"If you intend to take goal setting seriously, you must up the ante by writing down your goals and revising them continuously. By choosing your goal and writing it down, you gain an edge. Most people simply respond to conditions rather than create conditions for a better life. While there is no magic pill or equation for success, one thing is sure: Those who fail to plan by not writing down their goals, by default, plan to fail."
~Gary Ryan Blair
Goals
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Monday, 23 November 2009
I read this and thought of you........
“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experience.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you.”
Aldous Huxley
Last night, as I was going to sleep, I thought about the most common question in my inbox: “What are your tips for creating a successful blog?”. And as I thought about it I got an idea. Not about writing about what I have learned about blogging. But what blogging has taught me about life.
So here are 9 life lessons I have learned. Or in some cases healthy reminders of what I already knew. I hope you find something helpful for your life/blog.
1. Don’t wait for inspiration.
The most common question I get from people when I met them in real life and they learn that I do a lot of writing is this one: “How do you come up with all the ideas?”.
Well, I have never been one to rely much on inspiration. If you want to be able to write and produce articles consistently week in aand week out you can’t always wait to get inspired. You just have to work and think. Come up with ideas and drafts. Some will suck, some will not.
I don’t always feel like writing a new article. But I sit down and start writing anyway. And somewhere along the way inspiration and fun pretty much always catches up with me.
Now, how do I come up the ideas?
I have about a hundred drafts with post titles and brief outlines saved in a folder on my computer. By writing it all down I always have some idea to pick up and expand into an article.
After 3 years, I still have an interested in personal development. I have experimented and thought about it a lot. I have read a lot about it. When you really are curious about something and having fun with it then ideas and writing flows a lot easier.
A few more tips for inspiration are:
• Brainstorm. You can often get a good stream of ideas going if you just get started. You may not feel like you have any ideas at all. But as soon as you sit down and start to brainstorm to reach for instance 20 ideas on some topic your mind starts to spit out idea after idea. It’s a bit weird, but after the first idea pop out you often experience a sort of ketchup effect.
• Expose your mind to new ideas. Read a variety of stuff, not just the stuff you are used to. Talk to people about all kinds of things. Follow blogs and people on Twitter that aren’t your usual cup of tea.
• Expose your mind to stillness. If you overload your mind with too much knowledge and ideas you may not only start using it as way to avoid taking action. It can in my experience hinder creativity. Sometimes it’s good to stop exposing your mind to a lot of new information. This can help you digest the impressions you have picked up recently and combine a few of them into cool and exciting ideas.
2. More work. Less talk.
So there is the trap of waiting for inspiration. Also, don’t fall into the trap of talking a lot about what you are about to do. I have found that this just makes it harder to do it. And it can get you stuck in analysis paralysis mode for months as you argue about stuff that is probably irrelevant with other people or just in your own head. Plus, you don’t know much until you do and get some real experience.
So just do stuff. Learn from your failures. Do again.
A week of good work is worth more than a trillion theories that are never put into practice.
3. Learn from people with more experience.
This is so key – in any area of life really – and can really help you to improve quickly and avoid wasting time.
When I started blogging I spent two or three weeks reading lots and lots from the massive archives of Problogger.net. I learned a lot about blogging, marketing, monetization and what you should and should not do. Before I started this blog I knew very little about blogging. After those weeks I at least had a basic education that was very helpful. If you are thinking about creating your own blog or have just started one I recommend reading the big series Blogging Tips for Beginners over at Problogger.
As mentioned above, experience is most important. But there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Getting a bit of basic education and learning about common pitfalls can cut down on your learning curve in any area of life.
4. You need to set limits and focus on just what is important.
I have cut back on reading blogs, on Facebook and internet in general. When you cut out the less important stuff your mind clears up. It becomes focused. It becomes light and inspired more often.
All of us have a lot of stuff going on. If you never cut out anything of the things you do now, how will you have time to do all that stuff you really want to do? How will you do something in the best way you can if you mind is constantly overflowing with information and stuff you don’t really need that much?
To make room for all the new and cool stuff you want to do it is very likely that you in the end have to let go of some of that old stuff in your life that feels oh so familiar and safe.
5. You get what you give.
I think any social interaction is to a large part about exchanging positive feelings and people giving some kind of value to each other. That value could be helpful hints, hugs, a listening ear, something fun or just new photos of Lady Gaga with some strange hat on.
This goes for blogging. This goes for any conversation or interaction.
If you are trying to get other people to always give you more value than you give them – in real life or on your blog – then you suck the positive feelings out of the place. And people will become less and less likely to want to hang around and interact with you.
6. More external validation won’t save you.
Every day I get dozens of messages via comments, email, Twitter and Facebook about how cool some article I wrote was or how awesome my blog or I am. It is pretty nice. Here’s the thing though: after a while your mind gets used to it. You don’t get giddy or overly happy. It becomes a part of life.
Now, some comments or emails make me really happy (usually the ones that are really specific about how some article helped someone to overcome a dark period in their life or solve a problem). And I do appreciate all the kind words. But nowadays I mostly look at it as being happy for the people who said the kind things because I am glad that something on my website could help them and that they are in such a good place that they feel like expressing their appreciation.
But my main point here is that your mind gets used to pretty much anything. So if you think that getting more validation from other people via a blog or some other place will somehow save you then you may be disappointed. It’s all good and nice. But in the end I do believe that the only way to pull yourself up out of not being that fond of yourself or low self esteem is by creating more inner validation of yourself. You can’t find that groundwork outside of yourself.
But you can find it on the inside by for example viewing other people and the world in a kinder light and letting that flow over to how you view yourself too. And by doing what you know deep down is right – taking action, being kind, being positive, acting in a mature way etc. – instead trying to take what may feel like the easy way out.
By doing such things you create an inner spring of validation and positive emotions. You become steadier, calmer and more centred.
7. Ideas and insights are fleeting.
Always keep a pen and paper close by. I don’t know how many ideas I would have never gotten to explore here if didn’t have this habit. If you forget the pen and paper and get some idea, pull out your cell phone and type it down there instead.
8. How you present it makes a big difference.
I changed the design of the blog – to the Thesis theme – a while ago and the rate of added subscribers and the offers from advertisers have increased. The blog looks more professional and therefore I believe it looks more trustworthy now than it did before. It leaves people with a better first impression.
