David J. Pollay's Blog

Do You Do It Enough? Tim Does

 

When I was at Yahoo!, I was asked to record a training video that could be used by all Yahoo! managers as a learning resource for conducting better performance reviews.  At the time I was the director of Yahoo!'s Learning and Development organization.  It was my first time recording in Yahoo!'s production studio.  The camera, lights, backdrop, marks on the floor telling me where to stand … all this was new to me.

 

As I was preparing for the video shoot, I asked Adrian Smith if he had any advice for me.

 

 

 

 

At the time Adrian was the head of all online training for the Yahoo! sales organization, and he was producing our training video. (Adrian is a great guy who now runs his own full-service video production company, Slice of Life Media.) 

 

Adrian's answer.

Rehearse.

Simple.

Rehearse.

 

He said, "We all need to rehearse.  If you want to be good at something, you have to rehearse."

 

Then Adrian gave me an example.

Tim Sanders.

 

 

At the time, Tim was leading an organization at Yahoo! called Value Lab; it was a strategic think tank focused on creating value for our customers.  Tim played an important role in the company.  He was respected.  He was successful.

 

And according to Adrian, he rehearsed.

 

Adrian said Tim was tireless about making sure he gave his best effort in preparing for all of his presentations and speeches. (Even back then he was called to speak all the time—check out one of Tim's videos on his site.) 

 

How did all this preparation work out for Tim?  After a great career at Yahoo!, he wrote three bestselling books: Love Is The Killer App, The Likeability Factor, and Saving the World at Work. Now, Tim’s working on his fourth book, and he is one of the most popular transformational speakers nationally.

 

Think about your expertise.

 

How much are you practicing?

How much are you rehearsing? 

Listen to Adrian.

Follow Tim's example.

Make time for rehearsal.

 

(Here's Tim in his own words about the importance of rehearsing.)

 

 If you’re here for the first time, welcome!

You can sign up for my newsletter.

  You can find out more about The Law of the Garbage Truck here.

Advice Must Come with Sincerity and Expertise – Stephanie’s an Example

When I look for personal advice from people, I look for a number of things. 

 

Top among them is sincerity and expertise.

I want to know my advisors have my best interests in mind.  

I want to know that they really care about helping me. 

And I want to know that they have experience, knowledge, and skill in the domain I need help. 

 

 
   

Stephanie Gunning is one of those people.

 

After I wrote my book, The Law of the Garbage Truck, and before I signed with Sterling Publishing, I called in Stephanie for advice.  I wanted to look for ways I could improve my book. 

 

Stephanie pointed out where I could clarify passages or expand my treatment of a subject or cut material to make my message stronger.  Stephanie had the expertise, and my success mattered to her.  She gave the advice, and it was up to me to make the changes.  I listened, made the changes, and strengthened my book. 

 

Now, Stephanie is helping even more people.  This time it’s with her own book, You Are A Spirit, written with Kayhan Ghodsi.  It just came out last week.  I bought my copy the day it was available.  If you’re interested in spirituality and improving the quality of your life, pick up a copy.  

 

Think about the people you rely on. 

 

Who are the people

who are giving

you advice

these days? 

 

Make sure they’re the best, and make sure that they care.

 

 

 If you’re here for the first time, welcome!

You can sign up for my newsletter.

 

You can find out more about The Law of the Garbage Truck here.

  

 

 

Come to the Love, Laughter and Gratitude Festival this Saturday!

Come to the Love, Laughter, and Gratitude Festival this Saturday, February 20, 2010! 

Internationally known comedian Tim Hawkins and I are headlining this event.  I will open the show with a short program, and Tim will close it.  Copied below is one of the promotional cards for the event.

Tim is famous for his hilarious, family-friendly comedy.  I’m looking forward to seeing his show.

I’ll be leading everyone through The Law of the Garbage Truck™ Experience … and The No Garbage Trucks! Pledge™.  If you have not yet taken The Pledge with me at a live event, you will not want to miss this public event.

Date:  February 20, 2010

Time:  The VIP early program begins at 6:00p.m. 7:00p.m. begins the main program.

Location:  The historic congregation of Cason United Methodist Church, 342 N. Swinton Avenue.

City:  Delray Beach, Florida

We’re also going to film my portion of the program for my television show.  It will be fun!

Six hundred people are expected.  Tickets are available, but they’re selling fast.  You can order tickets online at:

http://www.llgfest.com/tickets.html

Make sure to say hi to me after the show.  I would love to see you.

It’s going to be a fun night!

