Welcome to Improvleadership

 Escape from your past 12/21/24 – Some people are not able to change, evolve and move on from things that occurred in their past. Some are locked into ways of thinking or believe that what happened earlier defines their future. For example, some blame parents for the way they were raised or blame others that may have negatively impacted them. At some point you need to realize that although you can’t escape your past, you have the ability to forgive and/or stop blaming someone or something that occurred which should allow you to shape a new, brighter and more productive future. You can take control of your situation and reshape the future you want. You can say to yourself, “I am going to live a different life” breaking the chains that seem to be wrapped around you. You are not defined by your past or obligated to live life as a sentence from your past. You can take responsibility for your situation and make the change you want to see; be the person you want to be and finally break free from your past.  

Acupuncture 12/14/24 - One major hypothesis is that acupuncture works through neurohormonal pathways. The needles go through specific points in the body and stimulate the nerves. The nerve then sends signals to the brain, and the brain releases neural hormones such as beta-endorphins. I mention acupuncture because I have recently gone twice and have experienced some positive physical benefits treating my lower back pain. When I found out that one theory is acupuncture prompts the nerves to send signals to the brain all I could think was “Cmon, get with the program nerves” – I mean I have to have a licensed practitioner insert 18-20 needles in my lower back along with a few behind each knee to get the nerves to do their job? Perhaps the nerves are on vacation? Maybe they unionized and only work on certain days between certain hours? The nerves could simply be lazy and are no longer motivated to do their jobs (they are quietly quitting). Whatever it is we are going to sit down and have a little talk since this is unacceptable behavior. I know now where the phrase, “of all the nerve” comes from – they really should be ashamed of themselves. 

You Get What You Give 12/7/24 -  In 1998, the song ‘You Get What You Give’ by the New Radicals came out and encouraged people to reject conformity and embrace their individuality. Do you embrace what makes you different? If not, why not - it is what makes you, you! Some of the lyrics, “We only get what you give” means what you put out in the world boomerangs back to you. The song goes on to state, “we got the dreamers disease” – Are you a dreamer? – if not, why not regardless of your age or situation. It also states, “You’ve got the music in you” – YES YOU DO – you have a song that is meant to be sung like only you can sing. Lastly, one part of the lyrics is “one dance left.” If you put this all together the message to me is - Don’t give up, dream like you did when you were a young child, let the song in your heart be heard by others, embrace what makes you unique and use it to help others, be intentional with regards to your words and actions and hopefully you will always have at least one dance left in you, no matter how old you are and no matter what the circumstances. 

Happy Thanksgiving 2024! 11/30/24

It’s the time of year when many people get four days off work,
Seen as an annual perk.

But instead of just some days off why not use this time to reflect and express gratitude for all you are thankful for,
It shouldn’t be a chore.

Think back on all the positive, happy, and fun things and people that has crossed your path,
Simply do the math.

You will hopefully find that there is much more to be grateful for than you imagined, and you will find,
That perhaps you’ve been blind

Since there have been many good things in your life that you perhaps took for granted,
Causing your view to be a little slanted.

So, stop and think of what you have, what you have accomplished and those that came into your life and helped you along the way,
Making it a brand-new day!

 Eyebrows  11/23/24 – There is more pressure on women versus men in our society to look youthful and always look their best. For example, 90% of women report using a filter or editing their selfies. Let’s take something as simple as eyebrows. I admit I trim mine regularly because I don’t want to look like Groucho Marx, Eugene Levy or Gene Shalit. What are the choices for women if they want to enhance their eyebrows? There is plucking, threading, waxing, tinting, microblading (which sounds like a lot of fun), brow lamination, henna brows, use of eyebrow pencils, powders, gels, brow serums, and even temporary eyebrow adhesives or stickers. Realizing what some women go through for just their eyebrows; I will focus more on their eyebrows going forward versus looking at other parts of their anatomy. Keep in mind that eyebrows are not only useful in directing moisture away from the eyes, blocking some light and filtering debris, but eyebrows are an important part of facial expression and communication. Perhaps this is why women are better at expressing themselves and their emotions – their enhanced eyebrows make them more attractive, more confident, more expressive and better understood! 

Confession 11/16/24 – I am in the slow, time-consuming process of writing a book about life after divorce with a primary focus on dating. The book is like going to confession because I am being honest with myself as I write. I am acknowledging where I went wrong or where I could have done better. I am analyzing what occurred and why with better clarity than I could at the time, and it is revealing (in some instances for the first time) why I acted the way I did or why others behaved the way they did. It is about reflecting on the different dynamics of being in a relationship. I admittedly chose to ignore some things, and my judgement was at times clouded. Don’t get me wrong, the last ten years have been fun, exciting but at times like an out-of-control rollercoaster. But through it all, I have learned a great deal about myself and others - it has truly been an eye-opening education or perhaps could even be called an epiphany. This journey has also illustrated that life is the sum of our choices resulting in many different paths and many different stories. 

When did this start and who said it was OK? 11/9/24

- Greeting cards cost more than the gift they are given with.

- The hands-free cell phone ban while driving was repealed.

- Many things require a monthly subscription to keep it working.

- Based on people’s sensitivity you are bound to offend someone no matter what you say.

- Many are concerned about their privacy rights, but they give away tons of personal information on their social media posts.

- People are convinced buying an EV is saving the planet but only 21% of the electricity in the US is generated from renewable energy sources.

- There used to be only three controversial topics to avoid discussing, politics, abortion, and gun control – today that list has greatly expanded.

- Taking more than your half of the sidewalk while walking or more than your half driving down a two-way street.

- Buying anything online often includes a convenience charge - convenient for who - my purchase online makes it easier for the business.

- Everyone wants you take a survey (I got gas yesterday and received a survey about the experience) I replied, “I pumped my own gas – I did a great job!”

- People mistakenly believe you want to hear their conversation, music or whatever they are listening to on their phones.

- Everyone wants a tip - here’s a tip, “If you did nothing out of the ordinary, please do not expect a tip especially if I picked it up.”