"I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” - Harriet Tubman
I recently saw this quote by the conductor of the underground railroad - Harriet Tubman - and I was floored by how relevant this quote is today. Actually, this quote may be more relevant today because we live in an era that is post emancipation proclamation and civil rights movement yet far too many folks unnecessarily suffer from the debilitating effects of mental slavery. Most of these folks are unaware of their slave minds. As a matter of fact, quite a few folks with fat bank accounts and/or progressive credentials do not know they are slaves.
In truth, we all deal with the lingering mental, social, political and economic affects of slavery. I say that not to dwell in the past, but in order to free ourselves in the present. I say this not as an advocate for reparation (unsure and undecided); I raise this issue to highlight the internal transformation of mindset that must take place.
In short: the dysfunctionalities that manifest day in and day out in our community results from a slave mind and better results will not transpire until we heal our souls.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Emotion Behind Procrastination
In an earlier post, we identified procrastination as the number one reason black businesses fail. As Dante Lee states: (Dante Lee is the president and CEO of Diversity City Media.)
Not sure what some of the symptoms of procrastination are? Let's start with that client you promised to follow up with yesterday. Did you make the call? How about getting that business paperwork in order? Can you pull your taxes from three years ago within minutes? If not, then procrastination could be keeping you from fulfilling your promises, organizing your business and managing your finances to ensure your business is not pulled out from under you, by you.
However, in order to cure ourselves of the procrastination bug, we have to understand the emotion behind procrastination. The emotions behind procrastination are fear of failure and fear of success:
Fear of failure - the feelings of being pressured to do a perfect job come up at the same time there is a sense of the inevitability of failure(doing something that is less then perfect).
Fear of success - The fear can be: If you are successful then more will be expected and how would that be?
The genesis of these emotions is a low sense of self worth. Collectively, many of us in the African-American community suffer from this disease. We do not value ourselves, our abilities and community, therefore, we possess negative thoughts about what we can accomplish. From childhood we are bombarded with negative messages about working with each other ("niggas never can't work together") or our business skills ("see that's why you can support black businesses").
These negative statements become self-fulfilling prophecies; we believe it can't be done, verbalize it can't be done, then we sit back after the failure and say I told you niggas ain't shit.
Consequently, in order to address self-worth, to cure procrastination, we must begin to become more aware of the negative messages we communicate and circulate among ourselves and to our children. We must not dwell in the conceptual land of negativity if we want to promote higher productivity. As a mentor once stated, will power, build power.
Not sure what some of the symptoms of procrastination are? Let's start with that client you promised to follow up with yesterday. Did you make the call? How about getting that business paperwork in order? Can you pull your taxes from three years ago within minutes? If not, then procrastination could be keeping you from fulfilling your promises, organizing your business and managing your finances to ensure your business is not pulled out from under you, by you.
However, in order to cure ourselves of the procrastination bug, we have to understand the emotion behind procrastination. The emotions behind procrastination are fear of failure and fear of success:
Fear of failure - the feelings of being pressured to do a perfect job come up at the same time there is a sense of the inevitability of failure(doing something that is less then perfect).
Fear of success - The fear can be: If you are successful then more will be expected and how would that be?
The genesis of these emotions is a low sense of self worth. Collectively, many of us in the African-American community suffer from this disease. We do not value ourselves, our abilities and community, therefore, we possess negative thoughts about what we can accomplish. From childhood we are bombarded with negative messages about working with each other ("niggas never can't work together") or our business skills ("see that's why you can support black businesses").
These negative statements become self-fulfilling prophecies; we believe it can't be done, verbalize it can't be done, then we sit back after the failure and say I told you niggas ain't shit.
Consequently, in order to address self-worth, to cure procrastination, we must begin to become more aware of the negative messages we communicate and circulate among ourselves and to our children. We must not dwell in the conceptual land of negativity if we want to promote higher productivity. As a mentor once stated, will power, build power.
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Bond Standard
Lately, much of sports, in particular black sports, has been little more than the negative account of personalities our society loves to scorn. From Michael Vick to Barry Bonds, black athletes have taken a figurative and literal beating this past 12 months.
On one hand, the reason for this scorn is because many athletes have become pampered, spoiled, arrogant, overpaid and me first individuals who feel they are entitled because they can run, kick, catch, shoot, jump, and hit better than the rest of us. I fault the athlete for seemingly lacking redeeming character traits and for placing themselves in precarious situations. In plain talk, they brought much of this sensationalized attention on themselves because of their actions.
