MOTIVATIONAL ZONE

The Science of Being Well

2011-11-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

In the personal application of the Science of Being Well, as in that of
TheIScience of Getting Rich, certain fundamental truths must be known in
the beginning, and accepted without question. Some of these truths we state
here:
The perfectly natural performance of function constitutes health, and the perfectly natural performance of function results from the natural action of the Principle of Life.

There is a Principle of Life in the universe, and it is the One Living Substance from which all things are made. This Living Substance

permeates, penetrates, and fills the interspaces of the universe. It is in and through all things, like a very refined and diffusible ether. All life comes from it — its life is all the life there is. A human being is a form of this Living Substance, and has within him a Principle of Health. (The word Principle is used as meaning source.)

The Principle of Health in a person, when in full constructive activity, causes all the voluntary functions of his life to be perfectly performed. It is the Principle of Health in a person which really works all healing, no matter what “system” or “remedy” is employed, and this Principle of Health is brought into Constructive Activity by thinking in a Certain Way.

I proceed now to prove this last statement. We all know that cures are wrought by all the different, and often opposite, methods employed in the various branches of the healing art. The allopath, who gives a strong dose of a counter-poison, cures his patient. And the homeopath, who gives a diminutive dose of the poison most similar to that of the disease, also cures it. If allopathy ever cured any given disease, it is certain that homeopathy never cured that disease.

And if homeopathy ever cured an ailment, allopathy could not possibly cure that ailment. The two systems are radically opposite in theory and practice, and yet both “cure” most diseases. And even the remedies used by physicians in any one school are not the same.

Go with a case of indigestion to half a dozen doctors, and compare their
prescriptions. It is more than likely that none of the ingredients of any one of them will also be in the others. Must we not conclude that their patients are healed by a Principle of Health within themselves, and not by something in the varying “remedies”? Not only this, but we find the same ailments cured by the osteopath with manipulations of the spine, by the faith healer with prayer, by the food scientist with bills of fare, by the Christian Scientist with a formulated creed statement, by the mental scientist with affirmation, and by the hygienists with differing plans of living.

You can get this ebook at the rate of N1,000 by visiting,

http://successachievers.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

The Science of Getting Rich

2011-11-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

WHATEVER MAY BE SAID IN PRAISE OF POVERTY, the fact remains that it is not possible to live a really complete or successful life unless one is rich. No one can rise to his greatest possible height in talent or soul development unless he has plenty of money, for to unfold the soul and to de-velop talent he must have many things to use, and he cannot have these things unless he has money to buy them with.

A person develops in mind, soul, and body by making use of things, and society is so organized that man must

have money in order to become the possessor of things. Therefore, the basis of all advancement must be the science of getting rich. The object of all life is development, and everything that lives has an inalienable right to all the
development it is capable of attaining.

A person’s right to life means his right to have the free and unrestricted use of all the things which may be necessary to his fullest mental, spiritual, and physical unfoldment; or, in other words, his right to be rich.
In this book, I shall not speak of riches in a figurative way. To be really rich does not mean to be satisfied or contented with a little. No one ought to be satisfied with a little if he is capable of using and enjoying more. The purpose of nature is the advancement and unfoldment of life, and everyone should
have all that can contribute to the power, elegance, beauty, and richness of life. To be content with less is sinful.

The person who owns all he wants for the living of all the life he is capable of living is rich, and no person who has not plenty of money can have all he wants. Life has advanced so far and become so complex that even the most ordinary man or woman requires a great amount of wealth in order to live
in a manner that even approaches completeness. Every person naturally wants to become all that they are capable of becoming. This desire to realize innate possibilities is inherent in human nature; we cannot help wanting to be all that we can be. Success in life is becoming what you want to be. You can
become what you want to be only by making use of things, and you can have the free use of things only as you become rich enough to buy them.

To understand the science of getting rich is therefore the most essential of all knowledge.........

You can get this ebook at the rate of N1, 000 by visiting,

http://successachievers.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

Thought Vibration

2011-11-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Universe is governed by Law-one great Law. Its        manifestations are  multiform, but viewed from the          Ultimate there is but one Law. We are familiarwith some  of its manifestations, but are almost totally ignorant of    certain  others. Still we are learning a little more every day-the veil is being gradually lifted. 

We speak learnedly of the Law of Gravitation, but ignore   that equally wonderful manifestation, The Law of             Attraction in the Thought World. We are familiar with that wonderful manifestation of Law which draws and holds        together the atoms of which matter is composed-we recognize the power of the law that attracts bodies to the earth, that holds the circling worlds in their places, but we close our eyes to the mighty law that draws to us the things we desire or fear, that makes or mars our lives.


When we come to see that Thought is a force-a manifestation of energy         -having a magnet-like power of attraction, we will begin to understand the   why and wherefore of many things that have heretofore seemed dark to us.    There is no study that will so well repay the student for his time and trouble  as the study of the workings of this mighty law of the world of Thought-the   Law of Attraction........... 

You can get this ebook at the rate of N950 by visiting,


http://successachievers.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

The Power of Gratitude

2011-11-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Why can’t you be more grateful? It’s likely at some point you’ve heard this remark from a parent, grandparent or have even uttered these words to a child yourself. (Or even worse, a partner!) Our need to see gratitude in others is a huge part of us seeing that person also as a loving, caring person.

Having gratitude helps us to enjoy life more. It can break through huge barriers and reduce our stress loads, give us more confidence and help us to meet our goals- no matter how big they may be.

There is no doubt that being grateful goes a long way. It’s just how to be grateful in times of stress or when suffering from disappointment or sadness that’s difficult.

All you Need to do is Breathe.

Often we get caught up in a vicious cycle of if onlys. If only the job came through, then we’d be grateful, if only the kids were better behaved, then we’d say thanks, if only I could lose that extra ten pounds, get that guy to notice me, find a million dollars under my pillow…if only, if only, if only..

The problem with if only is that if and when the if only happens, we often just move onto the next thing we want to get without stopping to say thanks. Or we focus so much on that hopeful if only, we forget to recognize all the other things we have in our lives to be thankful for.

So let’s start with the basics…right here, right now. There is so much each of us has to be grateful for.

You can get this ebook at the rate of N950 by visiting,

http://successachievers.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

Acres of Diamonds by Russell H. Conwell

2011-11-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

I am astonished that so many people should care to hear this story over again. Indeed, this lecture has become a study in psychology; it often breaks all rules of oratory, departs from the precepts of rhetoric, and yet remains the most popular of any lecture I have delivered in the fifty-seven years of my public life. I have sometimes studied for a year upon a lecture and made careful research, and then presented the

lecture just once -- never delivered it again. I put too much work on it. But this had no work on it -- thrown together perfectly at random, spoken offhand without any special preparation, and it succeeds when the thing we study, work over, adjust to a plan, is an entire failure.