The same thing goes for your clothes. For your appearance. For how you say something – mumbly and barely audible or with a loud and clear voice? – and how you move, sit and use your body.
No, the surface – or what may seem superficial – is not just what matters. But it does have a big impact. Don’t neglect it.
9. Don’t think about what everyone else may think.
If you have a blog then after your first big wave of new regulars has arrived you may start to experience a sort of stage fright. You may think: “Oh, now I have a hundred regular readers, a hundred Joes and Marys waiting for some new content”. And then you start second-guessing yourself and worry that someone will be upset, mock you or that you will somehow screw up big time.
I don’t think too much about how many readers there may be. Or what they will think. When I write I either think about it as discussion that I have with myself or something I am writing to just one reader. Or I just focus on the fun and excitement of the article I am writing and nothing more. Feeding your own fears will not help anyone.
This works the same in any other part of life. Don’t be too concerned about what people may think of you (but of course use your common sense). You can never please everyone. Focus on doing what you think is right instead and on getting approval from yourself.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you.”
Aldous Huxley
Last night, as I was going to sleep, I thought about the most common question in my inbox: “What are your tips for creating a successful blog?”. And as I thought about it I got an idea. Not about writing about what I have learned about blogging. But what blogging has taught me about life.
So here are 9 life lessons I have learned. Or in some cases healthy reminders of what I already knew. I hope you find something helpful for your life/blog.
1. Don’t wait for inspiration.
The most common question I get from people when I met them in real life and they learn that I do a lot of writing is this one: “How do you come up with all the ideas?”.
Well, I have never been one to rely much on inspiration. If you want to be able to write and produce articles consistently week in aand week out you can’t always wait to get inspired. You just have to work and think. Come up with ideas and drafts. Some will suck, some will not.
I don’t always feel like writing a new article. But I sit down and start writing anyway. And somewhere along the way inspiration and fun pretty much always catches up with me.
Now, how do I come up the ideas?
I have about a hundred drafts with post titles and brief outlines saved in a folder on my computer. By writing it all down I always have some idea to pick up and expand into an article.
After 3 years, I still have an interested in personal development. I have experimented and thought about it a lot. I have read a lot about it. When you really are curious about something and having fun with it then ideas and writing flows a lot easier.
A few more tips for inspiration are:
• Brainstorm. You can often get a good stream of ideas going if you just get started. You may not feel like you have any ideas at all. But as soon as you sit down and start to brainstorm to reach for instance 20 ideas on some topic your mind starts to spit out idea after idea. It’s a bit weird, but after the first idea pop out you often experience a sort of ketchup effect.
• Expose your mind to new ideas. Read a variety of stuff, not just the stuff you are used to. Talk to people about all kinds of things. Follow blogs and people on Twitter that aren’t your usual cup of tea.
• Expose your mind to stillness. If you overload your mind with too much knowledge and ideas you may not only start using it as way to avoid taking action. It can in my experience hinder creativity. Sometimes it’s good to stop exposing your mind to a lot of new information. This can help you digest the impressions you have picked up recently and combine a few of them into cool and exciting ideas.
2. More work. Less talk.
So there is the trap of waiting for inspiration. Also, don’t fall into the trap of talking a lot about what you are about to do. I have found that this just makes it harder to do it. And it can get you stuck in analysis paralysis mode for months as you argue about stuff that is probably irrelevant with other people or just in your own head. Plus, you don’t know much until you do and get some real experience.
So just do stuff. Learn from your failures. Do again.
A week of good work is worth more than a trillion theories that are never put into practice.
3. Learn from people with more experience.
This is so key – in any area of life really – and can really help you to improve quickly and avoid wasting time.
When I started blogging I spent two or three weeks reading lots and lots from the massive archives of Problogger.net. I learned a lot about blogging, marketing, monetization and what you should and should not do. Before I started this blog I knew very little about blogging. After those weeks I at least had a basic education that was very helpful. If you are thinking about creating your own blog or have just started one I recommend reading the big series Blogging Tips for Beginners over at Problogger.
As mentioned above, experience is most important. But there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Getting a bit of basic education and learning about common pitfalls can cut down on your learning curve in any area of life.
4. You need to set limits and focus on just what is important.
I have cut back on reading blogs, on Facebook and internet in general. When you cut out the less important stuff your mind clears up. It becomes focused. It becomes light and inspired more often.
All of us have a lot of stuff going on. If you never cut out anything of the things you do now, how will you have time to do all that stuff you really want to do? How will you do something in the best way you can if you mind is constantly overflowing with information and stuff you don’t really need that much?
To make room for all the new and cool stuff you want to do it is very likely that you in the end have to let go of some of that old stuff in your life that feels oh so familiar and safe.
5. You get what you give.
I think any social interaction is to a large part about exchanging positive feelings and people giving some kind of value to each other. That value could be helpful hints, hugs, a listening ear, something fun or just new photos of Lady Gaga with some strange hat on.
This goes for blogging. This goes for any conversation or interaction.
If you are trying to get other people to always give you more value than you give them – in real life or on your blog – then you suck the positive feelings out of the place. And people will become less and less likely to want to hang around and interact with you.
6. More external validation won’t save you.
Every day I get dozens of messages via comments, email, Twitter and Facebook about how cool some article I wrote was or how awesome my blog or I am. It is pretty nice. Here’s the thing though: after a while your mind gets used to it. You don’t get giddy or overly happy. It becomes a part of life.
Now, some comments or emails make me really happy (usually the ones that are really specific about how some article helped someone to overcome a dark period in their life or solve a problem). And I do appreciate all the kind words. But nowadays I mostly look at it as being happy for the people who said the kind things because I am glad that something on my website could help them and that they are in such a good place that they feel like expressing their appreciation.
But my main point here is that your mind gets used to pretty much anything. So if you think that getting more validation from other people via a blog or some other place will somehow save you then you may be disappointed. It’s all good and nice. But in the end I do believe that the only way to pull yourself up out of not being that fond of yourself or low self esteem is by creating more inner validation of yourself. You can’t find that groundwork outside of yourself.
But you can find it on the inside by for example viewing other people and the world in a kinder light and letting that flow over to how you view yourself too. And by doing what you know deep down is right – taking action, being kind, being positive, acting in a mature way etc. – instead trying to take what may feel like the easy way out.
