Perspective. Optimistic vs. Pessimistic View

Optimism, When is enough enough? Is there a time when it becomes unintelligent to be one who keeps trying? One who endlessly searches for a way when it looks like there is none? I’m not talking about being optimistic when small inconvenient things happen,  I’m talking about epic failures. I’m talking about when things aren’t just looking bad, they’re at its worst, an all time high. Is it still such a good idea to “look on the bright side” or do you have every right to complain, dwell on it, get angry or whatever your routine is in a time like this?

When asked about his many unsuccessful attempts at creating various inventions, Thomas Edison said “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” He also said “I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” This is certainly a very optimistic point of view but……… I’m still stuck on the ten thousand ways that won’t work part. Ten thousand! I know people who are prone to have a moment if too many setbacks occur. Somewhere around two or three will set them spiraling out of control.

Earlier this month, I went to see a show at the Goodman Theater, here in Chicago. It was titled Candide, a French satire about a sheltered young man who is strictly taught by his philosopher mentor that everything that happens is “all for the best.” The Irony is simply hilarious as his entire thought process is challenged to an extreme as one thing after another goes horribly wrong. Candide eventually has a change of perspective from his original teaching. The story ends with him saying “we must cultivate our garden.”

They’re everywhere I tell ya, everywhere. I may even fall into one of those categories. Here’s how you can tell who you’re dealing with.

The Optimist says:

“An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?”
-Rene Descartes-

The Pessimist responds:

“I have been judged to be a pessimist but what abyss of ignorance and low egoism is not hidden in one who thinks that Man is the god of himself and that his future can only be triumphant?”
-Eugenio Montale-

And then there are those add their two cents with:

“An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stoplight… the truly wise person is colorblind.”
-Albert Schweitzer-

Who’s right? Who’s wrong? I never thought that anything was set in stone and at any given time you can display the characteristics of the person who sees the sun shining, birds chirping and a great big rainbow in the middle of Armageddon. Or, you could play the “buzz kill” that no one wants to be around because  you drain the life force out of compliments, motivation, positivity and life itself. You could also just adjust to what ever the heck happens. You are responsible for the decision to be any of these or a combination of them, I’d say do what pleases you.

2010
10/22
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How is your attitude like photography? Six ways to improve your thinking.

Say Cheese!

The work of a photographer is amazing if you take the time to pay a little attention. Doesn’t matter if it’s scenes, models or objects. You see through the eye of the man or woman wielding their favorite Nikon digital camera. everything has an effect on the picture created for your viewing pleasure and can conjure some really fond memories or not so fond ones. Today I am going to give you six things that a photographer does to make those stunning images that we enjoy that we can use to motivate and stimulate our minds and surroundings.

1. Beautiful Decay- You can find beauty in something ugly. Have you ever seen a picture of a worn down building or object and thought it was the coolest thing? Try to look at your situations the same way. It may seem bad, sometimes really bad but the optimist can be inspired even when facing an obstacle. Are you one of those people who fold when the going gets tough? If on the surface, things seem too difficult, you choose not to attempt it. Be bold and courageous, this is just another opportunity for you to show your greatness!

2. Composites- Photoshop is a very cool tool to use when editing photos and taking shots to put together a creative masterpiece. In composite photos, you just shoot freely without any order, download the pictures from your camera to Photoshop and construct your own scene, your way. Don’t forget that you are the creator and determining factor of your destiny. The images that you start with does not have to determine what the finished product will look like. Photoshop your experiences and trials by fire into an awe-inspiring story of success, your success.

3. Motion Shots- The world keeps turning, it will never stand still for me, it will never stand still for you. Great motion shots depict objects like a car speeding by on a highway. Let’s imagine its a fancy sports car, no roof and in great sunny weather. What do you think of? The slight blur of anything moving too fast for the eye to follow, hair blowing in the wind, sun glasses, big smiles showing off pearly whites, maybe a passenger enjoying the sights……. Then an advertisement at the bottom. The point here is to learn to move on. Things that no longer work for you, situations you no longer or never have benefited from, people who slows your pace on the path to your big picture should see the blur of you passing by. You’re going places right? Make sure you’re still in motion.

