty. Otherwise, you get stuck in a rut and start to decline. The comfort zone is a danger zone because you’re not learning or growing while you’re in it. And if you’re not growing, you’re stagnating or even worse—decaying. Whether 25 or 85, you’re only as young or old as you determine yourself to be. Stay engaged in life, live every day to the fullest, and continue to learn about yourself and the world around you at every age. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! |
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