Jane Macken's (janemacken) Blog

These three words, "yes we can," became the mantra for Barack Obama's successful presidential campaign. Whether you voted for, support, or agree with President Obama or not, these three words are powerful and important for each of us in our lives, especially in the face of the challenges that man...

With the 2011 just around the corner, many of us are focused on our setting our goals, intentions, and resolutions. While this is a wonderful and exciting aspect of every New Year, one of the most important things we can focus on this new year is appreciating ourselves - first! If you're anything...

Success requires planning, focus and patience.  Patience is often the most difficult part of this formula. Success requires doing the things we need to do to get where we want to go.  Success requires getting things done.  The most difficult part of this process is the ability to be patient long ...

It's hard to stay focused during these economic times; however, now, more than ever it is necessary to stay focused on thinking about what you want most.  My sense is that the Developing of Self appears to be on most people minds these days. Jane's book, "The Art of Managing...How to Build a Bett...

Why We Are Offended by Others... According to Mike Robbins, a well-known author, we get offended by what people say, things on TV, opposing political opinions (especially these days), noise, music, traffic, weather, our family, different view points, and so much more.  We believe we are right and...

Caring and compassion for others as well as serving others is important in our life.  After reading "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen, Jacob experiences the disappointment of his children not showing up for an important event in his life.  He also experiences the sadness when he tries to tell h...

For all of us Realtors, I just heard today...we must be aware whether we are representing the buyer or seller that the seller must have permits for all the remodeling work that was performed on the house since the ownership.  Conventional lenders are now requiring copies of signed off permits on ...

Any obstacles to knowing the right course of action are within each of us, and so is the right course.  Sometimes it seems as though a decision truly hangs in the balance, with such equal values on both sides.  "I was so close to saying no - or yes -."  We hold our thumb and forefinger a few micr...

According to Wikipedia encyclopedia, honesty is the human quality of communicating and acting truthfully related to truth as a value. This includes listening, and any action in the human repertoire, such as body language and tone used while speaking. The meaning of the word truth extends from hon...

It's interesting how we think that America is just ours and we sometimes close our hearts to others who want to live here. America, founded by immigrants, is a nation of many cultures. Many immigrants today face similar obstacles as their predecessors. The important issue today for management is ...