Fig Jam

by Beth | Oct 3, 2025 | Uncategorized

I had the loveliest meeting with Barbara Randell (she goes by Randell) of Future Image Group. She works with companies who have numerous generations in their employee base, and she said something that I thought about for days after our meeting.

I was talking to her about interviewing candidates, and how I have come across people who act like peacocks. They fluff their feathers, and strut around the office like they own the place. They upset the apple cart often and never take responsibility for their mistakes.

Randell said “Oh yes! FIG JAM.”

At first, I thought that I misunderstood her. “What?” I asked confused.

She said, “FIG JAM. ‘F**k I’m great. Just Ask Me.’”

I laughed so hard I almost fell off my chair.

Isn’t that PERFECT??

When you are interviewing someone, and they think they are all that and a bag of chips, trust yourself when those alarm bells go off. People like FIG JAM causes all kinds of problems for really productive employees, and they create all kinds of jams that you have to clean up.

You don’t want them. They thrive in stickiness.

***Randell told me that her company name also has the acronym “fig”, and she receives fig jam every year for Christmas and end of year gifts. FABULOUS!

POWER THOUGHT: FIG JAM creates a sticky mess that you have to clean up. Keep your jam for your toast in the morning, not the workplace.

Tire Flipping

by Beth | Sep 22, 2025 | Uncategorized

I flipped a tractor tire.

It was nearly as tall as I am and weighed a little over 200 pounds.

Not only was it hard to lift, but it was so awkward. I couldn’t figure out how to get my hands under the right place to be able to lift it. I had to squat with my legs around it to get my hands close to the tire. Then, I had to find the correct hand placement. I had to adjust my breathing. I used muscles I didn’t know I had. I lifted it at first, but I couldn’t flip it. I had to use different muscles for the flipping part.

I felt weird. I was awkward. I was uncomfortable. I had to fight my inner “I can’t do it” voice.

And then, I did it.

Wow.

The brain doesn’t want you to be uncomfortable, so your nervous system gets all wonky (that is a technical term). You really have to push through that mindset in order to learn something new. And we all need to learn something new.

This week I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. It expands your brain, which helps you relax more in times of uncertainty and fear. Staying in the same place lets the air out of your tires and you can become stuck. Because tires are your foundation, if you don’t air them up occasionally, you end up on the side of the road.

POWER THOUGHT: It’s a hard-knock life. Flip a tire!