I recently came across the results of a 2025 Gallup Poll in which respondents were queried about the importance of praise and recognition at home, in the workplace, and when they’re out and about interacting with others.

It found people who receive regular, sincere, high-quality praise and recognition are significantly more engaged, motivated, and loyal to their organizations, their relationships, and their personal goals. In the workplace, employees who are well-recognized are 45% less likely to leave their jobs, and when recognition is added to the mix, it bumps that retention number up to 65%. Clearly, praise and recognition deepen a person’s commitment to an organization and its culture, individual life goals, and interpersonal relationships.

Honestly, I wouldn’t call this a news flash but I do think the findings serve as a great reminder and reinforcement of what most of us probably already knew but, maybe, don’t put into action on a regular basis. But I wonder … do we [including me] seize opportunities to praise and recognize someone for over-and-above efforts and for reaching key milestones along their personal journeys? I’m not talking about going overboard with excessive quantities of praise because that, like anything, very quickly gets stale and ineffective. I’m talking about quality praise and recognition, the type that flows from one heart and touches another.

Consistently over the decades, research has come to the following conclusions about the positive effects of praise and recognition:

• Boosts confidence and extends motivation — Receiving earned praise confirms the value of one’s actions and encourages further effort and growth.
• Improves attitude and mental health — Focusing on strengths and recognizing accomplishments helps reduce stress, anxiety, and negativity by shifting attention to positive pursuits and away from problems which often garner more focus and attention than they rightfully deserve.
• Enhances and strengthens social bonds — Offering praise builds trust, respect, and a sense of belonging in relationships, whether personal, professional, or social. Recognition before others turbo-charges this effect.
• Encourages resilience — Acknowledging and recognizing progress during challenges cultivates a positive mindset and a greater commitment to persevering in spite of headwinds and difficulties.

When recognition is built into workplace culture, engagement levels rise by nearly 32%, driving higher morale, productivity, and collaboration among teams. In fact, companies with robust recognition programs see up to 40% lower turnover, illustrating how appreciation not only rewards effort but also reinforces positive behaviors that align with organizational values.

We have one client who invites all 750 of its employees to a local convention center for a program that honors their top 10-15 performers. This company-wide recognition fosters respect, strengthens the organization’s cultural bonds, and catalyzes motivation. “What if I was one of those people called onstage next year …?”

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Small ways to reward performance include verbal praise in meetings, personalized thank-you notes, or social media shoutouts acknowledging good work. Recently, one of our dynami team members did an exceptional job on something and she was rewarded with a dozen tasty cupcakes which had the desired effect of making her feel special. And isn’t that the point?

Other low-cost gestures might be offering a reserved parking spot for the month, a special lunch outing, or a gift card. By contrast, grand ways to reward performance involve higher investment in the individual, whether it’s a salary bump, an unscheduled bonus, elite professional training, additional Paid Time Off, or a mini-sabbatical. And of course, there’s always the opportunity to reward them with a President’s Club slot and send them, along with other high-achieving peers, to a sun-and-sand location, a luxury dude ranch, or travel to someplace offshore and exotic.

Words Matter …

Not to be a chest-thumper but I’d like to brag a bit about the dynami team. Recently, I received the below note from the CEO of a client, commending our onsite Production Team after a well-executed program. It read:

Hi there,

I just want to take a moment to say thank you for the truly outstanding job you did bringing this year’s conference to life. From the earliest planning stages to the very last session, every detail reflected your hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence. You handled every moving piece — and there were many! — with grace, teamwork, and heart. The result was an event that not only ran seamlessly but left our entire community inspired, connected, and proud to be part of something so special. I keep getting “best conference ever”.

Thank you again for your talent, your teamwork, and for always going above and beyond! If you can please share this with the rest of your team that was there, I would greatly appreciate it! I know we will be in touch soon.

One-hundred and thirty-four words. But to me, and to the entire dynami team, it felt like a million bucks!

Never overlook the opportunity to share praise and/or recognize another when the situation merits. You never know how much a few well-chosen, heartfelt words of praise, or a moment of recognition in front of peers, will mean to another person today, tomorrow, even many, many years from now when they reflect on their careers. And ultimately, you, will likely be rewarded with a happier, more loyal, and even higher-achieving team member.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post In Praise of Praise and Recognition appeared first on dynami.

Honestly, I don’t recall which of the author’s books Dad had just finished but it was one of his earlier tomes with a message that resonated deeply with my father. And try as I might, I was unable to find that response note when I searched for it recently back home in Ireland so I can’t tell you with 100% certainty what it said. However, it’s safe to assume it acknowledged my father’s praise of the book and its overarching message and probably included a “best of luck in all things” – type closing above the author’s distinctive signature.

Though an ocean separated them, and they never actually met, Dad and the author shared a kindred spirit.

One grew up dirt-poor in a rural farming community, rode his bike to church, earned his way to the U.S. Naval Academy and became an officer aboard a nuclear submarine, then later a farmer and a governor and a U.S. president. And perhaps most impressively, a highly respected humanitarian when his time in public office ended. He penned 32 books, all of them New York Times bestsellers.

The other grew up dirt-poor in a rural farming community, had no running water or electricity, also rode his bike to church, worked hard to become a laboratory technician at a creamery for more than four decades, founded a Pipe Band that he remained passionately committed to for 60 years, and was heavily involved with his local community. He wrote one book in 2009. It was about the Newmarket Pipe Band.

KINDRED SPIRITS

As you undoubtedly know by now, James Earl Carter, Jr., 39^th president of the United States, passed peacefully at home in tiny Plains, GA on December 29^th. He was married to Rosalynn for 77 years and was 100 years old when he passed.

What you likely don’t know is that my Dad, Dermot Jeremiah Jones, had passed peacefully at home in County Cork, Ireland three days earlier, the day after Christmas. He was married to my Mum for 62 years and was 88 years old when he passed.

Kindred spirits departing the world within 72 hours of each other …

If you know me, you know I’m not one to pitch myself a pity party and this is certainly not a plea for condolences. I miss my father, of course, but I take great comfort knowing he enjoyed a long and rich life.

Though their worlds were very different, Dermot Jones and Jimmy Carter were both fine men who were deeply committed to their faith, their family, and their community. President Carter’s send-off was full of noble pomp and circumstance, the grandeur reserved for a former president and a true statesman. It was broadcast to an entire nation and live-streamed around the globe.

