Building a Successful Team
by Jim Rohn
Once you've set a goal for yourself as a leader—whether it is to create your own enterprise, energize your organization, build a church, or excel in sports—the challenge is to find good people to help you accomplish that goal. Gathering a successful team of people is not only helpful, it's necessary.
So to guide you in this daunting task of picking the right people, I'm going to share with you a four-part checklist.
Number One: Check each candidate's history. Seek out available information regarding the individual's qualifications to do the job. That's the most obvious step.
Number Two: Check the person's interest level. If they are interested, they are probably a good prospect. Sometimes people can fake their interest, but if you've been a leader for a while, you will be a capable judge of whether somebody is merely pretending. Arrange face-to-face conversation, and try to gauge his or her sincerity to the best of your ability. You won't hit the bull's-eye every time, but you can get pretty good at spotting what I call true interest.
Number Three: Check the prospect's responses. A response tells you a lot about someone's integrity, character and skills. Listen for responses like these: "You want me to get there that early?" "You want me to stay that late?" "The break is only ten minutes?" "I'll have to work two evenings a week and Saturdays?" You can't ignore these clues. A person's responses are good indications of his or her character and of how hard he or she will work. Our attitudes reflect our inner selves, so even if we can fool others for a while, eventually, our true selves will emerge.
Number Four: Check results. The name of the game is results. How else can we effectively judge an individual's performance? The final judge must be results.
There are two types of results to look for. The first is activity results. Specific results are a reflection of an individual's productivity. Sometimes we don't ask for this type of result right away, but it's pretty easy to check activity. If you work for a sales organization and you've asked your new salesman, John, to make ten calls in the first week, it's simple to check his results on Friday. You say, "John, how many calls did you make?" John says, "Well..." and starts telling a story, making an excuse. You respond, "John, I just need a number from one to ten." If his results that first week are not good, it is a definite sign. You might try another week, but if that lack of precise activity continues, you'll soon realize that John isn't capable of becoming a member of your team.
The second area you need to monitor is productivity. The ultimate test of a quality team is measurable progress in a reasonable amount of time. And here's one of the skills of leadership: Be up front with your team as to what you expect them to produce. Don't let the surprises come later.
When you're following this four-part checklist, your instincts obviously play a major role. And your instincts will improve every time you go through the process. Remember, building a good team will be one of your most challenging tasks as a leader. It will reap you multiple rewards for a long time to come.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
GOALS
Goals –
Part 3
# 9 Reward Yourself
Pre-flight instructions always inform you to put on your own oxygen mask before attempting to help others.
3 – C’s of achieving goals:
Commitment
Concentration
Courage
# 10 Maintain Personal integrity
It is personal integrity that fundamentally unites the other nine.
Don’t tarnish your goal by doing something so bush league as quitting just because things got difficult.
Values lay the groundwork for goals;
Goals lead to the fulfillment of your mission;
You mission leads to the realization of your life’s work – your legacy
If success is your destination, you will arrive there on a carriage called Planning pulled by a horse named Integrity.
Part 3
# 9 Reward Yourself
Pre-flight instructions always inform you to put on your own oxygen mask before attempting to help others.
3 – C’s of achieving goals:
Commitment
Concentration
Courage
# 10 Maintain Personal integrity
It is personal integrity that fundamentally unites the other nine.
Don’t tarnish your goal by doing something so bush league as quitting just because things got difficult.
Values lay the groundwork for goals;
Goals lead to the fulfillment of your mission;
You mission leads to the realization of your life’s work – your legacy
If success is your destination, you will arrive there on a carriage called Planning pulled by a horse named Integrity.
Monday, December 13, 2010
GOALS
Part 2
Goals
# 5 Involve Others
Goals mean growth, and growth requires new knowledge.
# 6 Welcome Failure
Success cannot exist without failure as failure is part of the steering mechanism that drives you to success.
Failure measures your personal investment in this goal – it is a test of character, commitment, and courage.
We all live a life of close calls, belly flops, and missed opportunities. The truth is we’re all cowards, some are just bigger cowards than others. Your persistence in the face of failure and set back is a measure of your belief in yourself and your goal.
# 7 Purposeful Action
Dreams become reality through one simple mode of transportation: purposeful action. Intimidate your fears through purposeful goal-directed activity.
# 8 Inspect what you expect
Inspection actually expends time by helping to maintain focus.
Inspections are meant to revisit, revise and reinforce predetermined standards of performance.
Goals
# 5 Involve Others
Goals mean growth, and growth requires new knowledge.
# 6 Welcome Failure
Success cannot exist without failure as failure is part of the steering mechanism that drives you to success.
Failure measures your personal investment in this goal – it is a test of character, commitment, and courage.
We all live a life of close calls, belly flops, and missed opportunities. The truth is we’re all cowards, some are just bigger cowards than others. Your persistence in the face of failure and set back is a measure of your belief in yourself and your goal.
# 7 Purposeful Action
Dreams become reality through one simple mode of transportation: purposeful action. Intimidate your fears through purposeful goal-directed activity.
# 8 Inspect what you expect
Inspection actually expends time by helping to maintain focus.
Inspections are meant to revisit, revise and reinforce predetermined standards of performance.
Stop, Look, & Listen - Part 2
Stop, Look, & Listen
Part 2
As a leader, others are always glad to give you advice. Leaders listen.
When you come to the crossing of decision-making, learn to “Stop, Look, and Listen.” It will help you to avoid train wrecks.
Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” Helping others help themselves is truly a mark of good leaders. One theory of leadership, described as SuperLeadership, asserts “leaders become super by helping to unleash the abilities of the followers that surround them.”
Jesus modeled “SuperLeadership” with the disciples. He provided an example for them to follow; he taught them about the mission of the Church; and he challenged their presuppositions of leadership. Each disciple ultimately assumed a place of leadership in the early church based on his or her talents and strengths.
Robert Crandall, the former chairman and president of American Airlines stated, “I think that the ideal leader for the 21st Century will be one who creates an environment that encourages everyone in the organization to stretch their capabilities and achieve a shared vision, who gives people the confidence to run farther and faster than they ever have before, and who establishes the conditions for people to be more productive, more innovative, move creative and feel more in charge of their own lives than they ever dreamed possible,”
Our companies, civic organizations, and churches are full of members who need to be challenged to stop being spectators and take responsibility for their own personal growth, and to begin to use their God-given gifts. Remember, “Leaders Lead, they don’t Point.”
Part 2
As a leader, others are always glad to give you advice. Leaders listen.
When you come to the crossing of decision-making, learn to “Stop, Look, and Listen.” It will help you to avoid train wrecks.
Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” Helping others help themselves is truly a mark of good leaders. One theory of leadership, described as SuperLeadership, asserts “leaders become super by helping to unleash the abilities of the followers that surround them.”
Jesus modeled “SuperLeadership” with the disciples. He provided an example for them to follow; he taught them about the mission of the Church; and he challenged their presuppositions of leadership. Each disciple ultimately assumed a place of leadership in the early church based on his or her talents and strengths.
Robert Crandall, the former chairman and president of American Airlines stated, “I think that the ideal leader for the 21st Century will be one who creates an environment that encourages everyone in the organization to stretch their capabilities and achieve a shared vision, who gives people the confidence to run farther and faster than they ever have before, and who establishes the conditions for people to be more productive, more innovative, move creative and feel more in charge of their own lives than they ever dreamed possible,”
Our companies, civic organizations, and churches are full of members who need to be challenged to stop being spectators and take responsibility for their own personal growth, and to begin to use their God-given gifts. Remember, “Leaders Lead, they don’t Point.”
Friday, December 10, 2010
GOALS - Part 1
I read this article by Gary Ryan Blair
Achieving a goal is like opening a combination lock.
Each of these 10 rules is a piece of the combination; each seamlessly integrates with the other nine; each one counts!
Success is the ability, first, to recognize opportunity; second, to form plans and strategies that leverage opportunity; and, third, to develop the necessary skills needed to execute those strategies.
# 1 Be Decisive
# 2 Stay Focused
# 3 Write Your Goals
6 important goal setting questions
1 Who will be involved in helping you achieve this goal?
2 What is the goal? What specifically do you want to accomplish?
3 Where are you now in relation to this goal?
4 When do you expect to achieve this goal?
5 How will you accomplish this goal?
6 Why do you want to achieve this goal?
# 4 Plan thoroughly
A short time spent in planning can save you a long time of regret and misery?
If at all possible, sleep on plans that are extremely difficult.
Achieving a goal is like opening a combination lock.
Each of these 10 rules is a piece of the combination; each seamlessly integrates with the other nine; each one counts!
Success is the ability, first, to recognize opportunity; second, to form plans and strategies that leverage opportunity; and, third, to develop the necessary skills needed to execute those strategies.
# 1 Be Decisive
# 2 Stay Focused
# 3 Write Your Goals
6 important goal setting questions
1 Who will be involved in helping you achieve this goal?
2 What is the goal? What specifically do you want to accomplish?
3 Where are you now in relation to this goal?
4 When do you expect to achieve this goal?
5 How will you accomplish this goal?
6 Why do you want to achieve this goal?
# 4 Plan thoroughly
A short time spent in planning can save you a long time of regret and misery?
If at all possible, sleep on plans that are extremely difficult.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Stop, Look, & Listen - Part 2
Stop, Look, & Listen
As a leader, others are always glad to give you advice. Leaders listen.
When you come to the crossing of decision-making, learn to “Stop, Look, and Listen.” It will help you to avoid train wrecks.
Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” Helping others help themselves is truly a mark of good leaders. One theory of leadership, described as SuperLeadership, asserts “leaders become super by helping to unleash the abilities of the followers that surround them.” The challenge for pastors and Sunday School leaders is to understand how to go about bringing out the wealth that each member possesses.
Jesus modeled “SuperLeadership” with the disciples. He provided an example for them to follow; he taught them about the mission of the Church; and he challenged their presuppositions of leadership. Each disciple ultimately assumed a place of leadership in the early church based on his or her talents and strengths.
