Russ Dalbey's Blog - Dalbey Education Institute

Choices

The other day, I was in one of those made-to-order smoothie shops... you know, the ones where you can not only pick the flavor of your concoction from dozens of recipes described on the wall, but also select “boosts” or health supplements to add to the mix.

Just deciding from among the almost-overwhelming selection of fruit and yogurt blends took me a minute or two. But the next step – picking the boost – took even longer.

Hmm... what about a wheatgrass shot for some purifying chlorophyll? Or green tea caffeine for antioxidants and a little energy? Hey, a calcium boost sounds good... but so does an “immunity” shot that might help ward off that cold I think I’m getting.

I finally did get my drink ordered of course. Sometime afterwards, this experience at the smoothie shop made me think about the many choices we have to make every day.

Many of the decisions we’re faced with aren’t that significant in the big picture. But some of our decisions – even if they seem trivial – really could affect our lives in a huge way. And here’s the thing: sometimes, we’re not even aware that we are making important decisions.

Am I going to dress professionally or casually for work? Will I choose to get all the stressful or difficult tasks I’ve been avoiding so far this week done and off my plate, or will I continue to push them off? Will I maintain a positive attitude and find the good, or will I say to myself the first chance I get: “Oh boy, it’s going to be another one of those days... I should have never gotten out of bed.”

And will I continue to keep working at a job that I don’t like, when I know I can - and should - do better for myself and my family?

All of these thoughts – choices, really – create direction and energy that WILL chart the courses of our lives. Not just for that day, but the next day, and the whole week, and so on.

Are you making the right choices for you?

Choose well.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Be in the NOW

You’ve heard the expression: “Be in the know.”

Well, how about this one: Be in the NOW.

Our lives are all so busy... work, meetings, kids, spouses or significant others, housework, bills, errands, friends, networking, holidays, weddings, community events... it never ends! If your life is like mine, it often seems like we’re all just buzzing around like crazy people, with our focus only on the next thing on our agendas - and NOT on the moment we’re experiencing NOW.

It’s not easy to be present at all times, to really savor the moment you’re in. The whirlwind of responsibilities and obligations we all have can get in the way.

But, just as “be in the know” is a great reminder that knowledge is the key to success... and that in order to be the best we can be we must constantly learn and grow, “be in the NOW” is a guideline that directs us to make the time – everyday – to stop. To breathe. To focus on what we're doing, and really experience the moment we’re in with all of our senses open.

I feel that EVERY moment, no matter how seemingly insignificant, mundane, or even unpleasant, adds purpose and meaning to your life. Every instant in life is a gift... so take the time to unwrap it, marvel at it, and fully appreciate it.

Warmly (and in the now!),
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Are you living like a ‘Blue Zone’ resident?

An interesting new book was published recently: The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner.

Buettner, an American explorer, author, and record-holding endurance cyclist, has spent seven years researching communities that have high percentages of individuals who live past 100 years old. He calls these areas of unusually long life “blue zones.”

After studying the people of the Nicoya region of Costa Rica, where living over a century seems to be the rule, not the exception, Buettner has outlined some of the common characteristics of these amazing people in his latest book.

These habits and activities of blue zone residents can add 10 healthy years to your life, Buettner states.

Here are three of the key traits of “long lifers.” Note that none of these are directly about exercise or diet!

Being nice. According to Buettner, “there wasn’t a grump in the bunch” of centenarians he met. “Being likeable,” he writes, “makes people happier to provide you company and care as you age.”

“Hara hachi bu.” This is a Japanese expression for “stop before you’re stuffed.” It’s practiced by residents of a blue zone in Okinawa, Japan. Buettner writes that cutting calories by 20 percent can add six years to a lifespan.

Picking healthy pals. Good habits and lifestyle choices are easy to make when you don’t see other options! “Your friends’ habits can be as influential as diets and exercise programs,” Buettner writes.

I hope that living long and well is among one of your top goals. If so, you could really benefit by heeding some sound advice from these amazing
blue-zone people!

For more information about the blue-zone people, check out this site: www.bluezones.com

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute