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Motivation In Life\’s Journey

Good Day Friends, What is your motivation? Motivation for what you might ask? Well, for living, that\’s what. What is it that makes you get up in the morning and do what you need to do?

The answer of “well, I have to make money to support my family or myself” rings true, however it will only carry one so far. So go deep….what motivates you to live? And if you don\’t find yourself really living, but merely getting by and going through the motions of life, I ask you “why do you accept this path?”

I challenge you to think of something you really like to do and then begin LIVING it.

We all have the ability to be victorious, to become champions in our own life. It does not have to be on the state, national, or world level, but we can all be at the top of the podium right in our own homes. I am physical living proof that we can be taken from dark places and be propelled into the light of victory!

We were all given the mechanism of choice by our creator; HE wants us to choose the path of victory and not mediocrity. With this mechanism of choice, most of the time, it is our own self that chooses not to “I dare you” in the mirror….so go ahead and dare yourself to live, you\’ll be amazed at what you are going to accomplish!

I dare you!

Best regards to all and may your day be blessed!

Mike Daley
http://www.ethicalbusinessconnections.com

What’s Your Passion? Discovering What Makes You Come Alive!

Let’s face it. There is no Secret. The word is out. If you can think it, believe it, and FEEL it, you can achieve it. Intention is the conscious choice to create- passion is the fuel. Your results will always match your true intentions. When we feel a passion for some thing or activity, it is because we are remembering what it was that we came to do in this world. When we are aligned with our heart’s deepest desires, we are co-creating with source energy. And from this marvelous state of desire and creation, arises your vision, a landscape to create BIG dreams, plot and cultivate your goals, and celebrate the outcomes! It all sounds so simple, and it is . . .sort of.

Internationally acclaimed author Marianne Williamson says. “You are a child of the universe. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world . . . As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

So why do some of us play so small? Are we afraid to let our own light shine? How do we get in touch with what we are really passionate about and live our life on purpose?

I have spent a good part of my adult life asking myself these very same questions and have created the RAW formula. R.A.W. (Relax, Ask, Write) works every time I start to lose sight of my path (my purpose) and feel the fire extinguishing. I do this process personally once or twice a year (normally in January and June), and I apply variations and expansions of this in my workshops. The results have been magnificent.

DISCOVERING PASSION- The R.A.W. Formula

1. RELAX

Create some time for you to be undisturbed (an hour if possible). Go into a meditative, inner, relaxed state. Use soothing music if that helps you get there. I prefer to focus on my breath and body sensations.

2. ASK YOURSELF

• What drives me? What do I really love to do?
• What’s really important to me? What do I stand for?
• What am I good at? Hint: Activities that are naturally easy for you; you know you are good at it, and others do as well!
• What puts a big smile on my face, or a skip in my step?
• What types of people do I love to be around?
• What are my unique skills and talents? (Talents and passions often go hand in hand).

Answers to these questions all provide clues to your purpose.

3. WRITE

What answers revealed themselves with your inquiry? If you want to live a passionate, purposeful life, start by writing your passions down.
Go with your first impulse. Keep writing. Don’t second-guess.
As you are writing these passions, notice:
What you are feeling inside?
Are you expanding or contracting?
Is your breath deep, even, and relaxed or short, constricted, and shallow?
Are you excited, afraid, or both?

It is very helpful to start each passion statement with a verb (teaching workshops, dancing tango, writing bestsellers; traveling to Mediterranean countries; riding my bicycle on a beautiful summer eve) for example. These action words help ignite passion in the subconscious. When you write your passions in a way that excites you, you feel excited.

If you are feeling stuck as you go through this process, one of the more powerful ways to excavate the fire within is to do some “time travel” to your childhood.
Write down significant events in your life in three-year interval periods (ages 4-7, 8-11, 12-15,16-19.) What were you doing? How did you spend your time? What activities were you involved in that you loved the most? Do you notice any patterns?

Once you make your list, remove yourself from it for a few hours or until the next day. Go back over what you have written and circle the words/activities that appear more than once. The first time I did this exercise, I was amazed at how many times travel appeared as significant learning-turning points in my life. International travel is one of my top passions. The others are performing, teaching, speaking, and writing.

