By Donna Braymer
Published by the Harrison Daily Times
Oct. 13, 2009
Whom do you enjoy being around? A person that grumbles, expects the
worse and is always negative? Or do you prefer to be around a person
with a kind word and a positive outlook?
Today’s character word is “optimism.” One definition is, “a general
disposition to expect the best in all things.”
Here are some examples of statements we hear all the time. You decide
which ones are optimistic:
• Oh no. It’s Monday again.
• That teacher always gives bad tests.
• Yes, we have some crime in our country, but look at all the good
things being done.
• Since the sun is shining, I’m going to send these 25 brats outside.
• He is a difficult teacher, but I am learning a lot.
• We are in a beautiful area of the country, and many people want to
live here.
• That team always loses.
• Yes, you accidentally spilled your milk, but at least we have more.
• I can never get an “A” on a paper.
• Mondays are like a blank piece of paper, just waiting for me to fill
them up with good things.
• I don’t like strangers moving into our area.
• Winter will be cold, but the snow gives us some beautiful days and
is so good for the soil.
It’s all how you look at every situation. I think being negative is a
way for some people to get attention — but that’s not what I want to
be known for. Listen to yourself. Are you optimistic?
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Showing posts with label character traits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label character traits. Show all posts
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Millionaire Integrity
By Donna Braymer
Published 10.6.09
Harrison Daily Times
I love to hear what books successful people are reading. Several
people have mentioned the two books by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley, “The
Millionaire Mind” and “The Millionaire Next Door.”
Of the thousands of completed responses for his study, most were
first-generation millionaires. They did not inherit the money, but
began their own companies or invested wisely from a young age and
never spent more than they made.
They were asked, “What are the top five factors important in
explaining your economic success?” The number one factor was integrity
— being honest with all people.
Surprised? Did you think millionaires would lie, cheat, steal and
gamble their way to the top? No, they don’t. Luck was number 27 on the
list.
Discipline — applying self control — was their second choice. Social
skills — getting along with people — was the third. A supportive
spouse was number four, and hard work —more than most people — was the
number five.
All of these, with the exception of a supportive spouse, are character
traits students can develop right now. Interested in being a
millionaire?
Most of the millionaires also had strong leadership qualities. “We
have the ability to sell our ideas to our employees and suppliers and
our products to carefully targeted audiences,” Stanley quotes a group
of millionaires. “We provide a product or service that has strong
demand, but few suppliers to fill that demand. We do not follow the
crowd.”
Integrity — being honest with all people, can affect your bank account.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Published 10.6.09
Harrison Daily Times
I love to hear what books successful people are reading. Several
people have mentioned the two books by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley, “The
Millionaire Mind” and “The Millionaire Next Door.”
Of the thousands of completed responses for his study, most were
first-generation millionaires. They did not inherit the money, but
began their own companies or invested wisely from a young age and
never spent more than they made.
They were asked, “What are the top five factors important in
explaining your economic success?” The number one factor was integrity
— being honest with all people.
Surprised? Did you think millionaires would lie, cheat, steal and
gamble their way to the top? No, they don’t. Luck was number 27 on the
list.
Discipline — applying self control — was their second choice. Social
skills — getting along with people — was the third. A supportive
spouse was number four, and hard work —more than most people — was the
number five.
All of these, with the exception of a supportive spouse, are character
traits students can develop right now. Interested in being a
millionaire?
Most of the millionaires also had strong leadership qualities. “We
have the ability to sell our ideas to our employees and suppliers and
our products to carefully targeted audiences,” Stanley quotes a group
of millionaires. “We provide a product or service that has strong
demand, but few suppliers to fill that demand. We do not follow the
crowd.”
Integrity — being honest with all people, can affect your bank account.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Monday, September 21, 2009
Cooperation
Cooperation is the key!
Published in the Harrison Daily Times
9.22.09
By Donna C. Braymer
Have you ever watched an ant farm at work? All of the ants cooperate with
each other to prepare for their daily and future survival. They are
such hard workers, it is interesting they do not have a “boss” or
“teacher” standing over them watching every move.
They live in colonies, and Wikipedia says, “The colonies are sometimes
described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a
unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.”
Cooperation is essential in a home, school and work environment.
Another definition states cooperation as being the association of
persons or businesses for common, usually economic, benefit.
Everyone benefits when the group cooperates. A classroom benefits
because everyone learns and enjoys the process.
A business benefits because customers want to come back and spend more
money.
The home benefits because we enjoy eating meals, wearing clean clothes
and doing fun activities as a family.
Work is involved in each aspect of cooperation. Where there is work,
there is reward. Businesses pass out paychecks and bonuses for hard
work. Schoolteachers pass out grades and year-end promotions for
learning well done. Cooperation helps families grow closer and enjoy
their time together.
See if you can spot someone cooperating today and give them a high
five!