Sunday School Directors, pastors, and teacher should develop the skill to evaluate, motivate and assign tasks based on the ability and giftedness of the members. When every member is faithful to play their part, the church will make beautiful music in the eyes of the world.
Robert Crandall, the former chairman and president of American Airlines stated, “I think that the ideal leader for the 21st Century will be one who creates an environment that encourages everyone in the organization to stretch their capabilities and achieve a shared vision, who gives people the confidence to run farther and faster than they ever have before, and who establishes the conditions for people to be more productive, more innovative, move creative and feel more in charge of their own lives than they ever dreamed possible,”
Our companies, civic organizations, and churches are full of members who need to be challenged to stop being spectators and take responsibility for their own personal growth, and to begin to use their God-given gifts. Remember, “Leaders Lead, they don’t Point.”
As a leader, others are always glad to give you advice. Leaders listen.
When you come to the crossing of decision-making, learn to “Stop, Look, and Listen.” It will help you to avoid train wrecks.
Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” Helping others help themselves is truly a mark of good leaders. One theory of leadership, described as SuperLeadership, asserts “leaders become super by helping to unleash the abilities of the followers that surround them.” The challenge for pastors and Sunday School leaders is to understand how to go about bringing out the wealth that each member possesses.
Jesus modeled “SuperLeadership” with the disciples. He provided an example for them to follow; he taught them about the mission of the Church; and he challenged their presuppositions of leadership. Each disciple ultimately assumed a place of leadership in the early church based on his or her talents and strengths.
Sunday School Directors, pastors, and teacher should develop the skill to evaluate, motivate and assign tasks based on the ability and giftedness of the members. When every member is faithful to play their part, the church will make beautiful music in the eyes of the world.
Robert Crandall, the former chairman and president of American Airlines stated, “I think that the ideal leader for the 21st Century will be one who creates an environment that encourages everyone in the organization to stretch their capabilities and achieve a shared vision, who gives people the confidence to run farther and faster than they ever have before, and who establishes the conditions for people to be more productive, more innovative, move creative and feel more in charge of their own lives than they ever dreamed possible,”
Our companies, civic organizations, and churches are full of members who need to be challenged to stop being spectators and take responsibility for their own personal growth, and to begin to use their God-given gifts. Remember, “Leaders Lead, they don’t Point.”
Monday, November 29, 2010
Time Control / Management
I read this article...see if you like it :)
Here’s an important announcement: There is no such thing as time management.
Think about it; the term is an oxymoron. Time cannot be managed. It cannot be controlled in any way. Everyone gets the same number of hours and minutes every day. Nobody—no matter how shrewd—can save minutes from one day to spend on another. No scientist—no matter how smart—is capable of creating new minutes. Even with all his wealth, someone like Bill Gates can’t buy additional hours for his day. And even though people talk about trying to “find time,” they need to quit looking. There isn’t any extra lying around. Twenty-four hours is the best any of us is going to get.
You can’t manage your time. So what can you do? Manage yourself! Nothing separates successful people from unsuccessful people more than how they use their time. Successful people understand that time is the most precious commodity on earth. And that we all have an equal amount, packed into identical suitcases. So even though everyone’s suitcase is the same size, they get a higher return on the contents of theirs. Why? They know what to pack.
Essayist Henry David Thoreau wrote, “It is not enough to be busy. The question is, ‘What are we busy about?’” How do you judge whether something is worthy of your time and attention? For years I used this formula to help me know the importance of a task so that I can manage myself effectively. It’s a three step process:
1. Rate the task in terms of Importance.
Critical = 5 points
Necessary = 4 points
Important = 3 points
Helpful = 2 points
Marginal = 1 point
2. Determine the task’s urgency.
This month = 5 points
Next month = 4 points
This quarter = 3 points
Next quarter = 2 points
End of year = 1 point
3. Multiply the rate of importance times the rate of urgency.
Example: 5 (critical) x 4 (next month) = 20.
After assigning each task a new number, make a new to-do list. This time list everything from highest to lowest task management score. THAT’S how you plan your day.
How you spend your time is an important question not only for you but for your team. People tend to take their cues from the leader when it comes to time management—so make sure there’s a match between your actions, your business priorities, and your team’s activities.
Here’s an important announcement: There is no such thing as time management.
Think about it; the term is an oxymoron. Time cannot be managed. It cannot be controlled in any way. Everyone gets the same number of hours and minutes every day. Nobody—no matter how shrewd—can save minutes from one day to spend on another. No scientist—no matter how smart—is capable of creating new minutes. Even with all his wealth, someone like Bill Gates can’t buy additional hours for his day. And even though people talk about trying to “find time,” they need to quit looking. There isn’t any extra lying around. Twenty-four hours is the best any of us is going to get.
You can’t manage your time. So what can you do? Manage yourself! Nothing separates successful people from unsuccessful people more than how they use their time. Successful people understand that time is the most precious commodity on earth. And that we all have an equal amount, packed into identical suitcases. So even though everyone’s suitcase is the same size, they get a higher return on the contents of theirs. Why? They know what to pack.
Essayist Henry David Thoreau wrote, “It is not enough to be busy. The question is, ‘What are we busy about?’” How do you judge whether something is worthy of your time and attention? For years I used this formula to help me know the importance of a task so that I can manage myself effectively. It’s a three step process:
1. Rate the task in terms of Importance.
Critical = 5 points
Necessary = 4 points
Important = 3 points
Helpful = 2 points
Marginal = 1 point
2. Determine the task’s urgency.
This month = 5 points
Next month = 4 points
This quarter = 3 points
Next quarter = 2 points
End of year = 1 point
3. Multiply the rate of importance times the rate of urgency.
Example: 5 (critical) x 4 (next month) = 20.
After assigning each task a new number, make a new to-do list. This time list everything from highest to lowest task management score. THAT’S how you plan your day.
How you spend your time is an important question not only for you but for your team. People tend to take their cues from the leader when it comes to time management—so make sure there’s a match between your actions, your business priorities, and your team’s activities.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Stop, Look, & Listen
Stop, Look, & Listen
Part 1
I read this article and found it encouraging.
When I was a kid, the safety slogan for railroad crossings was, “Stop, Look, and Listen.” Leaders make decisions. “Stop, Look, and Listen” provides a plan for making good leadership decisions.
Stop. Stop and pray. Too often we charge ahead without stopping to ask God for wisdom. The Bible promises, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:5, HCSB). Stop and ask God for wisdom. Stop and ask God for strength to do what is right when He gives you wisdom. Leaders stop and pray.
Look. Look and see what God is doing. You’ve heard this expressed many ways. Henry Blackaby tells us to watch to see where God is working and join Him (Experiencing God, 15). Rick Warren tells us to be like experienced surfers—recognize the wave of God’s Spirit and ride it (The Purpose Driven Church, 14). However you describe it, your goal as a leader is to see what God is doing and lead your people to join Him in His mission. What is happening that can only be attributed to God? What is God blessing to transform lives? Leaders look and see what God is doing.
Listen. Listen to the counsel of others–both positive and negative. As a leader, you will receive constructive advice. Learn to listen to others, value their input, and adjust your plans. Leadership, especially in Sunday School, is a team sport. You’re not the only one with good ideas. You’ll also receive negative feedback—criticism. Early in my ministry I learned a useful strategy for dealing with criticism:
Listen to it.
Evaluate it.
Act on it.
(If it’s legitimate, change. If it’s unfounded, ignore it.)
Keep on serving.
Part 1
I read this article and found it encouraging.
When I was a kid, the safety slogan for railroad crossings was, “Stop, Look, and Listen.” Leaders make decisions. “Stop, Look, and Listen” provides a plan for making good leadership decisions.
Stop. Stop and pray. Too often we charge ahead without stopping to ask God for wisdom. The Bible promises, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:5, HCSB). Stop and ask God for wisdom. Stop and ask God for strength to do what is right when He gives you wisdom. Leaders stop and pray.
Look. Look and see what God is doing. You’ve heard this expressed many ways. Henry Blackaby tells us to watch to see where God is working and join Him (Experiencing God, 15). Rick Warren tells us to be like experienced surfers—recognize the wave of God’s Spirit and ride it (The Purpose Driven Church, 14). However you describe it, your goal as a leader is to see what God is doing and lead your people to join Him in His mission. What is happening that can only be attributed to God? What is God blessing to transform lives? Leaders look and see what God is doing.
Listen. Listen to the counsel of others–both positive and negative. As a leader, you will receive constructive advice. Learn to listen to others, value their input, and adjust your plans. Leadership, especially in Sunday School, is a team sport. You’re not the only one with good ideas. You’ll also receive negative feedback—criticism. Early in my ministry I learned a useful strategy for dealing with criticism:
Listen to it.
Evaluate it.
Act on it.
(If it’s legitimate, change. If it’s unfounded, ignore it.)
Keep on serving.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Activity - Labor
I have collected some thoughts about activity and labor from Jim Rohn. I hope you enjoy them.
Make rest a necessity, not an objective. Only rest long enough to gather strength.
Without constant activity, the threats of life will soon overwhelm the values.
You must learn to translate wisdom and strong feelings into labor.
The miracle of the seed and the soil is not available by affirmation; it is only available by labor.
The few who do are the envy of the many who only watch.
For every promise, there is a price to pay.
We pay the price for success or failure. The price for both is HIGH!
Make rest a necessity, not an objective. Only rest long enough to gather strength.
Without constant activity, the threats of life will soon overwhelm the values.
You must learn to translate wisdom and strong feelings into labor.
The miracle of the seed and the soil is not available by affirmation; it is only available by labor.
The few who do are the envy of the many who only watch.
For every promise, there is a price to pay.
We pay the price for success or failure. The price for both is HIGH!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Make it true
What you tell yourself (think about) most frequently, you will believe. What you truly believe, you will incorporate into every aspect of your life. It doesn't matter if it is objectively true or not. What you continue to tell yourself, day after day, becomes true for you and has a profound effect on your life. Great power lives in the fact that you can choose what to tell yourself, again and again, in the thousands of moments that make up each day. With focus and intention, you can upgrade your beliefs about yourself.
