Guymon, Oklahoma

It isn’t power that makes you important, nor is it money. Power is something you have when you have influence. Money sometimes can help you have influence. Influence is where it is all at.

You cannot influence people without having the ability to persuade people.

When you are talking to someone and trying to influence them to do something, there are a few things that can make or break how well you do.

First, you must be clear in your presentation. Whether it is an email, a phone call, or a face to face, you need to consider how you present your information. With an email, it is difficult to get someone to read more than two paragraphs. We tend to expect emails to be fast and convenient.

A phone call does not always mean you have them at a time when their mind can focus on what you’re talking about. Face to face you can judge their reactions much better and see what more needs to be said or done or explained. And in all cases, you must be clear, making points that are pertinent and understandable.

A rambling approach and disjointed presentation will lose your audience and erode your influence. If your audience is waiting impatiently for you to get to the point, they will not be persuaded. Make it easy for your audience. Don’t make them work to find your point.

If the relevance to your audience is not obvious, they will not be persuaded. The requires you to know your audience and remember that to influence, it needs to be about them, not you.

If there is no impact, and the audience cannot remember what you said, they will not be persuaded. When someone is talking just numbers and statistics to me, I start planning my next dream vacation in my head. I mentally leave the conversation.

And if there is no value, if you’re talking only from your own perspective, it doesn’t matter to me. It does not go on my list of priorities. Give me a reason and a worth to me.

Quite possibly, if you consider these things before making the effort to influence someone, you might find that you should reexamine who you need to bring in on your project. Don’t waste your time. Don’t waste my time. Use your energy and time and knowledge wisely.

Speaking of wise use of time, maybe you should be taking your three to six – year – old child or grandchild to the Yoga Storytime at the Guymon Public Library on March 27 from 4 to 4:45 pm. I read that looking at those who scored highest on their ACT and SAT scores, it was a staggering number who listed that they were read to as a child. So, rather than paying for tutors later, rather than buying expensive study programs, read to your kids when they’re young. And it might lower your blood pressure, too. So, storytime is a good idea for lots of reasons. The library is located at 1718 N. Oklahoma in Guymon.

How did I do on my presentation?

Coop Connections thought: use your card to get a large Pizza Hut pizza for a medium price. This is good at the Boise City, Beaver, and Guymon locations. If you can’t find your card, go online at www.tcec.coop and they’ll tell you what to do. And you can look at all your regular shopping places that have coop savings. Love that saving money. Love that pizza.

And when you’re using a Coop Connection card, you’re shopping local. That means when you spend $100 at an independent local store (one owned by local folks), $48 stays in the community; when you spend the same $100 at an in – town chain outlet, $14 stays local; and when you spend that Benjamin at a remote online store, only $1 stays local. That money that stays local helps your neighbors and their employees make a living, helps support your civic organization, supports those that give to Panhandle Partners so you have assistance when cancer hits your friend or family member, and helps keep your streets paved, your water running, and your toilet flushing.

“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts,” said John C. Maxwell. “It is about one life influencing another.”

See you on the bricks … being a great influence!

It looked like there was going to be a $9,800 penalty for me to pay on my income taxes this year. When your accountant tells you that, it takes a minute to catch your breath.

Let me tell you the story and it will include some dollar amounts that really are none of your business, but it makes the story better. So, I will tell them because a good story is so important.Turned in my tax folder with the itemized items to Dianne Roberts in good time and she got them quickly. Then she called me and asked if she could bring them by the office. I love that lady. She realizes that if I leave the office, then it gets locked up and there’s nobody to answer the phone – which really isn’t good thing for someone trying to call. I don’t think that irritating computer voice from Google that calls me more than any family member really cares.

Dianne Roberts gave me the news that the taxes looked regular and normal until it came to the point where my income was over what was reported for me to get the affordable insurance for those of us that don’t make all that much money. And that caused the $9,800 penalty.Now, I don’t cheat on my taxes because I am afraid of the IRS. They have way too much power and nobody that oversees them. My imagination has them coming to me and saying that with the donation of a couple of kidneys, a liver, heart, and corneas I’ll be free and clear with them and they won’t slap a lien on the property I, my parents, my children’s and my best friend own. So, I do my best to be accurate and on time.

fter my wonderful accountant gave me the penalty news, I asked her if I could copy that part of the taxes and go talk to Dianna Brown, who does my insurance. Dianne Roberts was very happy that I would go and do that, so at 8:30 in the morning when Brown and Associates opened their door the next morning, I was walking into Dianna Browns office.