4. Depth- A two-dimensional photo of a pathway in the woods, a tunnel or even the lines in the road can provide a certain feeling when gazing at it. You can imagine yourself there, exploring the parts that’s unknown to you. Be curious. Why? Didn’t curiosity kill the cat? Anything will do the trick these days. Ask Why, all the time. Answering that question provides depth and increases understanding. Children do it all the time but we adults are too sophisticated to ask why more than once or twice. You don’t have to limit your learning for fear of seeming childish or less clever than others.

5. Cropping- This is a tool that is often used. Sometimes there is more interesting things in a picture that whats in the center. You crop pictures mostly to put the attention or focus on something else in the image. Think of that group picture you took a while back that you cropped out everyone except you before you uploaded it to Facebook. If You applied this to your life, what would you crop out? Fear of failure or success? Disorganization? Bad habits or just plain negative thinking? Whatever you decide is the dead weight, shed it off. Crop it then delete it. This comes in handy with that nagging negative belief that you know you want to get rid of.

 

Which part of this scene would you "zero in" on?

 

6. Perspective- In the words of Ansel Adams, “A good photo is knowing where to stand.” You view the world through your eyes. Your beliefs, values, experiences and influences. Photographers can take a picture of the same person or object from different angles and the end result is different. The good news is you can do it too. When you adjust the lens you use to view things in your circle, you can notice things you didn’t the first time around. Have you ever watched a movie you have seen before and noticed things that you didn’t the first time you saw it? Explore your options, expand you knowledge, entertain a view-point that is not your own. You may find hidden inspiration or the answer that moves you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photographers use these ideas to take better shots, we can take the same advice as it pertains to how we view this big rock we live on. Things that you think will end life as you know it may not actually have as much power as you are giving it. If it does have the power, is this a good thing for you when it’s all said and done? What are your options? Think what no one else is thinking by considering the opposite or a different approach to a situation than everybody else. You really are brilliant, you have the same brain as the geniuses of the world, breathe the same air as the billionaires and are capable of huge accomplishments and making positive impacts in the lives of others. What’s stopping you?

2010
10/13
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Three words that sums up my purpose

As I listen to the latest clientcast I feature called Do you own life insurance? Are you in the majority or the minority? I cant help but think about the theme and purpose of real wealth monthly. It’s purpose is my purpose simplified in three words. I could give a grand speech about how I always want to be seen as a resource and do great work for the people, but if you just use those these three words, you hit the nail on the head. You’ve got me in a nutshell. Those three words are educate, inspire, motivate.

I educate because the people I work with deserves to know. Do I know everything about anything? Nope. I am flawed but saved in my favorites in my iPhone contacts tab is a number of experienced, high integrity financial professionals that I know. Next question, If I don’t know the answer to a question, how long does it take me to follow-up with an answer? Forty-eight hours, I will find an answer. I educate because I believe in taking a special interest in being a competent source of information to the ones I get the opportunity to serve.

Technical knowledge is only one-third of my trio, being an inspiration is the next part. Webster’s definition of the word means “to stimulate to action” and I love the way that sounds. It reminds me of a story. John F. Nichols of the Disability Resource Group based here in chicago has the most inspiring story I know. As the spokesman for Disability Awareness Month 2010 back in may, he exposed his personal experience after suffering a disabling waterskiing accident at the age of 32. He broke his neck and didn’t know if he would ever walk again. Because of his group and individual disability coverage, he had the funds to replace his paycheck and allow him to focus on his rehabilitation. He did make a full recovery and today, he spreads awareness not only during the month of May but all year around about the importance to protect your paycheck. Here’s the video to help drive the point home.

The final part of my three-part summary of my purpose is to provide others with a motive. How can you take the necessary measures to protect yourself or your family if you aren’t even aware that you may be at risk. I make an effort to reach out to groups and individuals to create awareness of my message. None of us are exempt from experiencing a loss and if you wait until you need protection to get it, you’re already too late.

Thinking through and being aware of my own purpose helps me to speak with conviction, I know I am doing the right thing by seeking to serve well. What is my purpose in this industry? To educate, inspire and to motivate. How can I be of service to you?

Until next time,
Earl S. Williams III

2010
09/14
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What A Day . . . Today

Prepare for tomorrow today. Life Happens.