The "Acres of Diamonds" which I have mentioned through so many years are to be found in this city, and you are to find them. Many have found them. And what man has done, man can do. I could not find anything better to illustrate my thought than a story I have told over and over again, and which is now found in books in nearly every library.

In 1870 we went down the Tigris River. We hired a guide at Bagdad to show us Persepolis, Nineveh and Babylon, and the ancient countries of Assyria as far as the Arabian Gulf. He was well acquainted with the land, but he was one of those guides who love to entertain their patrons; he was like a barber that tells you many stories in order to keep your mind off the scratching and the scraping. He told me so many stories that I grew tired of his telling them and I refused to listen -- looked away whenever he commenced; that made the guide quite angry.

I remember that toward evening he took his Turkish cap off his head and swung it around in the air. The gesture I did not understand and I did not dare look at him for fear I should become the victim of another story. But, although I am not a woman, I did look, and the instant I turned my eyes upon that worthy guide he was off again. Said he, "I will tell you a story now which I reserve for my particular friends!" So then, counting myself a particular friend, I listened, and I have always been glad I did.

You can get this ebook at the rate of N950 by visiting:

http://successachievers.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

Why You Must Read Biographies by Ron White

2010-05-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

“Don’t worry, boy—it will be all right. I’ve took this road you are walkin’ down. I’ve been in your shoes. It is just somethin’ that you have got to go through. I had this same talk with my dad.”

Those were the words I heard from my dad at the age of 12, when my heart had flushed my eyes with tears because the life of my dog was flickering out. Through the years, I have taken walks down the same road with my dad and I’ve heard different versions of the same speech when business was tough, friendships ended or I wasn’t feeling my best.

Sometimes it is nice to know that what you are going through isn’t an experience unique to you. There is comfort in knowing that others have been there and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Often, when you are in the midst of the tunnel, the only thing that catches your focus is despair, discouragement and depression. Yet, it can turn your day around when someone ventures into the tunnel, walks with you and grabs your hand to say, “I’ve been here…. Hang in there. I turned out all right, and you will as well.”

Unfortunately, we don’t all have someone who will tread into the tunnel and walk beside us with encouragement. This is why it is so important to read biographies! A biography is a unique way to have a successful person walk beside you as you examine the story of their life. You will often be surprised that the most successful people of all time experience the same struggles as you.

Einstein was divorced, Lincoln battled depression, Ronald Reagan had his heart broken by his first wife and Sam Walton went broke twice. Where did I learn these facts? From the biographies I read! Did it make me feel better because they had hard times? Yes and no. I never delight in someone else’s pain. On the other hand, it is without question that Einstein, Lincoln, Reagan and Walton were monumental successes. It is refreshing and inspiring to read that they were also human and have walked down the same road that you and I have.

When my business was struggling a few years ago, what an encouragement it was to read Sam Walton’s biography. My eyes stopped on the page when I read that at the exact age I was—at that time—he was in an almost identical financial spot! I put the book down and a smile spread across my face. If you don’t know who Sam Walton is, he started a small company called Wal-Mart a few years ago, and it turned out OK.

Reading Sam Walton’s biography was a neat way for me to get inspired and reminded me that some pretty successful people have met discouragement head-on and succeeded. In a sense, while reading that book, a message from the spirit of Sam Walton said, “Ron, I have been there. It is hard, but don’t give up. The reward is worth it. Now press on.” I did, and I will be forever glad that I did.

Now, go to the bookstore and pick up a biography. By the way, if you are in a rough spot or experiencing some heartache, “don’t worry, boy—it will be all right. I’ve took this road you are walkin’ down. I’ve been in your shoes. It is just somethin’ that you have got to go through. I had this same talk with my dad.”

Look Up to Those Beneath You

2010-05-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

The most successful business leaders today are like great coaches who manage by inspiration, instead of intimidation. The command-and-control management style is obsolete. In this fast-forward global marketplace, there is no such distinction as superior and subordinate. The key to getting and staying on top is to provide a resilient, positive working environment. This requires that you “check your ego at the door” and that you seek alliances with others who may have different talents or strengths than you do. This is what synergy is all about.

David Ogilvy, founder of giant advertising agency Ogilvy and Mather, used to give each new manager a Russian doll, which contained five progressively smaller dolls inside. A message inside the smallest one read: “If each of us hires people we consider smaller than ourselves, we shall become a company of dwarves. But if each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, we will become a company of giants.”

To become a giant in the eyes of others, and to succeed in the 21st century, look up to those beneath you! Consider these action ideas as you lead your team:

• Listen often and openly to what others say, and try to do so without prejudgment.
• Don’t put anyone off or be too busy to listen to and answer questions.
• Use praise frequently and sincerely.
• If you feel that criticism is warranted, do it in private, and make sure you say something encouraging after the reprimand.
• Be firm and be fair. Don’t meet with people in person or on the phone when you are angry. Exercise or take a walk first, then communicate when you are relaxed.
• Don’t be afraid or hesitant to share your concerns with others. Far better to discuss a molehill than to wait until it festers into Mount Everest.
• Don’t make rash promises, and be consistent.
• Whenever you are in a leadership role, focus your supervision on teaching effective habits and skills, not in pointing out mistakes.

Encourage everyone in both your personal and professional life to speak up and express their own ideas, even if you disagree with them.

Three Rules for Turning Stress into Success by Denis Waitley

2010-04-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

1. Accept the Unchangeable—Everything that has happened in your life to this minute is unchangeable. It’s history. The greatest waste of energy is in looking back at missed opportunities, lamenting past events, grudge collecting, getting even, harboring ill will, and any vengeful thinking. Success is the only acceptable form of revenge. By forgiving your trespassers, you become free to concentrate on going forward with your life and succeeding in spite of your detractors. You will live a rewarding and fulfilling life.

Your enemies, on the other hand, will forever wonder how you went on to become so successful without them and in the shadow of their doubts.

Action Idea: Write down on a sheet of paper things that happened in the past that bother you. Now crumple the paper into a ball and throw it at the computer screen. This symbolizes letting go of past misfortunes.

2. Change the Changeable—What you can change is your reaction to what others say and do. And you can control your own thoughts and actions by dwelling on desired results instead of the penalties of failure. The only real control you have in life is that of your immediate thought and action. Since most of what we do is a reflex, subconscious habit, it is wise not to act on emotional impulse. In personal relations, it is better to wait a moment until reason has the opportunity to compete with your emotions.

Action Idea: Write down in your diary one thing you will do tomorrow to help you relax more during and after a stressful day.

3. Avoid the Unacceptable—Go out of your way to get out of the way of potentially dangerous behaviors and environments. When people tailgate you on the freeway, change lanes. If they follow you at night, drive to a well-lighted public place.

