self improvement now

UAE Cosmetics and personal care market worth over AED 1.5 Billion

2007-08-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

Realage expert Jennifer Trachtenberg, md, joins aol coaches to help parents create healthy habits for kids

2007-08-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

500 Philadelphia Yout and 100 Adult leaders Gather for services and self-improvement

2007-08-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Self-Improvement - Achieve Success

2006-11-04T23:18:00.000-08:00


This self-improvement video is about how to achieve success in life. More free self-improvement tips, articles and courses at http://www.motivatedforsuccess.com

Self-Improvement Software History PBS TV Show Computer Chronicles 1993

2006-11-04T22:33:00.000-08:00

Episode of the PBS Series Computer Chronicles spotlighting self-improvement software. Filmed in Sunnyvale, CA in 1993. This is pretty interesting for a few reasons. I lived in Sunnyvale for almost two decades, for those who don't know it is just a few miles north of San Jose and about 40 miles south of San Francisco. But look at the computors back then and the news. It was only 13 years ago but somehow looks like it was longer.
Anyways, there is some interesting info about the self improvement software back then.

In Search Of Confidence

2005-11-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

In Search Of Confidence
by: Ryan Fyfe

What is the big deal with confidence. Why do some people have so much and others are struggling just to get their name out wondering why they missed out or something. Well we're all living in this box, and until we realize that we're not and then here we are... "obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals"

Is it possible to teach confidence? Well, yes. Anything is possible!

Take drinking for example. Drinking is of course a way of releaving stress but really in turn most of the time creates more...much more...? who would tend to agreee with me? Like you had a long week or exams or life just isn't getting you places or your life is too hard and seems like there is no way out or how about Asia. Everybody is just so damn busy and has no time for families or friends so when they do get the chance they want to drink it away. Then once the drinking begins. The talk starts of changing lives and big hopes and money and next minute. Heads are huge if they weren't already before.

Guess what you wake up no closer to your dreams but have a nasty head ache and are probaby tired or else have wasted half of your day sleeping!Confidence you gain when your drinking isn't really yours. If you get layed or get a hot date well don't thank yourself but rather the poison sitting next to you or in your stomach. When the poison wears off you are still the same chicken that you were the night before. How long will this go on for?

So if you don't get your confidence from drinking where does it come from then? well 1st of all lets clear our heads and think straight here. hope you didn't drink last night! Well everybody has to discover their own confidence and some people may discover theirs quicker and some people may never quite find all of it. well just listen to your heart and block out the stuff that isn't bringing you in the right direction

I've grown up with my fair shair of love but know people who haven't and all I can say is that I belive in you even if you don't yet! Have you seen the "Conte of Monte Cristo"? Well God belives in you as well even if you don't believe or have faith in him! Change can be hard but the hardest thing I thing would be too look back on a life of regret or chances that we didn't take:

"The only real regrets we'll have when its all said and done is the chances that we didn't take"

"We'll never truly know what were capable of until we go to far" or "dreams are the limits of our success"

Never give up. It's never to late for anything!!!

About The Author

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Chicken Spot - http://www.chicken-spot.com, which is the best site on the internet for all chicken related information.

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

SEO is easy

Think Right Now

2005-10-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most powerful self help sites I have seen.

No matter what you are trying to improve yourself in you should take a good look and sign up for the free newsletter.

click here

Motivation - The 4 Most Potent Ways To Awaken Your Enthusiasm

2005-10-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

Motivation - The 4 Most Potent Ways To Awaken Your Enthusiasm
by: Kurt Hurley

...it is in this whole process of meeting and solving problems that life has its meaning. Problems are the cutting edge that distinguishes between success and failure. Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and our wisdom. It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually...It is through the pain of confronting and resolving problems that we learn. – M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled

Are there times in your life when you really want to just “throw in the towel” because for what it’s worth, you can't see the positive results from the painstakingly concentrated work you've done? Well, you are not alone my friend! We all have had those discouraging, disconcerting thoughts.

But, slow down, listen up… Hold your horses!

Never ever think of giving up. Winners never quit and quitters never win. Take all negative words out of your mental dictionary and focus on the solutions with utmost conviction and patience. The battle is never lost until you abandon your vision.

So… What if you're really exhausted physically, mentally, spiritually and most of all emotionally? Here are some sources of motivation to prompt you in reaching the peak of accomplishment.

1) The Overwhelming Feeling of Attaining your Desired End…

How would you feel after accomplishing your mission? You know you’d feel ecstatic. You might even be shedding tears of joy. Let this tremendous feeling sink in and encourage you to persist despite all odds, endurance till the bitter end.

When I was studying nutrition back in California and about to test for my degree, I used this technique to motivate me. I would envision the appeal of people regarding me as an educated man. I would command respect, demand attention. People would view me nobly as a higher authority. Not to mention, I would be able to make more money and live a better lifestyle. Boy, did I absolutely absorb all these amazing perceptions into my inner being, into my heart and soul in order to achieve my ultimate goal.

2) The Incentive System…

How would you feel if you've entered a contest, but no prizes were available for the winners? Not very encouraging, is it?

The same principles apply to your vision. Reward yourself after accomplishing a goal. Set a particular incentive for every objective achieved. You deserve it!

Let's say if you've achieved a particular task, you’d treat yourself to your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant. And when you finish a bigger task, you'll go on a vacation.

Got the idea? Pretty cool eh?

Just a little something gratifying to indulge in after completing a certain undertaking.

3) The Potent Force of Humanity…

If you want to succeed, surround yourself with the right kind of people who will support and encourage you 100% all the way.

Be with people who have the same beliefs and aspirations as yours. Positive aura is generated by this fusion of collective energy from people of "like minds." This is how successful people do it.

And contrarily speaking, being with people who oppose your ways of thinking may trigger a negative, yet very potent, kind of motivation.

Has anyone ever said to you that "You'll never go anywhere", “Be anybody” or "You're wasting your time with what you're doing?" I have, it's so petty, so little...do not listen, it's not true. You can accomplish anything you desire!

But, if it has happenned, like it did to me, did it make you furious and determined enough to prove to them how wrong they were? Good, this is what I'm talking about.

When aggravated, you will do anything to make those who are against you eat their words. But of course, your main focus should be on the accomplishment of your goal and not on revenge, this is wasted energy. Never let your emotions toward others alter your foremost objective. Keep your eye on the prize!

4) Take Care Of And Manage Your Health…

Eat right! Balance and moderation, do not over indulge. Exercise regularly. Oxygenate your brain; blood-oxygen to the brain is crucial to sustained vigor and vitality. Hydrate, water, water everywhere!

Take regular breaks if time permits. Having the will power to continue despite all hardship is extremely important, but know your limitations. You are in charge, be in charge. Yes, you are the boss of you!

Without proper rest, you will not be able to think clearly and you will not be able to perform necessary tasks efficiently. It’s what the doctor ordered…

And don’t forget to sleep, sleep, sleep! Recharge and revitalize yourself after a hard day's work. Never, ever ignore your health. Did you know that sleep is the most under-rated, yet essential nutrient known to man. Believe me, I've been there, I too once sacrificed my health for the sake of success…thought I would ‘sleep when I was dead’, not anymore, I learned my lesson!

