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Truth Be Told

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With apologies to Matthew West and his Christian hit, Truth be Told, his lyrics could just as easily be adapted to fit many of our Washington politicians:

Truth be told
The truth is rarely told
Everything’s fine, yeah, it’s fine oh We’re fine, everything’s fine, but it’s not
DC’s broken
And when it’s out of control they say it’s under control but it’s not
And we know it
I don’t know why it’s so hard to admit it
When being honest is the only way to fix it

…So let the truth be told….

Political dialogue in America often lacks the clarity that makes a true discussion of issues even possible. A Generic Fallacy is when you reject any statement or position based on the source rather than the merits of the argument and supporting facts. If you even mention your source is from CNN, some conservatives reject it immediately. If Fox News, liberals often immediately discount the content.

That is why many appreciate Prager University for their thoughtful messages on the issues of our day. They provide invaluable content conservatives can use to make their case and a way for independents and liberals to better understand Republican views. Whether deepening your own understanding or sharing with others, here are some of the top issues and relevant Prager University messages worth viewing and discussing.

Freedom of speech is not freedom from speech. Just because someone’s comments offend you is not a reason to silence those comments. Greg Lukianoff – “Does Free Speech Offend You;” Seth Dillon on “The Moral Case for Mockery.”

Securing our Southern border and completing the wall is necessary. Our current “open border” is overwhelming border states and communities and flooding America with deadly drugs. Will Witt on “Who Cares about Illegal Immigration;” Reihan Salam on ”America Wants Legal Immigrants.”

Capitalizing on our rich supply of fossil fuels is critical to our economy. Limiting fossil fuel development in America while importing fossil fuels to meet our needs makes no sense and increases inflation. Alex Epstein on “Fossil Fuels Greener than You Think;” Alex Epstein on “Why You Should Love Fossil Fuel.”

Racism exists in all races and must be fought by all. Singling out one race and expecting them to pay reparations for past racism is another form of racism and only creates more racial animosity. Larry Elder on “Is America Racist?” Burgess Owens on “Why I Don’t Want and Don’t Deserve Reparations;” Derryck Green on “Who Are the Racists.”

Student loan forgiveness and rent control create more problems than they solve. Our culture is built on personal accountability. You make a loan; you pay it back. You rent an apartment or home; you pay the rent. Inez Stepman on “The Student Loan Forgiveness Scam;” Nicole Gelinas on “Why Rent Control Hurts Renters.”

Election reforms are necessary to ensure that only citizens vote. Same day voting, showing identification, and personally requesting a mail-in ballot when needed help limit voter fraud and help restore trust in our election results. Hans von Spakovsky on “The Georgia Reform Law Who Wants Fair Elections;” Eric Eggers on “Is Voter Fraud Real.”

Men and women are different. Calling yourself a man or a woman when you are not doesn’t change your sex no matter what pronouns you use. Selina Soule on “The End of Women’s Sports;” Sean McDowell on “Are Men and Women Different;” Ashley McGuire on “Gender Identity Why All the Confusion.”

Our energy crisis is fueling Inflation and the cost of everything we buy. The inflation that is destroying our middle class is being fueled by the limits on the fossil fuel necessary in driving our economy and producing many products. Alex Epstein on “The Real Climate Crisis;” Steve Forbes on “What Is Inflation?”

Government entitlements create dependence and stifle self-sufficiency. A free-enterprise economy requires that working pays better than staying dependent on government funds. Dinesh D’Souza on ”What Is Identity Socialism;” Lawrence Reed on “Was Jesus a Socialist;” Johan Norberg on “Milton Friedman No Free Lunch.”

It’s time for school choice by parents instead of maintaining a public school monopoly. Many of our public schools are not producing the results our children need. Allow parents to use public funds and pick the best public or private schools available. Corey DeAngelis on “Fund the Children Not the Schools;” Jill Simonian on “What Are Your Kids Learning in School.”

Higher taxes impact every income level. Increasing taxes on only the rich can limit the capital needed to fund innovation and is often passed on through higher costs for the products and services we buy. C. Bradley Thompson on ”Understanding Marxism from Each According to His Ability;” Daniel Hannan on “As the Rich Get Richer the Poor Get Richer.”

Unless nuclear energy is included, proposed wind and solar energy will never meet our demands. Most of our energy comes from fossil fuels, and most alternative energy sources are inadequate and impractical. Brian Gitt on “Confessions of an Environmentalist;” Mark Mills on “What’s Wrong with Wind and Solar;” Micheal Shellenberger on “Abundant Clean and Safe.”

Effective law enforcement is critical to our society in a time of increased crime. With crime on the rise, we need more police and sheriffs to protect our communities and arrest criminals. Hold abusive cops accountable and also honor those who serve us well. Rafael Mangual on “Fewer Penalties More Crime;” Heather Mac Donald on “Are the Police Racist;” Heather Mac Donald on ”Police Go Where the Crime Is.”

