Josh Hinds' Motivational & Inspirational Journal

2008-02-13T05:20:00.002-06:00

Getting Clear On What Success Means To You
By Josh Hinds

If I were to ask you what your definition of success is could you answer it in a relatively quick fashion? Or would you do as so many do, fumble for an answer -- rattling off the common responses which tend to show up when one is asked this question. Answers such as... I'll be successful when I have x number of dollars in the bank.

Or would you instead have an answer which is highly personal to you, to your own life, where you are now, combined with a carefully crafted vision of where you want your life to take you in the future?

As Henry David Thoreau so eloquently said -- "Most people lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." In my humble opinion many people miss the mark, not because they lack the ability to achieve success in their given endeavors, but rather because they never take the time to truly identify what success means to them. And as a result end up moving aimlessly hoping to hit upon what it is they think they want to achieve -- often not even truly realizing what it is they are seeking.

When we have a solid definition crafted we can use it to lay out a plan which we can follow that will naturally put us in alignment with whatever it is that we believe to be most important.

Believe it or not I have had conversations with people who after taking the time to define what success means to them personally -- realized in that very moment that they had in fact already experienced many times where they had met with great success in their life. Imagine that, here were people who longed to achieve this magical place, but up to that point hadn't ever taken the time to get clear on what that "place" even was.

Upon doing so, they acquired a different outlook, one which they could feel good about, knowing that they had already experienced many times where they'd already met with personal achievement.

I'm fond of the saying, "success begets success". Which in its simplest form means that one achievement -- no matter how small it may appear at the time allows us to build upon that achievement and move forward on the next task, which upon completion will propel us further on our next undertaking. Hence, success begets success. Or, one successful outcome leads to greater accomplishments.

If you have yet to get clear on what success means to you -- take the time to do that now. Be sure that your definition is highly personal. Acknowledge times in your life where you have met with positive outcomes. Take pleasure in those times and be sure to give yourself your due credit (you earned the right to do so).

When you have your personal definition of success clearly defined you will have a powerful road map from which you can make decisions -- you will have a gauge from which you can look at potential goals and ideas and measure the commitment it will take to see them through to completion based on those things that are most important to you.

In some instances you may find that a given undertaking isn't really in alignment with your definition of success -- and that even if you were to achieve a goal or set of goals that it wouldn't move you closer to what you personally define as leading a successful life.

At other times it will be crystal clear that your current endeavors -- the path you find yourself on are totally in line with what you've taken the time to define as being successful after you've compared them to what you've identified.

Most of all you will gain a sense of peace from having clearly defined what success means to you -- thus ensuring you stay on the path towards living your perfect life.

Action steps:

1) Take the time right now to get clear on what success means to you. What will it look like? What will it feel like? What things are truly most important to you? What resources will be available to you when you are leading a truly successful life? What difference will having those resources available to you make not only in your life, but in the lives of those around you -- family, friends, co-workers, etc.?

2) Each morning, before you begin your day recite to yourself your personal definition of success. Close your eyes as you recite it to yourself and take a moment to think about what it will be like when you are truly living your own definition of success. Consider any actions that you must take in order to move yourself closer to whatever you define as successful. See yourself doing those things with ease -- and as you're doing so moving closer to whatever it is that you have identified.

For the steps mentioned above to work you will need to create a habit around doing them. At first, it may appear that you aren't being authentic -- or you may even feel that you're telling a lie to yourself. The main thing is to do it anyway.

The reason it may not feel authentic is because it's something you may not be used to doing. Think about the first time you learned how to ride a bike. You had to tell yourself that you would learn to ride a bike. You had to instill the belief that you could do it -- which of course eventually led you to a point where you were able to do it with ease.

Through this simple exercise you will develop the positive habit of keeping your own definition of success nearby at all times -- which will ensure that you are working on and staying plugged into what is necessary in order to fully live your own definition of success.

It's your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

* Josh is the author of the booklet: Why Perfect Timing is a Myth! available at: http://www.getmotivation.com/booklet/

(c) All rights reserved.

2008-02-11T21:08:00.000-06:00

On Taking Your Personal Development Seriously
By Josh Hinds

Here's a positive affirmation you may wish to write down and recite to yourself...

"I take my personal and professional development seriously. Each day I set aside a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes a day to learn something which will help move me further in my pursuits and endeavors.

I apply active learning by remaining ever on the lookout for opportunities to apply my newly acquired knowledge and skills in some way into my life. As a result of doing so I am seeing positive results now!"

-- It�s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds :-)

* Josh is the author of the booklet: Why Perfect Timing is a Myth! available at www.GetMotivation.com/booklet/

(c) All rights reserved.

2007-12-20T11:06:00.000-06:00

Visualize The Support You Need To Achieve Your Dreams
By Josh Hinds

Believe in the power of your dreams and be your biggest own biggest cheerleader. When we set out in pursuit of a particular goal it's natural to want the support of others. Unfortunately, this isn't a luxury we always have the benefit of. For this reason, consider taking time each day to visualize (that is experience in your mind as fully as possible) receiving the full support you would otherwise want to get from others (be it family members, friends, etc.).

Sounds silly doesn't it? Sure it does, but before you decide to discount it as nonsense consider that it's been said by folks far smarter than I that the brain can't make the distinction between a thought that is vividly imagined from a real one. Knowing that makes a pretty interesting case for visualizing the support you need doesn't it?

Besides, be real for a moment. Even if it doesn't work 100% for you personally, you'll still be better off with a little imagination time then where you are now.

Develop the habit of visualizing the outcomes and things you want to see transpire in your life and you'll be better for it.

And don't forget... It's your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds :-)

* Josh is the author of the booklet: Why Perfect Timing is a Myth! available at: www.GetMotivation.com/booklet/

(c) All rights reserved.

2007-12-03T01:49:00.000-06:00

Growing through Challenges
By Josh Hinds

Positive Affirmation ...

"I choose to see any and every challenge which I may experience as a teacher. A teacher which can show me a better way when I need to learn it. A teacher that can help me develop the necessary skills in order to achieve whatever goals I choose to set for myself.

Life is a process, and I am fully enjoying each day of my personal success journey. I accept that the ups and downs I may experience along the way are merely part of the path which will lead me to my desired destination."

