The definition of “success” will vary depending on who you ask. The common factor is this: to achieve success and accomplish our goals, we have to take action (plus a few risks) and stay motivated. Don’t let your dreams stay dreams – make them a reality!
Sometimes, we need to give ourselves a little extra dose of inspiration to continue hustling towards the finish line!
In honor of Women’s History Month, I put together some of my favorite quotes spoken by successful and powerful women throughout history:
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If you keep going, you won’t regret it. If you give up, you will. Focus on your goals, and strive for progress – not perfection.
All of the best, the most successful, the hard-nosed people out there have one trait in common – resiliency, not excuses. One of the greatest acts someone can perform is to drop the idea that excuses exist, and focus instead on persevering through the problem.
Resilience: “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”
A common household name carries an enormous sense of the very word: J.K. Rowling.
J.K. Rowling in 1998.
Rowling grew up average; her family was not “well-off” when she was a child. Her parents worked as a mechanic and a teacher’s assistant. They did not necessarily believe in the idea that someone could make money as a writer. So, Rowling went to college and took a job as a secretary, but the drive and dream of writing novels never left her mind.
Her spark of brilliance about the boy wizard and his adventures came while on a train heading to London’s King’s Cross. For over five years, Rowling worked on her masterpiece, jotting down each and every thought. While living in Portugal, she had her daughter, and her stories about Harry really began to come together.
When she moved back to Britain in 1993 after divorcing her husband, her suitcase contained stories about Harry Potter that would ultimately change her life (and the lives of people all over the world) forever. Rowling was a single parent experiencing depression and living on government assistance in Edinburgh as she spilled out Harry’s story on her typewriter. She received many rejections beforesigning a deal with a small publisher. She was determined to not let her obstacles in life prevent her from chasing her dreams.
Resiliency: it resides in all of us. We need only to take time to find it and embellish it in our lives.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17th, which is thought to be the day that Saint Patrick died (5th century). People all over the world from many different backgrounds celebrate this holiday, but the Irish have observed it as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years!
Galway, Ireland (photo courtesy of Morgan Ball)
History
Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Britain, but he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave when he was 16. When he was able to escape slavery, he returned to his home in Britain and became a cleric. Later on, he came back to northwest Ireland as a Christian missionary and is credited with bringing Christianity to the country.
Although he wasn’t the first Christian to try to convert the people of Ireland, he was certainly one of the most successful. Saint Patrick converted many pagans (including a lot of the local Chieftains) to Christianity over the course of 30 years and worked diligently to establish places of worship. One of the Chieftains even gifted him a barn-turned-church!
After Patrick’s death (believed to be March 17th in the year 461), mythological stories about his life became a huge part of Irish culture. One of the most well-known legends is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) by using the three leaves of an Irish clover… the shamrock!
Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland
St. Patty’s Day Celebrations
People in Ireland have been observing the Roman Catholic feast day of Saint Patrick every year since around the 9th or 10th century. Saint Patrick’s Day has traditionally been a religious holiday. Until the 1970s, there were Irish laws in place that required pubs to be closed on March 17th. In 1995, the Irish government began a campaign to use the interest in Saint Patrick’s Day to increase tourism and promote Irish culture to the world.
Giant’s Causeway, Ireland (photo courtesy of Morgan Ball)
The first Saint Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America – not in Ireland. Records show that a Saint Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601 in a colony that is now St. Augustine, Florida.
On March 17, 1772, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City to honor their country’s patron saint. Enthusiasm only grew from there, with St. Patrick’s Day parades becoming a tradition in other early American cities.
Over the next few decades, the patriotism of Irish immigrants in America rose, which prompted the Irish Aid societies (Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, Hibernian Society, etc). These groups would organize parades every year featuring bagpipes and drums. In 1848, several Irish Aid societies in New York decided to combine their paradesto form one New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Now, it is the world’s oldest civilian parade and has around 150,000 participants. The parade route is 1.5 miles long and lasts more than 5 hours! Each year, approximately 3 million people attend.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland (photo courtesy of Morgan Ball)
As Irish immigrants spread across the United States, other cities developed their own traditions – such as the annual dyeing of the Chicago River green. In 1962, city pollution-control workers were using dyes to trace illegal sewage and thought that the green dye would be a unique & fun way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day! When they first started, they put 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river (which kept it green for a week). Today, with more awareness of environmental damage, they only use 40 pounds (which causes the river to turn green for just a few hours).
