Miss Susan Flynn

What I’ve learned this week from connection…

A Lesson on Gratitude

At the beginning of the year, I committed to connecting with strangers. I take taxis quite often for work, and I challenge myself to make conversation during each ride.

You would be amazed at the information a person will share, if you set an intention to be open, interested, and kind.

This week, a driver shared with me that he works six out of seven days of the week to support his family.  He has two children that are university age, and his wife only works a hours here and there; he even shared his salary. 

This man was happy, open, and caring.

 After he dropped me off at my door, I took a moment to feel gratitude for all the blessings I have in my life. 

As we go into the weekend, and start another week, I challenge you to connect more with strangers. Ask your coffee barista how their day is going, strike up a conversation with your taxi driver, smile at people on the street, make eye contact. The lessons will follow.

What I’ve learned from reading…

This week, I read “Today Matters” by John C. Maxwell and skimmed “Tribe of Mentors,” By Timothy Ferriss.

A Lesson on Discipline

I used to think I was born without that spark, that “something special” successful people have. The more I read, the more I realize that long term success happens over time, every day, by setting intentions, making commitments, and forming habits. Here are some quotes on discipline that I found powerful:

“Most people want to avoid pain, and discipline is often painful. We need to recognize that they’re are really two types of pain when it comes to our daily conduct. That’s the pain of self discipline and the pain of regret. Many people avoid the the pain of self discipline because it’s an easy thing to do. What they may not realize is that the pain of self discipline is momentary but the payoff is long-lasting.” John C. Maxwell

“Discipline equals freedom. Everyone wants freedom. We want to be physically free and mentally free. We want to be financially free and we want more free time. But where does the freedom come from? How do we get it? The answer is the opposite of freedom. The answer is discipline. You want more free time? Follow a more disciplined time management system. You want financial freedom? Implement long-term financial discipline in your life. Do you want to be physically free To move how you want, and to be free for many health issues caused by poor lifestyle choices then you have to have the discipline to eat healthy food and is constantly work out. We all want freedom. Discipline is the only way to get it.” – Jacko Willink, writer of the New York Times bestseller extreme ownership: how US Navy SEALs lead and win

A Lesson on Stagnation and Growth:

“Have you ever felt your were stuck in some aspect of your life…?”

I struggle with stagnation and find myself getting bored often. Like many others, I’m attracted to experiences that are new and shiny, and have to fight the thought of “the grass is always greener on the other side, “ daily. I have attempted to remedy this by constantly taking in new information to learn and grow my internal self, versus expecting external experiences to fulfill me. A quote that I found meaningful:

”How do you you overcome such stagnation…? I’ll tell you what a lot of people do: They make external changes. They look for a different job, their spouse, or give up exercising. External changes generally only relieve symptoms of stagnation temporarily. However, if you make personal growth your goal, then your focus is on changes you can make on the inside.”  – John C. Maxwell 

Happy weekend friends! Thank-you for allowing me the great privilege to be part of your life today.

In Summary, everyday, set intentions to:

Be Open

Be Kind

Seek Knowledge

Practice Discipline

And if you do…

Success and freedom will follow.

Let this final thought bring you into the weekend:

“Today is the only time you have. It’s too late for yesterday. And you can’t depend on tomorrow. That’s why today matters.” – John C. Maxwell.