On my recent flight to Philly, the airport was closed due to bad weather. I had an important engagement to attend early the next morning and missing it was not an option. Southwest did their best and flew us into Baltimore as an alternative, and in those moments, it takes everything you've got to keep cool and level-headed under pressure.

This situation (and the recent March Madness) brought to mind the wisdom of John Wooden, the former head coach at the University of California at Los Angeles.

In an article by Craig Impelman (Coach's grandson-in-law, motivational speaker and the author of Wooden’s Wisdom; TheWoodenEffect.com) speaking about adversity, he writes, "In Coach Wooden’s early life, his father set an example that had a very significant impact on him. He created a set of rules that he bestowed upon his sons: Don’t whine, don’t complain, and don’t make excuses. Just do the best you can. Nobody can do more than that."

Coach devised and collected a number of maxims regarding the best way to respond to difficult situations. They are great triggers that you can use with yourself, your staff and your team to rekindle a positive attitude when the going gets tough.
• Bad times can make you bitter or better.
• Never make excuses. Your friends won’t need them and your foes won’t believe them.
• Things usually turn out the best for people who make the best out of the way things  turn out.

Coach Wooden said, "Complaining, whining and making excuses just keep you out of the present. By handling yourself in such a way through difficult situations,you will not only find your own outlook improving,but you will likely inspire those around you, too."

Who we are personally shows up in our business affairs everyday. Take the time to respond better to difficult situations by rekindling a positive attitude. Live your life to the fullest right here and now, and remember...

Just do the best you can!
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com

​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

Spring is a beautiful season, and one of my favorite times of the year. People begin to break away from their winter hibernation and emerge to a fresh, warm start. It is time to plant our gardens, deep-clean the barbeque, spruce up the outdoor social spaces, and plan our summer vacations. It can all seem overwhelming and it is important to  nd the motivation to get all the tasks done. Where do you find inspiration?

Design and current lifestyles are taking a turn toward minimalism—clean lines, clear uncluttered spaces, clearing distractions and junk —but where do you start? It’s easy to spend hours reading about it, or drooling over other peoples spaces on Pinterest, but how do you put it into action in your own house or business? Set small goals. Take small steps, tackle each thing one at a time, and do it start to finish so you can see your progress, and celebrate what you have done. Make your list —is it as simple as the junk drawer? Every closet in the house? How does your desktop look, or the countertops between your customer service associates and your clients? Give yourself something to do every single day to build the habits of a decluttered life.

A quote by William Morris states, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Ask yourself these questions when you are editing the items in your home or shop: Is it beautiful? Is it useful? If not, it is time to recycle it! Keep in mind your clients may be asking themselves these same questions when deciding on purchasing products from your store, so make sure your products have these qualities! Small appliances that multi-task — such as an Instant Pot — will allow your client to make room on their counter and in their cabinets by taking the place of their crock pot, steamer, rice cooker, and pressure cooker.

This spring, don’t just clean, clear! Clear your workspace, your home, your business, and your mind. You will create priceless space and time for what really matters.

It has been said that “If we take the time to de-clutter our life and maintain it, we will be able to live a more meaningful life.” I couldn’t agree more.

Here’s to streamlining life!
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com