When there are loud, obnoxious people next to you at a restaurant or club, change tables, or locations. Also, be cautious of personal relationships developed via the Internet. With the massive number of individuals surfing the Net, the number of predators increases in proportion. Always be on the alert for potentially dangerous situations involving your health, personal safety, financial speculation and emotional relationships.

Action Idea: What is one unacceptable behavior you have or allow others to do to you that you will avoid, starting tomorrow? Example: The way you drive, being around negative people, walking down dark streets alone late at night, etc.

Thinking Big Is the Best Plan by Robert Kiyosaki

2010-04-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Years ago, when I was just starting my real estate investing career, I came across a property with a for-sale sign on it. I called the broker and asked, “What can you tell me about the property, and how much does it cost?”

The broker politely and patiently said, “It’s a commercial building with six tenants. There’s a chiropractor, a dentist, a hairstylist, an accountant, and a bail bondsman. The price is two million dollars.”

Losing Big
I almost choked. “Two million dollars?! That’s way too expensive!” Thirty years ago, $2 million was a lot of money. And instead of looking at the property, I let the price frighten me off. I never looked at the deal, and just assumed that the seller was
crazy, greedy, and out of touch with the market. Today, there’s a luxury hotel on the same site. It’s spectacular. I estimate the property to be worth at least $150 million, and maybe more.

Cheap Lessons
Not seeing the potential of that deal taught me many lessons. Here are two important ones:
• Sometimes you learn more by being stupid and making mistakes.
• The person with the better plan wins.

In the above example, my plan was just too small. In fact, the only plan I had at the time was to collect the rent money from the tenants, cover my mortgage and expenses, and put a little in my pocket. And 30 years ago, I knew that the rent from six small tenants couldn’t possibly pay for a $2 million property.

I later learned that the property’s eventual owner bought it for full price—with terms. He put $50,000 down as an option and asked for 180 days to put the rest of his plan together. During those 180 days, he gathered his investors, a builder, and his tenant, a major hotel chain.

If he hadn’t been able to put his plan together, he would’ve lost his option money. Instead, before the 180 days were up, his investors paid the $2 million in cash, and he spent the next three years getting the project through the city planning commission and finally began construction. He won because he had a better plan.

Mind Expansion
Donald Trump often says to “think big.” He definitely does so, but by nature, I don’t. My excuse is that I come from a small town in Hawaii. My family wasn’t rich, so when it comes to money, I tend to err on the side of caution. Over time, my thinking has become medium-sized when it comes to spotting opportunities, but I’d still like to think bigger.

One of the reasons I enjoy doing business in New York and having Trump as a partner on different projects is that he makes me do just that—because if you don’t think big in New York, you get kicked out. If I thought small, I wouldn’t be on television, cutting book deals with major publishers, or talking in front of tens of thousands of people in arenas like Madison Square Garden.

Recently, I worked on a real estate project to present to Donald. Consequently, I found myself pushing my thinking, expanding my context, and thinking of luxury, not just price. Just preparing to present the project to him required me to think bigger and come up with a better plan.

A Blast from the Past
About a year ago, someone called to say that there was a spectacular condominium that had just come up for sale. She wanted to know if I was interested in looking at it. Of course I said, “Yes.” I wanted to see what her definition of spectacular was, and trust me—it was spectacular. She then said, “And the price is only twenty-eight million dollars. But I believe you can pick it up for twenty-four million. At that price, this condo is a steal.”

Once again, I heard myself saying what I said so long ago: “That’s too expensive.” But, as I said, that lesson from 30 years back proved to be priceless: After hearing the think-small person in me comment on the condo price, I took a deep breath and asked myself, “What’s my plan?” Then I asked myself, “What’s wrong with my plan?”

I didn’t buy the condo, but I did come up with a better plan. Over the next few days, I realized that the reason I couldn’t afford the condo was because my business was too small. If I wanted to afford such a luxury residence, I needed to come up with a better plan for my business. Today, I’m working harder than ever to improve it—not because I want the condo, but to be able afford such a condo if I someday decide I want one.

Plan Ahead
I’ve often written about my concern over the devaluation of the U.S. dollar. As the dollar drops in purchasing power, it often pushes up the prices of real assets—quality real estate and equities. My fear is that many people may not be able to afford tangible assets and become poorer as the dollar declines. This drop in purchasing power also widens the gap between the rich and everyone else.

One method of staying ahead of rising asset prices and the declining dollar is to think bigger and come up with better plans. As important as financial and business planning is a plan for personal development and self-improvement. I’m often asked to invest in people’s business plans, and one of the reasons I turn many of them down is because a big plan requires a big person who’s spent time on personal development. In a lot of cases, a business plan is far bigger than the person with the plan—that is, the dream is bigger than the dreamer.

Today, I’m glad I missed out on that $2 million property all those years ago. The best lesson I learned from it is that I can have a better life if I have a better plan—and a plan to become a better person. So what’s your plan?

The Four Emotions That Can Lead to Life Change by Jim Rohn

2010-04-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Four Wives

2010-03-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighbouring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved the 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King’s 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although, she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, “I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I will be all alone.”

Thus, he asked the 4th wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No way!”, replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, “I have loved you all my life. Now I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No!”, replied the 3rd wife. “Life is too good! When you die, I’m going to remarry!” His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?” “I’m sorry. I can’t help you out this time!”, replied the 2nd wife. “At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.” Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: “I’ll go with you. I’ll follow you no matter where you go.” The King looked up, and there was his 1st wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!”

In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our BODY. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our POSSESSIONS, STATUS and WEALTH. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our FAMILY and FRIENDS. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our 1st wife is our SOUL, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power, and pleasures of the world. However, our SOUL is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of GOD and continue with us throughout ETERNITY.

Thought for the day:

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.

Pass this on to someone you care about - I just did.

“Get it right the first time; you will never have a second chance to make a positive first impression”

Power from Empowerment

2009-12-04T13:51:00.001-08:00

A good way to think of leadership is the process of freeing your team members to do the best work they possibly can. I have followed NBA basketball coach Phil Jackson’s career for some time.

In his career, Jackson has gone from coaching the record-setting champion Chicago Bulls to the present NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. He says his principal task is creating an environment in which his players can flourish. In communicating with his championship teams, Jackson convinced them that they had the talent to win championships and that the main goal of the coach was freeing them to use that talent.

Today’s business team members say they want, more than anything else, the autonomy to do their jobs without the boss’s interference. Nearly a decade into the new century, it’s already clear that the CEOs of our best-run companies believe that the more power leaders have, the less they should use.

The job of the team leader is to set a mission, decide upon a strategic direction, achieve the necessary cooperation, delegate authority and then let people innovate. To do that we all could take a hint from the late football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Before his retirement as one of the leading coaches in college football history at Alabama, Bryant observed:

I’m just a plowhand from Arkansas, but I’ve learned how to put and hold a team together. I’ve learned how to lift some individuals up and how to calm others down, until finally they’ve got one heartbeat, together, as a team. To do that, there are just three things I’d ever have to say: If anything went wrong, I did it. If it went semi-good, then we did it. If anything went real good, then you did it! That’s really all it takes to get other people to win for you.