-- It�s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds :-)

* Josh is the author of the booklet: Why Perfect Timing is a Myth! available at: www.GetMotivation.com/booklet/

(c) All rights reserved

2007-11-26T09:46:00.000-06:00

The Great Teachers -- Challenge and Adversity
By Josh Hinds

Here's a positive affirmation you might want to write down, and recite throughout your day...

"Challenges and adversity are but teachers on the path called life. While they may have the ability to side track me, in each is also the opportunity to learn, grow, and ultimately help me become the type of person I need to become in order to live out the goals, dreams and desires I've set for myself.

Not always easy, but always worth it -- today I move wholeheartedly in the pursuit of my own definition of success. No matter how I may choose to define it."

-- It�s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds :-)

* details on having me speak to your group or organization.

(c) All rights reserved

2007-09-26T01:15:00.000-05:00

How We React Is Our Choice
By Josh Hinds

Long before I started speaking, writing and coaching on personal development topics I was a student. In fact I'm still very much a student first.

During my studies, as you might imagine I've learned a lot of ideas -- some I've found applicable and have implemented in my life, and some, as I've progressed in my own personal development journey no longer fit quite like they once did. If you think about it, that makes sense -- we are always growing after all.

Throughout my years of study and application in the field of personal development, one idea always seems to ring true. In fact, it has played such an important part in my own life's journey that I feel compelled to share it with you here now.

Ready? here goes...

You can't always control what happens to you, but you can always control how you react to what happens to you.

Did you get that? Please read that again as it's that important. Even better, grab a 3x5 index card (or your journal) and write it down.

In life, any number of things can happen -- good or bad. As someone far brighter than I once said, "the only constant is change." Before I continue let me say that the point of my writing here is not to get into a discussion on the line of thinking that says that we are attracting into our life each and every negative event -- be it disease, the death of a loved one, or insert whatever devastating thing you can think of -- that happens to us (either consciously or on a subconscious level). That's not my point here. Besides, there are no shortage of experts who have addressed that particular line of thinking elsewhere :-)

What I am saying, is that no matter what may have happened to us, whether it was someone taking advantage of us, a shift in the economy that led to being downsized, or virtually any other situation you choose to apply to this, the simple truth remains -- how we choose to react to it is well within our control.

That is not to say that it's always going to be easy, sometimes it means accepting things we have a hard time accepting, and taking corrective measures that are anything but comfortable.

However, the powerful thing about acknowledging this truth is that in doing so we come to realize that we are able to get over simply accepting the role of victim -- the part that says, this happened to me -- this is why I'm this way, and as a result I can't do anything to change where I am.

Instead we are able to move to a more empowering position of, this happened, but by taking action I can change my particular situation for the better.

Through fully embracing the belief that you have control over how you react to what occurs in your life you unleash your personal greatness. You no longer have to accept that you are at the mercy of whatever may come your way, but rather that you can take an active role in defining, and in turn get on with living your perfect life.

While it is true that it isn't always easy to fully embrace and accept this truth day in and day out -- it is imperative that you do make the effort to do so just the same. Fortunately, in most cases it is as easy as being aware of it -- even if at first you notice you have resistance to it -- by keeping the idea in mind, in time you will come to accept it as well as benefit from all that goes along with viewing challenges and adversity in this light.

Inside this simple, yet profound thought is exactly what is needed in most cases to move you from a place where you feel stuck or out of control to a place where you realize that by applying action -- and acquiring new skills, whatever you identify that is needed to learn -- you can in fact take an active step towards changing your place for the better.

If you find yourself in a place in your own life where all is going well, then all the better. The idea will only make more concrete the reality that you have all you need to achieve your goals and dreams.

Keep clearly in mind that great personal power comes from knowing that come what may, for better or worse you can play an active role in shaping -- and in turn living the life you were meant to live.

It's your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds :-)

* Josh is a speaker, coach and writer on motivation and personal and professional development. You can learn more about having him speak to your group or organization at www.GetMotivation.com/speaker/

(c) All rights reserved.

2007-09-22T03:42:00.000-05:00

Thoughts on Staying Motivated
By Josh Hinds

There's a quote I absolutely adore from keynote speaker and author Zig Ziglar -- in fact I share it a lot with audiences during the speaking presentations that I give. It's that good :-)

I think it hits the nail on the head when it comes to the common question I get of, "how do I stay motivated" or when someone says, "that motivation and personal development stuff doesn't work".

But before I get ahead of myself -- here's the quote...

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." - Zig Ziglar

I just love that one -- in fact, about the only thing I can find wrong with it, is that I didn't think of it myself :-)

On a more serious note though, doesn't the truth in that simple saying come through so crystal clear?

Motivation is a feeling found in the moment -- often we're either motivated to take on a given task or endeavor, or we're not. And like it or not, even the most highly motivated individuals experience this at times.

It's not a destination in the sense that we wake up one day and no longer need to re-charge our internal batteries. In other words, we shouldn't expect not to experience certain times where we need to re-fuel our level of motivation -- just as we understand that we need to take a bath in order to keep the stink off ourselves :-)

So with that said, don't beat yourself up if you have times where you're not at your peak level. It happens to everyone. The difference of course is your willingness to do the little things that will change your level of inspiration at the moment.

Fortunately, for you and I -- regaining that feeling of inspired action is often as easy as reading a book or listening to a tape that carries with it a positive message. It could also be as simple as doing (even the smallest actions) the very thing you happen to be resisting doing.

Think of the saying, success begets success. What that means is that each new feeling of accomplishment gives us just the boost we need to move forward -- very much like the snowball effect.

We start out resisting the thing and by "forcing" ourselves to take action on it, before we know it we end up getting involved in it and at the same time feeling the sense of accomplishment that goes along with making progress in our given endeavor. In summary, do the thing you're resisting and the very action you're taking will renew your inner motivation.

It sounds simple, because it is. Yet, don't make the mistake of thinking its simplicity makes it any less effective. The reality is that you have inside you all you need to un tap your potential at any given moment.

It's your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds :-)

* Josh is the author of Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated Day in and Day out! Grab your copy at http://Getmotivation.com/booklet/

(c) All rights reserved.

2007-09-18T04:15:00.000-05:00

On The Other Side of Adversity is Growth
By Josh Hinds

It was speaker and author Napoleon Hill who said, "Every adversity carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit." Well said, and so true.

Yet...

There have been times in my life where I'll be darned if I could have seen how Mr. Hill's words of wisdom rang true. But alas I'm getting ahead of myself.