It's not worth it. Success won't matter if you are not well, good health is a key component to a good life.

Awaken your motivation and live life to the fullest!

About The Author

Kurt Lee Hurley, operator of www.kreatefitness.com, whose clients refer to him as the "Secret Weapon" has built over 3,000 weight loss success testimonials and his Provo, Utah Wellness Facility, Synergy Fitness Systems has become known as a "Results Factory" a "Living Laboratory" of Achievement, Enhanced Human Performance and a place to congregate for Empowerment and of course, the Success of attaining Weight Loss RESULTS!

Forgiveness Stories Definition Quotes... Power To Forgive Vested With Human Beings

2005-09-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness Stories Definition Quotes... Power To Forgive Vested With Human Beings
by: Vijay Kumar

Forgiveness is that quality in a human being which separates him from the animals and the lower forms of living beings. To preach forgiveness is a simple task but to be able to practice forgiveness in real life is the essence of life.

Only a person with extreme humbleness imbibed within and a feeling of compassion for his compatriot is able to practice forgiveness! To be able to forgive requires that the forgiver forgoes all the sufferings of the past that may have been inflicted upon him by the gruesome acts of the indulgent. A tough task indeed but not something that cannot be practised!

In most circumstances one may not have committed any sin, still practising forgiveness brings within us a feeling of extreme calm and compassion for the mankind in general. Practice of forgiveness normally cannot be practiced by the common man for it requires practising patience to its extreme.

If we are to achieve our goal of life... we just cannot manage to cling on to events of the past... happenings which cannot be reversed by us using any means. We cannot travel back in time to undo the events of the past. Why not practice forgiveness and forgive those ignorant denizens of the society who practiced ill will and caused harm to the society.

Forgiving the ignorant is the best policy... it clears us of the debris of the past! Indulgence in the ugly residual remembrances of the past results in anger. Why destroy our body and health by harbouring the evil thoughts of the past.

Knowing well that we cannot undo the events of the past... we must brace ourselves for the times ahead! To be able to peacefully practice in the present we need to follow the dictates of forgiveness to its extreme! There are no allowances in the field of forgiveness. It has to be total surrender!

Practising forgiveness is the biggest boon to mankind from God the Almighty. One can exercise this power and reach for the higher goals of life by discriminating between the good and the bad. Harbouring ill will against one never yields positive results.

In the present times when the values in the society are in their lowest ebb we need to exercise this special power of discrimination (practising forgiveness) quite often. We have no other remedy if we are to rise to a higher bracket in life.

Every successful person in life practices forgiveness to its extreme. Whether it was Mahatma Gandhi, John F. Kennedy or Margaret Thatcher and Bill Gates for that matter... all were and are the best practitioners of forgiveness in their life.

Forgiveness just cannot be preached... it has to be practiced in totality! Only then shall we be able to enjoy the fruits of practising forgiveness in the present life. All the Man Gods of the yester era... Mahavira, Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed practiced forgiveness all the time right from a very young age.

Practising forgiveness gives you an edge over your contemporary... it helps maintain the sanity of a person. Forgiveness reduces the element of hate which follows whenever wanton desires get practiced.

Citing an example-

One Yogi (a renowned seeker of spirituality) was one day having a bath on the edge of a swollen river which had flooded. It so happened that because of the flood one scorpion happened to float by. On seeing the plight of the scorpion that it might die... the Yogi picked it up in his hand but immediately had to do away for the scorpion gave a piercing poisonous bite.

Unmindful of the bite the Yogi again picked up the scorpion and again the scorpion bit his hand. This happened thrice. One passerby who was aware of the spiritual accomplishments of the Yogi could not contain himself and coming near to the Yogi enquired of him why he was trying to help the nasty scorpion.

The reply by the Yogi made the onlooker flabbergasted. It was not to be believed for the Yogi had replied, "when this poor scorpion (a much lower level of species on the plane of evolution) is not able to let go of his habit of biting one... how could the Yogi let go of his habit of helping one. What a great practitioner of compassion and forgiveness this Indian Yogi was.

In spite of being bitten thrice... he was able to practice forgiveness owing to the feeling of compassion within. This is how forgiveness can be truly defined. A true practitioner of forgiveness never thinks of the results of the acts by the other but remains concentrated on the end goal of his life... always and ever! This helps one develop the power of forgiveness... true compassion to be practiced in daily life.

About The Author

Vijay Kumar... The Man who Realized God in 1993 on power of forgiveness stories quotes and Definition. Subscribe free Newsletter "Spiritual Secrets Unveiled" - Explore hidden cosmic truths at http://www.godrealized.com

MORAL ARMOR'S Irrational Parenting, Part III

2005-09-07T00:36:00.000-07:00

MORAL ARMOR'S Irrational Parenting, Part III
by: Ronald E Springer

Not Letting Them Think.

We all implicitly know that anything questioning the process of cognition itself will be met with massive irritation, making us want to respond with “Don’t question my capacity to think.” Their moronic reasoning to show how logic is derived, provokes the thought, “Don’t try to tell me how to think.” Forcing their opinions down your throat earns the response, “Don’t tell me what to think.” Some parents show no respect for personal boundaries long after childhood, straightening your clothes, your hair, invading your privacy—incessantly buzzing around you like a mosquito. This belittlement implies incompetent dependency—a fundamental insult to Man or animal—any way you slice it. These actions tick everyone off, at any stage in life.

Their children are a test bed for ill technology—the grand experiment—saying “In this child, the great dream will be made real,” and they hold them to their own irrational standard of how they wish life to be. They experiment with violence, as if forcing kids to practice the senseless can make it succeed, and then take aggression out on them when it fails. They trounce on their children’s right to life by their gift of life. They punish them for having preferences. They force them into unchosen activities, pushing them into unnecessary competition in areas they care or don’t care for, straining kid’s friendships and taking the joy out of everything. Eventually their children accept patterns of repression, whose unchosen and unhappy situations follows them into adulthood.

Breaking life down into philosophic essentials, the motives that drive ideas and actions either go on one side—the side of life, or on the other—the side of death. Maybe five percent of parents I have known had a conscious understanding of intellectual essentials and could convey them effectively to children. Thinking is exactly what they don’t know how to explain or train. Most wouldn’t want to harm children if they knew better, but often they don’t and at some point they made the choice not to know. That is their guilt. The crucial point is that their actions affect the child positively or negatively according to existential cause and effect, regardless of their claimed intentions. So what do they do? They try to live their lives for them. They buzz in their face like an insect and never leave them alone, saying “Why do you have to do it my way? Because, that’s why. Do you want to be grounded? Don’t question me.” They offer no chain, make no attempt to teach one and penalize children for reasoning through what doesn’t make sense to them. Riddled with cognitive errors and brimming with inexperience, they’ll refuse to spank their child as a moral stand when pleasure and pain are the first rudimentary connections a child can make, and their children never learn to respect social boundaries. Instead they’ll attempt to explain the ramifications of being good or bad when it’s still well outside their cognitive range. Some hit unjustly, choosing violence as the constant solution instead of responsibly engaging a child ready for more complex understandings. A smothering parent will choose their children’s diet, their interests, their friends, their schedule, their career, their mate, you name it, claiming to care. They will be hated, and as the children grow, both will make each other miserable. When the kids leave, don’t expect to see them for a long, long time.

