Category: Leadership Development

“Well Done is Better than Well Said”: An Exploration of Action Over Words

Post author By Di Tran
Post date August 5, 2023

Introduction

The proverb “Well done is better than well said” is often attributed to one of America’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. This quote emphasizes the importance of actions over mere words, arguing that what a person does holds more value than what they say they will do. Throughout history, this belief has been echoed by various cultures and philosophies.

Historical Background

Benjamin Franklin, a renowned statesman, scientist, and writer, was known for his wisdom and wit. This particular quote is part of his collection of sayings that are recorded in “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” first published in 1732.

The Emphasis on Action

Philosophical Perspectives: Ancient philosophers like Aristotle advocated for virtuous action as the path to a good life. In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle emphasizes that virtue lies in our actions, not just our words or thoughts.
Literary Examples: In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the character Polonius advises, “Give thy thoughts no tongue.” This supports the idea that actions speak louder than words, as empty promises and mere talk can lead to misunderstandings and broken trust.
Business Ethics: The quote can also be applied to business ethics. A company’s mission statement means nothing if its practices do not align with its proclaimed values. For example, businesses that claim to be environmentally friendly must demonstrate this through tangible actions.
Psychological Insights: Psychological research suggests that there is often a gap between what people say they will do and what they actually do. This phenomenon is known as the intention-behavior gap and has been studied in various contexts, including health behavior and consumer behavior (Sheeran, 2002).

Contemporary Application

In today’s social media-driven world, where words are often prioritized, Franklin’s wisdom resonates more than ever. The rise of ‘slacktivism,’ where online support for a cause does not translate into real-world action, illustrates the ongoing relevance of this quote.

Conclusion

The phrase “Well done is better than well said” serves as a timeless reminder that actions hold greater significance than mere words. From historical philosophers to modern-day scenarios, this principle encourages a focus on tangible deeds rather than empty promises. By fostering a culture of accountability and integrity, both individuals and organizations can benefit from embracing the wisdom in these simple yet profound words.

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Appreciating Life: A Pathway to Abundance

Post author By Di Tran
Post date August 3, 2023

Life’s true value often remains hidden until we take a moment to pause and give thanks for the mere fact of being alive. This fundamental gratitude towards existence can become a wellspring of inspiration and value that overflows into all areas of life.

1. A Heart of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than a fleeting emotion; it’s a way of life. Research by Emmons and McCullough (2003) demonstrates that individuals who consistently express gratitude experience greater emotional well-being and physical health.^(1^)

In the words of poet Mary Oliver, “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” By giving thanks for the simple act of being alive, we can find profound meaning and purpose.

2. Adding Value to Life

When we value life, we naturally seek to enrich it, not just for ourselves but for others as well. The concept of servant leadership, a philosophy championed by Robert K. Greenleaf, illustrates how the desire to serve can create value for oneself and the community.^(2^)

3. Receiving Value in Abundance

The belief that giving thanks and adding value to life will lead to receiving value in abundance is deeply rooted in various cultural, philosophical, and spiritual traditions. The Law of Attraction, for example, posits that like attracts like. By fostering a positive attitude and acting with intention, one can attract positive experiences and abundance.^(3^)

4. Real-Life Inspirations

Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, has turned his life’s challenges into a beacon of hope for millions. His attitude of gratitude and determination to add value to others’ lives is an inspirational testament to the power of perspective.^(4^)
Oprah Winfrey’s well-known practice of keeping a gratitude journal emphasizes the importance of daily recognition of life’s blessings. Her success is often attributed to her positive attitude and desire to enrich others’ lives.^(5^)

Conclusion

The essence of life is not merely in existing but in living with purpose, gratitude, and intention. By embracing a grateful heart, valuing life, and contributing positively to others, we can create a fulfilling existence and open ourselves to receiving value in abundance.

By understanding and applying these principles, we may find that life is not just something to endure but a beautiful gift to treasure and share.