By doing such things you create an inner spring of validation and positive emotions. You become steadier, calmer and more centred.
7. Ideas and insights are fleeting.
Always keep a pen and paper close by. I don’t know how many ideas I would have never gotten to explore here if didn’t have this habit. If you forget the pen and paper and get some idea, pull out your cell phone and type it down there instead.
8. How you present it makes a big difference.
I changed the design of the blog – to the Thesis theme – a while ago and the rate of added subscribers and the offers from advertisers have increased. The blog looks more professional and therefore I believe it looks more trustworthy now than it did before. It leaves people with a better first impression.
The same thing goes for your clothes. For your appearance. For how you say something – mumbly and barely audible or with a loud and clear voice? – and how you move, sit and use your body.
No, the surface – or what may seem superficial – is not just what matters. But it does have a big impact. Don’t neglect it.
9. Don’t think about what everyone else may think.
If you have a blog then after your first big wave of new regulars has arrived you may start to experience a sort of stage fright. You may think: “Oh, now I have a hundred regular readers, a hundred Joes and Marys waiting for some new content”. And then you start second-guessing yourself and worry that someone will be upset, mock you or that you will somehow screw up big time.
I don’t think too much about how many readers there may be. Or what they will think. When I write I either think about it as discussion that I have with myself or something I am writing to just one reader. Or I just focus on the fun and excitement of the article I am writing and nothing more. Feeding your own fears will not help anyone.
This works the same in any other part of life. Don’t be too concerned about what people may think of you (but of course use your common sense). You can never please everyone. Focus on doing what you think is right instead and on getting approval from yourself.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Positive Routines.......
1. Do it first thing in the morning.
How you start your day tends to have a big influence on that day. It sets the context in your mind. I believe that one key to better consistency and improvement in your life is what you do early in the day. Three ways to get a good start to your day are these:
• A morning routine. Center yourself and get into an organized and productive mindset by adopting a morning routine. The morning routine – you can read about mine and the routines of the readers here – gets you into the right headspace to take on the rest of the day.
• Do the hardest/ most important/ most uncomfortable thing first in your day. If you start your day by doing it you will feel relieved. You feel relaxed and good about yourself. And the rest of the day – and your to-do list – tends to feel a lot lighter and easier to move through. It’s amazing what difference this one action makes.
• Start small. To get from a state where you just feel like sitting on your chair and doing nothing much to one where you take action over and over you can do this: start small. Getting started with your biggest task or most difficult action may seem too much and land you in Procrastinationland. So instead, start with something that doesn’t seem so hard. One of my favorites is simply to take a few minutes to clean my desk. After that the next thing doesn’t seem so difficult to get started with since I’m now in a more of a “take action” kind of mode. Experiment with this one and the previous tip and see which one that suits you the best. Or mix them up as you wish.
2. Do it one more time.
Don’t give up too soon. It is very easy to give into feeling that you done something enough times and it will never work. You have tried it as many times as you would expect people to do. But these expectations I believe are often a bit unrealistic.
Society, TV and advertising tell us that there is an almost instant solution to any of our problems. You can easily lose 30 pounds within a month. Or with little work and time invested have another extra 20 000 dollars in the bank.
So it is not unreasonable to think that success will come quickly. But instead of doing something as many times as you think others have done it, talk to and read about people who have actually done what you want to do. This will give you a more realistic picture of reality.
Oftentimes you may have to do it more than one more time. But I have often found that doing it just one more time, doing it that extra time even though you may start to feel that this won’t work, can bring the results you want in many cases. I actually feel a little bit of excitement sometimes when I feel like giving up because then I remember that at this point success is often not that far away.
3. Do the unusual thing.
When faced with a choice in your daily life, step back for a minute and think. Then take the option that is and feels unusual for you.
If you often back down just don’t for this one time. If you are often get into arguments with people then just this one time don’t and instead just let it go or treat the other person with kindness. Do the opposite of what you usually do and see what happens (while using common sense of course). Do something new and something you wouldn’t expect from yourself.
This is a fun a great way to get new experiences and learn things you wouldn’t if you kept going like you usually do.
Getting stuck in the same old routine until it becomes a rut can suck the life out of you. Doing the unusual thing in small and big situations, no matter how it goes, is a great way to feel alive again.
4. Do less.
How do you find time to do what you really want? How do you not get caught up in minor tasks and fill you day with them?
By setting limits. By being a bit ruthless and cutting down on the least important stuff. At some point you will probably have to be honest with yourself and realize that you can never fit all that you want into your day or week. Something has to go. Not only because it takes up time. But also because you only have so much energy, focus and creativity available during your day. If spend it on the less important things then all of that will be gone each day before you get to the big stuff.
It may not be fun to give up a couple of those TV-shows or hanging out on Facebook. But to make room for something new you sometimes have throw out a couple of old things.
5. Do your best.
Why should you do your best? Why not coast a bit and do just what is expected?
Three reasons:
• You get better results. Sometimes immediately. Often not right away, but as all your awesome work adds up you start to see new and exciting results.
• You raise your self esteem. I already mentioned this in last week’s article. When you do what you think is the right thing – like doing your best – then your self esteem goes up. If you just coast then you tend to feel kinda lame about yourself. So do awesome work and you feel awesome about yourself. Do ok work and feel ok about yourself.
• Deservedness. When you feel awesome about yourself you do also feel like you deserve more in life. So you go after it and you don’t self-sabotage as much when opportunities pop up.
How you start your day tends to have a big influence on that day. It sets the context in your mind. I believe that one key to better consistency and improvement in your life is what you do early in the day. Three ways to get a good start to your day are these:
• A morning routine. Center yourself and get into an organized and productive mindset by adopting a morning routine. The morning routine – you can read about mine and the routines of the readers here – gets you into the right headspace to take on the rest of the day.
• Do the hardest/ most important/ most uncomfortable thing first in your day. If you start your day by doing it you will feel relieved. You feel relaxed and good about yourself. And the rest of the day – and your to-do list – tends to feel a lot lighter and easier to move through. It’s amazing what difference this one action makes.