It’s been said that wise voices set you on the path to wiser choices. We can all thank Prager University for providing these invaluable five-minute messages. Consider making a donation in support. Even if you end up rejecting the opinions expressed, listening to different points of view helps deepen your understanding and sharpen your skills in countering those views.

Save this column for reference, share it with others, and let the wisdom shared add depth and a better understanding on the issues that matter most to our country.

Purchase Dr. Paulson’s newly released ”Joy Comes with the Morning” course today! Get ready to enjoy the 31 short, recorded messages on your computer or smart phone. Each message is designed to expand and enhance your joy-filled faith experience whenever you need or want it. Visit tomeapp.com/joy to start bringing more Christian joy to your morning today. Contact him at [email protected].

We'd love to hear your thoughts about this article. Please take a minute to share them in the comment section by clicking here. Or carry the conversation over on your favorite social network by clicking one of the share buttons below.


Dr. Terry Paulson is a PhD psychologist and author of The Optimism Advantage, They Shoot Managers Don't They, Speak Like a Pro, Meditations for the Trail, and The Dinner: The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have. Since founding Paulson and Associates, Inc. in Agoura Hills, CA, Dr. Paulson has presented to such companies as IBM, 3M, Kaiser, Nationwide, SONY, Starbucks, Wal-Mart, and hundreds of hospitals, government agencies, and associations. Dr. Paulson is a past president of both the Global Speakers Federation and the National Speakers Association. He’s been inducted into NSA’s CPAE Speakers Hall of Fame, an honor given to less than 230 speakers worldwide. Dr. Paulson is a long-time conservative Republican who has spoken to numerous Republican groups. He currently is a regular op-ed columnist for townhall.com and politicrossing.com. Terry brings knowledge, tasteful humor, and a passion for conservative principles to every presentation. Dr. Paulson graduated with honors from UCLA and received his PhD in psychology and an MA in theology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA.



 
 
 

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Business

Work-Life Balance in Your Life

It the ability to experience a sense of control and to stay productive and competitive at work while maintaining a happy, healthy home-life

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Work-life balance (WLB) is the ability to experience a sense of control and to stay productive and competitive at work while maintaining a happy, healthy home-life with sufficient leisure. WLB, also referred to by some as work-life harmony, work-life shift, work-life blend, work-life effectiveness, or work-life integration, requires focus and awareness despite seemingly endless tasks and activities competing for our time and attention.

Work-life balance entails having what I call “breathing space” for yourself each day, feeling a sense of accomplishment while not being consumed by work, and having an enjoyable domestic life without short-changing career obligations. WLB is rooted in whatever fulfillment means to you within the course of a day and a week, and however many years you have left in your life.

Supporting Disciplines

Several disciplines support work-life balance though, individually, none are synonymous with work-life balance:

1) Self Management

Sufficiently managing one’s self can be challenging, particularly in getting proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Self-management is the recognition that effectively using the spaces in our lives is vital, and that life, time, and available resources are finite. It means becoming captain of our own ship; no one is coming to steer for us.

2) Time Management

Effective time management involves making optimal use of your day and the supporting resources that can be summoned – you can only keep pace when your resources match your challenges. Time management is enhanced through appropriate goals and discerning what is both important and urgent, versus important OR urgent. It entails understanding what you do best and when, and assembling the appropriate tools to accomplish specific tasks.

3) Stress Management

By nature, societies tend to become more complex over time. In the face of increasing complexity, stress on the individual is inevitable. More people, noise, and distractions, independent of one’s individual circumstances, require each of us to become more adept at maintaining tranquility and being able to work ourselves out of pressure-filled situations. Most forms of multi-tasking ultimately increase our stress, while focusing on one thing at a time helps decrease stress.

4) Change Management

In our fast-paced world, change is virtually the only constant. Continually adopting new methods, adapting old, and re-adapting all methods is vital to a successful career and a happy home life. Effective change management involves offering periodic and concerted efforts so that the volume and rate of change at work and at home does not overwhelm or defeat you.

5) Technology Management

Effectively managing technology requires ensuring that technology serves you, rather than abuses you. Technology has always been with us, since the first walking stick, spear, flint, and wheel. Today, the rate of technological change is accelerating, brought on by vendors seeking expanding market share. Often you have no choice but to keep up with the technological Joneses, but rule technology, don’t let it rule you.

6) Leisure Management

The most overlooked of the work-life balance supporting disciplines, leisure management acknowledges 1) the importance of rest and relaxation, 2) that “time off” is a vital component of the human experience, and 3) that one can’t indefinitely short-change leisure without repercussions. Curiously, too much of the same leisure activity, however enjoyable, can lead to monotony. Thus, effective leisure management requires varying one’s activities.