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Di Tran’s Journey to Understanding Humility: A Reflection on “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS”

Post author By Di Tran
Post date August 2, 2023

Di Tran’s exploration of humility is not just a philosophical undertaking but a deeply personal journey that spans over three decades. His recently published book, “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS,” elucidates his insights and the profound understanding that life is multi-faceted and that each facet involves elements that are intricately connected to other people.

Early Influences

Di Tran’s mother’s words, “shut up and listen,” were more than just a stern command to a young child. They were an echo of wisdom that would take Di Tran more than 30 years to truly comprehend, internalize, and practice. These words encapsulate the idea that listening and understanding others’ perspectives is more valuable than one’s own voice.

Humility in Action

For Di Tran, the adage “actions speak louder than words” is more than a cliché; it’s a living philosophy. Through years of observing and acting, he recognized that deeds often have a more profound impact than mere words. People’s actions, including his own, showed him that meaningful change is often initiated and propagated through what we do rather than what we say.

In “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS,” Di Tran emphasizes that true humility is not just about self-reduction but focusing on others, understanding their needs, and acting accordingly. It’s a layer upon a layer, like a well-crafted cake, where each stratum adds depth and flavor to the entire understanding of life.

The Multi-Faceted Nature of Life

Di Tran’s writings reflect a realization that life is multi-faceted and that each facet involves other elements of life, more importantly, other people. This interconnectedness reveals that our individuality is not isolated but part of a more extensive network of relationships and interactions.

His belief that focusing on others rather than self is an essential aspect of humility, and his philosophy is rooted in recognizing the shared human experience. By concentrating on the “OTHERS,” Di Tran highlights how individuals can forge deeper connections, encourage empathy, and foster a community-driven approach to life.

Conclusion

Di Tran’s journey to understanding humility is a poignant reminder that personal growth and wisdom often come through listening, observing, and recognizing our connections to others. His book “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS” is a testament to his journey and a guide for those seeking to embrace a life where actions resonate, and empathy and community thrive.

His words and actions create a compelling narrative that encourages us to reflect on our own lives and how we may better connect with others. It’s an invitation to drop the self-centered view and embrace a philosophy that values the shared human experience, recognizing that in doing so, we enrich not just ourselves but the world around us.

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Life’s Struggle: A Reminder of Our Earthly Existence and the Pursuit of Purpose

Post author By Di Tran
Post date August 2, 2023

Life’s struggle is not an anomaly; it is the very fabric that constitutes our existence. It serves as a reminder that we are living on earth, with challenges and obstacles that are both a defining aspect of our humanity and a reflection of our purpose.

Billionaires and the Paradox of Wealth

An intriguing phenomenon to consider in understanding life’s struggles is the state of the world’s billionaires. Many of them, despite possessing immense wealth, are known to suffer from feelings of emptiness and depression.

The Pursuit of Physical Comfort

The pursuit of wealth often equates to a pursuit of comfort for the body. Luxurious cars, sprawling mansions, gourmet meals – all these provide physical comfort but can leave an individual feeling hollow. The relentless focus on material possessions might even lead to a neglect of the mind and soul, aspects that truly define who we are.

Fulfilling the Mind and Soul

The real goal, as many philosophers and thinkers propose, is not to comfort the body but to fulfill the minds and the soul with the purpose of life. Our purpose is not static; it evolves, changes, and grows as we do. It’s what drives us to achieve greatness, find meaning, and make a positive impact in the world.

Obstacles and Failures

It’s normal to face obstacles, to fail, and to change direction in the pursuit of purpose. In fact, these struggles often guide us to where we need to be. They shape us, make us resilient, and lead us to a deeper understanding of our goals and desires.

The Journey Towards Fulfillment

To many, the idea that billionaires, seemingly having everything, might feel unfulfilled is paradoxical. But it’s a poignant reminder that material wealth does not equate to spiritual or emotional fulfillment.

Finding Purpose

The journey towards fulfillment is not about accumulating wealth but about aligning one’s life with a greater purpose. It requires introspection, understanding of oneself, and a willingness to embrace life’s struggles as opportunities for growth.