• Start small. To get from a state where you just feel like sitting on your chair and doing nothing much to one where you take action over and over you can do this: start small. Getting started with your biggest task or most difficult action may seem too much and land you in Procrastinationland. So instead, start with something that doesn’t seem so hard. One of my favorites is simply to take a few minutes to clean my desk. After that the next thing doesn’t seem so difficult to get started with since I’m now in a more of a “take action” kind of mode. Experiment with this one and the previous tip and see which one that suits you the best. Or mix them up as you wish.
2. Do it one more time.
Don’t give up too soon. It is very easy to give into feeling that you done something enough times and it will never work. You have tried it as many times as you would expect people to do. But these expectations I believe are often a bit unrealistic.
Society, TV and advertising tell us that there is an almost instant solution to any of our problems. You can easily lose 30 pounds within a month. Or with little work and time invested have another extra 20 000 dollars in the bank.
So it is not unreasonable to think that success will come quickly. But instead of doing something as many times as you think others have done it, talk to and read about people who have actually done what you want to do. This will give you a more realistic picture of reality.
Oftentimes you may have to do it more than one more time. But I have often found that doing it just one more time, doing it that extra time even though you may start to feel that this won’t work, can bring the results you want in many cases. I actually feel a little bit of excitement sometimes when I feel like giving up because then I remember that at this point success is often not that far away.
3. Do the unusual thing.
When faced with a choice in your daily life, step back for a minute and think. Then take the option that is and feels unusual for you.
If you often back down just don’t for this one time. If you are often get into arguments with people then just this one time don’t and instead just let it go or treat the other person with kindness. Do the opposite of what you usually do and see what happens (while using common sense of course). Do something new and something you wouldn’t expect from yourself.
This is a fun a great way to get new experiences and learn things you wouldn’t if you kept going like you usually do.
Getting stuck in the same old routine until it becomes a rut can suck the life out of you. Doing the unusual thing in small and big situations, no matter how it goes, is a great way to feel alive again.
4. Do less.
How do you find time to do what you really want? How do you not get caught up in minor tasks and fill you day with them?
By setting limits. By being a bit ruthless and cutting down on the least important stuff. At some point you will probably have to be honest with yourself and realize that you can never fit all that you want into your day or week. Something has to go. Not only because it takes up time. But also because you only have so much energy, focus and creativity available during your day. If spend it on the less important things then all of that will be gone each day before you get to the big stuff.
It may not be fun to give up a couple of those TV-shows or hanging out on Facebook. But to make room for something new you sometimes have throw out a couple of old things.
5. Do your best.
Why should you do your best? Why not coast a bit and do just what is expected?
Three reasons:
• You get better results. Sometimes immediately. Often not right away, but as all your awesome work adds up you start to see new and exciting results.
• You raise your self esteem. I already mentioned this in last week’s article. When you do what you think is the right thing – like doing your best – then your self esteem goes up. If you just coast then you tend to feel kinda lame about yourself. So do awesome work and you feel awesome about yourself. Do ok work and feel ok about yourself.
• Deservedness. When you feel awesome about yourself you do also feel like you deserve more in life. So you go after it and you don’t self-sabotage as much when opportunities pop up.
Friday, 13 November 2009
I read this and liked it.........
A few END-OF-THE-WEEK questions for YOU!
Did I make someone giggle, smile or laugh today?
Did I take the time to really listen to someone today, with rapt attention, as if nothing else mattered in that precious moment but the words they spoke and the look in their eyes?
Did I allow myself to focus on all the blessings in my life today instead of contemplating the things I don't have?
Did I take a moment to imagine what I would like to experience in my life, if for no other reason than in the imagining, is the living, and in the living, comes the joy and delight?
Did I let go today, let go of resentments and unforgivingness that I have been holding onto, all the while realizing that another person may be wounded too and struggling with their own pain?
Did I keep my word today, no matter how simple a promise I may have made, knowing it meant a whole lot to someone else?
Did I make a conscious choice just to be happy today, no matter what is happening in my own life, just for the next moment, and the next moment and the next?
Did I stop caring about what other people think of me, and give myself permission to be who I am regardless of their good opinion of me or not? Did I set myself free today just by doing that?
Was I successful in noticing and appreciating the bounty before me wherever I went or was I just too busy or lost in my own thoughts to notice?
Did I contribute something beautiful to the world today? A new creation of some kind, a poem, a dinner, a dance?
Was I kind today to anyone or anything that crossed my path, no matter how trivial or how monumental? Did I give away my heart?
Is one person richer because of me today, because of my presence on the planet, my essence, my decision to keep on going no matter what?
Did I learn something new today, something about life, something about myself, something about another that I didn't know before?
Did I let go of my attachment to being right today, and open my mind to the possibility of another way, without judgement?
Will someone sleep better tonight because of me? Will they awaken in the morning believing in themselves again, and walk with their head held high?
Was I the answer to someone's prayers today?
If today was to be my last day on the planet, would I feel happy about how I lived it?
Veronica Hay
Did I make someone giggle, smile or laugh today?
Did I take the time to really listen to someone today, with rapt attention, as if nothing else mattered in that precious moment but the words they spoke and the look in their eyes?
Did I allow myself to focus on all the blessings in my life today instead of contemplating the things I don't have?
Did I take a moment to imagine what I would like to experience in my life, if for no other reason than in the imagining, is the living, and in the living, comes the joy and delight?
Did I let go today, let go of resentments and unforgivingness that I have been holding onto, all the while realizing that another person may be wounded too and struggling with their own pain?
Did I keep my word today, no matter how simple a promise I may have made, knowing it meant a whole lot to someone else?
Did I make a conscious choice just to be happy today, no matter what is happening in my own life, just for the next moment, and the next moment and the next?
Did I stop caring about what other people think of me, and give myself permission to be who I am regardless of their good opinion of me or not? Did I set myself free today just by doing that?
Was I successful in noticing and appreciating the bounty before me wherever I went or was I just too busy or lost in my own thoughts to notice?
Did I contribute something beautiful to the world today? A new creation of some kind, a poem, a dinner, a dance?
Was I kind today to anyone or anything that crossed my path, no matter how trivial or how monumental? Did I give away my heart?
Is one person richer because of me today, because of my presence on the planet, my essence, my decision to keep on going no matter what?
Did I learn something new today, something about life, something about myself, something about another that I didn't know before?
Did I let go of my attachment to being right today, and open my mind to the possibility of another way, without judgement?