On the other hand, (yes there is another perspective) I can not ignore the animus tone and double standard use by the pundits, sportswriters, talk show hosts, authorities, league officials and yes common fans when attacking these figures. For instance read the following news account on Barry Bonds by David Zirin (DAVE ZIRIN is the author of the forthcoming "Welcome to the Terrordome: The Pain, Politics and Promise of Sports")
The federal government has exacerbated the situation. The FBI has approached players about wearing a wire in an effort to get Bonds on tape admitting steroid use. Mike Celizic, who reported the story for MSNBC, called the investigation a "witch hunt. It's not about cleaning up the game; it's about putting Barry Bonds in jail."
Another reporter quoted an FBI agent as saying: "He's our Capone."
The question is, why do so many people despise Bonds? Comparing him with O.J. and Al Capone is outlandish on its face.
The man can be surly, one of more than a few star athletes you would not want to be trapped with in an elevator. Clemens can be as pleasant as a bobcat, and Larry Bird wasn't Mr. Sunshine during his NBA playing days. But, when it comes to Bonds, the media have called for everything but a big scarlet "S" on his chest, all of which has the appearance of a hellacious double standard.
He goes on to state:
But the black-white divide on Bonds is not about people being "more concerned with race than right." Rather, it represents a visceral response to the way Bonds has been subjected to criticism when white players with reputations of steroid use haven't gotten nearly the heat he has. For instance, suspicions have swirled around future Hall of Fame pitcher Roger Clemens, but he hasn't received the level of media and investigative scrutiny that Bonds has.
In an era of terrorism its scary to think our FBI is using four years of investigatory resources to go after Barry Bonds. Remember how they spent ten years of resources to persecute then President Clinton meanwhile Bin Laden and his thugs were planning September 11th. That my friend is what I called the Bond Standard; if we (society) decide we do not like a person because of his race, politics, religion, gender or personality, we collectively decide use a double standard application of the law.
On one hand, the reason for this scorn is because many athletes have become pampered, spoiled, arrogant, overpaid and me first individuals who feel they are entitled because they can run, kick, catch, shoot, jump, and hit better than the rest of us. I fault the athlete for seemingly lacking redeeming character traits and for placing themselves in precarious situations. In plain talk, they brought much of this sensationalized attention on themselves because of their actions.
On the other hand, (yes there is another perspective) I can not ignore the animus tone and double standard use by the pundits, sportswriters, talk show hosts, authorities, league officials and yes common fans when attacking these figures. For instance read the following news account on Barry Bonds by David Zirin (DAVE ZIRIN is the author of the forthcoming "Welcome to the Terrordome: The Pain, Politics and Promise of Sports")
The federal government has exacerbated the situation. The FBI has approached players about wearing a wire in an effort to get Bonds on tape admitting steroid use. Mike Celizic, who reported the story for MSNBC, called the investigation a "witch hunt. It's not about cleaning up the game; it's about putting Barry Bonds in jail."
Another reporter quoted an FBI agent as saying: "He's our Capone."
The question is, why do so many people despise Bonds? Comparing him with O.J. and Al Capone is outlandish on its face.
The man can be surly, one of more than a few star athletes you would not want to be trapped with in an elevator. Clemens can be as pleasant as a bobcat, and Larry Bird wasn't Mr. Sunshine during his NBA playing days. But, when it comes to Bonds, the media have called for everything but a big scarlet "S" on his chest, all of which has the appearance of a hellacious double standard.
He goes on to state:
But the black-white divide on Bonds is not about people being "more concerned with race than right." Rather, it represents a visceral response to the way Bonds has been subjected to criticism when white players with reputations of steroid use haven't gotten nearly the heat he has. For instance, suspicions have swirled around future Hall of Fame pitcher Roger Clemens, but he hasn't received the level of media and investigative scrutiny that Bonds has.
In an era of terrorism its scary to think our FBI is using four years of investigatory resources to go after Barry Bonds. Remember how they spent ten years of resources to persecute then President Clinton meanwhile Bin Laden and his thugs were planning September 11th. That my friend is what I called the Bond Standard; if we (society) decide we do not like a person because of his race, politics, religion, gender or personality, we collectively decide use a double standard application of the law.
Monday, November 12, 2007
If the shoe fits...
