Budgets & Ceilings

By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director, Life Success Seminars Inc.

Are you tired of hearing about budgets and ceilings? I am!

I raised five children. I totally understand the concept of spending more than I earned. I also understand that this creates a lot of arguments. And it definitely lowered my AAA credit rating!

Eventually, I did something different. I cleaned up my mess, and I moved on.

The best advice I have is to not watch others as they struggle though their tough times. You just get hooked in their drama. Turn off your TV and let the couple (and I think you know I'm talking about the Democrats and Republicans!), get their house in order. They'll eventually figure it out and deal with their problems.

It's simple. Keep your focus on the solutions that you're responsible for. Don't get lost in the distractions of life.

Santa Claus is Coming

By Mike Monahan, CEO and Executive Director of Life Success Seminars Inc.

What I miss most about Christmas is what used to aggravate me the most: "What time are we allowed to get up, Dad?" It just isn't the same now that our house is empty and the clamor of excitement from five children is replaced with silence.

Life is funny that way. We miss the best parts of life because we're so busy with living life! It's easy to miss your kids growing up because you're making a living. It's easy to miss loving your career because you have a lot of responsibilities.

My Christmas wish for you is that you will slow down as you get older. Why? So you don't miss being grateful for all you have and all you've learned!

Customer Service

By Mike Monahan, CEO and executive director of Life Success Seminars Inc.

When it comes to win/win, have you ever thought about what that means as the customer?

When you eat out, have you ever considered that your role is to make the server's night? Or do you think that you are the customer and have no responsibility in the relationship?

This serve-me attitude can show up in our marriages, with our children and at work. Good relationships have equality. They are win/win.

If you really want great service, take the time to make your server feel like a million bucks. And make sure to tip accordingly at the end of the meal.

Now imagine that concept in your relationships at home and at work. That's the definition of win/win!

Don't ever think that someone's job is to serve you, even if it's in their job description! Our job is to serve each other.