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT

Okay, so let’s say you have uncovered or rediscovered your passions. Now what? One fun and powerful first step is to create a Vision Canvas- a vibrant expression of your passions as if you are living them NOW. When you are clear, what you want will show up in your life. Get as specific as possible with the images on your Vision Canvas. Add affirmations to the images (in the present tense) that support you living your passions. And then, focus, focus, focus on what you want!

STAY COMMITTED

Take time daily to review your passions and Vision Canvas. There may be times you find yourself not wanting to read your passions or focus on your goals and vision. Is there an underlying fear or belief that you can’t achieve what you have written? Examine this. Are your focusing on something you don‘t want? If that’s the case, flip the switch now. Remember the “Law of Attraction” is about energy and vibration. Where we put our attention, creates our experience. Focusing on what you don’t want will deaden your passions (and bring more of what you don’t want). A skilled coach can guide you more with this process.

Take action everyday. The only time to take action is NOW. What actions are you taking in support of your passions, everyday? Whenever you are faced with a decision, choose in favor of your passions.

PRACTICE APPRECIATION

Studies have shown that brain and hormonal activity shifts significantly simply by giving attention to what you are grateful for. Additionally, there are some very interesting studies from the University of Utah linking gratitude to better immune system functioning. I find making a quick list (or verbal scan) of all that I am grateful for, either first thing in the morning or before sleeping, keeps me living with optimism, intention, and momentum.

GIVE YOUR VISIONS A LIFT

According to T. Harv Eker, best-selling NY Times author, how you do anything is how you do everything (from making your bed to running your company). How are you expressing your passions in life? Half-heartedly or with the precision of an elite athlete? Passions are irresistible. When you are truly passionate about something, there is absolutely nothing that can keep you from it. Give your visions a lift. Take one more step today!

ABOUT the Author

Sheryl R. Sever (Shera) is an organizational consultant and business coach. A passionate, small business advocate, she writes and speaks regularly on business development, career transition, leadership, change and innovation in the workplace.

Shera has been developing and leading communications and leadership seminars and workshops for over 15 years and has trained and coached corporate, educational, and organizational leaders and solo professionals from over 40 countries on 4 different continents.

She has served on the faculty of the Creative Work/Life Transitions Program at San Francisco State University, and as a Life Directions Coach with Peak Potentials Training. In collaboration with the Jewish Vocational Services in San Francisco, her Career Development Training for Employment Specialists won a national award for “Most Innovative Curriculum”. She currently is the Business Trainer for C.E.O. Women’s Entrepreneurship award-winning training program for immigrant and refugee women.

The Motivated Mind a Disciplined Mind

If you’ve ever had a hard time getting or maintaining self discipline, you may have been struggling with a lack of motivation. Motivation and discipline usually go hand-in-hand because without motivation, it is nearly impossible to become disciplined. Ironically, once you become disciplined you rarely need to be motivated to keep your life running smoothly.

Self Discipline is a willingness and commitment to do what needs to be done. Without discipline, our lives would be in disarray. Think about the things you do on a daily or weekly basis that are required in order to maintain your life properly. Housework, laundry, grocery shopping, fueling and maintaining your vehicle, working, bathing, paying bills, balancing the checkbook, sleeping, and more are all required activities. Without them, what would your life look like?

If you already have a strong sense of discipline, you likely do these things without much thought. You know they must be done, so you just do them. On the other hand, if you lack discipline, you may find yourself procrastinating and putting your duties aside – which can create a colossal mess if it’s done too frequently.

Discipline is also required when you are working toward a goal. If you don’t complete the steps that will create the outcome you desire, you will not meet your objective. When you first set your goals, you may have strong motivation which can help you gain some valuable momentum.

However, ingrained habits and an undisciplined mind may eventually prevent you from establishing continuity; and without some kind of inner or outer motivation you are unlikely to develop the discipline you need.