I found the following information from the website www.charlottevibe.com (I enjoy this charlotte on-line magazine). I think the information discussed is very relevant and that it can be applied to people in all professional fields.
Procrastination: One Reason Why Black Businesses Fail
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, African Americans are more likely to start a business - but are also more likely to fail at business than any other race. Let's address one common reason why many of our businesses don't survive: Procrastination.
Looking to kill your business? No problem, keep procrastinating. No one wants their business to go down the tubes, but procrastination is one of the most lethal ways to destroy a business from the inside out. Procrastination cuts off any possibility of success, even before you've taken on your first customer. It sucks the lifeblood from everything you hope to do by leaving you right there--in the valley of hopes and dreams--rather than on the mountain of action and results.
Not sure what some of the symptoms of procrastination are? Let's start with that client you promised to follow up with yesterday. Did you make the call? How about getting that business paperwork in order? Can you pull your taxes from three years ago within minutes? If not, then procrastination could be keeping you from fulfilling your promises, organizing your business and managing your finances to ensure your business is not pulled out from under you, by you.
Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today. It is an old saying, but one worth repeating. Don't wait. If it is on your to-do list to be done today, then get it done. No excuses. One of the greatest talents of a procrastinator is the ability to create or latch onto seemingly legitimate excuses as to why this or that wasn't done. This technique is no different than a junkie who can't seem to put down the pipe.
Get up out of that slump and make your life happen. Customers are waiting and depending on you to give them the best service they've come to expect. Don't disappoint them and don't disappoint yourself. This is your business and it can only work if you work, today...not tomorrow, or next week, or next month. But today! Leave procrastination on the porch.
Dante Lee is the president and CEO of Diversity City Media, a multicultural marketing and public relations firm based in Columbus, Ohio . His daily blog, BlackBusinessCoach.com, offers a FREE email and RSS subscription for black entrepreneurs and business owners.
Procrastination: One Reason Why Black Businesses Fail
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, African Americans are more likely to start a business - but are also more likely to fail at business than any other race. Let's address one common reason why many of our businesses don't survive: Procrastination.
Looking to kill your business? No problem, keep procrastinating. No one wants their business to go down the tubes, but procrastination is one of the most lethal ways to destroy a business from the inside out. Procrastination cuts off any possibility of success, even before you've taken on your first customer. It sucks the lifeblood from everything you hope to do by leaving you right there--in the valley of hopes and dreams--rather than on the mountain of action and results.
Not sure what some of the symptoms of procrastination are? Let's start with that client you promised to follow up with yesterday. Did you make the call? How about getting that business paperwork in order? Can you pull your taxes from three years ago within minutes? If not, then procrastination could be keeping you from fulfilling your promises, organizing your business and managing your finances to ensure your business is not pulled out from under you, by you.
Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today. It is an old saying, but one worth repeating. Don't wait. If it is on your to-do list to be done today, then get it done. No excuses. One of the greatest talents of a procrastinator is the ability to create or latch onto seemingly legitimate excuses as to why this or that wasn't done. This technique is no different than a junkie who can't seem to put down the pipe.
Get up out of that slump and make your life happen. Customers are waiting and depending on you to give them the best service they've come to expect. Don't disappoint them and don't disappoint yourself. This is your business and it can only work if you work, today...not tomorrow, or next week, or next month. But today! Leave procrastination on the porch.
Dante Lee is the president and CEO of Diversity City Media, a multicultural marketing and public relations firm based in Columbus, Ohio . His daily blog, BlackBusinessCoach.com, offers a FREE email and RSS subscription for black entrepreneurs and business owners.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Stick and stones ...
It's amazing how positive and negative energy circulate. Case in point: Two weeks ago, while feeling frustrated and a bit drained, I had a business meeting with a gentlemen that stated he was inspired by a Small Business Networking dinner I hosted at a local restaurant. He went on to say how it inspired the current project he was working on and he looked forward to the next networking affair.
Secondly, I had lunch today with a good friend that told me he read my blog for the first time and it inspired him and his family to join the YMCA on a family plan.
These two episodes proved the ancient Africa theory of energy (also expressed in the book called The Secret): like energy attracts itself. You see, these two people inspired by my words in turn inspired me.
On the other hand, have you ever experienced that person who is mad at the world? They experience hardship by lashing out on all the people around them. You walk around them like you are walking on egg shells because their mood is so fragile. Have you notice how bad or negative things seem to follow them like a cloud directly over their head? This is a case of negative energy begets more negative energy.