The key to authentic leadership is to listen to your followers, and then open the door for them to lead themselves. The secret is empowerment. The main incentive is genuine caring and recognition.

The five most important words a leader can speak are: “I am proud of you.”
The four most important are: “What is your opinion?”
The three most important are: “If you please.”
The two most important are: “Thank you.”
And the most important single word of all is: “You!”

The Power in Praising Your Family

2009-11-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

One of the keys to success is to have successful relationships. We are not islands, and we don’t get to the top by ourselves. And one of the key ways to become successful in our relationships is to be “life-giving” people to others. With every person we meet, we either give life to or take life.

You know what I mean. There are people who encourage you, and after spending time with them, you feel built up. Then there are others who make you feel torn down. Successful people are people who have mastered the art of building up others. This is especially true of our families.

One of the ways we build up our families is to praise them. There is power in praising people! Something begins to happen in them, in you, and in your relationship when you praise someone. Can you remember a time when someone told you something about you in a praising manner? It was great, wasn’t it? You probably liked that person more after they praised you, didn’t you?

Now, I am not talking about praising people for the sake of praising people. I am talking about honestly looking for and praising positive character traits and actions of your spouse and children. Don’t lie to them. If they have done something wrong, correct it, but when they do something right, praise it!

With that said, here are the benefits of and ways to start praising the people in your family.

Benefits:
Your relationship grows. Life is about relationships—family relationships, friends and co-workers. When we begin to praise people for their positive aspects, our relationships grow. It puts them, and us, on the fast track. Your leadership and influence grow. Who is going to have greater relationships: the one who tears down or the one who builds up?

Stronger relationships and loyalty. When a person is appreciated and praised, they become fiercely loyal because they know that you care for them, love them and appreciate them. This will take you to success.

Happier, more fulfilled people. I truly believe it is our job to build the members of our family up and that they need it. There will always be others who come along to tear them down; it is our job to instill in them the power of praise!

Some Ways to Praise:
Character traits. Is your wife joyful? Is your husband hardworking? Is your son or daughter honest? Then let them know how much you appreciate that in them. Say something like this, “You know, Tom, I think it is great that you are such a hard worker. You really set a good example, and I want you to know how much I appreciate that.” Simple!

Action. Same idea as above. “Sue, I don’t know if I have ever told you this, but I love how you always take action on the things you believe in. Thanks for that.”

Other ways you can show praise and appreciation is with a card or a gift.

Make it your goal to praise every member of your family at least once each day. If you can, praise them a few times a day. It will take work, but it is possible—it just takes discipline and a little work.

Any way you cut it, there is power in praising people. If you are serious about creating healthy family relationships, this is a great place to start!

A Thankful Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

You may be wondering why I would call this article a Thankful Thanksgiving. Aren’t all Thanksgivings Thankful? Unfortunately, no. As a person who has experienced over 75 Thanksgivings, I recognize that being thankful is something that we have to work at, even on Thanksgiving.

If your home is like most, your Thanksgiving Day will be very busy, with either traveling to where you want to go or preparing your home to have others over for the day. Either way, that can be very hectic and emotionally trying, which doesn’t lend itself to preparing your heart to be reflective and thankful. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled weekend in America. Airports are full, and don’t always provide much room for contemplation of your good fortune.

This means all the more that if we want to be the kind of people who are characterized by thankfulness, then we must make sure that we focus on it, and not just on Thanksgiving Day, but at all times during the year.

Here are a few key words as well as some thoughts that are simple and practical to apply—something you can use right away in your quest for becoming more thankful:

Time. Set aside time regularly to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest-paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day in which we can be quiet and reflect, we will free our hearts and minds from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.

Thought. Give thought to the many blessings you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have “it.” But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day and think of one or two things that you have that you may typically take for granted, and then take a moment and give thanks for those. In fact, I make it a part of my reflection time to review a list of things that I’m thankful for.

Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, “I sure wish I had what he does.” That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle? I would suggest being generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Go to work at a food bank. And not just during the holidays—everybody works there then—but on a regular basis during the year. That will remind you of how good you really have it.

Ask. Ask a friend what they are thankful for. The next time you are at lunch with a friend, ask him or her what they are most thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive and you will create a meaningful bond with your friends as you focus on this powerful question.

Acknowledge. Lastly, tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take the time to craft the words to express to those closest to us what their presence in our lives means to us. Take the opportunity of Thanksgiving Day to write them a note, or sometime during the day put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them. Let them know what they mean to you, and in return you’ll begin to create the possibility of deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationships with those you love.

Of course, we should do what we can to make the most of the day we call Thanksgiving, but wouldn’t it be a shame if the only time we reflected on our blessings was that one Thursday in November? And the answer is, of course! So let’s do our best to be aware of the many great gifts that we have each and every day of the year. As we do so we will see our hearts soar and our minds will experience more and more peace as we regularly remember and remain aware of our good fortune.

Your Brain is the Greatest Computer Ever Created

2009-10-03T16:56:00.003-07:00

   Have you ever walked into a room and couldn't remember what you went there for? Have you ever grasped the hand of a potential client and then when the handshake broke, the name seemed to disappear from your memory? Or have you ever left a prospect and as you drove away remembered a key point that you should have shared with them?

   Of course you have... we all have. However, I have some great news for you. Your memory is nowhere near as bad as you may think it is. Recently, I was a guest at a radio station in Waco. The disc jockey wrote a 50-digit number on a sheet of paper and told his listening audience and then played a three-minute song for his audience.
   As the listeners enjoyed the song I memorized the 50-digit number. When the song was over we went back live on the air and I handed him the paper. I then proceeded to say the number forwards and then I said it backwards. The disc jockey looked at me in utter disbelief and stunned he said, 'Ron... you are incredible!' I looked him straight in the eye and replied, 'You know... you are right!' I said, 'Jay, the greatest computer ever created does not come from Dell or Gateway. The greatest computer ever created does not sit on the assembly line of a computer factory. Instead, you and I are the greatest computers ever created. And yes... you are right. I am incredible... but so are you.'
   The human memory has the ability to hear a 100 digit number or more once and then repeat it forwards and backwards, it has the ability to memorize a Shakespearean play word for word or memorize the stats of every baseball player for the last 100 years, and the human memory has the capability to meet 100 people in 20 minutes and recall every single name!
   Now, the question is, are you doing these things? If not, the reason is simply that you have not been trained to. Two thousand years ago a Greek named Simonedes developed a memory method called 'Loci'. With this method, Simonedes numbered locations in his home. He started in the doorway and then logically proceeded around his home. He reviewed these items so many times mentally that if you asked him what was number 25 then he could instantly tell you what piece of furniture that number corresponded to.
These 25 objects were actually mental files for Simonedes. Then if he had a list of items he wanted to recall he would place them mentally on these objects in his home. Let's say that you are a professional who wants to give a speech without notes. Simply turn the key points into pictures and then file them to your 'house files'. When you are called upon to speak simply mentally walk through the house and give your talk without notes.
   For example, recently I gave a one hour keynote in Atlanta at a home builders conference. I wrote my speech out the night before. The first thing I wanted to do was talk about the book, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People.' So I visualized the book on my front door and then mentally walked through my house and gave the one hour talk without notes! That can work for you as well. Anything that you want to recall simply turn it into a picture, place it on your house files and get ready to be amazed! YOU are the greatest computer ever created!

