Most successful people can be characterized as having very high levels of energy. Since energy is the fuel with which everything is achieved, there seems to be a direct relationship between energy levels and levels of accomplishment. It is hard to imagine a tired, burned-out person achieving much in life. On the other hand, energetic, positive, forward-moving individuals seem to get and enjoy far more of the things life has to offer than does the average person.
Physical Energy is Basic
We have been led to believe that there is basically one kind of energy. We supposedly replenish this energy by sleeping at night, and during the day, we use it up again. It is as though we are machines powered by batteries, and each night we recharge our batteries for seven or eight hours. However, there are some problems with this view of energy. The biggest problem is that it does not deal with the fact that there are actually three different kinds of energy, each of which is necessary for maximum performance.
The three main forms are physical energy, emotional energy, and mental energy. Each of these energies is different, but they are interrelated, and they depend on each other.
The Sweat of Your Brow
Physical energy is raw energy, coarse energy, bulk energy, what we call “meat-and-potatoes” energy. Your physical energy is what you use to do physical labor. It is the primary energy applied by men and women who earn their livings by the sweat of their brow.
The Source of Enthusiasm
The second form of energy is emotional energy. This is the energy of enthusiasm and excitement. This is the energy that lends sparkle to the life of an individual. This is the energy that is necessary for feeling love, happiness, and joy. Largely, it is your emotional energy that makes life enjoyable for you. In fact, almost everything you say and do is determined in some way by an emotion, either positive or negative.
The Requirement for Creativity
Mental energy is the energy of creativity, of problem solving and decision making. You use mental energy to make sales, write reports and proposals, plan your day and your week, and learn new subjects. Your level of mental energy is a major determinant of the quality of your life.
Conserve Your Best Energies
The reason why most people fail to realize their potential in life and work is because they burn up their energy at the emotional level, or the physical level; therefore, they have very little energy left over for mental activities. Most people burn up their emotional energy through the expression of negative emotions. Negative emotions are like a fire that burns up their energy so quickly that they have very little left with which to think positively and constructively. In fact, one five-minute uncontrolled outburst of anger can burn up as much energy as an average person would use in eight hours of work.
Your job is to think continually about how you can stay calm and positive, and work smoothly and efficient, so you can have more mental energy to do the things that are most important to you in life.
Action Exercises
Here are three things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action:
First, take time to identify the different ways that you either use up or deplete your levels of physical, emotional and mental energy. How could you improve in each area?
Second, be sure to get plenty of healthful, nutritious food so you can keep your physical energy at high levels. This is the key to all other energies.
Third, look for ways to conserve your emotional energies by being more relaxed and optimistic in the face of daily problems and disappointments.
The more energy you have, the happier and more productive you will be.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Power of Creativity
God says.. Let there be light and there is light.
Power of God's creativity.. creating more with less.
This is equal to the Law of Abundance - have more with less.
So, the less I have, the more I must be creative.
I pray for God's creative spirit to be upon us.
We can live a life of abundance!
In spirit, health and wealth.
Amen!
Power of God's creativity.. creating more with less.
This is equal to the Law of Abundance - have more with less.
So, the less I have, the more I must be creative.
I pray for God's creative spirit to be upon us.
We can live a life of abundance!
In spirit, health and wealth.
Amen!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
The Two Choices We Face by Jim Rohn
Each of us has two distinct choices to make about what we will do with our lives. The first choice we can make is to be less than we have the capacity to be. To earn less. To have less. To read less and think less. To try less and discipline ourselves less. These are the choices that lead to an empty life. These are the choices that, once made, lead to a life of constant apprehension instead of a life of wondrous anticipation.
And the second choice? To do it all! To become all that we can possibly be. To read every book that we possibly can. To earn as much as we possibly can. To give and share as much as we possibly can. To strive and produce and accomplish as much as we possibly can. All of us have the choice.
To do or not to do. To be or not to be. To be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.
Like the tree, it would be a worthy challenge for us all to stretch upward and outward to the full measure of our capabilities. Why not do all that we can, every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as long as we can?
Our ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent and ability and desire will permit. To settle for doing less than we could do is to fail in this worthiest of undertakings.
Results are the best measurement of human progress. Not conversation. Not explanation. Not justification. Results! And if our results are less than our potential suggests that they should be, then we must strive to become more today than we were the day before. The greatest rewards are always reserved for those who bring great value to themselves and the world around them as a result of whom and what they have become.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
And the second choice? To do it all! To become all that we can possibly be. To read every book that we possibly can. To earn as much as we possibly can. To give and share as much as we possibly can. To strive and produce and accomplish as much as we possibly can. All of us have the choice.
To do or not to do. To be or not to be. To be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.
Like the tree, it would be a worthy challenge for us all to stretch upward and outward to the full measure of our capabilities. Why not do all that we can, every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as long as we can?
Our ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent and ability and desire will permit. To settle for doing less than we could do is to fail in this worthiest of undertakings.
Results are the best measurement of human progress. Not conversation. Not explanation. Not justification. Results! And if our results are less than our potential suggests that they should be, then we must strive to become more today than we were the day before. The greatest rewards are always reserved for those who bring great value to themselves and the world around them as a result of whom and what they have become.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Monday, July 24, 2006
Here is a word for you from the Word by Derek Prince
This is cool..
Psalm 63:1,2; 6
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. NIV
How important it is to have your own personal revelation of God. Not just to rely on what someone else has told you or what you read in a book or even what you heard in church. All that may be good, but it’s not sufficient. There must come a time when you’ve seen God for yourself, when you’ve come to know Him first hand. When you’ve had such a revelation of God that nothing else can ever satisfy you but God Himself.
David had that kind of revelation. He said, “I’ve seen You in the sanctuary. I’ve beheld Your power and Your glory and now I’m in a dry and thirsty land, but my soul longs for You more than it does for water. And even when I lie in bed at night my meditation is of You. You fill my heart and my mind, my imagination, my longing. All the day through I’m taken up with You, my God.”
There’s no other source of true satisfaction. My soul doesn’t find rest in any other way. I’ve seen You and known You in a way that I can never forget and that has determined the course of my life. It determines my attitudes, my actions, the things that I choose, and the way I walk, and so it needs to be in each one of our lives. - Derek Prince
Psalm 63:1,2; 6
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. NIV
How important it is to have your own personal revelation of God. Not just to rely on what someone else has told you or what you read in a book or even what you heard in church. All that may be good, but it’s not sufficient. There must come a time when you’ve seen God for yourself, when you’ve come to know Him first hand. When you’ve had such a revelation of God that nothing else can ever satisfy you but God Himself.
David had that kind of revelation. He said, “I’ve seen You in the sanctuary. I’ve beheld Your power and Your glory and now I’m in a dry and thirsty land, but my soul longs for You more than it does for water. And even when I lie in bed at night my meditation is of You. You fill my heart and my mind, my imagination, my longing. All the day through I’m taken up with You, my God.”
There’s no other source of true satisfaction. My soul doesn’t find rest in any other way. I’ve seen You and known You in a way that I can never forget and that has determined the course of my life. It determines my attitudes, my actions, the things that I choose, and the way I walk, and so it needs to be in each one of our lives. - Derek Prince
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Why The Rich Get Richer by Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad," is an investor, entrepreneur, and educator whose perspectives on money and investing fly in the face of conventional wisdom.
In arguing that "old" advice -- get a good job, work hard, save money, get out of debt, and invest for the long term -- is obsolete and flawed, he has earned a reputation for straight talk, irreverence, and courage.
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" is the longest-running bestseller on all four of the lists that report to Publisher's Weekly magazine: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and BusinessWeek. It has held a top spot on The New York Times list bestseller list for nearly five years and was USA Today's #1 money book for 2004.
Translated into 44 languages and available in 80 countries, the "Rich Dad" series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has dominated bestseller lists across Asia, Australia, South America, Mexico, and Europe. In 2005, Robert was inducted into the Amazon.com Hall of Fame as one of the bookseller's Top 25 Authors. There are currently 12 books in the "Rich Dad" series.
Prior to writing "Rich Dad Poor Dad," Robert created the educational board game CASHFLOW 101 to teach individuals the financial and investment strategies that his rich dad spent years teaching him. Hundreds of "CASHFLOW Clubs" -- game groups independent of the Rich Dad Company -- have sprung up throughout the world.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Robert Kiyosaki is a fourth-generation Japanese-American. After graduating from college in New York, he joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam as an officer and helicopter gunship pilot. Following the war he went to work in sales for the Xerox Corporation and, in 1977, started a company that brought the first nylon and Velcro "surfer wallets" to market. He founded an international education company in 1985 that taught business and investing to tens of thousands of students throughout the world. He sold his business in 1994 and, through his investments, was able to retire at the age of 47.
For more information about Robert Kiyosaki, visit: http://richdadpoordad.com/
In arguing that "old" advice -- get a good job, work hard, save money, get out of debt, and invest for the long term -- is obsolete and flawed, he has earned a reputation for straight talk, irreverence, and courage.