Will someone sleep better tonight because of me? Will they awaken in the morning believing in themselves again, and walk with their head held high?
Was I the answer to someone's prayers today?
If today was to be my last day on the planet, would I feel happy about how I lived it?
Veronica Hay
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Life in balance......
How many times have we been disappointed that one area of our life has fallen by the way side and we don't know how to get things back on an even keel?
There have been times that I have needed to find balance after period of confusion, disruption or turmoil and have struggled, but over the past few years I have found a simple technique that has helped me massively.
When I feel a life imbalance I simply strip my goals back to the bare bones and make sure that my life is line with the spine of the goals for example if my fitness goals are not going according to plan, I simply simplify it by looking at the simple end goal....i.e. to lose weight or run faster or run for longer...
I then apply this to the rest of my goals and make sure that they all run in the same direction i.e. My fitness goals are geared up to giving me more energy for work, my work goals are the method by which I can feed my money goals, my money goals feed my lifestyle goals etc.....
It has proven to be a simple yet effective method by which to get balance back in my life.
Hope all is fantastic.......
There have been times that I have needed to find balance after period of confusion, disruption or turmoil and have struggled, but over the past few years I have found a simple technique that has helped me massively.
When I feel a life imbalance I simply strip my goals back to the bare bones and make sure that my life is line with the spine of the goals for example if my fitness goals are not going according to plan, I simply simplify it by looking at the simple end goal....i.e. to lose weight or run faster or run for longer...
I then apply this to the rest of my goals and make sure that they all run in the same direction i.e. My fitness goals are geared up to giving me more energy for work, my work goals are the method by which I can feed my money goals, my money goals feed my lifestyle goals etc.....
It has proven to be a simple yet effective method by which to get balance back in my life.
Hope all is fantastic.......
Monday, 19 October 2009
Quote of the day.......
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause/who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails daring greatly."
~Theodore Roosevelt
~Theodore Roosevelt
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Hello......
Hi All,
Have been very busy recently, so sorry for the big delay in not adding to the blog!!!
I hope you are well, happy and healthy.
Recently I have come into contact with people that are experiencing various challenges in their lives and the common denominator with these people is that they do not recognise their inner strength depsite there being numerous clues in their history that tell that them they are passionate, successful, goal driven and loved.....
It is easy to forget the inner strength that we have when we are facing personal challenges. To make the journey to success and happiness easier, you must realise the personal achievements that you have are fantastic and give you a solid base on which to build.
Whether its physical, mental, emotional or some other challenge, you have the success template inside you to achieve.
You have the energy, power, experience and drive to change everything in your life.
Remember any negative experience is simply a way of shaping the way the future looks!
Good luck and happy travelling down the road of happiness.
Dave
Have been very busy recently, so sorry for the big delay in not adding to the blog!!!
I hope you are well, happy and healthy.
Recently I have come into contact with people that are experiencing various challenges in their lives and the common denominator with these people is that they do not recognise their inner strength depsite there being numerous clues in their history that tell that them they are passionate, successful, goal driven and loved.....
It is easy to forget the inner strength that we have when we are facing personal challenges. To make the journey to success and happiness easier, you must realise the personal achievements that you have are fantastic and give you a solid base on which to build.
Whether its physical, mental, emotional or some other challenge, you have the success template inside you to achieve.
You have the energy, power, experience and drive to change everything in your life.
Remember any negative experience is simply a way of shaping the way the future looks!
Good luck and happy travelling down the road of happiness.
Dave
Friday, 28 August 2009
You don't have to win all of the time........
...anyway there really isn't such a thing as losing if you view it in a positive way.
Apparently according to scientific research those people who are ultra ultra competitive and except nothing but a win are constantly disappointed in life and rarely reach the utopia that they are striving for. These people even rate some of their smaller successes lower than some other people would rate their failures!
Its ok to lose sometimes, as long as you learn a lesson from the experience......you only really lose if you don't take something positive from it. Whether it be sport, business, relationships or health the losses or negative experience gives us clues to where we need to improve.
The real champions in this world are those people who harness the experience, learn from it, move on and then apply it to the next experience.......when they lose they positively tell themselves that nothing like this will ever happen to them again!!!
So learn from the loss and turn it into a win......this isn't just positive mumbo jumbo.....it works!!!
Have a fantastic day.
Apparently according to scientific research those people who are ultra ultra competitive and except nothing but a win are constantly disappointed in life and rarely reach the utopia that they are striving for. These people even rate some of their smaller successes lower than some other people would rate their failures!
Its ok to lose sometimes, as long as you learn a lesson from the experience......you only really lose if you don't take something positive from it. Whether it be sport, business, relationships or health the losses or negative experience gives us clues to where we need to improve.
The real champions in this world are those people who harness the experience, learn from it, move on and then apply it to the next experience.......when they lose they positively tell themselves that nothing like this will ever happen to them again!!!
So learn from the loss and turn it into a win......this isn't just positive mumbo jumbo.....it works!!!
Have a fantastic day.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Its the way you look at it.......
I have been reading a book called 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People (not too sure who its by, but you can get it off Amazon). Its a superb little book, one of those that you can read whilst on the loo.......surely everyone reads, contemplates or passes the time away on the toilet?
One of the first chapters I read simply stated that it is how you view your world that dictates how your world plays out. The good thing about this book that it is based on scientific fact, whilst putting it in a easy read format.
The science states that many people have the same opportunities in life, the same experiences, the same foundation from which to grow......then why are some happy and some not? Why do some reach their goals whilst others bemoan their "unlucky" behaviour?........The science says its easy!!!! Its the way people view the world.....
So, you have to decide how do you want to live your life? Is it as a happy person or an unsatisfied person?......because its in your power to decide......all you have to do is change your view....
Look for the opportunities in everything, have your brief moments of release and then look for the next way to move forward......Keep a positive head on and it will all pan out for you.....
I am sure many of us know people, some close friends even, that are constantly bemoaning their bad luck and the fact they never achieve what they want.....help them out right now by rubbing some of your positive wisdom and outlook on them!
This isn't about being unrealistic with the positivity, its about looking for the clear opportunities in everything so you move forward.....
Do it today.......we have the power to change our own lives as well as those close to you...
Keep smiling and have a fantastic day.