-- Ron White

THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING

2009-10-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

   Now, here's the second law that changed my life forever in network marketing. I learned the law of sowing and reaping. And in the law of sowing and reaping is also the story of the law of averages.

   Jot this down…the story of the sower. It comes from the Bible. I am amateur on the Bible, but this is such a useful story. Here's what the story says, and take notes, because the drama's in the details.
   The sower was ambitious. Evidently, he was ambitious. When you read the whole story you'll conclude yes, this was an ambitious sower.
   Here was number two. He had excellent seed. The sower who sowed the seed had excellent seed. And the excellent seed could be an excellent opportunity, an excellent product, an excellent story.
   So we've got an ambitious sower with excellent seed. But now here are the rest of the details of the story. For your information, for the drama of your life, so you can understand things better, learning some of this is how I got rich by age 31.
   The sower goes out to sow the seed, but the first part of the seed falls by the wayside and the birds get it.
   So jot this down. The birds are going to get some of the seed. The birds are going to get some of the seed.
   Now you say, "Mr. Rohn, what does that mean?"
   Well, I invite John to come to a meeting. He said he'd be there Tuesday night. Tuesday night I show up. John isn't there. I say, "I wonder why John didn't make it."
   Now I know the answer. The birds! The birds! John had this great idea of coming to the meeting to look at an opportunity, and somebody stole it and said, "You're not going to go see network marketing." And he says, "Well, maybe not."
   So have you jotted that down now? The birds are going to get some.
   Now when the birds get some, you've got two options. Number one is to chase birds. You say, "Well, let me get hold of the person who talked him out of coming to the meeting. I’ll tear him a new page." I wouldn’t do this.
   Here's what happens if you go chasing birds. You leave the field. If you go chasing birds now, you leave the field. Which is going to distract from your future, not add? So you can’t chase birds and try to straighten this stuff out.
   Here's what it is. It's just one of those things, and here's the best comment when things are a little disappointing. "Isn't that interesting?"
   You just have to say, "I thought sure he would be there. He promised me. He promised me! But I know it was the birds." And you just have to say, "Isn't that interesting?"
   Now here's the rest of the story.
   The sower kept on sowing. See, that was the secret to his success. He kept on sowing. And if you keep sowing, you can sow more than the birds can get because there aren't enough birds. If you keep sowing, there are some birds but there's not enough, because the Law of Averages will work for you.
   My mentor taught me, "You know, Mr. Rohn, there are only nine or ten real nasty miserable people in the whole world. Now you know they move around a lot and you're liable to bump into one once in awhile, but when you bump into one you say, 'There’s only 9 more like you--I can handle that--in the whole world?'"
   Now here's what else it says. The sower now keeps sowing the seed. Now the seed falls, the story says, on rocky ground where the soil is shallow. And the rocky ground where the soil is shallow is not of your making, because you had excellent seed and you were an ambitious sower.
   So the rocky ground where the soil is shallow is not of your making. But here what it says happened. This time, the little seed that falls in the ground starts to grow and the little plant starts to grow. But the first hot day, it withers and dies. Not an easy thing to watch.
   I finally get John started. Sure enough, three or four days later somebody says "Boo!" and he's gone--doesn’t show up at the second meeting. And I say, "I thought sure John would last a week."
   What happened? Jot this down. The hot weather is going to get some. And this is not of your making. Here's what you must say when that happens. "Isn't that interesting?" What can you do? The answer is nothing.
   You say, "Well, I'm going to try to change this!" I wouldn't take that class. You know, the sun comes up in the east and somebody says, "Why is that?" I wouldn't spend much time on that. Just let that happen.
   Don't go for this why, why, why stuff. I'm giving you the answers here. The answer is in the structure and in the consequences and is in the deal. The answer is in the deal. Anything beyond that is not worth studying.
   You say, "Well, how come some just last a little while?" I wouldn't sign up for that class. Here's the answer: Some don't stay. You just have to jot that down. And when some leave you say, "That's one of those that don't stay."
   Now, you know what category to put them in, and you can't solve this now. It's like rearranging the seasons. You can't fool with that. All you can do is cooperate with the way things are set up. I didn't set it up.
   You say, "Well, it shouldn't be this way." Well, when you get your own planet you can rearrange this whole deal, but on this planet you're a guest. You've got to take it as it comes.
   Now, here is the secret to the ambitious sower with good seed. It said he kept on sowing. Now, here's what he had to do to keep on sowing. He had to discipline his disappointment. This is a key phrase now to use for the rest of your life. You must learn to discipline your disappointment. Because you didn't set up the set up, and some are not going to stay, and that is not of your making.
   Now, if you made gross errors and you ran them off, see that'd be different. Now you're responsible for that. But if it's in the normal course of things, this is the way things are. Now, here's what it says. The sower keeps on sowing. Now it says the seed falls on thorny ground. And somebody says, "Well, how much of this do you have to go through?”"
   Well, hang on. It's not the end of the story now. Now the little seed falls on thorny ground and now the little plant starts to grow again but as the little plant starts to grow, the thorns choke it to death and it dies.
   So jot this down. The thorns are going to get some. And that's not of your making. And what are these thorns? The story even called these little thorns little cares, little distractions, little something's. Who knows what all they are.
   I said, "John, we had a meeting last night. You weren't here." And John says, "Well, I can't make every meeting."
   I say, "Why not? You're part-time."
   He said, "Well, the screen door came off the hinges and you can't just let your house fall apart. You've got to take some time and fix things up."
   And I can hear the thorns growing. He said, "Some extra trash had piled up in the garage. You can't let mountains of trash take over. You've got to keep your trash hauled out." People who let little things cheat them out of big opportunities. People who let little things cheat them out of big opportunities, and you feel almost helpless. What could I do about that? And that's nothing. And you say, "Well, why is this?"
   I'm asking you not to sign up for that class. Don't sign up for these, "Why is this?" classes. It's just the way it is--like winter following fall and spring following winter.
   So have you got that? The thorns are going to get some.
   But now here's the good news. Let's read the rest of the story now quickly. The sower now keeps on sowing the seed. Keeps on sharing the story. Keeps on giving an invitation. Yes, the invitation can be more powerful for me as it was one year later than it was the first month, because now I'm saying I'm making twice as much money part time as I'm making on my full-time job.
   Yes, the story can be more powerful, but the Law of Averages is still going to work. But now here's what the story says. Finally the seed falls on good ground. Finally the seed falls on good ground. Now put this in parentheses. It always will, if you keep sowing. If you share a good idea long enough, it will fall on good people.
   But now here's the rest of that story. Some of the good ground did 30%. And some of the good ground did 60%. And some of the good ground did 100%.
   You say, "Well, why the difference in numbers?" I wouldn’t sign up for that class! Have I said that often enough now? Don't register for that class. It's just the way it is.
   Now I tried to get the 30's to do 60. Found out it was more than I could handle. I used to say, "I'll make them successful if it kills me." I almost died. No, you can't do that.
   Here's what you do. Let the 30's do 30 to the best of their ability and keep doing 30, because that's how they build their lifestyle and get what they want out of life. And let the 60's do 60. And let the 100's do 100.
   Now how can you get some to do 100%? You've got to go through all these experiences and you've got to talk to all these people.
   To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