There is no justification for our every action being checked by another. Alone, we can relax. We can try new things, test and entertain conclusions with no need for immediate validation. There are no disagreements to have and no justifications to clear with ourselves, only dysfunctions to identify and inefficiencies to overcome. Few things are more valuable than a safely executed mistake. There are questions in life that need not be answered on the spot. Experience with the cognitive process itself will provide the completed picture; kids must only remain free to exercise it. Parental interference is a confession that they don’t understand the cognitive process themselves, and don’t trust their children to use it either. It is inappropriate to attempt to raise another consciousness until you have mastered your own.

Copyright 2005 Ronald E Springer

About The Author
Ronald E. Springer is the Author/Philosopher of Moral Armor, the world's first fully-integrated moral philosophy based on the nature of Man. Featured on The Mitch Albom Show, NBC and FOX News radio affiliates, Mr. Springer is available for interviews, speaking engagements, philosophy workshops and seminars. Please contact

RonaldESpringer@MoralArmor.com

or visit http://www.MoralArmor.com
for details.

How Reiki Concentration can Fulfill Your Desires

2005-08-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

How Reiki Concentration can Fulfill Your Desires
by: Zach Keyer

Quote: "It is a spiritual law that the desire to do necessarily implies the ability to do."

You have all read of "Aladdin's Lamp," which accomplished such wonderful things. This, of course, is only a fairy tale, but it illustrates the fact that man has within him The Power, if he is Able to use it, to gratify his every wish.

If you are unable to satisfy your deepest longings it is time you learned how to use your God-given powers. You will soon be conscious that you have latent powers within capable when once developed of revealing to you priceless knowledge and unlimited possibilities of success.

Man should have plenty of everything and not merely substance to live on as so many have. All natural desires can be realized. It would be wrong for the Infinite to create wants that could not be supplied. Man's very soul is in his power to think, and it, therefore, is the essence of all created things. Every instinct of man leads to thought, and in every thought there is great possibility because true thought development, when allied to those mysterious powers which perhaps transcend it, has been the cause of all the world's true progress.

In the silence we become conscious of "that something" which transcends thought and which uses thought as a medium for expression. Many have glimpses of "that something," but few ever reach the state where the mind is steady enough to fathom these depths. Silent, concentrated thought is more potent than spoken words, for speech distracts from the focusing power of the mind by drawing more and more attention to the without.

Man must learn more and more to depend on himself; to seek more for the Infinite within. It is from this source alone that he ever gains the power to solve his practical difficulties. No one should give up when there is always the resources of Infinity. The cause of failure is that men search in the wrong direction for success, because they are not conscious of their real powers that when used are capable of guiding them.

The Infinite within is foreign to those persons who go through life without developing their spiritual powers. But the Infinite helps only he who helps himself. There is no such thing as a Special "Providence." Man will not receive help from the Infinite except to the extent that he believes and hopes and prays for help from this great source.

Concentrate on What You Want and Get It. The weakling is controlled by conditions. The strong man controls conditions. You can be either the conqueror or the conquered. By the law of Reiki - Concentration you can achieve your heart's desire. This law is so powerful that that which at first seems impossible becomes attainable.

By this law what you at first see as a dream becomes a reality.

Remember that the first step in Reiki - Concentration is to form a Mental Image of what you wish to accomplish. This image becomes a thought-seed that attracts thoughts of a similar nature. Around this thought, when it is once planted in the imagination or creative region of the mind, you group or build associated thoughts which continue to grow as long as your desire is keen enough to compel close Reiki – Concentration.

Form the habit of thinking of something you wish to accomplish for five minutes each day. Shut every other thought out of consciousness. Be confident that you will succeed; make up your mind that all obstacles that are in your way will be overcome and you can rise above any environment.

You do this by utilizing the natural laws of the thought world which are all powerful.

A great aid in the development of Reiki - Concentration is to write out your thoughts on that which lies nearest your heart and to continue, little by little, to add to it until you have as nearly as possible exhausted the subject.

You will find that each day as you focus your forces on this thought at the center of the stream of consciousness, new plans, ideas and methods will flash into your mind. There is a law of attraction that will help you accomplish your purpose. An advertiser, for instance, gets to thinking along a certain line. He has formed his own ideas, but he wants to know what others think. He starts out to seek ideas and he soon finds plenty of books, plans, designs, etc., on the subject, although when he started he was not aware of their existence.

The same thing is true in all lines. We can attract those things that will help us. Very often we seem to receive help in a miraculous way. It may be slow in coming, but once the silent unseen forces are put into operation, they will bring results so long as we do our part. They are ever present and ready to aid those who care to use them. By forming a strong mental image of your desire, you plant the thought-seed which begins working in your interest and, in time, that desire, if in harmony with your higher nature, will materialize.

It may seem that it would be unnecessary to caution you to concentrate only upon achievement that will be good for you and work no harm to another, but there are many who forget others and their rights, in their anxiety to achieve success. All good things are possible for you to have, but only as you bring your forces into harmony with that law that requires that we mete out justice to fellow travelers as we journey along life's road. So first think over the thing wanted and if it would be good for you to have; say, "I want to do this; I am going to work to secure it. The way will be open for me."

If you fully grasp mentally the thought of success and hold it in mind each day, you gradually make a pattern or mold which in time will materialize. But by all means keep free from doubt and fear, the destructive forces. Never allow these to become associated with your thoughts.

At last you will create the desired conditions and receive help in many unlooked-for ways that will lift you out of the undesired environment. Life will then seem very different to you, for you will have found happiness through awakening within yourself the power to become the master of circumstances instead of their slave.

To the beginner in this line of thought some of the things stated in this book may sound strange, even absurd, but, instead of condemning them, give them a trial. You will find they will work out.

The inventor has to work out his idea mentally before he produces it materially. The architect first sees the mental picture of the house he is to plan and from this works out the one we see. Every object, every enterprise, must first be mentally created.

I know a man that started in business with thirteen cents and not a dollar's worth of credit. In ten years he has built up a large and profitable business. He attributes his success to two things--belief that he would succeed and hard work. There were times when it did not look like he could weather the storm. He was being pressed by his creditors who considered him bankrupt. They would have taken fifty cents on the dollar for his notes and considered themselves lucky. But by keeping up a bold front he got an extension of time when needed. When absolutely necessary for him to raise a certain sum at a certain time he always did it. When he had heavy bills to meet he would make up his mind that certain people that owed him would pay by a certain date and they always did. Sometimes he would not receive their check until the last mail of the day of the extension, and I have known him to send out a check with the prospect of receiving a check from one of his customers the following day. He would have no reason other than his belief in the power of affecting the mind of another by Reiki - Concentration of thought for expecting that check, but rarely has he been disappointed.