Three Questions that Matter. Here’s #3.

Today, I want to share with you the last of the 3 questions I recommend that we ask each other when we want to spark meaningful and insightful conversations in our families. 

Here was my First Question.  Here was my Second Question.  Here’s Question #3. 

Question #3

“What were you ‘grateful’ for today?”

We do our children a great service when we help them understand the power of gratitude.  We help them realize how many good things and how many good people are in their lives.  Our question gently directs them to think of what they value and care about. 

Sociologist Georg Simmel wrote, “Gratitude, as it were, is the moral memory of mankind.”  Our inquiry prods our children to thank the people who have helped them.  And we know from Positive Psychology research that the more grateful we are, the happier we become. 

Think about asking one of these questions to deepen your gratitude conversations: 

-   “Why are you grateful for that?”

-   “What about that makes you grateful?”

(Note: These questions are just as great for adults, and they are particularly interesting questions to ask around the holidays.)

Questions guide and stimulate

The beauty of these three questions is that they stimulate our children’s thinking on a deeper level.  Subconsciously these questions influence our children throughout the day:  Our children know that we expect them to be grateful, find something good, and learn something new every day. 

And don’t forget to answer these questions yourself.  Your children will understand what’s important to you:  You will model what you value.  And you will personally feel the uplifting benefits of focusing on these three questions.

***   ***   ***

As always, when you have time, let me know how you’re doing.  And remember to share your stories with me.

Best to you,

David

p.s. Remember to keep sending me your stories about how you are applying The Law of the Garbage Truck™ to your lives, families, and businesses.  Email me at [email protected].

---------------------------------------------------------

Sign up

And remember you can sign up for my newsletter right here.

---------------------------------------------------------

David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™.  He is a syndicated columnist, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally sought after speaker.  David’s book The Law of the Garbage Truck: Take control of your life with one decision and change the world will be published by Sterling Publishing (a Barnes & Noble company) in September, 2010.  You can find out more about The Law of the Garbage Truck™ at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.

David holds a Master’s degree of applied positive psychology (M.A.P.P.) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.  He is the founding associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association.  You can catch David’s newsletter here.  You can reach him at [email protected], and you can read David’s blog at www.pollayblog.com.

Three Questions that Matter. Here’s #2.

There are 3 questions that I recommend we ask each other when we want to spark meaningful and insightful conversations in our families. 

Here was my First Question.  Today, we’ll look at Question #2.

Question #2

“What was the ‘top’ of your day?” 

We know from Psychology that our experience in life is based on where we focus our attention.  We want to give our children an opportunity to recall something positive in their day.  Make sure to explain that the “top” of their day is a time when they were most satisfied, challenged, happy, or having fun. 

You can use this additional question to learn even more about what excites your children:  “Why was that the top of your day?”

(Note: These questions are just as great for adults, and they are particularly interesting questions to ask around the holidays.)

***   ***   ***

As always, when you have time, let me know how you’re doing.  And remember to share your stories with me.

Best to you,

David

p.s. Remember to keep sending me your stories about how you are applying The Law of the Garbage Truck™ to your lives, families, and businesses.  Email me at [email protected].

---------------------------------------------------------

Sign up

And remember you can sign up for my newsletter right here.

---------------------------------------------------------

David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™.  He is a syndicated columnist, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally sought after speaker.  David’s book The Law of the Garbage Truck: Take control of your life with one decision and change the world will be published by Sterling Publishing (a Barnes & Noble company) in September, 2010.  You can find out more about The Law of the Garbage Truck™ at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.

David holds a Master’s degree of applied positive psychology (M.A.P.P.) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.  He is the founding associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association.  You can catch David’s newsletter here.  You can reach him at [email protected], and you can read David’s blog at www.pollayblog.com.

Three Questions that Matter. Here’s #1.

“How was school?”  “What did you do today?”  These are some of the typical questions we ask our school-age children during dinner.  The question is how often do these questions lead to interesting and engaging answers? 

At some point in time, most of us have felt frustrated because we did not know what questions to ask our children to encourage them to speak openly and meaningfully about their day.  We want to know what is going on with them.  We want to know what they are excited about.  But questions that lead to answers such as “fine,” “okay,” and “I don’t remember,” do not help us learn more about our children. 

Three questions

Here are three questions that may help you and your family.  These questions may lead you to some interesting, meaningful, and fun conversations at the dinner table with your children. 

 

(Note: These questions are just as great for adults, and they are particularly interesting questions to ask around the holidays.)