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" is the longest-running bestseller on all four of the lists that report to Publisher's Weekly magazine: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and BusinessWeek. It has held a top spot on The New York Times list bestseller list for nearly five years and was USA Today's #1 money book for 2004.
Translated into 44 languages and available in 80 countries, the "Rich Dad" series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has dominated bestseller lists across Asia, Australia, South America, Mexico, and Europe. In 2005, Robert was inducted into the Amazon.com Hall of Fame as one of the bookseller's Top 25 Authors. There are currently 12 books in the "Rich Dad" series.
Prior to writing "Rich Dad Poor Dad," Robert created the educational board game CASHFLOW 101 to teach individuals the financial and investment strategies that his rich dad spent years teaching him. Hundreds of "CASHFLOW Clubs" -- game groups independent of the Rich Dad Company -- have sprung up throughout the world.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Robert Kiyosaki is a fourth-generation Japanese-American. After graduating from college in New York, he joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam as an officer and helicopter gunship pilot. Following the war he went to work in sales for the Xerox Corporation and, in 1977, started a company that brought the first nylon and Velcro "surfer wallets" to market. He founded an international education company in 1985 that taught business and investing to tens of thousands of students throughout the world. He sold his business in 1994 and, through his investments, was able to retire at the age of 47.
For more information about Robert Kiyosaki, visit: http://richdadpoordad.com/
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Building Wealth - A Beginner's Guide to Securing Your FInancial Future
Accumulating wealth — as distinct from just making a big income — is the key to your financial independence. It gives you control over assets, power to help shape the corporate and political landscape, and the ability to ensure a prosperous future for your children and their heirs....
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.,
It's About the Money!
http://www.dallasfed.org/ca/wealth/index.html
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.,
It's About the Money!
http://www.dallasfed.org/ca/wealth/index.html
Wealth Creation
How to get these ads on google? Hmm...
Ads by Google
Create Your Own Wealth
www.21stcenturyacademy.com.au
Anyone can become wealthy if they learn the secrets. Free DVD.
From life to Lifestyle
www-21stcenturyacademy.com
Create yourself a Lifestyle. Dare to take the challenge
Can you make $1 Million
www.itsmyjourney.com
AdSense Wealth Empire course shows you how to make money on the web.
Secrets Of The Rich
www.SimpelMoneyMaking.com
Money Making Secrets of the Rich
Free DVD for Fast Results.
Ads by Google
Create Your Own Wealth
www.21stcenturyacademy.com.au
Anyone can become wealthy if they learn the secrets. Free DVD.
From life to Lifestyle
www-21stcenturyacademy.com
Create yourself a Lifestyle. Dare to take the challenge
Can you make $1 Million
www.itsmyjourney.com
AdSense Wealth Empire course shows you how to make money on the web.
Secrets Of The Rich
www.SimpelMoneyMaking.com
Money Making Secrets of the Rich
Free DVD for Fast Results.
Your Best CASHFLOW® Game Tips
By CASHFLOW® Game Players in the Global Community
(I love this game.. Have been playing the computer version of Cashflow. The board game version is cool too.. But need more ppl and time to organize.. heee!
Anyway.. these tips are quite useful.. can learn and apply.. for improved financial knowledge.. play the game!)
TIP #1: Never...Ever...Quit.
I believe that there are many things to understand to succeed at the game. But, for me, the most important is: NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER QUIT -- ON YOURSELF! No matter how you feel, NEVER QUIT!
– Kathleen M
TIP #2: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone.
CASHFLOW 101 is so powerful because it reflects your true behavior and allows you to take risks in a safe environment. Step out of your comfort zone, and do things you may not feel comfortable doing in the “real world.” You’ll be amazed at how it changes your perspective.
– Jack N
TIP #3: Celebrate the Joy of Success.
The biggest 'tip' I have learned so far is that your way to wealth isthe joy- not the wealth- you achieve. This became very clear to me after playing dozens of times and realizing that I would actually SKIP the Dreams on the Fast Track! I was more interested in winning the game than 'golfing around the world.'
– Jeff B
TIP #4: Focus on Your Goals.
I found that while playing the game, I would focus on the 'negative' spaces- "Baby" or "Downsized" – and hope not to land there. I was focusing specifically on what I didn't want, and, oddly enough, landing on those spaces most often. I began to repeat the numbers I WANTED to have come up, and just as oddly, those numbers seemed to come up more than mere chance would support. The lesson is simple: focus on your goals, not on what may go wrong.
– Hugh C
TIP #5: Only Take Advice from Successful People.
When the Opportunity Card comes up, some people look to fellow players for guidance. Make sure that those you take advice from are having success and on their way to getting out of the Rat Race!
– Cal J
TIP #6: Never Say “Can’t.”
There is ALWAYS a way. Think outside the box. Find a way to make your “can’t” a “can.”
– Grace N
TIP #7: Take Note of Your Overall Habits.
After playing the game, take note of your overall habits- good and bad. Evaluate how those habits helped or hindered your game play. In the next game, make a concerted effort to change the habits that may have prevented you from getting out of the Rat Race.
– Toni E
TIP #8: Get Rid of Bad Debt.
The thing that has expedited my exit from the Rat Race: Paying off ‘bad debt.’
– Bridget S
TIP #9: Create Your Own Rules.
Creating your own rules (or modifying the game rules) can make CASHFLOW 101 more challenging. For instance, play a game where you and your teammates: (a) Pass on purchasing $1 & $5 stock deals; (b) Remove $0 down real estate transactions; (c) Remove all the doodad cards that are $100 or less.
– Dylan B
TIP #10: Don’t Limit Yourself.
Along with bad debt, there is good debt. Don’t limit yourself to your cash on-hand. The lower the price of the stock, the more money you should borrow. When you eventually sell your shares, your rate of return will more than make up for any bank payments you have to make.
– Roosevelt C
TIP #11: Give Back.
Giving back is a necessary step in getting out of the Rat Race. Newton’s law states, “For every action there is a reaction.” Give and you shall receive.
– Lisa N
TIP #12: Put Your Ego on the Shelf.
The game has showed me some things about myself I never would have guessed- like the fact that my ego gets me in more trouble than anything else. The deals you turn down count just as much as the deals you make. Don't let your ego get you in over your head.
– Tami R
TIP #13: Be Able to Make Quick Decisions.
As Robert says, “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” When the “Opportunity Card” comes up, you need to be able to determine if it is a good or bad deal quickly. Otherwise, just like in the “real world,” you might miss a great opportunity.
– Phil L
TIP #14: Learn From Your Mistakes.
Mistakes are opportunities to learn something new. Take risks, make mistakes… and be smarter for it!
– George C
TIP #15: Give Feedback to Fellow Players, Not Advice.
Feedback occurs after the action, advice happens before the action. Your fellow players will learn more if you tell them what they did and how they might try a different approach next time, rather than telling them what to do and how to do it.
– John D
TIP #16: Reinvest Your Cash.
Don’t let it sit there doing nothing… get your money working for you so you can get out of the Rat Race!
– Jenny M
TIP #17: Learn From Others.
Take note of fellow players’ winning game strategies. Next time, test them out for yourself.
– Cheridan S
TIP #18: Overcome Fear.
Fear isn’t the problem, it’s how you handle fear: specifically, the fear of losing money. Losers are defeated by failure. Winners are inspired by it.
– Jorge T
TIP #19: Always Look For Opportunities.
No matter where you are in the game… always be on the lookout for opportunities.
– Elle J
TIP #20: Reflect on Lessons Learned.
Always think about what you can learn from the game you just played. You may not always have time to reflect on the game as it is played (and sometimes it is more interesting NOT to play, but to just observe!), but you should always take time later to think about the game and what it taught you. This is part of the educational process and so it should be savored. You can learn a lot about how investing works, how well your investment strategies pay off, and what it takes to exit the real Rat Race.
– Dave G
(I love this game.. Have been playing the computer version of Cashflow. The board game version is cool too.. But need more ppl and time to organize.. heee!
Anyway.. these tips are quite useful.. can learn and apply.. for improved financial knowledge.. play the game!)
TIP #1: Never...Ever...Quit.
I believe that there are many things to understand to succeed at the game. But, for me, the most important is: NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER QUIT -- ON YOURSELF! No matter how you feel, NEVER QUIT!
– Kathleen M
TIP #2: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone.
CASHFLOW 101 is so powerful because it reflects your true behavior and allows you to take risks in a safe environment. Step out of your comfort zone, and do things you may not feel comfortable doing in the “real world.” You’ll be amazed at how it changes your perspective.
– Jack N
TIP #3: Celebrate the Joy of Success.
The biggest 'tip' I have learned so far is that your way to wealth isthe joy- not the wealth- you achieve. This became very clear to me after playing dozens of times and realizing that I would actually SKIP the Dreams on the Fast Track! I was more interested in winning the game than 'golfing around the world.'
– Jeff B
TIP #4: Focus on Your Goals.
I found that while playing the game, I would focus on the 'negative' spaces- "Baby" or "Downsized" – and hope not to land there. I was focusing specifically on what I didn't want, and, oddly enough, landing on those spaces most often. I began to repeat the numbers I WANTED to have come up, and just as oddly, those numbers seemed to come up more than mere chance would support. The lesson is simple: focus on your goals, not on what may go wrong.