Just put forth the necessary concentrated effort and you will be wonderfully helped from sources unknown to you.

Remember the mystical words of Jesus, the Master: "Whatsoever thing ye desire when ye pray, pray as if ye had already received and ye shall have."

About The Author
Zach Keyer
Brought To You By: http://www.ReikiHealingStories.com/
zkeyer@yahoo.com

2005-08-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

Where Do You Get Your Daily Success Quotes?

by: Helene Malmsio

Don’t be left behind today in the motivational stakes. START OFF YOUR DAY WITH OUR FREE BOOK!

"365 Daily Success Quotes" Inspiring self help ebook - a Power Pack of Quotes for every day of the week.

E-book can also be loaded onto your desktop for quick daily calendar reference to this day's inspiration. I have also just published my favourite “500 Famous Quotes” free self help book for you to download as well.

Either of these ebooks are a very thoughtful gift to surprise a friend or colleague with and brighten their day!

Visit our site and get your book, plus select from another 80+ free e-books to download at http://www.personal-enterprise-self-help-resources.com/self-help-ebook-directory.html

The site also has a Famous Quotes page that is updated DAILY with a selection of three new quotes for you every day.

Here are some more famous quotes to inspire you today-

“Motivation alone is not enough. If you have an idiot and you motivate him, now you have a motivated idiot.” – Jim Rohn

"If you want to get somewhere you have to know where you want to go and how to get there. Then never, never, never give up." - Norman Vincent Peale

"Some things you have to do every day. Eating seven apples on Saturday night instead of one a day just isn't going to get the job done." - Jim Rohn

"The real menace in dealing with a five-year-old is that in no time at all you begin to sound like a five-year-old." Jean Kerr

"Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgments that leads us to either fortune or failure" - Jim Rohn

"If you want to sacrifice the admiration of many men for the criticism of one, go ahead, get married." - Katherine Hepburn

Contributed by Helene Malmsio, a successful business entrepreneur for nearly 30 years and has been operating Strategic Services group of Companies since 1987.

With over 30 years of personal and professional development, Helene has produced a powerful self help website with over 80 FREE SELF HELP BOOKS and 1000 free personal development guides for your greater Happiness, Health and Prosperity http://personal-enterprise-self-help-resources.com

About The Author
Contributed by Helene Malmsio, a successful business entrepreneur for nearly 30 years and has been operating Strategic Services group of Companies since 1987.

With over 30 years of personal and professional development, Helene has produced a powerful self help website with over 80 FREE SELF HELP BOOKS and 1000 free personal development guides for your greater Happiness, Health and Prosperity http://personal-enterprise-self-help-resources.com

8 Ways to Get Off The Success-Go-Round and Have a Consistent Flow of Success

2005-08-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

8 Ways to Get Off The Success-Go-Round and Have a Consistent Flow of Success
by: Marie M. Roker

Are you consistently chasing success? Once you achieve it, do you desperately try to continue the pattern of making it happen again? Isn't it time you got off the success-go-round? Here are 8 tips to help you make the transition from inconsistency to steady flow of success.

1. Know Your Core Values.

What do your truly value in your life? If you're struggling to come up with an answer, then maybe it's time you reevaluated your values. You might know what values your parents instilled in you, but you need to be clear on what you stand for and what is important in your life. Do you value honesty, integrity or trust? By knowing your core values you will seek them in the relationships you form with others. List your top five core values and live by them. Start to examine if your core values match the goals you are trying to achieve. Your values are essential to success.

2. Be Honest With Yourself.

Don't kid yourself about who you are or what you love to do. If you're trying to impress or win the approval of others by being successful, you success will be unauthentic. Is the "real" you showing up everyday? It is empowering to some to have a great job title or a prospering business, but if at the end of the day, you feel empty, tired or dissatisfied; it's time to be honest with yourself. You can't present yourself as someone in control at work, when you know deep inside you feel that you have no control over your life. Success is only temporary when you are not living a self-actualized life. Passion for your life and your work makes you thrive. Only when you are honest with yourself about who you are and what you really love to do can you start to experience a steady flow of success.

3. Don't Let Your Emotions Run the Show.

If you’re happy when life is great and going as planned, but fall apart when you are faced with challenges and obstacles, you allow your emotions to run the show. If people can clearly tell when things are not going well for you, it's time to get your emotions in check. Life is not predictable. Plans will not always run as smoothly as expected, but it is important that you maintain your composure during these times. Don't let your beliefs have power over the situation. If you allow sadness, anger or fear to take over, you will find it more difficult each time to bounce back after a set-back. Get to know your emotional triggers; what makes you angry, sad or afraid and then create a plan for coping with them when they arise.

4. Be Flexible With Your Plans.

Being too rigid and unwavering with plans can lead to disappointment. While setting plans and goals are ideal for making success happen, you have to accept that sometimes you may have to alter those plans. It's a good idea to have a back-up just in case things don't go the way you expected. Don't allow minor setbacks to make you cancel your plans altogether, but have faith that you will find another way to get things done. Take detours if it is necessary. Be open to ideas and suggestions from those you trust. You will find another way if you are willing to receive what is being offered to you.

5. Don't Let Success Be the Center of Your Life.

Success should not be at the center of your life. There are many more important things that you need to tend you. When you neglect or postpone what is important in your life, you will find that you are chasing success just to have more time, more energy and more money to enjoy life. It doesn’t happen that way. Set aside time to work on your career goals, business plan, life plan, etc, then continue with our life. If you're always on the look-out for success, it will rarely come. Have you heard the expression: "A watched phone never rings.”? Be patient and don't try to rush success. Learn to let go and you will see a transformation in yourself and your success plans.

6. Share What You Know or What You Have.

If you have a grip hold on success, but are not willing to share your knowledge, your time or your resources, chances are success will break free from you. Give of yourself and you will always be given. Don't be afraid to share your knowledge even with a competitor because it the long run, you will benefit more from it. Volunteer, if you have the time.

7. Ask for What You Want and Believe You Will Receive It.

Do you state clearly your goals or desires? Depending on your faith or religious affiliation, pray, meditate and ask for what you want. Once you get it, don't stop asking. We often make the mistake of asking for what we want and then we either give up because it hasn't come in our anticipated time or we stop asking because we got what we wanted. You should never stop asking, because you are only halfway. When you stop asking you don't allow more blessings to come into your life. If you only ask periodically or when things are going bad, then you are asking out of desperation. Ask continuously, and ask with the conviction that it will come to realization.

8. Stay in the Success Momentum.

The best way to keep from sabotaging your success is to stay in the success mindset. Giving in to financial or career blues can deter you from your goals. Keep away from people or situations that sap your energy or keep you stuck. Build a network of people that will challenge, support and motivate you when your outlook becomes distorted. Develop strategies that will help you to deal with rejections, disappointments and regrets. Lighten up and know don't be yourself up for every little mistake you make. Take charge of all your trying situations and know that "this too shall pass."