In order to escape this stagnant cycle and develop a strong sense of self-discipline, you need to get and stay motivated! How can you do this? There are several ways, but here are few to begin with:

Focus on the benefits. With every task or chore you do, spend a few moments emphasizing the benefit you will receive from doing it. In order to get and stay motivated, it is crucial to have some sort of payoff in mind. Even if your payoff will come at a future time, remind yourself why this task or chore is a good thing.

See the big picture. Remember that this task is only one part of a larger puzzle. It’s hard to get inspired about scrubbing a toilet, until you envision your entire home clean and shining. By looking at the big picture, each little task will retain a measure of importance in your own mind.

Do it for the discipline. In order to develop strong discipline, you’ll need to keep strengthening your proverbial “discipline muscle” bit by bit. The only way to do this is by pushing yourself to do the things you have to do! As you complete each task related to your goal (or even your household chores) keep affirming that you are developing stronger and stronger discipline with each passing day. Eventually you’ll find yourself easily doing what needs to be done and it won’t be a struggle anymore – because you’ll already be disciplined!

The Three Disciplines is a Six CD Program that Kevin Hogan personally created and recorded it for you. The program is available in the http://www.store.kevinhogan.com/

Kevin Hogan, Psy.D. is the author of 16 books including Selling Yourself to Others, The Psychology of Persuasion and The Science of Influence. You can find numerous FREE resources about self discipline and motivation at http://www.kevinhogan.com/

Your Experiences of Childhood, Determines Your Personality

Introduction

We all know that there are various factors that affect our personality. These factors can be family atmosphere, culture and beliefs of the family, social factors and at times just one incident of your life can also influence your personality. It can change the way you look at life and people around you. For the purpose of this article, we will be concentrating on childhood experiences. Here we will be covering the life-span of 1-19 years of age. The mind of a child is like a white-board, where we can write anything. You can draw any type of picture; can use any type of color and those experiences determine the personality of a person.

Let’s define “Disturbed Childhood / Adulthood”

1) Fights / quarrels between parents

2) Tensed atmosphere at home (Fights with relatives. Drinking and smoking habits of Parents. Parents insulting each other, in front of outsiders, children and others. Etc.)

3) Parents not spending enough time with children

4) Divorce

5) Gender Discrimination (As happens in India and other Asian Countries)

6) Financial Status of the family (Not having enough to eat. Not enough clothes. Nothing to choose from. To get one thing, one needs to sacrifice another. Etc.)

7) Sexual Abuse by relative, family member or a known person

These are some of the factors, which affect the childhood / adolescent and determine the personality and “type of future” of a child.

Defining the Social Environment

In last couple of weeks I read few articles / stories, giving the biographical insight of the concerned individuals. Let’s be very honest and practical and accept the fact that though we are in 21st Century but in this part of the world we still have gender bias. There are specified and pre-determined roles for males and females. There are certain manners in which these two lovable creatures of the God are treated. There are defined boundaries for each of them. Any thing out side that boundary; any behavior and role outside that limit are still treated as an offence. You might argue that and say that this is not the actual scene. So, I like to remind you that the actual India is not living in seven metros or 27 capital cities. People living in those areas are just 15% of the total population. Actual India is still living in rural areas. Those are the people who are not even aware of different events that are happening in other parts of the country. They are not aware of different laws that are specifically made for them.

This is to give you an overview of social environment in this part of the world. (And I am sure that the situation in other countries is also not very appreciable or encouraging).

Let’s be practical

In this type of social environment, if there is a family as mentioned above, you can very well, imagine the type of impact that it can have on an individual. What will be the different hurdles this individual might face, if he or she wants to come in life.

When you have disturbed family, where there is constant fight (verbal and physical) between parents, constant nagging, gender bias, poor financial status and to add to all this, if there is sexual abuse; in such scenario, you have only two options:

1) Be a victim. Surrender yourself to the circumstances. Tolerate as long as you can. Either you will become like them or you will end your life.

2) Rebel. Revolt. Situation of your life cannot be worse than what you are already facing. So, go out of your “so-called” pre-defined boundary; break all norms and rules of the society and face the world head-on.