My Dad’s send-off was also full of pomp and circumstance, the dignified goodbye saved for a local guy who made a difference in a tiny town. It involved a parade of pipers and more than 1,200 people at his funeral service. It was live-streamed on the town’s Facebook page.

Writing Dad’s eulogy was a team effort by his four children. In it, we acknowledged and thanked many in attendance, shared poignant moments, and a few lighter mentions, as well, such as the time my Dad participated in a pipe band performance and inadvertently missed the birth of his third child … that would be me. [No worries, Dad, no hard feelings!]

Make no mistake, I’m not trying to equate Dermot Jones and Jimmy Carter. That wouldn’t be fair to either man. Their lives played out on different stages, taking wonderful but divergent paths. Where I do find a correlation is the fact they both left their mark and did their best to make the world a better place.

The term “selfless service” comes to mind.

HUMANITY & HUMILITY …

I would bet a dime to a dollar that what resonated with Dad in President Carter’s book, and what prompted him to take the time to pen a letter, was related to stepping up and helping others. That was an intrinsic part of both men’s DNA.

Historians haven’t necessarily been kind to President Carter’s single-term in The White House, but nobody ever questions the noble and caring way he spent the final decades of his life. He was deeply committed to Habitat for Humanity and was one who chose to pick up a hammer and pound nails in as much obscurity as a former president can, rather than capitalize on a quick photo opp and be off to more relaxing matters.

My Dad was much the same way. “Dermot always made time, was an ear, stopped to talk, and volunteered,” one person told me. And he’s right.

When I think of these fine men, the words “humanity” and “humility” emerge. Both genuinely cared about others and did what they could to serve them. We live in tough times, as you know. We Americans are so privileged to live in what truly is the Land of Opportunity and even the toughest of economic or political times doesn’t change that.

I think of the horrific wildfires in California, the devastating impact of two hurricanes in western North Carolina, the horror of a terror attack on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, and I hear an earnest plea for assistance. For help. For support. For simple caring. For understanding. For kindness.

I also wonder what the world would be like if each of us would just slow down a bit and look around … taking time to be grateful for what we have, and to take note of the needs of others. I wonder what the world would be like if we each found ways to step up and help out, and to make that a habit.

I know what Dermot Jones and Jimmy Carter would do.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post Kindred Spirits – A Piper and a President appeared first on dynami.

Produced for a mere $3 million dollars nearly 80 years ago [1946], It’s a Wonderful Life was originally released in black and white, the norm for filmmakers in those days. It received mostly mediocre reviews, won no awards, performed poorly at the box office, and soon fell into obscurity.

It didn’t help that, six months after its release, the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] issued a statement that called out the producers’ “intent” to discredit all bankers, create a sense of mistrust, and foster a belief that bankers everywhere were simply greedy, money-grubbing capitalists, and all wealthy people were evil. [Some things never change, it seems!] The Feds said this was a common tactic of communist revolutionaries and warned the public not to place much credence in the film’s central messages.

A SECOND CHANCE

The licensing term for It’s a Wonderful Life expired in the 1970s and the film entered the public domain. Several movie studios colorized the original B&W version and re-released it in hopes the story would resonate more with modern audiences.

It certainly did!

Very quickly, the film became a mainstream American classic and is now considered among the very best of all Christmas movies along with Miracle on 34^th Street, White Christmas and A Christmas Carol, the Scrooge story.

In a nutshell for those unfamiliar with it, here’s the storyline: A young man has wanderlust dreams much larger than his tiny hometown of Bedford Falls. His plans to see the world derail when his father dies suddenly and the family’s building and loan business is handed over to young George to run. Feeling his life has been nothing but waste and crushed dreams, he contemplates suicide but a bumbling guardian angel named Clarence saves George and helps him understand his life has actually been rich with kindness, caring and generosity. The rest I’ll leave up to you to explore.

6 TIMELESS MESSAGES

I never tire of watching the film though it’s a bit long at 2 hours, 11 minutes. That’s because the messages in it, despite FBI warnings, are timeless and serve as wonderful reminders for all of us when we begin to question ourselves and our ability to make a positive difference in the world. Let’s take a closer look …

Emotional Authenticity – To begin with, lead actor Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal of George Bailey is raw and heartfelt, making his journey through life, including its detours and disappointments, deeply moving. His struggles may be agonizing but his perseverance is powerful.

Depends on Your Perspective … — The movie shows George at his lowest point, believing life has failed him but Clarence the Angel helps him realize his very existence has positively shaped the lives of countless others. This shift in perspective highlights the unseen impact we all have on the world around us.

What Truly Matters — The film touches on widely embraced themes of love, sacrifice, family, and faith, making it forever relatable across generations, cultures and backgrounds. Bottom line: Happiness is fueled when one appreciates what they currently have in life and recognizes the magic that comes with helping others.

Hope, Redemption and the Power of Community – When George sinks to his lowest point, the very townspeople he unknowingly helped all rally around him, demonstrating the power of collective goodwill and mutual support. It reminds us how important close, caring relationships are. Once he realizes his life’s worth, George’s despair turns into hope and reinforces the notion that, even in our darkest moments, redemption and renewal are always in play.

It’s a Grateful Life, too! – Perhaps above all, gratitude is the best way to start and finish every day.

It’s Silly to Try and ‘Keep Up with the Joneses’ – Though young George once dreamed of adventure and aspired to great wealth, he sacrifices his personal aspirations for the sake of family, community, and duty. The film celebrates these quiet, everyday concessions, showing they are as heroic and meaningful as grand achievements. Even an ordinary life can be a wonderful life!

My wish for you this holiday season is to embrace the lessons found in It’s a Wonderful Life. To look around and realize, no matter how tough things may be at any moment [and none of us escapes life unscathed], we all have the opportunity to make positive changes and effect positive change in the world around us. Your life matters. What you do matters. And you matter … especially to me.

From all of us at dynami, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, everyone!

Cheers!

Kenneth Jones

The post Look Closer and You’ll Discover It Is Indeed a Wonderful Life! appeared first on dynami.

