Category Archives: Leadership
My thoughts on it
The Daily Management Diet: Weighing In on Personal Success
In the bustling world of business, the concept of daily management reigns supreme. It’s a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of consistent monitoring, assessment, and adjustment to ensure objectives are met efficiently and effectively. But what if I told you this same approach could revolutionize your personal goals, especially when it comes to weight management and exercise?
Imagine this: stepping on the scale every day, not with trepidation, but with excitement and anticipation. Much like practicing and performing public speaking, the daily weigh-in becomes less daunting over time. It’s a ritual that not only improves your ability to face the scale but also keeps you focused and accountable.
At first glance, the idea of weighing yourself daily might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t it better to focus on long-term progress rather than getting bogged down by daily fluctuations? Surprisingly, the answer is no. Daily weigh-ins provide valuable data points that offer insights into your body’s natural fluctuations and responses to various factors like diet, hydration, and activity levels.
Moreover, the daily ritual fosters a sense of accountability, a cornerstone of daily management. Just as businesses rely on teams to achieve their goals, individuals can harness the power of community to support their personal objectives. This is where the concept of “team weigh-ins” comes into play.
For the past four years, I’ve been part of a group that shares daily High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts and weight management goals. The experience has been transformative. Some days, I receive cheers and encouragement from my fellow teammates. Other days, it’s a barrage of expletives as I push through grueling workouts. And then there are those rare occasions when a silent observer chimes in with a supportive nod.
Regardless of the response, the camaraderie and shared accountability have been invaluable. Knowing that I have a team relying on me to show up and give my best effort motivates me to stay consistent with my exercise routine and mindful of my dietary choices. It’s a daily management practice that keeps me on track and focused on my goals.
But daily management isn’t just about weighing in and sharing progress with others; it’s also about making adjustments and course corrections along the way. Just as businesses pivot in response to changing market conditions, individuals must adapt their strategies to overcome obstacles and setbacks.
So, do you have any daily management activities that keep you on track for your goals and objectives? Whether it’s journaling, setting daily intentions, or tracking progress in a shared spreadsheet, find what works for you and embrace it wholeheartedly. Remember, success isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s about the journey and the daily steps we take to get there.
Employee of the Month LOUJSWZ Inc.
I’m very happy to announce for the 10th month in a row that Louis Schwartz is the Employee of the Month for LOUJSWZ Incorporated.
“At LOUJSWZ we take great pride in our employee. Especially the only one we have”. The President of LOUJSWZ, Lou Schwartz said at the monthly awards pot luck in front of a packed house of family and friends.
Lou is working extra hard to support the Company, his family and those that want to make things easier for themselves.
Maybe you can be the next client to work with the top talent LOUJSWZ Inc. has to offer. Reach out to us at lou@loujswz.com or book some time at https://book.titan.email/loujswz to see how Lou can help.
A full life
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
So I believe life is not about time, but what a person does within it.
Not even 30 years old and this Gentleman whose marker is above had a very full life and most important was content with it. He wrote his obituary before going to Vietnam which is how I’m able to make such a statement.
I just learned of his amazing life while paying my respects to a cherished mentor of mine, who has but a few days left. My mentor wanted to share the story of MAJ Hottell on his death bed as it was his regret he wasn’t able to pay respects to him in his lifetime.
Hence, its very easy for me to say its not the minutes that count but the things within them.
Improving and Competing for Federal, State and Local Solicitations
I would like to help your small business become federally, State and Locally recognized as a unique business.
Is your Company certified by the federal government as Veteran Owned Business?
I help veterans with companies become certified with Small Business Administration, GSA and DLA for a couple of reasons.
Validity, proves your are who you say you are
Uniqueness, makes your business unique in the USA.
Standards, shows your organization maintians ethical and financial standards
Access allows you to do business with the Federal Government
Www.loujswz.com is my Company and I’d like to earn your business or help another vet you know get certified.
Please reach out to me at your convenience either by phone 7063326005 or loujswz@gmail.com.
Thank you
Lou Schwartz
President (I’m an Army of one)
We Want to Help Veterans
LOUJSWZ INC is a Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (DVSOB) dedicated to providing professional counseling services to veterans seeking federal adjudication for disabilities incurred during their service in the United States Armed Forces. Our approach combines expert advice, verbal communication, and personalized representation to guide veterans through the complex process outlined in CFR 38.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to empower veterans with the knowledge and support needed to successfully navigate the disability compensation adjudication process. We aim to provide accessible and common-sense services that optimize veterans’ chances of receiving the compensation they deserve for their dedicated service to the nation.
Experience and Expertise:
LOUJSWZ INC boasts a team of experienced subject matter experts well-versed in the intricacies of CFR 38 and the veterans’ disability compensation process.