You can upgrade your beliefs about what is possible for you. And by so doing, you will in fact expand your access to the very best of your possibilities.
You'll go precisely as far as you believe you will go. So there's every reason to believe the very best.
With what you tell yourself, choose to sell yourself, again and again, on your best possibilities. For when you consistently believe something to be true in your life, you will indeed make it true.
-- Ralph Marston
You can upgrade your beliefs about what is possible for you. And by so doing, you will in fact expand your access to the very best of your possibilities.
You'll go precisely as far as you believe you will go. So there's every reason to believe the very best.
With what you tell yourself, choose to sell yourself, again and again, on your best possibilities. For when you consistently believe something to be true in your life, you will indeed make it true.
-- Ralph Marston
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Self-Manager
Become a Good Self-Manager
It is important to manage 3 basic things.
1. Activity
Tracking our "actual" activity doesn't allow us to believe that we have done more than really have. By tracking activity, it is easy to set a goal, get the activity done and mark it off the list. It helps enhance your daily sense of accomplishment.
2. Results
If you keep your activity up and tracked and your pipeline full, the numbers will always fall in your favor. Tracking your results allow us to get a clearer picture of whether we are on track or if we need to tune up a few things.
3. Time
If you fail to control your time, your time will control you. Time is a very important resource that needs to me managed wisely. Time is truly the only capital we all equally have to build a business and our lives. What you put into your day will equal what you get out.
It is not how many hours you put in, it is what you put into your hours.
Use your planner and fill in the time periods of what your typical day looks like Sunday through Saturday. By doing this a picture will start to emerge of where all your time goes. This will then allow you to make changes and adjustments. This gives you the ability to make choices.
Self-Motivation and Self-Management are key to building a profitable and long term business. Just following these simple steps and YOU will become the best Motivator and Manager YOU have ever had!!
I picked up this article from a friend Johnna Parr. I hope it was helpful.
It is important to manage 3 basic things.
1. Activity
Tracking our "actual" activity doesn't allow us to believe that we have done more than really have. By tracking activity, it is easy to set a goal, get the activity done and mark it off the list. It helps enhance your daily sense of accomplishment.
2. Results
If you keep your activity up and tracked and your pipeline full, the numbers will always fall in your favor. Tracking your results allow us to get a clearer picture of whether we are on track or if we need to tune up a few things.
3. Time
If you fail to control your time, your time will control you. Time is a very important resource that needs to me managed wisely. Time is truly the only capital we all equally have to build a business and our lives. What you put into your day will equal what you get out.
It is not how many hours you put in, it is what you put into your hours.
Use your planner and fill in the time periods of what your typical day looks like Sunday through Saturday. By doing this a picture will start to emerge of where all your time goes. This will then allow you to make changes and adjustments. This gives you the ability to make choices.
Self-Motivation and Self-Management are key to building a profitable and long term business. Just following these simple steps and YOU will become the best Motivator and Manager YOU have ever had!!
I picked up this article from a friend Johnna Parr. I hope it was helpful.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Succeeding from Failures
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).
Back in the 1970's, Tom Watson was the up and coming golfer on the PGA Tour. But time after time, when Tom led a tournament coming into the last round, he would choke, bogey a few holes, and finish in the middle of the pack. Soon, the media began calling him a "choker." That kind of criticism only increases the pressure and the tendency to choke.
In an interview with Guy Yocom for Golf Digest, Watson said, "Everybody has choked. In the 1974 U.S. Open, I kept hitting the ball right to right. My nerves wouldn't allow me to adjust. That's what choking is—being so nervous you can't find a swing or a putting stroke you can trust."
How did Watson overcome his tendency to choke? "Byron gave me the best cure for it," Watson recalled, referring to Byron Nelson, the legendary golf pro of the 1930s and '40s. "[Byron said], 'Walk slowly, talk slowly, deliberately do everything more slowly than you normally do. It has a way of settling you down."* That advice helped Tom Watson overcome his nervousness. He went on to win many tournaments, including five British Opens.
Everybody fails. It's part of the process that leads us to maturity and success. Most successful entrepreneurs have been through a number of failures in life, but they usually don't think of their failures as defeats. They think of them as lessons.
My failures have served to help many people who are also experiencing failure in their lives. God will always have a redeeming value in our failures if we let Him reveal His life through them.
If you hope to succeed, learn everything you can from your failures.
I read this article written by OS Hillman
Back in the 1970's, Tom Watson was the up and coming golfer on the PGA Tour. But time after time, when Tom led a tournament coming into the last round, he would choke, bogey a few holes, and finish in the middle of the pack. Soon, the media began calling him a "choker." That kind of criticism only increases the pressure and the tendency to choke.
In an interview with Guy Yocom for Golf Digest, Watson said, "Everybody has choked. In the 1974 U.S. Open, I kept hitting the ball right to right. My nerves wouldn't allow me to adjust. That's what choking is—being so nervous you can't find a swing or a putting stroke you can trust."
How did Watson overcome his tendency to choke? "Byron gave me the best cure for it," Watson recalled, referring to Byron Nelson, the legendary golf pro of the 1930s and '40s. "[Byron said], 'Walk slowly, talk slowly, deliberately do everything more slowly than you normally do. It has a way of settling you down."* That advice helped Tom Watson overcome his nervousness. He went on to win many tournaments, including five British Opens.
Everybody fails. It's part of the process that leads us to maturity and success. Most successful entrepreneurs have been through a number of failures in life, but they usually don't think of their failures as defeats. They think of them as lessons.
My failures have served to help many people who are also experiencing failure in their lives. God will always have a redeeming value in our failures if we let Him reveal His life through them.
If you hope to succeed, learn everything you can from your failures.
I read this article written by OS Hillman
Friday, October 29, 2010
Legal Immigrants
The Immigrant's Attitude
by Zig Ziglar
Walter Hailey, a retired insurance executive, says that legal immigrants in America are four times as likely to become millionaires as those who are born here. This is true regardless of whether these immigrants are from the Orient, South America, Africa or Europe. The reason is simple. These immigrants give up, in most cases, a great deal to come to America. They face culture shock, language differences, climate changes and often leave friends and families behind. They do that because they have a dream and the dream has them. They succeed because they have great faith and their commitment is strong.
They come to America with a lot of enthusiasm and determination, are truly grateful for the opportunity and are excited about a job that pays five or more dollars per hour, which is far more than they earned back home. They even accept the second job, live very frugally, take advantage of community college education, and by the time they realize there are some problems in our country, it's too late. They've already "made it." They look at the opportunities America offers and say, "Wow! What a deal!"
On the other side of the coin, many people born in America get up each morning and say, "Big deal!" with a heavy dose of sarcasm. To underscore what legal immigrants have done, our former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John M. Shalikashvili (Shalik), is from Poland; and at one time four of the 10 most admired companies in America as recognized by Fortune magazine were headed by legal immigrants.
Message: Adopt the immigrant's attitude and I will SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
by Zig Ziglar
Walter Hailey, a retired insurance executive, says that legal immigrants in America are four times as likely to become millionaires as those who are born here. This is true regardless of whether these immigrants are from the Orient, South America, Africa or Europe. The reason is simple. These immigrants give up, in most cases, a great deal to come to America. They face culture shock, language differences, climate changes and often leave friends and families behind. They do that because they have a dream and the dream has them. They succeed because they have great faith and their commitment is strong.
They come to America with a lot of enthusiasm and determination, are truly grateful for the opportunity and are excited about a job that pays five or more dollars per hour, which is far more than they earned back home. They even accept the second job, live very frugally, take advantage of community college education, and by the time they realize there are some problems in our country, it's too late. They've already "made it." They look at the opportunities America offers and say, "Wow! What a deal!"
On the other side of the coin, many people born in America get up each morning and say, "Big deal!" with a heavy dose of sarcasm. To underscore what legal immigrants have done, our former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John M. Shalikashvili (Shalik), is from Poland; and at one time four of the 10 most admired companies in America as recognized by Fortune magazine were headed by legal immigrants.
Message: Adopt the immigrant's attitude and I will SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wasted Wisdom
How do we waste wisdom? We hear a good idea. It resonates within us. We like it. We begin to fantasize about how it could work for us. But, then we hesitate. We do not take action.
We hear someone speak on health. We know we should live a healthy lifestyle. We imagine how it would be to be as healthy as we once were. But we hesitate. You should take action! Go out and buy an nutritional book. Get out of your chair and do some jumping jacks. ACT! But we hesitate. This hesitation causes you to fall prey to the Law of Diminishing Intent! (A law I learned from Jim Rohn).
Can you remember a time when you had a good idea? You thought about it, fantasized about it, but never acted on it. A week later, you thought about it a little. A month later, you thought about it once. A year later, the thought was completely gone until you read this blog. That idea that God gave you, Is now WASTED WISDOM! Why? Because you didn’t act!
Some people lack self-esteem. This lack of self-esteem can be traced to the lack of discipline. One of the greatest benefits of self-discipline is self-esteem. Without the discipline your self-esteem is eroded. This lack of self-discipline is like an infection. We know it’s bad but we just ignore it. Finally when the infection is to the point that we cannot live with it any longer, we deal with it (hopefully). BUT, if we refuse to learn and require self-discipline of ourselves, the infection will return. This infection kills our self-esteem.
How do you prevent the infection from reoccurring? How do you rebuild your self-esteem? ACT! Start with the smallest discipline that connects to your core values, or philosophy. Do it. Do it NOW! Do it often. But ACT!
Now let me quote Jim Rohn, Make the commitment: "I will discipline myself to achieve my goals so that in the years ahead I can celebrate my successes."
Shoot me a note and let me know the ACTION you have taken.
Excited about Jesus!
We hear someone speak on health. We know we should live a healthy lifestyle. We imagine how it would be to be as healthy as we once were. But we hesitate. You should take action! Go out and buy an nutritional book. Get out of your chair and do some jumping jacks. ACT! But we hesitate. This hesitation causes you to fall prey to the Law of Diminishing Intent! (A law I learned from Jim Rohn).