One of the first chapters I read simply stated that it is how you view your world that dictates how your world plays out. The good thing about this book that it is based on scientific fact, whilst putting it in a easy read format.
The science states that many people have the same opportunities in life, the same experiences, the same foundation from which to grow......then why are some happy and some not? Why do some reach their goals whilst others bemoan their "unlucky" behaviour?........The science says its easy!!!! Its the way people view the world.....
So, you have to decide how do you want to live your life? Is it as a happy person or an unsatisfied person?......because its in your power to decide......all you have to do is change your view....
Look for the opportunities in everything, have your brief moments of release and then look for the next way to move forward......Keep a positive head on and it will all pan out for you.....
I am sure many of us know people, some close friends even, that are constantly bemoaning their bad luck and the fact they never achieve what they want.....help them out right now by rubbing some of your positive wisdom and outlook on them!
This isn't about being unrealistic with the positivity, its about looking for the clear opportunities in everything so you move forward.....
Do it today.......we have the power to change our own lives as well as those close to you...
Keep smiling and have a fantastic day.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Thought of the day........
Thought Of The Day
"You can't feel resentment and gratitude at the same time. One will always drive out the other. So the question is: Which would you rather be-angry or happy? Indignant or grateful? Upset or serene? Would you rather hold onto your self-righteous resentment or fill your heart with forgiveness and gratitude?"
~Mac Anderson and BJ Gallagher, authors
Learning to Dance in the Rain
"You can't feel resentment and gratitude at the same time. One will always drive out the other. So the question is: Which would you rather be-angry or happy? Indignant or grateful? Upset or serene? Would you rather hold onto your self-righteous resentment or fill your heart with forgiveness and gratitude?"
~Mac Anderson and BJ Gallagher, authors
Learning to Dance in the Rain
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
A World Class Attitude Leads to World Class Happiness
I have been reading a book recently called 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold and it is awesome. I would recommend everyone gets a copy. If you read a chapter everyday in the morning it will set you on the right track.
The chapter this morning focus's on the fact that world class achievers are focussed on attitude as their starting point. They believe that the better attitude you have the happier you are in life.
Whilst the average person sees the idea of positivity and attitude as fluff and rah rah language, the world class sees it as the cornerstone of life and success. They realise that their attitude impacts on everyone they meet and everything they do.
The world class can literally talk themselves into the attitude they wish to have! Its amazing and a great skill to have.
So, when you are on your way to work, on your way home or on your way out.....make sure you attitude is in line with how happy you want to be.......are you thinking and acting positively?
Have a fantastic day.......
The chapter this morning focus's on the fact that world class achievers are focussed on attitude as their starting point. They believe that the better attitude you have the happier you are in life.
Whilst the average person sees the idea of positivity and attitude as fluff and rah rah language, the world class sees it as the cornerstone of life and success. They realise that their attitude impacts on everyone they meet and everything they do.
The world class can literally talk themselves into the attitude they wish to have! Its amazing and a great skill to have.
So, when you are on your way to work, on your way home or on your way out.....make sure you attitude is in line with how happy you want to be.......are you thinking and acting positively?
Have a fantastic day.......
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Inspirational..........
Learning to Dance in the Rain
by Mac Anderson and BJ Gallagher
The date was July 16, 2008. It was late in the afternoon and I was sitting in my hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky. I was scheduled to speak that evening for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA). I was a little "down in the dumps." I hadn't gotten to exercise lately because of my traveling schedule and recently I'd experienced some mild bouts of vertigo (that inner ear condition that can cause the room to start spinning.) You got it...speaking and "spinning" are not good partners!
My keynote presentation was scheduled for 7:00 PM, but I had been invited to show up at 6:00 to see a performance they said I'd enjoy. Little did I know that I was about to see something I would never forget.
They introduced the young musician. Welcome...Mr. Patrick Henry Hughes. He was rolled onto the stage in his wheelchair, and began to play the piano. His fingers danced across the keys as he made beautiful music.
He then began to sing as he played, and it was even more beautiful. For some reason, however, I knew that I was seeing something special. There was this aura about him that I really can't explain and the smile...his smile was magic!
About ten minutes into Patrick's performance, someone came on the stage and said..."I'd like to share a 7-minute video titled, The Patrick Henry Hughes story." And the lights went dim.
Patrick Henry Hughes was born with no eyes, and a tightening of the joints which left him crippled for life. However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair. Before his first birthday, he discovered the piano. His mom said, "I could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he'd get it." By his second birthday, he was playing requests (You Are My Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). His father was ecstatic. "We might not play baseball, but we can play music together."
Today, Patrick is a junior at the University of Louisville. His father attends classes with him and he's made nearly all A's, with the exception of 3 B's He's also a part of the 214 member marching band. You read it right...the marching band! He's a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player; and he and his father do it together. They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick's fans. In order to attend Patrick's classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS. Patrick said..."My dad's my hero."
But even more than his unbelievable musical talent, it was Patrick's "attitude of gratitude" that touched my soul. On stage, between songs, he would talk to the audience about his life and about how blessed he was. He said, "God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability...the musical gifts I have...the great opportunity to meet new people."
When his performance was over, Patrick and his father were on the stage together. The crowd rose to their feet and cheered for over five minutes. It gave me giant goose bumps!
My life was ready to meet Patrick Henry Hughes. I needed a hero, and I found one for the ages. If I live to be a hundred, I'll never forget that night, that smile, that music, but most importantly, that wonderful "attitude of gratitude."
I returned to Chicago and shared Patrick's story with my wife, my friends, and our team at Simple Truths. About two weeks later, I received a letter from a friend. He said, "Mac, I don't know who said it, but I think you'll love this quote."
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning how to dance in the rain!"
I thought...that's it! We all face adversity in our life. However, it's not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life. During tough times, do we spend too much time feeling sorry for ourselves, or, can we, with gratitude...learn how to dance in the rain?
It almost sounds too simple to feel important, but one word...gratitude, can change your attitude, thus, your life, forever. Sarah Breathnack said it best...
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."
by Mac Anderson and BJ Gallagher
The date was July 16, 2008. It was late in the afternoon and I was sitting in my hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky. I was scheduled to speak that evening for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA). I was a little "down in the dumps." I hadn't gotten to exercise lately because of my traveling schedule and recently I'd experienced some mild bouts of vertigo (that inner ear condition that can cause the room to start spinning.) You got it...speaking and "spinning" are not good partners!