It took Dianna Brown just a moment to look at the papers, find something on the computer and print it off, telling me that we hadn’t messed up on the insurance and income deal and would I drop these papers off at Roberts and Keenan for them to see. Sure, I would.
Then Dianna and Dianne visited. It is so much better to get the smart ones to talk and let me just write my column while they figure this out. I had nothing to add to the conversation other than the fact that I might need a paper bag when on the verge of hyperventilating. OK, maybe I am exaggerating, but it could have happened.

Seems that the W-2 from my Edward Jones stocks and whatever else Kyle Hawkins does with that money had shown a profit. That’s what he’s supposed to do, right? Make money for me? Because, you know, it is a fact that when you get old and don’t work anymore people still expect you to pay your bills. Narrow minded, but true.

The $4,000 that was reported income from Edward Jones put me $24 or some such over on my allowable income for the insurance. Thus the $9,800 penalty.
This is not a joke. Nor was it funny at the time.

So, Dianna Brown asked me if she could go visit with Kyle. You bet. And then Kyle calls and asks if it is allowable for him to visit with Dianna about my Edward Jones stuff. Heavens, yes, and they visit. Kyle does some switching and rearranging, all perfectly legal, because I’m likely not the only person this sort of nightmare has happened to.

Dianna calls me and gives me the good news.

Dianne calls and gives me the good news.

Kyle calls and gives me the good news and explains what needs to happen.

And the penalty goes away. I can keep my kidney or whatever organ is worth that many thousands of dollars that I was going to owe to the IRS. Pretty sure my Hardy Boys collection of books wasn’t going to cut it if they went on the market.And now let’s look at this whole incident in a different way.

Thank God I have an accountant that got my taxes done in a timely manner. Thank God I have an insurance agent who is just down the street and has time to listen to me and then advocate for me. Thank God my money guy is right here in Guymon, wasn’t a long distance number and five hours holding on the phone away. And he brought the papers to me to sign and sits down with the patience to explain everything to me. In fact, he’ll explain it again if he needs to, until I understand.Whether your insurance agent is Warner McKinnon or Ken Lane or Charles White or Garrison. They are here, seeing us at church and at Rotary and other places around town. They will work for you because they care.

Whether your accountant is Elgie Davis or Peggy Keenan or whomever, the same goes for them. And if your investments are handled by Mitch Egger or Kyle, they will work with you even if it is a really small amount of money because they want your life to be good. Don’t tell me shopping online can save you $100 … if I had done that it probably would have cost me $9,800 to save that $100. Certainly, I wouldn’t have figured out how to fix it because I don’t know those things and I was busy doing my own work. But because they cared, the three put the puzzle together and owe them.

It’s called Live Local.

If you’re smart and think you and your family are worth what is best for your future, you’ll do it. Whether it’s buying your office supplies here (and having them deliver them in a day or less … and while Gabe Dixon is here, he’ll also put the toner in my machine because that’s just how he is); getting your insurance from a local agent; having your cell phone through a carrier that sponsors you kids t-ball teams and supports school clubs and events; buying your Christmas presents from the local boutiques and stores … heck, you should check out the cool things in the lumber yard that people don’t realize they have; it makes a difference in your family’s life. It makes a difference in your neighbor’s world. It makes a difference in the world of those you go to church with. It makes a difference.
For me, in March of this year, it made $9,000 worth of difference … and a happy kidney, to boot.

See you on the bricks … living local!

Lately it seems my form to be pontificating to you all. And that isn’t always appreciated. So, no lecture at all with today’s words. Just sharing of information. Most of it good information. The last couple columns haven’t included upcoming events and calendar items, so I’m going to share those and, also, some of the quotes that I’ve seen and stashed recently. If they sound like a lecture, you’re just being overly sensitive because they are meant to encourage.

