Three of Diamonds

Labels make it easier to identify things.  When you know what to call something, you have some insight into its purpose.  You can also get information regarding how to handle items from their labels.  For example, for clothes you can find out cleaning instructions.  Food containers may provide cooking or storage directions.  You have a label that describes you.  It is your name.  You may actually have three components to your name (first, middle, and last).  The Three of Diamonds will represent the symbolism of names this week.  Even if you do not have a middle name, you will still be able to identify with the discussion regarding the first and last names.

First Name - Unless you are a celebrity, you probably did not get to choose your name.  Someone else gave it to you for reasons significant to them.  Maybe you were named after a parent or other relative.  The name may have been chosen out of a book or just randomly selected because someone liked it.  Regardless of how it was assigned to you, it is yours now.  You own it and the actions, relationships, and signature attached to it.  You make a "name" for yourself by the things that you do.  When people mention your first name, do they do it with joy, pride, or dread?  Sometimes people know you by your name before they even meet you.  Make sure that things credited to your name are accurate.  Your first name may be the first impression that people get of you.

Middle Name - Your middle name is often represented by an initial.  Usually, only your family and closest friends know your middle name.  It is not common knowledge.   Of course, there are always exceptions.  In some regions of the country, people use their first and middle names together and celebrities may do it also.  Some people choose to use their middle name because they like it better than their first name.  But for most people, the middle name is a bridge between the first and the last.    It differentiates you from others who may share your name.  Jane Elizabeth Doe can be distinguished from Jane Renee Doe.  Let your unique characteristics, or hidden talents, emerge to show what is special about you.

Last Name - Your last name completes the identity formula.   It is often attached to your role, or occupation.  Dr. Black, Senator Green, and Detective White are the normal references for a physician, elected official, and police officer.  Teachers, coaches, and military personnel are other examples of jobs that utilize a person's last name when addressing them.  Your last name will be used to highlight the impact that you make.  It may be on a building, or monument, that is associated with something that you support.  For some of you, it may not be an actual brick and mortar structure.  Your last name may be attached to ideas, processes, and products that you develop.  Since you share the name with other family members and may pass it on to your children, it is important to focus on adding value to it.

Leave a comment and share the meaning of your name, http://www.meaning-of-names.com/.  You may also want to assign descriptive adjectives to your initials to create an alias.  For example, the initials T.T.P. may stand for Terrific Thoughtful Producer.  What do you want your initials to say about you?

Three of Clubs

Have you taken any pictures lately?  Maybe you will pose for some photos over the holidays.  Hopefully, they will be clear and in focus.  Professional photographers often use a 3-legged stand called a tripod to hold the camera and keep it steady in order to get good shots.  You can also use a tripod to hold a camera with a timer so that you can take self portraits.  The Three of Clubs will represent your mental tripod this week.  The way that you view situations and experiences can impact how you recall and share them with others. Three common camera settings are panoramic (wide angle), zoom, and shutter speed.

The panoramic mode will enable you to see the big picture.  It is most effective when you need to see the background and surrounding environment of  the target, or end result.  The image can often be so grand that it is intimidating.  Remember that the horizon represents limitless possibilities.  You  have plenty of space to grow and try different approaches to develop the picture that you want to display.

The zoom functionality allows you to monitor your progress from a distance.  Sometimes when you are too close to the activities needed for a successful outcome, you can lose your objectivity.  It can be good to step away periodically to reassess what has been done, what is currently underway, and what the next steps should be.  You are able to get a preview of potential problems and recognize what decisions have produced positive results.

The shutter speed needs to be adjusted to accommodate the subject being recorded.  When you are dealing with information that is unfamiliar to you, keep the shutter (analysis) open longer to allow enough time for you to understand how to best use what you have learned.  If you are able to meet regularly with an advisor or expert in your field of interest, be prepared to receive the maximum benefit from the encounter.  Increase the frequency of the shutter operation (questions and responses) so that the other person feels you are paying attention and absorbing what they are sharing with you. 