Can you remember a time when you had a good idea? You thought about it, fantasized about it, but never acted on it. A week later, you thought about it a little. A month later, you thought about it once. A year later, the thought was completely gone until you read this blog. That idea that God gave you, Is now WASTED WISDOM! Why? Because you didn’t act!
Some people lack self-esteem. This lack of self-esteem can be traced to the lack of discipline. One of the greatest benefits of self-discipline is self-esteem. Without the discipline your self-esteem is eroded. This lack of self-discipline is like an infection. We know it’s bad but we just ignore it. Finally when the infection is to the point that we cannot live with it any longer, we deal with it (hopefully). BUT, if we refuse to learn and require self-discipline of ourselves, the infection will return. This infection kills our self-esteem.
How do you prevent the infection from reoccurring? How do you rebuild your self-esteem? ACT! Start with the smallest discipline that connects to your core values, or philosophy. Do it. Do it NOW! Do it often. But ACT!
Now let me quote Jim Rohn, Make the commitment: "I will discipline myself to achieve my goals so that in the years ahead I can celebrate my successes."
Shoot me a note and let me know the ACTION you have taken.
Excited about Jesus!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Priorities & Focus
I read an article by Darren Hardy, publisher of Success Magazine.
He said, When all is said and done, what do I want to have said and done?
It is not what you do that determines the level of your success, but rather what you don’t do.
Determine what you want.
Determine your values.
Who are you?
What do you want to become?
What is important to you in life?
What direction do you want your life to take?
Focus on Goals.
What are the 3 most important goals of the year?
What are the 3 most important goals of the month?
What are the 3 most important goals of the week?
What are the 3 most important goals of the day?
Filter everything else out!
Just say NO!
You get what you tolerate.
Life will organize around the standards you set for yourself.
Dr. Oz says, It’s not about time management. It’s about energy management. The things you do in your life should give you the zest for life.
ROE = Return on Energy
Get Excited about Life!
He said, When all is said and done, what do I want to have said and done?
It is not what you do that determines the level of your success, but rather what you don’t do.
Determine what you want.
Determine your values.
Who are you?
What do you want to become?
What is important to you in life?
What direction do you want your life to take?
Focus on Goals.
What are the 3 most important goals of the year?
What are the 3 most important goals of the month?
What are the 3 most important goals of the week?
What are the 3 most important goals of the day?
Filter everything else out!
Just say NO!
You get what you tolerate.
Life will organize around the standards you set for yourself.
Dr. Oz says, It’s not about time management. It’s about energy management. The things you do in your life should give you the zest for life.
ROE = Return on Energy
Get Excited about Life!
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Ultimate Customer Formula
Part 4
The Ultimate Customer Formula
By Noah St. John, Ph.D
That last part is particularly vital today. The word we see everywhere now in marketing now is transparency. In the old days, you could hide behind a corporate shield and be immune to criticism. Those days are gone. People are amazed when I pick up the phone and call them to see if they're happy with their purchase, or personally respond to an e-mail they wrote me, or write back to them on my facebook fan page.
My feeling is, why wouldn't I?
But the beauty is, the "gurus" almost never pick up the phone and call people. When was the last time you got a phone call from one of these guys? I know I never did. Sure, it's more work for me. But it's work that I really enjoy doing. Plus, it cements me as a guy who actually CARES about how they are doing. So, use the Ultimate Customer Formula and see what you can do today, this week, this month, and this year to move people from Customer to Referrer to Evangelist. And isn't it amazing that the ultimate secret to success, yet again, is Love.
The Ultimate Customer Formula
By Noah St. John, Ph.D
That last part is particularly vital today. The word we see everywhere now in marketing now is transparency. In the old days, you could hide behind a corporate shield and be immune to criticism. Those days are gone. People are amazed when I pick up the phone and call them to see if they're happy with their purchase, or personally respond to an e-mail they wrote me, or write back to them on my facebook fan page.
My feeling is, why wouldn't I?
But the beauty is, the "gurus" almost never pick up the phone and call people. When was the last time you got a phone call from one of these guys? I know I never did. Sure, it's more work for me. But it's work that I really enjoy doing. Plus, it cements me as a guy who actually CARES about how they are doing. So, use the Ultimate Customer Formula and see what you can do today, this week, this month, and this year to move people from Customer to Referrer to Evangelist. And isn't it amazing that the ultimate secret to success, yet again, is Love.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Ultimate Customer Formula
My apologies for my absence ...computer problems!
Part 3
By Noah St. John, Ph.D.
Let me give you an example. I love Southwest Airlines. Why? There are literally dozens of reasons, but the most important one for me is that when I need to change my flights, I simply call their toll-free number, and an ACTUAL HUMAN BEING picks up the phone and says, "Southwest, how can I help you?"
Then I change the flights and there is NO service fee! What do you know? Southwest treats my money as MY money!
I've flown other airlines, and paid as much as $450 for CHANGE FEES. Ridiculous!
Do you see what I just did? I just told everyone who's reading this newsletter how awesome Southwest Airlines is. I went from Referrer right to Evangelist.
If I felt so-so about Southwest, I might tell one or two friends. That would make me a Referrer.
But because I love Southwest, I tell everyone about them (whether they ask or not).
How did it happen? I have a Want - inexpensive, reliable airline service to take me where I need to go, AND actual human beings who answer the phone, AND no fees when I need to change my flights.
From the very first time I flew Southwest, they not only delivered the fulfillment of my Want. They OVER-delivered, by thinking of things I hadn't even thought of to make my travel better and easier, and being a company of real human beings.
So I emotionally moved from I Trust Southwest to I LOVE Southwest.
So, the Ultimate Customer Formula again - this time with the thoughts that go behind it - is:
Want + Trust = Customer
I want something and trust that you will deliver it to me.
Want X Trust = Referrer
I want something and trust that you will not only deliver it to me, but that if I were to send a friend to you, you'd deliver it to them too.
Want X Love = Evangelist
I want something and not only trust that you will deliver it to me, you will over-deliver, take care of me in ways I hadn't even thought of, and you are a company of actual human beings.
Part 3
By Noah St. John, Ph.D.
Let me give you an example. I love Southwest Airlines. Why? There are literally dozens of reasons, but the most important one for me is that when I need to change my flights, I simply call their toll-free number, and an ACTUAL HUMAN BEING picks up the phone and says, "Southwest, how can I help you?"
Then I change the flights and there is NO service fee! What do you know? Southwest treats my money as MY money!
I've flown other airlines, and paid as much as $450 for CHANGE FEES. Ridiculous!
Do you see what I just did? I just told everyone who's reading this newsletter how awesome Southwest Airlines is. I went from Referrer right to Evangelist.
If I felt so-so about Southwest, I might tell one or two friends. That would make me a Referrer.
But because I love Southwest, I tell everyone about them (whether they ask or not).
How did it happen? I have a Want - inexpensive, reliable airline service to take me where I need to go, AND actual human beings who answer the phone, AND no fees when I need to change my flights.
From the very first time I flew Southwest, they not only delivered the fulfillment of my Want. They OVER-delivered, by thinking of things I hadn't even thought of to make my travel better and easier, and being a company of real human beings.
So I emotionally moved from I Trust Southwest to I LOVE Southwest.
So, the Ultimate Customer Formula again - this time with the thoughts that go behind it - is:
Want + Trust = Customer
I want something and trust that you will deliver it to me.
Want X Trust = Referrer
I want something and trust that you will not only deliver it to me, but that if I were to send a friend to you, you'd deliver it to them too.
Want X Love = Evangelist
I want something and not only trust that you will deliver it to me, you will over-deliver, take care of me in ways I hadn't even thought of, and you are a company of actual human beings.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Ultimate Customer Formula
Part 2
The Ultimate Customer Formula
By Noah St. John, Ph.D.
Let's start with why someone becomes a Customer in the first place. First, a person has a Want - something they desire. It could be either to alleviate a PAIN or to increase their PLEASURE. That pretty much covers human Want.
Then, they find out about you (through something called marketing) - and something they read, hear, see or experience in your marketing makes them Trust that you will deliver to them the fulfillment of their Want.
If you fulfill what you said you would - you help fulfill their Want - then they are satisfied with their purchase. They are now your Customer because they Trust you.
So what do you do now?
That's where most businesses fail. They go, "Whew, we got another one. OK, where do we get the next one?"
But don't you get it? You can get your next Customer - or dozen Customers - from that first satisfied Customer!
How? Simple: make them feel good about their purchase. Ask if there's anything else you can do. See what else they need or want - that they may not even have thought of. Ask questions that no one else is asking.
Or, just be so much better than the other guys, that your Customers have no choice but to choose you to fulfill their Want.
The Ultimate Customer Formula
By Noah St. John, Ph.D.
Let's start with why someone becomes a Customer in the first place. First, a person has a Want - something they desire. It could be either to alleviate a PAIN or to increase their PLEASURE. That pretty much covers human Want.
Then, they find out about you (through something called marketing) - and something they read, hear, see or experience in your marketing makes them Trust that you will deliver to them the fulfillment of their Want.
If you fulfill what you said you would - you help fulfill their Want - then they are satisfied with their purchase. They are now your Customer because they Trust you.
So what do you do now?
That's where most businesses fail. They go, "Whew, we got another one. OK, where do we get the next one?"
But don't you get it? You can get your next Customer - or dozen Customers - from that first satisfied Customer!
How? Simple: make them feel good about their purchase. Ask if there's anything else you can do. See what else they need or want - that they may not even have thought of. Ask questions that no one else is asking.
Or, just be so much better than the other guys, that your Customers have no choice but to choose you to fulfill their Want.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Ultimate Customer Formula
Part 1
The Ultimate Customer Formula
By Noah St. John, Ph.D.
"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile."
- Roger Staubach
Customers are the lifeblood of your business. Without customers - people who buy your product or service - then you really don't have a business, do you? Duh!
