Topic: Self Improvement

So, Let’s consider: Getting and staying Tech Savvy 0



So, Let’s consider: Getting and staying Tech Savvy

As the old addage goes: The only thing constant is change. The days of pencil, paper and protractor are quickly being replaced by every day tools the likes of which we first saw in Dick Tracy in the comics decades ago. The little toys that Diet Smith Industries came up with back then were the tools which we’re finding to be becoming standard and indispenseable items of today and tomorrow.

Now I have to confess, I’ve been in computers for over 45 years, and I still learn stuff every day. So, I’m writing this basically directed towards those of my generation and the one before as many of us now have to use these new toys as requisites to getting through our daily lives!

Once one learns what’s out there, where it is and how to use it, you’ll find your life can be very positively impacted. For many that are retired, living alone, etc., it is also a great way of rebuilding your life social and communication structure. The factors that lead to isolation for many can be replaced by the simple tools like FaceTime, Facebook, and other video and social applications. Even though you’re several time zones away, you’re basically in the same room. But, you don’t have to be retired to use and want to use these resources!

Learning about and how to use basic consumer technologies can help you keep current on events. You will no longer have to depend on Tom Brokaw, Huntley, Brinkley or any of the rest. It’s there for you to just got get and very current if not in real time. Your biggest challenge will be in selecting from the crowd!

This also lets you connect with other people that share your hobbies and interests. Explore new hobbies, places to go, and many other things of interest. The educational resources are amazing and many of them are free – and these are everything from simple how to’s to MIT and other university classes. They’re just a web browser or google(www.google.com) away! Had a nagging question that you just can’t find the answer to? Google it!

So how can you find and learn of these resources if you don’t know what, where or how?

Well, ask someone else or ask a kid. Kids are totally immersed in this world. Have them show you what they’re finding and using. And, by “kid” that also applies to high school, college and adult “kids” as well. Don’t feel you have to reinvent the wheel as chances are someone has done that already!

Get your feet wet! Take a class on basics. Libraries are a great resource for this and they can also tell you who are the good resources in your area to learn from. Sometimes this is a local civic group, club, community college, church group or university.

Don’t be afraid the ask the “dumb questions”. Many of us have found that they’re the best kinds of questions to ask. You’ll also find that Coursera and Udemy classes are really great places to start on many topics.

Use online resources like YouTube (www.youtube.com). This resource is loaded with how-to’s on most anything you’d ever want to know about or how to do. It’s also loaded with music and videos to just watch. And it’s free just for the browsing.

Search for it. Using search engines like google can make your life so much easier. Just go to the search line and ask you question. Keep it simple and then refine it details as you learn and see your options. For example you could enter “beekeeping” on the search line, and sit back as you get back and get inundated with responses. Then you’ll learn things like using “beekeeping mite control” and other ways to refine your search questions. And a “How do I…” is always a good way to start. If you’re looking for more advanced responses, try scholar.google.com.

As with the other parts of life, crawl before your walk, before you run. So, start small. Don’t feel you have to conquer the world with your first google search! Buy do get in there and play. The more you play, the more you learn. The more you learn the better your life will be.

I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.


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So, Let’s consider: We see things differently… 0



So, Let’s consider: We see things differently…

I still love my democrat friends and family but, you see it your way and I’ll see it my way!

You see Trump’s arrogance, I see Trump’s confidence.

You see Trump’s nationalism, I see Trump’s patriotism.

You hear Trump’s unsophisticated words, I hear Trump’s honesty.

You see Trump’s racism, I see Trump’s words being misconstrued and twisted by the biased media daily to fit their narrative.

You see Trump as a Republican, I see Trump as a Patriot.

You see Trump as a dictator, I see Trump as a leader.

You see Trump as an Authoritarian, I see Trump as the only one willing to fight for our freedoms.

You see Trump as childish, I see Trump as a fighter, unwilling to cave in to the lies.

