SUSPENDED ANTICIPATION

SPORTS HEADLINE-WORLD SERIES GAME 5 SUSPENDED BY RAIN
In a World Series that was already made historic by it's participants, history was made again Monday night when Major League Baseball suspended Game 5, tied 2-2 in the 6th inning due to inclement weather. This was the first game in World Series history to be suspended by weather and will be resumed at the suspension point at a later date. The Phillies are leading in the World Series 3-1 in a best of seven. They have the chance to clinch the series on their home field with a win in the completion of Game 5.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
There are times in all of our lives when we need to hit the pause button and chill for a minute. There was a study by Dr. Walter Mischel at Stanford University with 4 year old children where they were left alone in a room for 15 minutes with one marshmallow on a plate. They were told they could eat the marshmallow, but, if they didn't eat that marshmallow, then they would receive two marshmallows when the adult came back in the room. Predictably, some children ate immediately, others were more patient and were rewarded for their patience. 14 years later, those same students were revisited and almost universally the children that waited were more successful, trustworthy and dependable. The moral of the story is having the discipline to delay gratification is a valuable tool that will help shape all phases of your life.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Have you ever been at a crossroads professionally where you had to make a decision to take a minute to reassess the situation or just push through and hope for the best result? What did you do and how did it work out for you? Sometimes, taking that step back and determining what's going to be the ultimate best course for the long term may take you an unexpected direction in the short term. Ultimately however, that could be better than just pressing on and then having to make changes and adjustments in the short term to achieve your long term goals.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
One of the most difficult things consumers deal with in their monthly budget and spending habits is delayed gratification. I want that car NOW! I want that house NOW! I want that vacation NOW! But the major problem is, most of us don't have the assets to just make those impulsive purchases without sacrificing something else significant in our financial lives. We often fool ourselves into believing that a want is a need. We all have the same basic needs-food, clothing and shelter. We also have societal needs-transportation, entertainment and education. But anything beyond those are really optional. Being able to fill your needs at the level you can afford them will allow you to at a later point fill those same needs at a level closer to what you desire. Doing it the opposite way is a recipe for disappointment and often times failure.

GAME PLAN-
Have the belief that your time is coming. Know in your heart of hearts that the clouds of today are just the precursor to tomorrow's sunshine and you will soon bask in the glory of the rewards of your patience. When you delay gratification, it doesn't dilute the feelings of joy, jubilation and excitement of your victory, just the opposite. You will enjoy them more because you will know all that you have done to accomplish your goals and fully enjoy your victory!

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

SPORTS HEADLINE-RAYS & PHILLIES SET TO FACE OFF IN 2008 WORLD SERIES
With the elimination of the defending champion Boston Red Sox in Game 7 of the ALCS, the Tampa Rays clinched their first ever World Series appearance where they will face the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are making their first World Series appearance since 1993 and seeking their first win since 1980. Regardless of which team wins, a large segment of their fan base will be experiencing championship glory for the first time.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
There is just something refreshing about experiencing new things. New places to travel, new foods to experiment with, new sights and sounds to tantalize the senses. We tend to fall into and languish in comfortable routines, expecting the expected and not challenging ourselves to seek adventures outside our comfort zone. But that's where life truly is exciting, when you do things that are beyond what you'd normally do or what you're customarily comfortable doing. By expanding your horizons and putting yourself in positions to experience all that is out there, your life will be enriched in ways that are unimaginable.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Do you remember dos based computers? How about mobile phones the size of a house phone? Maybe you recall facsimile machines (before they were called just 'fax') with the roll of shiny paper? These were all inventions that were hailed as revolutionary at the time they burst onto the scene. Businesses that were early to adopt these new technologies stayed ahead of their competitors and were on the cutting edge of their industries. But the times quickly caught up and now all of those technologies have been replaced with faster, more efficient and more effective models. Staying current is a good way to get behind in the business world. You have to anticipate, stay ahead of the trends and be a leader in your industry to remain victorious in your field.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
If you have paid ANY attention to the news the past 3 weeks you're aware of what's been going on with Wall Street and the banking industry. What that tells me is that we all should be thinking of new places to save and invest. One of the best areas to have a savings account is an online savings bank. These banks usually have higher interest yields on savings, money markets and Cd's (certificates of deposit) than traditional brick and mortar banks. Having an open mind to new ideas is a good way to ensure you are able to stay ahead of the game.

GAME PLAN-
There's nothing wrong with something being 'old reliable'. The reason it's called that is because you know what to expect, you know what it will be and won't be and you can count on it. While not taking anything away from reliability, it's also vital for you to keep your spirit open to experiencing new things. There are wonderful sights, sounds, smells, tastes and adventures that we all bypass every day without giving them another thought or consideration. Embrace things that before you would shy away from or not even give a second thought. The rewards are bountiful.

A COMEBACK FOR THE AGES

SPORTS HEADLINE-RED SOX RALLY FROM THE BRINK OF ELIMINATION
On the field of historic Fenway Park, the home of the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays were 7 outs away from clinching their first World Series berth. Down 7-0 in the bottom of the 7th inning and down 3-1 in the best of seven series, it seemed bleak for the home team. Amazingly a rally started and by the end of the evening, the Red Sox had pulled off the 2nd largest comeback in MLB playoff history by posting a 8-7 win extending the series to a Game 6.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
We all face difficult circumstances in life from time to time, when it seems like nothing can swing our way. Believing that no obstacle is too great to overcome with a positive spirit, strong faith and the willingness to persevere can go a long way towards getting past your challenge and closer to your victory. Keep doing the right things, don't give up and keep in mind that when you face tough times, you are just around the corner from greatness.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
There's an often repeated mantra you'll hear from successful teams and coaches that are struggling, 'We've got to stay the course.' Why would you want to keep doing something if it's not working right now? It's because you know that over time, the process or program you have in place will work. It's worked in the past and will work again. Business owners sometimes will face struggles and despite knowing that what they've done before has worked and will work again, will stray off course to try to capture lightning in a bottle. Believe in your business plan, believe in your employees and 'stay the course' to emerge victoriously.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
It's rare to encounter someone who isn't facing some level of financial challenges in today's economic environment. If it's not their direct income, it's their stock portfolio or their 401K that is feeling the brunt of our tough times. It has to feel like it's almost over for some people. But just like the Red Sox had to start somewhere on their comeback so do you. It starts with making one positive move, whether it be committing to save a little more dillengently in a savings account or making an investment in a low priced stock with upside or simply reassessing and reshaping your financial goals, make that initial positive move that will start your financial rally.

GAME PLAN-
The old cliche says, 'It ain't over 'til it's over,' and we've seen that shown time and time again. Don't give up before the game is over. You never know what's going to spark your rally and lead you down a victorious path!