November 17, 2008 by markwhite
At first glance Marcus Buckingham’s latest book, “The Truth About You - Your Secret to Success”, looks to be a quick read at 110 pages. But for those who think of themselves as students of the personal growth genre, this book stands out for all the right reasons. First, when I say ‘book’, I actually mean more than just print on paper. The Truth About You comes with a 22 minute DVD and a ReMemo Pad, which along with the ideas captured in the book section make this a true toolkit for finding your strengths. There is a method to Buckingham’s genius. First, watch the video, which consists of a short story of young musician unhappy in his current situation. Secondly, read the book and do the quick exercises in each chapter. Lastly you’re given an assignment to record your likes and dislikes over the next two weeks. The author’s clever use of an audio-free movie along with his commentary, make what could easily be a distraction a well presented prelude to the book.
The premise of The Truth About You is based around the idea that if you focus on the tasks which you are naturally gifted and strongest in, you can design you life and job around those strengths. We all have areas were we excel, where we’re ‘in the zone’. This book helps you realize those strengths, and conversely weaknesses, so you can better map out your path to success. Don’t be fooled by the simple and casual tone of the writing, the underlying thread and theory is solid.
Along the way Mr. Buckingham breaks down a few business cliches including why there is no “I” in team and why working on your weaknesses is futile. Overall a quick but very worthwhile read.
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November 14, 2008 by markwhite
Google’s latest attempt at being all things web is tracking where the flu is spreading around the US by analyzing searches for flu symptoms, etc. Check it out at http://www.google.org/flutrends/.
Posted in online | Tagged linkedin | No Comments »
November 10, 2008 by markwhite
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization is giving us the chance to say thanks to the brave men and women who have have served our country over the years. They are also raising money to ensure our veterans receive health care and other benefits they so richly deserve. A simple text message will send both your thanks and donate $5 to this worthy cause. Just text THANKS to 90999 from your mobile phone to donate (the charge will show up on your next cellphone bill).
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October 26, 2008 by markwhite
Are you out there Ben Van Pelt?
For those of you who know me personally, you know I like to walk. There is a special part of East Memphis in which I like to spend my Saturday mornings traversing the quiet, tree lined streets. In myiPod fueled world I often walk looking straight ahead and either thinking or just taking in the beauty of the sunshine. The last few times I walked I noticed a little closer the concrete sidewalks beneath my feet. On many of the sections a short sentence had been stamped into the concrete stating that Ben Van Pelt had been the person responsible for laying the concrete. That got me to thinking. Thinking about longevity, pride and 1959. Now I wasn’t quite here yet in 1959 but I can imagine the culture and the world that was the last year of that decade. A simpler time, I’m sure. We gained two new states, Alaska and Hawaii and Daddy Knows Best was on TV. I have a romantic view of that time, but I know it just had different challenges than we do today. Almost 50 years ago Ben was proud enough of his craft that he took the extra time to show everyone that he was responsible for this piece of sidewalk. I’m sure this wasn’t the only sidewalk Ben laid, probably not even a significant one in his eyes. Just another piece in a block-long path. But he was confident enough that he had done a job worthy of putting his name on it, literally. I wonder, can I say that? Am I confident enough in my day to day work that I would put my name on it? Are you?
Thanks Mr. Van Pelt, wherever you are, for giving me a reminder to always do my best.
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October 12, 2008 by markwhite
The site www.theanimalrescuesite.com asks only that you click on their Free Food & Care link to provide for rescued animals. Their advertisers pay the cost. Great idea and worth your time each and everyday. Think of it as a virtual pat on the head of a cute cat or dog. I love this use of the internet…
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September 21, 2008 by markwhite
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August 26, 2008 by markwhite
Leo Babauta writes the Zen Habits blog over at http://zenhabits.net. You won’t find a better blog on productivity and generally living a stressfree life. His post about the 12 Rules of Working shouldn’t be missed. Take a look and post a comment either here or there.
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August 6, 2008 by markwhite
Another interesting video from Adaptive Path [link]
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August 5, 2008 by markwhite
Face it, we all like technology and wonder how it may be used in the future. Check out this video from Adaptive Path for a peek.
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July 30, 2008 by markwhite
“Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman
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