You see Trump as an unpolished politician, I see Trump as a breath of fresh air.

You think Trump hates immigrants, I know Trump is married to an immigrant.

You see Trump putting an end to immigration in America, I see Trump welcoming immigrants to America, BUT LEGALLY.

You see cages at the border, I ses cages Obama built at the border.

You see Trump with a struggling economy, I see Trump with an amazing economy until the Democrats shut it down.

You see the violence in the streets and call it “Trump’s America”, I see the violence in the streets of Democratic run cities who are refusing Trump’s help and call it “Liberal America” or “Progressive America.”

You want someone more Presidential, I’m happy we have someone who finally doesn’t just talk the talk but actually walks the walk.

You and I? We see things very differently… But, that difference is part of the STRENGTH that makes America Great.

Let us try to find strength in our differences and strive to continue to make our constitutional republic the best country on earth.

I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.


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So, Let's consider – Interviewing yourself 0





So, Let’s consider – Interviewing yourself

Of all the stuff I read and have to read, I find that a good interview is amongst the most interesting, enjoyable and enlightening types of articles. I read interviews in things as diverse as Parade, business and trade journals, food and social journals and there’s always the gold standard of interviews – Playboy.
Now interviews can vary in terms of focus from a profiling, business centric, solution centric and may other ways that the author/interviewer is attempting to skew the direction of the article. The ones I enjoy the most are the ones that profile a person and tell me about them, their history, likes, dislikes, priorities, goals, etc. They can also make one think about their own directions, values, history, decisions, etc.
Now chances are, very few of us are ever going to be interviewed for a magazine article, but I was wondering what it would be like to interview my self and how I might answer the questions I see being asked others a lot. Frankly, I’m going to cheat a bit, I’m only going to ask the questions and let you answer the questions for yourself, as if you were being interviewed. If you like this idea and some of the questions, you may find this concept useful at a party or as an ice breaker for a social event.
So here goes and I hope you come up with the right answers:
How did you end up in the occupation or line of work that you’re doing?
What skill sets would you like to acquire or improve on?
What’s your favorite part of the day?
What is the largest lesson you’ve learned in your life?
The game I still play is?
The best gift I ever recieved was?
What one thing can you not live without?
Who has had the greatest impact(s) on your life and the decisions you’ve made?
What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current occupation? Why aren’t you doing it?
What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
What trends are most impacting your life?
What is your most favorite word?
What is your least favorite word?
What is your favorite curse word?
What’s the first thing you do when you get home each day?
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
What profession would you not like to do?
What’s the first thing you do when you get to the office or work place each day?
What do you like to hear? What’s your favorite sound?
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Who are your favorite fictional heroes?
Who are your favorite characters in history?
Who are your favorite heroines in real life?
Who are your favorite fictional heroines?
Who is your favorite painter?
Who is your favorite musician?
What quality do you most admire in a man?
What quality do you most admire in a woman?
What is your favorite virtue?
What is your favorite occupation?
Who would you have liked to be?
What’s the one thing that most people don’t know about you?
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Did you follow it? Did it work?
If you had infinite money, what would you buy? Why?
Who’s your favorite composer or musical artist?
The last movie you saw was?
What was the Best movie you’ve ever seen?
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
Where would you like to live?
What’s your guilty secret pleasure?
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three items would you want?
What’s the nerdiest thing you’ve ever done?
What do you value most in your friends?
The biggest trend affecting what I do is?
What are the biggest challenges that you are facing?
What accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Who are your favorite fictional heros?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What natural gift would you most like to possess?
What’s your favorite part of the day? Why?
Where do you see your life going?
What will be your next “big thing”?
What historical figures do you most despise?
What event in military history do you most admire?
What was the best decision you ever made?
What was the worst decision you ever made?
What is your favorite color?
What is your favorite flower?
What is your favorite bird?
What decision in your past would you like to have a “do over” on?
What place would you like to visit and haven’t?
What do you like on your pizza?
Boxers or briefs?
Favorite ice cream? Least favorite ice cream?
What person in history would you like to have lunch with? Why?
How would you like to die?
How would you like to be thought of?
Where would you like to be buried?
What should they write on your gravestone?
Think of a few I missed? I’m sure there’s many. Add them to your list and see where the answers take you.
I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.


