KEYS FOR SUCCESS

A Free Monthly Newsletter, highlighting strategies from our popular programs,

to Expand Your Personal and Professional Growth and Happiness by

Presentations & Consulting Group

www.kinza.net* (800) 575-6817 * (262) 567-6317 / Kinza@kinza.net

August 2009

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CONTENTS

--  Flexing Your Funny Bone

--  A Keen Sense of Humor Helps

-- Get Off on the Right Foot

-- Adding Workplace Fun

-- FYI Corner

-- Today�s Chuckle

   Check out our Blog post at:

www.kinza.net/blog/index.html

�Stop the Worry Mongers�

Share your tips & stories

FLEXING YOUR FUNNY BONE

Are you pleasant � or even fun�to be around?  At some point between the ages of 7 and 11, someone says to us �get serious and grow up� and we do!  Then we spend the rest of our life trying to figure out how to re-invent our sense of humor. Recently we had our two grandsons, Maxwell 8 years old, and Ethan, 5 years old, for a week at "Grandpa's Camp."   They were constantly laughing and energized by their own silliness.   Over and over again I was reminded how we, as adults, are just too doggone serious,   I think that is why we enjoy being around the kids so much; their simple insights and observations are hilarious. Think of it, when was the last time you were energized by your own sillyness?

In many of our presentations, attendees take a �Funny Bone Inventory� quiz, rating each attendee�s comic nature.  It�s a great self-disclosure tool.  Whatever your goals are in life, flexing your funny bone will be a definite asset.

So, how can you bone up on your personal humor skills?

• Who do you think is funny?  (Your choice of humor is probably the one that is best for you to use.)
• Imitate people whose wit you admire.  (How would they react in this situation?)
• Have fun with words; make your own puns.
• Notice signs; humor surrounds us everywhere.  (Sign on cemetery road - Dead End.)
• Don�t be afraid to poke fun at yourself. (Example: height challenged and built for comfort.)
• Turn a stressful situation into a humorous one. (Think, how could this be even worse?)
• What funny thing happened to you today? (Keep it short.)

"Laughter is a tool we were given to help us on our journey as a human.".

                                                                                                                        D. Kinza Christenson

HUMOR: THE SECRET BLESSING

September 11th is once again approaching and, like so many others, I am once again reminded of the horror of the the impossible happening-- right on television in front of my eyes.  

It was several months after 9/11 when I was asked to keynote the Recognition dinner for the American Red Cross Volunteers returning from working at the disaster sites.   Because my job was to bestow appreciation on them for the work they did,  it was also to help them make the transition to their daily life -- and give them permission to laugh again.   Noteably, because I had to stay 'up and capable of my task at hand' I remained in the dressing rooms unseen for the color guard and emotional opening ceremony.  I was introduced and then came in with music, conveying the message of gratitude and respect and at the same time, a message filled with hope and humor.  While I had always heard that humor heals, I had the opportunity that evening to witness the miracle of laughter that evening.  I've sense seen the power of humor and believe it to be one of our best kept secret blessings -- it still must be  a secret  because so few people use it.  According to one of the most respected men of our times:  

A keen sense of humor will help us:

• Overlook the unbecoming
• Understand the unconventional
• Tolerate the unpleasant
• Over come the Unexpected
• And Outlast the 

GET OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

We too often fall into the trap of �demanding� help or information, rather than asking for it. Often we are in a hurry and do not even realize how abrupt we sound.   Asking permission shows respect and everyone wants to be respected.  The next time you need to make a request, try one of these openers:

• I�d like a chance to speak with you, what's your schedule look like today?
• What would be a  good time for us to talk ?
• I need to find out �. and I�d really like to talk to you about it. When�s a convenient time for you?
• Mind if I pick your brain?

ADDING THE FUN � Let's Play

--Make a list of the most commonly used swear words used at work. Give each word a

   Number.  The next time you find yourself upset, shout out the numbers!   Example: � This #32,17,3

   Printer-It doesn�t work worth a 9!"   A great Stress reliever for you�and it will peak

   the curiosity of your co-workers. (An Optional idea:  Post the list and numbers in the

   breakroom, encouraging all to only the use of the numbers-- and hear the laughter bursts around the office)

--Distribute a page from a coloring book with a couple of crayons to each, encourage

   co-workers to take a coloring break.

THE "FYI" CORNER

POST YOUR REVIEW TODAY:   If you�ve read our book �Burnt Toast & Jam� , post a review at

www.amazon.com     Search for Burnt Toast & Jam, click on the title and submit a review.  It�s so easy! 

A THANK YOU BONUS- Once posted, if you zip us your email at kinza@kinza.net,  we will forward to you a free copy of our article on �Filing Your Reservoirs With Jam� !

DID YOU KNOW?  IMPROVING YOUR POSTURE WILL IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE. Studies have shown that slouching triggers a 33% drop in the oxygen reaching your brain�actually causing a �foggy�feeling. Your alertness and  productivity can actually be increased by as much as 60% by simply sitting and standing up straight. 

Share this newsletter with friends! It�s a great way for you to connect � and give them some helpful information at the same time.  You may also use any part of KEYS FOR SUCCESS in your organizational newsletters with proper credit given to: D. Kinza Christenson, Kinza Presentations & Consulting Group, Keynotes & Training, (800) 575-6817.

TOASTS � Leadership 101

KINZA � The Performance Pro & Motivational Humorist

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