I’m writing this with much apprehension. I’m sitting here dumbfounded and disappointed. Only one other time in my life have I found myself at such a loss for words that I can’t even determine how to complete this statement in a manner that concisely summarizes my thoughts. Where are we as a human race that we cannot look to our left and look to our right and help us all make it out? I used to believe that we were all good at heart. I thought that somewhere along the way unfortunate experiences turned us bad. I hope this is still true. If you really knew me, you’d know that I hold a lot in because expressing my feelings and sharing my thoughts with the goal of helping people always resulted in me being hurt because the person didn’t want to be helped, hence the reason for my apprehension in writing this piece. Many events have occurred on Twitter in the past month that led to me writing this. There is no one event that sparked it, but they all need to come to resolution. [Read more...]
I Didn’t Join Twitter for This (Or What Could Kill Twitter’s Popularity)
Has the “Customer is Always Right” Policy Gone Too Far?
Customer service is a hot button issue. It always has been; but, with the advent of social media and location-based check-in services like FourSquare and consumer review sites like Yelp, companies are clamoring to ensure that every customer has a positive experience. Retail companies are changing their return policies to allow greater customer satisfaction, encouraging employees to give the customer whatever they want if they protest. The customer must always be happy and never be left feeling the need to give the store, restaurant, airline, etc…a negative review via a social media platform.
UPDATE: SERVICE WORKER AT MCDONALD’S GETS ATTACKED BY CUSTOMER
LinkedIn: Generation Y Just Isn’t That Into You
Forget Twitter. Generation Y isn’t into LinkedIn. More than any other social networking site in this list, the above graphic shows that young people ages 0-24 really aren’t into the business networking site, LinkedIn. Wait…read that again. Business networking site, LinkedIn. That’s probably why GenY and GenZ are not into the site. Unless they are making major initiatives into starting their career early, the next generation has no reason to use LinkedIn. Generation Y, however, should begin considering it. In this job market, especially, it is growing more apparent that finding a job will not be about what you know or who you know but who knows YOU. If you cannot be searched, then you are not relevant. If you’re not relevant, you’re not worth hiring.
[Read more...]
Getting There: Howard Jean Speaks Part II
Getting There is a series featuring interviews from Generation Y young people who are breaking stereotypes and not only working hard to achieve their own definition of success but working to improve the lives of others around them.
Mr. Howard Jean, Director of the Call Me MISTER (CMM) Program, works to improve the lives of those around him by teaching self-empowerment and self-respect. [Read more...]
Getting There: Howard Jean Speaks Part I
Howard Jean with his students from the Call Me Mister program. Photo Credit: Meredith Edlow
Getting There is a series featuring interviews from Generation Y young people who are breaking stereotypes and not only working hard to achieve their own definition of success but working to improve the lives of others around them.
Mr. Howard Jean, Director of the Call Me MISTER (CMM) Program, works to improve the lives of those around him by teaching self-empowerment and self-respect. [Read more...]
Getting There: Tavaghn "Montsterr" Monts Speaks Part II
Getting There is a series featuring interviews from Generation Y young people who are breaking stereotypes and not only working hard to achieve their own definition of success but working to improve the lives of others around them.
Among other professions Tavaghn “Montster” Monts is Vice President of My Life Keys where he works as a Motivator and Life Coach. He has built a strong network leveraging his ability to relate with his target audience through consistent, branded messages on Twitter. If you’re living under a rock, Twitter is a social networking tool that allows people to connect with one another in a vastly more efficient manner than Facebook. Showing his prowess, Tavaghn does more than share what he’s eating for breakfast, offering ways in which his followers can “Motivate Your Motivation” through the “#MYM” hashtag.
In the video below he answers the following questions:
What advice do you have for men who want to achieve success in their lives?
What advice do you have for women who want to do the same?
You’re also known for your relationship advice. Can you discuss the importance of defining your passions and setting career and life goals for yourself as it pertains to building a strong relationship?
You’ve built a large network on Twitter and use that network to share positive messages. How can young people (under 30) use Twitter to achieve their goals? Would you advise them against saying certain things?