TODAY IS YESTERDAY'S TOMORROW

2009-07-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

The problem with waiting until tomorrow is that when it finally arrives, it is called today. Today is yesterday's tomorrow.

The question is what did we do with its opportunity? All too often we will waste tomorrow as we wasted yesterday, and as we are wasting today. All that could have been accomplished can easily elude us, despite our intentions, until we inevitably discover that the things that might have been have slipped from our embrace a single, unused day at a time.

Each of us must pause frequently to remind ourselves that the clock is ticking. The same clock that began to tick from the moment we drew our first breath will also someday cease.
Time is the great equalizer of all mankind. It has taken away the best and the worst of us without regard for either. Time offers opportunity but demands a sense of urgency.

When the game of life is finally over, there is no second chance to correct our errors. The clock that is ticking away the moments of our lives does not care about winners and losers. It does not care about who succeeds or who fails. It does not care about excuses, fairness or equality. The only essential issue is how we played the game.

Regardless of a person's current age, there is a sense of urgency that should drive them into action now - this very moment. We should be constantly aware of the value of each and every moment of our lives - moments that seem so insignificant that their loss often goes unnoticed. We still have all the time we need. We still have lots of chances - lots of opportunities - lots of years to show what we can do.

For most of us, there will be a tomorrow, a next week, a next month, and a next year. But unless we develop a sense of urgency, those brief windows of time will be sadly wasted, as were the weeks and months and years before them. There isn't an endless supply!
So, as you think of your dreams and goals of your future tomorrow, begin today to take those very important first steps to making them all come to life.

Carpe Diem! Seize this Day!

2009-07-13T15:22:00.001-07:00

What each of us is doing this minute is the most important event in history for us. We have decided to invest our resources in this opportunity rather than in any other. It is helpful to remember this when we consider the passage of time.

As the years pass, I am acutely aware that the bird of time is on the wing. At my fiftieth high school reunion, I saw old people who claimed to be my former classmates. We all had big name tags printed in capital letters so we wouldn't have to squint with our reading glasses on trying to associate the name with each well-traveled face. It was only yesterday that I was really enjoying high school. What had happened to the five decades in between? Where had they flown?

To the side of the bandstand, where the big-band sound of the late 1940s and 50s blared our favorite top-ten hits, there was a poster with a printed verse for all of us to see. I read the words out loud:
"There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

“One of these days is Yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone.

“The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise, and poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds; but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is as yet unborn. This leaves only one day: Today.

“Anyone can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities - Yesterday and Tomorrow - that we break down. It is not the experience of Today that drives us mad, it is remorse and bitterness for something which happened Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring. Let us, therefore, live this one full Today."

Malcolm Forbes believed the important thing is never to say die until you're dead, and he lived that example to the hilt. It is, as we realize when we suddenly attend our fiftieth high school reunion, a short journey. But it also is difficult to be depressed and active at the same time. So get active! And make today your best day ever!

Attitude is Everything

2009-07-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

The process of human change begins within us. We all have tremendous potential. We all desire good results from our efforts. Most of us are willing to work hard and to pay the price that success and happiness demand.

Each of us has the ability to put our unique human potential into action and to acquire a desired result. But the one thing that determines the level of our potential, that produces the intensity of our activity, and predicts the quality of the result we receive is our attitude.

Attitude determines how much of the future we are allowed to see. It decides the size of our dreams and influences our determination when we are faced with new challenges. No other person on earth has dominion over our attitude. People can affect our attitude by teaching us poor thinking habits or unintentionally misinforming us or providing us with negative sources of influence, but no one can control our attitude unless we voluntarily surrender that control.

No one else "makes us angry." We make ourselves angry when we surrender control of our attitude. What someone else may have done is irrelevant. We choose, not they. They merely put our attitude to a test. If we select a volatile attitude by becoming hostile, angry, jealous or suspicious, then we have failed the test. If we condemn ourselves by believing that we are unworthy, then again, we have failed the test.

If we care at all about ourselves, then we must accept full responsibility for our own feelings. We must learn to guard against those feelings that have the capacity to lead our attitude down the wrong path and to strengthen those feelings that can lead us confidently into a better future.

If we want to receive the rewards the future holds in trust for us, then we must exercise the most important choice given to us as members of the human race by maintaining total dominion over our attitude. Our attitude is an asset, a treasure of great value, which must be protected accordingly. Beware of the vandals and thieves among us who would injure our positive attitude or seek to steal it away.

Having the right attitude is one of the basics that success requires. The combination of a sound personal philosophy and a positive attitude about ourselves and the world around us gives us an inner strength and a firm resolve that influences all the other areas of our existence.

How to Build Momentum and Stay Motivated Every Day!

2009-06-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm so mad at myself!" she said as we began our coaching call. "I made a goal to get ten new clients last week and I only got three," she lamented.

The frustration in her voice was something I used to experience as well - until I came to a profound realization: Focusing On Your Results Is Dangerous.

I used to keep charts all over my office to fill in the names of the people who signed up for my Coaching Program and Retreats. Even after hours of marketing efforts, I would feel defeated if I wasn't able to fill in all of those spaces at the end of the week.

My definition of success was only based on results. I was placing all my focus and energy on something I had very little control over. Think about it; you really can't make your prospect buy your product or say yes to your opportunity.

So why give so much power to an element that you cannot control? What you can do is show your prospect enough intriguing information, in a passionate way, on a consistent basis, that will touch, move, and inspire them to make their own choice.

The only factor you have complete control over is your efforts!So let's talk today about how you can shift your mindset, release the control the results, and focus on your efforts. First, decide how many people you are willing to share your product or opportunity with. Again, the only part of the sales process you have control over is your efforts and the quantity of prospecting attempts you will make.