___________________

The Thanksgiving Table

It was Katherine’s first Thanksgiving without Tom, her husband of nearly a half-century. This year, the approaching holidays left Kat feeling empty but her granddaughter, Lily, insisted on hosting dinner at her tiny apartment.

When Kat arrived, she was surprised to see the dining table, a mismatched collection of folding chairs and borrowed dishes done in Early-Attic / Modern Hand-Me-Down style, overflowing with food. Suddenly, she was surrounded by family. Lily beamed as she welcomed everyone.

“Grandma,” she said, “We all brought something that reminds us of Grandpa.”

Kat’s heart swelled. The sweet potato casserole was Grandpa Tom’s favorite. His fishing buddies brought the pecan pie he loved, and Lily had repurposed his old flannel shirt into a beautiful plaid centerpiece.

After dinner, they remained at the table and shared stories. Laughter filled the room, and Kat felt a warmth rising within her. She realized something … though Tom was not physically among them that day, nor on any day henceforth, for that matter, the love he’d shared with everyone lived on. Her heart felt full for the first time since Tom’s passing.

When it was time to give thanks, she simply said, “I’m grateful for all of you and for the memories that remind us of the ones we love. This is the best Thanksgiving ever!”

______________

A Wish Granted

The crisp November air carried the scent of roast turkey and pumpkin pie as the Morgans gathered in their cozy living room. The laughter of children echoed, mixing with the gentle hum of conversation and the sharing of long-ago, growing-up memories.

But this Thanksgiving was bittersweet.

You see, Captain James Morgan, beloved husband and father, had been deployed overseas for many months with many months yet to go. There was a conspicuously empty seat at the table and you couldn’t help but notice each person avoided looking at the spot where “Jim” should’ve been.

As the meal was being served, each person prepared to share what they were most thankful for. Six-year-old Ella held tight to a crayon drawing of her family holding hands.

“I wish Daddy was here,” she whispered.

Her mother, Sarah, squeezed her hand, fighting hard to keep tears at bay and not dampen everyone’s spirits and their cheeks, too.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Sarah looked puzzled. “Who could that be?”

Little Ella bolted to the door, curiosity overtaking her sadness. She opened it and froze. Her hands covered her wide-open, disbelieving mouth. There, in full uniform standing tall like soldiers do, was Jim, her Daddy, his eyes glistening with emotion.

“Daddy!” Ella screamed, leaping into his arms. Sarah rushed to the door and fell into Jim’s arms. Tears spilled freely as the soldier hugged his ladies tightly.

“How could I miss Thanksgiving with my girls!” Jim said, his voice cracking. The room erupted in joyous chaos and the warmest-ever group hug occurred that day.

“This is the best Thanksgiving ever!” Ella declared. And she was right.

___________

We’re all incredibly busy with so many work and personal obligations, interests, unexpected life challenges, you name it. But one constant, one rock-steady dimension in our lives, is the love of family and the natural inclination to draw together on special occasions. For some, that’s easily and regularly done, and for others [myself included] a rather large ocean lies between most of my family and me.

Thanksgiving Day is a time to slow down, take stock, and be near as many of those family members and friends as we can, those who mean so much to us … and to express gratitude for each of them and for memories shared and memories yet to be made.

From all of us at dynami, we wish you a warm, wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving spent with those closest to you. On this day and all others, we are truly grateful for all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving and … Cheers!

Kenneth Jones

The post A Time to Cherish Family. A Time to Be Grateful for What Truly Matters. appeared first on dynami.

Despite our best efforts at multi-tasking, and despite the fact it’s right there as a bullet point under “Skills” on our resume’ or listed on our LinkedIn profile, we have no more mastered multi-tasking than we’ve found a cure for the common cold, figured out exactly why yawns are contagious, or why it is that we sometimes have odd dreams involving people or things we haven’t thought about in years. A friend of mine’s sister said she once dreamed she’d fallen in love with, and was blissfully married to, a strip of  … bacon. Go figure!

Sure, we’re able to juggle multiple tasks in a set period of time, pinballing from one to the other then back again. But at what cost? In recent years, researchers have concluded multi-tasking is a misconception, not a reality. A Stanford University study states there are very real cognitive costs when we attempt to multi-task:

“ … research has shown that when people switch between tasks, there’s often a ‘Cognitive Penalty’ in terms of time and mental energy. This is called the ‘Switch Cost’, as the brain needs time to refocus on the new task, which results in slower performance and decreased accuracy. When switching tasks, part of our attention remains on the previous task. This concept, known as ‘Attention Residue’, reduces efficiency, especially when frequent task-switching occurs.”

Another study [University of London] found that multitasking could temporarily lower our IQ by 10 points, similar to the effects of sleep deprivation or marijuana use. And a more recent study specifically calls out diminished productivity when multi-tasking involves computers and smart devices which certainly applies to all of us in 2024.

So where am I going with this …?

Success Routines

Now that we know multi-tasking isn’t really a thing, it becomes very important to create our own “Success Routines”, habitual behaviors that yield greater focus, as well as higher levels of productivity and excellence. Discipline is the foundation of all success routines. It helps us build consistency, improve efficiency, and reduce the stress we may feel when there is much to be done and little time to do it.

Routines also help us establish a rhythm that leads to consistent progress. Success doesn’t typically occur overnight, so routines provide the structure necessary to steadily work towards established goals. We’re not just doing the same thing each day over and over, we’re doing it at increasing levels of excellence.  Repetition, repetition, repetition … success! [Rinse and repeat.]

When repetitive tasks evolve into comfortable established routines, we conserve time and mental energy since we have eliminated the need to rethink every step. We act more instinctively and intentionally which leads to achievement.

And knowing what to expect each day also helps reduce decision fatigue and stress. Routines are like guardrails or lane stripes on our own personal highway. They’re familiar and they guide us forward, ensuring we’re always headed in the right direction. When we follow a set routine, we spend less time worrying about what needs to be done next.

Each New Day

For years, I have put my daily workout routine on my calendar. It’s a regular reminder that my day is not a success without carving out time for my physical health. The very act of entering something on a calendar, written or digital, that I already know I will do reinforces my commitment. It’s an acknowledgement that working out is a priority and it reminds me to honor that priority.