Getting There: Tavaghn "Montsterr" Monts Speaks Part I
Getting There is a series featuring interviews from Generation Y young people who are breaking stereotypes and not only working hard to achieve their own definition of success but working to improve the lives of others around them.
Among other professions Tavaghn “Montster” Monts is Vice President of My Life Keys where he works as a Motivator and Life Coach. [Read more...]
Gen Y: Who Motivates You?
Growing up I put people older than me on a pedestal, assuming they held the knowledge I lacked because, as a child, I could not know what they knew. I’ve since learned my lesson. I know now that there are a lot of people in adult bodies with child-like minds. Sometimes their own children are smarter than they are, which makes me concerned for the future. It concerns me because some children are not strong enough to question their parents’ logic. They believe it when their parents tell them that they won’t amount to anything. They agree that the world does not need another scholar. They believe the teachers, relatives, televisions shows, movies and news media who tell them that they’re lazy, stupid, and too idealistic for their own good. Well, “adults”, who do you think is going to be there for you when you grow too old to take care of yourselves? When you motivate someone to become somebody, you benefit the world by creating a human being capable of love and compassion for someone other than themselves. Unfortunately, some have to be motivated by the negative talk of irresponsible adults who are too busy projecting their own jaded misgivings.
So, I ask you Generation Y, who motivates you? Does this song resonate with you?
The Blue Print 3 – So Ambitious lyrics
Motivation for me, is them telling me what I could not be
Oh well
I felt so inspired by what the teacher said
Said I’d either be dead or be a reefer head
Not sure if that’s how adults should speak to kids
Especially when the only thing I did was speak in class
I’ll teach his ass
Even better what my uncle did
I popped my demo tape in start to beat my head
Peeked out my eye, see if he was beatin his
He might as well said beat it kid,
He’s on the list
It’s like I’m searching for kicks
Like a sneaker head
You gon keep pushing me til I reach the ledge
And when I reach the ledge, I tell ‘em all to eat a dick
Take a leap of faith and let my eagle wings spread
(Chorus)
Motivation to me, is them telling me what I could not be, oh well
I’m so ambitious, I might hit two sisters,
Hey I’m on a mission, no matter what the conditions
Fuck the personal issues, when you go through what I been through,
hey, if you believe it, then you can conceive it
Verse 2
Had to lace up my boots, even harder
Father is too far away to father
Further, more of the kids either
Smoke reefer or either move white
There’s few writers, in my cipher
So they made lighter, my type of
Dreams seen to them, they said wise up
How many guys are? You see making it from here
The world dont like us, is that not clear, alright bruh
I’m different I can’t face what I’m gon be, or
For what everybody isn’t, they don’t listen
Just whispering behind my back, no vision,
Lack of ambition, So Wack!
(Chorus) Pharrell
Motivation to me, is them telling me what I could not be, oh well
I’m so ambitious, I might hit two sisters,
Hey I’m on a mission, no matter what the conditions
Fuck the personal issues, when you go through what I been through,
hey, if you believe it, then you can conceive it
Verse 3
Had a couple of meetings, no office yet
Maybe I ain’t good enough for these offices
Back to the drawing board, ducking officers
It’s all good cuz the streets, is saying ?
So with or without any of your involvement
We coming for all of this, respect my conglomerate
I went from piper to the president, cuz every deal I ever made set precedent
N****s probably thought a 4 without 0 buddy, oh Buddy
What I do is make more money
Dear teacher, you probably somewhere speaker
I’m balling out of control, can you hear my sneakers?
Fuck yall!!
(Chorus) Pharrell
Motivation to me, is them telling me what I could not be, oh well
I’m so ambitious, I might hit two sisters,
Hey I’m on a mission, no matter what the conditions
Fuck the personal issues, when you go through what I been through,
hey, if you believe it, then you can conceive it
Guest Post: Part II Strengthen Your Focus
Continued from 10 Mantras for Empowering Focus
6. “WHAT DOES FAILURE LOOK LIKE?”
If you believe in it, you give it life.
If you don’t, it can’t breathe.