About The Author

Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach an Author of Successful Thinking for a Successful Life: How to Banish the Unhealthy Thoughts and Habits That Limit Your Success. Her Successful Thinking™ program is an affordable coaching resource that offers support and encouragement when there are roadblocks to success. You can find out more about the program at http://www.thinkandbesuccessful.com or sign up for her free Be Inspired newsletter at http://www.smartbeecoaching.com.
smartbeecoach@gmail.com

2005-08-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Loving Every Phenomenal Part of You
by: Deborah L. Shipley

Have you ever wished yourself away? I am not referring to leaving your precious life on this Earth; but rather, just wished you weren’t a certain way or did not have some particular qualities and mannerisms that were so apparent to you. I know I have.

In the past, I’ve had a very difficult time when others would point out my weaknesses to me, either constructively or not-so tactfully. I would think, “ Wow, not only do I think these are big problems I have, but now everyone else sees them as well.“ I would hope and pray that these parts of my personality would disappear into the deep character trait abyss. I would pretend to myself they weren’t present or I would try my hardest to cover them up. I spent a lot of time and energy on hiding these areas that I wanted so desperately to vanish.

A big first step in learning to love oneself and in self-forgiveness is accepting every part of you as the unique person that you are. All of your so-labeled liabilities can be tweaked into assets, but they must first be accepted. Otherwise, you are pushing against the grain and not being authentic to your true self.

Let me give you an example of what I am talking about. In all of my past serious relationships, I have loved very passionately- so much so, that I’ve depended on the other person in the relationship for my happiness (what is commonly referred to as co-dependence). My moods depended on their moods, their well-being, or were correlated to the way they were treating me at the time. One can argue that this is not really love. I feel it was love, but with a very important component missing-that passionate love for myself… With it, the “dysfunctional” one-sided relationships may have flourished or an even more likely scenario~ I would have probably not attracted them in the first place (but that’s a topic for another day). Once I accepted this as a part of my unique persona I was able to direct it in a more healthy manner-passionate love for my child, my work, my family, my faith, and most importantly, myself.

You may find your dark sides in anger, co-dependence, low self-esteem or a combination of these or other perhaps not so desirable traits. We are missing a part of us by wishing these traits weren’t ours and not owning up to every inch of them. If we are only loving a part of ourselves or of others, we are not fully engaged in the experience of love. You know that feeling of being in a relationship where the other person may “kind of like you” or you “kind of like them“. It doesn’t flourish, and neither party is truly happy. It has been said by finding an area in which you have found the most struggles, therein lies your true purpose. These are gifts for us to embrace; lessons are presented for us to learn. Think of one of your greatest challenges-has that not shaped who you are today? When you are in the midst of it, it can be difficult; but when you step back, you see the beauty of it all.

Accept your yin and your yang. Accept your dark and your light. Accept your failures and your successes. I am not suggesting that we use this as an excuse to not participate in personal development or self-care, or to neglect to learn those lessons that are often presented to us throughout our lives. Instead I am suggesting that we embrace our unique selves and know that we are not on this Earth to take up space but rather to fulfill a beautiful life of our dreams in our own special way~ every valuable bit of us.

“If you can’t accept yourself, then certainly no one else will.” ~Author Unknown

About The Author
Copyright 2005~Deborah Shipley is a registered yoga teacher, publisher of a free monthly e-zine on self-esteem, and an e-book author. This article may be distributed provided the author’s information is included in its entirety.

http://www.tipsforinterpersonalskills.com

dlshipley@comcast.net

The Secret That Is Not A Secret At All.

2005-08-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

The Secret That Is Not A Secret At All by: Stan Lewis

The purpose of this article is to discuss habits and what can happen, over a period of time, when we put things off or when we don’t finish the tasks we have started. At the end of this article, you shall discover a potentially life changing secret, that is not a secret at all.

When we continuously put things off or don’t finish a task, it can become a bad habit. Habits can be either good or bad. When things become a habit, we do them without even thinking about them. This is great – when the repetitive actions are positive. However it can be bad – when the repetitive actions are negative. It matters not the occupation of a person or if they’re a leader. Each person should seek to create repetitive actions which are positive and create good habits. Additionally, each of us should seek to stay away from repetitive actions that are negative and create bad habits.

Now each of us have procrastinated or put things off for various reasons. And to be honest, sometimes it is necessary to set things aside for valid reasons – like family emergencies. True emergency situations do not need to be justified. However, it is when we become like the person in Proverbs 6:9-11 that it is not alright. This Proverb talks about the foolishness of indolence. Indolence means being lethargic and not showing any interest or making any effort. Proverbs 6:9-11 says - “6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, 7 which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, 8 provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. 9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— 11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”

The ant is self-motivated. It has developed good habits that cause it to do what is necessary to survive and thrive. Those who always put things off will drift away from what’s necessary in order to feed their bad habits. They become like the sluggard. A little sleep here, a little slumber there, and a little folding of hands to sleep and poverty can come upon you like a prowler. This “lack of action” can treat you with the cruelty of an armed robber if you do not do what is necessary to create positive habits. In turn, positive habits will produce and develop physical, mental, and spiritual growth within you.

Another problem is that many of us have trouble following through with a task. We start projects or tasks with great energy, but never follow through on them. Again, there are valid reasons not to finishing a project or task. Emergencies and strange situations do pop up from time to time. However, each of us should endeavor to finish what we start. Proverbs 12:27 says, “ 27 the lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.” What a waste of both resources and time. This guy went through all the trouble of hunting down his game, but will not follow through with the task of feeding himself. He is so close to the ultimate goal he set out upon, but in the end – he missed the mark. This is like practicing for a 100 yard dash and when the race starts – the runner quits at the 50 or 60 yards mark. No injury or mishap – not at all. It’s just that the runner has never developed the positive habit of completing a race. The hunter has never developed the positive habit of finishing the job and feeding himself.

The diligent – those who are persistent and hard working – are a different story. The diligent do not put off until tomorrow – what can be done today. The diligent, also, finish what they start. The diligent value their resources. The diligent not only value their time, but the time of others.
So, what are you putting off? Where are the areas in your life that you are not following through on? Once you have answered these questions; then you will know what you have to work on. These are areas where you need to be diligent. But remember, you did not develop bad habits over night, but over time. Nor are you likely to change your bad habits on your own. In order for you to develop the positive habits that will promote your physical, mental, and spiritual growth; you will need to seek out a mentor to walk this road of change with you. Whether you find an elder or leader in the church or a big brother or sister figure; find someone to hold you accountable. And here is the big secret that is no secret at all: Admit your bad habits, set goals to change them, create action steps (something you can do daily), and find an accountability partner/mentor. It’s not a secret at all, that you can be the best you that you can be – if you trade out your bad habits for good ones.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER, E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it: Stan Lewis is a Christian Leadership & Life Coach. If you liked this article, you should really check out his FREE audio course "Seven Basic Steps To Becoming a Servant Leader" and other FREEBIES at www.realleadership4coachinglife.com. Questions/Need assistance call 214-629-7217.