Silly as it may sound, I also assign a specific time for daily lunch. When we work from home, as most of us do at least part of the time these days, we have a tendency to work through lunch, save it for later then suddenly it’s late afternoon. And if I’ve scheduled lunch with a friend or business colleague, I abide by a strict, pre-set time frame [i.e., 60 minutes max] then it’s on to the next priority. We also often forget to build in time for a quick break, to simply get up from time-to-time, stretch, walk outdoors and breathe some fresh air which rejuvenates us, etc.

Another thing I like to do is block out time to read each day, whether it’s an online blog or article, a business book, or a novel. Reading stimulates my brain while relaxing my body, and I’d like to believe reading each day makes me a smidge smarter or more knowledgeable than I was yesterday.

We’re on the cusp of that time of year when everything gets a little busier. OK, a lot busier. We may think work slows as the year winds down but the reality is, work continues and there’s also year-end close-out activity if you’re on a standard fiscal calendar. Plus, we will soon have myriad family and social obligations, personal travel, shopping and cooking and wrapping that all come with the holidays. In November and December and then at the onset of the New Year, we’re busier and more distracted than ever. More reason to follow a success routine!

Routines can sometimes feel mundane and perhaps a bit monotonous, but they help us move towards a predictable outcome. Doing the right things the right way at the right time, over and over again, keeps us on track to achieve our goals – personally and professionally. The key thing is to simply get started. Just Do It as our friends in Beaverton have told us since 1988, or like the ancient proverb states: The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. That first step and the second and the third and the final one are equally important but none more important than setting a goal, getting started, and sticking with it.

What are some of your success routines? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers!

Kenneth Jones

The post Routinely Succeeding Requires Succeeding at Routines appeared first on dynami.

Instead, we’re taking a page from the Mind | Body | Spirit book and we’d like to highlight three companies that tend to Business | Kids | Wellbeing. Let’s start with biz …

BUSINESS – TAVUS

Over the past 40 years, video has ingrained itself deeply into the business mainstream. It’s a critically necessary tool for delivering key messaging, rallying troops, and connecting with consumers and customers in a timely manner, especially as the number of video-friendly platforms expands [i.e., laptops, computers, smartphones, tablets, wearables, AR/VR, smart TVs, and who knows what’s next].

But video production and post-production can be so time-consuming and so expensive! And who’s got time or money to burn these days? Tavus to the rescue!

As the only video personalization platform with the power to take what you record once — no more “Cut! Take 7 and … go!” – Tavus transforms it into countless AI-generated videos, each customized with unique variables allow you to tailor your connection to an individual customer, inspiring loyalty long after your finger hits the “Send” button on your keyboard.

Tavus touts its three primary drivers:

Personality — We believe the strongest connections are personal. Instead of avatars or studio-style productions, Tavus helps you make 1-to-1 videos that are realistic enough to send to a best friend.

Versatility — Create unique variables – single words or entire sentences. It’s up to you. Incorporate personalized videos into your automated workflows

Scalability — With Tavus, you can generate a million videos in the time it takes to create one. And when each video connects with its viewer in a personal and relevant way … ? We’re talking about astronomical ROI!

So, there you go, a late holiday gift for you – high-quality, personalized video messaging, extra time, and more money left in your budget. Check it out!

Read more: www.tavus.io

KIDS: KIRA LEARNING

Every parent who has ever changed a diaper knows the worry associated with your child’s academic achievement … from early grade school through high school graduation. In this case, it’s Kira Learning to the rescue.

Kira builds the tools, curriculum and related support to empower K-12 students and computer science educators along their journey to tech mastery in a rapidly accelerating, competitive, tech-crazed world. Keeping up has never been more challenging for students, but some struggle more than others.

Kira’s vision is to create high-quality, relevant content, tools, and support, allowing young learners to achieve mastery in Computer Science. Students learn how to code [Hey, learn coding now and you’ll have a job for life!], understand how pervasive and necessary coding is in today’s world, and how to keep pace as society and tech evolve.

Check out Kira and you might just give your child an edge in the classroom … and in life!

Read more: www.Kira-Learning.com

INVISAWEAR®

Let’s just put it out there: For all the wonderful things about women, sometimes it just sucks being female. Personal safety concerns are more significant for women than they are for men … by a country mile. And it can be emotionally draining [being a male, I’m told].

Are those footsteps behind me …?

Is this route safe or is there a better lighted way home …?

Am I OK opening the door for the pizza delivery guy when I’m home alone …?

Statistics show that nearly 1 in 4 women [and 1 in 7 men] is the victim of a face-to-face criminal encounter at least once in their lifetime. Many of these emergencies happen in close proximity to friends and family, but often there simply isn’t enough time to quickly and discreetly dial 911 or a friend’s cell number to come to your aid.

The founders of  InvisaWear® envisioned a variety of wearable jewelry for women and men that also serves as a means of connecting with those who can help in a potential emergency situation; going far beyond a mini-canister of mace or a panic button on a keychain.

By creating a lifelink to nearby family and friends, InvisaWear® enables people – women, especially – to say “yes” to all the wonderful experiences life can offer. And do it with safety, confidence, and the freedom we all deserve.

Peace of mind is a beautiful thing. For your good or the good of a loved one, check out InvisaWear®.

Read more: www.invisawear.com

So, there you have it: Three nuggets to consider for your business, your kids, and your personal well-being as we move deeper into 2024. Depending on how CES plays out, we may touch on a couple of relevant/quirky innovations that emerge from the year’s biggest tech convention in next month’s blog. Until then, all of us at dynami wish you and those nearest and dearest to you a happy, prosperous, safe and healthy 2024. Happy New Year!

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post Biz, Kids & Self … Three Suggestions for You in 2024 appeared first on dynami.

_______________

The Benefits of Being Grateful

Let’s start with the foundational premise of all Thanksgiving celebrations: Gratitude. Beyond festive gatherings and a welcome four-day break that kicks off America’s holiday season, giving thanks is the gift that keeps on giving.

There are innumerable research studies that prove the beneficial effects of being grateful, not just on Thanksgiving Day but on the other 364 days of the year. They include:

– Improved Mental Health: Gratitude is linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety, as well as a more positive outlook on life and an increased sense of well-being.

– Enhanced Relationships: Expressing appreciation and thankfulness fosters improved bonds with friends, family, and colleagues.

– Increased Resilience: Grateful individuals tend to be more resilient in the face of adversity and challenges; better equipped to cope with stress and finding the positives within difficult situations.