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Published in the Harrison Daily Times
9.22.09
By Donna C. Braymer
Have you ever watched an ant farm at work? All of the ants cooperate with
each other to prepare for their daily and future survival. They are
such hard workers, it is interesting they do not have a “boss” or
“teacher” standing over them watching every move.
They live in colonies, and Wikipedia says, “The colonies are sometimes
described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a
unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.”
Cooperation is essential in a home, school and work environment.
Another definition states cooperation as being the association of
persons or businesses for common, usually economic, benefit.
Everyone benefits when the group cooperates. A classroom benefits
because everyone learns and enjoys the process.
A business benefits because customers want to come back and spend more
money.
The home benefits because we enjoy eating meals, wearing clean clothes
and doing fun activities as a family.
Work is involved in each aspect of cooperation. Where there is work,
there is reward. Businesses pass out paychecks and bonuses for hard
work. Schoolteachers pass out grades and year-end promotions for
learning well done. Cooperation helps families grow closer and enjoy
their time together.
See if you can spot someone cooperating today and give them a high
five!
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
Where has the summer gone?
I don't know about you, but the summer is almost gone! I know it's just July 30, but still, school activities are already getting started.
Rowdy and I have been very busy this summer starting the promotion of his newest book, Rowdy Raccoon and the Turtle Who Wanted To Fly.
The publisher, her staff, and the artist did a tremendous job on the 32-page, hard cover...all color book!! Can you tell I'm excited?
I'm also thrilled that Arkansas Children's Hospital has accepted Rowdy as a fund-raising partner. So a portion of the proceeds from my personal book sales, is donated to the hospital. Very exciting!
Help us get the word out on the national scene. The book is available everywhere! Just ask for it, if your favorite store doesn't have it yet.
Also ask at your library!
If you'd like an autographed copy to a special child in your life, just purchase from Rowdy's web page. (www.RowdyRaccoon.com)
Also, Rowdy has ventured into the FaceBook scene. Sign up for his fan club at "Children's Book for Character."
One more thing...if you are interested in using Rowdy as a fund-raiser for your school or organization just give me an email and we'll talk!
Until next time....
Donna
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Rowdy and I have been very busy this summer starting the promotion of his newest book, Rowdy Raccoon and the Turtle Who Wanted To Fly.
The publisher, her staff, and the artist did a tremendous job on the 32-page, hard cover...all color book!! Can you tell I'm excited?
I'm also thrilled that Arkansas Children's Hospital has accepted Rowdy as a fund-raising partner. So a portion of the proceeds from my personal book sales, is donated to the hospital. Very exciting!
Help us get the word out on the national scene. The book is available everywhere! Just ask for it, if your favorite store doesn't have it yet.
Also ask at your library!
If you'd like an autographed copy to a special child in your life, just purchase from Rowdy's web page. (www.RowdyRaccoon.com)
Also, Rowdy has ventured into the FaceBook scene. Sign up for his fan club at "Children's Book for Character."
One more thing...if you are interested in using Rowdy as a fund-raiser for your school or organization just give me an email and we'll talk!
Until next time....
Donna
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Respect
By: Donna Braymer
Copyright Harrison Daily Times
Published 12.9.08
A common word in character development for school districts is respect. It may be on everyone’s list to study, but it’s not seen inaction as often as it should be.
Some would call me “old fashioned” but I still feel people deserve respect when you call them by name. You can never go wrong calling someone, Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and then adding their last name.
If they want you to call them by their first name, they can issue that invitation. Respect can also be shown by the way you are dressed. Unless an event is listed as very casual, you should dress in your best, or at least the ‘good clothes.'
I remember when everyone had church clothes, play clothes and school clothes. If you are going into a court room, play clothes would not show the proper respect for the judge and the law.
When it’s time for a job interview, remember to show respect in how you speak, your clothing and actions. Chewing gum like a cow chews her cud does not make a good impression on a potential employer.
You can also show respect to yourself. Stay away from harmful activities, drugs and be a respectful life-long learner.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Copyright Harrison Daily Times
Published 12.9.08
A common word in character development for school districts is respect. It may be on everyone’s list to study, but it’s not seen inaction as often as it should be.
Some would call me “old fashioned” but I still feel people deserve respect when you call them by name. You can never go wrong calling someone, Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and then adding their last name.
If they want you to call them by their first name, they can issue that invitation. Respect can also be shown by the way you are dressed. Unless an event is listed as very casual, you should dress in your best, or at least the ‘good clothes.'
I remember when everyone had church clothes, play clothes and school clothes. If you are going into a court room, play clothes would not show the proper respect for the judge and the law.
When it’s time for a job interview, remember to show respect in how you speak, your clothing and actions. Chewing gum like a cow chews her cud does not make a good impression on a potential employer.
You can also show respect to yourself. Stay away from harmful activities, drugs and be a respectful life-long learner.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
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