The Love Does Drawing for the pork chops, ribs, and steaks donated by Seaboard Foods and National Beef is Mar. 16 at 4 pm in the Main Street Guymon office at 116 NE 5th Street. Those who have given to the fund for school lunches are in the drawing. It is interesting to me the number of people who came in with a check or money because when they were students, they felt embarrassed about being on special / different lunch cards. One lady said, “My mom was a single mom and she worked all the time ….” Some things stick with us and it is a shame that adults still feel that hurt. And it continues to happen to kids today. So, if you want to help, come by the Main Street office or call Jim Norris at 580-651-1018. You can make checks out to Main Street Guymon.

Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress.

TCEC is going out into the community with their Co-op Connections at Whispering Bliss on Mar. 22 from noon to 1 pm. You can use your Co-op Card for a 20% shopping savings while you’re there! And sign up to win a $100 gift certificate. It’s fun. And remember there is parking in the back, too.

Leadership is not about a title or designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire teammates and customers.

Being bi-lingual is a wonderful skill to have. Always wishing I had a second language, I tend to wish and yet not work at it. But there is help if you want to be. Start maybe with the Bilingual Storytime for Kids at the Guymon Public Library from 1:00 – 1:45 pm. You’ll have to take a 5 – year – old or younger to qualify, but there are plenty who would love some special time like this!

“Let the improvement of yourself keep you so busy that you have no time to criticize others.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

Sometimes we need the help of our legislators and it is important to set that in motion before you need the assistance. Be proactive instead of reactive. Quit posting on facebook and talk to people who actually can help. Be a part of the group traveling to the Oklahoma City Capitol through the Chamber’s Panhandle Day at the Capitol on Mar. 26 and 27. Call Jada and find out more at 338-3376. There’s even a bus that takes us all … join up!

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

Mark Mar. 29 on your calendar for the Workforce Oklahoma Open House at 304 E 4th in Guymon. It is happening from 10 am to noon and they would love to have you come in!

“Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more?” ~ Roy T. Bennett

April is our major Community Clean – Up month each year. This year we have several opportunities for you to pitch in and help, if you’re so inclined. There is a work day to spruce up the Texas County Fairgrounds on Sat., Apr. 14. You can be part of the 9 – 11 am crew or the 11 – 1 pm crew. Lunch is offered for the volunteers. There’s painting and painting and painting and cleaning up happening that morning. Call Main Street Guymon at 338-6246 for more information.

We also have Apr. 21 and Apr. 28 Community Clean – Up days planned. And consider giving 30 minutes and just cleaning up your own alley. Walk down and do a good job for you and your neighbors. Be part of this great effort!

Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

See you on the bricks!

Every once in awhile you read something and can’t help but shake your head and go “spot on.” Terry Brand is a friend of mine and her work is with special needs adults. She has a sense of humor and doesn’t usually show that she takes like very seriously. But recently she wrote this, and I read it and thought it should be shared.

“This is the best explanation of what I do,” Terry wrote. “I have worked with these folks for years. I love it every day!

“To the parents of the child with special needs,

“I do not know the struggle you must have gone through watching your child not progress like the other kids. I could never fathom the heartbreak for you when you stopped wishing they would become doctors or lawyers and simply hoped they would be happy.

“My heart breaks every time I think of the moment you wondered what would happen to your little man or sassy miss when you passed on and if anyone would ever attend their funeral since you were no longer around. All these battles you have gone through as a parent and cried and screamed and even questioned your faith over – I hurt a little knowing anyone felt that way.

“I am not a parent of special kids. However, I care for adults with special needs. I have worked with them for over four years. Wonderful being with different levels of understanding I have been blessed even more to call my friends. I know the years of them being adults is far in the future, but know they will continue to be happy in life. They may not ever want to backpack through Europe or see Bono live in concert, but they have a sense of happy that is so much simpler.

“They like the moments their HTS comes in their room and sings Reba to them at the top of her lungs (it always makes them die laughing at the silly moment) or drawing on the sidewalk with chalk in the middle of the summer or having a late night snack with the caretake on duty. They always need someone there to help them shave in the mornings or cook their food, but they do not know that is not normal and they eventually end up loving HTS company.

“I hope you are ready to have your family expand, because we love them and we have bonded with them and we understand them. We stay to keep their routing nd give them security in their environment. We stay because their hugs are genuine, and their laughs are the best – like a child.