Word(s) Of The Day – For The Week Of August 5, 2018 0






Word(s) Of The Day – For The Week Of August 5, 2018
August 5, 2018
Kelpie – n. – a water spirit of Scottish folklore
August 6, 2018
Theodicy – n. – the vindication of divinity in view of evil
August 7, 2018
Fungo – n. – a fly ball hit for practice
August 8, 2018
Vanquish – v. – defeat thoroughly
August 9, 2018
Katzenjammer – n. – confusion
August 10, 2018
Colporteur – n. – a person who sells books or periodicals
August 11, 2018
Scuzz – n. – something regarded as disgusting or sordid

Word Of The Day – For The Week Of July 29, 2018


Last Week’s Words Can Be Found At


So, Let's consider: The art of listening 0






So, Let’s consider: The art of listening
“Can you hear me now?” We’ve all seen that annoying advert with the guy wondering around with a cell phone to his head, wanting to make sure that he’s being heard. Granted this video clip is pure propaganda for a cell phone vendor, but let’s think about this concept a bit further and deeper.
Everyone wants to be heard and understood. It’s not only part of good communication it’s also part of accepting and feeling accepted. And, with good mutual acceptance and communication comes trust and the development of many other good things not only in personal lives but in business as well.
So, let’s look at how we can develop our listening skills a bit.
Pay attention
Nobody likes to feel like they’re being ignored while they’re trying to say something they feel is important and relevant to someone else. So, if you find yourself in an environment filled with distractions, noises or anything else that takes your attention from someone trying to talk with you, simply move to a different room or a quieter place of the room you’re in. If it’s bad timing, simply state so and suggest a better time and place where you both can meet to give the speaker and the subject the attention it deserves.
Engage the speaker and ask questions
Many times it’s a good idea to ask a few clarifying questions just to make sure you’re both thinking along the same lines. It also helps to show interest in the speaker and topic and aids in building rapport with the person(s) you’re talking with. And, when you may need a little time to think about what’s being presented and what your responses might be, it helps to buy you that time.
Let your body show you’re listening
Face the speaker directly and establish eye contact. Facing them and looking at them helps establish that you’re not just there physically, but also mentally. If you need to take a few notes, do so. Sometimes I find that writing notes on the back of their business card helps me not only remember what I was talking about, but where I may want to take the conversation at a later time, and it’s always nice to have the person’s contact info on the other side. Also, avoid looking around while you’re talking, this is not only distracting to them but discourteouse as well.
Listening is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Yet, it’s an important building block in communication and business. People will really know and understand that what they say matters when you listen, and listening is a very worthwhile investment in the development and maintenance of any relationship.
So, now, go forth, and listen.
I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.


So, Let's consider: How can you be more confident with that presentation or in what you do? 0