– Better Sleep: Regularly practicing gratitude can improve sleep quality.

– Self-Esteem: Gratitude is associated with higher levels of self-esteem and self-worth. Acknowledging one’s own strengths and accomplishments contributes to a positive self-image.

– Physical Health Benefits: Gratitude also has positive effects on physical health, including lower blood pressure and improved immune function.

– Increased Happiness: Gratitude is strongly linked to feelings of happiness and life satisfaction. Focusing on positive aspects of life and appreciating what you have contributes to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

– Altered Brain Activity: Practicing gratitude actually changes the chemistry of the brain in areas associated with emotional processing and social cognition, leading to improved mental well-being.

– Encourages Prosocial Behavior: Grateful individuals are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior, such as helping others, fostering a sense of community, and social connections.

– Stress Reduction: Gratitude has been shown to help protect against stress, allowing one to better cope with stressors and experience less negative impact on mental well-being.

Incorporating gratitude into daily life can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to others, reflecting on positive experiences, or doing something truly kind for others … and yourself.

________________

Thanksgiving Traditions Around the World

While Thanksgiving traditions vary greatly around the world, all are predicated on giving thanks for a bountiful harvest, acknowledging blessings from Above, or to honor cultural and historical events. Here are a few:

– Loy Krathong [Thailand] – In The festival of Loy Krathong, people float small, decorated rafts, or krathongs, on rivers to symbolize a “letting go” of negativity and giving thanks to the Water Goddess.

– Chuseok [South Korea] – Chuseok is major harvest festival in which families gather to pay respects to ancestors, share a special meal [including a dish called Songpyeon, a type of rice cake], and engage in traditional activities like folk games and dance.

– Erntedankfest [Germany] – Meaning “harvest thanksgiving festival,” Erntedankfest is similar to American and Canadian Thanksgiving but has more religious overtones. People attend church services, decorate sanctuaries with fruits and vegetables, pray and participate in post-services parades.

– Mid-Autumn Festival [China and Vietnam] – Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions, feasting, and giving thanks. It also includes a variety of Mooncakes [a traditional pastry] that is shared among friends, families and neighbors during the multi-day festival.

– Harvest Festival [U.K.] – Communities come together to celebrate the harvest season with churches holding special services in which people express gratitude for their bounty and  offer produce and non-perishable goods to be donated to those in need.

– Pongal [India and Sri Lanka] – A four-day harvest festival celebrated in the Tamil region in south India and Sri Lanka, the festival involves cooking a special dish called Pongal, made from newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery [a coarse brown sugar made in India]. It is a time to give thanks to the Sun God for an abundant harvest.

While these traditions may not be exact equivalents to the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., they share common themes of gratitude, harvest celebrations, and coming together with family and community.

_______________

Traditions: In with the Old and In with the NEW!

There’s no rule that says new traditions can’t be created each year when Thanksgiving rolls around. And there’s no generation quite like the Millennials and the early Gen-Zers – two groups that have delayed getting married, are building careers, traveling and often find family among their friends — who have started a variety of new traditions. Here are a few:

Friendsgiving — Friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving with fellow young adults, students, or those who may be away from their families during the holiday.

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt — Instead of simply going around the table after dinner and sharing what you’re thankful for, scavenger hunts are created that include a list of items, experiences or acts of kindness related to gratitude. Each person is encouraged to accomplish as many tasks on the list as possible throughout the remainder of the day and the following week. The intent is to kickstart a trend towards “being in the moment”, appreciating what you have, and seeking opportunities to extend kindness to another. A follow-up gathering is held 1-2 weeks later during which everyone shares their experiences.

Tasty and A Tale — Guests prepare a beloved family dish and share at dinner why this particular dish is so meaningful to their loved ones. They also distribute copies of the family recipe in hopes something they cherish becomes something cherished by others.

Toast-Around – Each invited guest is asked to come prepared to make a personal toast that includes something in particular about this circle of friends for which they are deeply thankful … but be careful, a large gathering may involve many toasts so moderation is always a wise decision!

Turkey Trot – Each year, participation in community “Turkey Trots” includes more and more Millennials and Gen-Zers. And more and more, they like to dress in costumes and “trot” at a leisurely pace that allows them to converse, sing and joke as they make their way along the course. The event then leads to a gathering of friends for a Thanksgiving feast.

_____________

Speaking of Turkey Trots …

In the spirit of true confessions, I’ll share two personal items. For 20+ years, on Thanksgiving morning, I rise early and run in the Thanksgiving Half-Marathon. [And I will tell you, it’s no trot!]

It’s a great way to burn off a lot of energy and calories in advance of this hungry Irishman sitting down and eating a bit of everything on the table … plus seconds! It also gets me out of the way of the cook in the kitchen. Oh, wait …

My dirty little Thanksgiving secret is that nobody really prepares a turkey in our home. We leave the “heavy lifting” to Popeyes — yep, that Popeyes! It used to be a well-kept secret but now the chain of chicken joints is publicizing its Popeyes Deep-Fried Cajun-Style Turkey which I will tell you is nothing short of absolutely delicious!

Having said that, we do prepare all of our sides for Thanksgiving Dinner. I mean, who whips up a better bowl of mashed potatoes than an Irishman, right?

_______________

CURE Believe Ball 

This isn’t directly tied to Thanksgiving but it does occur in November so I consider it a great way to lead into the next two months of celebrating. Founded in 1975 by an Emory University pediatric oncologist, CURE Childhood Cancer’s annual Believe Ball is, in my mind, one of Atlanta’s premier philanthropic events.

CURE has raised more than $43 million in the past 12 years that has gone directly to funding research to reduce and ultimately eliminate childhood cancers of all kinds, and to support families of pediatric cancer patients.

I am deeply thankful and proud that one of dynami’s cherished clients, Novelis, Inc., is a Co-Presenting Sponsor of the event and dynami has been a proud Gold Sponsor for nearly a decade. I share this with you not to pat ourselves on the back but to let you know how much we believe in the organization’s mission. We believe if we can be even a tiny part of helping to cure childhood cancer, well, for that we would be eternally grateful.

[Click to learn more: https://www.believeball.org/]

Finally, all of us at dynami wish our friends and families, our clients and neighbors, a very happy Thanksgiving. May you embrace gratitude and enjoy great health and prosperity every day!