“I guess I just wanted you to know though it seems hopeless at times, know there is a light and they will be happy, loved, cared for, and they will be okay.

“Hoping this gave you a second of peace.”

Sometimes we get a glimpse of something we know nothing about … and glimpse something that might give us pause for thought. After reading this, first I am thankful for all those people who do things that to me would be difficult (caregivers of all sorts). Second, the joy that Terry has in her choice of work is felt in what she wrote, and I wish this for all those I love. Find something in your life that brings you joy. And then I want to add, if you are the parent of a special needs child and you need someone to talk to or to help you learn about community resources available to you, call Monica Ronne at 580-651-9700 or Shanda Oden at 580-461-3528. There are people who understand.

And if your heart is wanting to help a family with special needs children, the Oden family is once again adopting two children with special needs from Russia and their friend, Amber Costilla, is organizing a benefit to help cover the extensive adoption costs. Give Amber a call at 338-0072 if you’re interested in having a fun booth, help on the committee, or want to help in some other way! It’s going to be on May 12 for a couple hours and should be fun for the whole family!

Ever noticed how some people are just better at making people believe what they say? They state it and it is just taken as God’s truth. Others can say the same thing and people question and look doubtful at them? I recently read an article in the Toastmaster magazine that gave “Powerful Secrets of Persuasion.”

“Your ability to persuade and influence people – to get them to understand, accept, and act upon your ideas – is crucial to success. People who speak persuasively have greater personal power. They get more things done and achieve goals faster. Learning how to persuade and influence will help you achieve success in every area of life.

“If people don’t trust you, they won’t listen to you. Trust underpins everything you say and do. Without it, you are lost. Live your life so you’re trusted.”
Most people “like people who are similar to us. People prefer to say yes to people they like. That’s why, before getting down to business, it is best to talk about who you are, what you do, and if possible, find common ground or pay a genuine compliment.

“Put yourself in their shoes. You’ll ever be persuasive if you focus on your own needs. Talk to people about their needs and you’ll have their attention.

“Give a little something to get a little something in return. By giving something, doing a favor, making a concession, providing small gestures of consideration to others, you’ll find that others will feel compelled to return your kindness.

“What we see is just as important as what we hear. Like it or not, people judge you at first glance. Your body language, behavior, character, gestures and dress all have a lasting impact on your ability to persuade.

“Confidence and certainty are compelling. You have a better chance of persuading others if you believe in what you do.

“Have authority. People listen to experts. By having authority, you can get a yes quicker and more often.

“Knowledge is power. Know your subject.

“Build your reputation. Integrity, accomplishments, and character are all important. When it comes to influence, your reputation is your biggest asset.

“Establish rapport. When people are comfortable with you, they are more open to your suggestions. Listen, ask open – ended questions, pay compliments, use humor.

“Be flexible with your response. The person with the greatest flexibility will have the most influence in any situation. Flexibility enables you to achieve your outcome.

“Stay calm, keep your emotions in check. People turn to those in control of their emotions, especially in times of conflict, pressure, or stress.

“Pick your battles. Persuasive people understand that most conversations don’t require getting someone to do or accept something. Aggressive pushers put people on the defense, while truly persuasive people understand their power and use it sparingly.

“Listen more than you speak. You can’t persuade others if you don’t know the other side of the argument. Listen for objections, connections, and moment of agreement – common group you can capitalize on.

“Engage. Smile, establish eye contact, and speak firmly, clearly, and slowly. People will relax and engage with you and be receptive to your ideas.

“Try to eliminate fear. Whether you’re speaking one – on – one, or to a group or a large audience, don’t think that you’re not good enough or don’t have what it takes. People pick up on nervousness. It creates a barrier to persuasion. We can all get better and no one is perfect.”

Good advice. I’m going to share this with the next Career Focus class.

Hoping you have a great week on the bricks!

Goals should be a part of all our lives. Basic human nature requires that we have a purpose. A purpose makes it easier to get up every morning. A goal that improves us, whether it improves our mind or our heart, is one that takes us down the happier road.

The Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, who has lived his life reaching lofty goals said, “I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time.”