About The Author

Coach Stan is a Christian Life & Leadership coach. He is happily married to the ultimate lady and love of his life - Barb. He has two children. He is a former Naval Officer & has developed and trained leaders for 18 yrs. He has worked in the Royal Ranger ministry for 20 yrs. He has a passion for training, ministering to, and developing leaders.
slewis@realcoach.org

Do What You Love, Love What You Do

2005-07-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Do What You Love, Love What You Do by: Richard Hanes

Everyone dreams of a life full of love and adventure. But we fill ourselves with reasons not to follow our dreams. Instead of protecting us, they imprison and hold us back. Life will be over before we know it, so now is the time to really live life and love.

In Life Lessons, Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler suggest that love is the only gift in life that is not lost and is ultimately the only thing we can really give. Start by loving yourself.

1. Love Yourself. To give love, you must have love. Too often we put conditions on love. Conditions on love weigh it down and keep us from loving completely.

Be Compassionate With Yourself. Don’t judge, criticize or beat yourself up when you make a mistake. Cut yourself some slack.

Nurture Your Soul. Do things that make you feel good about yourself and make you truly glad you did them. Let the love in that’s all around. Schedule and budget for these nurturing activities; pick something that will make you feel great and do it!

Remove Barriers. Let go of conditions you place on giving and receiving love. Give love freely with no thought of receiving love in return. Receive love with no conditions or self-criticism. Remember the Beatles song lyric from The End, “… And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

2. Love What You Do. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, in Flow, the Psychology of Optimal Experience, identifies eight major components of enjoying an activity. His studies on flow suggest an activity is enjoyable when at least one and often all eight components are present.

Completion. We need tasks with sufficient complexity to challenge and stretch us to develop our skills but that won’t overwhelm us.

Concentration. The root of concentrate means to “center”. We need tasks that allow us to wrap our mind around it and be challenged by it. Tasks that are too hard will overwhelm us; tasks that are too easy will bore us.

Clear Goals. Stephen Covey tells us to begin with the end in mind, to know what we’d like to accomplish. A clear goal gives us a specific outcome that our mind can use to discern if we are meeting the test.

Feedback. Feedback allows you to compare your outcome to your goal. It’s a symbolic message that allows you to create order in your consciousness and shift your efforts if your outcome is off course.

Deep, Effortless Involvement. Attending fully to what is happening in the present prevents our mind from filling with extraneous worries, thoughts and distractions. Applying all your relevant skills to meeting challenges focuses your attention completely, so you cease being aware of yourself as separate from your activity. You become one with it; you act spontaneously.

Sense of Control. Developing your skills so you can reduce the margin of error as close to zero as possible and being able to influence a doubtful outcome produces a sense of exercising control in difficult situations.

Self Concern Disappears. Protecting our ego, the image we hold of ourselves as separate from everything else, requires mental energy. Enjoyable activities with clear goals, stable rules and challenges well matched to our skills present no threat to our egos. Immersion in such activity strengthens our sense of being capable.

Altered Sense of Time. Immersion in challenging activity causes how we perceive time to speed up (we look up and 8 hours have passed without noticing) or slow down (like a batter watching a pitch in slow motion). Complete involvement frees us from the tyranny of time and deepens enjoyment.

Pick an activity that has these traits and you’ll love what you do.

3. Love in Service to Others. In A Simpler Way, Margaret Wheatley and Myron Kellner-Rogers suggest that any self-expression that is not meaningful to others is irrelevant and won’t survive in a systems-seeking world. So expressing what you love in service to others is your task.
Do What You Love. Identify anything that meets some or all of the eight criteria listed above for loving what you do. What would you do if money were not an object? Let your list simmer on the back burner of your subconscious.

Combine Activities You Love. List without judging the things you love to do and how you might combine them. If you love writing, travel and spirituality, you might consider traveling to spiritual sites and writing a travel guide on how to get there and what to do once you’re there. Or consider organizing, marketing and guiding travel tours there. Be creative; use your imagination!

Serve Others. As you imagine possible manifestations of the activities you love, guide your imagination to ways that serve others. Remember, if you’re going to make a living by doing what you love, you’ll need others to pay you! Make your offering something others want or need!

Love and treat yourself well, learn what you love to do and do what you love in a ways that serves the needs of others! You’ll be glad you did!

Copyright 2005, Fruition Coaching. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Rick Hanes is a life and career coach, writer, outdoorsman, gardener and tireless advocate for living life with purpose and passion. He founded Fruition Coaching in 2004 to lead the fight against leading lives of quiet desperation. Check his website at http://www.fruitioncoaching.com to contact him about rekindling the fire of your life!

The Real Key To Happiness, Peace of Mind and Massive Success.

2005-07-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Real Key To Happiness, Peace of Mind, and Massive Success by: Rick Miller

Do you know the secret that allowed 100% of the world's wealthiest people to become successful?

Amazingly though, even if you read all their books, attend their speeches, or even ask them in person, you'll probably never discover the one true secret of their success.
Why?

Because they probably don't even know themselves ...
They're too caught up in what they do each day. They may be totally unaware of why almost everything they're involved in becomes a success.

Would you like to know their secret?

Listen closely:

All truly successful people live in alignment with their passions ... they're fulfilling their purpose in life. They're living their own dreams.

The famous theologian William Barclay once said, "There are two great days in a person's life--the day we are born and the day we discover why."

Most people, regardless of religion or lack of religion, instinctively feel that there's a higher purpose to life ... and that if they could determine their mission in life, they'd be much more happy and satisfied.

Once you start to follow your passions and mission in life, the Universe (God or Nature, depending on what you believe) seems to start helping you achieve your goals, often by presenting startling opportunities for you ...

In a recent interview with Chris and Janet Attwood, they revealed a remarkable tool that'll help you quickly determine your purpose in life--The Passion Test.

(Note: To access the Attwood's complete audio interview for free, see end of article)
The simple test, a series of probing questions that you ask yourself, will quickly help you identify your top passions, what's really important in your life.

According to Janet, "The number-one reason people don't get what they want is--is they don't know what they want."

Once you discover your passions and align your life with them, success comes quickly and automatically.

What's more startling, she found that every single highly successful person who's taken the test (Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield, T. Harv Eker, Dan Poynter, to name a few) already are accomplishing their top passions.

Undoubtedly knowing your passions speeds up the path to success.
Most importantly, she also revealed ways to help you realign your life to help you follow those passions.

The one key ingredient in reaching any goal or accomplishment is that you must totally love and enjoy whatever you are wanting to appear in your life.
It has to be your dream, not someone else's.

Do you really want a million dollars or would you rather have someone to love and be loved back?

Do you want that mansion or would you rather travel and not be tied down to any geographical location?

Only you can decide ...

After taking the Passion Test, I was profoundly changed in the way I view my life.
For me, I discovered that my number one passion is gaining dynamic health, my number two passion is improving myself, and three is mastering the guitar.

I realize now that I've put those desires on the back burner while I worked totally on survival goals (you know, making money and dealing with life's obstacles).

With that in mind, it's clear to me that I've missed out on a lot of joys that accomplishments in those areas would have brought me.

So I have a lot of work ahead of me to bring my life back into alignment with my most important passions ...

