Apr 282013
 

How badly do you really want to succeed? In our great America, success is available to anyone who wants it so much that he or she is willing to do whatever it takes. The problem is that too many people are not willing to do whatever it takes. 99% commitment is way less likely to succeed than 100% commitment.

Publishers make millions selling books that give people answers regarding how to succeed yet success is not a mystery in this land of opportunity. We are free, to do what we want, in the pursuit of happiness. Watch this video (I suggest clicking full-screen) if you would like a six minute reminder of what you already know. We all need reminders from time to time.

Will power matters. 100% commitment matters. Nothing great comes from dipping your toe in the water. You must dive in.

I.M. Optimism Man

Apr 262013
 

Why is there such a partisan quagmire in Washington these days? It seems worse than ever before.

I can’t say that I often agree with blue state überliberals. In fact, I have a hard time with the fervent extremists at both ends of the American political spectrum, although I clearly lean toward conservative tenets. But, here is an issue, presented by a dyed-in-the-wool liberal, that does open one’s eyes.

It is well worth watching Lawrence Lessig with an open mind. Let’s start making some progress in America.

As a small side-note, if you enjoy studying the effective use of presentation aids and public speaking in general, as I do, Lawrence does a great job in keeping his audience engaged by using powerpoint / media effectively, something few accomplish well — there is a lot to learn for all of us that speak to groups, and he offers a glimpse of one way of doing it very well:

If you understand how things work — if you appreciate the underlying factors — you have a better chance of making progress on any problem. Today, bi-partisan constipation tops the list.

I.M. Optimism Man

Apr 152013
 

Many people have a hard time getting their arms around big numbers. Here is an interesting presentation that helps a person getting a better feeling for big numbers and big money. There is no doubt that it was created to be political, but my point is that both republicans and democrats need to stop the growing deficit and turn this around soon. Every family generally understands the concept that you must live within a budget or face inevitable ruin.

It shocks me that the sequester, which was modest, tiny even, freaked out so many people (and they were not so freaked out about the fact that sequester cuts where purposefully designed to throw out the baby with the bathwater). The law of numbers means we need more substantial cuts, plain and simple.

Watch this video to gain more accurate perspective of big numbers:

The first step to solving a problem is fully understanding it.

I.M. Optimism Man

Apr 142013
 

Brilliantly simple, inexpensive details matter a lot because humans are decided quirky. We have all encountered fabulous little details that amaze us. These little pleasant surprises leave lasting impressions and change our decisions about what we buy.

Consider this short 12 minute presentation:

Knock, knock, knock… The core idea in this video offers an opportunity that can ignite, or reignite, your career!

I am optimistic that you can make a difference at your job this year and quite possibly earn your company millions in profit, if you take on the mission of improving the tiny details. People notice the small details. Nobody has this job at most companies. They will let you have it, if you are proactive about it — don’t ask for the title but develop your best idea and then go pitch it upstairs.

Be optimistic, take action, be enthusiastic and unstoppable. The power of little details can change your trajectory.

I. M. Optimism Man