Whenever I speak to companies and organizations, immediately following my introduction -- the one where the person introducing me is gracious enough to recite all my personal and professional successes... I usually start by saying -- funny, it never seemed to flow quite like that during the journey.

Then I begin to share my personal story -- the real meat and potatoes that led me to where I am at this point in my life. Yep... the adversities, the challenges, and at times... the bone headed mistakes :-)

I'd like to share with you a glimpse into my past in the hope that you can relate it to whatever challenges and adversities you may be working towards overcoming. I preface with the point that I don't share my past to give power to it -- my adversities are not my reality. Just as yours are not yours.

You may find them to be in the now -- true, but you have all the power inside you to change your current reality just as I did, and continue to do in my own life. So my hope is that you will find courage in my story to move forward in pursuit of your own personal greatness.

Josh, the young years...

I was not what you might consider a brilliant student. I could have applied myself more perhaps, but I still had some very real challenges. I was diagnosed with a learning disability in math in grade school, and not to long after that I was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome.

If you're not familiar with it, here's a quick overview. It's a neurological disorder which can have any number of symptoms that appear in many different forms. TV for some reason sensationalizes it by focusing on the very rare symptom of uncontrollable obscenities (a symptom that I and most people with TS never have to deal with I might add).

In my case, I was and am blessed that I always had a very mild case of TS (Tourette's). Yet, I still had Tourette's and at a young age let me tell you -- it can be a challenge no matter the severity. I also had very bad handwriting. If you're wondering my point for mentioning that -- I'll touch on it more below.

Josh the teenage years...

Aside from the obvious challenges I experienced growing up our family lived a fairly fortunate lifestyle. We were blessed with a lot of abundance, in the form of monetary resources. My father was an excellent businessman.

The exact year escapes me, but just prior to entering teenagerdom our family experienced a VERY big lifestyle change. Through a business deal gone bad all that my father (and of course our family) had achieved was gone. We found ourselves in the unfortunate place of having to start over.

Just to make the point of how dire the circumstances were that we found ourselves in -- there was a point where we had a car, which was heavily relied on by the way that had no reverse in it. Not to make light of this, but you would absolutely be surprised how near impossible it can be to find a parking place where you don't have to back out of it.

At around 18 years old, my old buddy TS showed up with an interesting new symptom (i.e. challenge) for me. Allow me to explain. Though I'm really not sure what the official name of the symptom is, nor do I really care, imagine if you will a sensation where you know exactly what to say, but for the life of you, you can't spit it out.

I refer to it as a blocking tic. And like it or not -- this interesting adversity was now there in all its shining glory for me to deal with. Along with I might add anxiety which at times came in the form of, of all things hearing a phone ringing -- for fear that upon answering it I'd not be able to say a word and the person would just hang up (which did actually happen at times).

There were other challenges of course, but if I only recounted the adversities I'd be missing the point wouldn't I?

So upon reading the above part of my story I'm guessing you can see why I had such a hard time relating to Mr. Hill's words about every adversity carrying with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.

Fortunately, over the years and along my personal development journey I've been able to see first hand that what Napoleon had to say was right on and absolutely true!

Allow me to explain...

Let's go back to my "young years"... remember how I mentioned I had terrible hand writing? Well I also was blessed to have an incredible teacher by the name of Ms. Presley.

As much as anyone she helped to instill in me a foundation of personal development I now teach to everyone I come into contact with through the speaking, writing and coaching that I do. That is -- finding a work around. Not accepting the challenges that come our way as the end result.

Here's how she did it. My reality at the time was that my hand writing was near illegible. You had to be able to break code to make out my writing :-) What was the solution you ask? At a time when folks didn't rely on computers near as much as we do now in the classroom, she taught me how to type. That was my workaround. Simple, perhaps even obvious, but she did it.

And that, for me was a major step in my eventually formulating the idea that there's absolutely, positively always a workaround that can be applied for whatever personal success we as individuals strive for.

In fact, looking back I can see clearly now how the idea of the workaround helped me to overcome my disability in math. You see, while conventional wisdom might say we should be good in math if we hope to excel in business endeavors -- my experience with the workaround told me that all I really needed to be good at was working a calculator or a spreadsheet. And of course as I learned later on -- I just needed to make the choice to work with folks who complimented my weaker areas and skills.

Hopefully the examples above are helping to illustrate the truth that every challenge in fact gives us the chance to grow and become the person we were meant to be.

I'm not done yet though...

Allow me to go back to my "teenage years"...

While it is true that the financial lifestyle change was a challenge -- one that I would not wish for anyone to ever have to experience. I now see clearly that it is responsible as much as anything in my life for shaping me into the person that I am today.

Allow me to tell you why I say this. First, but certainly not least I was suddenly (for the better) in a place where I had only myself to give to anyone that I wanted to become friends with. There were no fancy perks that came with "being Josh's friend".

I learned to accept people at face value, and to be the best person I could be -- as I was banking on the idea that you attract the type of people to you by the type of person you are (over time I've come to realize that's an absolute truth in life). To this day I am still in close contact with many of the friends I met during that time of personal adversity.

To put it frankly I don't think I'd be the same person I am now had it not been for what I just mentioned.

Interestingly enough, we started a new family business (kudos to my father for understanding and teaching me through example that you can't always control what happens to you, but you can always control how you react to it). Times were still very lean of course -- and we didn't meet with immediate financial success, but we were taking the actions necessary to head in the right direction.

So it was that at 15 years old I had the chance to work in the family business. Fortunately, there were no extra resources available at the time for me to do odd jobs and such and be paid minimum wage, so a position was created for me.

I would be calling on prospective clients (via the phone) to pre-screen and set the appointments for my father and the other commissioned salespeople who worked in the company.

I should add that there aren't many times I can count in my life where not knowing what's supposed to be impossible have proved so right. So I accepted the new position that was created for me. I did surprisingly well with it.

My teenage years moved on with increased levels of responsibility and then about the time I turned 18, my old "friend" TS (Tourette's) reared its head one more time. I was on the phone getting ready to schedule an appointment when what seemed to be without warning I could not for the life of me spit out what I wanted to say. I sputtered out what I was trying to say as best I could, and the woman I was speaking with, bless her actually helped and said, don't you worry it's all ok. But it was not, I thought -- all ok.