Cheers!

Kenneth Jones

The post Gratitude, Gratitude … and More Gratitude! appeared first on dynami.

OK, I admit it. I’ll come clean.

When I sat down at my laptop to start writing this blog about our rapidly waning attention spans and the “attention pirates” that are plundering our focus, I let a few minutes leak away because I just knew I had to check my emails. After all, it had been at least three minutes since I checked them last.

And while doing so, a pop-up message from an anti-malware software program invaded the lower-right corner of my laptop screen. A moment or two later, my iPhone pinged with a score update from the English Premier League. Nearby sat my tablet which was, for now at least, mercifully quiet. [Then I realized it was powered off.] I turned my attention – well, I tried to turn my attention – back to writing when Alexa suddenly asked if I wanted an update on Ukraine-Russia events.

I said, “Alexa! Yes.” And so it went for another minute or two.

Alas, I decided I was thirsty and went to the ‘fridge. But along the way, I elected to take a quick bio break. The only things missing from this admittedly self-inflicted death-spiral of distraction is the dog dropping a tennis ball in my lap, the kids asking for homework help, or my wife asking whether she should wear “This blouse … or this blouse?”

Irony of ironies, I was living proof of the very New World challenge we all face to varying degrees … mostly chronic, I’d say. What I was trying to write about was not being written because I allowed myself to be distracted. I couldn’t maintain – much less regain – my focus and nearly 45 minutes had gone by.

Somewhere M’M’M’Max Headroom and his blipverts smile.

Stolen Focus

My desire to address our squirrel-like, mental darting from one thing to another to another was the result of listening to a recent, insightful satellite radio interview with author Johann Hari, whose latest book is entitled STOLEN FOCUS: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How You Can Think Deeply Again [Bloomsbury Publishing, January 2022]. True to its title, the book addressed the hurdles we all face in today’s society as we try to stay mono-focused or on-task. Once interrupted, studies show it takes an average of three minutes to re-focus and, let’s face it, that’s plenty of time for another ping, a ding and a beep-beep-beep reminder or alert.

Now, this isn’t anything criminal in nature, mind you, but there is larceny involved – our productivity, our engagement with others and, I would venture, the quality of our lives. If you’re guilty, you deserve to be that person who was so compelled to return a text message while walking through a mall that she tripped and fell right into a fountain.

Justice was served …

In the interview, Hari shared the impetus for his latest book: “I was really troubled by something which is that, with every passing year, it felt to me that things that require deep focus, that are very deep to my senses – stuff like reading a book, watching a long movie, having deep conversations – were getting more and more like running up and down an escalator.”

So when I got home, I went online and immediately ordered a copy of Hari’s book which was on back-order since apparently, a lot of us count constant distractions as an issue in our lives that needs to be rectified or at least better managed. Since then, I’ve read about the book but, truly, I haven’t actually started reading the book even though it finally arrived.

You see, I’ve been distrac … oh, never mind.

Let’s take a look at four nuggets from STOLEN FOCUS: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How You Can Think Deeply Again …

We’re Switching Tasks at Unprecedented Speed.

Some graciously refer to it as “multi-tasking” but fact is, we’ve got too much “stuff” going on at one time and too many devices and tech “advancements” that are all, at once, simply much too important to ignore. Or so we think. [There is method to this madness and we’ll address that momentarily.]

“There’s been such an enormous increase in the volume of new information available every second that we’ve become transfixed by things that are very fast and temporary like a Twitter feed,” Hari told the interviewer. “The more information we inhale, the less we’re able to focus on any one piece of it. Our brains aren’t designed to absorb so much at a time.”

Hari referenced a study in which 136 students took an exam, some with their phones nearby and powered on and some with their phones nearby but turned off. Those whose phones were still in play scored, on average, 20% lower than those who were mono-focused. That’s scary! [Moms, Dads, listen up. A 20% swing to the south is the difference between your child bringing home an A … or a C, or worse depending on that school’s grading system.]

Hari went on to say we should separate ourselves from sources of distraction – not just smart technology but anything else that will derail our train of focus. Otherwise, it’s “simply too hard to resist that informational tap on the shoulder”.

Technology Is Deliberately Designed to Distract.

Plain and simple, when our eyes are focused on a screen – smartphone, tablet, laptop and obviously television – someone somewhere is attempting to monetize this engagement. “When we’re looking at our screens, these companies make money. When we’re not, they don’t. So they manipulate us to keep us there, scrolling and clicking, scrolling and clicking. Whenever you’re tempted to put your phone [or other device down], the site keeps drip-feeding you the kind of material that it has learned from your past online behavior.”

Ironically, those advertisers and other determined profiteers who are working so hard to get into our wallets sometimes create a bit of a backlash among those who are so irritated by the nature or frequency of the interruptions that they ultimately choose to do business elsewhere.

One of the Best Ways Out of Distraction Is Finding Your Way into the Flow.

Hari says a “flow state” isn’t easy to put into the words but does his best with: “[A flow state] is when you are so absorbed in what you are doing that you lose all sense of yourself, and time seems to fall away, and you are flowing into the experience itself. It is the deepest form of focus and attention we know of.”

Have you ever been so engrossed in an audio book while driving that you miss your exit by 10 miles? Yep, me too. That’s a flow state. And like meditation, it takes practice, practice, practice.

There’s Not an Easy Solution.

There are ways to reduce the likelihood of falling prey to distractions but they take discipline and consistency and, well, that too can be in short supply.

Hari suggested implementing a “10-minute rule”. Whenever you feel the urge to check your phone, be disciplined and wait 10 minutes first. Alternatively, you can change the notification settings on your phone so apps aren’t tapping on your shoulder every few minutes. It might also be time to eliminate some of those apps that tend to be more annoying than helpful in your daily life. Sports and news apps seem to be hellbent on notifying you of every little inconsequential happening in the world so ask yourself, “Do I really use that app …?”

Hari also bought a kSafe, which is basically a plastic canister with a lock and timer built into the lid. In it, you can stow your cell, TV remote, car keys, even snacks. It comes in a clear plastic but I’d suggest getting a colored-wall kSafe or you’ll be distracted by the sight of these pieces of “forbidden fruit”. There’s also a computer software named Freedom which blocks access to the internet for designated periods.

