I'm Just Puzzled!

Have you ever noticed how often when someone says they want something and then when they get it they don't want it? Is it the result they are striving for or just the chase? Is common sense really that uncommon? Here's my question:

If a sales professional is fully transparent, builds value in what they are selling, provides the information necessary to make the decision easier and more logical, and creates an experience that is inclusive to the client, have they not earned the right to ask for the money?

Why are certain products or services negotiable? And others are not?

Why are some professions maligned, while others are revered? If we took the time to do so, could you not find fault and good in all professions? Are there good and evil people in every profession? What happened to giving people the benefit of the doubt? Why has the internet created more judgemental people rather than less due to a copious amount of data available?

Someone once told me the greatest challenge in life is understanding the majority are worried about what they could lose rather than what they could gain. They shared the inherent selfishness that has been created by the vocal few to inspire animosity and chaos. Hence, their shortcomings become lost in the storm of distraction. Oh, how I miss Walter Cronkite.

Learn to articulate your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly. Help others. Take time to assist others when you can; helping others through tough times will likely improve your reputation and self-perception. Good deeds and kindness are commonly considered a foundational part of being a good person.

1. Compliment Yourself Every morning before you go on with your daily routine, take a couple of minutes to compliment yourself. Whether you compliment?your outfit, haircut, or how you recently completed a task using your unique skill sets, giving yourself a little emotional boost will make you happy. And, when you're happy with yourself, that emotion can be contagious to those around you.

2. Don't Make Excuses Blaming your spouse, boss, or clients is fruitless and won't get you very far. Instead of pointing fingers and making excuses about why you aren't happy or successful in your personal or professional life, own your mistakes and learn from them. When you do this, you will become a better person. When I personally started living up to my mistakes and downfalls, my life turned itself around. I became happier and healthier, and my relationship with my wife improved. We are happier than ever.

3. Let Go of Anger Letting go of anger is easier said than done. While anger is a perfectly normal emotion, you can't let it fester. When this happens, you may make unwise decisions, and more important, it may affect?your health. Research?suggests pent-up anger can cause digestive problems, difficulty sleeping, and even heart disease.

4. Practice Forgiveness If for no other reason than for yourself, forgive to untether yourself from the negative experiences of the past. Take time to meditate, and give thanks for the wisdom and knowledge gained from your suffering. Practice the mantra, 'I forgive you and I release you.'"

5. Be Honest and Direct How would you feel if a loved one or business partner lied to you? Chances are you would see that as a violation of your trust. If you want to be a better person in either your personal or professional life, you should always tell the truth and state as clearly as possible what you are trying to convey. Learn to articulate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas openly and honestly.

6. Be Helpful Whether giving up your seat to an elderly person on the subway, assisting a co-worker on a project, or carrying in the groceries when your spouse comes back from the store, being helpful is one of the easiest and most effective ways to practice becoming a better person. I find that the more I help others, the better I feel about myself and everyone around me.

7. Listen to Others Listening to people and giving everyone a voice is one of the greatest things you can do. I've gotten to meet some of the most amazing people, close some of the biggest deals, and develop connections that will last me a lifetime all because I took time to listen to people. Being a good listener can positively change your life."

8. Act Locally It may not seem like a big deal, but?supporting a local cause, donating clothes, or buying from local farmers' markets or businesses are simple ways you can help your specific region. You may not be able to save the world, but you very well could make a difference in your neck of the woods. Get to know and care about your community.

9. Always Be Polite How much effort does it take to say, "Thank you," or to hold the elevator door open for someone? Not much at all. However, these acts of kindness can make someone's day. I decided a few years ago that it doesn't matter if someone is ultra rude, condescending, or worse. The way someone else behaves is not going to determine my behavior.

10. Be Open to Change Whether trying a new restaurant, traveling to an unknown part of the world or doing something that has always scared you, you should always be open to change. This allows you to grow because you experience something new. It helps you be high-functioning and self-confident if you are not wary of change.

11. Be Respectful How would you feel if you had just cleaned your home and someone came in and tracked mud everywhere? You'd probably be a little ticked that they hadn't taken off their shoes. Take this mentality and apply it to everyday life. For example, don't toss your trash or cigarette butts on the floor of public restrooms or sidewalks just because someone else will clean it up. Be respectful of others' time, thoughts, ideas, lifestyles, feelings, work, and everything else. You don't have to agree with any of it, but people have a right to their opinions and yours is not necessarily correct.

12. Don't Show Up Empty-handed Going to a party this weekend at your friend's?apartment? Make sure you don't arrive empty-handed. Even if you've been assured that there will be plenty of food and drink, bring?along a little something to show your appreciation for being invited.

13. Educate Yourself If you don't understand why one country is invading another, take the time to educate yourself on the current event. Ask a person intimately connected with the event for his or her thoughts. Remember, we're all interconnected, and being aware of different cultures, different people, and what their lives are like?can make you a more well-rounded individual. This will also help you understand points of view?different from your own.

14. Surprise People How good does it feel to make someone smile? It feels pretty good, right? Surprise your loved ones or co-workers now and then, with a gift, a night out on the town, or by offering help when you know they could use it.

Becoming a better person doesn't happen overnight, but it is possible. Believe in yourself and know that it is possible! #MakeTodayandEverydayaMasterpiece!