Question #1

“What did you ‘learn’ today?”

Stanford psychology researcher, Carol Dweck, has spent decades researching what contributes most to our success in life.  She sums up her findings in her book, Mindset:  The New Psychology of Success.  She writes:  “If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.  That way, their children don’t have to be slaves of praise.  They will have a lifelong way to build and repair their own confidence.” 

When we ask our children what they learned today, we are demonstrating our interest in their growth.  We are as concerned with their practice as we are with their performance.  We are also communicating that we want to see them stretch themselves every day.  Learning is key. 

Consider asking this follow-up question to further focus your child on the importance of learning:  “How did you learn that today?” 

***   ***   ***

As always, when you have time, let me know how you’re doing.  And remember to share your stories with me.

Best to you,

David

p.s. Remember to keep sending me your stories about how you are applying The Law of the Garbage Truck™ to your lives, families, and businesses.  Email me at [email protected].

---------------------------------------------------------

Sign up

And remember you can sign up for my newsletter right here.

---------------------------------------------------------

David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™.  He is a syndicated columnist, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally sought after speaker.  David’s book, The Law of the Garbage Truck: Take control of your life with one decision and change the world, will be published by Sterling Publishing (a Barnes & Noble company) in September, 2010.  You can find out more about The Law of the Garbage Truck™ at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.

David holds a Master’s degree of applied positive psychology (M.A.P.P.) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.  He is the founding associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association.  You can catch David’s newsletter here.  You can reach him at [email protected], and you can read David’s blog at www.pollayblog.com.

Discover Your True Path – Step Three

Last week I asked us to take our second step on our journey to discover our true path in life. 

 

Here was Step One – Learn by Observing Others.  Here was Step Two – Learn by Asking Others.

 

This week I want us to focus on how we can learn by the example of others.

 

Learn by the Example of Others

 

In 1917 my grandfather lived in Brunswick, Maine.  He worked as a bookkeeper for the Bath Iron Works, the largest shipbuilder in the United States.  He worked long hours.  He lived at home.  He had no extra money.  He had an elementary school education.  And he dreamed of becoming an accountant.

 

Despite his circumstances, my grandfather found a way to pursue his dream.  He adhered to a motto:  “I can. I will.”  My grandfather read the accounting books his older brother had purchased years earlier.  He set aside two hours every night after work to read the books and take the practice tests (without looking at his brother’s answers).  My grandfather would then clear his mind with a walk, and then go to bed.  For two years he followed this plan.  In 1919 my grandfather passed the State of Maine accounting exam.  He became a certified public accountant.

 

The original certificate conferring my grandfather’s right to practice accounting hangs in my parent’s family room.  It reminds all of us what can be achieved by pursuing one’s true path with dedication and hard work.

 

Whose example will you emulate this year?  Learn from their journey.

 

As always, when you have time, let me know how you’re doing.  And remember to share your stories with me.

 

Best to you,

 

David

 

p.s. Remember to keep sending me your stories about how you are applying The Law of the Garbage Truck™ to your lives, families, and businesses.  Email me at [email protected].

 

---------------------------------------------------------

 

Sign up

 

And remember you can sign up for my newsletter right here.

 

---------------------------------------------------------

 

David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™.  He is a syndicated columnist, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally sought after speaker.  David’s book, The Law of the Garbage Truck: Take control of your life with one decision and change the world, will be published by Sterling Publishing in September, 2010.  You can find out more about The Law of the Garbage Truck™ at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.

 

David holds a Master’s degree of applied positive psychology (M.A.P.P.) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.  He is the founding associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association.  You can catch David’s newsletter here.  You can reach him at [email protected], and you can read David’s blog at www.pollayblog.com.

 

Discover Your True Path – Step One

I believe we all have a right and responsibility to find our true path in life.  We must discover our passion and what it calls us to do.   

When we are able to put our natural strengths, skills, knowledge, experience, and energy into something we believe in, great things will happen in our lives.  

My next few posts will show us how others can help us find our true path in life.

Learn by Observing Others

When I was 17 years old, I thought I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon.  So, I accepted an offer to shadow the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team doctor for one day.  I expected to watch surgeries and meet baseball players.  Instead, I had a different experience.   

There were no surgeries to watch.  There were no baseball stadiums to visit.  There were just countless examination room doors to open and close.  We visited patients in his office all day long – more than I can remember.  I knew the visits were important; my own orthopedic doctors helped me many times.  I just didn’t realize how much of a doctor’s week was spent in the office.  I learned in one day that the path of a doctor was not for me.   