– Hugh C
TIP #5: Only Take Advice from Successful People.
When the Opportunity Card comes up, some people look to fellow players for guidance. Make sure that those you take advice from are having success and on their way to getting out of the Rat Race!
– Cal J
TIP #6: Never Say “Can’t.”
There is ALWAYS a way. Think outside the box. Find a way to make your “can’t” a “can.”
– Grace N
TIP #7: Take Note of Your Overall Habits.
After playing the game, take note of your overall habits- good and bad. Evaluate how those habits helped or hindered your game play. In the next game, make a concerted effort to change the habits that may have prevented you from getting out of the Rat Race.
– Toni E
TIP #8: Get Rid of Bad Debt.
The thing that has expedited my exit from the Rat Race: Paying off ‘bad debt.’
– Bridget S
TIP #9: Create Your Own Rules.
Creating your own rules (or modifying the game rules) can make CASHFLOW 101 more challenging. For instance, play a game where you and your teammates: (a) Pass on purchasing $1 & $5 stock deals; (b) Remove $0 down real estate transactions; (c) Remove all the doodad cards that are $100 or less.
– Dylan B
TIP #10: Don’t Limit Yourself.
Along with bad debt, there is good debt. Don’t limit yourself to your cash on-hand. The lower the price of the stock, the more money you should borrow. When you eventually sell your shares, your rate of return will more than make up for any bank payments you have to make.
– Roosevelt C
TIP #11: Give Back.
Giving back is a necessary step in getting out of the Rat Race. Newton’s law states, “For every action there is a reaction.” Give and you shall receive.
– Lisa N
TIP #12: Put Your Ego on the Shelf.
The game has showed me some things about myself I never would have guessed- like the fact that my ego gets me in more trouble than anything else. The deals you turn down count just as much as the deals you make. Don't let your ego get you in over your head.
– Tami R
TIP #13: Be Able to Make Quick Decisions.
As Robert says, “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” When the “Opportunity Card” comes up, you need to be able to determine if it is a good or bad deal quickly. Otherwise, just like in the “real world,” you might miss a great opportunity.
– Phil L
TIP #14: Learn From Your Mistakes.
Mistakes are opportunities to learn something new. Take risks, make mistakes… and be smarter for it!
– George C
TIP #15: Give Feedback to Fellow Players, Not Advice.
Feedback occurs after the action, advice happens before the action. Your fellow players will learn more if you tell them what they did and how they might try a different approach next time, rather than telling them what to do and how to do it.
– John D
TIP #16: Reinvest Your Cash.
Don’t let it sit there doing nothing… get your money working for you so you can get out of the Rat Race!
– Jenny M
TIP #17: Learn From Others.
Take note of fellow players’ winning game strategies. Next time, test them out for yourself.
– Cheridan S
TIP #18: Overcome Fear.
Fear isn’t the problem, it’s how you handle fear: specifically, the fear of losing money. Losers are defeated by failure. Winners are inspired by it.
– Jorge T
TIP #19: Always Look For Opportunities.
No matter where you are in the game… always be on the lookout for opportunities.
– Elle J
TIP #20: Reflect on Lessons Learned.
Always think about what you can learn from the game you just played. You may not always have time to reflect on the game as it is played (and sometimes it is more interesting NOT to play, but to just observe!), but you should always take time later to think about the game and what it taught you. This is part of the educational process and so it should be savored. You can learn a lot about how investing works, how well your investment strategies pay off, and what it takes to exit the real Rat Race.
– Dave G
Friday, July 21, 2006
Expand Your Imagination About What's Possible by Mark Victor Hansen
When we were children we believed anything was possible. We created worlds where we were the main characters and everything revolved around our wants. Our friends came over and became part of these worlds and we had the time of our lives – laughing, playing – being who we wanted to be. It was magical!
As time passed and we grew older, people saw what we were doing and they weren't sure they liked it anymore. They saw us being young, excited and joyful – what they used to be, but no longer were. And, by golly, they didn’t allow us to be these things either. They said things like, "Grow up!" "Act your age." "Stop dreaming!" "Be realistic."
Whether it was teachers, parents, and counselors – there’s a good chance that at least one person in our pasts didn’t know any better at the time. We didn’t know that daydreaming and knowing exactly what we want would be vital to our future happiness and success. We didn’t know that these people were not mad at us – they were perhaps, instead, disappointed with themselves for allowing their dreams to die.
What they don’t know, and maybe even you don’t realize, is that dreams can never be destroyed. They can be battered and bruised, but they can never die. They just sink into a deep sleep in the back of your mind. They lie there, like Sleeping Beauty, waiting for the day when they will be realized.
Well, I’m here to help you wake them up!
It’s time to remember the magic of our youth. It’s time to remember the days when there were no impossibilities. It’s time to awaken your dreams and start living the life you’ve always wanted to live.
Each and every one of us was born rich. We each have, at our beck and call, 18 billion brain cells, waiting for us to give them some direction. The only limitations that exist are those we impose on ourselves. Otherwise, our brains do not know any limitations. Our minds will believe whatever we convince them to believe. So, why aren’t we living out our dreams? What’s stopping us?
Most people are not living the lives they truly want to live because they are not thinking big enough, nor are they focused on exactly what they want to do.
The key to having everything we want lies in expanding our definition of what’s possible and focusing on what we want. That’s it! Once we believe in the possibility of anything and focus in on exactly what we want to have, exactly what we want to do, then our minds can take us there.
'Predetermine the objectives you want to accomplish. Think big, act big and set out to accomplish big results.'
Mark Victor Hansen
As time passed and we grew older, people saw what we were doing and they weren't sure they liked it anymore. They saw us being young, excited and joyful – what they used to be, but no longer were. And, by golly, they didn’t allow us to be these things either. They said things like, "Grow up!" "Act your age." "Stop dreaming!" "Be realistic."
Whether it was teachers, parents, and counselors – there’s a good chance that at least one person in our pasts didn’t know any better at the time. We didn’t know that daydreaming and knowing exactly what we want would be vital to our future happiness and success. We didn’t know that these people were not mad at us – they were perhaps, instead, disappointed with themselves for allowing their dreams to die.
What they don’t know, and maybe even you don’t realize, is that dreams can never be destroyed. They can be battered and bruised, but they can never die. They just sink into a deep sleep in the back of your mind. They lie there, like Sleeping Beauty, waiting for the day when they will be realized.
Well, I’m here to help you wake them up!
It’s time to remember the magic of our youth. It’s time to remember the days when there were no impossibilities. It’s time to awaken your dreams and start living the life you’ve always wanted to live.
Each and every one of us was born rich. We each have, at our beck and call, 18 billion brain cells, waiting for us to give them some direction. The only limitations that exist are those we impose on ourselves. Otherwise, our brains do not know any limitations. Our minds will believe whatever we convince them to believe. So, why aren’t we living out our dreams? What’s stopping us?
Most people are not living the lives they truly want to live because they are not thinking big enough, nor are they focused on exactly what they want to do.
The key to having everything we want lies in expanding our definition of what’s possible and focusing on what we want. That’s it! Once we believe in the possibility of anything and focus in on exactly what we want to have, exactly what we want to do, then our minds can take us there.
'Predetermine the objectives you want to accomplish. Think big, act big and set out to accomplish big results.'
Mark Victor Hansen
The Parable of the Talents
I like this parable from the bible which teaches me to be a good STEWARD of money and riches He has blessed me with, becos all these $$ belong to Him.
That I worship God first and seek His kingdom.. and whatever amount of $$ that He has blessed me with, I will use it to His glory, and manage and invest it well, to grow the riches that He has entrusted me with.
Matthew 25:14-28
"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
That I worship God first and seek His kingdom.. and whatever amount of $$ that He has blessed me with, I will use it to His glory, and manage and invest it well, to grow the riches that He has entrusted me with.
Matthew 25:14-28
"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
Thursday, July 20, 2006
God's Double-talk
Exodus 4:21
The Lord said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go."
Have you ever had a boss tell you to do something only to have him sabotage your ability to complete the task? Nothing is more frustrating than to begin to carry out a task and have your superior thwart your effort to do what he asked you to do.
Moses must have felt this way after God told him to go to Pharaoh and tell him to release the people of Israel. He said, "I am going to give you the power to release the children of Israel by the miracles I will do through you." Yet at the same time, He told Moses they would not be released because He was going to put a hard heart in Pharaoh. How do we reconcile this?
In my own life, I knew God called me to certain endeavors. Yet every time I turned around, a roadblock stood in my way. It took years of plodding along before the light came on as to why there was such a distance between what God called me to do and the manifestation of that calling. When David was anointed king of Israel, it was years before he realized the manifestation of that calling. There were a number of reasons for these delays.
In the case of Moses and Israel, God wanted to demonstrate His power in such a way that generations would be able to hear the story of their deliverance from their ancestors. God wanted greater glory from the situation. God also wanted to deal with Egypt by sending specific plagues. Finally, the very process built character in Moses and tested Moses to see if he would stay the course.