So, Let’s consider: How can you be more confident with that presentation or in what you do?
OK, so you’re having to do a presentation of some sort. It could be to the client, the boss, your church, some small group, or where ever you find yourself. It could even be an informal meeting in the hall. Then, you feel yourself and your voice start to shake. You look them in the eye and your whole mind goes to yogurt. So, let’s take a look at this.
Confidence in yourself goes a long way in selling your message and getting it and you accepted by your target. The nice thing is that confidence can be learned, developed and even faked. So, let’s look at a few ways to help you believe in yourself and by extension, others will believe in you.
Slow down…
You’re generally not being timed with a stop watch and you’re not calling the race at the dog track, so you don’t have to talk fast. Slowing down gives you more credibility and your audience has more time to understand and digest what you’re saying. If you talk too fast your audience will think you’re nervous and it lowers their comfort level with you. Speaking slowly and deliberately will tell people that you’re thoughtful and what you have to say has credibility.
If you have notes, bring them…and use them…
If you think that having and using notes will compromise you and your position, it won’t. Even the most experienced speakers and presenters use notes and keep supporting information handy in case they have to refer to it. It’s part of being prepared and it shows strength in your position.
However, having said that, don’t read from them as you would a script unless you have to quote a specific passage to support your presentation or answer a question. Notes and reference material are with you to help support your presentation, not be your presentation.
The audience is your center of attention…
The people that you’re talking to and working with need to be the focus of your attention. They’re your audience. Look at them when you’re talking to them, even if it’s just one to one.
Looking at the audience gives you the chance to read them and to judge how they’re receiving your message and if you need to make any mid course corrections. Are they confused? Does something need to be clarified or expanded? Establishing and maintaining eye contact builds rapport with your audience and with that confidence in your presentation.
By focusing on what their needs are and what’s important to them, so take the attention and emphasis off of you and place it on to them and your message. If their attention is wandering to counting ceiling tiles or what’s for lunch then you need to be moving to either get more enthusiastic and involved in your topic, move on to the next line item or order lunch.
Speak to the point…
Some people call this being direct. Get on topic and stay on topic. If you meander, hem and haw, pause, stumble about or starting using what is clearly filler, then you can expect to not only lose your audience, but your credibility and confidence.
Practice delivering what you want to say without distracting verbiage that trends away from the message you want to deliver. The higher comfort factor you have on fluid delivery of your presentation, the better both you and your audience will feel.
Be what your audience looks at…
OK, sometimes presentations requires visuals or what you’re presenting needs to have large pictures for people to see. That aside, YOU need to be what people see when they look at that stage. You need to be that center of focus that the audience thinks is as large as life. Stand and walk confidently. This may take some practice but it’s time well spent. Presenting a confident image of you as authoritative in what you are presenting will make or break your presentation.
Be mentally ready and strong…
The old adage of “if you think you can, you can; if you think you can’t, you won’t,” is as strong here as it ever was. You have to be in a confident frame of mind to deliver a strong, effective and credible presentation. Believe in yourself and others will as well. Show that you believe in yourself, what you’re doing and others will believe in you as well.
I like to watch how others do their deliveries. Youtube and things like TED talks are great examples to use to study delivery styles and methods. You also get to sometimes see how people recover from a mistake. Learn from other peoples successes and failures. And, always, feel free to improve and make their methods fit your mold.
Vene Vidi Vici…
Now, it’s time to go forth and conquer. Expect to stumble a time or two, that’s all part of life and learning. It’s not stumbling that’s important, it’s getting up and continuing on that is.
I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.


Thought Of The Day – For The Week Of For The Week Of December 31, 2017 0





Thought Of The Day – For The Week Of For The Week Of December 31, 2017

December 31, 2017

Do not disregard your mistakes. Learn from them.

January 1, 2018

Money is not meant to be served. Make it work for YOU.

January 2, 2018

Appreciate the many things that make your life so valueable. Especially the small things and things close to you.

January 3, 2018

Act the part and you will become the part. If you act like you belong others will think that you do.

January 4, 2018

Don’t criticize others when you are angry with yourself. You will lose the battle because you have lost your proper perspective.

January 5, 2018

Don’t wait for the ideal time to begin something. You’ll wait your whole lifetime.

January 6, 2018

Stay on a clear course. And, plan it.



F*E*A*R* 0





F*E*A*R*

I ran into an interesting lecture from Jack Canfield today. He refers to the word “fear” as an acronym.

He defines FEAR as Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real.

This reminds of me of Winston Churchill’s “the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself”…. Add to this Henry Ford’s “If you think you can’t do something, you probably can’t….”

Just a few thoughts to ponder.

Go forth and conquer!

I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.