I got out of bed extra early today,

The sun had not yet shown it’s shine today,

I began to grind my special blend coffee grounds today.

I have my second interview today,

I am wearing my Favorite suit today.

I walk motion in stride with my head up high today,

I glide down the stairs with ease today,

I am looking forward to a peaceful train ride today,

I must say, I’m looking and feeling mighty fly today.

I get to the door of my destination today,

I see the person I’m to meet with today,

I noticed he looks faint and very flushed today,

I see two medics carrying a gurney today,

I see my interviewer being carried away today,

I am told my interview is cancelled today,

Wow, what a day, today.

But by the grace of GOD, there go I.

Prepare for your tomorrows, TODAY!

2010
09/13
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Do you know the Seven Wonders of Life?

If you are not familiar with the 7 Wonders of Life Insurance then please let me be the first to expose them to you. There is more to getting it than “my parents or another family member or friend has it so I guess I will too”. In fact, Here is 7 reasons why you should sit down with a professional to see if you can benefit from them. Remember 70 million American adults have no life insurance coverage while the ones that do, don’t have enough. I present to you:
1. Buys time
Allows loved ones to focus on their grief by helping to pay for the funeral and other final expenses.
2. Provides a fresh start
Lets loved ones start with a clean slate by helping to pay off credit card bills, outstanding loans and even the mortgage.
3. Generates income
Helps replace lost income for years to come so that surviving family members can continue to pay for life’s necessities.
4. Offers flexibility
Gives a surviving spouse the chance to take time off from work or to switch to a job that offers a more flexible work schedule.
5. Creates opportunities
Can provide funding to start a business, or pay for schooling so surviving family members can train for a new career.
6. Funds the future
Offers a way to fund longer-range goals like a college education for the kids or a secure retirement for a surviving spouse.
7. Leaves a legacy
Gives parents the chance to leave future generations with the legacy of long-term financial security.
Have you heard this month’s ClientCast? Have a listen at http://www.myrealwealthprofessional.com/naifa/earlwilliams
Until next time,
Earl S. Williams III
2010
09/12
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Life Insurance Awareness Month!

We are eleven days into Life Insurance Awareness Month and I haven’t written about it yet (I know, I know, Shame on me). However, Here I am on a saturday afternoon with my thoughts and I even have a peace-offering that I hope you will accept.

Before I get into that, I should explain what LIAM (Life Insurance Awareness Month) is and what that means for you. LIAM is an educational campaign designed to get consumers to take stock of their life insurance needs and protect their loved ones through proper life insurance planning. Why, you ask? Because three in 10 adult Americans have no life insurance and most with coverage need more than they have. This is an industry-wide effort coordinated by the LIFE Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions. I love the Life Foundation and you will probably hear me raving about how great they are more and more.

Now that we have been informed a bit, I do have a peace-offering to give and I am a man of my word. I now have a ClientCast (podcast) that I will be providing links to starting this month until a time unknown to mankind. This is made possible through my professional association NAIFA and powered by Real Wealth. I am excited to share this with you because I wish to not only share a piece of myself with you, but offer a gift that you may appreciate as I appreciate you reading my journal. If the whole “gift” idea sounds funny to you then take a look at the 9/10/2010 post How do you change the world? to see the big picture.

Here’s the link to my first month’s ClientCast. Feel free to use the sidebar to contact me or visit the Life Foundation’s website. The information is priceless…. literally. You can also Check out the side bar, I will update it every month to show the latest.

Do you remember earlier when I stated that three in 10 adult Americans have no life insurance? That comes out to roughly 70 million people. Are you part of this 70 million? And for the ones that have life insurance, do you know if it is enough to do what you want it to do? Have you sat down with a professional who took you through the process?

Life Insurance Awareness Month

LIAM has been held every September since 2007

I am going to touch on some of these subjects in more detail in future entries. I realize that today is saturday and even I have a birthday party to go to (YAY ME!). Please, connect with me on My Linkedin Profile and/or Follow Me on Twitter as I love getting inspiration from the people who I reach out to and the ones who reach out to me. Until next time.

Earl S. Williams III

2010
09/11
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How do you change the world?

The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar may be aw...