There is a time for everything. If God has called you to some endeavor and you are frustrated that it has not manifested, know that times of preparation and simmering are required before the vision can be achieved. Seldom does God call and manifest something at the same time. There is preparation. There is testing. There is relationship building between you and God that must take place. Once this is complete, you will see the vision materialize.
The Lord said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go."
Have you ever had a boss tell you to do something only to have him sabotage your ability to complete the task? Nothing is more frustrating than to begin to carry out a task and have your superior thwart your effort to do what he asked you to do.
Moses must have felt this way after God told him to go to Pharaoh and tell him to release the people of Israel. He said, "I am going to give you the power to release the children of Israel by the miracles I will do through you." Yet at the same time, He told Moses they would not be released because He was going to put a hard heart in Pharaoh. How do we reconcile this?
In my own life, I knew God called me to certain endeavors. Yet every time I turned around, a roadblock stood in my way. It took years of plodding along before the light came on as to why there was such a distance between what God called me to do and the manifestation of that calling. When David was anointed king of Israel, it was years before he realized the manifestation of that calling. There were a number of reasons for these delays.
In the case of Moses and Israel, God wanted to demonstrate His power in such a way that generations would be able to hear the story of their deliverance from their ancestors. God wanted greater glory from the situation. God also wanted to deal with Egypt by sending specific plagues. Finally, the very process built character in Moses and tested Moses to see if he would stay the course.
There is a time for everything. If God has called you to some endeavor and you are frustrated that it has not manifested, know that times of preparation and simmering are required before the vision can be achieved. Seldom does God call and manifest something at the same time. There is preparation. There is testing. There is relationship building between you and God that must take place. Once this is complete, you will see the vision materialize.
Communicating with Your Middle and High School Age Child by Denis Waitley
I wonder if this might help parents..hee!
First you listen, then you talk. The parent who takes the role of listener is in complete control. It's important to take the time to listen to your children. Don't say "in just a minute" or "not right now." Make it clear that you are listening and trying to understand your child's point of view.
Learning to listen better can help transform your relationship with your child by making him or her feel appreciated, by increasing trust, and by helping to solve problems more quickly. If you're going to give your adolescent or teen your full attention, you're going to need to become a good listener.
And to become a better listener, you're going to need to reduce or eliminate both physical and psychological barriers. Physically, you're going to want to minimize distractions so you can pay attention. You might turn off the TV or the radio, or put away your magazine. Take a deep breath (this will prevent you from interrupting and provide your brain with invigorating oxygen), and maintain eye contact as you consciously decide to listen.
You probably think you're a pretty good conversationalist, and you're probably right. But take a moment to ask yourself if you talk to your teen using open-ended versus dead-ended questions. The latter require just a "yes" or "no" answer. That's economical but not very enlightening.
Which is more typical of your conversations?
You: "Did you have a good day at school?"
Kid: "It was O.K."
That's the end of the conversation because the answer is too complex and to a child who hears it every day, it sounds automatic. So you get an automatic, routine answer.
-- or --
You: "You look like you survived the tryouts for the soccer team."
Let's say he or she responds by saying he didn't make the team and is disappointed. You could follow up by responding:
"That must be tough playing under the coach's scrutiny like that. Were you nervous?"
"Do you agree with the coach's decision?"
"Will you try out again next year?"
"If you and I play a lot this year would that help you for next year?"
"Hmmm. Sounds as if you're disappointed but determined to work to improve. Is that right?"
None of these responses would have likely followed if you just asked the dead-ended question, "Was school O.K. today?" and you would have missed an opportunity to have a more in-depth exchange. Remember, a real conversation gets two people involved, not just going through the motions.
Three issues to consider:
Timing: Teens don't want to be ignored or intruded upon so try giving them some time and distance when they come home from school. The idea is not to ignore school but try greeting them with a statement rather than a question. "You look like you survived the tryouts for the soccer team," not "How were tryouts for the soccer team?" Middle and high school is a lot about privacy so think of it as a verbal hug in the form of a statement.
Tone: Kids will often hear judgment when none is intended. A simple statement like, "You're awfully quiet today," can be taken as accusatory or empathic, and can cause your child to become unresponsive to avoid criticism. Try to make your statements specific and non-judgmental. "That must be tough playing under the coach's scrutiny like that."
Topic: Kids are more likely to respond to questions that focus on what matters to them. "If you and I play a lot this year would that help you for next year?" Take the time and make the effort to have your teen believe he or she has your full attention and is really being heard. You'll likely find that in return he or she is more willing to listen to you.
Practice the skill of listening with your teen and watch your relationship with them begin to transform!
-- Denis Waitley
First you listen, then you talk. The parent who takes the role of listener is in complete control. It's important to take the time to listen to your children. Don't say "in just a minute" or "not right now." Make it clear that you are listening and trying to understand your child's point of view.
Learning to listen better can help transform your relationship with your child by making him or her feel appreciated, by increasing trust, and by helping to solve problems more quickly. If you're going to give your adolescent or teen your full attention, you're going to need to become a good listener.
And to become a better listener, you're going to need to reduce or eliminate both physical and psychological barriers. Physically, you're going to want to minimize distractions so you can pay attention. You might turn off the TV or the radio, or put away your magazine. Take a deep breath (this will prevent you from interrupting and provide your brain with invigorating oxygen), and maintain eye contact as you consciously decide to listen.
You probably think you're a pretty good conversationalist, and you're probably right. But take a moment to ask yourself if you talk to your teen using open-ended versus dead-ended questions. The latter require just a "yes" or "no" answer. That's economical but not very enlightening.
Which is more typical of your conversations?
You: "Did you have a good day at school?"
Kid: "It was O.K."
That's the end of the conversation because the answer is too complex and to a child who hears it every day, it sounds automatic. So you get an automatic, routine answer.
-- or --
You: "You look like you survived the tryouts for the soccer team."
Let's say he or she responds by saying he didn't make the team and is disappointed. You could follow up by responding:
"That must be tough playing under the coach's scrutiny like that. Were you nervous?"
"Do you agree with the coach's decision?"
"Will you try out again next year?"
"If you and I play a lot this year would that help you for next year?"
"Hmmm. Sounds as if you're disappointed but determined to work to improve. Is that right?"
None of these responses would have likely followed if you just asked the dead-ended question, "Was school O.K. today?" and you would have missed an opportunity to have a more in-depth exchange. Remember, a real conversation gets two people involved, not just going through the motions.
Three issues to consider:
Timing: Teens don't want to be ignored or intruded upon so try giving them some time and distance when they come home from school. The idea is not to ignore school but try greeting them with a statement rather than a question. "You look like you survived the tryouts for the soccer team," not "How were tryouts for the soccer team?" Middle and high school is a lot about privacy so think of it as a verbal hug in the form of a statement.
Tone: Kids will often hear judgment when none is intended. A simple statement like, "You're awfully quiet today," can be taken as accusatory or empathic, and can cause your child to become unresponsive to avoid criticism. Try to make your statements specific and non-judgmental. "That must be tough playing under the coach's scrutiny like that."
Topic: Kids are more likely to respond to questions that focus on what matters to them. "If you and I play a lot this year would that help you for next year?" Take the time and make the effort to have your teen believe he or she has your full attention and is really being heard. You'll likely find that in return he or she is more willing to listen to you.
Practice the skill of listening with your teen and watch your relationship with them begin to transform!
-- Denis Waitley
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
First!
Wah sei.. Today marks the First day that I didn't doze off on the bus on my way to work!
And also the First day in my working career that i actually arrived
First in the office!
Woo Wee! First to open door, First to read morning newspaper. First to switch on the computer. First to use the toilet. haha:P
Of course, all glory to God. Very motivated and inspired by my dear Esther's pay increment after all the prayers for financial abundance! Blessings from God.. God is good all the time!
Summary of Today's audio sermon on my bus trip:
Daily Encounters with God Disc 4 (Rev. Kong Hee)
Spiritual Discipline
1 Cor9:24-25
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Lesson to learn: I must work on my spiritual growth as if I am going for FIRST prize!
YEAH!!! GAMBATTE!!! WHOOSH!!!
And also the First day in my working career that i actually arrived
First in the office!
Woo Wee! First to open door, First to read morning newspaper. First to switch on the computer. First to use the toilet. haha:P
Of course, all glory to God. Very motivated and inspired by my dear Esther's pay increment after all the prayers for financial abundance! Blessings from God.. God is good all the time!
Summary of Today's audio sermon on my bus trip:
Daily Encounters with God Disc 4 (Rev. Kong Hee)
Spiritual Discipline
1 Cor9:24-25
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Lesson to learn: I must work on my spiritual growth as if I am going for FIRST prize!
YEAH!!! GAMBATTE!!! WHOOSH!!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Vitamins for the Mind by Jim Rohn
Education/Learning
Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.
We must learn to apply all that we know so that we can attract all that we want.
Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.
If someone is going down the wrong road, he doesn't need motivation to speed him up. What he needs is education to turn him around.
Don't see the mind for more than it is, but don't misread it for all that it can be.