If you choose the second option, yes, there will be objections, there will be resistance, there will be more hurdles but at the same time you will be more satisfying. Just to share two examples here:

1) Late Dhirubhai Ambani: Some people consider him as a great businessman and other consider him as one of the most corrupt businessman. Going by what I have read and seen that this individual had a dream but his father never allowed him to flourish that dream. He came from the middle-class family. He wanted to grow big. He wanted to make his name. He wanted to create wealth. First by father and then by big industrialists, he was not allowed to grow. Then, he created different route for himself. He talked in the language, that others were able to understand. Today, his family is a “wealth creator” in this part of the world. And, mind you…all this has been done in just over 45 years.

Some of his best quotes are:

• I am deaf to the word “no”.”

• “Think big, think fast, think ahead. Ideas are no one’s monopoly”

• “Pursue your goals even in the face of difficulties, and convert adversities into opportunities.”

• “Meeting the deadlines is not good enough, beating the deadlines is my expectation.”

• “We cannot change our Rulers, but we can change the way they Rule Us.”

2) Late Phoolan Devi (Bandit Queen): Phoolan Devi was born into a family of the shudra sub-caste of a boatman called mallah in the small village of Uttar Prdaesh, India. At the age of 11 years, she was married to a widower 20 years elder to her. Her husband used to rape her and mistreat her. Later, he abandoned her and sent her back to her village. Her family also disowned her. Later in her life, on one occasion she was kidnapped and then raped by many males of higher caste. Had it been anybody else what she could have done? She created one gang, attacked the same village where she was raped and then killed all those males who raped her.

Our life is full of such experiences. Many people choose to be a victim and call it as their destiny. Very few people have courage and guts to revolt / rebel. Those who rebel, not many are able to face and overcome the resistance.

The words are very clear on the wall, “Do or perish”

More Practical Scenarios

• A female has been sexually abused / raped by her own people. There cannot be anything worse and humiliating then this.

• As happened a few months back in Pakistan, where one lady was asked to walk nude, in front of all villagers. There cannot be anything more insulting then this.

• There is another woman who is physically and sexually abused by her husband. There cannot be anything more torturing than this.

• What will be the outcome of such experiences?

In these scenarios, many females go under depression. Some even commit suicide. Some take this as a part of their destiny. Very few have the courage to continue and fight the society for her respect and dignity.

There is a male, whose father is a gambler, he drink everyday; when at home, he beat his wife and children. He takes fight with everyone in the neighborhood. The financial position of the family is not good enough. They don’t have enough to eat. There is no money to send kids to school. No one wants to mingle with this male. Now, what are the options left with this guy? Either he will continue to live like this for the rest of his life or he will try imitate the ways of his father or he will revolt, move on his own in a different and yet unknown paths in search of happy, successful and peaceful life. That path certainly will not be very easy to walk-on. There will be resistance, hurdles and other objections. If this individual gives-up and is not able to take that much of pressure, then he will move on in another way and that way will be that of criminals and crimes.

Conclusion

There is an old saying that people are not good or bad since from their birth. People become good or bad, based on their experiences and circumstances revolving around their life. Criminals are not born but society creates criminals. Onus is on family. Onus is on parents and teachers to better people for the society.

Every individual has a role to play. Parents should take the responsibility not only “to give life” but also to nourish and groom that life. Don’t have kids just for the sake of having few, if you cannot nourish those kids or if you cannot give future to those kids. Its high-time and now people should start planning their life. They should start taking charge of their life.

These are my views and others might or might not agree with it.

Give your feedback and share your opinion.

Regards

Sanjeev Himachali

(BLOG: http://sanjeevhimachali.blogspot.com/ ; http://sanjeevhimachali.multiply.com/ )

(E-mail: ss_himachali@yahoo.com; sanjeev.himachali@gamil.com )

Sanjeev Himachali
Blog: http://sanjeevhimachali.blogspot.com
E-mail: ss_himachali@yahoo.com; sanjeev.himachali@gmail.com

Risking Everything

The movie What’s Eating Gilbert Grape takes place in a small sleepy town of Endora with the storyline built around a poor, fatherless, dysfunctional family. While you may be familiar with Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Steenburgen and Juliette Lewis, the star who stole my heart was Darlene Cates. She played Momma, a former beauty queen who, because of circumstances, became a 500-pound recluse who had given up on life—except for eating, sleeping and channel surfing.