I know I am not always upbeat and positive. As a matter of fact, I was probably the latter type of person as a teen and young adult. It was not until I learned and internalized the metaphysics of energy - positive and negative - did I learn how to better transform my own energy. Check out the videos on the power and metaphysics of positive thinking on the right sidebar.
Remember: Just like sticks and stones have power, so do words and thoughts.
Secondly, I had lunch today with a good friend that told me he read my blog for the first time and it inspired him and his family to join the YMCA on a family plan.
These two episodes proved the ancient Africa theory of energy (also expressed in the book called The Secret): like energy attracts itself. You see, these two people inspired by my words in turn inspired me.
On the other hand, have you ever experienced that person who is mad at the world? They experience hardship by lashing out on all the people around them. You walk around them like you are walking on egg shells because their mood is so fragile. Have you notice how bad or negative things seem to follow them like a cloud directly over their head? This is a case of negative energy begets more negative energy.
I know I am not always upbeat and positive. As a matter of fact, I was probably the latter type of person as a teen and young adult. It was not until I learned and internalized the metaphysics of energy - positive and negative - did I learn how to better transform my own energy. Check out the videos on the power and metaphysics of positive thinking on the right sidebar.
Remember: Just like sticks and stones have power, so do words and thoughts.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
A Test of Mettle
As stated in my bio, I am currently residing in Charlotte, NC. I am in the process of developing and launching a full service cleaning company. Additionally, I serve as a business consultant for a sports wear store. Even though I miss my teaching career - colleagues, students and parents - I most enjoy the challenges of launching and running a business. As a matter of fact, I firmly believe a healthy business community sets the foundation for a healthy community. In other words, business development is an extension of the civil or human rights movement. We have to position ourselves to provide the goods and services that support the healthy development of our community. Complaining about so called "foreigners" running businesses in our community falls far from the mark.
In discussing the importance of business, I must emphatically add, becoming an entrepreneur takes a certain type of unique mettle. To borrow the dictionary's definition: Mettle is an inherent quality of character and temperament... a courage, fortitude and spirit in order be prepared to accept a challenge and do one's best.
To be candid, if you lack the necessary mettle to weather the storms of the business culture you should gravitate towards another safety net type career. I have experienced, learned and witnessed over my adult life how people without the prerequisite mettle crumble under the pressure of running a business. It ain't easy to run a business or as one of my mentors instructed me, that's the cost to be the boss.
To better illustrate this point; some people get knocked down and they moan, complain and lose faith. Other people get knocked down and dust themselves off and look for the next opportunity. A successful businessperson is resilient enough to adapt to the climate. He or she does not waste time stewing over mistakes, miscues or perceived slights. No, she has to maintain focus and make the proverbial lemonade from lemons. No, he has to be flexible enough to shift gears or make the required sharp turn.
Remember business is a marathon not a sprint; as a wisemen stated: "... the race is not to the swift ... it is to he who can endure to the end."
In summary, when self-doubt has me question my own mettle, I begin to channel Fredrick, Harriot, Malcolm, Martin and yes Oprah. I had a principal that frequently used the quote: when you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot. Peace.
In discussing the importance of business, I must emphatically add, becoming an entrepreneur takes a certain type of unique mettle. To borrow the dictionary's definition: Mettle is an inherent quality of character and temperament... a courage, fortitude and spirit in order be prepared to accept a challenge and do one's best.
To be candid, if you lack the necessary mettle to weather the storms of the business culture you should gravitate towards another safety net type career. I have experienced, learned and witnessed over my adult life how people without the prerequisite mettle crumble under the pressure of running a business. It ain't easy to run a business or as one of my mentors instructed me, that's the cost to be the boss.
To better illustrate this point; some people get knocked down and they moan, complain and lose faith. Other people get knocked down and dust themselves off and look for the next opportunity. A successful businessperson is resilient enough to adapt to the climate. He or she does not waste time stewing over mistakes, miscues or perceived slights. No, she has to maintain focus and make the proverbial lemonade from lemons. No, he has to be flexible enough to shift gears or make the required sharp turn.
Remember business is a marathon not a sprint; as a wisemen stated: "... the race is not to the swift ... it is to he who can endure to the end."
In summary, when self-doubt has me question my own mettle, I begin to channel Fredrick, Harriot, Malcolm, Martin and yes Oprah. I had a principal that frequently used the quote: when you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot. Peace.
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