There is a saying in Burma that goes, “Who aims at excellence will be above mediocrity; who aims at mediocrity will be far short of it.”

Right now, we’re in the Christian Lenten Season. Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, before Easter Sunday. For many denominations it is a time to reflect, to remember. It is also a time to give something up for those six weeks to help us remember what God gave up for us. Whether you’re a Christian or not, whether you’re a Christian who practices fasting during Lent or not, sometimes it is good for everyone to reflect.

Pope Francis once gave some suggestions for fasting during Lent.

• Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
• Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
• Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
• Fast from pessimism an be filled with hope.
• Fast from worries and have trust in God.
• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
• Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
• Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
• Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
• Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
• Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Such wise words. Words that can help you set goals for your personal development. Ways to work to improve yourself.

And remember, we often fall short of our goals, but that is not a reason to avoid setting and working towards them.

Actor Bruce Lee said, “A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at.”

Just recently a group of people worked to present a play, “The Shadow Box” that was about death. When you commit yourself to being in a play, it becomes a large undertaking. Learning lines, attending practices, being someone else isn’t easy and working with a group of people can be difficult, too.

One of my favorite people in the whole world, Liz McCulloch, was in the play and according to my friend, was the one who made the lasting impression as Felicity. Liz posted on her facebook after the play finished it’s run, the following words.

“Words will never be able to express how thankful I am for “The Shadow Box.” What is life without challenging yourself? Everyone can cruise through life and go the easiest route possible … but what fun is that? To me, I think the point of life is to be able to say “YES” to situations that challenge you, scare you, and make you question yourself so much that you wonder if you can even be successful in the challenge.

“To say this play was a challenge for me is such a complete understatement. A challenge that I will always cherish. Now that it’s all said and done, I can truly say my life has changed for the better because of the beautifully written play, because of the beautiful people involved, and because of the beautiful memories made.

“To that I will say goodbye to the feisty Felicity. The woman who made me realize how quickly life can change and how this moment only lasts for just that. For that, and for the constant encouragement and fun from the director and cast. I will always be soooo grateful for the time onstage.

“Goodbye, Felicity. I love you. Just as much as you love your Claire.”

Maybe this month you and I can be as brave as Liz and Felicity. Maybe we need to challenge ourselves. Maybe it’s time for a new goal, a new challenge.

If your challenge is to be more involved in the community, consider attending Eggs and Issues on Mar. 2 at the Ambassador Restaurant at 7 am.

Could be your challenge is to have more fun with your kids or grandkids. If so, go to the Donkey Basketball game in Goodwell on Mar. 5 at 7 pm. It is the OPSU gym. This is a fund raiser for the Goodwell After Prom Party. And I heard a merchant say that you really should support this.

It’s one of the few After Prom Committees that doesn’t just ask for donations to make their party happen. You have to respect those who work rather than just beg.

Could be a time for reflection.

See you reflecting on the bricks!

Last week the Main Street Guymon Awards Evening happened. People who have done wonderful things for and with the organization gathered together to break bread and celebrate. We celebrated the businesses that have done a good job. We celebrated the people who have given of themselves to make Guymon a better place. We celebrated friendships. We celebrated because it is a good thing to come together in a positive manner.

The people that handed over their tickets and sat in those chairs are my favorite people. They are the ones who get something done. They aren’t just talking about doing something, they’re doing it. They aren’t just out to promote themselves or to get a free meal, they’re there for the long haul. They are the ones who back up their words. They are ones who know how to sweat. And who aren’t afraid to care.

They are volunteers and entrepreneurs. They are gamblers because they invest in people, in community. They work to build something better that will last long past their last breath.

Four people committed to having their names on the slate of nominations for a position on the board of directors. They stood up and publicly said they were willing and able to give of themselves and work in this capacity. Four people. Three positions. All four would serve well. One went home without the vote and still they put themselves out there. I respect them for so many reasons. All of them. These are the people of our community’s future. They have an attitude that can keep us moving forward and moving positive.

Would you fit in with this crowd?

Do you appreciate the people who were there?

I do. Every single day.

It was a celebration on the bricks.

Wish you had been there.