She had little purpose in life and would rather be dead than seen in public. One day, her “slow” son (DiCaprio) was put in jail for climbing the water tower for the umpteenth time. The Sheriff had had enough and made good on his promise of arrest after looking the other direction since the first incident.

Momma was worried to death about her son suffering in a cold cell. Unfamiliar with his surroundings, he might scream and sob all night or inflict self-injury. This time she knew nothing else would get her son out except a face-to-face confrontation with the law.

Of course, she did a lot of soul-searching…

This meant facing embarrassment, shame and humiliation. This meant people stopping to stare, kids pointing and laughing, townsfolk gossiping, heckling and telling fat jokes. This meant risking everything she valued in life to get her boy back.

Gilbert (Depp) drove the family to the courthouse steps. Momma got out the car and with her walking cane, made a staggered beeline to the Sheriff’s office. She screamed the Sheriff’s name and demanded for her son. When the sheriff made an excuse about police procedure she screamed even louder, “My son! Give me my son!”

The office staff was quite invisible at this moment. Their codes, policies and procedures didn’t prepare them for matters of the heart. They cowered beneath the undying love of an angry mother.

Momma wouldn’t take no for an answer. This caught everyone, including her family, by surprise. With the guts and determination Momma showed, the sheriff had no choice but to give her what she wanted. There wasn’t a braver soul in Endora.

Momma risked everything to get her son back. There was no other alternative. There was no other choice. She had to conquer her inner demons.

Have you ever taken any risks?

I don’t mean gambling your paycheck away at poker, driving 85 miles-per-hour on a 65 miles-per-hour highway, or eating fast food every day. I’m talking about serenading your sweetheart when you can’t hit a note, going up against your boss and his gang of “Yes Men” in a company meeting, or jumping out of an airplane for the first time in your life. You know, the stuff that really matters. The stuff that causes you to stretch and makes something of you.

Imagine you had to do something you’re uncomfortable at, or perhaps it was your first time…

For me that would be swimming. I’ve been in the pool a few times during high school and even took some lessons, but don’t ask me to rescue your drowning cat. The closest you would ever find me to a pool is when I’m in the Jacuzzi.

But couldn’t I become an adequate swimmer if I had enough practice? What if I hired a swim coach? Couldn’t I get comfortable in the water then?

Definitely. With enough practice anyone can get good at anything within reason. It centers on possibilities and your beliefs in what you can or cannot do.

If I were to take swimming lessons at the YMCA, I’d look rather silly because I’d be surrounded by children who’d probably laugh at me. But wouldn’t the shame and humiliation be worth it if I saved someone from drowning some day?

Tommy Yan helps business owners and entrepreneurs make more money through direct response marketing. He publishes Tommy’s Tease weekly e-zine to inspire people to succeed in business and personal growth. Get your free subscription today at www.TommyYan.com.

Get a FREE 5-week Secrets to Web Mastery e-course. If your websites aren’t making sales or capturing leads, you can’t afford to let it idle in Cyberspace. Read more…

Finding Your Life’s Passion

To many people go thru life and never find
their passion, their niche. That true sweet
spot that sends them soaring to get heights.

They will spend their whole lives in jobs
that they hate just waiting and hoping that
maybe, when they retire they’ll be able to
pursue their dream. But time has a way of
running out. How sad for those who let
their gifts go to waste. They never found
their life’s passion.

Then there are those of us who are
determined to build the life of our dreams.
Oh, our definitions of what that means
differs from one of us to the next but the
bottom line is the same.

Each of us are born with a purpose in life.

We have a gift that is unique to us. Our
job is to find talent then put it to work.
But how do you find it let alone use it?

One of my mentors stresses the importance
of saying yes to opportunities. When you
start saying yes, doors begin opening. You
find yourself in situations and doing things
you never even imagined. Before you know
it, you’re involved in activities that truly
touch you deep inside. You may not be the
best at what you’re doing in the beginning
but the passion for doing it is there. It’s
that passion that drives you to excellence.
It becomes a labor of love. You’ve heard it
said many times; “Do what you love and
success will follow”.