Embracing Change and Failure

Being open to change, embracing failure, and accepting obstacles are essential in this journey. They are not signs of weakness but signals guiding us towards our true path.

Conclusion

Life’s struggle is indeed normal, and it is a constant reminder of our earthly existence. It nudges us to look beyond the superficial and focus on fulfilling our minds and souls. It prompts us to find our purpose and to progress toward it, even if it means facing failure and change.

In understanding that even billionaires can feel hollow despite their wealth, we can begin to appreciate that the real treasures in life are not material but intangible. They lie in the pursuit of purpose, in the growth of the soul, and in the recognition that struggles are not hindrances but stepping stones towards a more meaningful existence.

Will.i.am’s “Let it Out” Philosophy: A Resonance with Di Tran’s “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH”

Post author By Di Tran
Post date August 1, 2023

Creativity is an ever-evolving process, a continuous journey that refuses to be constrained by any boundaries. This philosophy, often embodied in the works of many artists, finds a profound expression in Will.i.am’s statement: “Creativity is about let it out.” The American musician, revered for his inventive prowess, encourages a transformative approach to creativity, wherein we permit ourselves to share, absorb new knowledge, and evolve ceaselessly.

In essence, Will.i.am proposes an unfettered liberation of the self. He prompts us to remove the barriers that hinder the full expression of our creative potential. Just as a plant needs light, water, and air to grow, our creative selves need exposure to new experiences, learning, and self-expression to evolve.

According to Will.i.am, creativity is not just about the end product; it’s also about the process – the act of ‘letting it out.’ This is about surrendering to our inherent ability to create, experiment, and explore without the fear of failure or judgement. It’s about allowing the mind and body to soak up the world’s infinite wisdom, thus enabling the blossoming of innovative thoughts and ideas.

Notably, this philosophy finds a parallel in Di Tran’s soon-to-be-released book “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH.” The book encourages readers to let go of fear and live a life guided by faith, a principle that echoes Will.i.am’s emphasis on unencumbered self-expression.

Di Tran argues that living in fear impedes growth, hampers success, and limits our capacity to add value. Conversely, by living in faith, we allow ourselves to be our authentic selves, thereby maximizing our potential at all times. This faith isn’t necessarily religious; it’s faith in oneself, faith in one’s abilities, and faith in the journey.

Like Will.i.am, Tran urges readers to ‘let themselves be,’ to evolve by continually learning and taking on new challenges. Tran emphasizes that personal evolution should not be a sporadic episode but a consistent cycle.

In conclusion, both Will.i.am and Di Tran champion the idea of letting go – releasing fear and limitations to embrace faith and creative freedom. Their ideologies, deeply rooted in personal growth and evolution, serve as a guide to navigate life’s journey with grace, courage, and a thirst for knowledge. As we read Di Tran’s upcoming book, it becomes clear how Will.i.am’s philosophy on creativity and Tran’s emphasis on faith converge, inspiring us to lead a more fulfilling and expressive life.

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Decision-making in the Hands of the Risk-free: The Perilous Path

Post author By Di Tran
Post date July 28, 2023

In the realm of decision-making, the idea of accountability plays a critical role. As Di Tran, the renowned author of books such as “Drop the Me and focus on the OTHERs” and “Guiding Lights: A journey of courage, compassion, and faith,” elucidates, there are significant dangers when the power of choice is placed in the hands of those who pay no price for being wrong.

This principle aligns well with his additional stance that one should avoid engaging with those who have nothing to lose. Tran’s ideas can be supported by examining the theories and perspectives of various acclaimed authors and their corresponding literature.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, in his book “Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life”, corroborates Tran’s theory. He argues that decision-making should be in the hands of those who bear the consequences of their decisions. When decision-makers are insulated from the effects of their decisions, they might favor reckless or self-serving actions, leading to negative outcomes for others (Taleb, 2018).