Client-Centric Approach:
Our focus is on providing practical, common-sense solutions tailored to the unique circumstances of each veteran.
Performance-Based Pricing:
We align our success with the success of our clients, charging a percentage only upon the initial back payment, emphasizing our commitment to their success.
Conclusion:
LOUJSWZ INC is committed to providing veterans with the guidance and representation they deserve to secure the compensation owed for their sacrifices. Our business model, focused on expertise, personalized service, and fair pricing, aims to set a new standard for excellence in the veterans’ advocacy space.
Where are We Now
It’s been two months
Haven’t found someone that is interested in our services
How do you find a customer?
I know I we can assist and help people.
Thanks enough whine! We are not giving up and we are working to market our abilities, knowledge and skills to help others with programs and projects. We want to help you!
Please reach out you wont be disappointed.
LOUJSWZ Inc is Proud to Offer a New Service
We want to assist your small businesses, including veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned small businesses, become certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA). These certifications can provide various benefits, including access to government contracts marketing channels and set-aside programs.
Here are a few points to consider why to hire us:
Demand for Certification: Many government agencies, including the SBA, set aside a portion of their contracts for certified small businesses. This creates a strong incentive for small businesses to pursue certifications. Veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned businesses may also have specific certification programs available to them.
Complex Process: The application process for SBA certifications can be complex and time-consuming. It often involves extensive documentation and adherence to specific requirements. This complexity creates a need for professional services that can guide businesses through the certification process.
Expertise Required: We have a deep and current understanding of SBA regulations, the certification requirements, and the ability to help businesses compile the necessary documentation. They can also assist with appeals if certification is denied.
Market Competition: We standout as we are a dedicated resource with you in mind and we have real life experience beyond an assigned associated to provide you a worklist.
Networking and Government Relationships: Building strong relationships with government agencies, SBA representatives, and other stakeholders can be crucial for gaining credibility and clients in this industry.
Changing Regulations: It’s important to stay updated on changes in certification regulations and requirements, as these can evolve over time. Being informed about the latest updates will help you offer accurate and relevant services to your clients.
Lets Transform Veterans Healthcare
Today was my first visit to a VA Medical Facility as a patient.
I honestly avoided it like the plague. I retired from the military in 2011 and because of my health benefits with my next career I did not qualify for VA care. That was fine with me as I had worked in and with the VA for years, and I always got the feeling it was place to go and die. Like a Hospital in the 1950s where the majority of patients never left or the scene from “Born of the 4th of July” as the main character, Ron Kovic is treated as a nuisance and less than human. Perhaps it’s the incentive of rewarding veterans with financial compensation for illness or disability of which I am a recipient. Although a noble idea and commensurate with our need for self preservation I believe the secondary effects begets a sense of sorrow and defeat as most of us veterans never served for a paycheck but to serve the Nation. Perhaps it was visiting my Scoutmaster in his VA hospital room decades ago. It was a lime green tiled to the shoulder hot room with five other gentlemen. As a young person to see a hero in my eyes in such a state had a profound effect on me. It actually made me think I wanted to be as tough as he was to deal with that. These are my reflections and makes me see the VA in a specific way. I know my impressions are affected by my history as does my experience working in and with dozens and dozens of hospitals over 30 years.
The days that I reflected on are long gone from the VA. They have modern facilities with beautiful architecture. The staff fall over backwards to help you when you are there with them. Perhaps they cannot help, but they do try as the processes are still associated with governmental rules and regulations that any American can relate to in a negative away. You can say whatever you want about VISTA the electronic medical record but the system works and does not run the facility like commercial products, but that is another subject for another day. So why do we need to change the VA? Its the culture.
You can have the best facility with the best system and great people but overall have a poor experience. That’s is organizational behavior 101. When veterans believe the VA is a last resort and is something that is owed to them, can it really provide a service that is viewed as something of value? It’s like free lunch at elementary school it never tasted as good as the Mcdonalds burger you had to buy got it hot and fresh after walking there from school.
Of course I don’t know the answer to my premise, but I do have some recommendations.
Get rid of Medicare and Medicaid and provide universal healthcare to all Americans which includes veterans, provide them with a higher level of care as they have earned it through a “platinum” insurance PPO plan. America (tax dollars) already spends more money per capita then an other national with universal healthcare. We spend around 13K per person per year. Other countries do not even spend half that and have better outcomes and much better quality. A person can always pay for private care as I did before I needed the VA. If veterans had a platinum plan they earned and could use where they wanted it would bring better outcomes.
Return the VA to what it was started as a tertiary medical care mission with professional education. They can’t do all of the additional missions, it’s been given. Its too big for a governmental bureaucracy to be successful.