“That’s great,” you’re thinking but, that
still doesn’t tell you how to find your
talent.

Start with your church. “What?” you’re
thinking. Absolutely yes. Churches are
organizations made up of and run by people.
If it’s been your habit to get up on Sunday
morning and go sit in a seat half asleep
until the service is over, you’re missing
it. In most churches it’s about 10% of the
people doing 90% of the work. Let me tell
you, there’s alot of work.

It’s the one place that I know that has
constant openings where you can test out
your interests and abilities without the
risk of financial failure. It’s the one
place where you can find and develop your
passion then transfer those skills to the
open market.

Call your minister, pastor, or clergy.
Tell them that you would like to get
involved but don’t know where. They’ll go
thru a list of ministries with you. Don’t
let the word ministry scare you. A ministry
is anything that helps the congregation and
or the community in some way. Cooking is a
ministry.

My ability to find my way around a computer
screen led me into taking on with the church
bulletin. That little project is now a
booklet with a reporter and a staff. That’s
when I found my calling. Writing,
publishing, public relations, and
promotions. I truly love publishing and it
shows in the freelance offers that have been
coming my way.

Go ahead and try it. Don’t let fear hold
you back. Think that the time factor is an
issue? Wrong, Time doesn’t matter when
you’re doing what you love. So, go for it.

Feel free to email me
and let me know
what you’ve discovered about yourself. I
love success stories.

How to Make a Million Dollars - Step Eight

Expect pain as you will have to suffer. You will not make a Million Dollars without hurting. And sometimes it can be a fair amount of pain. Unless you win the lotto, it takes some time to get to that coveted Million Dollars, or a successful business or whatever the goal is. The problem is that we live in an age where instant gratification is a way of life.

While you build up the cash, the business, make a name for yourself, train to win championships as a sports person and any other number of efforts that contribute to the success of a Million Dollars in your account, you generally don’t earn a decent living. This is very painful.

I have come across people who worked really hard building their business but couldn’t actually cope with the idea that all that hard work was not bringing in a big salary. If you worked that hard for a company, you probably would get a really awesome pay package.

Sometimes it can take a few years to build up the business so that you can afford to pay yourself a really good wage. While you are suffering through this, your friends are earning good money and enjoying their holidays, new cars and beautifully furnished homes. They often also ensure that you understand how well they are doing and what you are missing.

I maintain that the reason such a large number of businesses don’t make it past the critical three years is that the owners are just not able to live with the pain that the effort requires. Constant worry about cash flow and whether salaries and the rent can be paid, are not easy to live with. Add to that the fact, that you can’t afford to live well, and often have to resort to baked beans and toast to keep yourself going, and one can easily see why people give up.

Sometimes they are forced to close their business down because they couldn’t resist paying themselves big salaries. After all it is what they deserve, isn’t it. How often do you see these young entrepreneurs flitting around in their fancy 4×4’s living in grand homes, and the business is running on huge borrowings to maintain the life style. However, the business hasn’t brought in sufficient profit to warrant paying out a large salary as yet. It is just a matter of time before the whole pack of cards falls down.

Talking about pain, have a look at Madonna and her road to success. When she first moved to New York in 1978, initially to become a dancer, she lived in squalor, working low-paying jobs including a stint at Dunkin’ Donuts. She only started making some money after five years, earning $5 000 per song in 1982 when she signed a singles deal with Sire Recrods. Now she is considered to be worth $325 million and the highest earning female singer. She also holds the record for the top-grossing concert tour by a female artist.

The no pain, no gain principle is also particularly relevant in the sport arena where athletes literally suffer pain through their hard training schedules. For years, while they build their skills and reputation they earn very little money, are constantly traveling, find it difficult to maintain personal relationships due to their nomadic lifestyle and have the threat of injury an ever present worry.

As much as sports people present a great example of the painful part of getting to the top and earning their Million Dollars, everybody suffers pain of some sort while working their way towards their goals. Its the pain that people shy away from. They are often happy to put in the hard work, be passionate, prepared to take on set backs and believe in themselves and other great attributes. But the pain of being broke, not being able to enjoy the luxuries in life, driving in a wreck of a car, envying friends of their successes and many more experiences, is what stops people from reaching their target of a Million Dollars.