Here I was at a point in my life where I thought I had things pretty well figured out. I'd been a student of personal and professional development since I was 15 years old (thanks to one of the salespeople who encouraged me to start taking my development seriously). With all this acquired knowledge and skill at my disposal it appeared to me at the time that I suddenly had this most basic of needs near nonexistent (my ability to communicate).

It was a major adversity let me tell you. Fortunately I didn't give up, I certainly could have done more, but I did the best with the resources I thought I had at the time and continued on making the best of things (or so I told myself).

As time moved on the chance opened up for me to move to Louisville, KY. While I wasn't there all that long it was an incredible time of personal growth for me. I was exposed to a bigger outlook on business in general. I met some incredibly talented people and really learned how to expand my thinking -- and in turn begin looking beyond what people had achieved from a point of simply being in awe -- and instead saying, if they can do it, so can I.

Flash forward and I relocated back to my home town of Tuscaloosa, AL. -- along the way I registered my first web site address -- which was the first step in what I do now.

Though at the time I had no idea that tiniest of actions would lead me on the path I am now. Life is like that though, if you follow your passion -- you don't have to know all the details in advance. You do have to take real action and be willing to give your dead level best to all you do, and in doing so the details present themselves and your eventual success always unfolds.

As you've read what I shared above I do hope that you're able to use it as a catalyst for whatever challenges you may find yourself faced with. Life is not an end game. It's not about the getting there as much as the enjoying it (often times right where you are) in the moment. Truly it's about the journey.

Here are a few more key points that I'd like to expand on from my story above.

While I was dealing with my blocking tic, and the occasional anxiety as a result of it, I was always looking for my workaround. I knew I had the strong desire to work in the personal development industry, but the thought of speaking professionally seemed a distant dream at the time.

What could I possibly do to compensate for my sub-par communication skills I wondered? I would write them rather than speaking them from the stage. If you're thinking to yourself, well that's easy for him, he writes for a living, let me assure you, I have absolutely zero formal training in writing, nor journalism (which I'm reminded of on occasion by people who take the time to critique something I've written...lol :-)

What I did have was the knowledge and thoughts that I knew would help others. So I just fired up my old word processor and wrote what I had to say just as if I were speaking it. It worked, and years later I'm still doing just that.

While some may read what I just said about my need to resort to writing and see it as a weakness -- my life experiences have shown me first hand that the particular adversity was in fact a blessing in disguise.

Here's what I mean...

Because I had to hone my ability to effectively communicate my thoughts through the written word, I got better at it. In doing so, the articles and essays I've written over the years have appeared in countless places. They have been solely responsible in many cases for leading to the opportunities I have now to speak professionally to companies and organizations.

So the question is, was it really a hindrance -- or something that I needed to experience to get to the point where I am now? Makes you think doesn't it?

And so it is with life's challenges and adversities. The obvious approach -- the easy approach is to assume that the given adversity is meant to keep us from doing or having what it is that we desire.

Yet, the reality is that on the other side of every adversity lies the opportunity to unleash our own personal greatness!

It's your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds :-)

* Josh is a professional speaker and coach who gives motivational keynote presentations on overcoming personal and professional adversity and turning them into triumphs. For details on having him speak to your group or organization visit http://GetMotivation.com/speaker/

(c) All rights reserved - Josh Hinds

2007-08-28T01:16:00.000-05:00

The Solution Isn't Always Obvious
By Josh Hinds

Often times we have a goal or a desire, but we think that we lack the skills or training necessary to accomplish it.

Not long ago I was speaking with a woman who was struggling with just such a situation in her life.

She wanted to write a book. As we talked it was apparent to me that she not only had the idea, she had the entire thing plotted out in her mind.

I asked her why she hadn't already written it.

"Because I'm not a writer. I don't have the training necessary to do it. I don't know how to put my thoughts down on paper so that they flow like they do in my mind."

I could certainly understand that. So I asked, "why do you think you have to be able to "write" to complete your book?"

She was naturally puzzled. Seriously, I said, it's obvious that you have the main ingredients all set. You just have to figure out the best way to make it happen.

Here's what I suggest. First, let go of the areas that you're lacking in. Focus on what you have going for you. In your case, you've got the entire thing in your mind. That's huge!

Secondly, let go of the part of your thinking that says there's a "right way" to do something. What matters in the case of the goal you've set is the final outcome. Having your book completed. So what do you care how you accomplish it exactly?

So here's an idea -- get a tape recorder or digital recorder. Speak your entire book into it. If you feel more comfortable speaking parts of it into the recorder do that. Once you have that done, have it transcribed. It's actually not that expensive.

Alternatively, you could look for a writer or a journalism student who you could pay to help get your ideas written down in a readable format. The important thing isn't the specific approach you choose. What matters is that you take real action on your idea.

I could see her eyes light up. "It seems so obvious now, I never considered that I didn't have to spend the grueling hours I was sure it would take to write it myself", she said.

Isn't that interesting? All it took to help this woman get unstuck was to introduce to her that there was more than one way to do what she wanted to accomplish.

You see, all too often we focus on the areas where we are lacking -- where we need improvement -- whereas we would be that much farther along if we would simply work within the skills we have already developed (and be willing to learn new ones along the way). There's a lot to be said about thinking outside the box.

And so it is with whatever dream you hold for yourself. Whatever it is that you want to achieve -- you have to know deep down that even though the solution may not be obvious the key to your achieving it is within you.

It's your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds :-)

* Josh is the author of Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated Day in and Day out! Grab your copy at http://www.getmotivation.com/booklet/

(c) All rights reserved.

2007-04-27T01:47:00.000-05:00

Thoughts Become Things... They Really Do!
By Josh Hinds

As I'm writing this I'm looking at my vision board (if you're not familiar with what that is, don't fret, I'll touch on it more below).

On it are several things (goals) I want to see manifest in my life. At the top it reads very simply... 'Vision Board -- with the saying, "Thoughts Become things". By the way, I'm fully aware that some folks would read that and make the assumption that just because a person thinks they want something, and give thought to it, that it is simply not enough to necessarily achieve it. To which I would concede, that's partially true.

Notice I say only partially true, because we're not just talking about fleeting thoughts here. What I'm referring to is one's dominant thoughts. Those thoughts which are so ingrained in our mind that we naturally, and often I might add, more easily take the necessary actions which are needed to see them through to the point at which they become a reality. There is a BIG difference between a dominant thought and simply thinking you'd like to have something.