Sharpen your interest in two major subjects: life and people. You will only gather information from a source if you are interested in it.
Education must precede motivation.
While you are in school, make sure you get the information. What you think about it, that's up to you. What you are going to do with it that will soon be up to you. But while you are there, make sure you get it. In fact, my advice is – Don't leave school without it!
Never begrudge the money you spend on your own education.
If you step up the self-education curve, you will come up with more answers than you can use.
Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.
We must learn to apply all that we know so that we can attract all that we want.
Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.
If someone is going down the wrong road, he doesn't need motivation to speed him up. What he needs is education to turn him around.
Don't see the mind for more than it is, but don't misread it for all that it can be.
Sharpen your interest in two major subjects: life and people. You will only gather information from a source if you are interested in it.
Education must precede motivation.
While you are in school, make sure you get the information. What you think about it, that's up to you. What you are going to do with it that will soon be up to you. But while you are there, make sure you get it. In fact, my advice is – Don't leave school without it!
Never begrudge the money you spend on your own education.
If you step up the self-education curve, you will come up with more answers than you can use.
Are You Salty?
Mark 9:49
Everyone will be salted with fire.
Jesus used parables to communicate principles of the Kingdom of God. He said each believer's life should have the same impact on his or her world as salt has on food. Salt gives food flavor and brings out the best, while at the same time it serves as a preservative.
What allows a Christian to become salty? Fire. God knows that each believer needs a degree of testing by fire in order for Christ's fragrance to be manifested. We cannot become salty without this deeper work of the Holy Spirit's fire in our lives. Fire purifies all that is not of Christ. It takes away all the impurities that prevent His nature from being revealed in us.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Are you a salty Christian? If not, pray a prayer that the immature are unwilling to pray. Pray that God makes you a salty Christian. It will result in praise and glory at the throne of God.
Everyone will be salted with fire.
Jesus used parables to communicate principles of the Kingdom of God. He said each believer's life should have the same impact on his or her world as salt has on food. Salt gives food flavor and brings out the best, while at the same time it serves as a preservative.
What allows a Christian to become salty? Fire. God knows that each believer needs a degree of testing by fire in order for Christ's fragrance to be manifested. We cannot become salty without this deeper work of the Holy Spirit's fire in our lives. Fire purifies all that is not of Christ. It takes away all the impurities that prevent His nature from being revealed in us.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Are you a salty Christian? If not, pray a prayer that the immature are unwilling to pray. Pray that God makes you a salty Christian. It will result in praise and glory at the throne of God.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Rich Dad's Financial IQ Test
Welcome to Rich Dad's FiQ. The insights learned through this financial literacy test will provide you with a baseline related to your current aptitude for making sound financial decisions - decisions that can provide you with a path to financial freedom. This overview takes in to account many variables such as current investment choices, goals and aspirations and age. The cumulative outcome of these questions are an overview of what kind of investor you are and how age plays a factor in your decision making process. The questionnaire should take you no longer than five minutes.
http://www.richdad.com/catalog_resources/fiq_tests/fiqtest.asp
http://www.richdad.com/catalog_resources/fiq_tests/fiqtest.asp
Top Tips For Taking Control of Your Financial Future by Sharon Lechter
1. To get where you want to go, you need to know where you are.
Complete your own financial statement. This is your first step in taking control of your financial future. How much passive income do you have today?
2. Pay yourself first.
Put aside a set percentage from each paycheck or each payment you receive from other sources. Deposit that money into an investment savings account. Once your money goes into the account, NEVER take it out, until you are ready to invest it.
3. Look for real estate "for sale" signs in your area.
Call on three or four and ask the brokers to tell you about the properties. Find a real estate investor (mentor) and ask them to visit a property with you to tell you what to look for.
4. Attend business opportunity conventions or trade expos.
See what franchise or business systems are available in your area.
5. Who you spend your time with is your future.
Surround yourself with people who will support you, not discourage you.
6. TAKE ACTION!
Put a little money down. Start small. It's amazing how quickly you learn when you have real money in the deal. Make mistakes, learn from them, and then take action again!
7. Set a long-term financial goal for where you want to be in five years.
Also set a smaller short-term goal for where you want to be in twelve months. Passive income is the key.
8. How do you spend your spare time?
Commit five hours of your time each week to do one of the following:
- Read the business page and The Wall Street Journal
- Read financial magazines and newsletters
- Listen to the financial news on television or radio
- Listen to educational material on investing and financial education
- Play CASHFLOW® 101
9. Meet with a business broker to see what existing businesses are for sale in your area. It is amazing what you can learn by just asking questions and listening
10. Find people in your area to play CASHFLOW® with or create your own circle.
Visit RichDad.com and click on CASHFLOW CIRCLES in the Message Forum to find people in your area who play CASHFLOW® 101
11. Join Rich Dad's INSIDERS!
Plot your own course to financial freedom and surround yourself with people who will support you every step of the way!
12. TAKE ACTION!
Start small, learn from our investing mistakes, and continue your financial education.
Complete your own financial statement. This is your first step in taking control of your financial future. How much passive income do you have today?
2. Pay yourself first.
Put aside a set percentage from each paycheck or each payment you receive from other sources. Deposit that money into an investment savings account. Once your money goes into the account, NEVER take it out, until you are ready to invest it.
3. Look for real estate "for sale" signs in your area.
Call on three or four and ask the brokers to tell you about the properties. Find a real estate investor (mentor) and ask them to visit a property with you to tell you what to look for.
4. Attend business opportunity conventions or trade expos.
See what franchise or business systems are available in your area.
5. Who you spend your time with is your future.
Surround yourself with people who will support you, not discourage you.
6. TAKE ACTION!
Put a little money down. Start small. It's amazing how quickly you learn when you have real money in the deal. Make mistakes, learn from them, and then take action again!
7. Set a long-term financial goal for where you want to be in five years.
Also set a smaller short-term goal for where you want to be in twelve months. Passive income is the key.
8. How do you spend your spare time?
Commit five hours of your time each week to do one of the following:
- Read the business page and The Wall Street Journal
- Read financial magazines and newsletters
- Listen to the financial news on television or radio
- Listen to educational material on investing and financial education
- Play CASHFLOW® 101
9. Meet with a business broker to see what existing businesses are for sale in your area. It is amazing what you can learn by just asking questions and listening
10. Find people in your area to play CASHFLOW® with or create your own circle.
Visit RichDad.com and click on CASHFLOW CIRCLES in the Message Forum to find people in your area who play CASHFLOW® 101
11. Join Rich Dad's INSIDERS!
Plot your own course to financial freedom and surround yourself with people who will support you every step of the way!
12. TAKE ACTION!
Start small, learn from our investing mistakes, and continue your financial education.
Stay Focused on the Big Picture by Harvey Mackay
A reader of this column sent me an email recently, thanking me for a column I had written on getting outside the box. She then told me how she had lost focus for a while, but had turned things around. She encouraged me to write a column on staying focused.
I immediately thought of my varsity golfing days at the University of Minnesota many years ago. Back then The Saint Paul Open was one of the top tournaments on the men's professional golf circuit. Prior to the tournament, I had a chance to meet Gary Player when he was taking a lesson from our team coach, Les Bolstad. Later that evening I went to dinner with the world's future #1 player when he was still an unknown.
The following day at The Saint Paul Open, I saw Gary after he teed off the first hole and ran up to him to say hi. I wanted to tell him what a great time I had the night before. His steely eyes remained focused on the fairway ahead and he never broke stride. "Harvey, please don't talk to me. I must concentrate. I will see you when I'm finished."
I remember how devastated I felt, but I learned a valuable lesson on focus. Many years later when he was world famous, my wife, Carol Ann, and I ran into Gary and his wife in South Africa. I reintroduced myself and reminded him of what happened on the golf course. Gary's wife told me, "Don't feel bad. He doesn't even talk to me on the golf course."
That's the focus that it takes to do your best. If you have the ability to focus fully on the task at hand, and shut out everything else, you can accomplish amazing things.
Arnold Palmer, another golfing legend, recalled a tough lesson he learned about focus in Carol Mann's book "The 19th Hole":
"It was the final hole of the 1961 Masters tournament, and I had a one-stroke lead and had just hit a very satisfying tee shot. I felt I was in pretty good shape. As I approached my ball, I saw an old friend standing at the edge of the gallery. He motioned me over, stuck out his hand and said, "Congratulations." I took his hand and shook it, but as soon as I did, I knew I had lost my focus. On my next two shots, I hit the ball into a sand trap, then put it over the edge of the green. I missed a putt and lost the Masters. You don't forget a mistake like that; you just learn from it and become determined that you will never do that again." Trust me, your friends will understand!
A response Babe Ruth once gave to a reporter sticks in my mind. "How is it," the Babe was asked, "that you always come through in the clutch? How is it you can come up to bat in the bottom of the 9th, in a key game with the score tied, with thousands of fans screaming in the stadium, with millions listening on the radio, the entire game on the line and deliver the game winning hit?" His answer, "I don't know. I just keep my eye on the ball."
In other words... Focus.
