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December 31, 2007
Rules for Success from a Motivating Taxi Driver by Zig Ziglar
One morning in Houston, Texas, I caught a taxi (to go to a breakfast meeting) and during a short ride I heard one of the finest sales talks on America and free enterprise that I ever heard. The cab driver had been a professional health care provider in his native Nigeria, but he preferred living in a free society, with the opportunity to do what he pleased, and so he was very excited about being a cab driver in Houston.
During our conversation my immigrant friend quickly turned to motivator and his enthusiasm led him to give me some rules for success! I offer them here so that you might benefit from them, too.
1. Pay your bills.
2. Obey the laws.
3. Keep your eyes on God. God is in charge.
4. Run from lazy, crooked people.
5. Make your workplace your home.
6. Love and honor your boss.
7. Keep your promises.
8. Mind your own business.
I was motivated by the cab driver who was excited about his dream and having the opportunity to live it. He had set his goal long ago. He was living his dream. He wasn't waiting until he could get into something better; he was performing with the opportunity he had. He was happy with what he had and was enthusiastically giving life his best shot. That, my friend, is marvelous preparation for a better tomorrow!
-- Zig Ziglar
Reprinted with permission fromYour Achievement Ezine
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December 29, 2007
Dial in the Tone by Tony Jeary
One of the primary tenets of any successful presentation (a presentation is defined as any time you talk to one or more people) design is the establishment of "tone."
When it comes to presentations, the term tone refers to much more than merely an individual's "tone of voice." The tone of a presentation is really about audience perception. The simple truth is that your success or failure at anything whether ordering a hamburger in a restaurant or speaking to a 5,000 person assembly is largely contingent upon how you are received by the person or persons you are speaking to.
Tone then, is really all about the way an audience is affected by (and therefore perceives) the sum of everything you do; from the way you speak, your gestures and the subject matter, to the way you dress.
A presentation's tone is contingent upon the many details, large and small, that collectively contributes to an overall impression: Was the subject matter enjoyable and useful? Was the presenter inviting? Did participants feel welcome? These are all questions of tone, and understanding how tone works and how to set the tone you want (need) is extremely important.
Any time a situation requires audience buy-in or a response of some kind regardless of whether your audience is one or 1,000 your best hope for communication lies in your ability to tailor the tone of the presentation to that specific audience. In my book, Inspire Any Audience, I spend a great deal of time going over the ins and outs of setting appropriate tone for a given situation. Different audiences and topics require different tones in order to be successful.
For example, the success of a presentation for a charity fund-raiser to a local high school group hinges on a tone that is most likely different than the one you would establish for a marketing presentation to a group of bank CEOs.
As complicated as some like to make the issue of establishing tone, when it's all said and done, it all comes down to one simple, golden rule:
It is a recognized fact that people dread attending most presentations almost as much as they dread giving them. Why? Because presentations have a reputation for being boring.
Let's face it; for most of us, our entire education has been "administered" to us in one form of a lecture or other. The lecture format for relaying information though now considered outdated by many education and training professionals has been the tried and true method for generations. The good news is that while few people enjoy being lectured, most everyone enjoys a lively conversation. The trick is in creating a conversational tone with even large groups, a feat that is ideally accomplished within the first two or three minutes of a presentation. In an attempt to make this easier to accomplish for the readers of my book, I have condensed from years of study and experience a listing of the 10 key tips for appearing conversational with even the largest groups. They are:
* Try to talk with not at your audience
* Use conversational language and avoid large, multi-syllable words
* Ask questions immediately and listen to the answers
* Get the audience involved, even if it means having them stand and shake each other's hands
* Place nothing between you and your audience avoid lecterns, podiums and risers when possible
* Mingle with your audience if possible, actually walk into the audience
* Use participant names whenever possible and encourage them to use yours
* Smile it's a natural conversation starter
* Use humor when and where you can
* Use personal anecdotes and stories they give your audience something to relate to and make the presentation experiential
As simple as these tips may initially seem, they are very powerful. Consistently applied, they are guaranteed to not only improve your presentations, but also increase your confidence and comfort level in front of any room.
Reprinted with permission fromYour Achievement Ezine
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December 28, 2007
The Christmas Truce by Ron White
It was referred to as the war to end all wars. Yet, two decades after World War I the world found itself once again entrenched in a global battle. Why was the First World War referred to as the war to end all wars? It earned this name because it was believed that with all the modern weapons of war, no nation would dare attack another for the sure bloodshed that would follow. The destruction of the First World War was horrific with over 10 million giving their lives in the name of their country.
In the midst of this brutality, death and destruction one of the most peculiar sights in human history evolved on a Christmas night in 1914. It was a sight rarer than watching a Texas baseball team in the World Series. On this incredible night almost a century ago soldiers on the western front did the unthinkable. Only days and perhaps hours before these men had found themselves frozen to the bone in the cold rain and mud. The sound of mortars still rang in their ears. The sight of their brothers in arms falling to the ground from a volley of bullets was still fresh in their minds. Yet something remarkable was about to take place on this Christmas Eve.
It was a truce in the fighting initiated by the low ranking men selected to do the fighting and dying. By all accounts this Christmas truce was not started by the British. It was, in fact, a result of the actions of the Germans. Yes, the country that it had become easy to vilify during this time period because of their horrific leaders and government policies was in fact a nation of people with hearts like you and I. These German soldiers lobbed a chocolate cake into the trenches of the British. Imagine that; you are used to seeing grenades land in your trench and instead the enemy has lobbed a chocolate cake with a request for an hour truce. The truce was for a birthday party for their captain. The truce was granted.
As a soldier in this war, it was comforting to know that your enemy was in the same miserable conditions that you were--the cold, the mud and the stench of death. Remarkably, it was in these conditions that a truce was born and soon Christmas carols burst forth from the trenches of the Germans, once again, an olive branch. The British were at first reluctant and rightfully so, this was war and any trick is fair game in war. Although, it was recognized for what it was. Men with hearts, moms, dads, children, hobbies, girlfriends, wives and compassion overcome with that compassion on the anniversary of the greatest sacrifice in the history of mankind. It was Christmas and the anniversary of the birth of a man who laid down his life for others, and the Germans were overcome with this spirit.