When it's a dominant thought, it sticks with you (think of it like the difference between Super glue and the Elmers glue you used to use in grade school). You are always asking yourself how you can go about making your particular endeavor a reality, and when you find that one plan of action doesn't work out as you'd hoped it would, you don't run for the hills thinking, well I tried that and it tanked so I quit... No, when something is a dominant thought you understand that each attempt is simply a part of the learning process from which you can grow -- and by trying another approach you will get that much closer to what it is that you truly desire.

So hopefully you'll give me the benefit of the doubt and believe me when I say there's a lot of truth in the saying "thoughts become things".

Now here's the rub... Assuming that's true, that the thoughts and ideas we focus on most become real and tend to show up in our lives it's worth pointing out that the old saying doesn't discriminate. Listen up, because it's that important. Here's what I am saying... if you're focused in on negative things, you're going to see negative results and events creep into your life. Just the same as if you were focused in on positive things or events.

Unfortunately, the reality is that it works both ways.

Here's a little illustration to make my point. Recently I was having a conversation with someone who was telling me about their new manager. This person was just absolutely sure that it was going to be a disaster.

They'd literally made their mind up before the new manager had ever even appeared in the office for the first time. Well guess what? The first week was absolutely terrible! This person almost transferred to another department.

Fortunately, time was given (ironically, not that long) and low and behold, things weren't nearly so bad after all. Isn't it funny how life works like that? You see, this person was so absolutely sure it was going to be awful that it literally became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Quite simply, her thoughts, became her reality.

Now I'm happy to report that the last time I talked to this person she told me she was surprised that it might actually end up being a good thing. Now she's seeing things through a positive lens, and guess what she's getting? You got it, more of what she's focused on.

Now I will say that in absolutely every instance this might not work out exactly as I've said. However, I think the quote by Zig Ziglar makes a terrific point with regards to that. He says, "positive thinking won't let you do everything, but it will let you do everything better than negative thinking". While I may not have gotten Zig's saying quite right, I think the point is made just the same.

So assuming you'll concede that our dominant thoughts (either positive or negative) tend to become our reality -- doesn't it make sense to think (and take action on) the things you want to see in your life, rather than those you don't? Remember, either way you're going to get something... so it might as well be of your choosing don't you agree? :-)

Now before you think I've broken my promise from above to cover vision boards, here's a quick overview, it's by no means exhaustive, but I think it's worth mentioning in case you're not familiar with them.

First, there are any number of ways to make your vision board as elaborate as you'd like. I won't attempt to say you have to include all the bells and whistles on yours for it to be effective. It's a personal preference.

Personally, I'd have to admit that the one I'm currently looking at of mine is pretty blah -- but it isn't the design or layout that's powerful, it's the thoughts/things that are on it. It's a piece of cut out cardboard where I have included some written goals and pictures which represent the things I'd like to see transpire in my life.

Again, it's not particularly attractive, but that's not really the point. What is important is that when I focus on those things on my vision board, my mind can more easily go to work doing the things which will drive me towards taking the necessary actions which are needed if I want to see those things become a reality.

Consider it a powerful reminder of what you want to achieve. Plus, like your success journal (hopefully you keep one) it can end up being quite an incredible source of personal validation as you're able to see quite literally, the things on your vision board come to fruition in your life.

So that in a nutshell is what makes up a vision board. Again, nowhere near an exhaustive overview, but I think it gets the point across. Needless to say it can be an incredibly effective tool to use in your personal journey towards achieving your goals.

Vision boards work, because they help to keep us plugged into those things which we want to achieve. But like anything, you can't just keep your vision board hidden away where you never see it. Think of it like a billboard, butinstead of advertising (which are things others want you to notice) you're putting thoughts about your goals and dreams -- those things which are important to you into your mind on an ongoing basis.

Action Steps:

One, create your own vision board. Include pictures, or write something, anything that will represent what you want to achieve.

Two, in addition to the more traditional vision board mentioned you could play around with what I call a mini-vision board. Take some 3x5 index cards and basically do the exact same as you would with a vision board. The index cards approach will be a lot easier and convenient to carry around with you then a traditional sized vision board would be. Remember the old out of sight, out of mind saying.

Finally, whatever you do, do something. The more you keep the things you want firmly in mind -- and sight, the better the chance you will give yourself of making them a reality in your life.

-- To your success, Josh Hinds
http://GetMotivation.com

(c) All rights reserved

2007-04-20T00:44:00.000-05:00

When You Can't Muster Up Massive Action
By Josh Hinds

Have you ever noticed how often we hear the term, "take massive action"? Sure massive action is great, but it's also a bit relative from person to person isn't it? Plus, just think about the word itself. Doesn't it imply that it's going to be hard, or overly difficult to accomplish?

Sure working on your dream is going to take some level of effort. Most anything truly worthwhile does. But hard? (Massive makes me think of mountains... personally climbing a mountain makes me think I'd better be ready to sweat!..lol) Where's the enjoyment in that? (the sweating, not the mountain climbing :-)

So while I'm certainly not going to claim that taking "massive action" is a bad thing at all... I am going to say that even the smallest of actions can be a very good start towards stepping in the right direction towards achieving your hearts desire...

Have you ever heard the saying, "success begets success"?

Essentially what that means is with each sense of accomplishment you experience (no matter how seemingly minuscule you may see it at the time) very often it's enough to move you forward towards the next target you've set your sights on.

Consider a person whose just started running or jogging -- and eventually moves up to the level where they are ready to run a marathon. Rarely does he or she start out feeling as though they could finish the race, much less enter one prior to building up to that point in their training.

Yet, overtime as they get in better physical shape (i.e. experience one small success after another) they eventually reach the point where not only do they believe they could give running a marathon a chance, but they could even finish the thing, and perhaps have a shot at winning it.

That my friend is what we are talking about when we hear the saying, "success begets success". You see, each time we stretch beyond one of our self-imposed comfort zones we are in essence experiencing... success leading to another success. Our belief system expands to the point where what once appeared inconceivable is suddenly no longer quite the challenge we once saw it to be.

It's a lot like building muscles. When you start out with an exercise program chances are, your body is not going to be used to it, and as such, you may feel as though you'll never get to a point where you could ever imagine enjoying it.

Stick it out however, and before long you won't feel good unless you've gotten that work out in before the day's over. That's the old saying, "success begets success" in action.

