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The brain thinks in pictures, not words. Not that you remember your last dream, but if you asked yourself whether you visualized the dream in words—as you are reading now—or you visualized in pictures (images), you will conclude that you dreamt in visuals. (Remember that in human history reading is a relevantly recent development, and only in very recent times has the printed word become available to the "common folk.") Being aware that people think in pictures—that they construct visuals in their minds—can help you become more effective. When in an airport recently, I  heard the gate agent say to a young boy, "Don't go down the ramp." I knew a problem had been created. Just a few minutes after … >>>

Before becoming the very successful football coach at Notre Dame, Lou Holtz brought his University of Arkansas team to the Orange Bowl in 1978 to play against heavily favored Oklahoma. Pundits gave Arkansas slight to no chance of winning.

Dejected players filed into a team meeting a few days before the game. Holtz picked up some newspapers and pointed out that papers have a front page for people who want the news, an editorial page for those who want opinions, and comics for people who want to be amused. He continued, “I’m amazed that you’re ready to roll over and die because you read your obituary in the newspapers.”

He warned them, “Don’t let other people tear you down and … >>>

A question was recently asked, “What’s responsible for feelings of self-confidence and of positive self-worth?”

The answer quickly came: “Being unafraid of failure.”

Truly confident people–from business leaders to politicians, from teachers to lawyers–simply are not intimidated by the possibility of failure. They do fail, but they don’t allow their future actions to be altered by this possibility.

Many people do not try to win; rather, they try not to lose. They don’t try to succeed; they try desperately not to fail. That is a sure route to nowhere, according to Alan Weiss, a fellow member of the National Speakers Association. He said, “I’d rather be going somewhere, even if I fail to get there, than assuredly going nowhere.”

This … >>>

As the years go by, I wonder why time seems to go more quickly. I think I have come upon the reason.

Think about it: When you were five years old, a year was one-fifth of your entire life. When you are fifty, it is but one-fiftieth—a mere fraction of the whole.

I would like to think that this may be part of the reason we learn some of the most important lessons in life during our fifth year. It is in kindergarten that socialization truly takes root.

In too many of today’s kindergarten classes, academic skills are emphasized—even though some, especially boys, may not be developmentally ready. Perhaps we should reflect that an emphasis on academics at too young … >>>

Question:

Many of the teachers and students at my high school are operating at the the higher levels. However, I  often operate at Level B. I became aware of this while listening to you. I will be working to change my approach. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Response:

Dear High School Principal,

You have hit upon a significant point which needs to be brought to the attention of school administrators everywhere.

Every time you are about to TELL, ask yourself this question: “How can I say this in a POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING WAY? Example: “You are right on track. You may also want to consider. . . .”

Note that telling is not the same as … >>>

One of the most important factors that study after study have shown—in terms of what is important to students—is their feeling/belief that someone in school cares.

A significant factor in asking a question is that there is an assumption that you care about the person with whom your are conversing.

When communicating with others, therefore, instead of thinking of the right thing to say, think of a question to ask. The sooner you inculcate the mode of asking questions—instead of telling—the less stressful it will be for you and the more successful you will become.

Asking reflective questions prompts the other person towards evaluation of their actions. Here are three reflective questions which can assist you in influencing others:
—Is … >>>