You'll feel sooooo good after you do this!

Here's something I would like you to consider doing today.  It could be someone you know or a complete stranger; do a R.A.K.

What?  Perform a random act of kindness.  It's doesn't have to involve money - it could be a heartfelt note left on your mate's pillow, a small coffee for a senior citizen

at McDonald's, paying the person's toll that will approach the toll booth after you, etc.

Try it!  No matter how big or small, you'll feel incredible!

Please touch base with me and let me know what your R.A.K. was.  So please, R.A.K. it up!

Have a fantastic and productive day!

Your friend,

Sam Prindle 

Two Important Things

Don't you wish you could have a do-over sometimes?  There are three or four areas of my past that I would love an opportunity to attempt again.  But, that's the beauty of life and experience.

As we all know, we can't change our past, but we can certainly shape our future in a positive way.

First important thing:  Be yourself!  As simple as that sounds and seems, it's tough for us sometimes.  People will like you for who you are.  Positive change is good as long as it's genuine.

Second important thing:  Have fun!  Quick story:   Our 7-year-old, Evan, was invited to a roller skating birthday party.  He was incredibly excited.  It was a 3 1/2 hour party and skating was honestly the last thing on my mind.  Even though Evan had never skated before, he expressed an interest in giving it a whirl, but was a little apprehensive.  To encourage him, I volunteered to go first.  

While lacing up, I was having second thoughts.  I'm 6' 6" to begin with; these skates would make me pro basketball height.  Also, I hadn't skated in 30 plus years - all of the normal excuses us grown-ups give for opting out of something.

To make a long story short, I had the time of my life and I didn't fall!  :)  

Thanks for reading!  Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.  I'm really easy to find!

Have a fantastic and productive day!

Your friend,

Sam Prindle

207-740-0596 "Beautiful" Lisbon Falls, Maine

The Beauty Of Being On Time

Promptness has many benefits:  it's indicative of being responsible and respectful.  Employers love it when their employees arrive before they're scheduled and begin their duties on time.

When I was going to Indiana University (my whole 14 months or so), Bobby Knight was the basketball coach.  Coach Knight taught a couple of classes and I heard he was extremely strict about time.  In fact, rumor has it that once class began, his lecture hall door was locked and you didn't get in beyond that point.  Now that's real life at its best.

When you start to value your time, it becomes a bit aggravating when others don't follow the same policy.

How is your on-time record?  Now, be honest...are you REALLY on-time?  Are you rushing in at the last moment, disoriented, disheveled and disorganized...daily!?  Has your employer had the "get here on time" talk or we'll have to make other arrangements pow-wow?

If being tardy for the party has become your middle name, I've got great news...there is hope!

This is one of those topics where someone in the crowd says, "you know, it's not rocket science!"

Here are some ideas:

 1)  If you're always 30 minutes late for work, starting tomorrow, leave 1 hour earlier...unless you need to allot more time for bad weather.

 2)  Start preparing for tomorrow the day before.

 3)  Begin making a things to do list, preferably the paper kind.  Don't get me wrong, I love smart phones, but have you ever spent too much time on the phone, laid it down and thought, "I didn't do what I started to do..."

 Do these three things every day for the next month and you, your friends, family, and employer will love the new you so much, you might even get a raise!

The welcome mat is always out for you at samprindle.com.  Please drop me a line, say hello, or leave a question or comment, anytime.  Hey, how about now?  There's never been a better "time"!  :)

How To Be Positive

Simple, right?  For some, yes.  Others, not so much.

Why is it so hard to be positive?  Honestly, I don't know.  It's just easier for "glass half-full" kind of people.  But, how do you cross that equator-like line that exists between positive and negative?

Stardate:  1944.  Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive was released and spent thirteen weeks on the Billboard charts peaking at number 2.  It's a positive person's anthem!

Since then, you won't find an overabundance of anything extremely positive on the airwaves, TV, music, or movies anymore.  Believe me, it's out there; you just have to find it.

Years ago, when I was in sales, all the salesmen were called to the corporate office for a high-level meeting.  As I was heading toward my car with Arnie Ralenkotter; right before I was about to say goodbye, he literally threw a folder containing a ton of cassettes my way.  After a lucky catch, I examined this odd collection of tapes. 

Since we were in our cars for hours at a time, it seemed like a good idea to learn something instead of wrestling with the radio for stations that just kept fading away.  So, I began my journey through "The Psychology of Success" by Brian Tracy.  If you can find a copy, I highly recommend it.  Not exciting listening, but extremely powerful!

Alright, to get to the meat and potatoes of this whole deal, first of all, feed your brain the good stuff!

What does that mean?  Well, be conscious of what you're feeding your mind:  the programs you watch, the music you listen to, the books you read, the people you associate with, etc.  Some experts say that one prescription to becoming more positive is eliminating the news.

Second step:  learn to be grateful for everything.  There is a saying that goes something like - if you're not already grateful for what you have, why would you deserve more of anything?

For those who are perpetually bored, consider becoming a volunteer.  There are a lot of organizations that could use your help.  (Busy people associated with worthwhile endeavors are usually more positive.)

When you are so down in the dumps that recovery seems impossible, try this, look at the obituaries.  It is almost guaranteed that those featured would gladly trade their position for yours.

One last thought, stay away from gossip.  It's counterproductive and negative.  

Oh, one more:  stop worrying about things you cannot control - the weather, politics, your next door neighbors, other people, and so on.  Just be the best possible "you" you can be.  Your good vibe will be welcomed and contagious.

Please connect with me at samprindle.com.  Not only would I love to hear from you, I would be happy to offer a personalized idea on this whole positive thing.  :)