Give some serious thought on the quote above. Really ponder it in your mind for a bit. Write it down, repeat it throughout your day when you're faced with challenges. And as you force yourself to move through those challenges (no matter how uncomfortable they happen to appear at the time) notice how the feeling of fear towards the particular thing has lessened once you have reached the other side and attained personal achievement in your particular endeavor.

It's your life, so you might as well live BIG!

-- To your success, Josh Hinds :-)

(c) All rights reserved.

2007-02-16T14:16:00.000-06:00

On Learning To Adapt To Life Change
By Josh Hinds
(c)

While it's important to set goals -- because as the saying goes if you want to get somewhere you have to know where you're headed -- it is also essential to give yourself the wiggle room necessary to adapt to changes that occur in life.

Be focused and persistent on the path towards achieving the goals you set, but also be willing to take any necessary steps that might reveal themselves along the way.

Success in any endeavor is rarely achieved by following a straight line, but that's not all bad. Life's changes and challenges can help to keep things exciting, because it is through overcoming the challenges which pop up that we grow to the point where we can apply our acquired knowledge to any future endeavor.

To further illustrate my point consider what keynote speaker and business philosopher Jim Rohn has to say, "Set a goal to become a millionaire for what it makes of you to achieve it." Think about that for a moment. When we develop the skills needed to achieve our goal, the rewards of the particular goal may come or go in our lifetime, however our ability to recreate the result is always there -- ready for us to tap into at will.

Simply put, learning to adapt to change as it finds its way into our life is an essential part in developing a mindset which is conducive to achieving any and all endeavors we pursue.

-- To Your Success, Josh Hinds
GetMotivation.com

2007-01-29T22:24:00.000-06:00

It Doesnt Always Take Money Honey!
By Josh Hinds

If you buy into the old saying, it takes money to make money you're really missing the boat. In fact some of the greatest success stories ever told are of people just like you and I who started with little or nothing and grew their business idea into a masterful success. Would it have been easier say if these folks had had access to deep pockets when starting out on their business journey? Maybe, maybe not -- who knows for sure.

One could make the case that in some of the situations had these bootstrapping entrepreneurs had it easier at startup many of them would never have learned the value of persistence and the necessity to be creative in growing their businesses in the first place.

It makes you think doesnt it? So my question now is what are you waiting for? It's your life that's waiting, why not get on the ball now and take a little action and start moving towards the success that awaits you?

--To Your Success, Josh Hinds
(c) All rights reserved

2006-11-20T22:22:00.000-06:00

Uncovering Hidden Opportunities
By Josh Hinds

In every adversity we have the choice to remain paralyzed in non-action -- neglecting to take the necessary steps that will put us on a corrective path. Or we can choose to take the more proactive approach and ask the question -- "what is the opportunity that is hidden in this challenge?"

Make no mistake, though hidden from plain sight, on the other side of every challenge is the opportunity to experience immense personal growth. Starting now, make the effort to view all challenges that come your way as hidden opportunities. This simple shift in mindset will make a tremendous difference in the number of accomplishments you experience throughout your life.

-- To your success, Josh Hinds
(c) All rights reserved

2006-11-17T02:28:00.000-06:00

The Success Journey Starts With You...

Success is a highly personal thing. Never allow others to define its meaning for you. If you live your life according to others' definitions of what it means to succeed you will miss out on the very sense of achievement that you're searching for... All the best, Josh Hinds

2006-10-22T04:40:00.000-05:00

Keeping The Kinks Out Of Your Goal-Setting Plan
By Josh Hinds
(c)

When it comes to achieving your goals, keep in mind the old saying, "out of sight, out of mind". Anytime that we allow ourselves to lose sight of our desired goal it can end up creating a real kink in the goal setting process. Why you ask? The answer is simple -- because our lives can get hectic and if we allow ourselves to take our eye off what we want, life has a way of putting some other action that requires our attention in its place. It's really that simple.

So what's the solution you ask? Keep lists, to do lists, action tasks... whatever you choose to call them, the point is... keep your goals nearby and in plain sight, and just as important always write down those smaller tasks you can take on an ongoing basis that will support you in reaching your larger goals.

To your success, Josh Hinds
GetMotivation.com

2006-09-28T23:12:00.000-05:00

A Proud Uncle, Entrepreneurship, and Nickel Bookmarks
By Josh Hinds
(c)

Upon checking my voice mail I found the most delightful message... "Josh, I had to call, this is your sister. Your youngest nephew came to me earlier this morning and announced that he'd made some bookmarks and he intended to go out in the neighborhood and sell them. When he told me that I knew that was a story I had to share with you. I guess he has a bit of his Uncle Josh in him eh?"

Aside from the fact that I absolutely ADORE my nephews and niece I took particular pride in hearing this news. Besides the obvious pride I had for my nephew being bright enough to take the initiative to come up with this idea on his own -- I was excited for him because I knew that he'd tapped into something that many, many adults tend to lose sight of overtime.

Sadly, as they get older many people begin to focus on why things won't work, as opposed to cutting through the reasons why they won't and simply jumping on the horse and giving themselves a fair shot at the success they deserve... the sense of achievement that is theirs for the taking.

Hearing the story of my nephew reminded me that we're all born with a sense of fearlessness when it comes to pursuing our dreams. I was excited because I knew that his willingness to get out there and do what he wanted to would result in an achievement that will yield results for years to come.

Today it's homemade bookmarks -- and who knows, tomorrow it may be a business that he starts that ends up going public. Who is to say for sure, but at just 5 years old one thing is for sure... my nephew is getting a good start.

My hope is that you'll take a moment to reconsider the things that you've put on hold. Ideas that you believed you would like to have pursued, but for whatever reason did not. Do they still hold that appeal for you? Right now write those things down. Include a few action steps you can take as quickly as possible to get yourself moving in the right direction. Action in the direction of your desires leads to success, and even the smallest of achievements begins a snowball effect. Keep in mind the saying, success begets success.

Another lesson I'd like you to take from the story of my young nephew is that he didn't overly plan, another thing that we adults sometimes do to much of -- to the point that we end up planning ourselves out of ever taking the action needed to get started. Nope, my little nephew had his idea, he made his bookmarks, and before anyone could tell him any different he headed out the door and got started. By the way, I'm happy to report that at a nickel a bookmark he did pretty well.