Anja Merret lives in Brighton, UK. Her personal blog http://www.anjamerret.com allows her to voice opinions on issues that interest her and observations she makes.

She has started a new blog http://www.pinkblocks.com that deals with observations on self development and personal power. Her recommendation for self help tools may be found on http://www.anjamerret.blogspot.com

What’s in YOUR Wallet?

It’s rare to have an epiphany while standing in the middle of Hooters.

But I guess there’s a first time for everything.

“Look around this bar,” Matt urged, “and tell me what you see.”

“Um … hooters. I see hooters,” I said.

“Alright, wise-ass. Now tell me what you REALLY see,” Matt joked.

“Well, I see lots of businesspeople.”

“OK. Good,” he said. “Now. Do you know what all those businesspeople have in common?”

“No idea.”

“Here. Let me show you something,” he said as he pulled out his wallet.

Matt unfolded a well-worn piece of paper. Both sides were covered in text.

“These are my goals,” he proudly stated.

“What, like, ALL of them?”

“Yes. Every one of them. Over 100, too: short term, long term, personal, business, relationship, you name it!”

“Wow. THAT is cool,” I nodded. “And I see you’ve dated and quantified each goal too. Nice work.”

“Thanks,” Matt smiled. “Now, do you know why I showed this to you?”

I leaned forward.

“Because statistically, about three percent of all businesspeople actually write their goals down. And less than one percent actually carry their goals with them at all times.”

“Which means, at this very Hooters, at this very moment, I guarantee you that I’m the ONLY person in the room who has his goals written down AND stored in his wallet.”

A chill ran down my spine.

“That’s what all these people have in common. They just don’t get it.”

Matt changed me on that day.

The way I think about goals.
The way I think about self-motivation.
The way I think about personal success.

When I got home that night, I sat down until 1 AM typing out every one of my personal and professional goals on a single piece of paper.

When the printer finished up, I grabbed my goal sheet and took one last look at it.

And I felt excited. Confident. Motivated.

Then I folded it up, stuck it in my wallet and committed to looking at it once a day, every day, until every goal was accomplished.

My friend, I dare you.

I double dare you.

No, I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU … to do this exercise.

Because it won’t just change the way you look at goals.

It will change the way you walk into a room.

Because even when you’re feeling down … even when you’re feeling unsuccessful … and even when you think business sucks …

All you have to do is grab that little piece of paper out of your wallet, take one look around, and think to yourself, “You know, I’m probably the ONLY person in the room who has one of these.”

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What’s in YOUR wallet?

© 2007 All Rights Reserved.
Scott Ginsberg, aka “The Nametag Guy,” is the internationally recognized author of four books, including “The Power of Approachability” and “How to be That Guy.” He delivers speeches and publishes online learning tools that help businesspeople make a name for themselves - one conversation at a time.

He can be reached at 314/256-1800 or email scott@hellomynameisscott.com.

Ace’s Insights - Through Love

“The beloved is all that lives: the lover is a dead thing.” Rumi wrote that in his Odes over 700 years ago. He knew that love was all there is, and the lover and the beloved are one. There is no separation in love. There is no conflict. He also said: ” A life without love isn’t a life.” How simple those words are, how profound the message. Without the ability to love myself, I am a dead thing. My life isn’t a life, it is an illusion.

I look everywhere for the feeling and gratification that love provides, everywhere except within myself, where it sits waiting for me to remember. Spring is a feeling of love, creation is in bloom, birth surrounds me. Now is the reward of love, true living surrounded by my Source and all creation. I watch the expansion of the universe in unconditional love. I feel myself growing in gratitude and abundance. The essence of who I am is experienced in each word I write. In each thought I think. In each act I perform. I expand and grow into a grander version of All There Is, Love. Rumi wrote, “Through Love,” in his Odes. I thought this prayer would help keep me focused: Through Love

Through love bitter things seem sweet.
Through love scraps of copper are turned to gold.
Through love dregs taste like clear wine.
Through love agonies are healing balms.
Through love thorns become roses.
Through love vinegar becomes rich wine.
Through love the scaffold becomes a throne.
Through love disaster becomes good fortune.
Through love a prison becomes a rose garden.
Through love burning fire is a fragrant light.
Through love the devil becomes an angel.
Through love stones become soft as butter.
Through love grief is like delight.
Through love demons become servants of God.
Through love stings are like honey.
Through love lions are harmless as mice.
Through love sickness is health.
Through love the dead are resurrected.
Through love the emperor becomes a slave.
Rumi

Through love, I offer myself to you.