That Christmas Eve soldiers who had been engaged in the war referred to as 'the war to end all wars' because of its brutality, tossed their weapons of destruction aside and embraced, sang Christmas songs and even wandered the battle field playing soccer with each other and sharing cigarettes. It has been said that hundreds and as many as thousands participated in this most magical holiday truce.
There is something about this time of year that you can't pinpoint. It is something that you can't put your finger on. It is a spirit that is in the air. It is a spirit that begs you to forget differences, embrace those you love and even those you don't. It challenges you to give until you can't give anymore. Sometimes the cloud of challenges in life can spur a person to brush aside the undeniable feelings that are in the air at Christmas time. Too often the pressures of life can convince you the spirit of joy and giving are gone and that what you are sensing is nothing more than a coincidence of the time of year. In 1914, a handful of low ranking German soldiers knew that what they felt in their hearts about Christmas was true.
These men did not brush aside the impromptu feelings of peace and love for their fellow man. Instead, they lobbed a chocolate cake and a note of truce. I encourage you to allow yourself to be overcome this Christmas with the same spirit that took these soldiers captive almost a century ago. You may feel you are entrenched in some kind of your own personal battle. If so, allow yourself to be overwhelmed with the spirit of giving and joy and toss a chocolate cake out there. You just might be surprised at the outcome
Merry Christmas!
Ron White
Reprinted with permission from The Ron White Ezine
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December 27, 2007
The Giving-Receiving Cycle by Mark Victor Hansen
Curiously enough, the giving spirit creates the receiving spirit. So, to get more all one needs to do is give more. The more ideas one creates and gives away the more ideas one has.
Andrew Carnegie, the steel baron and philanthropist who funded Americas 3,000 libraries and the great Carnegie Hall in New York said: "I'll spend the first half of my life creating great wealth and the second half giving it awayAttempting to do the most good and the least harm with my benefactions."
Carnegie was a generous genius with ideas. He gave away visionary ideas with his charitable contributions. As a tribute and monument to his gifts, his foundation is alive, well and still processing an ever-growing largess. The Wee Scotsman was the first to give and inspired other rich people to do the same. Now that is a legacy worth leaving! It gives each of us a new benchmark to "goal" towards.
In giving and sharing you always have more. It seems arithmetically as though one would have less but, in fact, giving expands whatever one has. Music is the best example of this theory, proving that giving and sharing always creates more for everyone.
When a musician gives their all, they feel exalted and thankful that the music flowed through them. The audience is enthralled, entranced, moved to happy tears, and feels compelled to participate instantaneously in a standing ovation. The star musician bares his soul and the audience is wowed and ecstatic to tell everyone to see this performer.
Likewise, the simple act of giving simultaneously creates more good and blessings seemingly out of nowhere. Why? Because God is always watching and cheerfully gives instantaneously to the giver. That's why givers' give more. They have experienced this amazing formula, even if they cannot articulate it. They know that it works to theirs and everyone's benefit.
Reprinted with permission from Your Achievement Ezine
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December 26, 2007
7 Keys for Joyful Living! by Chris Widener
Here are some thoughts for finding and experiencing joy in your life. If there were one thing I could wish upon my family, friends and the readers of this Ezine, it would be joy in everything they do!
Know your purpose. Nothing will bring you joy more than knowing what it is that you are about on this earth. Not knowing brings sadness, wondering, fear and lack of fulfillment. Above all, find out what your unique purpose is here on this earth - then fulfill it! As you do, you will experience joy!
Live purposefully. This is a follow up to number one. It is one thing to know your purpose, but then you need to live according to that purpose. This is a matter of priorities. Let your actions and schedule reflect your purpose. Don't react to circumstances and let them cause you to live without your purpose fully in site. Living without your purpose will cause frustration. Living purposefully will bring you deep satisfaction and joy!
Stretch yourself. Don't settle into the status quo. That will leave you unfulfilled. Always look to stretch yourself. Whatever you are doing, stretch yourself to do more! Stretching yourself will break the limits you have set for yourself and will cause you to find joy in your expanded horizons!
Give more than you take. It brings happiness to accumulate. It brings joy to give away. Sure, getting the car you worked hard for will bring you a sense of satisfaction and even happiness. But it won't bring you joy. Giving something away to the less fortunate will bring you deep, abiding joy.
Surprise yourself and others too. The words here are spontaneity and surprise! Every once in a while, do the unexpected. It will cause everybody to sit back and say, "Wow, where did that come from?" It will put a little joy in your life, and theirs.
Indulge yourself sometimes. Too much indulgence and you are caught in the happiness trap -- looking for the next purchase, celebration, etc., to bring you a little "happiness high." But if you will allow yourself an infrequent indulgence as a reward for a job well done and a life well lived, you will appreciate the indulgence and experience the joy of it.
Laugh a little - no, a lot! Most people are just too serious. We need to laugh a little - no, a lot! Learn to laugh daily, even if you have to learn to laugh in bad situations. This life is to be enjoyed! The next time you go to the movie rental store, get a comedy and let loose! Let yourself laugh!
Joy can be yours! Look for it, pursue it and enjoy it!
-- Chris Widener
Reprinted with permission from Your Achievement Ezine
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December 25, 2007
I Believe by Brian Tracy
I believe every person has within themselves inexhaustible reserves of potential they have never even come close to realizing.
I believe each person has far more intelligence than they have ever used.
I believe each person is more creative than he or she has ever imagined.
I believe the greatest achievements of your life lie ahead of you.
I believe the happiest moments of your life are yet to come.
I believe the greatest successes you will ever attain are still waiting for you on the road ahead.
And, I believe through learning and application of what you learn, you can solve any problem, overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal that you can set for yourself.
Brian Tracy
Reprinted with permission from The Jim Rohn Ezine
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December 24, 2007
Don't Stop Asking So Many Questions Chris Widener
I take my son on a trip that we make together every year. This particular time we left the house at 6 am on a Monday and got home at 9 pm on a Thursday. That was just 87 hours. My son was ten-years old, and that translated to 84,293 questions!