Which setting have you used lately?  Is there one that may help you this week?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Three of Hearts

This is the time of year that sports fans love.  There are so many games to watch and teams to follow.  It is that short period where multiple seasons overlap. Baseball has ended with the World Series while college and professional football are well underway.  Professional basketball and hockey are also getting started.  There are even some exhibition college basketball games being played.  Everywhere you look, there is competition.   This week the Three of Hearts will represent the Triathlon.  This is an event that consists of three races (swimming, cycling, and running).  You may not realize it, but you probably do these three activities on a regular basis. 

Swimming - There are times when you don't make a move because of indecision.  You are still evaluating scenarios and the associated risks and benefits.  That is understandable behavior.  However, there are other times when the decision has been made and you still don't move forward.  That is a different situation.  Sometimes you need to dive in and begin wading through the uncertainty and potential challenges.  Once you are in the water, use your best stroke (communication mechanism) to distribute your message to your intended audience. 

Cycling - The wheels on a bicycle are symbolic of a balanced routine.  They turn at the same rate in concert to keep the bike moving.  Your wheels are the time slots in your calendar, line entries on your budget, and items on your to do list.  There needs to be synchronization between your schedule, your money, and your completed tasks.  Don't leave things to chance.  The probability of something being done increases when there is time and money allocated to it.


Running - You don't need special equipment or a designated site to run.  It can be done spontaneously, but is more effective when there is training and practice done in advance.  If you can successfully run, or manage, your own agenda, you gain credibility.  Once you have established a working model, or framework for your leadership process, you can help others modify it to fit their needs.  It will also allow you recognize when there are gaps in examples that are set for others and identify what is needed to complete the picture.

What is your strongest event?  Are you a swimmer, cyclist, or runner?  Leave a comment and share your triathlete accomplishments.

Three of Spades

Have you seen any of the popular 3-D movies this year?  When you put on the special glasses, there is the illusion of depth to the picture.  People and objects appear to be coming out of the screen so that you feel like a part of the action.  The three dimensions commonly referenced by the term 3-D are height, width, and depth.  This week the Three of Spades will represent how you can adjust those measurements to help you get the most out of your efforts.

Height = Distance
Are you a sprinter or marathon runner?  Do you do your best work in short, intense spurts?  Or are you better with a slower, long term approach?  Competitive athletes usually specialize in one form of racing.  However, it makes sense for you to have a balance between the two categories in order to reach the finish line for your goals.  If you have to complete a task in one week, you need to sprint to get it done.  It will help to set daily milestones to help you stay on track.  Focus on what and who puts you in the best position to move quickly and confidently.  If you have 6 months to finish an assignment, shift into marathon mode.  Your strategy will be more important than your speed. 

Width = Diversity
When you go to the dentist, you may be told to open wide.  The reason for this instruction is so that the dentist can use their tools to examine your entire mouth.  They must be able to view the top, bottom, front, and back teeth.  The gums and tongue are also examined.  They may even take x-rays to provide them with the big picture.  Use this same approach for assessing your support, or partnership options.  Expand your network of contacts to include a diverse group of people who can expose you to alternatives that may not occur to you.  This will allow you to customize your toolkit to handle a variety of situations.      

Depth = Determination
Do you remember the old Timex watch slogan, "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking"?  It was indicative of the product's durability and reliability.  In the commercials, you would see the watches being subjected to all kinds of pressure and abuse.  Each time the result would be continued performance of the product.   It's a wonderful trait to be able to keep going despite setbacks and stress.  It is not always easy to do.  Make sure that you maintain enough fuel (positive thinking) to keep you moving forward.  Have a supply of reading material that can refill your optimism tank when it runs low.  Recharge your batteries (routine) periodically to make sure your responsibilities and schedule complement one another.  Recognize when priorities change and make the necessary adjustments for your process and progress to keep working in your favor.  

You can go the distance when you are determined and diversified.  Take advantage of the 3-D opportunities that are presented to you.  You will make an impression that will be remembered for its special effects.  Leave a comment and share what you feel is your strongest dimension.