The winners of our awards were Aggie Families, All Fired Up Art Gallery, Bank of the Panhandle, Beef Up Guymon Fund Raiser and Elanco, Charles White Insurance, City Bank and Trust, Fiesta Event and Soila Medina, Galleon Restaurant, Golden Crown, OPSU Baseball Team, Shop and Dine Group, Shop Local Coalition, Taos McIntyre, Veterans Banner Program and Jim Norris.

Volunteers from the Main Street Board of Directors, Transformers, Vital Volunteers, Career Focus, Cassie’s Kids, Aggie Families, Lunch and Cash Mob were also there in mass. Amazing, wonderful, and giving people. Many of those with the mentoring programs also brought their mentees and Aggies. I loved it.

I hope you have found something that brings the best out in you, too. Something where you give. Something that reminds you to appreciate all we have. Something that makes you care. Somewhere you can fit in. If you haven’t and want to, come by. Let’s talk.

See you on the Bricks!

At a meeting this week, tips on dealing with difficult emotionally charged customers / clients / patients / staff / neighbors / people came up in the conversation. A very wise person in the meeting shared and it is well worth reading. These are words we all need to hear … over and over.
Give your difficult person your undivided attention.

Pay attention. When attention is paid to someone, they feel validated; they feel important. By really listening, and conveying that through body language as well as words, you can take away the person’s reason for escalating the situation.

Be non – judgmental.

It’s important to acknowledge the customers frustration and apologize for their inconvenience. Ensure that your body language and tone are non – judgmental. This goes a long ways towards calming the individual.

Show some feeling.

A feeling response might be; I understand your frustration. Let me see what I can do to help. Most likely it will elicit a response that is positive since the individual will know that the agent understands what’s happening and is willing to work on resolving the issue.

Allow silence.

At times, allowing a moment of silence can be the best choice.

Have a team approach.

It’s easier to maintain professionalism when assistance is nearby. Support and backup are both crucial when trying to handle an escalated situation. Work to provide exceptional customer service and work together as a team.

Develop a plan.

Devise a plan before one is needed. Decisions made before an incident occurs are likely to be more rational than those made when on the receiving end of emotional outbursts. Then think about the things that are upsetting and practice dealing with those issues ahead of time.

Clarify.

When a customer makes a statement, you might think you know what the person means. The only way to be sure is to ask. Sometimes a question may be perceived as challenging and can make the customer defensive. Restate what you heard in order to gain clarification.

Good words to follow. Now the next lesson I need is how to keep from being that difficult emotional person / client / patient / person. You know how it is.

There are just some days that being nice seems to be so very impossible. I’ve always thought that rather than having only sick and vacation days, we also need to have Stay Away Days. Because everyone once in awhile we can do our best for society by staying home and seeing nobody.

Or is that just me?

Once in a college elementary education class my teacher, Jo Wise, stated, “There will be those days that you really aren’t feeling nice. Those students don’t deserve to be the brunt of your mood. So, do you know what you do on those days? Lay low. Just lay low.”

That was very good advice. For everyone, not just educators.

Thank you to all who came out and supported Main Street Guymon volunteers and members at the recent Main Street Awards Evening. You are good to us. You make it easy to want to work within this fine community. Blessings to each of you that give so that we can give back.

See you on the Bricks!

Here’s to you and here’s to me in hopes we never disagree ….

You make a toast to recognize, celebrate, and share the moment with others, passing along good wishes. It is an opportunity to add extra meaning and significance to an event and can be appropriate for almost any occasion. Yet, today making a toast is not as common as it should be.

Many of us only hear quick toasts at formal events, and sometimes they aren’t thought out toasts.

A toast should be short and sweet. Two minutes is a maximum amount of time for a good toast.

A toast is not about you. Your toast should focus on someone or something else.

Use powerful adjectives to describe the person you’re toasting.

Be light on the humor so you don’t steal attention from the subject of the toast.

And, just to be careful, if you’re new to toasting, you might write it down just in case you have a brain freeze and forget what you had planned to say.

Then at the end, tell the audience when it is time to raise their glasses. Ask the audience to raise their glass, express feelings toward the subject and finally end with “Cheers”.