I mean, 10-year old kids can be question machines! Virtual question-paloozas! On this trip, my son wanted to know why we got up so early, why we chose that airline, when we would get there, what things meant in the books we were reading, how they got the jelly filling in the donuts, and on. and on. and on. For four days!! Even my friend who drove us to the airport told my wife later that he asked a lot of questions, even at 6 am! Anyway, you get the point.
I found myself repeatedly saying what thousands of you have said many times yourself, I'm sure:
Stop asking so many questions!
And then it hit me: This is why so many people lose their ability to achieve success. We tell them to stop asking so many questions. That's right, we methodically strip our children of their innate inquisitiveness. And then when they get older we wonder why they don't think for themselves! We told them to stop asking questions! They were born with a desire to understand the world around them and we, because of our frustration with the process, tell them to stop asking questions. What happens when you tell someone repeatedly to stop asking questions? They stop asking questions. It is a classic example of negative feedback and association. The chances are high that it happened to you to some degree.
But being inquisitive is inherent to long-term success. We must constantly be asking questions of others and ourselves. We must relentlessly be questioning processes that we use. We must always question whether or not products can be improved. Questioning is what produces new answers, which leads us to forge new ground.
Where does that leave us? Recommit yourself to asking lots of questions. Start by going through the basics: Who, what, when, where, why and how. Except, put "why" at the front of the list. Why? Because "why" gets behind the scenes even more so that the other questions do. "Why" deals with more than facts; it deals with motives and reasons. "Why" can be very enlightening.
After all, "Why" is about 80% of all of the questions that kids ask, and if anybody knows how to ask questions, it is kids. That is, if we let them.
So, as you live your life, let yourself ask lots of questions. Yes, people will wonder if you are a troublemaker, but you will know that you are pursuing enlightenment, knowledge, and the wisdom that will take you far beyond those who chose to live as others tell them life shall be lived!
Don't stop asking so many questions, and if you have kids at home, don't stop them either!
Chris Widener
Reprinted with permission from The Chris Widener Ezine
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December 23, 2007
Start Living in Prime Time by Denis Waitley
Prime time is that period between 6 and 10 p.m. during which most of the general public watches television. Commercials in prime time are the most expensive, approaching a million dollars per minute. Your real success in life will take a quantum leap when you stop watching other people making money in their professions performing in prime time, and start living your own dreams and goals in prime time. Time is the ultimate equal opportunity employer. Time never stops to rest, never hesitates, never looks forward or backward. Life's raw material spends itself in the now, this moment, which is why how you spend your time is far more important than all the material possessions you may own or positions you may obtain. Positions change, possessions come and go, you can earn more money. You can renew your supply of many things, but like good health, that other most precious resource, time spent is gone forever.
Each yesterday, and all of them together, are beyond your control. Literally all the money in the world can't undo or redo a single act you performed. You cannot erase a single word you said. You can't add an "I love you," "I'm sorry", or "I forgive you", not even a "thank you" you forgot to say. Each human being in every hemisphere and time zone has precisely 168 hours a week to spend. And some of the most precious hours occur in prime time.
Consider this: most of your daytime hours are spent helping other people solve their problems. The little time you have in the evenings and on weekends is all you have to spend on yourself, on your own dreams and goals, and personal development. Some thoughts to ponder:
Have supper with your loved ones at least two to three times per week. It's the best time for casual conversation to listen to what those close to you feel is important in their lives. Mealtime is a time to dialogue.
A television set is an appliance. It should be used, at most, for two hours at a time. It should be off, unless specific programs of interest are selected. It should not be used as a one-eyed baby sitter. For the most part, TV exposes us to negative role models.
Instead of watching television why not read a good fiction or non-fiction book, write a letter, engage in a hobby or craft, call a friend or someone in need of encouragement on the phone, network on your computer, go out to an ethnic restaurant, a home show, an entrepreneurial show, a musical recital, a play, a fitness class, or cultural event. Take an art or photography class. Use prime time to live the kind of life others put on layaway.
Action Idea: If you and your family/friends watch TV, try not turning it on for one week. When you do watch TV, reduce by 50% the amount of time you spend watching it. Concentrate your evenings and free time engaged in hands on, real life experiences, you can touch, feel, smell and engage all your senses in. Instead of virtual reality, insist on the real thing.
-- Denis Waitley
Reprinted with permission from The Jim Rohn Ezine
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December 22, 2007
Maintaining Honesty and Integrity by Jim Rohn
For a leader, honesty and integrity are absolutely essential to survival. A lot of business people don't realize how closely they're being watched by their subordinates. Remember when you were a kid in grammar school, how you used to sit there staring at your teacher all day? By the end of the school year, you could do a perfect imitation of all your teacher's mannerisms. You were aware of the slightest nuances in your teacher's voice - all the little clues that distinguished levels of meaning that told you the difference between bluff and "now I mean business".
And you were able to do that after eight or nine months of observation. Suppose you had five or ten years. Do you think there would have been anything about your teacher you didn't know?
Now fast forward and use that analogy as a manager. Do you think there's anything your people don't know about you right this minute? If you haven't been totally aboveboard and honest with them, do you really think you've gotten away with it? Not too likely. But if you've been led to believe that you've gotten away with it, there might be a good probability that people are afraid of you, and that's a problem in its own right.
But there is another side of this coin. In any organization, people want to believe in their leaders. If you give them reason to trust you, they're not going to go looking for reasons to think otherwise, and they'll be just as perceptive about your positive qualities as they are about the negative ones.
A situation that happened some years ago at a company in the Midwest illustrates this perfectly. The wife of a new employee experienced complications in the delivery of a baby. There was a medical bill of more than $10,000, and the health insurance company didn't want to cover it. The employee hadn't been on the payroll long enough, the pregnancy was a preexisting condition, etc, etc.