Nowadays, people all over the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Many will enjoy recipes such as Irish soda bread, corned beef, cabbage, and champ. Some like to make food and drinks with green dye in them. A lot of people wear green – you don’t want to get pinched! This tradition stems from folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns (they like to pinch anyone they can see). Others just wear green in the hopes that it brings good luck or to honor their Irish heritage.
Irish Proverbs: You will find that many are wise and insightful, others make you chuckle, and some just don’t make any sense at all!
However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a great St. Patrick’s Day!
I hope you all had lots of fun celebrating Valentine’s Day with the ones you love! How clever is it that American HEART Month is celebrated in February every year? In all seriousness, raising awareness about heart health is important year-round, not only in February.
DID YOU KNOW…
Heart disease is the #1 killer of Americans.
Heart disease warning signs can appear in people as young as 18.
Approximately 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent, which means that the damage is already done without the person being aware that it happened.
Researchers have discovered that heart attacks are very common during fall and winter months, as well as on Monday mornings.
HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE
Some Egyptian mummies as old as 3,500 years show signs of heart disease. This proves that it’s not just a modern-day problem.
Several heart disease research groups joined together to form the American Heart Association in 1924. The American Heart Association raises awareness of heart health, educates the public about heart disease, and provides advice on how to take care of our heart.
In the 1950s, doctors began to better understand cholesterol and the correlation between diet and heart health. A high intake of saturated and trans fats can be very harmful to your heart and arteries.
President Lyndon B. Johnson declared February to be American Heart Month in 1964.
WHAT IS HEART DISEASE
The CDC states that the term “heart disease” refers to several heart conditions and occurs when the arteries that lead to the heart are clogged. This can be caused by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in America. It decreases the blood flow to the heart, and this is what causes a heart attack. Heart disease can affect anyone, but there are many things you can do to reduce your risks and keep your heart healthy.
Heart attack signs/symptoms: Chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Women below age 50 are TWICE as likely to die of a heart attack than men of the same age. Also, a woman’s signs of a heart attack are different from a man’s. The director of the Johns Hopkins Columbia Heart Failure Clinic, Dr. Lili Barouch, states that, “While the classical symptoms, such as chest pains, apply to both men and women, women are much more likely to get less common symptoms such as indigestion, shortness of breath, and back pain, sometimes even in the absence of obvious chest discomfort.”
Arrhythmia signs/symptoms: Fluttering feelings in the chest (known as heart palpitations).
Heart failure signs/symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins.
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK
Educate yourself by learning about the risk factors for heart disease and the ways you can prevent them.
Manage your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. If you’re worried you might be at risk for heart disease, talk to your doctor.
Be physically active. This is one of the most important aspects of staying healthy and preventing disease. This is also essential for aging well.
Consume a healthy and balanced diet (daily vegetables, less processed foods, plenty of water).
Don’t forget to focus on your mental health. Find ways to reduce your stress, get enough sleep, and calm your mind.
Have you ever heard a basketball coach say: “A quiet gym is a losing gym?” It’s true. A championship team has excellent communication. It is what makes their game plan work. Each player knows their teammates well enough to predict their movements on the court. They know and respect each other’s communication style. The entire team knows what is expected of them throughout the game plan.
Where there is respect – there is excellent communication. Where there is communication – you will find success.
In staffing, communication poses a few difficulties because employees are spread throughout multiple locations. So, this is why we get creative and find consistency in what works for us.
What we do at SmallBiz to keep communication flowing:
Personality Assessment:
Vicki (SmallBiz president) wanted to assess how each of us in the office communicate and behave in a work environment. All of us filled out our own 10-minute questionnaire, which was analyzed and sent to us in a team report. It was interesting (and pretty accurate!) to see our results compared to our coworkers. We highly recommend keeping your team’s assessment in mind when communicating at work!
Texting has been a revolution in our society for a long time. There are over 23 billion texts sent per day around the world. In staffing we have taken this obsession and use it to further our business.
Automated messaging has brought game changing communication standards to staffing. We use this in multiple ways: application reminders, First Day Sheets, Success Tips, marketing outreach, employee information updates, timesheet reminders, employee referrals, reviews, surveys, and so much more. We learn new ways to reach our employees with messaging everyday.
Besides automated messaging our recruiters use this platform to personally communicate with new, current, and previous employees. Often texting is the easiest way to get in touch with employees and candidates. Anytime one of our employees or applicants have a question they can send our recruiters a simple text.
This level of professionalism in communication has allowed our business to grow to new heights in reaching our employees and potential candidates.