Taleb’s concept of ‘skin in the game’—the idea that one’s stake in the outcome is a crucial element of any decision—reflects Tran’s philosophy. A decision-maker who pays no price for being wrong is likely to make riskier decisions since they do not bear any personal repercussions. Conversely, someone with ‘skin in the game’ will make decisions carefully, considering all implications.

This concept extends to Tran’s other philosophy: not to ‘play’ with those who have nothing to lose. The implications are twofold: first, it is an extension of the idea that decision-makers should bear the consequences of their decisions. Second, it speaks to a broader societal issue, suggesting that interaction with those who stand to lose nothing in any given scenario can be dangerous and potentially damaging.

Barbara Oakley, in her book “Pathological Altruism,” introduces the concept of ‘altruistic harm,’ where people, under the guise of helping, cause more harm than good due to a lack of personal repercussions (Oakley, 2012). This phenomenon aligns with Tran’s philosophy. Those who have nothing to lose might act recklessly and cause harm to others, whether intentionally or not.

Adding to the discussion, Robert I. Sutton in “The No Asshole Rule” emphasizes the damage that people who don’t care about the consequences of their actions can cause in an organizational context (Sutton, 2007). This book presents various examples of people disregarding the impact of their decisions on others, causing harm to the organization’s culture and productivity. Again, this complements Tran’s philosophy of avoiding engagement with those who have nothing to lose.

In conclusion, Di Tran’s alignment around decision-making and interaction with risk-free individuals highlights the crucial importance of accountability in all human actions. The references to the works of Taleb, Oakley, and Sutton demonstrate that decision-making without personal stakes can lead to reckless choices, negative societal impact, and a toxic environment. It’s a stark reminder that those who stand to gain or lose nothing from their decisions can prove dangerous for individuals and society at large.

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Delighting Donut Devotees: How Gaby Shanklin’s ‘Lil Shanklin’s Donuts’ is Set to Take Over Louisville

Post author By Di Tran
Post date July 26, 2023

A good donut can indeed transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary one – a sentiment shared by many, including Di Tran, the president of New American Business Association Inc. His recent interest was piqued by Lil Shanklin’s Donuts, a vibrant and promising venture by Gaby Shanklin, which with his endorsement, shows immense potential to become a regular feature at Louisville Beauty Academy.

Gaby Shanklin, a passionate baker since her teenage years, has always been fascinated by the art of baking. Her early entrepreneurial journey began by creating Latin desserts, selling homemade treats to friends and family. However, it was her discovery of mini donuts during the 2020 pandemic that truly ignited her business journey and led to the birth of Lil Shanklin’s Donuts.

Lil Shanklin’s Donuts, a home-based/mobile donut shop, specializes in delightfully creative mini donuts for every occasion. It is her ability to infuse joy into each piece that has caught the eye of many, including Di Tran. Recognizing the unique potential in Gaby’s venture, Tran foresees a promising future for these mini marvels.

With Tran’s endorsement, there is growing anticipation that Lil Shanklin’s Donuts could soon become a regular feature at the Louisville Beauty Academy. This venture would provide staff, students, and visitors with a delicious, bite-sized pick-me-up, perfect for those busy days of learning and creativity.

From vending events to the Jeffersonville Farmers Market and private event catering, Lil Shanklin’s Donuts has been delighting people with its charming presence. With the potential opportunity at Louisville Beauty Academy, it is set to expand its reach further.

Di Tran’s support underscores what Gaby’s loyal customers already knew – her mini donuts are a culinary marvel, both in terms of their aesthetic appeal and their scrumptious taste. A small but mighty delight, Gaby Shanklin’s mini donuts are proof that size does not define taste, and every little piece can offer a sizable amount of joy.

As Gaby prepares to potentially enter this new chapter with Louisville Beauty Academy, she carries with her the shared sentiment of all those who have tried her mini donuts: amazement at just how good a donut can look, and taste! The success story of Lil Shanklin’s Donuts serves as a testament to the idea that, with passion, creativity, and a little help from unexpected quarters, a simple donut can become a symbol of joy, success, and community spirit.