But if you ask any business owner, they'll tell you they want more customers. Yet I say that you don't want more customers; what you want are more Evangelists.
What's an Evangelist? In this sense of the word, I mean someone who not only buys from you, but who tells everyone within earshot (and emailshot) how great you are.
There are three kinds of people who buy from you:
1. Customer = someone who buys from you
2. Referrer = someone who tells one or two people about you
3. Evangelist = someone who tells everyone about you
So how do we move people from Customer to Referrer to Evangelist?
By using The Ultimate Customer Formula:
Want + Trust = Customer
Want X Trust = Referrer
Want X Love = Evangelist
The Ultimate Customer Formula
By Noah St. John, Ph.D.
"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile."
- Roger Staubach
Customers are the lifeblood of your business. Without customers - people who buy your product or service - then you really don't have a business, do you? Duh!
But if you ask any business owner, they'll tell you they want more customers. Yet I say that you don't want more customers; what you want are more Evangelists.
What's an Evangelist? In this sense of the word, I mean someone who not only buys from you, but who tells everyone within earshot (and emailshot) how great you are.
There are three kinds of people who buy from you:
1. Customer = someone who buys from you
2. Referrer = someone who tells one or two people about you
3. Evangelist = someone who tells everyone about you
So how do we move people from Customer to Referrer to Evangelist?
By using The Ultimate Customer Formula:
Want + Trust = Customer
Want X Trust = Referrer
Want X Love = Evangelist
Monday, August 2, 2010
Leadership - 2 of 2
I read this article and it helped me.
Stay open to change.
Let’s assume you now know yourself pretty well. You can tell when a criticism is way off-base; maybe it’s directed more at your position than at you. And you know when a criticism is 100% legitimate because it’s about a weakness that you’ve already discovered.
But what about the gray areas? The criticisms that might hold a grain of truth? A good leader stays open to improvement by:
Not being defensive,
Looking for the helpful grain of truth,
Making the necessary changes, and
Taking the high road.
Accept yourself.
Jonas Salk, developer of the Salk polio vaccine, had many critics in spite of his incredible contribution to medicine. Of criticism, he observed, “First people will tell you that you are wrong. Then they will tell you that you are right, but what you’re doing really isn’t important. Finally, they will admit that you are right and that what you are doing is very important; but after all, they knew it all the time.”
How do leaders who are out front handle this kind of fickle response from others?
The Serenity Prayer, made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs, gives direction in this area:
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
If you have endeavored to know yourself, and have worked hard to change yourself, then what more can you do?
Forget yourself.
The final step in the process of effectively handling criticism is to stop focusing on yourself. Secure people forget about themselves so they can focus on others. By doing this, they can face nearly any kind of criticism—and even serve the critic.
I try to live out a sentiment expressed by Parkenham Beatty, who advised, “By your own soul learn to live. And if men thwart you, take no heed. If men hate you, have no care: Sing your song, dream your dream, hope your hope and pray your prayer.”
As leaders, we must always be serious about our responsibilities, but it isn’t healthy for us to take ourselves too seriously. A Chinese proverb says, “Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves. They shall never cease to be entertained.”
Stay open to change.
Let’s assume you now know yourself pretty well. You can tell when a criticism is way off-base; maybe it’s directed more at your position than at you. And you know when a criticism is 100% legitimate because it’s about a weakness that you’ve already discovered.
But what about the gray areas? The criticisms that might hold a grain of truth? A good leader stays open to improvement by:
Not being defensive,
Looking for the helpful grain of truth,
Making the necessary changes, and
Taking the high road.
Accept yourself.
Jonas Salk, developer of the Salk polio vaccine, had many critics in spite of his incredible contribution to medicine. Of criticism, he observed, “First people will tell you that you are wrong. Then they will tell you that you are right, but what you’re doing really isn’t important. Finally, they will admit that you are right and that what you are doing is very important; but after all, they knew it all the time.”
How do leaders who are out front handle this kind of fickle response from others?
The Serenity Prayer, made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs, gives direction in this area:
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
If you have endeavored to know yourself, and have worked hard to change yourself, then what more can you do?
Forget yourself.
The final step in the process of effectively handling criticism is to stop focusing on yourself. Secure people forget about themselves so they can focus on others. By doing this, they can face nearly any kind of criticism—and even serve the critic.
I try to live out a sentiment expressed by Parkenham Beatty, who advised, “By your own soul learn to live. And if men thwart you, take no heed. If men hate you, have no care: Sing your song, dream your dream, hope your hope and pray your prayer.”
As leaders, we must always be serious about our responsibilities, but it isn’t healthy for us to take ourselves too seriously. A Chinese proverb says, “Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves. They shall never cease to be entertained.”
Monday, July 19, 2010
Leadership - 1 of 2
I read this article and it helped me…
When You Get Kicked in the Rear, You Know You’re Out in Front
Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Criticism is something you can avoid easily—by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” Obviously, that isn’t an option for anyone who wants to be successful as a leader.
Good leaders are active, and their actions often put them out front. That often draws criticism. When spectators watch a race, where do they focus their attention? On the front-runners! People watch their every action—and often criticize.
Since criticism is a part of leadership, you need to learn how to handle it constructively. The following has helped me to deal with criticism, so I pass it on to you.
Know yourself.
Do you really know yourself? Are you aware of your weaknesses as well as your strengths? Where do you fall short as a person and leader? Not sure what your weaknesses are? Ask five trustworthy people close to you. They’ll be able to tell you where you come up short.
Know the criticism – and the critics.
When you receive criticism, how do you tell if it’s constructive or destructive? (Some say constructive criticism is when I criticize you, but destructive criticism is when you criticize me!) Here are the questions I ask to get to determine what kind of criticism it is:
Who criticized me? Adverse criticism from a wise person is more to be desired than the enthusiastic approval of a fool. The source often matters.
How was it given? I try to discern whether the person was being judgmental or whether he gave me the benefit of the doubt and spoke with kindness.
Why was it given? Was it given out of a personal hurt or for my benefit? Hurting people hurt people; they lash out or criticize to try to make themselves feel better, not to help the other person.
When You Get Kicked in the Rear, You Know You’re Out in Front
Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Criticism is something you can avoid easily—by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” Obviously, that isn’t an option for anyone who wants to be successful as a leader.
Good leaders are active, and their actions often put them out front. That often draws criticism. When spectators watch a race, where do they focus their attention? On the front-runners! People watch their every action—and often criticize.
Since criticism is a part of leadership, you need to learn how to handle it constructively. The following has helped me to deal with criticism, so I pass it on to you.
Know yourself.
Do you really know yourself? Are you aware of your weaknesses as well as your strengths? Where do you fall short as a person and leader? Not sure what your weaknesses are? Ask five trustworthy people close to you. They’ll be able to tell you where you come up short.
Know the criticism – and the critics.
When you receive criticism, how do you tell if it’s constructive or destructive? (Some say constructive criticism is when I criticize you, but destructive criticism is when you criticize me!) Here are the questions I ask to get to determine what kind of criticism it is:
Who criticized me? Adverse criticism from a wise person is more to be desired than the enthusiastic approval of a fool. The source often matters.
How was it given? I try to discern whether the person was being judgmental or whether he gave me the benefit of the doubt and spoke with kindness.
Why was it given? Was it given out of a personal hurt or for my benefit? Hurting people hurt people; they lash out or criticize to try to make themselves feel better, not to help the other person.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Four Emotions That Can Lead to Life Change
Resolve
Resolve says, “I will.” These two words are among the most potent in the English language. I WILL. Benjamin Disraeli, the great British statesman, once said, “Nothing can resist a human will that will stake even its existence on the extent of its purpose.” In other words, when someone resolves to “do or die,” nothing can stop him.
The mountain climber says, “I will climb the mountain. They’ve told me it’s too high, it’s too far, it’s too steep, it’s too rocky, it’s too difficult. But it’s my mountain. I will climb it. You’ll soon see me waving from the top or you’ll never see me, because unless I reach the peak, I’m not coming back.” Who can argue with such resolve?
When confronted with such iron-will determination, I can see Time, Fate and Circumstance calling a hasty conference and deciding, “We might as well let him have his dream. He’s said he’s going to get there or die trying.”
The best definition for “resolve” I’ve ever heard came from a schoolgirl in Foster City, California. As is my custom, I was lecturing about success to a group of bright kids at a junior high school. I asked, “Who can tell me what ‘resolve’ means?” Several hands went up, and I did get some pretty good definitions. But the last was the best. A shy girl from the back of the room got up and said with quiet intensity, “I think resolve means promising yourself you will never give up.” That’s it! That’s the best definition I’ve ever heard: PROMISE YOURSELF YOU’LL NEVER GIVE UP.
Think about it! How long should a baby try to learn how to walk? How long would you give the average baby before you say, “That’s it, you’ve had your chance”? You say that’s crazy? Of course it is. Any mother would say, “My baby is going to keep trying until he learns how to walk!” No wonder everyone walks.
There is a vital lesson in this. Ask yourself, “How long am I going to work to make my dreams come true?” I suggest you answer, “As long as it takes.” That’s what these four emotions are all about.
Resolve says, “I will.” These two words are among the most potent in the English language. I WILL. Benjamin Disraeli, the great British statesman, once said, “Nothing can resist a human will that will stake even its existence on the extent of its purpose.” In other words, when someone resolves to “do or die,” nothing can stop him.
The mountain climber says, “I will climb the mountain. They’ve told me it’s too high, it’s too far, it’s too steep, it’s too rocky, it’s too difficult. But it’s my mountain. I will climb it. You’ll soon see me waving from the top or you’ll never see me, because unless I reach the peak, I’m not coming back.” Who can argue with such resolve?
When confronted with such iron-will determination, I can see Time, Fate and Circumstance calling a hasty conference and deciding, “We might as well let him have his dream. He’s said he’s going to get there or die trying.”
