The Secret of My Success - Intro

just a little rambling this morning....

Success means different things to different people - as it should. Some people define their success by the amount of money they have. Some people define success by their "social standing" and the esteem with which they are regarded by others. Some people define their success by who their "friends" are (everybody wants to be your friend when they think they can get something from you). Some people define their success by some other internal barometer, one that has nothing to do with the opinions or expectations of others (though I question that because I constantly see people looking for validation, adulation, etc. from others. not mad at that (and been guilty of it myself) but it belies the importance the individual places on the opinions of others).

My life hasn't been easy (still not for that matter). I've experienced enough life to make several Lifetime Movies (replete with cheesy music and commercials for HRT drugs). Lately, I find myself frustrated as I continue to come upon stumbling blocks that make it more difficult for me to progress toward my goals. But note, I said "more difficult", not that they prevent me *tapping side of head* Mind over matter and the power of positive thinking.

But when I sit down and really, really, REALLY think about it, I've conquered odds that people never thought I would. I've made sacrifices that made my goals secondary to the goals others. Despite the past, I've chosen to not become hard and jaded when dealing with others. I say it all the time - it's the experiences we have that make us the people that we are. There is a blessing in every lesson, even though neither may be immediately apparent. But we have to keep pushing on.

So to my point about "success" - There are a number of things about myself that are not as I would like them to be right now. But I'm working on it. The course has been corrected and all good things will come in God's time. But there are so many things that so far surpass what I thought they would be (my self-confidence, my children, my marriage) that I know I have much for which to be grateful.

I'll be back later to talk about MY critical success factors..................

SCL's "WTF?!?!!" Moments

So after over 20 years in the insurance industry, I've changed jobs. As I continue to build my empire, I recognized that the "job" I was working wasn't serving it's purpose. I wasn't making enough money, I didn't have benefits and there weren't enough people in my office to whom I could promote my business (because in essence, the "job" is supposed to be a vehicle through which I could continue to build Grown & Sexy Things without standing out on the corner with a sign and cup begging for donations)

I now work in the sales department of an inbound call center. A new experience for me as I've never worked in a call center. But I get excellent benefits and make more money than I was making before, working 4 days a week instead of 5.

What this new gig has taught me is that people are crazy as hell!!! My latest "WTF?!?!!" is people who don't understand why they can't order over the phone and pay for the transaction with cash. Maybe I'm not up on some new technology. Just be proud of me that I don't add "stupid" after I say to them "I totally understand, sir. Unfortunately, I have no way to process cash over the phone so unless you have a credit/debit card or a checking account, you'll have to go to one of our retail stores..........."

Blogging 101

Yeah, so I have all these pages - yahoo 360, myspace, blackplanet, etc. So in an attempt to share my cleverness with the masses (or just generally get shit off my chest), I am trying to make it so that I can blog in one place and have it feed to the others. I think I've got it down (this is a test). Anyone who knows me knows that I am technologically challenged so if this doesn't cause the entire world wide web to disintegrate, I am grateful for any tips you can offer....