3. Email Updates:
The world of email has been around a long time, but today it is right in your pocket on your phone. Before only professionals used this technology at the office, now we all use it.
In our staffing office we send countless emails a day, but in marketing, we use it to update potential candidates on hot jobs, agency updates, applications, newsletters, blog updates, and community events.
If you are not following us you should!
4. Calendar:
This is how we are able to know each other’s schedules, and most importantly, when someone will be out of the office.
We also use our calendar to book meetings and employee interviews!
We constantly communicate. If someone has a question or a new candidate just walked in the door we shoot a message to the group so work can continue to flow without interruption.
6. Weekly Meetings:
Our weekly team meetings are never short on entertainment. We do our best to keep a family atmosphere but most importantly we use this time to catch up on work and life.
This time is also used for any training that is needed: new software, new practices, reviews, CPR, and so on.
Constant communication and a team work standard makes the office flow smoothly.
“Positive expectations are the mark of the superior personality.” – Brian Tracy
A person’s personality and character go together when creating their communication style or styles. Many workplaces and sports teams have began giving their new employees communication style assessments. When each team member knows, understands, and respects each other’s communication style you will find a game changing environment.
Types of communication styles in the workplace include (but are not limited to): Direct, Functional, Collaborative, and Influencer.
When considering the previous information for your workplace and team, think about the past. Does anyone come to mind that might meet some of these styles? Did you maybe handle their communication style wrong? Could you improve for the next team meeting or project?
Not everyone is going to fit into these boxes. Many of us are a combination of styles, but we can always find a way to communicate that helps everyone reach their full potential.
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” — Henry Ford
Leave a comment below! What do you think your communication style is?
I saw a question today that said, “What were your parents doing at your age?” It got me thinking…thirty years ago, people measured success differently than we do today.
Back in 1993, the world was very different from today…
That 90s Vibe.
-Czechoslovakia separated into two separate countries: Slovakia and Czech Republic.
-Michael Jordan scored his 20,000th point against Milwaukee and later announced his first retirement from the NBA.
-NBC offered “The Tonight Show” to David Letterman.
-Bill Clinton becomes the 42nd US President.
-Shania Twain released her debut album.
-“Walker, Texas Ranger” premiered and made Chuck Norris a household name.
-Dale Earnhardt wins the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
-Gas was only $1.11 per gallon.
-A dozen eggs cost $0.91, and milk was about $2.86 per gallon.
-The minimum wage was $4.25.
-Colleges were beginning the big push into a high schooler kid’s plans.
-The World Wide Web (WWW) launched in the public domain. The internet was still new, but gaining widespread popularity.
-Working from home meant something different than it does now.
-If you wanted to “watch something later,” it had to be taped on a VCR.
In general, life just seemed simpler, but the idea of success was still very present in each person’s mind.
To a man like Michael Jordan, his goal was simple: he wanted to dominate the world of sports, and he has. For entrepreneurs, their goal is to have a successful business that stays in the green. There are parents whose dream is for their children to be happy and healthy.
For most of us, we have several dreams we want to come true and many goals we hope to reach. Success is not measured with one giant stick/lines and numbers – it is measured by the simple things we do every day while working toward our dreams and goals.
We wake up everyday, we get dressed, we try to keep a clean house, we dedicate time to ourselves and our family, and we work hard to make a living.
Bruce Lee once said, “Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”
While the world may be different now than it was in our parents’ time, the concept of success is still something important to us all. Everyone has their own definition of success. We all have our own battles to overcome each day. Each person has specific tasks or goals to meet. For some people, focusing on one thing at a time is the key to reaching a goal. For others, they need to keep the big picture in mind while they work on making their dreams come true. Either way – do not lose sight of your goals, hopes, and dreams.
Here are a few tips:
Commit, learn, have fun, be positive, have perspective, be honest, no distractions, plan ahead, and take breaks when needed. Most importantly – never, ever give up. You’ve got this!
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”
– Aristotle
The CDC defines mental health as our “emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.”
Today, mental health awareness has a huge platform. Celebrities of all backgrounds advocate for more recognition and understanding. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affect not only your mindset, but your physical well-being. The CDC reports that the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke increases if depression is a factor. That same report also stated that more than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
Regardless of the reports and statistics, mental illness can be coped with. There are ways to be successful each day. As Christopher Robin most famously said in Winnie the Pooh: “Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
A few tips to boost your mental health:
Don’t beat yourself up when you’re already feeling down. Read that again.