To your success, Josh Hinds
http://GetMotivation.com

2006-09-25T05:06:00.000-05:00

You've Got to Be Willing to be Uncomfortable Sometimes
By Josh Hinds
(c)

I�ve heard it said before that if you want to be successful you�ve got to learn to be uncomfortable at times. I think there�s a lot of truth in that statement.

Think about it... What�s comfortable about putting yourself out there and asking for a job promotion? What�s comfortable about asking someone to use your company�s product or service? What�s comfortable about reaching out and making contact with someone you don�t really know that well initially? What's comfortable about taking the first step towards learning a new skill?

Not a whole lot is there?

Of course this is not all bad news. For one thing if you�re willing to be uncomfortable just a bit from time to time you�re going to put yourself in a much better position to take advantage of a lot of the opportunities that are all around us -- even if we don't always notice them.

In most cases the reason that most folks don�t achieve greater levels of success is because they either don�t recognize the opportunity in the first place, or they lack the ability to move past their self-imposed comfort zones and do the uncomfortable actions necessary to get on with finding success in their given endeavor.

Keep this in mind - if you always feel comfortable it is likely that you're not giving your success the full chance it deserves. If you are always comfortable, you may be limiting yourself in ways you may not even fully realize.

Action Step:

Develop the mindset to try new things - always be on the lookout for new opportunities and be willing to reach beyond what you think you are capable of and go for it. Even in a worse case scenario where it doesn�t work out, you�ve still gained an invaluable life experience.

It is through trying new things that we grow to the point where we realize that we�ve got every resource we need inside us to live our perfect life.

-- To your success, Josh Hinds
GetMotivation.com

2006-09-04T05:39:00.000-05:00

Count Your Daily Wins
By Josh Hinds
(C)

It has been said that you and I tend to become what we think about most. If we believe this to be true doesn't it stand to reason that we would do well to take an active role as to what we allow to become our most dominant thoughts?

Hopefully you would agree that we would all benefit greatly by choosing to recount the daily achievements we experience. No matter how small or insignificant you may view them at the moment each should be acknowledged -- and framed in our mind as they are -- successes. If we neglect to do so there's a chance that we will end up focusing on the occurrences of our day that don't help to build our own self-esteem.

There's great personal power that comes from celebrating both our larger achievements as well as the small successes that we experience ongoing in our lives.

The reality is that you and I have the choice to allow ourselves to gravitate towards thinking about the negative things we have experienced, or we can choose to take a more pro-active approach where we make the choice to re-live in our mind the positive accomplishments of the day.

It really does get right down to making the choice to see things from a half full versus half empty mentality. Make the choice to see the positives and that�s exactly what you�ll notice more of.

Action exercise:

At the end of each day just before heading to sleep take a moment to write down several successes from the day. Remember that they don't have to be monumental to count as a success. Anything from meeting a new person to calling on a new client and just about anything in between qualifies as a worthy achievement.

After you have written down your daily list -- read over what you've written and each time you do so close your eyes for a moment and try to experience the positive feelings associated with your given accomplishments.

By following this idea we can actually control what we choose to focus in on. While we don't always have complete control over what happens to us, we do have the choice to focus our minds on (and thus give power to) those things that are most likely to get us on a positive path.

My hope is that the ideas shared above help you to better take control of your most dominant thoughts. Always remember that if one person can succeed in a given endeavor then so can you and I.

-- Here's to your success, Josh Hinds
http://GetMotivation.com

2006-07-16T22:22:00.000-05:00

Do You See the Positive Side Of things?
By Josh Hinds

In life there are generally two ways of seeing things, we can choose to view them through negative or positive filters (Perhaps you've heard it referred to as seeing through rose colored glasses when things are viewed in a positive light). When I'm faced with situations in my life where I've got the choice to assume the best, or worst. I like to recite the following quote to myself -- and to others....

"Until you're proven wrong, you might as well assume you'll receive the best possible outcome"

I think there's a lot of truth to the term self-fulfilling prophecy. Meaning that if a person runs around thinking of all the reasons things can't possibly work out for them, they end up giving power to the very things they don't want to have happen. In summary, we tend to get what we most focus on. That being the case, doesn't it stand to reason we would benefit from seeing things through a more optimistic lens?

I'd also add that I'm not saying that everything is going to work out for the best in every single instance. However, even in the worst of times we can choose how we respond to the things that happen to us. We can make the choice to do what is necessary to dig ourselves out of the place we are now -- reminding ourselves that in time if we refuse to give up and stay in the game our life will turn for the better and we'll see the positive results we desire.

-- All the best, Josh Hinds
http://GetMotivation.com)

2006-05-26T19:47:00.000-05:00

Your Action Fuels Achievement
By Josh Hinds
(c)

I was reading a magazine recently when something caught my eye. The article mentioned that most people that exercised regularly (and as a result tended to be in the best shape) were those guys and gals that didn't so much plan out when they would work out, but rather simply worked out regularly without giving much thought to specifically when they would make time to do so.

At first I thought to myself ... self, how on earth with such busy lives that we lead do these folks ever find the time to get their work outs in?

After a bit of pondering on this it became glaringly obvious that by taking this approach they weren't allowing themselves to fall victim to the part of us that over analyzes things. You know the one I'm talking about.

The part of us that says I don't have time to work out -- I've got to get home in time to make dinner. I've got to stay late at the office. I've got to (insert whatever you'd like here). No, they simply acted on their initial impulse to work out. To get that bit of exercise they felt they needed.

Such a simple thought, to do that set of push ups or go for that walk or run instead of going through all the trouble to schedule it in.

I couldn't help but think, by how applying this same approach to just about any of our goals we wouldn't find ourselves getting more accomplished.

Consider how many lost goals and otherwise would be achievements we experience simply because we wait around for the right time to get started -- and in the process never get the necessary action going to get started in the first place.

Take a moment to really give the above statement some thought...

Is there ever really a "perfect time" to set out in pursuit of your goals? I mean really. Is a month from now, two weeks, or a day from now going to be any better than right now at this very moment. Probably not. That's just the way things work.

Life is filled with any number of things that will shift and change and inevitably occupy our limited time, if we don't first take the initiative to fill it with those things we want to implement in our lives.

Each of us is given the same number of hours in the day (24 -- last I checked). The same number of days in a week -- 7. And days in a year ... 365 (unless it's a leap year).