What about you? You owe it to yourself to discover your passions. It'll help you to become a success in all areas of your life.

Copyright 2005 Rick Miller
About The Author
Rick Miller is a Certified Master of Web Copywriting and co-founder of List Crusade. For free access to Chris and Janet Attwood's entire interview, along with 51 other audio lessons from top Internet Marketing and Self Help Gurus--go to: ==> http://www.ListCrusade.com/rickm.html

Get Inspired About Your Career

2005-07-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

Get Inspired About Your Career by: Richard Hanes

Do you linger in bed long after your alarm goes off on work mornings? Do you dread Sunday nights because they lead to Monday mornings? Do you watch the clock and wonder if the day will ever end? Do you look outside your workplace and ask, “Is there more to life than just this job?”

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it is time for you to create a new career! In her CD book, Advanced Energy Anatomy, Carolyn Myss, Ph.D. lays out a seven-step process for bringing an idea to physical creation. Here’s that seven-step process applied to creating a new career inspiration.

1. Get Inspired. Inspiration comes from the Latin words that mean, “to breathe in”. To infuse your career creation with life, passion, and excitement, ask yourself,

What would I do if money were not an object?

What did I love to do as a child but left behind?

What activity do I do so intently that I don’t notice time passing?

Am I interested in turning down the road not taken at a past career fork in the road?

Dig deeply, don’t censor your answers and write each inspiration on a separate piece of paper.

2. What Do You Think? Run each of your inspirations through your head! Ask,
Can I see myself doing this?

Does it make sense?

Do I think I can do it?

Am I willing to think about it?

Be honest in answering these questions, and record your answers on each idea’s page. Rule out the inspirations that don’t survive here.

3. What About Your Will? Run each of the surviving ideas through your will! Your will houses your mental capabilities for choosing, intending, wishing and desiring. Ask yourself,
Will I be able to do this?

Am I able to communicate it?
Am I able to make the right choices and decisions to do this?
Again, write down your answers for each idea. Narrow your list of ideas once more to the ones you believe you’ll be able to do, communicate or make the right choices for.
4. What Do You Feel? Run your survivors through your heart! Ask yourself,
How do I feel about this?
Does it feel right to me?

Can I follow my heart on these inspirations?

Write the answers to these questions for each idea; rule out the ones your heart isn’t into.
Here’s where the going gets tough. The first four steps are energetic. They’re ephemeral, they don’t affect your physical life, and they’re cheap and easy. The next three steps involve assessing your surviving career ideas in the physical world.

5. What Will Others Think? Run your surviving inspirations through your self-esteem. Ask yourself,
Can I endure criticism for this choice?
Will others think I’m foolish?
What if others laugh at me?
Write your answers for each of the surviving ideas and go to the next step.

6. Can I Afford It? Run your surviving inspirations through your financial life. Ask yourself,
What will it cost to change?
Can I live on what I could make in this new career?
Can I learn to live with less?
Record your answers and go to the next step.

7. Am I Willing to Deal With My Fears? What, you have no career ideas or inspirations that survived? Congratulations, you have met your fears!
Relax, you’re not alone!

It’s important that your mind, will and heart are all aligned, or you’ll run into problems. Careers your mind likes but your heart doesn’t will be short-lived. Careers your heart might like don’t even get consideration if your mind allows its fears to stop you dead in your tracks. Your will doesn’t have clear direction if your head and heart aren’t aligned.

Run each of your inspirations through your mind, will and heart. Release those inspirations that don’t have energy in all three of your mind, will and heart. You won’t have enough energy to try them effectively. Hold onto the inspirations for which your mind, will and heart are aligned.
Run those inspirations through your self-esteem. Ask yourself,

Do I have the guts to pull off this career change, even if others disapprove?
Can I grow up and not need others approval to change?
Am I willing to change my social group to pursue this new career?

Now that you’re feeling bold and independent, run the ideas that survived through your financial screen again. Weigh your desire for a career that satisfies you with your need to remain unchanged economically. Ask yourself these tough questions:

What economic changes must I make in order for this career to be feasible?
Would living more simply (read: less expensively) feel better if I felt better about my career?
What expenses that help me cope with my current career won’t be necessary if I change?
What’s more important -- feeling good about myself or having things?

Finally, take the hardy career inspirations that remain and ask,
Can I see myself putting this inspiration into practice?
Am I ready to birth this career inspiration into the world?
Am I ready to share the energy of my career idea with the world?

Shake the tree of your fertile imagination and see what career inspiration falls from it. Some ideas are ripe for picking; others need a bit more time on the tree to ripen. Hold onto those inspirations that didn’t survive – you’ll want to review them when you change careers next time!

Copyright 2005, Fruition Coaching, All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

Rick Hanes is a life and career coach, writer, outdoorsman, gardener and tireless advocate for living life with purpose and passion. He founded Fruition Coaching in 2004 to lead the fight against leading lives of quiet desperation. Check his website at http://www.fruitioncoaching.com to contact him about rekindling the fire of your life!

Self Hypnosis -self improvement

2005-07-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

here is a great site that will help you overcome all sorts of obstacles and improve yourself dramatically:

Self Improvement Hypnosis Downloads

Setting Goals That Empower the Business Owner

2005-07-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Setting Goals That Empower The Business Owner by: Terry Strom

To succeed to the greatest extend possible, you need to set goals. But those goals must be reachable and stretchable. Reachable so you will believe that you can attain them, and stretchable so that when you attain them, you will have moved forward. I feel you need a monthly goal, a six month goal, a yearly goal, and even a three year, five year and 10 year goal. If you have ever played darts, you know that it is impossible to play without a target. Therefore, you need a target when you play the game of life and business.

Your goals need to be reachable do-able, because if they are too hard to attain or too far away, you may just look at your goal and say “whoa, that is too far away to look at and I don’t believe I can do it”. Therefore, you can’t get inspired by that goal, and as a result you will not spend the proper time and energy working on it, which means it will not happen. Then, when it does not happen, you create for yourself a failure, which lowers you self confidence and decrease your personal power for future goals. In cases like this it is much better to set smaller more attainable goals for yourself. Therefore, when you attain the goal, you will have moved forward and created a success for yourself that increase your self esteem and therefore it also increases you personal power for future successes.

You are your biggest and most influential critic of yourself, meaning that if you fail in your own eyes you can hold it against yourself 24/7 in the most negative way; which can play tremendous havoc on your ability to believe in yourself. The problem that occurs with people that continue to create goals that they don’t attain is that they stop believing themselves when they set a goal. Therefore, each time they set a goal that little (or big) voice inside them says “what makes you think you are going to compete your goal this time, you have not completed the other goals you set?“

I have a saying I use went putting together compensation and incentive programs for sales teams, “you get what you reward”. Well this also works with goals you set for yourself as the business owner. Therefore be very careful with the goals you set. If you set goals that do not inspire and excite you, you will not put the energy and effort needed into completing those goals.
As an executive business coach for business owners, I work with the business owners to set goals that are very personal which will have a direct result in bettering their life. I do this because I have seen too many business owners set up goals that may have seemed noble, but had very little potential personal benefit to the business owner, and therefore, it did not inspire them to action. Below is one of the examples of a personal goal I used to get my first direct sales company up and running.