Entirely Achievable

Achieving work-life balance does not require radical changes in what you do. It is about developing fresh perspectives and sensible, actionable solutions that are appropriate for you. It is fully engaging in life with what you have, right where you are, smack dab in the ever-changing dynamics of your existence.

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Work-life Balance: The Enduring Quest

Organizations today recognize the importance of supporting employees’ well-being while maintaining productivity

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Thank goodness that organizations today increasingly recognize the importance of supporting employees’ well-being while maintaining productivity. As such, the corporate quest for work-life balance, harmony, and integration has gained great prominence.

Key Aspects

Here are 12 key aspects of this pursuit gleaned from a variety of programs:

1. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible work schedules, remote work options, and part-time opportunities allows employees to better balance their professional and personal lives.

2. Have Clear Policies: Establishing clear policies and guidelines regarding work hours, overtime, and expectations helps employees manage their time effectively.

3. Support Mental Health: Providing access to mental health resources, counseling, and stress management programs can address employees’ emotional well-being.

4. Give Leave: Offering generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, allows employees to address personal and family needs without fear of repercussions.

5. Prevent Burnout: Encouraging employees to disconnect from work-related technology after hours helps prevent burnout and supports work-life separation.

6. Support Workload Management: Ensuring that employees have manageable workloads and realistic deadlines prevents excessive stress and long working hours.

7. Provide Wellness Programs: Implementing wellness initiatives, such as fitness facilities, nutrition programs, and health screenings, promotes a healthier work-life balance.

8. Enable Employee Assistance Programs: Such programs provide confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal challenges.

9. Promote a Culture of Balance: Company culture plays a significant role in work-life balance. Leaders should model a balanced lifestyle, and the organization should celebrate accomplishments beyond work.

10. Maintain Continuous Communication: Engaging in open dialogues with employees about their needs and concerns regarding work-life balance fosters a supportive and responsive corporate culture.

11. Empower Workers with Training and Education: Providing training on time management, stress reduction, and resilience equips employees with the skills to better balance their lives.

12. Leverage Remote Work Policies: Crafting clear remote work policies and expectations ensures that remote employees have a structured work-life balance.

Bringing in the Hired Gun

As the world’s only holder of the title, “The Work-Life Balance Expert®,” as issued by the USPTO,  I am often summoned by organizations to enhance work-life balance for their troops. In all, I’ve delivered programs and spoken to 960 groups. Below depicts an encounter with a company who shall remain nameless for reasons of confidentiality. See if this squares up with your experience in your organization.

The following responses were derived as a result of my sending a questionnaire to the conference meeting planner where I was to be their keynote speaker. I requested the names of 10 people who would be in the audience. I called each of them to discuss their current challenges. Here are their actual replies to three of my questions:

1) If you could magically resolve a work-life balance issue, what would it be?

* Have more breathing room between high-level projects.
* Accomplish more during the workday and leave mentally free.
* Hire more staff!
* Take vacations and time off with no big pile ups when returning.

* Be allowed to take some Fridays off and catch up on much needed appointments.
* Reduce the number of pop-up requests and questions flying at me all day long so that I could ACTUALLY do what I need to do each day.
* Be approved to work from home or adjust my hours. My personal time isn’t respected.

2) What do you seek to derive from attending a session such as mine?

* Manage my time more effectively.
* Gain tools to embrace life while living it
* Develop stronger skills.
* Make work-life balance a reality in our company’s work-first culture.

* Acquire strategies, tips, or ideas to re-think my approach.
* Learn to change my focus, to be more productive, balanced, and focused.
* Be able to balance the few things that I do control during my day.
* Discover tips for keeping my staff in balance.

* Gain a realistic expectation of what we can achieve or experience.
* Develop a more positive outlook for the group.

3) Are there any observations you could offer?

* Work-life balance is a huge topic organization-wide. We are high performers who want to do a good job. We compromise our personal lives to meet work demands. We have to keep pace with the leaders and teams we support. If we don’t, we’ll be deemed unresponsive.

* A frenetic pace seems to be inherent in this company. Our team does a good job of emphasizing work-life balance; the problem lies with the surrounding divisions that thrive on working all the time, for no good reason. Yes, we are in a global space, working in different time zones, but some of these people are beyond the pale.

* What I love about this organization are the people. They are dedicated to the cause and truly want to deliver reliable, affordable, dynamic, and versatile solutions to our customers. However, our frenetic pace isn’t necessary. Not every project is the most vital. Not every problem is an emergency. Not every request has to be filled now.

* If in charge, I’d implement a more efficient, logical pace organization-wide. If we all took a breath and reevaluated how we work, in a more focused environment, we might find that we could produce better results with less stress.

Resonates Strongly

As you can see, the topic of work-life balance resonates strongly among today’s career professionals. Going forward, may more organization recognize and acknowledge the critical role that employee wellness and work-life balance has on the organization’s overall effectiveness.

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