How many times have you heard an athlete talk about focus? It's a topic I also hear about frequently in business. The most common complaints?
Too many irons in the fire. Too many projects spinning at one time. Too many interruptions. Too many phone calls. Too many emails. Too many things to do. Too little time.
The late Peter Drucker, management consultant and author, observed, "When you have 186 objectives nothing gets done. I always ask, 'What's the one thing you want to do?' In Mexico they call me Senor Una Cosa." (translation: one thing)
Decide what's most important. Make a list every day or every week and prioritize your activities. Scale back the amount of time you spend on meetings; they can be the biggest time-wasters of all. Learn to delegate, and make sure all members of your team follow through on assigned tasks.
Set aside a specific time of day to return phone calls and emails, and keep distractions to a minimum. In other words, set rules about how others use your time. And if you're not the boss, work with your supervisor to make sure you agree on priorities.
Stay focused as best you can, and don't let things happen to you - not when you can make things happen.
I immediately thought of my varsity golfing days at the University of Minnesota many years ago. Back then The Saint Paul Open was one of the top tournaments on the men's professional golf circuit. Prior to the tournament, I had a chance to meet Gary Player when he was taking a lesson from our team coach, Les Bolstad. Later that evening I went to dinner with the world's future #1 player when he was still an unknown.
The following day at The Saint Paul Open, I saw Gary after he teed off the first hole and ran up to him to say hi. I wanted to tell him what a great time I had the night before. His steely eyes remained focused on the fairway ahead and he never broke stride. "Harvey, please don't talk to me. I must concentrate. I will see you when I'm finished."
I remember how devastated I felt, but I learned a valuable lesson on focus. Many years later when he was world famous, my wife, Carol Ann, and I ran into Gary and his wife in South Africa. I reintroduced myself and reminded him of what happened on the golf course. Gary's wife told me, "Don't feel bad. He doesn't even talk to me on the golf course."
That's the focus that it takes to do your best. If you have the ability to focus fully on the task at hand, and shut out everything else, you can accomplish amazing things.
Arnold Palmer, another golfing legend, recalled a tough lesson he learned about focus in Carol Mann's book "The 19th Hole":
"It was the final hole of the 1961 Masters tournament, and I had a one-stroke lead and had just hit a very satisfying tee shot. I felt I was in pretty good shape. As I approached my ball, I saw an old friend standing at the edge of the gallery. He motioned me over, stuck out his hand and said, "Congratulations." I took his hand and shook it, but as soon as I did, I knew I had lost my focus. On my next two shots, I hit the ball into a sand trap, then put it over the edge of the green. I missed a putt and lost the Masters. You don't forget a mistake like that; you just learn from it and become determined that you will never do that again." Trust me, your friends will understand!
A response Babe Ruth once gave to a reporter sticks in my mind. "How is it," the Babe was asked, "that you always come through in the clutch? How is it you can come up to bat in the bottom of the 9th, in a key game with the score tied, with thousands of fans screaming in the stadium, with millions listening on the radio, the entire game on the line and deliver the game winning hit?" His answer, "I don't know. I just keep my eye on the ball."
In other words... Focus.
How many times have you heard an athlete talk about focus? It's a topic I also hear about frequently in business. The most common complaints?
Too many irons in the fire. Too many projects spinning at one time. Too many interruptions. Too many phone calls. Too many emails. Too many things to do. Too little time.
The late Peter Drucker, management consultant and author, observed, "When you have 186 objectives nothing gets done. I always ask, 'What's the one thing you want to do?' In Mexico they call me Senor Una Cosa." (translation: one thing)
Decide what's most important. Make a list every day or every week and prioritize your activities. Scale back the amount of time you spend on meetings; they can be the biggest time-wasters of all. Learn to delegate, and make sure all members of your team follow through on assigned tasks.
Set aside a specific time of day to return phone calls and emails, and keep distractions to a minimum. In other words, set rules about how others use your time. And if you're not the boss, work with your supervisor to make sure you agree on priorities.
Stay focused as best you can, and don't let things happen to you - not when you can make things happen.
The God of the Valley
1 Kings 20:28
The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, "This is what the Lord says: 'Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord'."
Whenever we stand on the mountain, we are able to see clearly. It is the best vantage point to see what lies ahead. Wouldn't it be great to live on the mountain all the time in order to anticipate what is ahead? God allows us to experience the mountaintop at times. Joseph's first mountaintop experience was as a young man. He had the favor of his father, Jacob. He was given a fine coat and even had a dream about his future. As a young man, Joseph had a sense of destiny about his life. God often gives us a picture of our future so that we will remember this picture when we are being tested to trust Him in the valley. This picture usually does not reveal how God intends to bring about the visions for our life.
However, none of us really derive the character qualities God desires for our lives while we are on the mountain. It is in the valley where the fruit is planted and harvested. It cannot grow on the mountain; it must grow in the valley. God is a God of the mountain, but he is even more a God of the valley. In the valley, it is more difficult to see ahead; the clouds often cover the valley and limit our sight. Joseph was thrust into a deep valley that left him wondering if the God of his father had forsaken him. Jesus hoped that He might be able to avoid the valley that caused Him to sweat blood. There is a valley that each of us must enter, usually unwillingly, in order to experience the God of the valley-and to experience His faithfulness in the valley. Once we have spent time in this valley, we come out with something we would have never gained if we had not entered it. The valley brings much fruit into our lives so that we might plant seeds into the lives of others. God does not waste valley experiences. If we are faithful in the valley, we will enter a new dimension with God that we never thought possible. There is a harvest of wisdom and virtue that can only be grown in the valley.
Has God brought you into the valley? Know that the valley is a place of fruitfulness; it is a place of testing. It is where God brings what you know in your head into your heart. The only value of knowledge is when it becomes part of your heart. Look for God in the valley today.
The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, "This is what the Lord says: 'Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord'."
Whenever we stand on the mountain, we are able to see clearly. It is the best vantage point to see what lies ahead. Wouldn't it be great to live on the mountain all the time in order to anticipate what is ahead? God allows us to experience the mountaintop at times. Joseph's first mountaintop experience was as a young man. He had the favor of his father, Jacob. He was given a fine coat and even had a dream about his future. As a young man, Joseph had a sense of destiny about his life. God often gives us a picture of our future so that we will remember this picture when we are being tested to trust Him in the valley. This picture usually does not reveal how God intends to bring about the visions for our life.
However, none of us really derive the character qualities God desires for our lives while we are on the mountain. It is in the valley where the fruit is planted and harvested. It cannot grow on the mountain; it must grow in the valley. God is a God of the mountain, but he is even more a God of the valley. In the valley, it is more difficult to see ahead; the clouds often cover the valley and limit our sight. Joseph was thrust into a deep valley that left him wondering if the God of his father had forsaken him. Jesus hoped that He might be able to avoid the valley that caused Him to sweat blood. There is a valley that each of us must enter, usually unwillingly, in order to experience the God of the valley-and to experience His faithfulness in the valley. Once we have spent time in this valley, we come out with something we would have never gained if we had not entered it. The valley brings much fruit into our lives so that we might plant seeds into the lives of others. God does not waste valley experiences. If we are faithful in the valley, we will enter a new dimension with God that we never thought possible. There is a harvest of wisdom and virtue that can only be grown in the valley.
Has God brought you into the valley? Know that the valley is a place of fruitfulness; it is a place of testing. It is where God brings what you know in your head into your heart. The only value of knowledge is when it becomes part of your heart. Look for God in the valley today.
Why Microsoft shouldn't make cars
At a recent computer expo, Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated: "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving twenty-five dollar cars that got 1000 miles to the gallon."
In response to Bill's comments/General Motors issued a press release stating the following: "If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would be driving cars with the following characteristics:
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines on the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally, your car would die on the freeway for no reason, and you would accept this, restart, and drive on.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart;
in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Only one person at a time could use the car, unless you bought 'Car95' or 'CarNT.' Then you would have to buy more seats.
6. Macintosh would make a car that's powered by the sun, more reliable, five times as fast, and twice as easy to drive, but would only run on five percent of the roads.
7. The oil, water, temperature and alternator warning lights would be replaced by a single 'general car fault' warning light.
8. New seats would force everyone to have the same butt size.
9. The airbag system would say 'Are you sure?' before going off.
10. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
11. GM would require all car buyers to also purchase a deluxe set of Rand McNally road maps, even though they neither need them nor want them. Attempting to delete this option would immediately cause the car's performance to diminish by 50 per cent or more.
12. Every time GM introduced a new model, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
13. You'd press the 'Start' button to shut off the engine.
In response to Bill's comments/General Motors issued a press release stating the following: "If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would be driving cars with the following characteristics:
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines on the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally, your car would die on the freeway for no reason, and you would accept this, restart, and drive on.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart;
in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Only one person at a time could use the car, unless you bought 'Car95' or 'CarNT.' Then you would have to buy more seats.
6. Macintosh would make a car that's powered by the sun, more reliable, five times as fast, and twice as easy to drive, but would only run on five percent of the roads.
7. The oil, water, temperature and alternator warning lights would be replaced by a single 'general car fault' warning light.