In any case, the employee was desperate. He approached the company CEO and asked him to talk to the insurance people. The CEO agreed, and the next thing the employee knew, the bill was gone and the charges were rescinded. Then he told some colleagues about the way the CEO had so readily used his influence with the insurance company, they just shook their heads and smiled. The CEO had paid the bill out of his own pocket, and everybody knew it, no matter how quietly it had been done.
Now an act of dishonesty can't be hidden either, and it will instantly undermine the authority of a leader. But an act of integrity and kindness like the example above is just as obvious to all concerned. When you're in a leadership position, you have the choice of how you will be seen, but you Will be seen one way or the other, make no mistake about it.
One of the most challenging areas of leadership is your family. Leadership of a family demands even higher standards of honesty and integrity, and the stakes are higher too. You can replace disgruntled employees and start over. You can even get a new job for yourself, if it comes to that. But your family can't be shuffled like a deck of cards. If you haven't noticed, kids are great moral philosophers, especially as they get into adolescence. They're determined to discover and expose any kind of hypocrisy, phoniness, or lack of integrity on the part of authority figures, and if we're parents, that means us. It's frightening how unforgiving kids can be about this, but it really isn't a conscious decision on their part; it's just a necessary phase of growing up.
They're testing everything, especially their parents.
As a person of integrity yourself, you'll find it easy to teach integrity to your kids, and they in turn will find it easy to accept you as a teacher. This is a great opportunity and also a supreme responsibility, because kids simply must be taught to tell the truth: to mean what they say and to say what they mean.
"Praise is one the world's most effective teaching and leadership tools. Criticism and blame, even if deserved, are counter productive unless all other approaches have failed."
Now for the other side of the equation, we all know people who have gotten ahead as a result of dishonest or unethical behavior. When you're a kid, you might naively think that never happens, but when you get older, you realize that it does. Then you think you've really wised up. But that's not the real end of it. When you get older, you see the long-term consequences of dishonest gain, and you realize that in the end it doesn't pay.
"Hope of dishonest gain is the beginning of loss". I don't think that old saying refers to loss of money. I think it actually means loss of self-respect. You can have all the material things in the world, but if you've lost respect for yourself, what do you really have? The only way to ever attain success and enjoy it is to achieve it honestly with pride in what you've done.
This isn't just a sermon, it's very practical advice. Not only can you take it to heart - you can take it to the bank.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Reprinted with permission from The Jim Rohn Ezine
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December 21, 2007
What in the World Are You Doing?
Hi there, Chris Widener here.
This week I want to talk with you about leaving an impact legacy. "What is an impact legacy?" you may ask. It is how you impact people and the world around you. You see, many people glide through life and do not make much of an impact. That is unfortunate. Others though, those driven by a purpose and passion for living, are continually making the world a better place and making an impact wherever they go. That's what I believe you want to do.
In order to help you reflect on this during this week, I want to ask you a question: What in the world are you doing?
Here is the typical life - typical, though not everybody does it this way. But for the most part, people's lives generally go something like this:
You're born
You eat and sleep
You play with toys
You go to school
You play little league
You go to school
You learn to drive
You go to school
You leave high school
You go to more school, but you pay for it now
You get a job
You get married
You buy a house
You have kids
You watch your kids eat, sleep, play and go to school
You work, work, and work
You retire
You die
That's the basic life, isn't it? I know there is more to it, but that is about it for most people.
Here is that question again: What in the world are you doing? I mean, what are you doing besides the typical "enjoying yourself while you are waiting to die" scenario? What kind of impact are you making?
What I believe sets the successful apart is that they don't just live the average life. They don't just pass time. They make an impact. They have something compelling in their life that drives them - something that gives them an answer when they are asked that question: What in the world are you doing?
I'm helping children.
I'm creating a business that supports many families.
I lead a church.
I am defending our liberties.
I am raising great children.
I'm teaching others to improve their lives.
I help people have fun.
I create memories for people.
In other words, successful people always come down to this: I make an impact and help other people by (fill in your purpose here).
What in the world are you doing?
If you want to be successful, you need to be able to answer that by describing how you help others. Because if you aren't helping others - if you aren't making an impact - you are just taking up space, eating food and waiting to die.
Here's the question for you to answer this week and what to do with your answer:
What in the world are you doing?
If you know, then you are good to go - live it and make an impact!
If you don't know, then maybe you need to reflect on what you are doing, what your life is about, and how you can explode the mundane bubble you may be living in!
The world needs impact makers - so live to be one!
Have a great week!
Chris
Reprinted with permission from The Chris Widener Ezine
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December 20, 2007
John Wayne the Businessman by Ron White
There were few things that marked my boyhood as strongly as westerns. Every Sunday I arranged my afternoon around 'The Lone Ranger', 'The Rifle Man' and 'Bonanza'. Then, if I was lucky, I would catch a glimpse of what I considered to be the definition of the word 'man' John Wayne in a late night western.
My grandmother had a painting of him in her living room, and in my blue collar family he was a hero. Maybe it was because the characters he portrayed were the qualities that my family lived - blue collar, hard working and honest. I am proud to say that I have a doctorate in John Wayne.
In 1972, Wayne played a character in which he mentored young school boys on a cattle drive in the film 'Cowboys'. Because of his leadership and example these boys became men before the end of the cattle drive as they avenged 'The Duke's' death after he was gunned down in cold blood. This was my favorite John Wayne movie, perhaps, because I also was a young boy and I subconsciously knew that I was being mentored through a cathode ray tube by the rugged cowboy and today I am a better businessman because of it.
If 'The Duke' were a businessman this year, I assure you that he would:
First and foremost, be honest.
This cowboy would never lie to make a sale and neither should you. His resume wouldn't exaggerate and you could rely on his word.
Be a hard worker.
John Wayne would be the first cowboy on his horse preparing for the cattle drive and he would be the first in your office and spend his time working to the point of exhaustion.
Defend the weak.
Whether it was in 'Stagecoach', 'True Grit', 'Cowboys' or another film. Wayne never took advantage of the weak. Instead, he protected those who couldn't do it themselves. If he was in your office, when a salesperson or professional was struggling there is no doubt in my mind that he would ride alongside them and offer assistance to make the team better.