The best definition for “resolve” I’ve ever heard came from a schoolgirl in Foster City, California. As is my custom, I was lecturing about success to a group of bright kids at a junior high school. I asked, “Who can tell me what ‘resolve’ means?” Several hands went up, and I did get some pretty good definitions. But the last was the best. A shy girl from the back of the room got up and said with quiet intensity, “I think resolve means promising yourself you will never give up.” That’s it! That’s the best definition I’ve ever heard: PROMISE YOURSELF YOU’LL NEVER GIVE UP.
Think about it! How long should a baby try to learn how to walk? How long would you give the average baby before you say, “That’s it, you’ve had your chance”? You say that’s crazy? Of course it is. Any mother would say, “My baby is going to keep trying until he learns how to walk!” No wonder everyone walks.
There is a vital lesson in this. Ask yourself, “How long am I going to work to make my dreams come true?” I suggest you answer, “As long as it takes.” That’s what these four emotions are all about.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Four Emotions That Can Lead to Life Change
Desire
How does one gain desire? I don’t think I can answer this directly because there are many ways. But I do know two things about desire:
A. It comes from the inside not the outside.
B. It can be triggered by outside forces.
Almost anything can trigger desire. It’s a matter of timing as much as preparation. It might be a song that tugs at the heart. It might be a memorable sermon. It might be a movie, a conversation with a friend, a confrontation with the enemy, or a bitter experience. Even a book or an article such as this one can trigger the inner mechanism that will make some people say, “I want it now!”
Therefore, while searching for your “hot button” of pure, raw desire, welcome into your life each positive experience. Don’t erect a wall to protect you from experiencing life. The same wall that keeps out your disappointment also keeps out the sunlight of enriching experiences. So let life touch you. The next touch could be the one that turns your life around.
How does one gain desire? I don’t think I can answer this directly because there are many ways. But I do know two things about desire:
A. It comes from the inside not the outside.
B. It can be triggered by outside forces.
Almost anything can trigger desire. It’s a matter of timing as much as preparation. It might be a song that tugs at the heart. It might be a memorable sermon. It might be a movie, a conversation with a friend, a confrontation with the enemy, or a bitter experience. Even a book or an article such as this one can trigger the inner mechanism that will make some people say, “I want it now!”
Therefore, while searching for your “hot button” of pure, raw desire, welcome into your life each positive experience. Don’t erect a wall to protect you from experiencing life. The same wall that keeps out your disappointment also keeps out the sunlight of enriching experiences. So let life touch you. The next touch could be the one that turns your life around.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Four Emotions That Can Lead to Life Change
Decision
Most of us need to be pushed to the wall to make decisions. And once we reach this point, we have to deal with the conflicting emotions that come with making them. We have reached a fork in the road. Now this fork can be a two-prong, three-prong, or even a four-prong fork. No wonder that decision-making can create knots in stomachs, keep us awake in the middle of the night, or make us break out in a cold sweat.
Making life-changing decisions can be likened to internal civil war. Conflicting armies of emotions, each with its own arsenal of reasons, battle each other for supremacy of our minds. And our resulting decisions, whether bold or timid, well thought out or impulsive, can either set the course of action or blind it.
I don’t have much advice to give you about decision-making except this: Whatever you do, don’t camp at the fork in the road. Decide. It’s far better to make a wrong decision than to not make one at all. Each of us must confront our emotional turmoil and sort out our feelings.
Most of us need to be pushed to the wall to make decisions. And once we reach this point, we have to deal with the conflicting emotions that come with making them. We have reached a fork in the road. Now this fork can be a two-prong, three-prong, or even a four-prong fork. No wonder that decision-making can create knots in stomachs, keep us awake in the middle of the night, or make us break out in a cold sweat.
Making life-changing decisions can be likened to internal civil war. Conflicting armies of emotions, each with its own arsenal of reasons, battle each other for supremacy of our minds. And our resulting decisions, whether bold or timid, well thought out or impulsive, can either set the course of action or blind it.
I don’t have much advice to give you about decision-making except this: Whatever you do, don’t camp at the fork in the road. Decide. It’s far better to make a wrong decision than to not make one at all. Each of us must confront our emotional turmoil and sort out our feelings.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Four Emotions That Can Lead to Life Change
Part 1
The Four Emotions That Can Lead to Life Change by Jim Rohn
Emotions are the most powerful forces inside us. Under the power of emotions, human beings can perform the most heroic (as well as barbaric) acts. To a great degree, civilization itself can be defined as the intelligent channeling of human emotion. Emotions are fuel and the mind is the pilot, which together propel the ship of civilized progress.
Which emotions cause people to act? There are four basic ones; each, or a combination of several, can trigger the most incredible activity. The day that you allow these emotions to fuel your desire is the day you’ll turn your life around.
Disgust
One does not usually equate the word “disgust” with positive action. And yet properly channeled, disgust can change a person’s life. The person who feels disgusted has reached a point of no return. He or she is ready to throw down the gauntlet at life and say, “I’ve had it!” That’s what I said after many humiliating experiences at age 25. I said, “I don’t want to live like this anymore. I’ve had it with being broke. I’ve had it with being embarrassed, and I’ve had it with lying.”
Yes, productive feelings of disgust come when a person says, “Enough is enough.”
The “guy” has finally had it with mediocrity. He’s had it with those awful sick feelings of fear, pain and humiliation. He then decides he is “not going to live like this anymore.” Look out! This could be the day that turns a life around. Call it what you will: the “I’ve had it” day, the “never again” day, the “enough’s enough” day. Whatever you call it, it’s powerful! There is nothing so life-changing as gut-wrenching disgust!
The Four Emotions That Can Lead to Life Change by Jim Rohn
Emotions are the most powerful forces inside us. Under the power of emotions, human beings can perform the most heroic (as well as barbaric) acts. To a great degree, civilization itself can be defined as the intelligent channeling of human emotion. Emotions are fuel and the mind is the pilot, which together propel the ship of civilized progress.
Which emotions cause people to act? There are four basic ones; each, or a combination of several, can trigger the most incredible activity. The day that you allow these emotions to fuel your desire is the day you’ll turn your life around.
Disgust
One does not usually equate the word “disgust” with positive action. And yet properly channeled, disgust can change a person’s life. The person who feels disgusted has reached a point of no return. He or she is ready to throw down the gauntlet at life and say, “I’ve had it!” That’s what I said after many humiliating experiences at age 25. I said, “I don’t want to live like this anymore. I’ve had it with being broke. I’ve had it with being embarrassed, and I’ve had it with lying.”
Yes, productive feelings of disgust come when a person says, “Enough is enough.”
The “guy” has finally had it with mediocrity. He’s had it with those awful sick feelings of fear, pain and humiliation. He then decides he is “not going to live like this anymore.” Look out! This could be the day that turns a life around. Call it what you will: the “I’ve had it” day, the “never again” day, the “enough’s enough” day. Whatever you call it, it’s powerful! There is nothing so life-changing as gut-wrenching disgust!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Power of Discipline
Brian Tracy in the “Power of Discipline” uses the priority of our to-do-list that is of great help.
Apply the A B C D E method to your list:
A = “Must Do” – Serious consequences for non-completion;
B = “Should Do” – Mild consequences for doing or not doing;
C = “Nice to Do” – No consequences whether you do it or not:
D = “Delegate” – Everything you possibly can to free up more time for those things that only you can do;
E = “Eliminate” – Discontinue all tasks and activities that are no longer essential to your work and to achieving your goals.
Review your list of activities for the coming day and write an “A,B,C,D, or E” before each task.
If you have several “A” tasks, separate them by writing A-1, A-2, A-3, and so on. Do this with your B and C tasks as well. The rule is that you should never do a B task when you have an A task left undone. You should never do a lower value task when you have a higher value task before you.
Once you have organized your list using this system, discipline yourself to start on your A-1 task first thing in the morning, before you do anything else.
Apply the A B C D E method to your list:
A = “Must Do” – Serious consequences for non-completion;
B = “Should Do” – Mild consequences for doing or not doing;
C = “Nice to Do” – No consequences whether you do it or not:
D = “Delegate” – Everything you possibly can to free up more time for those things that only you can do;
E = “Eliminate” – Discontinue all tasks and activities that are no longer essential to your work and to achieving your goals.
Review your list of activities for the coming day and write an “A,B,C,D, or E” before each task.
If you have several “A” tasks, separate them by writing A-1, A-2, A-3, and so on. Do this with your B and C tasks as well. The rule is that you should never do a B task when you have an A task left undone. You should never do a lower value task when you have a higher value task before you.
Once you have organized your list using this system, discipline yourself to start on your A-1 task first thing in the morning, before you do anything else.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Attitude - adjusting the sails
I read an article on attitude by John Maxwell
Many people talk about attitude. One of my favorite authors talks about it often. One of my life quotes is “Let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5
There are some things Your attitude can do for you and some things it cannot do.
Your attitude cannot substitute for competence.
Your attitude cannot substitute for experience.
Your attitude cannot change the facts.
Your attitude cannot substitute for personal growth.
Your attitude will not stay good automatically.
Now let’s talk about what your attitude can do for you.
Your attitude makes a difference in your approach to life.
Your attitude makes a difference in your relationships with people.
Your attitude makes a difference in how you face challenges.
Successful people don’t have fewer problems than unsuccessful people – they just have a different mindset.
One of my favorite quotes on attitude comes from Chuck Swindoll.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than the facts. It is more important than the past, than education, then money, then circumstances, than failures, then successes, then what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, or a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. Nor can we change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We also cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you--we are in charge of our attitudes.”
Which of these are you?
“The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjusts the sails.”
Many people talk about attitude. One of my favorite authors talks about it often. One of my life quotes is “Let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5
There are some things Your attitude can do for you and some things it cannot do.
Your attitude cannot substitute for competence.
Your attitude cannot substitute for experience.
Your attitude cannot change the facts.
Your attitude cannot substitute for personal growth.
Your attitude will not stay good automatically.
Now let’s talk about what your attitude can do for you.
Your attitude makes a difference in your approach to life.
Your attitude makes a difference in your relationships with people.
Your attitude makes a difference in how you face challenges.
Successful people don’t have fewer problems than unsuccessful people – they just have a different mindset.