What is that number for you? Powerfully choose how many people you are willing to prospect and be fiercely committed to it.Next, realize that the other aspect of selling you have control over is the number of no's you are willing to take without giving up; or better said, how many no's you're willing to take and still stay motivated, excited, and inspired.

The most effective way to do this is to embrace the Law of Average (LOA). Think of it scientifically. How many prospects do you need to share your opportunity with to get a yes? In other words... How many no's do you have to receive to get a yes? For most sales people that number is 10.

When I realized this truth, I got freed up of the frustrations that come for 'getting a no'. Getting a no is just a part of selling. The more yes's you get and the bigger you want to grow your business, the more no's you've got to be willing to receive!When I was in Network Marketing I did an interesting experiment that helped me focus on my efforts and stay motivated. First, I knew that, on average, I made $500 on each sale.

Then I divided that amount by 10, the number of no's I had to received in order to get a yes (L.O.A.). That meant I made $50 every time I got a no! I actually taped a $50 bill to my phone and every time I got a no, I'd hang up the phone and say, "Thanks for the fifty bucks!"Free yourself up from trying so hard to convince, persuade, and control your prospects. Let go of the results. Put your energy and power into your efforts and you will be an incredible force. Your prospect will sense your unique and confident posture and will want what you have.

Think of how powerful you will be when you release what you don't have control over and fervently grasp what you do. The only factor you have complete control over is your efforts!What this really takes is a shift in your mindset.

Evaluate the goals you've set and discern if they depend on your efforts or results. Instead of setting the goal of five new business associates, set the goal to put 50 new prospects in your recruiting pipeline. Instead of setting a goal of selling 100 widgets, set your goal to put your widget in front of 10,000 new prospects.

The incredible success I have experienced since I shifted attention to efforts instead of results has been nothing short of amazing! And it will be the same for you...The only factor you have complete control over is your efforts! And your efforts are all you need to get the incredible results you desire.

IMPORTANCE OF A MENTOR

2009-05-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

“Seek direction from one who is already there”-Old Zulu Saying

ONE question I am often asked is, “Dayo, you talk and write a lot about your mentors, why do you need mentors?” I often reply that my mentors help in giving me direction and clarity of purpose.

They are three of them and they are men of integrity and honour. Two of them are Nigerians and the third is an Asian. They are: Professor Pat Utomi who mentors me on entrepreneurship and corporate strategy, Richie Dayo Johnson who mentors me on public speaking and Joe De Souza on finance and family values .

Professor Pat Utomi is the Director of Centre for Applied Economics at the Lagos Business School, Pan African University, Lagos, and one of African’s top-flight strategy scholars. He is a Political Economist and Management Consultant. He sits on the board of 36 blue chip companies ( 16 of them as Chairman ). He was a Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria before he was 30. He is also a well-sought after Public Speaker. He taught me how to balance work and family. He often tells me that “hard work does not kill;” “man’s self worth outweighs is net worth” and “what determines a man’s long term worth is his integrity and competence.”

Richie Dayo Johnson is a man of style and panache; his credo is that you must be passionate about doing things well and exceeding expectations. He taught the art of motivational speaking and introduced me to the Toastmasters Club where people learn the art of public speaking. Today, I am the President of one of the toastmaster’s clubs in Croydon. His two favourites quotes are: “At the end of our lives we never regret at things we failed at but the things we hoped for bur never attempted” and “an effective plan executed today is better than a perfect plan delayed till next year.”

Joe De Souza is a Speaker and certified Accountant. A man of passion and compassion; he has experienced many adversities, yet he has turned them into success. A devout Catholic, he is committed to his health and family. He told me no matter how hard I work I should always take good care of my health. He taught me that my setback or obstacle that appears in my life should be seen as an opportunity for growth. He is my financial adviser and he educated me on the essence of having multiple streams of income.

Can you believe that one person can make a big difference in the outcome of your life?
Would Tiger Woods be the legend he is today without the influence of his father, Earl Woods, who is credited with preparing Tiger to becoming a professional golfer?
When super- successful people tell their story, they always mention how important one or more individuals helped to shape their success. Bill Clinton said meeting President John Kennedy when he was just 16-years-old led him to decide to pursue a life in politics.

Tony Robbins recounts that as a 19-year-old he got his first glimpse of life as a personal development guru when he sat in a Jim Rohn seminar. Napoleon Hill, author of the classic “Think and Grow Rich,” said that the book came about as a result of the influence of tycoon Andrew Carnegie.

According to Chris Widener, “One whop wants to achieve success should beware of pride. Pride can make things so difficult sometimes – particularly when you are trying to find your way to that destination we call success. Like proud, obstinate husbands, we refuse to stop and ask for direction! The best way to success and by far the list painful is to learn from someone who is already there. They can show us the way, give us tricks of the trade and encourage us not to worry or over-react when things get tough or go wrong, thus be a great guiding light. What do they call these people? Mentors and coaches and you should have one!”

You might ask, “How does someone get a mentor?” Well, sit down and identify someone who is already where you want to be. I don’t care how big or small they are. Dream BIG! Make a list of ten of these people. Start with the one you want to learn from first. Now, contact them and ask if you can speak to them on the phone or in person. If they can’t or won’t, go to the next person on the list until you hit someone who will take the time to give you direction.

The influence of one person CAN make a gigantic difference in your future. This is why you need a mentor. This article is specially dedicated to Prof. Pat Utomi on his 50th birthday. Happy birthday, Prof! You are indeed a living example that those who are really successful are never afraid to share the secret of their success.

May the Lord increase your greatness.

AFRICA 10, A supercomputer genius

2009-05-30T04:48:00.000-07:00

New African, Sept. 2004 LONDON - Philip Emeagwali was voted the 35th greatest African of all time in a survey for New African magazine, it was announced on August 26, 2004. Emeagwali also ranked as the greatest African scientist ever.

The science and technology categories were topped by Emeagwali and Imhotep, respectively. Emeagwali is the scientist that helped give birth to the supercomputer, the technology that spawned the Internet. Imhotep was the multi-genius that designed Egypt's first pyramid.
The list was topped by South Africa's Nelson Mandela and Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah.
Emeagwali (third from bottom right) ranked 35th and the greatest African scientist ever (from pages 16, 18, 20, 22).

The London-based magazine said responses flooded in after the survey was launched last December to nominate the top 100 most influential Africans or people of African descent.
Heroes of independence movements in Africa and African-American figures in the United States figure prominently on the list.

Patrice Lumumba, Congo's first post-colonial prime minister, ranks sixth, followed by US civil rights leader Martin Luther King.