Feo, Fuerte y Formal
These were the words John Wayne wanted on his tombstone. They translate to:' He was ugly, strong and had dignity.' He was a physically strong man at 6'4''. Yet, it was strength of character that was referred to here. In your business, you would be a magnificent success if others say you have strength of character. This means not giving in when things look bleak. 'The Duke' wouldn't.
Have dignity.
This again, comes from his self description. Dignity means relying on yourself for your success and abandoning the victim mentality. Wayne would not be a victim if he worked in your office. He would not blame his lack of success on the economy, co-workers or his boss. Instead, with dignity he would take his future into his own hands and rely on no one but himself for his success.
John Wayne was the definition of the word man and would be the definition of the word businessman if he worked in your office right now. Mr. Wayne, as a young boy, I watched you ride off into the sunset on June 11th, 1979. That boy, who was confident one day he would be a cowboy, ended up a businessman and today I am a better one because of your lessons.
Thanks for the life lessons on hard work, honest, dignity, strength and compassion. With a tip of my hat, I give you a hardy, 'Thanks partner...'
Ron White
Reprinted with permission from The Ron White Ezine
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December 19, 2007
Beware of the Grinch (an adaptation by Denis Waitley of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
Now's the time you should hear this! For very good reason!
Now, please don't ask why. It's not simply the season.
Sooner or later the Grinch will invite you
To give up your life's goal as something you can't do.
It could be his head isn't screwed on just right.
It could be, perhaps, that his pants are too tight.
But I think the most likely reason of all
Is that his heart is too cold and his vision too small.
The Grinch is a dream stealer of many disguises.
A friend or relation with depressing surprises.
Just when you feel that your business is booming
He fills you with thoughts that are glooming and dooming.
He whispers about the forthcoming disaster
And about the new plan where you'll get rich much faster
When you say you look forward to earning a million.
He'll scoff and retort: "Not one chance in a billion!"
With a stock market rising and confidence strong
You'd think he'd get real and start going along.
But he howls and he growls with his terrible frown
"Whatever goes up, has got to come down!"
Sometimes the Grinch is quick to appear.
Sometimes he shows up year after year.
But whatever your "Why" and no matter "Who"
The dream stealer, Grinch, will start hitting on You.
He's the fear deep inside that insists you can't sell.
He's the voice that says, "Stop! Things are going too well!"
He especially hates Christmas and the spirit of giving
For he selfishly thinks that by "getting" you're living.
He thinks passionate service is too big a "Why"
And that money's the only incentive to try.
But he's missing the point, and hasn't a clue
That every Who out in Who-ville has a Dream to come true.
Sooner or later all dream stealers find
That they're out in the cold and left far behind.
What they could have or might have or should have possessed
Has now passed them by and left them depressed.
As you sit by the fire and plan the new year
Surrounded by family and friends of good cheer.
Remember the Grinch, with his feet in the snow.
Standing puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"
"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas... Perhaps... means a little bit more!"
It's a spirit to treasure each day and each night
It's the reason the American dream is still burning bright
It's a mission of hope you can trust and believe
"The more that you give, the more you'll receive!"
This week during the Holidays, look for ways to give more!
Denis Waitley
Reprinted with permission from The Denis Waitley Ezine
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December 18, 2007
Master Your Fears by Vic Johnson
"Doubt and fear are the great enemies of knowledge, and he who encourages them, who does not slay them, thwarts himself at every step." - As A Man Thinketh
I've heard it said that we're born with only a few fears - like the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. All other fears we learn along the way. Like the fear of failure, the fear of rejection - even a fear of success. I believe our greatest enemy in life is fear, because fear keeps us from doing many of those things we would like to do that would make our life more complete and more enjoyable.
Doubt is the first cousin of fear and precedes it. We weren't born with doubt. Our habit of doubt has grown throughout our life. If we dwell on a doubt and give in to it, it then grows into fear. The Apostle James reminds us that doubt makes us ineffective, "a sea that is tossed and driven by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way, and then that."
If most of our fears and all of our doubts are learned along the way, then we can "unlearn" them by becoming masters of our thoughts. I've heard Zig Ziglar quote Mark Twain when he said, "True courage is not the absence of fear, it's the mastery of fear." The people who live the life of their dreams have just as many fears as those who live miserable, unfulfilled lives - they just learned to master their fears instead of allowing their fears to master them.
Norman Vincent Peale, writing in "You Can If You Think You Can", provides us with a prescription for mastering fear and doubt. "You can cancel out fear with faith. For there is no force in this world more powerful than faith. The most amazing things can happen as a result of itthere are tow massive thought forces competing for control of the mind: fear and faith, and faith is stronger, much stronger. Hold that thought of faith's greater power until you believe it, for it can be the difference between success and failure."
Ambrose Redmoon said that, "courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."
Everyone is afraid at some time of another. Those who succeed in conquering fear have put their focus on what's more important to them rather than on the fear. If your young child darted into the street in front of traffic, you'd easily overcome the fear of any physical danger that retrieving the child would pose. The child's life is more important to you than the fear. So focus on what's beyond the fear - what's on the other side - when you overcome the fear.
Brian Tracy has a great way to fight doubt. He says, "Dont' wonder whether something is possible - Over and over if you have to, but ask how can you do it, not whether you can."
And that's worth thinking about.
Reprinted with permission from Your Achievement Ezine
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December 17, 2007
The Two Core Fears and the Fear of Success by Lisa Jimenez, M.Ed.
Fear of commitment, fear of responsibility, fear of loss, and fear of confrontation are all symptoms of the two core fears. All of these surface fears fall into two categories which are the core fears: Fear of Failure and Fear of Success.
If you experience fear of commitment, responsibility, growing up, or change, your core fear is the fear of success. If most of your anxiety comes from fear of rejection, confrontation, or not measuring up, your core fear is the fear of failure.
Lets talk today about the fear of success. The fear of succeeding and then having to maintain that success can be daunting. The fear of success is the most powerful fear over most people because it relates directly to the three inborn fears we talked about the other day. Fear of falling, fear of loud noises, and fear of abandonment.