One of my favorite quotes on attitude comes from Chuck Swindoll.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than the facts. It is more important than the past, than education, then money, then circumstances, than failures, then successes, then what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, or a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. Nor can we change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We also cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you--we are in charge of our attitudes.”
Which of these are you?
“The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjusts the sails.”
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Talking About Good News!
I am so excited about what is going on in life. This week I get to speak (Main Street Motivation, LLC) at two venues. I am speaking about how to develop your potential. One engagement is for the 75th Anniversary of the organization. I am so blessed to share a little encouragement and motivation with them.
I started Main Street Motivation, LLC as a format to share the "Good News" to the business community and organizations. Do you like to talk? Are you or could you be a public speaker? We are always looking for sharp people to help us fill engagements.
Do you know the "Good News?" The "Good News" is simply that God loves YOU! People matter to God and He has made a way for them to be with Himself throughout all eternity. Since we had a problem (sinful nature) and could not reach God, He reached us. He left heaven, put on humanity and became a servant. This servant's name was Jesus the Christ. Anyone who repents of their sin and trusts Christ as their Lord and Savior will inherit eternal life! Now that's "Good News!" It would be a privilege for me to share with you how you receive Him.
Shoot me a note / comment.
I am excited about life and would love to share that excitement and encouragement with you.
Mike
I started Main Street Motivation, LLC as a format to share the "Good News" to the business community and organizations. Do you like to talk? Are you or could you be a public speaker? We are always looking for sharp people to help us fill engagements.
Do you know the "Good News?" The "Good News" is simply that God loves YOU! People matter to God and He has made a way for them to be with Himself throughout all eternity. Since we had a problem (sinful nature) and could not reach God, He reached us. He left heaven, put on humanity and became a servant. This servant's name was Jesus the Christ. Anyone who repents of their sin and trusts Christ as their Lord and Savior will inherit eternal life! Now that's "Good News!" It would be a privilege for me to share with you how you receive Him.
Shoot me a note / comment.
I am excited about life and would love to share that excitement and encouragement with you.
Mike
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Threats in the Pathway of Life
Talk I heard Junior Hill give -
Scripture Text – 2 Timothy 2:1-8
1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; ⌊he seeks⌋ to please the recruiter. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ ⌊as⌋ risen from the dead and descended from David. ⌊This is⌋ according to my gospel. 2 Tim 2:1-8 (HCSB)
Three threats (traps) in the pathway of life.
I. Warning, Discouragement of Difficulties
“What is hard about being a soldier?” “I’m always fearful that somebody is going to kill me. I’m afraid. Secondly, the terrible discouragement of watching people be killed.”
1. Intimidation –
A. Sugar that sweetens
B. Salt that preserves
2. Frustration –
II. Warning, Danger of Diversity – Don’t be diverted in what you do.
Affairs – to purchase, to trade, to negotiate
Entangle – not used in a positive way, two basic meaning, involved in; entwined, platted, until inseparably interwoven.
III. Warning, the Disgrace of Disqualification
Must strive lawfully
1. Get disqualified because our methods are carnal
A. Rigid conformist
B. Radical change
2. We get disqualified when our motives are corrupted.
What do you want on your tombstone?
Scripture Text – 2 Timothy 2:1-8
1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; ⌊he seeks⌋ to please the recruiter. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ ⌊as⌋ risen from the dead and descended from David. ⌊This is⌋ according to my gospel. 2 Tim 2:1-8 (HCSB)
Three threats (traps) in the pathway of life.
I. Warning, Discouragement of Difficulties
“What is hard about being a soldier?” “I’m always fearful that somebody is going to kill me. I’m afraid. Secondly, the terrible discouragement of watching people be killed.”
1. Intimidation –
A. Sugar that sweetens
B. Salt that preserves
2. Frustration –
II. Warning, Danger of Diversity – Don’t be diverted in what you do.
Affairs – to purchase, to trade, to negotiate
Entangle – not used in a positive way, two basic meaning, involved in; entwined, platted, until inseparably interwoven.
III. Warning, the Disgrace of Disqualification
Must strive lawfully
1. Get disqualified because our methods are carnal
A. Rigid conformist
B. Radical change
2. We get disqualified when our motives are corrupted.
What do you want on your tombstone?
Friday, March 19, 2010
Failure is NOT Defeat
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).
Back in the 1970's, Tom Watson was the up and coming golfer on the PGA Tour. But time after time, when Tom led a tournament coming into the last round, he would choke, bogey a few holes, and finish in the middle of the pack. Soon, the media began calling him a "choker." That kind of criticism only increases the pressure and the tendency to choke.
In an interview with Guy Yocom for Golf Digest, Watson said, "Everybody has choked. In the 1974 U.S. Open, I kept hitting the ball right to right. My nerves wouldn't allow me to adjust. That's what choking is—being so nervous you can't find a swing or a putting stroke you can trust."
How did Watson overcome his tendency to choke? "Byron gave me the best cure for it," Watson recalled, referring to Byron Nelson, the legendary golf pro of the 1930s and '40s. "[Byron said], 'Walk slowly, talk slowly, deliberately do everything more slowly than you normally do. It has a way of settling you down."* That advice helped Tom Watson overcome his nervousness. He went on to win many tournaments, including five British Opens.
Everybody fails. It's part of the process that leads us to maturity and success. Most successful entrepreneurs have been through a number of failures in life, but they usually don't think of their failures as defeats. They think of them as lessons.
My failures have served to help many people who are also experiencing failure in their lives. God will always have a redeeming value in our failures if we let Him reveal His life through them.
If you hope to succeed, learn everything you can from your failures.
OS Hillman
Back in the 1970's, Tom Watson was the up and coming golfer on the PGA Tour. But time after time, when Tom led a tournament coming into the last round, he would choke, bogey a few holes, and finish in the middle of the pack. Soon, the media began calling him a "choker." That kind of criticism only increases the pressure and the tendency to choke.
In an interview with Guy Yocom for Golf Digest, Watson said, "Everybody has choked. In the 1974 U.S. Open, I kept hitting the ball right to right. My nerves wouldn't allow me to adjust. That's what choking is—being so nervous you can't find a swing or a putting stroke you can trust."
How did Watson overcome his tendency to choke? "Byron gave me the best cure for it," Watson recalled, referring to Byron Nelson, the legendary golf pro of the 1930s and '40s. "[Byron said], 'Walk slowly, talk slowly, deliberately do everything more slowly than you normally do. It has a way of settling you down."* That advice helped Tom Watson overcome his nervousness. He went on to win many tournaments, including five British Opens.
Everybody fails. It's part of the process that leads us to maturity and success. Most successful entrepreneurs have been through a number of failures in life, but they usually don't think of their failures as defeats. They think of them as lessons.
My failures have served to help many people who are also experiencing failure in their lives. God will always have a redeeming value in our failures if we let Him reveal His life through them.
If you hope to succeed, learn everything you can from your failures.
OS Hillman
Friday, March 12, 2010
Achieving Success
Achieving Success by Expecting Success – Zig Ziglar
When you plan and prepare carefully, you can legitimately expect to have success in your efforts. When you recognize and develop the winning qualities that you were born with, the winner you were born to be emerges. When you plan and prepare to make a sale, for example, you can legitimately expect to make a sale. Although not all your expectations are going to come to pass, you give yourself an infinitely better chance of succeeding by taking the proper steps. Regardless of your goal—losing weight, making more sales, furthering your education, earning a promotion, saving money for a new home or an exotic vacation—you can expect to achieve your goal if you plan and prepare for it.
Also understand that the path from where you are to where you want to be is not always smooth and straight. The reason for the twists and bumps is simple, and it has nothing to do with you. It has more to do with the fact that not everyone is as interested in your success as you are. Some people may accidentally hinder your efforts; others who are in competition with you and have little or no integrity may try to sabotage your efforts.
Keep in mind, though, that when you hit those roadblocks, your character, commitment and attitude are the determining factors in your success. Carefully review your plan of action, seek wise counsel, and be particularly careful to feed your mind good information. An optimistic, positive mind is far more likely to come up with creative solutions than a mind that dwells on setbacks and difficulties.
Bottom line: expect success and you can achieve it!
When you plan and prepare carefully, you can legitimately expect to have success in your efforts. When you recognize and develop the winning qualities that you were born with, the winner you were born to be emerges. When you plan and prepare to make a sale, for example, you can legitimately expect to make a sale. Although not all your expectations are going to come to pass, you give yourself an infinitely better chance of succeeding by taking the proper steps. Regardless of your goal—losing weight, making more sales, furthering your education, earning a promotion, saving money for a new home or an exotic vacation—you can expect to achieve your goal if you plan and prepare for it.
Also understand that the path from where you are to where you want to be is not always smooth and straight. The reason for the twists and bumps is simple, and it has nothing to do with you. It has more to do with the fact that not everyone is as interested in your success as you are. Some people may accidentally hinder your efforts; others who are in competition with you and have little or no integrity may try to sabotage your efforts.
Keep in mind, though, that when you hit those roadblocks, your character, commitment and attitude are the determining factors in your success. Carefully review your plan of action, seek wise counsel, and be particularly careful to feed your mind good information. An optimistic, positive mind is far more likely to come up with creative solutions than a mind that dwells on setbacks and difficulties.
Bottom line: expect success and you can achieve it!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Finally Thinking - part 4
…the higher he lifts his thoughts, the more manly, upright, and righteous he becomes, the greater will be his success, the more blessed and enduring will be his achievements.
Spiritual achievements are the consummation of holy aspirations.
Victories attained by right thought can only be maintained by watchfulness.
Your Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be.
You cannot travel within and stand still without.
Into your hands will be places the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less.
The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart – this you will build your life by, this you will become.***
The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater his success, his influence, his power for good.
Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet-tempered, balanced life?
Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.
Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power. Say to your heart, Peace, be still!
Spiritual achievements are the consummation of holy aspirations.
Victories attained by right thought can only be maintained by watchfulness.
Your Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be.
You cannot travel within and stand still without.
Into your hands will be places the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less.