This year, who will you observe to test an interest of yours?  Don’t romanticize an interest.  Investigate it.  

As always, let me know how you’re doing when you have time.  And remember to share your stories with me.  

Best to you,  David  

p.s. Remember to keep sending me your stories about how you are applying The Law of the Garbage Truck™ to your lives, families, and businesses.  Email me at [email protected].

---------------------------------------------------------  

Sign up  

And remember you can sign up for my newsletter right here.  

---------------------------------------------------------

David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™.  He is a syndicated columnist, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally sought after speaker.  David’s book, The Law of the Garbage Truck: Take control of your life with one decision and change the world, will be published by Sterling Publishing in September, 2010.  You can find out more about The Law of the Garbage Truck™ at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.

David holds a Master’s degree of applied positive psychology (M.A.P.P.) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.  He is the founding associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association.  You can catch David’s newsletter here.  You can reach him at [email protected], and you can read David’s blog at www.pollayblog.com.

Are You Laughing? Part IV

I hope your weekend is going great! 

Here’s the fourth post in our series on the importance of laughter in our lives.   Here’s part one.  Here’s part two.  Here’s part three.

Part Four

Psychologist Willibald Ruch is one of the world’s leading researchers on humor. Here is one of Willibald’s research sites.  He’s a good guy and a great researcher.

Willibald has found in his research that “habitual laughter can affect physiological changes for the better in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, immunological, and/or neural systems.” 

Ruch goes on to write in his chapter on humor in Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman’s book, Character Strengths and Virtues, that individuals who have the strength of humor “would strongly endorse such statements as the following:

-         Whenever my friends are in a gloomy mood, I try to tease them out of it.

-         I welcome the opportunity to brighten someone else’s day with laughter.

-         Most people would say I am fun to be with.

-         I try to add some humor to whatever I do.

-         I never allow a gloomy situation to take away my sense of humor.

-         I can usually find something to laugh or joke about even in trying situations.”

We value people in our lives who consistently know how to cheer us up and increase our enjoyment in life.  We all appreciate a good laugh. 

We should be grateful anytime we can answer “yes” to the question, “Are you laughing?” 

Humor is good for life.

This week: 

Think about the important people in your life.  How could you bring a little more humor to your relationships this week?  What could you do to have some fun with the people you care about?

As always, let me know how you’re doing when you have time.  And remember to share your stories with me.

Best to you,

David

---------------------------------------------------------

Sign up

And remember you can sign up for my newsletter, Momentum Minutes™, right here.

---------------------------------------------------------

David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™.  He is a syndicated columnist with the North Star Writers Group, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally sought after speaker.  David’s book, The Law of the Garbage Truck™, is due out next year.  You can find out about the No Garbage Trucks! mission at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.

David holds a master’s degree of applied positive psychology (M.A.P.P.) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.  He is the founding associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association.

Are You Laughing? Part III

I hope your weekend is going great! 

Here’s the third post in our series on the importance of laughter in our lives.   Here’s part one.  Here’s part two.

Part Three

Heidi Goff, President and Managing Director of The Americas for Hypercom Corporation, and my boss when I was a director at MasterCard in the mid 1990s, has the ability to get the most out of a business meeting.  Heidi does all that you might expect from a successful senior executive—she’s clear on the focus of her meetings, she communicates what’s expected of everyone, and she listens carefully and speaks with purpose. 

Heidi also has the unique ability to inject humor so that people stay relaxed, creative and open-minded.  She knows when a good laugh or light-hearted comment will release tension in the room.

“In my own research with executives,” says Dachter Keltner in his book, Born to Be Good, “laughter early in negotiations—the product of break-the-ice banter about families, travel mishaps, hotel rooms, golf games, and the like—sets the stage for mutually beneficial bargaining.” 

Humor is good for business.

This week: 

Take a moment to think about your business or organization.  How could you inject some more humor into your relationships with your customers, suppliers, partners, and coworkers? 

As always, let me know how you’re doing when you have time.  And remember to share your stories with me.

Best to you,

David

-------------------------------------------------------

Sign up

And remember you can sign up for my newsletter, Momentum Minutes™, right here.

---------------------------------------------------------

David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™.  He is a syndicated columnist with the North Star Writers Group, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally sought after speaker.  David’s book, The Law of the Garbage Truck™, is due out next year.  You can find out about the No Garbage Trucks! mission at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.

David holds a master’s degree of applied positive psychology (M.A.P.P.) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.  He is the founding associate executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association.