No, this is not another fitness angle promising tight abs in 10 days. Good thing because I just ate what giants might refer to as a really big helping (or what the rest of us might call three average portions) of my favorite dessert and I’m in no mood to discuss my waistline. The part of the gut I want to discuss today is the part that just knows when something is wrong or … [Read more...]
When Your Best Isn’t Good Enough
My father-in-law used to share philosophical quips with me and thankfully some of them have stayed with me. One of my favorites simply states that, "Good enough, seldom is!" Seriously, that's a doosie! Doing as good as you CAN is a totally different statement than doing as good as POSSIBLE. Seems like semantics, but I know the difference; I have experienced the … [Read more...]
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive
I know, you will all be glad when this fair is over and I can get back to talking about everyday office drama. Lately my everyday is filled with the advertising, PR, sponsorships and marketing of the drama I call the Tennessee State Fair. It starts in 5 days! I'm doing the job of three people so to say the least, it's been interesting. I drive a hard bargain and run a tight … [Read more...]
When the Marathon Becomes a Sprint
I've been preparing and in the midst of the State Fair marathon for about eight months now. At "T minus 10" days until opening ceremonies, I'm starting to not only put in long hours, but the pace is alarming. I'm no stranger to working 16-hour days, seven days a week--that part I can handle; it's keeping it together mentally, physically and professionally that is imperative. … [Read more...]
Knowing When To Let Go
For a small woman, I have a lethal grip. I tend to clench tightly to projects and initiatives, even when they're dying a slow death. I am a self-proclaimed control freak somewhat in recovery; I am learning to let go. I have always felt that the more control I have over a project, the better it will turn out...and sometimes it's true, but at what cost? High stress = NO … [Read more...]
Find Out Who Your “Friends” Are
Country singer Tracy Lawrence has a great song that tells a story of a guy who's been at the top, and when he gets down on his luck he finds out who his friends are. Most of us have friended a friend of a friend (prior to Facebook that sentence would have made no sense what so ever). Then before you know it, you have 502 “friends” in your life. Well, with all the hype about … [Read more...]
You Can’t Win ’em All
"Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing" is a well-known sports mantra. It exemplifies a form of unfettered competitiveness that has permeated American sports. Its assertion about the importance of winning has been touted as a basic tenet of the American sports creed and, at the same time, singled out as encapsulating what is purportedly right with competitive … [Read more...]
Climbing Out of the Box
This past week I was introduced to one group as, “the queen of manure” and to another I was setup with the comment, “not only does this woman work out of the box, she doesn’t even know where the box is.” Both, given the context, were complimentary believe it or not. I had to laugh because I’ve held many titles in my career, but seriously, manure queen? It may actually turn … [Read more...]
Twitterfried [Reaching Twitter Burn Out]
Posted by Chrysty Beverley Fortner. I'm fully engaged in the assault on social media. I'm a warrior. I love it. I have a website to maintain for work, two blogs, a LinkedIn profile, a Facebook account, two groups, a cause and two fan pages; I text often, I live on email and Blackberry, I message through myEmma and now I “tweet.” However, I don't yet see the true value to … [Read more...]
Never Forget
I sit here thinking about words of encouragement and pearls of wisdom for the working woman on this Sunday before Memorial Day and I am at a loss. My words seem so insignificant, but I'm writing anyway. This Monday morning deserves more than best practices and philosophies. No level of business prowess can trump the efforts and sacrifices made by the men and women of our … [Read more...]