My keynote presentation was scheduled for 7:00 PM, but I had been invited to show up at 6:00 to see a performance they said I'd enjoy. Little did I know that I was about to see something I would never forget.
They introduced the young musician. Welcome...Mr. Patrick Henry Hughes. He was rolled onto the stage in his wheelchair, and began to play the piano. His fingers danced across the keys as he made beautiful music.
He then began to sing as he played, and it was even more beautiful. For some reason, however, I knew that I was seeing something special. There was this aura about him that I really can't explain and the smile...his smile was magic!
About ten minutes into Patrick's performance, someone came on the stage and said..."I'd like to share a 7-minute video titled, The Patrick Henry Hughes story." And the lights went dim.
Patrick Henry Hughes was born with no eyes, and a tightening of the joints which left him crippled for life. However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair. Before his first birthday, he discovered the piano. His mom said, "I could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he'd get it." By his second birthday, he was playing requests (You Are My Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). His father was ecstatic. "We might not play baseball, but we can play music together."
Today, Patrick is a junior at the University of Louisville. His father attends classes with him and he's made nearly all A's, with the exception of 3 B's He's also a part of the 214 member marching band. You read it right...the marching band! He's a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player; and he and his father do it together. They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick's fans. In order to attend Patrick's classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS. Patrick said..."My dad's my hero."
But even more than his unbelievable musical talent, it was Patrick's "attitude of gratitude" that touched my soul. On stage, between songs, he would talk to the audience about his life and about how blessed he was. He said, "God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability...the musical gifts I have...the great opportunity to meet new people."
When his performance was over, Patrick and his father were on the stage together. The crowd rose to their feet and cheered for over five minutes. It gave me giant goose bumps!
My life was ready to meet Patrick Henry Hughes. I needed a hero, and I found one for the ages. If I live to be a hundred, I'll never forget that night, that smile, that music, but most importantly, that wonderful "attitude of gratitude."
I returned to Chicago and shared Patrick's story with my wife, my friends, and our team at Simple Truths. About two weeks later, I received a letter from a friend. He said, "Mac, I don't know who said it, but I think you'll love this quote."
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning how to dance in the rain!"
I thought...that's it! We all face adversity in our life. However, it's not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life. During tough times, do we spend too much time feeling sorry for ourselves, or, can we, with gratitude...learn how to dance in the rain?
It almost sounds too simple to feel important, but one word...gratitude, can change your attitude, thus, your life, forever. Sarah Breathnack said it best...
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."
Thursday, 23 July 2009
A quick burst of positivity
I have been reading a book called Ask And It Is Given and it is a fantastic book. It clearly defines the power of the Law of Attraction.
Remember in our Universe there is nothing preventing you from attracting all that you want......except your thoughts......remember we have said that thoughts become things and if you give something enough thought and positive energy, it will come into your experience. However, remember that goes for unwanted things as well......whatever you think about you bring about.....
I would really recommend that you read Ask and It Is Given as it clearly gives you some fantastic methods by which you can effectively manage your thoughts and bring a blast of positivity into your life.....
Remember we are ALL powerful human doings with the propensity to change our own lives.......we just have to start thinking and acting in a way that is focussed on success.
Have a cracking evening........
Remember in our Universe there is nothing preventing you from attracting all that you want......except your thoughts......remember we have said that thoughts become things and if you give something enough thought and positive energy, it will come into your experience. However, remember that goes for unwanted things as well......whatever you think about you bring about.....
I would really recommend that you read Ask and It Is Given as it clearly gives you some fantastic methods by which you can effectively manage your thoughts and bring a blast of positivity into your life.....
Remember we are ALL powerful human doings with the propensity to change our own lives.......we just have to start thinking and acting in a way that is focussed on success.
Have a cracking evening........
Friday, 26 June 2009
Disaster in defeat or opportunity?
I was listening to Tony Robbins on the way to work this morning and he really struck a chord with me!
I am a massive fan of Tony Robbins and really believe the things that he teaches. This morning he was talking about looking for the opportunity in defeat......he even went as far to say that when we are facing defeat, if we look hard enough, we can find our destiny.......
The example that he uses is from the film Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner. In part of the film Kevin Costner is talking to the town doctor, who is explaning to Kevin about how he played one season of Major League Baseball until he was dropped after playing in only one game.......Kevin looked at him and said that he must have been devastated and distraught to not have fulfilled his life long dream of batting in Major League Baseball.
The doctor turns to Kevin and says that that it isn't devastating and neither has it caused him to be distraught because he would have never have become a doctor if he hadn't been dropped.....he would never have saved peoples lives, delivered babies and cured people.......so in the face of adversity and defeat the Doctor found his true calling.......he fulfilled his destiny....
Now, although this is a hollywood film and you would be forgiven for being a bit sceptical, there is massive truth in the fact that when we face huge adversity in our lives, those people who believe that they will be bigger, faster, stronger, happier and wiser will ALWAYS end up better off and moving on....you know why.....its not difficult....because they look for it......
There are people that, when faced with adversity, believe that they will be worse off, become a lesser person, be lonely, be weak.......guess what.....will become all of those things.......because they look for it.
In all but one of the relationships I have had, I have always believed that I would be lonely, weaker, a lesser person than i could be.......and guess what I was!!!! Until the final relationship that ended...where I decided unequivocally that I would faster, stronger, better and more amazing then I had ever been....and guess what I am...I am now in an amazing relationship and have never been this happy......all because I chose to be........
Defeat simply presents you with lots more opportunities to succeed and maybe even to fulfil your destiny......so look for the positives.....it can only bring you amazing things.......
I am a massive fan of Tony Robbins and really believe the things that he teaches. This morning he was talking about looking for the opportunity in defeat......he even went as far to say that when we are facing defeat, if we look hard enough, we can find our destiny.......
The example that he uses is from the film Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner. In part of the film Kevin Costner is talking to the town doctor, who is explaning to Kevin about how he played one season of Major League Baseball until he was dropped after playing in only one game.......Kevin looked at him and said that he must have been devastated and distraught to not have fulfilled his life long dream of batting in Major League Baseball.
