Today we were absolutely thrilled to have Valerie Glenn, CEO, Principal of The Glenn Group Companies speak at our Power Lunch.

Check out some of the excellent advice she shared with us!

Happiness
I enjoy what I do every day. I’m very happy and optimistic which has made me satisfied. We all have bad days but, generally, as long as we live our life looking forward to each day, we will succeed at happiness. My dad always said “This is not a dress rehearsal, this is a live performance.” We must allow ourselves to embrace the notion of happiness.

Passion
Whether it’s in your career, community involvement or a hobby, have a passion. Being passionate about something will bring you satisfaction and happiness. Passions should test us, push us and give us a sense of accomplishment. It should come from your heart and drive you to be better … do more.

If you are not getting up and loving what you do every single day, rethink it.

It is good to have personal goals and even better to re-examine them from time to time. Personal goals need to change with the times. They are a lot like dreams, sometimes you don’t know what’s going to happen until the end.

Balance
We all want it all but how do we minimize the frustration and guilt and maintain balance?

Visually picture your balance. Take out a piece of paper or grab a white board and draw a circle. Create sections within that circle for each component of your life the size of the percentage of time you spend at each (sleep, work, community, personal, etc.). Now look at this circle and see if it feels right. If it doesn’t, implement changes. Revisit this periodically.

When you are looking at your circle remember, there are only 24 hours in a day, you have to figure out what is going to give … that is the challenge.

Community
Find some way of giving back to your community. It will make a difference. BUT, before you commit, make sure that the things you are involved with sync back to your passion.

Risk Taking
Have the courage to take risks. Periodically, it is good to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Branch out to find new perspectives. Put yourself out there! Think about new opportunities and go for them, the worst they can say is no.

Mentoring
It helps us grow to help someone else grow. When you mentor someone, their progress is a direct reflection of you. Always be striving to encourage the hearts of others. My greatest satisfaction is seeing my team succeed and knowing my part in that. Seek out opportunities to mentor others.

Take Care of Yourself
Sometimes we feel guilty but if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. Choose to make time for fitness and health. Keep Moving!

Take Time Off
Whatever it is you are working on, it can wait for a week or two. Take time to rejuvenate yourself.

Finances
The earlier you get things in place to have financial peace of mind the better off you will be down the road. Be prepared so that you can enjoy your future.

Attitude
Happy, joyous, optimistic people lead happy, joyous, optimistic lives. Nothing is going to be perfect but we must make the most of every day and work hard to lead a satisfied life. There is power in a positive attitude. When you think you deserve a good life, you open yourself to have one!

Dwelling on the past or negative thoughts is an unproductive waste of energy. Move on to the next thing. Happiness is a matter of choice, not chance.

“Act as if it were impossible to fail.”