Hal Manogue is a poet and author of Short Sleeves A Book For Friends. Insightful thoughts for the 21st century. Hal’s 2006 collection and 2007 collection are available in bookstores and online.

Visit Hal’s website: http://www.shortsleeves.net or blog: http://halmanogue.blogspot.com/ for more information about his work and life. Download a copy of the new E-Book,”Unite To Write” a collection of articles written by writers around the globe, that will inspire and fill you with useful information. It’s value is priceless. It’s Hal’s gift to you.

Charge Because You Are In Charge

Charge: This English word carries an awesome secret to maximizing your potential and becoming what you were meant to be. Charge is an instruction that needs your immediate response. It is a secret to maximizing your performance and realizing your purpose and approaching your life as designed by God. It is a call to MORE. You must have had enough of mediocrity; living below your potential and above your means, and living a survival life. Enough! You are hungry for an opportunity to thrive. Let us take the word CHARGE and use it to set in motion a revolution in your life that will set you on fire. From here on, you will be untouchable. Here follows 5 ways to charge

1. Charge means Attack, Dash, Rush, Storm. It is forward leaning action. A deliberate refusal to wait for things to happen. There are three types of people on earthi. Those who watch things happen. Those who ask what happened?, and . Those who make things happen.People who Charge, make things happen. When everybody asks why they ask why not. The people who excel are those who will take the initiative and go out to get what they want

2. Charge means fill yourself. The cell phone is a crucial communication tool; unless it is charged opportunities are in danger of being missed. Just like the cell phone, we must stay charged; up-to-date with the current information relevant to what we seek. Being ever ready to grab opportunities as and when they make themselves available is a secret to success. That is what people who are lucky do. Luck is to labour under correct knowledge. Empower yourself with the information necessary for you to be what you want. The commentator was right – never dress for the job you are doing but for the job you want.

3. Charge means the Cost/Price of a product. The price you put on your product/service, determines the value people perceive about it. Cheap does not necessarily mean best. Cheap is associated with inferior quality. By the way you live/conduct yourself; you are telling us how much you are worth. You cannot say you are SOMETHING and act like a NOTHING. Practice what you claim. How much are you worth? No matter what your present circumstances are you must always live up to your true worth. Refuse to succumb to compromise. Your future is more important than your past. Live it, begin today.

4. Charge means ‘taking responsibility’. Being in charge of a department/ division/team does not mean BEING IN POWER – it means being responsible. Leadership is not power but influence and responsibility Take charge!!!! Leave the blame game. Refuse to give power to anyone over you. Take full responsibility for what happens to you. If a person can make you happy, they can make you angry. DON’T ABDICATE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

5. Charge also refers to an accusation levelled against a person. It is a declaration of a status, whether true or not. The onus rests on the charged to prove his/her innocence. Whether they committed the offence or not, once charged with a crime it affects you and you must work hard to prove or disprove the charge. What you say about yourself is a charge you lay against yourself. What type of words do you speak to and against yourself? Avoid negative words that perpetuate irrational thoughts and belies. Charge yourself with positive accusations. These five ways of charging can take you to a higher dimension than where you are. This is an instruction that needs immediate reaction. CHARGE because you are in charge.

Sipho Mnyakeni is the CEO of the Sipho Mnyakeni Inspiration and Leadership Education. Based in Bloemfontein, Sipho travels countrywide giving motivational and keynote addresses. He is the author of two books (1) Hola 7 and (2) The Winning Combination.

Contact him on info@siphom.com / 076 313 7872.
Website is http://www.siphom.co.za