The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart – this you will build your life by, this you will become.***
The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater his success, his influence, his power for good.
Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet-tempered, balanced life?
Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.
Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power. Say to your heart, Peace, be still!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Are You Thinking?
Part 3
A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances.
If you would perfect your body, guard your mind.
With those who have lived righteously, age is calm, peaceful, and softly mellowed, like the setting sun.
To live continually in thought of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confined in a self-made prison hole.
A man should make his purpose the centralizing point of his thoughts.
…strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success…
…so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking.
The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do.
He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.
All a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.
As a man thinks, so is he; as he continues to think, so he remains.
He who has control of his thoughts is FREE!
…he is limited only by the thoughts which he chooses.
A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances.
If you would perfect your body, guard your mind.
With those who have lived righteously, age is calm, peaceful, and softly mellowed, like the setting sun.
To live continually in thought of ill will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confined in a self-made prison hole.
A man should make his purpose the centralizing point of his thoughts.
…strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success…
…so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking.
The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do.
He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.
All a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.
As a man thinks, so is he; as he continues to think, so he remains.
He who has control of his thoughts is FREE!
…he is limited only by the thoughts which he chooses.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Are You Thinking?
As a man thinketh - James Allen
Part 2
Negative / Bad / impure thoughts -
Bestial thought crystallize into habits of drunkenness and sensuality, which solidify into circumstances of destitution and disease.
Impure thought of every kind crystallize into enervating and confusing habits, which solidify into distracting and adverse circumstances.
Thoughts of fear, doubt, and indecision crystallize into weak, unmanly, and irresolute habits which solidify into circumstances of failure, indigence, and slavish dependence.
Lazy thought crystallize into habits of uncleanliness and dishonesty, which solidify into circumstances of foulness and beggary.
Hateful and condemnatory thought crystallize into habits of accusations and violence, which solidify into circumstances of injury and persecution.
Selfish thought of all kinds crystallize into habits of self-seeking which solidify into circumstances more or less distressing.
Positive / good / pure thoughts
Beautiful thoughts of all kinds crystallize into habits of grace and kindliness, which solidify into genial and sunny circumstances.
Pure thoughts crystallize into habits of temperance and self-control, which solidify into circumstances of reprose and peace.
Thought of courage, self-reliance, and decision crystallize into manly habits, which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty, and freedom.
Energetic thought crystallize into habits of cleanliness and industry, which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness.
Gentle and forgiving thoughts crystallize into habits of gentleness, which solidify into protective and preservative circumstances.
Loving and unselfish thoughts crystallize into habits of self-forgetfulness for others, which solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches.
Part 2
Negative / Bad / impure thoughts -
Bestial thought crystallize into habits of drunkenness and sensuality, which solidify into circumstances of destitution and disease.
Impure thought of every kind crystallize into enervating and confusing habits, which solidify into distracting and adverse circumstances.
Thoughts of fear, doubt, and indecision crystallize into weak, unmanly, and irresolute habits which solidify into circumstances of failure, indigence, and slavish dependence.
Lazy thought crystallize into habits of uncleanliness and dishonesty, which solidify into circumstances of foulness and beggary.
Hateful and condemnatory thought crystallize into habits of accusations and violence, which solidify into circumstances of injury and persecution.
Selfish thought of all kinds crystallize into habits of self-seeking which solidify into circumstances more or less distressing.
Positive / good / pure thoughts
Beautiful thoughts of all kinds crystallize into habits of grace and kindliness, which solidify into genial and sunny circumstances.
Pure thoughts crystallize into habits of temperance and self-control, which solidify into circumstances of reprose and peace.
Thought of courage, self-reliance, and decision crystallize into manly habits, which solidify into circumstances of success, plenty, and freedom.
Energetic thought crystallize into habits of cleanliness and industry, which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness.
Gentle and forgiving thoughts crystallize into habits of gentleness, which solidify into protective and preservative circumstances.
Loving and unselfish thoughts crystallize into habits of self-forgetfulness for others, which solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Are You Thinking?
As a man thinketh - James Allen
Part 1
- that man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.
Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.
Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.
Thought and action are the jailers of Fate – they imprison, being base; they are also the angels of Freedom – they liberate, being noble.
A man’s wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions.
Blessedness, not material possessions, is the measure of right thought; wretchedness, not the lack of material possessions, is the measure of wrong thought.
Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot:
Part 1
- that man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.
Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.
Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.
Thought and action are the jailers of Fate – they imprison, being base; they are also the angels of Freedom – they liberate, being noble.
A man’s wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions.
Blessedness, not material possessions, is the measure of right thought; wretchedness, not the lack of material possessions, is the measure of wrong thought.
Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot:
Thursday, February 4, 2010
When You Need to Give a Talk
Dani Johnson shares some good ideas when you need to give a talk.
Whenever you are making a presentation:
1. Build “me too’s”
My past, failures, dysfunctional home, person listening says, “me too.”
2. An amateur sees event as a one shot deal
A professional sees the event as the bridge to a long term relationship
3. Smile – you’re more attractive when you smile
4. Testimonials – when you share testimonials you are framing the mind of your prospect.
5. You Must Edify –
It shows the environment is good and motivating
IF YOU GET DEFENSIVE – YOU LOOSE!!!
Whenever you are making a presentation:
1. Build “me too’s”
My past, failures, dysfunctional home, person listening says, “me too.”
2. An amateur sees event as a one shot deal
A professional sees the event as the bridge to a long term relationship
3. Smile – you’re more attractive when you smile
4. Testimonials – when you share testimonials you are framing the mind of your prospect.
5. You Must Edify –
It shows the environment is good and motivating
IF YOU GET DEFENSIVE – YOU LOOSE!!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Secret Code of Success (part 2)
3 Things I can do as a result of this chapter
1. Develop Top 10 Afformations
2. Develop Action Plan for @ Afformation
3. Share this concept with 3 friends (that would be YOU)
Stages of believing in yourself
1. The first stage is someone believes in you.
2. The second stage is you believe in someone else.
3. The final stage is you believe in you.
Interview Your Loving Mirrors and Safe Havens
1. What do you get out of me being in your life?
2. What have you gained from our relationship? Please be specific.
3. What would be missing if I weren’t in your life?
4. What do you see as my strengths?
5. What can I do differently to improve our relationship?
6. If there were one word or phrase you’d use to describe our relationship, what would it be?
7. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate our relationship?
8. If anything less than 10 – what can I do to make it a 10?
Great interview questions.
Pick up the book.
It ‘s worth the read.
I would appreciate your prayers as I seek to launch “Main Street Motivation, LLC” as a way to spread the “Message” to corporations and non-profit entities.
Mike
Heb. 10:24
1. Develop Top 10 Afformations
2. Develop Action Plan for @ Afformation
3. Share this concept with 3 friends (that would be YOU)
Stages of believing in yourself
1. The first stage is someone believes in you.
2. The second stage is you believe in someone else.
3. The final stage is you believe in you.
Interview Your Loving Mirrors and Safe Havens
1. What do you get out of me being in your life?
2. What have you gained from our relationship? Please be specific.
3. What would be missing if I weren’t in your life?
4. What do you see as my strengths?
5. What can I do differently to improve our relationship?
6. If there were one word or phrase you’d use to describe our relationship, what would it be?
7. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate our relationship?
8. If anything less than 10 – what can I do to make it a 10?
Great interview questions.
Pick up the book.
It ‘s worth the read.
I would appreciate your prayers as I seek to launch “Main Street Motivation, LLC” as a way to spread the “Message” to corporations and non-profit entities.
Mike
Heb. 10:24
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Secret Code of Success
I read several excellent books over the holidays. One of them was “The Secret Code of Success” by Noah St. John
In it he asked several questions that required much thought on my part. See what you think…
“But have you ever stopped to think about the Cost of actually allowing yourself to succeed?”
The Four Steps of Traditional Success Programs
1. Set your goals (Know what you want)
2. Do something (Take action toward your goals)
3. Evaluate (Am I getting closer to my goals or not)
4. Try Again (Adjust your approach until you reach your goals)
The Four Steps of the Real World
1. The Fog (We don’t know what we really want)
2. Treadmilling (We’re really really busy, but getting nowhere)
3. Feel Like a Failure (WE compare ourselves to everyone else and come up short)
4. Try Again (We keep trying and hoping things will be different)
Rather than making a statement (affirmations) you don’t believe…why not ask a QUESTION that can transform your life?
The Four Steps to Create Afformations that can Change Your Life
1. Ask yourself what you want?
2. Form a question that assumed that What You Want is already true.
3. Give Yourself to the Question
(the point in afformations does not lie in finding the answer, but in asking
better questions.)
4. Take new ACTIONS based on your new assumptions about life.
The point is to change what your mind automatically focuses on. Pg 71
I am enjoying the process of giving myself to asking of the questions, and automatically focusing on the right things.
In it he asked several questions that required much thought on my part. See what you think…
“But have you ever stopped to think about the Cost of actually allowing yourself to succeed?”
The Four Steps of Traditional Success Programs
1. Set your goals (Know what you want)
2. Do something (Take action toward your goals)
3. Evaluate (Am I getting closer to my goals or not)
4. Try Again (Adjust your approach until you reach your goals)
The Four Steps of the Real World
1. The Fog (We don’t know what we really want)
2. Treadmilling (We’re really really busy, but getting nowhere)
3. Feel Like a Failure (WE compare ourselves to everyone else and come up short)
4. Try Again (We keep trying and hoping things will be different)
Rather than making a statement (affirmations) you don’t believe…why not ask a QUESTION that can transform your life?
The Four Steps to Create Afformations that can Change Your Life
1. Ask yourself what you want?
2. Form a question that assumed that What You Want is already true.
3. Give Yourself to the Question
(the point in afformations does not lie in finding the answer, but in asking
better questions.)
4. Take new ACTIONS based on your new assumptions about life.
The point is to change what your mind automatically focuses on. Pg 71
I am enjoying the process of giving myself to asking of the questions, and automatically focusing on the right things.
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