Newsletter for September 2003:
The Energy of Tolerations!

The benefits we gain from removing tolerations in our life are enormous. We will stop wasting time, trying to manage situations that shouldn't be there in the first place. We find that we have more energy to devote to our quality of life. There is a greater opportunity for growth because we are not distracted or weighed down with tolerations. Our community will be upgraded and we will have more energy to spend with fulfilling people. We will also model for our family and friends what is possible for them.

Have you ever thought about how much stuff you tolerate each day that, for the most part is not necessary? Putting up with tolerations holds us back, causes us grief and wastes our time and energy.

We are often taught not to complain, that life is difficult, not to rock the boat, to go along with others, to be grateful for what we have and to be understanding. Although not necessarily bad advice, we can stop tolerating things that negatively impact our life!

Tolerations may not be good for us, but they do give us a guaranteed source of energy. We humans are the same: we're focused on getting through the day and whether it takes caffeine, unmet needs, tolerations or disturbances, by gosh, we're going to make sure we have what it takes to make it until bedtime.

However, there is a tremendous down side to putting up with tolerations. I believe that each toleration we endure drains energy from us. Did you ever think that you might be able to accomplish much more of the things that “really matter” to you if you tolerated less?

Think about a time where you put up with something or someone when you knew in your heart the situation was not good for you. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. It could be something as simple as not cleaning your kitchen, or not changing the oil in your car, even though it needed to be changed a month ago. Your filing system may be a mess or you’re neglecting to balance your check book. It may be something bigger like tolerating issues in a relationship where clear boundaries have not been established. Begin taking a look at what you’re tolerating and start taking baby steps to eliminate them and watch what happens.

When we eliminate tolerations we raise our standards and improve our quality of life. But until we stop tolerating, no significant changes can happen.

When you begin to take actions to stop tolerating, be prepared for a possible downside and make sure you have enough “insurance” or resources to handle the risk. Identify the little things to stop putting up with first, until you get a handle on just how far you can take it. When you stop tolerating the little things you will likely discover that you can take it much further than you first believed possible.

Ask Yourself...

Begin Eliminating Tolerations: Write down all of the tolerations you can think of (keep adding to the list), even if you don't know how to resolve them. Just acknowledging what you are tolerating is worthwhile. The solution will come. Look for a pivotal toleration which refers to something that you are putting up with that when handled, will resolve other tolerations, automatically. Don't just handle the toleration, make sure you identify the source or you will have to handle the same toleration (or its cousin) again. You can eliminate the toleration by eliminating the source, setting up an automatic system, resolving the problem, telling the truth, etc.

The benefits we gain from removing tolerations in our life are enormous. We will stop wasting time, trying to manage situations that shouldn't be there in the first place. We find that we have more energy to devote to our quality of life. There is a greater opportunity for growth because we are not distracted or weighed down with tolerations. Our community will be upgraded and we will have more energy to spend with fulfilling people. We will also model for our family and friends what is possible for them.

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. "  -- Antoine de St. Exupery

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots. The other is wings."  -- Hodding Carter, Jr.

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."   -- Helen Keller

"Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin."  -- Grace Hansen

In business, there is a key distinction between vertical integration and horizontal sprawl. The strongest companies understand the process of adding value by expanding their service to existing customers.

Satisfied customers almost always WANT to do more business with you. Isn't that true in your own case? Once you find a store you enjoy, don't you go back over and over again? Once you establish a relationship with an accountant, attorney, doctor, dentist or other professional, don't you "automatically" go back every time?

Highly successful professionals use this pattern to their advantage.

Chiropractors add products like supplements or exercise equipment. They may contract with massage therapists, physical therapists, nutritionists or other professionals to leverage the relationship with their patients.

I know of a Veterinarian who has gradually expanded to offer grooming services, training and kennel services. They sell dog food, toys and can even help locate the next family pet. One stop shopping, multiple sources of profit, improved customer loyalty. What a concept!

Many professionals mistakenly attempt to diversify into markets they do not understand or that are a poor match for their primary skills. They get spread too thin, and each business has to be created, funded and built individually, and that is hard work!

Instead, look for the logical, natural links that allow you to expand the relationships you already have, provide greater service and do more business with current customers. It's usually easier, more fun, and more profitable.

The following struck my funny bone and I wanted to pass it along. Hope it makes you smile!

Now that I'm 'older' (but refuse to grow up), here's what I've discovered:

• I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
• My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran.
• I finally got my head together; now my body is falling apart.
• Funny, I don't remember being absent minded...
• All reports are in; life is now officially unfair.
• If all is not lost, where is it?
• It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
• Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant.
• I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few.
• Kids in the back seat cause accidents.
• Accidents in the back seat cause kids.
• It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.
• The only time the world beats a path to your door is when you're in the bathroom.
• If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees.
• When I'm finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play chess?
• It's not hard to meet expenses, they're everywhere.
• The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
• These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter. I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I'm here after.
• I AM UNABLE TO REMEMBER IF I MAILED THIS TO YOU OR NOT!
• Funny, I don't remember being absent minded...

GIVE A GIFT TO A FRIEND! Please forward this copy to your friends and colleagues! That's how I grow!