If you’re having a rough day, go for a walk and breathe some fresh air. Regular exercise, even if only for a few minutes a day, can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Be sure to eat nutritious foods and drink lots of water. Fueling your body with a balanced diet and plenty of hydration is essential to your overall health and well-being. This also helps to improve your energy and focus.
Let your body and mind rest. Being short on sleep never made anyone feel better.
Take a break from electronics before going to bed. Studies show that the blue light produced by our phones and televisions impairs the melatonin production in our body – which results in not getting enough sleep and/or poor sleep quality. We need our beauty sleep!
It has been proven that shallow breathing increases tension and anxiety in our bodies. So, just take a minute to slow down and breathe deep – get some oxygen flowing. If you are interested, you could try researching some meditation apps/videos.
Talk to people – whether it’s a friend, family member, or stranger, being social and investing in relationships can improve your mood. Remind yourself that you are not alone.
Involve yourself in work or activities that make youfeel useful or fulfilled. Learn a new skill, develop a different hobby, find a better job, or volunteer in your community.
If you are really struggling to find support, seek out a professional. When you need help, please ask for it.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineat 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. This service is confidential, free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
– Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
In 1956 the interstate system came to the United States. U.S. Senator Albert Gore Sr. and Congressman George Fallon introduced the bill to Congress. From there the “National System of Interstate and Defense Highways” or the Fallon-Gore Act came to be.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation funding the interstate system on June 29, 1956. While many car enthusiasts were excited about the opportunities that the Interstate Highway System offered, President Eisenhower’s inspiration came from his illustrious Army career.
The German Autobahn offered a certain simplicity and brilliance to Military Transport that the United States did not have. In 1919 Lieutenant Colonel Eisenhower was assigned to observe the First Transcontinental Motor Convoy. They began in Washington D.C. and ended their movement in San Francisco. The exercise covered 3,200 miles with 79 vehicles of different sizes and 297 personnel. This was the beginning of Eisenhower’s idea for a more connected country and a better protected American people. Without the interstate, large and quick military movement within the United States was nearly impossible.
Trans-Continental Tour
Now promoted to General, Eisenhower was assigned with the duty of defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. In complete amazement General Eisenhower watched how Allies could race with urgency and ease across the German Autobahn. The superhighway ran from Germany to France and was instrumental in mobilizing supplies to Allied Forces and helping achieve victory.
Colonel Eisenhower, WWII, 101st Airborne
In 1953 Dwight D. Eisenhower took the office of President. A few years later the first of the interstate systems to open to traffic was Interstate-65 at the Tennessee-Alabama line on November 15, 1958. Today, Tennessee holds more of I-40 inside the state lines than any other state in the United States. Of the 2,554.22 miles Tennessee holds 455 of Interstate 40 across 20 counties. Cumberland County has more miles of I-40 than any other county in the state with 36 miles.
Monterey
While the original inspiration for the Great American Interstate System was for strategic military movement across the country in Cumberland County it meant industry, tourism, and jobs. Crossville is the Crossroads of Tennessee and has been since its Wilderness days. Cumberland County holds U.S. Highway 70, U.S. Highway 127, 8 State Highways, and Interstate 40. The county is almost directly in the middle of Nashville and Knoxville on I-40. Cumberland County is a logistical brilliance.
Nashville
The next few decades would define the Cumberland County we know today and the businesses that supply our people with jobs. Check back for more blog posts to follow.
“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life. “ – Plato
The history of school in Cumberland County is hard to track. Education came in many forms and ways, especially in the beginning.
With farms and homesteads being scattered throughout the county, school was very hard to organize. The Civil War made it nearly impossible, but no one can deny that attempts were made. Wesley and Eliza Stone donated land in the third district for a school house in 1879, at that time 651 people over 10 years of age could not read or write. Multiple similar attempts to hold school were made by teachers and preachers, but more often than not, they only lasted a few months.
In 1873 the Tennessee State Legislature made it so that schools received state aid for at least 5 months of the year. Each district from Woody to Vandever held a school. There were also a couple private schools: Professor Silby’s Grassy Cove and Webster Academy at Crossville. Both private schools charged $1 per month for each student.
Webster Academy
The American Missionary Association came to Crossville in 1888 and built the Congressional Church which also held a free school from September to December. If students wanted to continue school from January to June, tuition was charged. Students were also eligible for teaching certificates if they completed the schooling through the 10th grade. S.C. Cline was the first to graduate and to receive his teaching certificate. He went on to teach at the school.