Image via Wikipedia

Last night I watched the movie Evan Almighty. Besides the fact that I think Steve Carell is hilarious (I like The Office as well), the thought of Noah in our modern world was a scream. The saying of the movie was “the way to change the world is by doing one act of random kindness at a time.This was right up my alley (C’mon, you know you could’ve guessed it by now) and that planted the seeds of inspiration for today’s post.

What is an act of random kindness? According to Wikipedia (sometimes I love Wikipedia) it is “a selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.” I already had a “wow” feeling and then I noticed, as I read on that this notion has inspired books, movies, campaigns, movements, music, websites and other media.

Incredible right? I remember reading all the examples and thinking “WOW! I’m not the first, huh?” No Earl, far from it. Then I thought of times when I have volunteered or done something without an incentive offered,  just to make someone happy. It’s a good feeling I must admit. I made the deepest impact on new acquaintances I met while serving others. Literally giving my time and effort has earned me friends that all have helped me in different ways.

Think about this, if you believe in karma, doing random good things will bring good vibes back to you. Good stuff just happens because you put good stuff out there. If you believe in God, Mark 9:35 says “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” If I don’t have your attention yet then how about the fact that if you do nice things for people, even randomly, they don’t resent you, they won’t become violent or upset, they appreciate it. I know, I had to take a moment to soak that in and I have already done some volunteer work.

Who does this “act of random kindness” thingy? Non-profit organizations and the volunteers that do the work for starters. The guy that remembered your birthday and sent you a card, even though you didn’t expect or require it. The lady that you met while having breakfast that paid for your food just because the two of you had a nice conversation. The guy who gives gifts to his club members, family, friends and even his mechanic for no reason. The lady who you love to be around because she treats everyone like the most important person in the world and its such an ego boost. Philanthropist, giving circles, charitable organizations, the list goes on.

Why should I do it? Because it feels good. I’m serious, it really does. In fact the real question is why shouldn’t you do it? Think it doesn’t affect business, think again. Businesses that give back, we tend to do more business with. The ones that tick off the people tend to lose business to their more generous competitors. Even advisors and sales professionals buy gifts to show their appreciation to clients and people who put their reputation on the line to refer them. As we speak, I have some people in mind that are going to be on the receiving end of my acts of random kindness.

In conclusion, you can make anyone’s day at any given time, just by doing something nice. Being benevolent and dependable along with competent and of high integrity sounds like the type of person I’d do business with, be friends with, remember in the endless sea of people trying to persuade me to do something they want me to do. You can leave people with warm fuzzy feelings about you, hold their attention a little longer while getting to know them, even communicate that you are NOT a terminator robot sent to kill off humanity (Destroy all humans!). Those are some reasons but I’d suggest that you do it just because it feels good to do it. Until next time.

Earl S. Williams III

2010
09/10
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He Works with the Company, but he Fights for Me.

  • Client Advocates

    His first words to me were “What can I do for you?”

    He did not add any complications to my life, he simplified it.

    He did not make me feel petty, he helped me to understand.

    He was patient and he did not interrogate me, but he kept me well informed. His duties, efforts and suggestions were genuine; he showed no intrest in personal gain.

    He didn’t make things difficult, he worked with me and helped me to releive related distress.

    He did not confuse me, but he enlightend me.

    He took what seemed to be mountians that plagues me, and showed me that they were only mole-hills.

    He showed me the solutions; therefore there were no problems that could not be resolved.

    Where I perceived weakness within my challenges,  he showed me strength in his answers.

    He never made me feel insignificant; he always gave me tested and proven information.

    Where there were many choices, he helped me to make the correct decision to best fit my situation.

    When I seemed to be boxed in, he showe me clear optimum resolutions.

    In the end, I was never preyed upon, and I was always well informed and directed.

    It sure feels good to have a proven leader who helped me to make the proper choices to assure I got the maximum benefits for my situation.

    Who is he?  He is my Friend and my Advisor.  He treats me with respect, I’m glad we chose each other; it’s assuring to know he is on my side!