On an interesting side note, even Hari forces himself off social media for six months each year, sort of a cyber version of Dry January. He even had a friend change his passwords so if temptation got the best of him, he couldn’t cheat. You can always give that a whirl – maybe even just a week, a month or three months– but, ahem, remember how your New Year’s Resolutions and Dry January worked out?

I’d like to say rising above these distractions is as simple as boning up on personal discipline but it’s not. There’s something narcotic about these focus-robbing sources of alluring information. Try as you might, it doesn’t come easily. Some would say managing your precious focus needs a 12-step program. Yet, distractions remain so tempting …

What true-blue soccer fan wouldn’t want to know the halftime score of that Premier League match …?

Hey, it’s Friday. Maybe that restaurant GroupOn alert is something I’d like to take advantage of.

Oh, wow, I haven’t heard from them in years. I gotta take this call!”

“Yes, I’ll take you to the Emergency Room, just let me finish this text first!”

And so it goes. But you already knew that. Because you’re living proof of this modern-day affliction just like I am.

Hari stresses that this constant flow of task-busting info – accompanied by various beeps and pings and, Lord help us, that Tin Lizzie ringtone – are a systemic problem and can only be addressed, managed and reined in on a systemic level. It’s not just on the individual to get themselves back on track, it’s a shared responsibility with those advertisers, promoters and hustlers who want a lion’s share of your focus at the expense of your workplace productivity, your personal relationships, your exercise regimens, etc.

“The truth is you are living in a system that is pouring acid on your attention every day,” Hari says, “and then you are being told to blame yourself and to fiddle with your own habits while the world’s attention burns. Systemic problems require systemic solutions.”

In short, it’s time to tell those purveyors and peddlers of non-stop dings and pings and beep-beep-beeps to simply bleep off!

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

P.S. – Click this link to order your copy of ‘STOLEN FOCUS: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How You Can Think Deeply Again.’ [Amazon Prime – $19.60].

The post Let’s Focus On The Issue Of Focus. [Yeah, Good Luck With That.] appeared first on dynami.

“Well, the food quality was poor and the service was worse.” Needless to say, I was surprised by her response.

But then again, maybe I wasn’t.

It seems so much has slipped in America [and most of the world] the past two years. I won’t bore you with what you already know about the principal driver of this mess. But it does seem, as a country, we’re at a 12-way intersection, none of the lights are working, everybody’s trying to switch lanes, and we innocent pedestrians simply want to reach the other side of this stressful “messful” of yuck.

These roads are named: Inflation, Crime, Politics, Racism, Supply Chain, Immigration, Labor Shortages, Education, Gas Prices, Cancel Culture, MaskNoMask, and VaxxNoVaxx . They’re converging simultaneously, each is gridlocked, and the media reporting on these issues is the equivalent of a cacophony of honking, obnoxious geese.

No wonder so much has slipped.

What do you do?

CHOOSE TO WALK AWAY …

Hand-scribbled signs in restaurant windows plead with guests to Please be kind to those staff members who showed up for work today. Everyday consumers are frustratingly aware of the long  stretches of unoccupied grocery shelves. We’ve all gotten the “delivery delay” alerts from Amazon. And filling up your tank means emptying your wallet.

I have certainly not been immune to the challenges we’ve all been facing. My head’s not buried in the sand. I mean, who hasn’t had a less-than-stellar experience whether you’re shopping, dining, traveling or simply pumping gas?

I work in the hospitality industry which has been hit hardest by the circumstances of the last two years. In the past, when an RFP was sent to a hotel, a response was turned right away. But hotels haven’t brought back all the sales reps they furloughed or cut altogether, and many of those folks have migrated to real estate or software sales. As a result, the talent pool is shallower than usual and we have to wait much longer for responses.

Again I ask, “What do you do?”

You walk away. You find another way.

If you look closely enough, you’ll see nearby there’s a quieter, more peaceful way to the other side. It’s the intersection of Civility, Kindness and Resilience. And on the other side, we find Happiness and Hope. And we’ve all got it within reach though there are times when it’s hard to square that reality.

THE AMERICAN WAY …

Corny as it may sound to some, I believe in the American Way of Life. There’s a reason why I left my homeland nearly 30 years ago and later became a U.S. citizen. I wanted to live in America. I wanted to call myself an American. I was drawn to The American Way.

Wikipedia tells us, “The American Way of Life is an ethos that adheres to the principle of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. At the center of the American Way is the belief in an American Dream that is claimed to be achievable by any American through hard work.”

I would add resilience and perseverance to that definition.

Those of us of a certain age have seen challenging, terrible times before. Remember 9-11? The horror of it all? And how it forever robbed us of our sense of security?

Remember the economic collapse of 2008 and the long, protracted recovery, the longest in American history? How it rocked everyone’s world and changed the game? [I remember in the midst of that downturn, a friend asked, “What do you call your realtor these days?” His answer: “Your waiter or waitress.”]

And now, even those are hard to find. I’m sure that’s a big part of why my wife said the service was terrible when she met her friend for dinner.

Look, this is not meant to be a downer, not at all. Quite the opposite, actually. It’s my intent to reinvigorate your sense of hope and kick-start your resilient spirit … and show you there is a way to be better than the circumstances, much better. I believe in you as much as I believe in me. I believe in all of us.

MOONLIGHTING … OR BOONDOGGLELIGHTING?

Another interesting result of today’s work-from-home flexibility and myriad social issues is the uptick in “moonlighting” or, perhaps more appropriately, “slacking” among some remote workers. A surprising 13% percent of the outta-sight-outta-mind crowd admitted in a recent Fast Company survey they work 10-20 hours per week for another company.

And while hustling a side gig to make a little extra money has always been a “thing”, those working 10-20 hours elsewhere admit it negatively impacts their performance for their primary employer. These are not hourly-wage employees, they’re high-salaried, skilled, educated professionals.

One eyebrow-raising example was a Washington, DC Assistant Principal who somehow worked a second, remote job as a Principal for a school in Providence, RI and didn’t reveal this to either employer. He was eventually exposed and both sides said his duplicity had short-changed students, parents and faculty at both schools. It not only got him fired, authorities are looking into fines and possible jail time for the individual.