James W. Dorton was elected superintendent in 1889 to report the facts to the public about local education. He made it known that while 1,192 kids were enrolled in school only 780 attended, and to make matters worse, 927 were not enrolled at all.
Lantana School 1911
The land for Pleasant Hill Academy was donated by Mr. Hubbard and Mr. Frey in 1873. Some of the first teachers were Mr. Judson and Mattie Lundy. The school was also funded by the American Missionary Association. The Academy was the only one to offer advanced education in all grades and was sought after by many in the community. In 1947 the association sold the academy and land to Cumberland County so that Pleasant Hill School could be built. Pleasant Hill Academy has a unique history all its own. I encourage you to read Dr. Wharton’s, Doctor Woman of the Cumberlands.
Woodcraft Shop at Pleasant Hill Academy 1940
Changes came in 1907 to education in Cumberland County. First one school board was formed, and then in 1908 a county high school was established. It was built where the old court house had burned and Reverend Frank March was placed as principal. Miss Hall and Miss Rose were the first teachers.
The Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Church established Cumberland Mountain School in 1921. This was a private boarding school. Minister Robert Hall founded the school with liberal and vocational arts in mind. The school building still stands and is located off of Old Jamestown Highway.
Cumberland Mountain School
Homestead School was built as a part of the “New Deal” presented by President Roosevelt in 1932. It held school for all ages. Until Cumberland County High School was built, students attended higher grades here. The school is still standing today as Homestead Elementary. Its history, like Pleasant Hill’s, is extensive. The Tower houses a museum dedicated to the Cumberland Homesteads and its unique story.
Homestead School
The building we know today as the Justice Center was once a school. It was built after a year of debate in 1930. At the time high school students were attending school at the small building across from the Courthouse. The new Cumberland County High School held its first year of classes beginning on August 22, 1930 as home of the Red Devils. By the late 50s the high school was becoming overcrowded and was no longer fitting demands of a growing community.
Home of the Red Devils
Total enrollment in Cumberland County Schools from 1955-56 was 5,093. The county held three high schools: Homestead, Cumberland, and Pleasant Hill. There were 25 elementary schools: Alloway, Bakers, Big Lick, Cline, Crab Orchard, Crossville, Pineview, Dorton, Grassy Cove, Hale’s Chapel, Homestead, Jewett, Lantana, Linary, Mayland, Moulders, Oak Hill, Ozone, Pleasant Hill, Pomona, Rinnie, Slate Springs, Tabor, Woody, and Midway.
In 1962 Cumberland County became home of the Jets and the three high schools came together as one on Stanley Street. This was the biggest change the Cumberland County School system had ever seen and was one big step in the right direction. The old high school became Cumberland Elementary School housing grades six through eight.
A new junior high school named after Glenn L. Martin was built in 1976 across the street from Cumberland County High School. Mr. Martin had been superintendent from 1952 to 1960.
Throughout the 70s and 80s much renovation was done to various elementary schools, and a point of emphasis was put on education. North Cumberland Elementary was built to replace Rinnie, Tabor, and Woody school. This was an effort to improve standard and remove deficiencies in learning. The same was done in Pleasant Hill by renovating the elementary school to add more classrooms. Each Superintendent made their mark and encouraged students to learn and prepare themselves for life after school. By the late 80s many Crossville students were going on to earn degrees from Tennessee Technological University.
Cumberland County Schools 1985-86: Crab Orchard Elementary, Crossville Elementary, Cumberland County High School, Homestead Elementary, Martin Junior High, North Cumberland Elementary, Pine View Elementary, Pleasant Hill Elementary, and South Cumberland Elementary. Total enrollment was 5,613 students and 290 teachers.
In the early 2000s overcrowding was once again a problem. Stone Elementary had already opened 1999 but a new high school was needed. With a growing town and population Cumberland County decides to open Stone Memorial. With the land being donated by Mr. Roy Stone, the home of the Panthers, opened on Cook Road, and rivalry began in 2006.
Today Cumberland County holds: The Phoenix School, Crab Orchard Elementary, Frank P. Brown Elementary, Glenn Martin Elementary, Homestead Elementary, North Cumberland Elementary, Pine View Elementary, Pleasant Hill Elementary, South Cumberland Elementary, Stone Elementary, Stone Memorial High School, and Cumberland County High School. There are roughly 6,800 students enrolled in 2022.
Sources:
Cumberland County Tennessee 1956-1986, Helen Bullard Krechniak
Cumberland County’s First Hundred Years, Bullard Krechniak
The Way It Was Crossville Cumberland County, Bryan Stanley