8. New seats would force everyone to have the same butt size.
9. The airbag system would say 'Are you sure?' before going off.
10. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
11. GM would require all car buyers to also purchase a deluxe set of Rand McNally road maps, even though they neither need them nor want them. Attempting to delete this option would immediately cause the car's performance to diminish by 50 per cent or more.
12. Every time GM introduced a new model, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
13. You'd press the 'Start' button to shut off the engine.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Defining Moments, 40days Fast 2006
Idolatory, Individualism, Intellectualism, Institutionalism, Intimidation, Immorality, Indifference, Injustice.
God I pray against all these. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God I pray against all these. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Compare Different People (from Brian Tracy)
Imagine you have two people who have the same three values. The values are family, health and career success. The only difference between these two people is the order of importance that they placed on these values, their priorities. The first person, Bill, says that, "My family comes first, my health is second and career success is third."
Tom, on the other hand, has the same values, but he says, "Career success comes first for me, then my family, and then my health."
Determine the Difference
Would there be a difference in character and personality between these two people? Would there be a small difference or a large difference? Which of these two people would you like to get to know and become friends with? Would you be able to tell these two people apart in conversation? Which one do you think you would like and trust more?
Values Set People Apart
The answers to these questions are clear. The person with the higher values in a better order of priority will invariably be a better person than the person whose values are in a different order. Your choice of values determines the quality of your character. When you select values such as integrity, love, courage, honesty, excellence or responsibility, and you live your life consistent with those values, every hour of every day, you actually become a superior person. It is your values that determine the kind of person you really are.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, think about how you behave, how you choose, whenever you are under pressure. Remember, it is only what you do, your actions, that tell who you really are.
Second, observe how other people around you behave when they are forced to choose. You will only be compatible with people whose values are similar to yours. What are they?
Tom, on the other hand, has the same values, but he says, "Career success comes first for me, then my family, and then my health."
Determine the Difference
Would there be a difference in character and personality between these two people? Would there be a small difference or a large difference? Which of these two people would you like to get to know and become friends with? Would you be able to tell these two people apart in conversation? Which one do you think you would like and trust more?
Values Set People Apart
The answers to these questions are clear. The person with the higher values in a better order of priority will invariably be a better person than the person whose values are in a different order. Your choice of values determines the quality of your character. When you select values such as integrity, love, courage, honesty, excellence or responsibility, and you live your life consistent with those values, every hour of every day, you actually become a superior person. It is your values that determine the kind of person you really are.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, think about how you behave, how you choose, whenever you are under pressure. Remember, it is only what you do, your actions, that tell who you really are.
Second, observe how other people around you behave when they are forced to choose. You will only be compatible with people whose values are similar to yours. What are they?
Memory improving...
Somebody says hor.. my memory has improved leh..
And then hor.. er.. I forgot who said that...
pengssss...:P (wink)
And then hor.. er.. I forgot who said that...
pengssss...:P (wink)
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Does Speed Reading Have a Direct Correlation to Income? by Ron White
It has been said that standard education will get you jobs, and self-education will make you fortunes. This is no doubt true, and I believe that reading is a key skill necessary to self-education. Statistics say the average CEO in America reads 4-5 books per month while the average American reads 1 book per year! This same statistic goes on to say that 60% of those average American's don't even get past the first chapter in that one book! You may shrug your shoulders and say – okay big deal – so what? I am not a reader and why should that bother me?
Whether it should bother you or not is for you to decide. I simply share the facts with you. So here is another interesting fact: The average CEO of a fortune 500 company will earn an average of 536 times the salary of the average employee of the company he runs. This means that the employee of that company will work for a year and a half to equal the salary of the CEO for one day! What an extremely amazing and true statistic! Now, I am not going to suggest to you that the only difference between the CEO and the average employee is that the CEO reads a lot of books and the employee doesn't, however, I will suggest to you that it is one of the major differences.
Now, if it is true that knowledge and even reading has a correlation to income, and I believe that it does, then wouldn't it be logical to conclude that it is in our benefit and interest to learn to read faster.
So the good news is that you can learn to read faster. However, the more important factor here is that you can read faster WITH comprehension. You see if you simply read faster but do not comprehend or recall what you have read, then what have you gained? Not only is speed reading with comprehension and retention possible for the human mind, you'll be glad to learn it really is not a tough chore. The challenge is in learning the system. Because we know your brain is very systematic, then we can actually train it to read faster. Thomas Jefferson said that if we do everything that we are capable of we would truly astound ourselves.
The human mind is the greatest computer ever created. Nothing in the world will ever compare to it. It is a truly phenomenal machine that, when fed, will respond with results that will astound you. Benjamin Franklin told us that if we take the pennies from our pockets and put them in our heads, our heads will then fill up our pockets once again. This is so true. The person who invests time educating himself will reap a lifetime of extra knowledge, fun and income.
So let's do what Franklin suggested and spend our pennies on books. As we read these books faster and faster and gain more and more knowledge, we'll look back in amazement as our knowledge and quality of life increases. By increasing your reading speed, you are doing just one of the things you are capable of. My hope is that it will spark a fire in you to learn even more and in doing so develop and use more of your potential. Do this by continually learning and feeding the flames with information, knowledge and action.
-- Ron White
Whether it should bother you or not is for you to decide. I simply share the facts with you. So here is another interesting fact: The average CEO of a fortune 500 company will earn an average of 536 times the salary of the average employee of the company he runs. This means that the employee of that company will work for a year and a half to equal the salary of the CEO for one day! What an extremely amazing and true statistic! Now, I am not going to suggest to you that the only difference between the CEO and the average employee is that the CEO reads a lot of books and the employee doesn't, however, I will suggest to you that it is one of the major differences.
Now, if it is true that knowledge and even reading has a correlation to income, and I believe that it does, then wouldn't it be logical to conclude that it is in our benefit and interest to learn to read faster.
So the good news is that you can learn to read faster. However, the more important factor here is that you can read faster WITH comprehension. You see if you simply read faster but do not comprehend or recall what you have read, then what have you gained? Not only is speed reading with comprehension and retention possible for the human mind, you'll be glad to learn it really is not a tough chore. The challenge is in learning the system. Because we know your brain is very systematic, then we can actually train it to read faster. Thomas Jefferson said that if we do everything that we are capable of we would truly astound ourselves.
The human mind is the greatest computer ever created. Nothing in the world will ever compare to it. It is a truly phenomenal machine that, when fed, will respond with results that will astound you. Benjamin Franklin told us that if we take the pennies from our pockets and put them in our heads, our heads will then fill up our pockets once again. This is so true. The person who invests time educating himself will reap a lifetime of extra knowledge, fun and income.
So let's do what Franklin suggested and spend our pennies on books. As we read these books faster and faster and gain more and more knowledge, we'll look back in amazement as our knowledge and quality of life increases. By increasing your reading speed, you are doing just one of the things you are capable of. My hope is that it will spark a fire in you to learn even more and in doing so develop and use more of your potential. Do this by continually learning and feeding the flames with information, knowledge and action.
-- Ron White
Read All The Books
All of the books that we will ever need to make us as rich, as healthy, as happy, as powerful, as sophisticated and as successful as we want to be have already been written.
People from all walks of life, people with some of the most incredible life experiences, people that have gone from pennies to fortune and from failure to success have taken the time to write down their experiences so that we might share in their wealth of knowledge. They have offered their wisdom and experience so that we can be inspired by it and instructed by it, and so that we can amend our philosophy by it. Their contributions enable us to reset our sail based upon their experiences. They have handed us the gift of their insights so that we can change our plans, if need be, in order to avoid their errors. We can rearrange our lives based on their wise advice.
All of the insights that we might ever need have already been captured by others in books. The important question is this: In the last ninety days, with this treasure of information that could change our lives, our fortunes, our relationships, our health, our children and our careers for the better, how many books have we read?
Why do we neglect to read the books that can change our lives? Why do we complain but remain the same? Why do so many of us curse the effect but nourish the cause? How do we explain the fact that only a small percent of our entire national population uses the library card they possess - a card that would give us access to all of the answers to success and happiness we could ever want? Those who wish for the better life cannot permit themselves to miss the books that could have a major impact on how their lives turn out. The book they miss will not help!
And the issue is not that books are too expensive! If a person concludes that the price of buying the book is too great, wait until he must pay the price for not buying it. Wait until he receives the bill for continued and prolonged ignorance.
There is very little difference between someone who cannot read and someone who will not read. The result of either is ignorance. Those who are serious seekers of personal development must remove the self-imposed limitations they have placed on their reading skills and their reading habits. There is a multitude of classes being taught on how to be a good reader and there are thousands of books on the shelves of the public libraries just waiting to be read. Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary. We must not permit anything to stand between us and the book that could change our lives.
A little reading each day will result in a wealth of valuable information in a very short period of time. But if we fail to set aside the time, if we fail to pick up the book, if we fail to exercise the discipline, then ignorance will quickly move in to fill the void.