An extreme example, yes, but that’s why I say so much seems to have slipped. We act in ways we might not have ever thought of acting before.

NUMBERS DON’T LIE …

While some industries have flourished in these tough times — online retailing, delivery services, and video conferencing, to name a few —  virtually everyone has felt the impact at some level or another. And it shows in polling.

A Gallup poll released two weeks ago revealed:

• The “National Satisfaction Reading” [essentially, being content with where we are as a country right now] is a stunningly low 17%, even lower than Congressional job approval [18%].
• In early 2020, prior to the pandemic, a record-high 65% of American adults indicated they were “very satisfied” with their personal lives. By and large, we were happy. That now stands at 51%.

But there’s hope on the horizon.

Another recent poll, this one conducted by Monmouth, showed 70% of those queried said they want things to “get back to normal” ASAP. To me, that’s a clear sign of faith in who we are as individuals and as a nation. That’s an indication we have not given up. It’s a reawakening to the fact America is indeed resilient. We can fall down seven times and stand up eight, as the ancient proverb goes.

In the meantime, while our nation continues to pull itself up by the bootstraps — as we always do – choose to rise above the fray and simply walk away from the yuck. Find a better way and make sure it includes civility, kindness and resilience. Be better than the yuck.

I believe in you … and in us.

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

The post Sometimes You Just Need To Walk Away… appeared first on dynami.

Last week, the Atlanta Braves did the improbable. They were hit hard by several season-ending injuries and a player suspension and their win-loss record was underwater for the first four months of the season. They finally got to .500 in early August. From there, it was perhaps the most unlikely of championship runs, culminating with a 7-0 road victory in Game 6 over the Houston Astros to claim the World Series trophy.

For fans of the “Bravos”, it had been a long wait.

Last Friday, as I watched on TV the victory parade through downtown Atlanta and on to Truist Park just north of the city, it occurred to me how different this was for me versus 1995 when the Braves last won the Series.

I’d recently moved to The States from London and I was immediately swept up in the excitement of that team. I distinctly remember celebrating after the Series clincher [also a Game 6 shutout, ironically] quite, ahem, lavishly as a single man in the Buckhead entertainment district of Atlanta. Fast-forward 26 years and, well … the more things change, the more they change. [That may become my new mantra.]

You see, I now have a wife, two children, a mortgage, a dog and a pair of businesses to run. This time around, I celebrated at home on my couch, not in lively Buckhead with hundreds, if not thousands, of other revelers.

But all is good. It was terrific then and it was terrific last week … despite being drastically different.

Seismic Shifts

In much the same way, our personal lives and our work lives have changed significantly the past two years. [I won’t remind, or bother, you with details of what you already know.] Catch-phrases like “The New Reality” and “The New Normal” have been tossed about like so much salad. And while that may have sounded ominous and uncomfortable at first, it strikes me this isn’t the first time in our country’s history that a seismic shift of some ilk has occurred. And those worked out splendidly. Consider, among others:

• The American Revolution was a political upheaval that led to America’s independence as a constitutional republic.
• The Industrial Revolution took us from hand-made goods to manufactured goods and the ability to mass-produce things like textiles, automobiles, steam power and electricity.
• More recently, the Technology Revolution has shifted us from analog to digital and the internet, email and mobile smart devices.

These were all seismic shifts at the time and I’m sure plenty of folks were uncomfortable with their version of the New Reality when they occurred. Change, in and of itself, is a natural driver of human uneasiness but over time we generally realize these historical resets have been synonymous with progress and convenience. Imagine having to hand-sew your work clothes before hopping on your horse to go to an office cooled by open windows or heated by a fireplace in the corner. Then dip your quill in the ink well and hand-write your sales strategy for the upcoming fiscal year before picking up a block of ice on the way home to keep your perishables fresh.

Ah, no thank you.

Perhaps we should drop  the “R” in “Revolution” in favor of “Evolution”. Because that’s what these shifts were … a point of radical change and advancement.

Wonderful Byproducts

Now, we find ourselves in a seismic shift that began in early 2020 and continues … and will likely become mainstream, if it hasn’t already. This includes a shift in the way we live our lives at home, at work and anywhere in between like the local coffee shop, grocery store or the post office.

Even a shopping spree has been redefined. It can be accomplished without ever straying from the home. I know I prefer shopping online instead of having to burn time traveling to and from the mall to look through rack after rack, or shelf after shelf, for what I want. [On a side note, imagine having bought $1,000 of Amazon stock at its IPO in 1997. You’d have nearly $18,000 today!]

Greater convenience and more wide-ranging flexibility are wonderful byproducts that have tumbled from everything we’ve endured during this particular historical evolution in our lives. Americans are rethinking everything – where we live, where we work, what we do for a living, how many hours a week we want to dedicate to an employer versus family, friends or a leisure pursuit. Lately, I’ve seen a shift on LinkedIn where job-seekers are making bold statements like “I want to take back my life by finding a job with an employer who lets me work remotely and understands weekends and evenings are mine.”

Employers are finding, for the first time in history, they’re having to meet employees on their terms or there won’t be employees to peddle that product, service the IT needs, design the next cyber-widget, or manage company financials. More and more, people have decided they want to work fewer hours, travel more, avoid long commutes, and take their lunch break in the own kitchen, not a cafeteria. Others have opted for retirement earlier than they’d originally planned. Nevertheless, a ton of studies have shown, in most cases, productivity has either sustained itself or increased slightly. All in all, a win-win for both employer and employee.

If you’re a business owner, a manager, a director or other, simply get more creative. We can still do what we love to do in terms of a career but there are now new ways to accomplish all of our goals and objectives – whether they’re for the home or in the office.

So if you haven’t already done so, consider shifting your interpretation of the past 20 months. Hit that reset button and embrace life as we know it in 2021 and in the coming new year. Because perception is indeed reality and you might just discover a shift in your outlook will reveal that lining in the dark cloud wasn’t actually silver, it was gold!

Cheers,

Kenneth Jones

P.S. – From all of us at dynami group [where we’ve happily adjusted the way we approach our work], we wish you and your family a truly warm and wonderful Thanksgiving however you choose to celebrate! In spite of all, we still have much, much to be grateful for … and, for us, that includes each of you.

The post We’re Experiencing A Seismic Shift … And That’s Good News! appeared first on dynami.