Starting now get into the mind set that time -- or a lack there of won't stop you from working towards achieving those things that you want to see manifest in your life. Instead of looking for the right time to get started, just get going on them and allow yourself the wiggle room to move and adapt to any change that might be necessary to get you to where you want to be.

As the saying goes, "you don't have to get it right starting out, you just have to get going".

Change is inevitable, and in some instances it is true that we can't control every single thing that happens to us. Even so there are active steps we can take that will help to guide us in the direction of those things we desire. Simply sitting still and idle is one sure way to keep yourself from realizing your dreams.

Dream big and feed your dreams with the necessary amount of action and as a result you are sure to attain your own definition of success.

Keep this thought in mind: Even the best laid out goals are simply dreams until you add the fuel of action that gets you on the path towards achieving them.

-- Here's to your success, Josh Hinds
http://GetMotivation.com

2006-05-02T04:51:00.000-05:00

Don't Cling So Tightly To The Past
By Josh Hinds
(c)

With each new sunrise we are given the opportunity to start fresh and paint the canvas that is our life. Provided we are willing to acknowledge that we can do so. That's right, no matter how many things may have gone wrong for you up to this point in your life, if you're willing to do so you can start over and put any negative events behind you.

Your past doesn't have to define your future -- as long as you make the commitment not to allow it to do so.

The sooner you get to where you can move past life's shortcomings the sooner you will be able to start taking more advantage of the vast opportunities that life affords those who don't allow themselves to stay stuck in the past.

As the saying so eloquently goes... The past is in the past, the future we do not know yet, and the present is a gift we can give ourselves. Perhaps that's not exactly how you heard it said, but I think the point is still clear.

Here's wishing you all the best as you make the move towards leading your own personal definition of success. May you find the happiness and achievements that are yours.

-- Here's to your success, Josh Hinds
http://GetMotivation.com

2006-04-14T23:02:00.000-05:00

The Myth Of Perfect Timing
By Josh Hinds
(c)

Perfect timing is at best a myth. The truth is that there's no better time than this very moment to do whatever it is that we've been neglecting.

There will never be any better time than now to reach out to that family member that we keep putting off calling. Now is the time to rekindle the friendship that for whatever reason we have let dwindle.

This very moment is as good a time as any to pick that phone up and reach out to that person you've been meaning to get back in touch with. There will never be any better time than right now to commit to learning a new skill set and improving yourself in some way.

The present is what you and I have -- this very moment that we find ourselves in right now. We plan for the future because not to do so could leave us vulnerable (after all what would we do when the future finds us?). Even still the "now" is what you and I are promised. There is a lot of truth in the saying, "the present is the gift we give ourselves".

Now it's time to let go of whatever fear may be built up that's been keeping you from doing just that. The longer you and I allow our procrastination to get in the way of doing what we know we must do the more power we give to that very thing that's stopping us.

The surest remedy to overcoming your fears is to do that which we know we must. Is it easy? Of course not, but it is doable. One of the greatest rushes you will feel is the one you will experience at the point where you find yourself moving just past what you've been allowing yourself to get stuck on.

Whatever you might be dealing with at this moment close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and make the jump ... and as you take action know without a doubt that greatness is a part of who you are.

Remind yourself that inside you is more talent than you can possibly fathom. My hope is that you will spend each day allowing those gifts and talents to be set free -- for the good of you, your loved ones, and all of us that will benefit as a result of your choosing to do so.

-- Here's to your success, Josh Hinds
http://GetMotivation.com

2006-03-31T20:47:00.000-06:00

"Hold tight to your dreams. No matter how much inner doubt may try to hinder you in the pursuit of your dreams and desires, always know without a doubt that you have in you the ability to bring forth the success that is yours. The reality is that you have far greater talents and gifts than you may believe you have. You must always hold tight to the truth that greatness is very much a part of who you are."

To your success, Josh Hinds
GetMotivation.com

2006-03-24T02:15:00.000-06:00

How Do You Measure Success?
By Josh Hinds
(c)

How do I know when I am successful? Boy, talk about the grandaddy of open ended questions eh? Please bear with me though as I believe we would all do well to give it some serious thought.

Have you ever noticed how many folks choose to equate success with a monetary figure -- they place a dollar amount on it and assume that once that figure is attained they'll suddenly feel successful.

Unfortunately it's rarely as easy as saying that once we have x number of dollars in the bank we will somehow magically feel as though we've truly lived a life of worthwhile achievement.

With that said the question is how do we get past the point where we're only equating success with a sticker price?

Take your success personally ....

Years ago I heard success defined as, "having the freedom to be yourself" and I think that is about the best definition I have heard to date. It is the gauge I use in my own life to know whether I'm leading a successful life.

My feeling is that as long as I have the resources necessary to move through life fully able to pursue the goals and dreams that are important to me then I am a successful.

At first the above definition might appear to be a bit open ended, but it should get you really thinking if you give it some serious thought.

For starters it gives us the room to dream and really think about what it would take to live out our goals and dreams -- the things that we truly place personal value on -- not just those things that outside forces may deem as important.

Say for example you want to be the best parent you can be. That doesn't take a lot of money does it? (unless you think to be a good parent you've got to have ample amounts of money to care for your kids).

You see, the point here is not what amount of money you have, or lack there of. In fact only you will be able to decide what is enough for you and your loved ones.

It is far easier to take our due credit for our past achievements when we're not holding ourselves up to someone else's standard. Competition isn't a bad thing, but when it's the only measuring stick we use it can end up working against us if we are not careful.

In my humble opinion success is best measured on a personal level. If we attempt to put a frame around what we see as being successful or not -- if we view others and say, they have this many material possessions so they must be successful we're missing out.

You see when we frame what constitutes living a successful life around those things that we personally see as valuable then we enjoy where we are now more. Life seems to offer up opportunities to us that we never seemed to notice before.

By the same token when we set out to do the best we can do inevitably great opportunity finds us because we are doing what truly makes us happy. We're in alignment and ready for the opportunities that life will put in our path.

Don't misunderstand me here. I'm not saying that acquiring wealth is not a result of achieving success. I'm simply saying that at best it is a result that comes from following your dreams. Working towards achieving those things that you deem to be most important. I'd also suggest that lack of financial rewards most definitely is not the only currency with which we should measure our level of success.

Keep this thought in mind: Success is a personal thing. Define it according to what you value most and you are far more likely to achieve it as well as enjoy it once you have it.

-- Here's to your success, Josh Hinds
http://GetMotivation.com