I also want to say thank you to a VA employee. After several months of being told to call this and that I was able to get assigned a primary care manager, and ID and an appointment within a few days. Ms Dorothy answered the phone and said come on down and I’ll square you away. The calling and computer processes just didn’t work, but a former Army NCO made it happen. She still leads from the front. I miss the Army sometimes.
I wanted to share what ChatGPT said about my post as an editor and critic….
Title: Improving Veteran Healthcare: Changing the VA’s Culture
Introduction: My recent visit to a VA Medical Facility as a patient prompted me to reflect on the state of veteran healthcare in the United States. Having retired from the military in 2011 and benefiting from alternative health insurance, I had avoided the VA healthcare system, largely due to perceptions of it being a place of despair and disillusionment. However, my visit revealed a different reality, showcasing modern facilities and dedicated staff. While the VA has made significant improvements, there is still a fundamental issue that needs addressing: its culture.
- Changing the Perception of the VA: My personal history and experiences, as well as those of others, have shaped a negative perception of the VA. To create a more effective veteran healthcare system, we must alter this perception. It’s essential that veterans no longer view the VA as a last resort or an entitlement, but as a valuable healthcare option.
- Universal Healthcare for Veterans: To improve the VA system, we should consider integrating veterans into a universal healthcare plan. By eliminating Medicare and Medicaid for veterans and providing them with a “platinum” insurance PPO plan, we can ensure that they receive a higher level of care they have rightfully earned. This approach aligns with the idea that veterans should have access to quality healthcare just like any other American.
- Reevaluating the VA’s Mission: The VA has expanded its missions over the years, which has contributed to inefficiencies. To streamline its operations, we should consider returning the VA to its initial mission as a tertiary medical care provider with a focus on professional education. This would allow it to excel in its core mission without the bureaucratic complexities associated with additional roles.
- Recognizing Dedicated VA Employees: It’s important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of VA employees, such as Ms. Dorothy, who go above and beyond to provide care to veterans. Their commitment is invaluable and should be celebrated.
Conclusion: Improving the veteran healthcare system requires a shift in culture, a move towards universal healthcare for veterans, and a reevaluation of the VA’s mission. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that veterans receive the care and support they deserve, ultimately honoring their service to the nation and providing them with the healthcare they have earned. It’s time to reshape the perception of the VA and make it a place where veterans feel valued and cared for, just as they should be.
Embracing Change: Finding Inspiration in a Banyan Tree’s Resilience
It’s been ten months since I left my stable, high-paying, high-level, yet unfulfilling job. Since then, my journey has been a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. I’ve worked part-time as a call center agent, started my own business, worked as an independent contractor through my business, been let go once, and quit another job. And now, I find myself working part-time at a giant home improvement store in the inside lawn and garden section while continuing to explore the possibilities of my Company. If you had asked me last year if I would be doing any of these things, I would have emphatically said, “NO WAY.” But here I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I chose the photo above because it reminds me of my youth. It’s an image of a majestic Banyan tree with Seagrapes growing below it. Back in Miami, during my childhood, I used to play under a giant Banyan tree in the park across from my elementary school. It was there that I learned how Bahamians make wine and enjoy the berries from the Seagrape tree. But beyond the personal recollection, there’s a deeper connection that this image brings to my life and my business journey.
The Banyan tree, with its sprawling branches and roots, is an incredible symbol of resilience and adaptability. It expands and increases its likelihood of survival by sending down roots from its branches, serving as both anchors and sources of sustenance. This remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in challenging conditions is something we can all learn from, and it’s a central theme in my entrepreneurial journey.
Of course, just like the Banyan tree, life isn’t without its vulnerabilities. The same Miami where I played beneath that giant Banyan tree was hit by Hurricane Andrew in 1993. One of the casualties of that devastating storm was the Banyan tree across the street from the first home I lived in. This tree was a behemoth, as tall as a three-story house, and when it fell, it was just as imposing on its side. It took two years to remove its hulking body, and the spot where it once stood was left barren.
The lesson here is clear: even the mightiest can face adversity. The Banyan tree, with all its strength and resilience, succumbed to the forces of nature. But what’s remarkable is that the spirit of that tree lives on as a symbol of adaptability and the ability to bounce back from even the most significant setbacks.
In my own journey, I’ve encountered moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. The transition from a stable corporate job to part-time work, entrepreneurship, and various employment changes hasn’t been easy. But like the Banyan tree, I’ve learned to adapt and seek sustenance from unexpected sources. I’ve drawn strength from the belief that embracing change and taking calculated risks can lead to personal and professional growth.
So, if you’re at a crossroads in your life or career, consider the resilience of the Banyan tree and its ability to flourish in diverse conditions. Embrace change, take risks, and remember that in vulnerability, there is room for growth. Just like that Banyan tree in the park across from my childhood school, you too can weather the storms of life and continue to thrive.
