October, 2004
Z is for Zoom!
Welcome to fall! I am working with Z this month, so I came up with “Zoom!” And no, I am not talking about the kids’ show on PBS (even though it’s a favorite!).
Zoom does kind of bring to mind a certain sound made by June bugs, humming birds, and—ahem!—cars on Mopac Expressway (a busy road, here in Austin). What does it make you think of?
Well, my idea came from my video camera: the zoom device allows me to see whatever I am filming up close. Very close, if I like, or farther away.
This is nothing new, of course. Still cameras have featured zooms for decades now, and most of us have at least seen or heard of such a device.
So what does that have to do with life, living, and pursuing happiness (to paraphrase the American forefathers)?
Well, as I look into my Blind Spots, those places where I hide my talents from myself, or my mirror, I like to “zoom in” for a close look. Finding my talents and gifts is very important to me: it allows me to enhance my life and my career in many ways.
For example, I have mentioned in this newsletter before that a young colleague several years ago pointed out to me abilities that I took for granted, that I assumed everyone could do. That’s when I discovered Blind Spots, and that most of us have them! By “zooming in” on your talents, you may discover those gifts that are unique to you!
Likewise, zooming in on my image in the mirror, literally and figuratively, helps me to determine areas where I need improvement.
- Was I harsh with a friend or colleague?
- Have I spent quality time with my wife and children lately?
- Am I doing a good job at work?
- Am I happy with my work?
- With my personal life?
- Am I doing everything I can to be happy today, right now, this minute?
A little self-examination can be a very good thing!
What happens when you zoom in for a closer look?
How do you feel about your work? Do you look forward to it or do you have trouble getting out of bed for it? I like to re-examine my situation periodically, just to be sure I am still on track.
One of my friends was laid off from a job she loved after four and a half years. She said, “You know, I have to take this as a positive thing, because I really should have left about a year ago. I have been stagnating there.” She went on to create a very successful consulting business, doing the same worked she loved, but as a contractor. She saw that stagnation in retrospect. Can you do the same in advance—with a good “zoom”?
What about your family life, personal life, or relationships? Zoom on in for a good look at those! Are you getting what you need? Are you giving others what they deserve? Most of us can’t be perfect, but we can be better! Zooming in can show you the areas that can use a little improvement. Do it a little at a time: take your children on a picnic or turn off the TV and play a board game; call your mom; go to lunch with a friend. Be honest about your needs. These are all little things that will add up to happier circumstances.
And then there is your health. This is always of concern to me, as a heart attack survivor. One of the ways I zoom in on my health is to get regular check-ups with the doctor. Traditionally, women are the doctor-goers and men are the doctor-avoiders. But we all need to have a check-up sometimes! Don’t wait for something to happen! And, of course, take care of yourself: exercise, rest, eat right—you know the drill, don’t you?
As I zoom back out and see the overall picture of my life, I am satisfied! Taking care of the details makes the whole package better!
Zooming out!
Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness,
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Steven works with entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who want to clarify their communications and concepts so that they can dramatically increase their business profitability.
Steven
List is the co-founder of BackOfTheRoom.com, an online bookstore specializing in self-published and small press products.
Steven has delivered speeches to international, national and local
audiences in industries including technology, healthcare, law, education,
financial services, employment, and arts/entertainment. He has authored
numerous articles and columns in leading publications.
Steven has benefited from a heart attack, business failure, and job layoffs, leading to his owning and running a successful business, leading numerous teams in business and volunteer work, and to being married for over 25 years and having four children. His philosophy, “The Money is in Your Blind Spot!™” addresses finding value in the skills, knowledge, expertise, experience, and people we take for granted. Steven mixes wit, enthusiasm and humor with motivational stories to deliver hard-hitting messages that compel attendees to achieve astounding results in their life, work and relationships. Known for his passion and sincerity, Steven is an accomplished and exciting speaker who speaks from real life experiences – not textbook theory. People who hear Steven speak learn real lessons that they can use tomorrow.
Steven is available for keynotes, breakout sessions, custom seminars and workshops, weekend retreats, and as Master of Ceremonies / Grand Mixer
For more information, please visit StevenList.com or contact Steven or call 512-246-3533.
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