When I started my first direct sales company my wife and I set a very personal goal that ended up being very motivating for both of us, and it was a lot of the reason for our early success in that business. When we started that company, my oldest son was 19 months old, and my wife was eight months pregnant with our second son. She was a teacher and wanted to come and be home with our sons, but we could not afford for her not to work at that time. However, I knew how very important it was for my wife to be home with our children, so I made a goal (and a commitment to my wife) that within one year I would get her out of her job. The goal was a very personal, specific, and attainable (although stretching) for us; and as a result it worked. My wife came home from work within one year, and has never gone back to work (and my oldest son is almost 18); and our direct sales company was extremely successful by the end of that first year.
Goals should be set in a stair step fashion that build on each other and lead to the completion of a major goal. Meaning you set your key goal for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, etc. Then you set shorter term and intermediate term goals that lead to the completion of the key goals. By doing this, you always have a reachable and attainable goal in close reach to where you are so that you don’t get discouraged when looking at the key (long term) goal. The personal story below gives a perfect example of keeping reachable goals constantly in front of you as you strive towards your major goals.

I used to take this run when I lived in Glendora in Southern California. It was located about 15 miles east of Pasadena where the Rose Bowl parade takes place. The run I took went up in elevation 3000 to 4000 feet to the top of a ridge (long term goal). It was about a nine mile run one way, and then you had to come back down that same nine miles. It had a lot of curves and was quite steep. I’d start running and I’d look up at the next flat spot where it curved and went up further, and I would say to myself “oh my gosh, that is such a long (steep) way up”. Just by looking at the steep elevation gain to that next flat spot were it curved to go up further
(intermediate goal) would make me want to give up right then. Therefore to lessen this feeling of wanting to give up, I learned to start looking at my feet instead of the steep jogging trail ahead of me. This helped me greatly, because if I looked at my feet, my feet only went up the steep hill a little bit with each step (short term goal); and then if I just kept looking at my feet eventually I’d get to that next flat spot that curved to go up further (intermediate term goal). Once I reached that flat spot I would get a little bit of success which would give me a euphoric feeling because I had attained that intermediate goal (a small success). This euphoric felling would then propel me to the next flat spot that curved to go up further (next intermediate goal). Then I would continue to go from flat spot to flat spot (intermediate goal to intermediate goal and small success to small success) using the same technique until I attained my long term goal (the end of my uphill run at the top of the ridge).

Through this example you see how you can use short term goals to reach intermediate goals, which help you reach your long term goals. However, the greatest thing about successfully meeting a goal is the awesome feeling of empowerment and the release of endorphins (natural pain killers created by your body), that made me feel awesome for hours later. Therefore, when I would get to the top of that ridge I would feel great and unstoppable for hours after that run (and a little tired). But to do this, I had to start with completing the short term goals, then the intermediate term goals, and then finally the long term goals. In the same way, you can use this technique with your business in order to meet the goals you set for yourself and you company, and to create the self confidence and empowerment that comes with completing those goals.
Lastly, it is extremely important to reward yourself when you complete a goal. You must have smaller rewards for the short term goals and larger rewards for the longer term goals. However, you must make sure that you do not give yourself the appropriate reward until you have completed the associated goal. Moreover, the rewards you set must be something that excites you and inspires you to action for it to be effective. It could be as simple as going out to dinner at a special restaurant when you complete you short term goal, or a weekend at a exciting resort for completing your intermediate range goal, or an awesome Caribbean cruise or a sports car for completing a long term goal. Whatever rewards you set for yourself, have fun with it, so that it will truly be a motivator for you.

Copyright 2005 Terry Strom

About The Author

Terry Strom is a business coach, author, and professional speaker in the areas of motivation, sales, and communication skills. He has spoken in front of over 250,000 sales professionals, and has been the Vice President of three corporations. You can contact him at www.optimizeyourcompany.com.

5 Tips to Eliminate Overwhelm & Accelerate Action

2005-07-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

5 Tips to Eliminate Overwhelm & Accelerate Action by: Beth Tabak

The more you get up to bat the more you develop skills. Each time at the plate is another opportunity coming your way. The more you take action the more you will advance. Whether the game is your sport, career, business, home, or taking a risk one thing is clear. The more you take action, the greater your skills become, and the more you achieve. Below are 5 tips to eliminate overwhelm and accelerate action.

Maintain a Clear Path~ Imagine mowing your lawn by just wandering around mowing wherever you see grass at any given moment. Can you imagine how long it would take? Studies are now acknowledging multi-tasking to be multi-debilitating. The more you create a clear track of what needs to be done while fully focusing on one thing at a time, the faster you can move forward on it. See the resource below for help with this.

Microstep to Success~ Overwhelm is paralyzing. Start by microstepping. Take tiny steps to progress. Do what you know you can do (even if it seems ridiculous). I know I can clean out 1 drawer. I know I can put on my workout clothes and walk to the street. I know I can sit down with pen and paper for 15 minutes to ponder my book idea or begin a business plan. Microstepping will move you forward, build momentum and confidence.

Set Time Deadlines~ Setting deadlines when you begin a task helps maintain pace. It prevents the regret of, “where did the day go?”. Time is a valuable asset to be cared for. When beginning decide how much time you will allow, and focus to complete within that time. Set times during the day to manage tasks that would normally interrupt you such as e-mails, phone calls, and co-workers. When interruptions are inevitable, set a boundary by deciding the time you will allow for the interruption.

Schedule the Significant Stuff First~ We are so responsible that we cast aside the things that will make the biggest impact in our lives. Or maybe it is fear that holds us back. In any event, add the important things to your schedule as a priority and move towards what you want.
Systematize~ Consistently look to create systems to save time. Remember how time is saved by having a system to mow the lawn. When something new goes in a cabinet something old comes out. Return calls and check e-mails at scheduled times daily. Throw junk mail in the trash immediately. Give your items a home so nothing is ever lost. Schedule blocks of time to handle tasks in the various roles you hold. Automate. Keep a running list of items you need and errands, then handle at once. Systematizing with regard to a person’s strengths and passions is even more advantageous.

Resource~ You are welcome to use the complimentary Get Things Done Task List. Send a blank e-mail to GetThingsDone@aweber.com, confirm your request in the follow-up e-mail, and you should receive it in minutes.

This is the time to step up to the plate. Put the breaks on overwhelm and accelerate action by taking the first step… Starting Now!

Copyright 2005 © Beth A. Tabak, All rights reserved.

About The Author

Beth Tabak is a Business & Life Coach, columnist, & owner of Starting Now. She coaches small business owners and professionals to step out in a big, bold way to grow beyond limits, and create the life and business they keep thinking about. See what’s in it for you at http://www.startingnowcoaching.com.
startingnow@houston.rr.com

first post about self improvement.

2005-07-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet: "If you aren't busy being born, you are busy dying" Robert Zimmerman (Dylan)

Let's get busy being born and keep getting better.

Tim Phelan