The fear of falling represents the belief that once you've achieved success; there's no place to go but down.
The fear of loud noises correlates to sudden change. Perhaps you've been working toward something for months, and then, overnight it seems, something comes through and suddenly you are successful.
The fear of abandonment is very real to a person on the journey of success. You might lose friends when you become successful. They might be jealous of your success, view you as arrogant, or feel that you just don't fit in to the "old group" anymore. We have sayings like, "It's lonely at the top," and your inborn fear of abandonment is challenged.
These three fears are inborn and naturally reoccur from time to time. You can counter them by replacing them with truth. Discover your truth about what success means to you and live your life based on these truths. Then you will silence these inborn fears and conquer the dream busters.
Face Your Fear of Success
Have a great day!
Lisa Jimenez M.Ed.
Reprinted with permission from Your Achievement Ezine
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December 16, 2007
Your Dream Can Be Your Future by Chris Widener
Here is a basic truth you must accept and believe if you are to achieve your dream...
Your dream can be a reality! That's right; your future can actually see you living your dream. It doesn't just have to be a big wish!
When we are young we are dreamers. Nothing seems too big for us to accomplish. Nothing seems too outrageous. The world is ours on a string as the old song goes. Until...
"Reality" hits. Reality is what others want to box you in with:
"You can't do that."
"Nobody has ever done that before."
"It will never work."
"You've gone off the deep end now!"
All dreamers (who eventually become accomplishers) have heard these things.
Yet they overcome them. They refuse to accept someone else's "reality" for their own life. They let the average people live their average lives, bound by fear, while they pursue their chosen future their dream! So don't believe the people who tell you that you can't or won't. Believe your dream. Believe that it can be your future!
Once you have determined that you can actually live your dream, I want you to memorize this acronym. I've shared it before, but I found that it is tremendously helpful for reminding and motivating us toward our dreams.
D is for Dare (dare to dream while others don't)
R is for Relentless (relentlessly pursue your dream no matter what)
E is for Excellence (strive for excellence in all you do)
A is for Abandon (abandon any other alternative plans)
M is for Measure (constantly measure where you are in your dream journey)
Okay, that's great and motivating, but what about the practical stuff? Well, there is certainly practical stuff. No matter how lofty your dream, no matter how spectacular, you will live most of your life in the mundane. Richard Nixon said of the presidency that you "campaign with poetry, but govern with prose." The vision is beautiful, the actual is mundane (not bad but "everyday" so to speak).
If you are to achieve your dream, you need to plan and work and work and plan. Here are my thoughts on how to go about reaching your dream and securing it as your future: Decide that you will do it. This may seem elementary but many people never decide and commit fully to their dream. They simply keep "thinking" about it. Tell others that you are going to do it. This puts you on the record as to what you are dreaming about. It makes you accountable. It will help you do it if for no other reason than to avoid embarrassment!
Develop a step-by-step plan. This is absolutely essential. You must sit down and write out a few things:
1. A timeline. How long will it take to the end?
2. Action steps. Point-by-point, what you will do and when you will do them.
3. Resources you will need to draw from. What will it take? Who will need to be involved for help or advice?
4. An evaluation tool. You need to evaluate from time to time whether you are progressing or not.
5. A celebration. Yep, when you are done you should already have planned what you will do to celebrate. Make it big!
I have found that there is no better time than now to start making your dream a reality. So, set aside some time today to get started on your dream. Follow the action plan and set your sights for the top of the mountain! You will be glad you did!
-- Chris Widener
Reprinted with permission from The Chris Widener Ezine
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December 15, 2007
Be Responsible For Your Own Financial Security by Denis Waitley
There is no job security. You can't rely on staying with the same company through retirement. Pension plans, when available, are woefully inadequate. Social security benefits won't come close to covering your living expenses in retirement.
The only way to reach financial security is to plan for it now, regardless of your age. You have to define financial security in your own terms. Have you defined the amount of assets that you need for financial independence?
Financial security is that amount of assets that will give you a specific income, after taxes, to live like you want to, without having to depend on day-to-day employment.
What is that amount for you? I believe it is more than you think. And, I feel that if you define it, you can reach it in ten years or less. Do you have a financial plan and the assistance of a financial planner? You need both. Always retain a financial planner on a fee-for-service basis. Don't mix financial planning with an investment broker or insurance agent. What are your financial goals and what is your time line? Because I started late in my quest for financial independence, I have a maximum five-year period remaining for capital accumulation.
Action Idea: Wealth is not only based on income, but also on expenditures. Are you spending or investing? Are your purchases goal-achieving or tension-relieving? How do you use credit cards? Use your credit cards for services or purchases that retain their value or that build your business. Don't use credit cards for vacations and personal entertainment, unless you plan to pay the entire balance in one or two months. Try to pay all your balances in full monthly. In this way, you avoid the ridiculously high interest payments. Realize that paying minimum balances, at high interest rates, means that you are paying two or three times what the original purchase was worth.
Most importantly, save at least 6 to 10 percent of your take-home pay each month, by writing a check into a savings account or mutual fund for that amount, as if it were a utility bill or house payment. The secret of most self-made multi-millionaires is compound interest. If parents saved one dollar each day for their newborn infant, by going without a cup of Starbuck's coffee, or a Big Mac, or a soft drink for that day, by the time the child reached age forty, he or she would have a million dollars cash. No lottery windfall. No brilliant investment strategy. Just compound interest, which Baron von Rothchild labeled "The Eighth Wonder of the World."
Reprinted with permission from Your Achievement Ezine
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December 14, 2007
Taking Advantage of Leadership Opportunities Will Increase Your Visibility in a Positive Way by Connie Podesta
Everyone is a leader in his or her organization. Even if you don't hold a titled leadership position, such as supervisor, manager, human resource director, or CEO, you still have many opportunities every day through your actions and behavior to model "leadership" qualities. In fact, all employees must be able and willing to assume a leadership role when the need arises, regardless of their job title. That is why many organizations have eliminated titles like foreman, supervisor, and department manager to reinforce the belief that each employee is a contributing member of the team with leadership potential and opportunities depending on the task at hand.