Embracing the Beauty Industry: A Vibrant Side Hustle for the Overworked Professional

Post author By Di Tran
Post date July 26, 2023

Every working professional can relate to the ceaseless pressure, exhaustion, and monotonous cycle associated with traditional 8 to 5 jobs. The once fascinating allure of corporate stability can turn into a draining chore, leaving many seeking alternative avenues to generate income and enrich their lives. For college degree holders in search of a refreshing side venture, the beauty industry might just offer the perfect escape route.

The beauty industry, renowned for its dynamism, continuous growth, and versatility, can be a rewarding side hustle, whether you’re looking to augment your income or crave a new passion. With high demand for beauty services, learning new skills such as Nail Technology, Esthetics, or Cosmetology can be a game-changer for professionals feeling drained by their primary employment.

The road to a career in beauty begins with professional licensing, a necessary step to ensure service quality and safety. The study period ranges depending on the specialization:

Nail Technology requires about 450 hours of study, roughly equivalent to 2.5 months.
Esthetics requires about 750 hours of study, equivalent to approximately 4.5 months.
Cosmetology requires the most extensive study, with about 1500 hours or approximately 9.5 months.

Notably, these timelines may be accelerated or extended to accommodate individual circumstances and learning pace. A distinct advantage is the flexibility to work part-time, on weekends, or after your regular work hours, aligning perfectly with the needs of those maintaining full-time employment.

But where should one begin? The Louisville Beauty Academy, a testament to the successful amalgamation of technology and beauty, provides these programs at your preferred pace. Founded by a tech stalwart with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. (ABD) degrees in Information Technology, the academy offers a unique blend of cutting-edge tech and beauty instruction.

The founder’s story is inspiring – a successful computer engineer owning a chain of nail salons and schools, demonstrating that a career in beauty can go hand-in-hand with other professional pursuits. His journey provides an encouraging blueprint for others seeking to carve a niche in the beauty industry while juggling a full-time job.

Moreover, operating a small beauty business can be one of the easiest small ventures to manage, especially when equipped with the right skills and knowledge. From at-home salons, mobile beauty services, to professional establishments, the options are vast and can be tailored to one’s preferences and lifestyle.

So, if you are a professional feeling hemmed in by the rigors of traditional employment, consider stepping into the exciting world of beauty. With a little investment in training, you can explore new horizons, enjoy a supplementary income, and perhaps even find a fulfilling passion that brings color to your world. As the saying goes, “You can, when you think you can.”

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Embrace the Flight: Savoring Productivity and Progress in Life’s Swift Passage

Post author By Di Tran
Post date July 25, 2023

For Di Tran, renowned author of the insightful books “Drop the ME and focus on the others” and the newly released “Guiding Lights: A Journey of Courage, Compassion and Faith,” the sensation of a day passing like a swift breeze is not a complaint but a blessing in disguise. When the sun sets and Tran reflects upon his day, realizing it seemed to have flown by, he does so with a feeling of fulfillment and gratitude.

Each day is an opportunity for Tran to create new value, learn, grow, and connect. When he accomplishes these tasks, it signifies that his day was more than just successful; it was lived in alignment with his purpose. To some, the quick passing of a day might feel overwhelming or disappointing, a sign of lost time. But for Tran, a day that flies by signifies a day spent in the service of his goals and the people around him.

Tran’s perspective serves as an empowering reminder that our perception of time is less about the hours on a clock and more about what we fill those hours with. Time is an unchangeable constant, yet how we perceive its passage is entirely dependent on our actions and mindset.

Tran’s daily goals revolve around creating value and sharing that value with others. Each day, he commits to learning something new to increase his mental strength, partaking in physical activities for physical strength, engaging in productive conversations, and lending a helping hand wherever possible. It’s not just about being productive; it’s about being productively progressive. And in this whirlwind of meaningful activity, it’s no wonder that the day seems to race by.