Here’s some things happening in Guymon that you might not want to miss …

• Feb. 20-22 are auditions for the Guymon Community Theatre production of Spamalot, a musical ripped off from the motion picture “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Should be funny!
• Feb. 20 is the Main Street Guymon Awards Evening when we salute our volunteers and give out awards for wonderful projects and works that happened in 2017.
• There’s a Sorry Tournament at the OPSU Library at 6:30 pm on Feb. 21. I love board games.
• At noon on Feb. 22 is the TCEC Community Connections Spotlight at H&R Block. That same evening is OPSU basketball with the women at 6 pm and the men starting at 8.
• Feb. 24 is a Saturday and there are quite a few things happening that day. From 11 to 2, with a light lunch provided, is a Parenting meeting for parents or guardians of children with special needs. Call Shand Oden at 580-461-3528 if you’re interested in going or to learn more about it.
• Then from 1:30 – 3:30 is a free Leadership Workshop provided by the Toastmasters groups. Leaders are from Amarillo and there is no obligation to join Toastmasters, but a chance to learn more about getting ahead in today’s business world. Call 338-7270 to reserve a spot.
• At 5 pm that same day, the 24th, is an OPSU men’s basketball game.

A great week ahead of us. Let’s toast to all we have a chance to take part in!

See you on the bricks!

When doing something, pay attention to what you’re doing. We are so ineffective when our mind is elsewhere. This is something I really need to work on.

A recent article in the Toastmaster magazine by Caren Schhnur Neile made a lot of sense. She said, “Be completely present. Dedicate your full mind to what you’re doing. Instead of thinking about yesterday or tomorrow, concentrate on what your senses tell you about that very moment. And instead of weighing the pros and cons of what you or anyone else is doing, simply be.

“When our focus is on the present moment, we will not only accomplish the task at hand, we will also be more accepting of our emotions and those of others. When we listen, we can completely listen with our ears, eyes, and hearts. When we speak, we can feel confident that intrusive thoughts and emotions whatever they are, will not prevent us from communicating our message. And when we lead, we can do so with the sensitivity that comes from feeling good about ourselves, connecting with others and having the mental clarity to focus positively on what really matters.

“To be in the moment, step away from the phone. A recent study found that when cell phones are within reach, students don’t perform as well on tests – even if they don’t use them! Just the knowledge that a phone is around is apparently enough to distract us.

“Do one thing at a time and do it well. Psychologists claim there is really no such thing as multitasking. Rather than actually engaging in two or more tasks simultaneously, our brains toggle from one to the other, accomplishing about as much on each as if we were drunk.

“Switch it up. Are you right – handed? Try to accomplish a simple task like brushing your teach or stirring milk into your coffee with your left. We do so many things without paying attend that changing a simple habit once in a while forces us to focus on our actions.

“Sense it. Many of us tend to focus on the sense of sight without paying nearly as much attention to our other senses. Take a walk in the park or the mall – or just sit at your desk. Use all your senses to fully experience the moment.”

Cultivate this type of awareness and promote your mental strength and clarity.

You up to that challenge for today? I’m game. It makes sense to me!

And remember what Goethe said, “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”

Oh, and this quote really fits the above article. “We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” That was said by Arianna Huffington.

Be sure to go see the Guymon Community Theatre production “The Shadow Box” on Feb. 15, 16, or 17 at 8 pm. Tickets are $8 and call 338-0019 to make your reservations. I hear the show is outstanding.

There is a Mother – Son Dinner on Feb. 16 at 6 pm, benefiting Panhandle Services for Children. Tickets are $30 a couple and $10 for extras. It is at the Methodist Enrichment Center.

OPSU Baseball games on Feb. 16 and 17 and 20. Usually around noon or so.

The Chamber Pioneer Days Rodeo Committee Fundraiser, the Dinner, Dance, and Draw Down is a steak dinner with music by the Wooden Nickel Band, tickets are $50 each and you have a chance to win $5,000. That’s at Pickle Creek and doors open at 6:30 with dinner at 7 on Feb. 17.

Take your winnings for the Draw Down and go to the OPSU First Pitch Baseball Banquet at Hunney’s on Feb. 18 at 6 pm. Cost is $16 per person and should be fun!

Then on the 20th is the Main Street Guymon Awards Evening. Cost is $25 a ticket and it happens at the RC Party Room at 5th and Main.

Hope to see you there. Focus. On the bricks!