I believe that we invent our lives – and our best lives are invented around our talents, strengths and passions. Though these attributes are part of who we are, they aren’t always initially obvious to us. They show up in the way we feel, what we notice, what matters to us and what moves us – and this requires time and good attention. We don’t notice these things about ourselves if we are moving at 100 miles an hour with our heads down and blinders on. We miss a lot of our world and our reactions to it. It is in these reactions that we get connected to who we really are. It is in these reactions that we know ourselves. And this is critical information we need to live a great life.

So what do you get if you lose the blinders and become more self-aware?

o You can better choose work environments that play to your talents and passions; this allows you to be more effective and more successful. Besides, you’ll like it more.
o You can choose better about life relationships and how you use your time; this allows you to be involved with people and events that move you, inspire you and engage you. Your performance again is better and you’ll enjoy it more.

Your life’s quality is based on your choices. And the more aware you are of your core talents, strengths and passions – your gifts – the more you can build your life around what makes you feel successful and happy. It is up to you to do this – others can’t do this work for you. It’s your life; you create your happiness.

So, lose the blinders. Start to notice everything. Because in each thing is information about you and how you respond. Get to know yourself to make decisions that help you live your best. Then bring that best to the world.

Please pass this on to someone who can benefit from it, and we are just one week away from the arrival of my latest book, The Greatness Zone – Know Yourself, Find Your Fit, Transform the World; to be available at www.TheGreatnessZone.com and at Amazon.com. Great information delivered in a great story.

For me, making it an “event” is not about elaborate trips or expensive dinners. Rather, life becomes an “event” when you pay attention to the little details that show those in your life you care, love and value them. The greatest value in any relationship is not found in the things you have to do, but in the extras you choose to do.

There are so many places during the day to move from ordinary to extraordinary – to do the little things that make life a constant celebration.

Life is an “event” when:
* You get a note in your lunch in addition to your favorite sandwich.
* Your favorite cookies or crackers never seem to run out.
* You thought you needed gas in the car but it has been filled up.
* Candles are lit at mealtime, even at lunch.
* A book by your favorite author shows up on your nightstand.
* You forget and ask the same question 3 times, but you get the same gentle response.
* A card is left on your computer or in your briefcase – just because.
* Regular wine become sangria and dinner becomes a festival.
* A look, a smile or a wink means “it is you, it has always been you, it will always be you.”

A life that is extraordinary gets the big things right and constantly celebrates the important little things. Details matter. Feelings matter.

So, how do you make your life, and the lives of those you care about, an “event”? Don’t wait – you don’t get these days back. Do the little things. Do a lot of them. Do them often.

Please forward this to someone who can benefit from it and be sure to sign up for my newsletters on at www.LiveFiredUp.com.

Your EQ – your emotional intelligence (your ability to know yourself, manage yourself and get along with others) accounts for 40 – 60% of your career success. Very important.

Today’s workplace is a service-based (relationship) workplace. Since employees are paid to think through their responses to customers, and they control their minds, managers must now engage and inspire employees to activate their performance. Today’s managers must be able to listen, hear, watch and connect – they must be relationship builders, connectors and communicators.

To be a relationship builder requires strong EQ – a clear knowledge of yourself and how to successfully relate to others. This enables a manager to better connect with and understand employees – to know their talents, values and interests to put them in the right jobs, motivate them and activate their performance.

To improve your EQ:
1. Become more aware or your responses, reactions and emotions. Noticing how you react helps you assess its effectiveness and ineffectiveness.
2. Manage your emotions to improve your ability to listen, respond and successfully react with others.
3. Watch the behaviors of others; understand their moods and communication method to improve how you connect with them. Learn to listen so people will talk, and talk so people will listen.

Smarts – defined today – relate more to your ability to know yourself and to connect successfully with others rather than just what you know. Though some people are naturally better at “connection” and EQ, studies support all of us can improve. Improving your EQ has a direct impact on the quality of your work and life relationships, the quality of your work and the quality of your life.