Your Life. Your Choice.

We often hear the phrase that we are not our thoughts, however we also hear how impactful our thoughts are on how we feel, what we think and in turn what we believe we can do. Our thoughts, although they are not defining can often times be a driving force behind the choices we make. Each day we have a choice in how we respond to our environment and how we let our own thoughts and feelings shape our perceptions. Often times, whatever we believe we are, we become. This can work for us, but we also might find it working against us depending on how we treat ourselves, and view ourselves. John O' Leary says, "You can't always choose your path in life, but you can always choose the manner in which you walk it." We can't always choose what happens to us every day, in fact more and more, we recognize how so many things are often out of our control, the only thing we actually can control is our response to the situations and environment we live in. We can choose whether to be a victim of our lives and circumstance or actually be in our life, living it, with purpose and a grateful heart. No matter what shows up in life, we have choices and taking time to recognize our responses is a key element in how we feel on a daily basis about our life. We have a choice, and no one can make it for us.

"The best day of your life is the one in which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours- it is an amazing journey- and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins." Bob Moawad

The gift is yours- whatever you can dream, you can do and whatever you believe yourself to be capable of, you are.

So go out, and make it the best day of your life.

Leading from the inside out.

Have you all seen this Ted Talk with Simon Sinek? If you haven't, take a few moments to check it out. In the video, Sinek dissects key points in the reason why companies like Apple are successful and leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. have influenced so many. When we start looking at why people do the things they do, we start analyzing one of the key reasons why humans respond to certain things, while other times, we don't. Why do we buy one thing over the other even when the quality of both products might be very similar if not equal? Simon Sinek points out that many companies come from the angle of, here is a great product, it's innovative, cool and pretty, want to buy it? While companies like Apple simply say, we believe in innovation, we believe in people, we believe in what we do, we believe in you, now here is a great computer, want to buy it? And the answer probably feels a little different. 

Humans relate to each other through connection. When we start doing things that come from our core, living our passions, we stop concerning ourselves with the outcome and therefore we usually let go of any sort of fear that might keep us from doing something. The task itself, whatever it is, is already the reward. When we start to live from the inside out, we cannot fail. Our purpose becomes greater than the outcome, because it comes from somewhere deeper inside ourselves, and because of this we are able to put ourselves out there, in a way that is endearing, in a way that every human being can relate to. As people, we are all much more alike than we are different. We want to be appreciated, feel love, be supported, be heard, etc. When what we do starts to reflect those needs of others, there becomes an awareness of connection. There is an understanding and a level of trust because the relating is there and is authentic. As Sinek mentions in the video, we follow people not for them, but for us. We buy the product not for them, but for ourselves. We either believe that something they produced may enhance our lives, or we feel connected with someone because of what they believe, or do or support. There is a resonating that happens. To be successful, it isn't about being perfect, it's relating, connecting, establishing a sense of what is real and true for you, based on either your experiences or what you have learned and allowing that core part of you have voice, because when we speak from our core, we automatically speak to someone else's. So let your passion, be your guide. Live from the inside out.

Seeing Your Strengths

"Seeing your strength exactly as they are, and equally aware of where they can be best applied, for what, to whom and when..."

One of the most efficient ways to use your talents is to have an idea of what they are. Often times we get really busy in our day to day lives and instead of having an awareness, we check out and go on autopilot, doing what we do each and every day. Marianne Williamson states that, "Success means when we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way to serve others." When we start letting go of doing the mundane, and really start letting our work come from the heart, doors open up, we open up and our life begins to change. Use your life to spread your talents. Your talents that come from a place of love. They are unique to you, no one can take them away, no one has them same ones you do. So instead of constantly thinking about how to be more and more successful, maybe just become aware of how you can use your talents to benefit everyone and everything. "They key to a successful career is realizing that it's not separate from the rest of your life, but is rather an extension of your most basic self."

Enjoy the day! 

Stout Executive Insider

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At Stout Executive Search, we believe business is personal. We know that placing a candidate is not only a matter of matching skill-sets with job requirements, but also matching candidate personality with company culture and goals. At Stout, we know our candidates and companies personally. We match strategically and intentionally.

Be authentic. Be you.

Authenticity is a daily practice. Choosing authenticity means: Cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable; exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made of strength and struggle and connected to each other through a loving and resilient human spirit; nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that can only happen when we let go of what we are supposed to be and embrace who we are.

Authenticity demands whole-hearted living and loving- even when it's hard, even when we're wrestling with the shame and fear of not being good enough, and especially when the joy is so intense that we are afraid to let ourselves feel it.

Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy and gratitude into our lives. -Brene Brown, PH.D

The #1 Relationship Building Habit You Should Do Daily...

"Staying in touch is the critical lever to taking the chance out of relationship building. What is the likelihood that the five minutes per day you spend staying in touch is not going to yield amazing opportunities for you?" (Forbes)

Want to read the whole article? Check out why it's so important to maintain your contact list. http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelsimmons/2013/09/30/the-1-relationship-building-habit-you-should-do-daily/