I stopped believing in defeat. I mean that. I didn’t look at any of the obstacles as insurmountable, and believe me; they could have easily taken me off my course for years. There can be no such thing as failure. It doesn’t equate. It has no logical substance to it. No matter what sacrifices you will have to make on your way there, remember…you are on your way there. Remember that you are heading no place else, but towards your success.
7. “THE MYOPIC IS LEGAL HERE…”
Don’t tolerate anything that will distract you. Flexibility is needed when you are certain of exactly what you wish to accomplish, and the flavor can be negotiable, but outside of the superficial details, there is only one thing that exists. Make sure that you know the difference between a compromise when settling disputes, and a compromise with your life’s goals. If you have not gotten to a place in your thinking where you have absolutely defined exactly what the general goal is, then you shouldn’t be reading this. This is not about finding a focus; this is about strengthening your focus.
Focused people tend to be short-sighted and narrow-minded when it comes to all else. This is a necessary evil. Keep your eyes on the road, let all else subside from your periphery…
8. “ONE STEP AT A TIME”
Ever see someone jump in a pool and not stroke, kick, or doggy paddle? Can’t make it in a pool without some sort of movement, huh? Sure, those are my thoughts exactly. Your focus is your pool. You cannot claim to be focused if you are not making even the tiniest of steps toward realizing your vision. The smallest kick or push will keep you afloat, and may even attract the attention of the person with the resources necessary to sky rocket your vision. But you can’t get their attention by doing nothing. You must make those steps.
No one is going to give you the permission to be as great as you should be. You have to take that reality and carve it into yours. You have to take the necessary steps to make your vision a reality in the world we already live in. One step at a time and the journey of one thousand miles is completed.
9. “SET BACKS HELP US IF WE LET THEM…”
I once saw a baby standing while it was having its umbilical cord cut, and once cut, the baby walked over to its mother, jumped up on the gurney, and kissed her. Alright, I never was much of a fiction writer but I think you get my point here. It just doesn’t happen without the falls, the scrapes, the bruises, the tears, and all those moments where you just think that it will not happen.
Focus means direction. You are moving toward something. You are going to fall along that course. That fall may present you with the necessary perception or strength to continue at a higher frequency than before. Don’t give in to your cowardice. Remember, you came to this world without a language to speak or read, no clue about the opposite sex, no idea about the health care reform(alright, we are all still working on that one…).
Stay focused. Take it easy. We all fall. Use it as reason to keep striving…
10. “IF YOU DON’T, WHO WILL?”
And as the circle of life revolves and spirals, leaving us in a higher place than where we started, we are back to purpose. If you don’t develop your abilities to tackle that dream and vision of yours, who is going to? If you don’t follow your heart’s desires, who will? No one can fulfill your greatest hopes for yourself but, well, yourself. YOU.
The energy needed to achieve anything is actually about the same as the attention needed to push the “x” (close) button on an application on your computer screen. It just means holding that desire over a longer period of time. That is what we actually mean by focus. That only means a constant reminder is necessary so you will not forget that only you can accomplish this task. Even if someone could, how much of a little squirrel do you think the world is going to make you feel like? There is a definite spiritual force that punishes those that don’t even attempt to do that in which they most want to do. Stay the course…it is almost over.
J. Farand is a writer, web designer, and web developer and writer of the book, “The Better You”. He is currently finishing a BA and co-authoring a book entitled,”Media Messages.” His daily musings and analysis can be found at http://www.owlasylum.net
Guest Post: 10 MANTRAS FOR EMPOWERING FOCUS
J. Farand has written a guest post for There From Here on believing in your right to take hold of your destiny by eliminating distraction and focusing on your dream.
If you are looking for enriching and uplifting, well informed commentary about the social and political scene from the eyes of a black man in America, OWL ASYLUM is the web residence and sound board of J. Farand, a student of life, and technology, web content provider/manager, designer and developer who loves to discuss and critique the actions of the powers that be…because it’s fun!…
1. “I’M HERE FOR A REASON”
As most people who follow my blog or my twitter feed know, I am not one for a lot of empty statements of positivity that leave you with no practical applications. My spirituality doesn’t need to be bolstered by the applause given to the preacher or speaker that can only proffer me statements such as “keep the faith,” or “the tide will turn.” However, with my experience, and my forth coming success as a writer and student, I have learned to be a little more open-minded about faith-based mantras.