In Tran’s perspective, our days are vessels to be filled with value-adding actions, learning, sharing, and helping. If our days are full of these endeavors, their swift passage is not a loss but a celebration of life lived productively.

As our days whirl past, filled with the tasks and activities that lend our lives purpose and meaning, we might sometimes wish for time to slow down. This is not a longing for less productivity but rather a desire for more time to continue being productive. For Tran, a day flying by is a sign of a day well spent in pursuit of a life well lived. It’s an indication of his commitment to personal growth and dedication to serving others.

Every night, when Tran takes stock of his day, he doesn’t count the hours; he counts the values shared, the new learnings acquired, the connections deepened, and the lives touched. For him, a day flying by isn’t a loss of time; it’s an affirmation of time well spent. It’s the tangible proof of a day devoted to living his purpose.

Each day that flies by for Tran is a testament to his purpose-driven life. It’s a life that creates and shares value, promotes learning, strengthens the mind and body, cultivates productive conversations, and uplifts others. It’s not just about doing more but doing what matters more.

His days might fly by, but they leave behind a trail of positive impacts, personal growth, and meaningful interactions. Tran doesn’t just thank God for the blessing of a swift day; he thanks God for the opportunity to live his purpose and make each day count. And therein lies a profound lesson for us all – not to slow down our days, but to speed up our purpose and passion, to make every fleeting moment meaningful, every hour count, and every day fly by in the service of what truly matters.

Pursuit of Fulfillment: Manifesting Your Life Purpose Through Desire, Acceptance, and Visualization

Post author By Di Tran
Post date July 23, 2023

In our world of relentless ambition, an adage as old as time is often quoted: “If you can see it, you can have it.” While this may sound like wishful thinking, numerous successful individuals – from renowned authors to accomplished entrepreneurs – have attributed their success to this very belief. It signifies the power of want, acceptance, and visualization, a triad of forces that together facilitate the journey to fulfillment and the realization of one’s life purpose.

Prominent author Di Tran, known for his insightful works such as “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERs” and “Guiding Lights: A journey of courage, compassion and faith,” presents a compelling case for this belief in his forthcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH”. Tran argues that our desires – the things we want badly enough – are more than mere whims or fleeting distractions. They are profound reflections of our inner selves, core elements of our life’s purpose.

These yearnings are not easily fulfilled, however. To achieve the objects of our desire, we must first accept the potential pain of the journey to attainment. The hurdles we face on our path are not obstacles, but rather, necessary components of our growth. They challenge us, test our resolve, and ultimately make us capable of handling what we so desperately seek. In essence, the pursuit becomes as important as the achievement, if not more.

Once we have a clear vision of what we want and have made peace with the potential discomfort of the journey, visualization comes into play. Visualization is the process of creating mental images of our desires, thereby allowing them to manifest into our physical reality. This idea echoes the principles of many thought leaders, such as Napoleon Hill, who emphasized that “whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

But visualization is more than just a passive daydream. It is an active, intentional practice that involves deeply engaging with our aspirations. The clearer and more detailed our mental image, the more likely it is to materialize. This is because visualization aligns our subconscious mind with our conscious desires, creating a unified front that drives us towards our goal.

Di Tran asserts that the power of visualization is rooted in our belief systems. By training ourselves to not just see, but truly believe in the attainability of our goals, we prime ourselves for success. It’s about replacing fear – an emotion that holds us back – with faith in ourselves and our abilities. Faith provides us with the courage to persist even when our goals seem far out of reach.

In conclusion, Di Tran’s philosophy, as outlined in his soon-to-be-released book, offers an insightful and inspiring perspective on the pursuit of fulfillment. He invites us to embrace our desires, accept the pain of the journey, and harness the power of visualization. This triad serves as a guide, leading us towards the realization of our life’s purpose. By dropping our fears and focusing on faith, we can manifest our dreams into reality and attain the fulfillment we seek.