Those who seek a better life must first become a better person. They must continually seek after self-mastery for the purpose of developing a balanced philosophy of life, and then live in accordance with the dictates of that philosophy. The habit of reading is a major stepping-stone in the development of a sound philosophical foundation. And in my opinion it is one of the fundamentals required for the attainment of success and happiness.
From Jim Rohn
People from all walks of life, people with some of the most incredible life experiences, people that have gone from pennies to fortune and from failure to success have taken the time to write down their experiences so that we might share in their wealth of knowledge. They have offered their wisdom and experience so that we can be inspired by it and instructed by it, and so that we can amend our philosophy by it. Their contributions enable us to reset our sail based upon their experiences. They have handed us the gift of their insights so that we can change our plans, if need be, in order to avoid their errors. We can rearrange our lives based on their wise advice.
All of the insights that we might ever need have already been captured by others in books. The important question is this: In the last ninety days, with this treasure of information that could change our lives, our fortunes, our relationships, our health, our children and our careers for the better, how many books have we read?
Why do we neglect to read the books that can change our lives? Why do we complain but remain the same? Why do so many of us curse the effect but nourish the cause? How do we explain the fact that only a small percent of our entire national population uses the library card they possess - a card that would give us access to all of the answers to success and happiness we could ever want? Those who wish for the better life cannot permit themselves to miss the books that could have a major impact on how their lives turn out. The book they miss will not help!
And the issue is not that books are too expensive! If a person concludes that the price of buying the book is too great, wait until he must pay the price for not buying it. Wait until he receives the bill for continued and prolonged ignorance.
There is very little difference between someone who cannot read and someone who will not read. The result of either is ignorance. Those who are serious seekers of personal development must remove the self-imposed limitations they have placed on their reading skills and their reading habits. There is a multitude of classes being taught on how to be a good reader and there are thousands of books on the shelves of the public libraries just waiting to be read. Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary. We must not permit anything to stand between us and the book that could change our lives.
A little reading each day will result in a wealth of valuable information in a very short period of time. But if we fail to set aside the time, if we fail to pick up the book, if we fail to exercise the discipline, then ignorance will quickly move in to fill the void.
Those who seek a better life must first become a better person. They must continually seek after self-mastery for the purpose of developing a balanced philosophy of life, and then live in accordance with the dictates of that philosophy. The habit of reading is a major stepping-stone in the development of a sound philosophical foundation. And in my opinion it is one of the fundamentals required for the attainment of success and happiness.
From Jim Rohn
Friday, July 07, 2006
Responding, Not Reacting, To Life by Zig Ziglar
When you respond to life, that's positive; when you react to life, that's negative. Example: You get sick and go to the doctor. Chances are good that after an examination, she would give you a prescription with instructions to return in several days.
If, when you walk back in the door, the doctor starts shaking her head and says, "It looks like your body is reacting to the medicine; we're going to have to change it," you probably would get a little nervous.
However, if the doctor smiles and says, "You're looking great! Your body is responding to the medication," you would feel relieved. Yes, responding to life is good...
A few years ago, there was much turmoil in the U.S. job market. People were losing their jobs through downsizing, mergers, and takeovers. This created some unusual opportunities for many people. For example, the Wall Street Journal reported that in a five-year period, more than 15 million new businesses were created, well over half of them by women. Very few of the women had any marketable skills, and all of them had great financial need.
Most of the new businesses were "trust" businesses, meaning that the women collected the money before they delivered the goods or services. Many, possibly most, of those new businesses would never have been started had not an unfortunate event occurred in the people's lives. When those events did occur, and needs became obvious, the women chose to respond, and there is little doubt that many of them are better off now than they were before...
The message is clear: If you respond to life instead of react to it, then you've got a much better chance of achieving success.
If, when you walk back in the door, the doctor starts shaking her head and says, "It looks like your body is reacting to the medicine; we're going to have to change it," you probably would get a little nervous.
However, if the doctor smiles and says, "You're looking great! Your body is responding to the medication," you would feel relieved. Yes, responding to life is good...
A few years ago, there was much turmoil in the U.S. job market. People were losing their jobs through downsizing, mergers, and takeovers. This created some unusual opportunities for many people. For example, the Wall Street Journal reported that in a five-year period, more than 15 million new businesses were created, well over half of them by women. Very few of the women had any marketable skills, and all of them had great financial need.
Most of the new businesses were "trust" businesses, meaning that the women collected the money before they delivered the goods or services. Many, possibly most, of those new businesses would never have been started had not an unfortunate event occurred in the people's lives. When those events did occur, and needs became obvious, the women chose to respond, and there is little doubt that many of them are better off now than they were before...
The message is clear: If you respond to life instead of react to it, then you've got a much better chance of achieving success.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
The Great Leadership Challenge by Jim Rohn (excerpted from Leading an Inspired Life)
If you want to be a leader who attracts quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself. Leadership is the ability to attract someone to the gifts, skills, and opportunities you offer as an owner, as a manager, as a parent. What's important in leadership is refining your skills. All great leaders keep working on themselves until they become effective. Here are some specifics:
Learn to be strong but not impolite. It is an extra step you must take to become a powerful, capable leader with a wide range of reach. Some people mistake rudeness for strength. It's not even a good substitute.
Next, learn to be kind but not weak. We must not mistake weakness for kindness. Kindness isn't weak. Kindness is a certain type of strength. We must be kind enough to tell someone the truth. We must be kind enough and considerate enough to lay it on the line. We must be kind enough to tell it like it is and not deal in delusion.
Next, learn to be bold but not a bully. It takes boldness to win the day. To build your influence, you've got to walk in front of your group. You've got to be willing to take the first arrow, tackle the first problem, discover the first sign of trouble. Like the farmer, if you want any rewards at harvest time, you have got to be bold and face the weeds and the rain and the bugs straight on. You've got to seize the moment.
Here's the next step. You've got to learn to be humble but not timid. You can't get to the high life by being timid. Some people mistake timidity for humility. But humility is a virtue; timidity is a disease. It's an affliction. It can be cured, but it is a problem. Humility is almost a God-like word. A sense of awe. A sense of wonder. An awareness of the human soul and spirit. An understanding that there is something unique about the human drama versus the rest of life Humility is a grasp of the distance between us and the stars, yet having the feeling that we're part of the stars.
Here's a good tip: Learn to be proud but not arrogant. It takes pride to build your ambitions. It takes pride in your community. It takes pride in a cause, in accomplishment. But the key to becoming a good leader is to be proud without being arrogant. Do you know the worst kind of arrogance? Arrogance from ignorance. It's intolerable. If someone is smart and arrogant, we can tolerate that. But if someone is ignorant and arrogant, that's just too much to take.
The next step is learning to develop humor without folly. In leadership, we learn that it's okay to be witty but not silly; fun but not foolish.
Next, deal in realities. Deal in truth. Save yourself the agony of delusion. Just accept life as it is. Life is unique. The whole drama of life is unique. It's fascinating. Life is unique. Leadership is unique. The skills that work well for one leader may not work at all for another. However, the fundamental skills of leadership can be adopted to work well for just about everyone: at work, in the community, and at home.
Learn to be strong but not impolite. It is an extra step you must take to become a powerful, capable leader with a wide range of reach. Some people mistake rudeness for strength. It's not even a good substitute.
Next, learn to be kind but not weak. We must not mistake weakness for kindness. Kindness isn't weak. Kindness is a certain type of strength. We must be kind enough to tell someone the truth. We must be kind enough and considerate enough to lay it on the line. We must be kind enough to tell it like it is and not deal in delusion.
Next, learn to be bold but not a bully. It takes boldness to win the day. To build your influence, you've got to walk in front of your group. You've got to be willing to take the first arrow, tackle the first problem, discover the first sign of trouble. Like the farmer, if you want any rewards at harvest time, you have got to be bold and face the weeds and the rain and the bugs straight on. You've got to seize the moment.
Here's the next step. You've got to learn to be humble but not timid. You can't get to the high life by being timid. Some people mistake timidity for humility. But humility is a virtue; timidity is a disease. It's an affliction. It can be cured, but it is a problem. Humility is almost a God-like word. A sense of awe. A sense of wonder. An awareness of the human soul and spirit. An understanding that there is something unique about the human drama versus the rest of life Humility is a grasp of the distance between us and the stars, yet having the feeling that we're part of the stars.
Here's a good tip: Learn to be proud but not arrogant. It takes pride to build your ambitions. It takes pride in your community. It takes pride in a cause, in accomplishment. But the key to becoming a good leader is to be proud without being arrogant. Do you know the worst kind of arrogance? Arrogance from ignorance. It's intolerable. If someone is smart and arrogant, we can tolerate that. But if someone is ignorant and arrogant, that's just too much to take.
The next step is learning to develop humor without folly. In leadership, we learn that it's okay to be witty but not silly; fun but not foolish.
Next, deal in realities. Deal in truth. Save yourself the agony of delusion. Just accept life as it is. Life is unique. The whole drama of life is unique. It's fascinating. Life is unique. Leadership is unique. The skills that work well for one leader may not work at all for another. However, the fundamental skills of leadership can be adopted to work well for just about everyone: at work, in the community, and at home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)