If you don't see yourself as having leadership qualities, then you'll miss many opportunities to demonstrate your added value to your employer, co-workers, and customers. You will also be undermining yourself, because if you're not confident of your leadership potential, then why should anyone else be? Being a leader simply means you are willing to teach and support others, be a positive role model, and be ready to serve as well as lead when necessary and appropriate. Effective leaders can be found at every level in an organization. Even if you work under someone else's leadership, you can still be a leader in your ideas and attitudes about your job.
While it may be true that some people seem to fall into the role of leader more easily than others, it is possible for most of us to develop the abilities that will help us take charge, motivate others, and make good decisions. Below are some of the top qualities leaders possess.
1. Leaders are Trustworthy and Act with Integrity
In today's business environment where teamwork is crucial, there can be no doubt that all employees must be able to be trusted by their managers, co-workers, and customers. For example, good leaders do not criticize their co-workers behind their backs, and they don't take credit that belongs to everyone on the team. Instead, they build trust by openly admitting their mistakes rather than blaming others. They give credit where credit is due, and they help others celebrate their successes. Leaders build trust with customers and co-workers by acting with integrity. They make sure their words and actions are congruent all the time, not just when it's convenient. They can be counted on to do what is fair and right.
2. Leaders are High Achievers who Strive for Excellence
Many employers who talk about their employees' leadership abilities mention words like "perseverance" and "determination." Leaders keep working to be the best they can be. They stay focused on their goals, but they keep things in perspective and realize that there is always room for improvement. They continually strive to learn more about themselves and their jobs. They integrate excellence into every task. Do you see yourself as a hard worker-as a star performer? Even though you may not own the organization, do you own a sense of pride in your work and your ability to contribute? Do you see yourself striving to outperform others and set new standards of excellence for your department and your organization? A good leader must have a strong desire to be the best by providing outstanding customer service and working hard to create an excellent, cohesive, and productive workforce. Even if they don't succeed at the task, leaders keep working at it.
3. Leaders Make Others Feel Important and Valued
Leaders value other people's worth and opinions and take the time to let them know they are important. They take the time to pay someone a compliment and keep criticisms, complaints, and negative comments short and sweet. They also make both their co-workers and customers feel important by asking questions, listening, and tuning in to their needs. They realize that such questions as, "Do you need some help?" and "Do you want me to listen for your phone while you take a break?" demonstrate their ability to tune into others' needs as well as their own. In your leadership role, how generous are you with positive words and actions? Are you committed to helping others feel better about themselves? Do you value people and their ideas? Making others feel important and valuable could help make you invaluable to your organization.
4. Leaders are Willing to Serve Others
To some people, serving others may seem like the role of a subordinate, not a leader. But in fact, a good leader believes in service to others. If that sounds contradictory, think of words such as "cooperate," "help," "work collectively," and "share" because they more accurately reflect the true nature of service to others. Organizations need employees who are willing to help each other, not whine and complain saying, "That's not my job." The future will demand that people learn new skills outside their area of expertise and use them to support other team members, even when it's "not their job." Are you willing to do what is needed even if it doesn't fall under your specific job description? Leaders support their co-workers when it counts, not just when it's convenient.
5. Leaders are Relationship Builders
An effective leader knows how to build good relationships so that individuals care more about the good of the entire team than about themselves and their own personal glory. In the workplace, employers need employees who can "run with the ball" by themselves when necessary, as well as build and maintain good team relationships. Do you work actively to build good team relationships? Hopefully so, because it is an important part of being an effective leader. Equally important are good relationships with clients and customers. In today's world, many companies do business with people they barely know, sometimes people they've never met. But the most successful and rewarding transactions, more often than not, involve parties who have developed a solid business relationship. Good leaders understand the importance of building good relationships with their colleagues and their customers.
6. Leaders Communicate Effectively
Every CEO, manager, human resource director, employer, and employee must be able to state what they need, want, or prefer with confidence and in a manner that is clear, honest, and forthright. But good leaders must go even further. They must be able to interpret the needs, wants, and preferences of their colleagues and customers to create a cooperative and successful work environment. Effective communication is the cement that binds an organization together. It is the foundation upon which successful teamwork and good customer relationships are built. It is no accident that employees who can communicate effectively and assertively soon find themselves in leadership roles.
While leadership may come naturally for some, for others developing strong leadership skills takes thought, practice, and hard work. But it's definitely worth the effort, because these skills will benefit all of your personal and professional relationships. Leadership skills are life skills.
Being a good leader is a 24-hour a day job. If these are skills you've been neglecting, start developing them now. Today's organizations need employees who are ready and willing to lead at a moment's notice. Your leadership skills and abilities will help determine your present and future employability.
Reprinted with permission from Your Achievement Ezine
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December 13, 2007
Zig Ziglar On Love
Love is not always giving others what they want; love is doing for others what is best for them. That reminds me of my close friend, really, he's more like a brother, Bernie Lofchick, from Winnipeg, Canada. His son, David, was born with cerebral palsy and initially had a very difficult time.
When David was about 18 months old, Bernie and his wife, Elaine, had to put braces on David's legs every night. The doctor instructed them to make the braces progressively tighter, which caused considerable pain. Many times David pleaded, "Do you have to make them so tight?"
Today, David is an active, healthy, successful businessman with a beautiful wife and three beautiful children. David's success story is the result of a love so deep that the Lofchicks were willing to do for David what was best for him, and not what David wanted at the moment.
Think about it. Make that kind of love paramount in your life.
Reprinted with permission from Your Achievement Ezine
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December 12, 2007
Self-Motivation is an Attitude! By Paul J. Meyer and Kevin Rhea
I am Self-Motivated -- I take ACTION daily in my business!
Self-motivation is deliberately chosen and developed!
You can be a self-starter in your business. Not only is this possible, it is your responsibility! (Sorry, we cannot do this for you.)
You cannot stand around and wait for someone else to push you into the realization of your goals.