So here is one of the more faith based affirmations I walk around with: I am here for a purpose. Regardless of if I am simply a unit of congealed waveforms or a hierarchy of cellular organs in cooperation, there is a high level of work that has been put into each of us. I have never thought about giving up. I’d almost say any failure I have suffered through was more bad values than bad aiming. However, we have all gone through a situation where we could taste the pity. In those times it has always been my practice to remind myself of who I have touched and what my gifts are; and, that usually helps to jog my memory as to why I embarked on the journey in the first place.
We are all being driven to vibrate at a higher pitch. We are all being driven to live our lives in a healthier more stable and more satisfying way. Never forget that the Sun shines on you and not without reason.
2. “NO SENSE IN LOOKING BACK NOW”
Have you ever watched a game show where contestants must vie for an exclusive position? Have you ever seen a second place contestant’s complimentary parting gift and said, “I WANT THAT!!” Never? Yeah, me neither…
No one wants to finish in second place. But often we dare ourselves only enough before complacency sets in. We fail to push ourselves that one last lap as hard as we can; and, we settle for second best. The reality of this metaphor, however, is that settling could mean the difference between a good career and a great self-owned business. Once you have begun to walk that plank keep going. Don’t turn around. We know what is back there: the life we left to pursue our goals. The place where our dreams didn’t come true is back there. Don’t go back there.
3. “TRANSCEND THE MOMENT”
I used to cut out pictures of toys that I wanted my parents to buy when I was a child. As I grew, I began to do the same thing with the type of home I wanted. I imagined how the furniture might look and the means in which I was entertained. I even had a pet snake in one of my collages. Nothing defeats your focus better than being stuck focusing on the present surroundings. I live here. I’m not here. For many who have never been in the worst of places, it is easy to tote philosophies of being in the moment, and in the present. Yeah. Tell that to a child buried under a building awaiting assistance, “Just think about the moment…” Blah and more blah!
The more practical approach is to transcend the moment. Step outside of this dimension for a moment; and, walk into the dimension that you are now creating. Smell it for just a minute. Taste it. Tape stick-its to its walls. You have to have sight beyond sight. This is not for those of you who are simply hoping for a raise. I’m talking to those that truly wish to transcend. This writing is for those who are focused on transforming their lives in a major way. Those types of people have to momentarily tolerate the mediocrity of their present condition, while forging their future, now, by transcending the moment. Live in the now while behaving and thinking as you would if you had already accomplished your goal.
4. “EXERCISE YOUR FUTURE YOU”
In the same vein as the last, you must learn to be your future you, now. One of the basic fallacies of learning is that we believe that we will always enjoy the same things, or behave in the same manner in the future as we do now. How immature would the world be if that were true?
Consider yourself. Consider what words you would use. Consider your posture. Consider your working habits. How can you increase the frequency of your performance in the present to the level you believe you would in your future? Long term or short term goals leave indelible marks on our souls once accomplished. The world changes around us as well. It is as if you begin to emit a pheromone into the air that says successful.
Why not become that person now? Train your focus by training yourself to be what you are focusing on becoming. Why wait?
5. “SMILE, YOU’VE GOT TO PREPARE FOR YOUR AWARD CEREMONY….”
This one is ironic, mainly because everyone says I have an aggressive mug, so even I have to practice my smile daily. I believe it is important to enjoy yourself. Yes, you may still have a few more years to crank out that final lap of your goal, but hey, why not get ready now? Success comes with a social life, and you’d better have a decent meet and greet posture.
I smile just to remind myself I am one step closer to that vision. I smile to calm myself. I smile to tease away the temptation to pull away from an assignment that is necessary for my overall success.
I smile because I love me enough to. Part of success is happiness and inner peace. I express that with a smile.
Look out for Part 2 in the near future!
Do these tips help you? How do you find focus in your own life? Answer in the comments and let’s all help each other get there from here!
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