    • 2010
    09/09
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    Mentors vs. Mistakes Pt. 1: An event to remember

    This past Thursday (9/2/2010) I attended a skill development forum for insurance and financial professionals. It was held by NAIFA Chicago’s Young Advisors Team and was titled The YAT Fall Classic. Over one hundred attendees, all financial advisors representing a number of different agencies and providers. A number of speakers, top advisors in the Chicago region sharing their proven practices that put them where they are today. Did I mention that I was on the planning committee?

    I noted that all the speakers had aura of confidence that is contagious if you listened to them speak. Something stood out to me during this forum. As I looked around at the people that filled the room, some I have met and some I haven’t but would very soon, I could sense the positivity of the environment. I can remember being greeted by a familiar face as I took a seat and another in a row in front of me looking back at me with a nod and a smile.

    It is imparative that anyone involved in this business (or any business for that matter) keep a circle of encouraging people, they’ll keep you going. Do I practice what I preach? I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. In fact, I specifically name the individuals that have an impact on me, I appreciate their gestures no matter how big or small. I look forward to new relationships I’ll develop in the future because I feel like I know such great people right now and it humbles this young man.

    I want to quote Milton Brown of Blake & Brown Financial group. He said “Stay hungry, open to learning and surround yourself with positive and inspiring people!” This just doesn’t apply to me, it applies to us all. When I think about it, I have learned my lessons one of two ways. That is having a mentor or making some mistakes. Either way I will learn, but I find that knowing someone who has been where you are can provide you with knowledge that can help you along your path. Not to mention they can open your mind to things you’ve never thought about, open doors for you (thank God!) and like I said earlier, Keep you going.

    I have my whole day in front of me and it looks like I have a head start. Until next time.

    Earl S. Williams III

    2010
    09/08
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    I Can’t Believe This Happened To Me!

    What to do when the unexpected occurs?

    Hi, my name is Marcella Rahae; I am a thirty six year old Receptionist for a major Pharmaceutical Corporation. I am a single parent with three children. One thirteen year old son and two seven year old twin girls.

    One day I was sitting at my desk, I began to stretch out my arm and I experienced a slight tingling sensation in my fingers, a numbness set in my wrist, and my whole left hand began to severely cramp. I held back a violent scream as I began to massage my hand.

    The symptoms plagued me thru out the following week. In fact, I developed even more pain. I had what I call “shooting pains”, it compared to  large needle stabbings. As the pain persisted, it had gotten to the point that I could not open my hand. Finally, I knew it was time to see my doctor.

    My doctor examined my hands, upper and lower arms as well as my shoulders. He also took a series of medical test including x-rays and sonograms.

    I was sent to a neurologist and was diagnosed with neuropathy. Neuropathy is a debilitating degenerative nerve damaging disease. I am also a diabetic, which increases the intensity of the diseases painful effects.

    This was the beginning of a series of testing to find the correct medicines to help me manage my disability. The testing took over six months alone.

    During this time, I had exhausted all of my sick, personal and vacation days. I then began to feel the financial burden during my illness. I did not have disability protection; I thought I was too young for that. Besides, I was an avid runner and went to the health club three times per week. As a matter of fact, it was the last thing on my mind medically. I even had benefits through my employer that I assumed would suffice.

    My salary proved to be adequate when I was receiving it. I had just gotten financing for our first home two years ago. My kids were in private schools and I had quite a sufficient savings.

    I was off work for two and a half years with a minimal salary. I almost lost our home, I could no longer afford the tuition for my children’s education and my savings was depleted. This made me realize the importance of preparation for me, my family and our future. I found myself one step from poverty. Never again will I take my health for granted.

    The first opportunity I got I made preparations for my future. I experienced what not being prepared has done to my family and our finances. Being sick was enough, but not having the proper finances was a double burden.

    I have now returned to work and I know that my future is secure! Just in case the unthinkable happens, I will not be forced to repeat, “I can’t believe this happened to me!”

    How many people do you think have a similar story? What is your inspiring story? I really really like the Life Foundations Real Life Stories. You get to see real people and real advisors and the results of their work together. The video’s show families lifestyles, businesses and even the clients themselves experiencing a loss and/or a difficult time and persevering through it with their advisor. They didn’t just sell a policy, make some money and split. They were there for their clients when they needed them, a resource, a trusted advisor of integrity. Think about this and answer for yourself, what kind of advisor are you?

    Earl S. Williams III

    2010
    09/07
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