Clearly Defined Goals Generate Self-Motivation!
When you are both self-motivated and goal-directed, you will increase results 100% to 1,000%. You magnetize the results you seek.
Motivation . . . is a desire held in expectation with the belief that it will be realized (membership sales or recruits).
Writing out a plan of action helps you to discover ways to reawaken and regenerate self-motivation and put it to work. (Results: More sales and more recruits!)
Opportunities are always captured quickly by someone who understands self-motivation. GO FOR IT!
Self-motivated people take action and seize the day! (They also have the habit of doing this daily!)
Self-motivated salespeople make commitments . . . and then they deliver! This takes activity!
Paul J. Meyer
Reprinted with permission from Your Achievement Ezine
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December 11, 2007
Change Begins with Choice by Jim Rohn
Any day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.
We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, "The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves." We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.
We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.
And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.
To your success, joy, and peace,
Jim Rohn
Reprinted with permission from The Jim Rohn Ezine
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December 10, 2007
Leading Up and Leading Across: Challenges of a 360 Leader by Dr. John C. Maxwell
The Principles 360 Leaders Practice to Lead Up
Leading up is the 360 leader's greatest challenge. We're accustomed to influence flowing from the top down, and, for that reason, leading up feels like running uphill. True enough, leading up requires extra effort. To exert influence upon those in authority above us calls for boldness, respect, and sacrifice. In the long run, the extra effort will distinguish you from the rest of the pack. Jack Welch calls this "getting out of the pile." The following suggestions are ways to successfully catch the attention of those at the top.
Lighten Your Leader's Load
To lead up, increase your value by helping to lift your leader's load. Try to anticipate what your leader needs and wants. Occasionally, you may even approach your leader and ask, "What can I do for you today?" Always remember: when the boss succeeds, the organization succeeds. Ultimately, you can't succeed if your boss fails.
Being a load lifter has its benefits. It demonstrates your dedication to the team, and displays gratitude for your position on the team. In easing your leader's burden, you'll be noticed and valued. At the same time, you'll be playing a substantial role in helping the organization move forward.
How to Lift Your Leader's Load
Be sure to do your own job well before you concentrate on lifting your leader's load. If you drop your personal responsibilities, you'll drag your leader down rather than propping them up.
When you find a problem, provide a solution. If you only identify what is broken, you look no different than a complainer. Show initiative by repairing the problems you encounter.
Tell your leaders what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. In the words of President Dwight Eisenhower: "A bold heart is half the battle." Have the courage to speak your mind and confront difficult truths.
Go the second mile. Be willing to arrive early, stay late, and do more than your share of work.
Stand up for your leader whenever you can. Don't become party to backbiting or criticism. Speak highly of your leaders and diffuse the negativity others may show toward them.
Stand in for your leader whenever you can.
In the words of Colin Powell: "When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I'll like it or not. Disagreement, at this stage, stimulates me. But once a decision has been made, the debate ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing the decision as if it were your own." There will be instances when you do not see eye to eye with your leader's decision. Respecting their authority by supporting them, even when you disagree, will give them the confidence to trust you.
The Principles 360 Leaders Practice to Lead Across.
Leading your peers is no simple task. It's easy for an effective leader to lead followers, but leading across can be difficultespecially for highly productive people who might create feelings of jealousy or resentment among their peers. Effective 360 leaders give their colleagues reasons to respect and follow them. Because they lead across successfully, they are able to assist the people beside them, profit the organization, and advance themselves.
Understand, Practice and Complete the Leadership Loop.
Leading peers is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing process. When leading across, the temptation is to try to take the lead too quickly. Taking shortcuts or cheating the process will erode your respect from others rather than gaining influence with them.
The Leadership Loop
Caring Take an interest in people. People always move toward anyone who increases them and away from anyone who decreases them.
Learning Get to know people Invest the time to understand the values that motivate your fellow leaders.
Appreciating Respect people Find and encourage the strengths unique to each of your colleagues. Assume they have your best interests in mind, and be open to their ideas and concerns.
Contributing Add value to people
Few activities add to a leader's credibility like the dedication to add value to the people around them especially when the leader is neither obligated to add value nor receiving direct benefit from doing it. Adding value to peers lets them know that you are on their side and are cheering for them to win.
Verbalizing Affirm people
To affirm signifies to make firm. An affirmation is a statement of truth you make firm by repetition. Affirmations enable others to believe in their dreams. For people to reach their potential, their dreams must become more real than their doubts.
Leading Influence people
Understand, enlarge, and empower those who are leading beside you.
Succeeding Win with People
When you succeed with people, you gain opportunities to influence even more people. The leadership loop completes a cycle and begins anew. As additional people enter your life, you must again choose to take an interest in them, get to know them, etc.
John C. Maxwell
Reprinted with permission from The Jim Rohn Ezine
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November 9, 2007
It's Your Choice by Gary Eby
What is it you really want? Unfortunately, so many people haven't dreamed in so long they actually don't even know what they want any longer! You have got to stir up that dream inside of yourself. Your dreams and your destiny aren't determined by "CHANCE" but by "CHOICE"!
You can have anything in life you want... if you know what you want! Do you remember in Alice in Wonderland, Alice asked the cat, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" The cat answered, "That depends a great deal on where you want to go." Alice said, "Oh, I don't much care." He answered, "Then it really doesn't matter which way you go."
Which way do you want your life to go? What do you want? It's your choice! You are in control. Quit blaming others for your disappointments! Make a quality decision to get up... and get going! Life goes on!
Renew your personal commitment to "Life". Renew your dreams. Renew your vision. Don't let time, circumstance, or catastrophe keep you from turning your life around. It's your choice!
You absolutely have to have a vision! Helen Keller once said..."The only thing worse than not having sight is not having vision."
Ancient scripture says... Without a vision the people perish! In Eby English, you'll shrivel up and die without a vision! If you don't know where you are going, how will you know when you get there?
You vision must be effective, clear, challenging and inspiring to be valid.
Where are you going? Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Never let anybody steal your dream or vision!
Life's results are not by chance... but by choice!
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