Pele, the legendary Brazilian soccer star, comes in 17th, followed by Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley, numbering among those called "Diasporans" by New African.
Radical civil rights leader Malcolm X, at ninth, is a rank above United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, from Ghana, who comes just ahead of US boxer Muhammad Ali.
Few women made the cut. The highest-ranked female, at 12th, is Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, former wife of the South African president. Others include the dynamic duo of tennis, American sisters Venus and Serena Williams (together ranked 73rd), and ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti at number 81.

The magazine noted that most of the top 100 are from Africa's post-colonial period.
"Have people forgotten Africa's history? Must this worry us, as a people?" it asked.
The list appears in the August-September issue of New African, which has a circulation of roughly 30, 000 across dozens of countries. It said this is the first such survey it has carried out in a decade. -- South African Press Association & Agence France-Presse, Sapa-AFP (with contributions from other sources)

The science and technology categories of "100 Greatest Africans" were topped by Emeagwali (below) and Imhotep (above), respectively. Imhotep was deified nearly 5,000 years ago and worshipped by early Christians as one with Christ. Imhotep has been called the "father of medicine," the world's first recorded scientist, and patron of ancient scribes. James Henry Breasted wrote that Imhotep "was the patron spirit of the later scribes, to whom they regularly poured out a libation from the water-jug of their writing outfit before beginning their work."

Walking a New Road by Jim Rohn (excerpted from the Take Charge of Your Life 6 CD series)

2008-10-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a good question to ask yourself. Ten years from now you will surely arrive. The question is, where? We don't want to kid ourselves about where; we don't want to kid ourselves about the road we're walking.

At age 25, I had a day shortly after I met Mr. Shoaff called "do not kid myself anymore" day. I didn't want to be disillusioned anymore. Up until then, I had been using the crossed-finger theory. But after meeting Mr. Shoaff, I finally decided that the crossed-finger theory was not going to get me what I wanted. That it wasn't where the treasure lies. That I was going to have to make sure which way I was headed.

Then, with the help of Mr. Shoaff, I found with a few reading disciplines, and a few disciplines of mind, and a few disciplines of activity, that when exercised, can begin making all the difference in the world as to where you will arrive.

Just a few changes. Sometimes we get the idea that we're doing about 10% and there's about 90% more that we need in order to make the difference for our fortune but probably the opposite is true. We're doing enough things to have bought and shared in the good life so far. And maybe all we need is that extra 5% or 10% of intellectual change. Activity change. A refinement of discipline. A refinement of thought. And all we need is the ideas to make those simple changes and the equity starts gathering in one year, three years, five years, ten years.

I have a good comment for you: Now's the time to fix the next 10 years. Now, you may have to come to grips with reality and with truth; that's what was good for me when I met Mr. Shoaff, I was 25 years old, he was 44 years old. And he brought me a wealth of experience and he started asking me the tough questions. "Big question", he said, "Are you reading the books that are going to take you where you want to go in the next 5 years?"

Excellent question. See, you want to make sure. I would assume for all of you, to get to where you want to be in the next 5 years, you are either reading the right books or you're not. You're either engaged in the disciplines or you're not. But, here's what we don't want to engage in: disillusion. Hoping without acting. Wishing without doing.

The key is to take a look and say, "Where am I? What could I do to make the changes to make sure that I can take more certain daily steps toward the treasure I want, the mental treasure, the personal treasure, the spiritual treasure, the financial treasure? I don't want to make any more errors, now's the time to adjust my daily program to take me where I want to go."

In lecturing the last 40+ years, I've gotten letters and personal testimonies of people that have done such remarkable things with just a few suggestions. And that is why seminars, tapes and books can be so valuable. Here's a key idea for us all to remember: We could all use a little coaching. When you're playing the game, it's sometimes hard to see it all.

But the key is to start right now making these changes to walk this new road. And here's what's exciting to me, just a few daily disciplines makes a great deal of difference in one year, three years, five years. And before you know it, you will be walking a brand new road.

Einstein's Formula for Success

2008-10-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Albert Einstein had a formula for success. Can you believe that? One of the greatest minds of all time developed a math formula for success! I suggest you read this carefully -- this may be the most important math equation that you will ever see.

Einstein said, 'If A equals success, then the formula is: A=X+Y+Z.

X is work.
Y is play.
Z is keep your mouth shut."

Einstein no doubt had an excellent sense of humor. Let's look at the 3 variables in this equation. They are:

1. Work
2. Play
3. Keeping your mouth shut!

1. Work: Albert Einstein had a tremendous work ethic and because of that gave more to society and modern science than any person in recent times

2. Play: Einstein, however, did not work 24 hours a day and made time for fun and relaxation. His idea of fun may have been different than yours, but that doesn't mean it still wasn't play.

3. Keeping your mouth shut: Finally, my favorite part of his success formal is to keep your mouth shut. I genuinely believe that the person who talks the least says the most. A friend of mine complains that the woman he is dating talks too much. I don't know how to break the news to him; however, the problem is not that she talks too much. It simply is the fact that he is irritated that he isn't able to talk. Now, let me just say this is not a generic man and woman statement. I am speaking about a specific person that I know. His desire is to constantly talk and because he likes to talk so much, he will talk in circles. If you let him talk long enough he will repeat the same thing three times and then contradict himself. His desire is not to hear but to be heard.

Albert Einstein, on the other hand had nothing to prove. He felt no need to be the "Chatty Cathy" he could have been with his knowledge. It wasn't important to him to talk to everyone he met and talk over their heads to demonstrate his IQ. Instead, he learned the value of quietness and solitude.

Shift your mind set from being a talker to a listener. It has been said that you can make more friends in 5 minutes by becoming interested in others than you can make in 5 years of trying to get others interested in you! How do you become interested in others? You ask questions and then keep your mouth shut!

Dale Carnegie wrote a best selling book entitled 'How to Win Friends and Influence People.' One of the key premises of this book was that everyone's favorite subject is actually themselves and that the sweetest sound to their ears is the sound of their own name. Einstein knew this and realized he could influence others by choosing his spots to speak and validating others by extending them the courtesy of listening.

Ron White, author of Memory in a Month and Write it on Your Heart, wrote a book last year entitled 22 Success Lessons From Baseball. His book was a big success with both baseball fans as well as for those who want to learn and grow in business and in life.

Thinking with Charlie "Tremendous" Jones

2008-10-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

• People who know the most, know they know so little, while people who know nothing want to take all day to tell you.

• Self-improvement can be harmful if you are doing it to look better. If you live your life in helping others look better, you'll be better without trying.

• If you give to get something, you're not really giving you are trading. Giving is never to get, because you have it and are not aware of how much you have until you give.

• Big people are always giving someone credit and taking blame; little people are always seeking credit and giving blame.

• Don't worry about having to make a right decision. Make it and then work to make it right.

• An attitude of gratitude flavors everything you do. Learning to be thankful is the golden thread woven through every truly successful life.