The doctor turns to Kevin and says that that it isn't devastating and neither has it caused him to be distraught because he would have never have become a doctor if he hadn't been dropped.....he would never have saved peoples lives, delivered babies and cured people.......so in the face of adversity and defeat the Doctor found his true calling.......he fulfilled his destiny....
Now, although this is a hollywood film and you would be forgiven for being a bit sceptical, there is massive truth in the fact that when we face huge adversity in our lives, those people who believe that they will be bigger, faster, stronger, happier and wiser will ALWAYS end up better off and moving on....you know why.....its not difficult....because they look for it......
There are people that, when faced with adversity, believe that they will be worse off, become a lesser person, be lonely, be weak.......guess what.....will become all of those things.......because they look for it.
In all but one of the relationships I have had, I have always believed that I would be lonely, weaker, a lesser person than i could be.......and guess what I was!!!! Until the final relationship that ended...where I decided unequivocally that I would faster, stronger, better and more amazing then I had ever been....and guess what I am...I am now in an amazing relationship and have never been this happy......all because I chose to be........
Defeat simply presents you with lots more opportunities to succeed and maybe even to fulfil your destiny......so look for the positives.....it can only bring you amazing things.......
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
I read this and thought of you.......
Think About What You Think About
Ed Foreman is the only person in 100 years to be elected to the U.S. Congress from two states—New Mexico and Texas. He’s had enormous success as an entrepreneur, and for more than a quarter century, he has been helping people to have better lives with his Successful Life Course.
Here are some of his principles for having a terrific day every day:
• "Life comes to you every day and says, Here’s the menu for the day. You can either have a terrible day or a terrific day. And you get to choose the side of the menu you are going to take."
• Put something positive in your mind when you first wake up. "When you first awaken, you’re at the alpha level of your subconscious mind, which is the maximum brain energy learning level. And whatever you put into your mind during those first few minutes begins the programming of your day."
• Take a walk in the morning to watch the world wake up. "Observe the beauty in nature around you, smell the freshness in the air, begin to appreciate and give thanks for the many blessings you enjoy."
• If you are thinking about unhappiness or adversity, change the channel. "I tell people to think about what you’re thinking about. And if you’re not thinking good thoughts, then change the channel to what you want to have happen."
"My definition of success is the difference between where you are and the use of your full potential. Each of you has a multiplicity of talents, and you need to exercise all of your potential to reach your dreams," Hansen says.
Ed Foreman is the only person in 100 years to be elected to the U.S. Congress from two states—New Mexico and Texas. He’s had enormous success as an entrepreneur, and for more than a quarter century, he has been helping people to have better lives with his Successful Life Course.
Here are some of his principles for having a terrific day every day:
• "Life comes to you every day and says, Here’s the menu for the day. You can either have a terrible day or a terrific day. And you get to choose the side of the menu you are going to take."
• Put something positive in your mind when you first wake up. "When you first awaken, you’re at the alpha level of your subconscious mind, which is the maximum brain energy learning level. And whatever you put into your mind during those first few minutes begins the programming of your day."
• Take a walk in the morning to watch the world wake up. "Observe the beauty in nature around you, smell the freshness in the air, begin to appreciate and give thanks for the many blessings you enjoy."
• If you are thinking about unhappiness or adversity, change the channel. "I tell people to think about what you’re thinking about. And if you’re not thinking good thoughts, then change the channel to what you want to have happen."
"My definition of success is the difference between where you are and the use of your full potential. Each of you has a multiplicity of talents, and you need to exercise all of your potential to reach your dreams," Hansen says.
The mood lottery.......
How many of us allow our mood to be dictated by the traffic in the morning.....or by the good/bad nights sleep you had......or the way in which your partner spoke to you last night/this morning?
Its amazing isn't it when we think about our mood and attitude and how we allow ourselves to be affected by our surroundings or people around us?
The good news is though that your day doesn't have to start with a mood lottery....where what you are thinking and feeling is pot luck. There are some simple techniques that you can use to set yourself on the right path each day.....
1: When you wake up in the morning immediately focus on what you are grateful for. Have visual trigger in your immediate view when you wake up that says.....I thankful and grateful because.......
2: Make sure your environment is condusive to positive thinking....are you listening to your favourite music on the way to work? Are you watching positive TV before you leave in the morning? Are you focussing on what you are going to achieve?
3: Use positive language throughout the day.....YES even when things don't go your way....KEEP IT POSITIVE!!!
4: Look throughout the day at the small wins as well as the big ones! The small ones, if there's enough of them, add up to big ones!!!!!
5: Surround yourself with people that are on the same wave length as you.....educate those negative people in your life about the power of positivity.......
I am truly blessed to having an amazingly positive partner, work colleagues where positivity oozes out of them and family/friends that are massively supportive.......BUT none of this would matter if I wasn't positive myself.....
Remember your mood is dictated by YOU not someone/something else......
Have a cracking day
Its amazing isn't it when we think about our mood and attitude and how we allow ourselves to be affected by our surroundings or people around us?
The good news is though that your day doesn't have to start with a mood lottery....where what you are thinking and feeling is pot luck. There are some simple techniques that you can use to set yourself on the right path each day.....
1: When you wake up in the morning immediately focus on what you are grateful for. Have visual trigger in your immediate view when you wake up that says.....I thankful and grateful because.......
2: Make sure your environment is condusive to positive thinking....are you listening to your favourite music on the way to work? Are you watching positive TV before you leave in the morning? Are you focussing on what you are going to achieve?
3: Use positive language throughout the day.....YES even when things don't go your way....KEEP IT POSITIVE!!!
4: Look throughout the day at the small wins as well as the big ones! The small ones, if there's enough of them, add up to big ones!!!!!
5: Surround yourself with people that are on the same wave length as you.....educate those negative people in your life about the power of positivity.......
I am truly blessed to having an amazingly positive partner, work colleagues where positivity oozes out of them and family/friends that are massively supportive.......BUT none of this would matter if I wasn't positive myself.....
Remember your mood is dictated by YOU not someone/something else......
Have a cracking day
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Friends..........
FRIENDSHIP
A real friend increases your self-esteem
A real friend shows genuine affection
A real friend does not judge you.
A real friend is there when the crocodiles attack.
A real friend makes you a better person.
Why not be a real friend to someone?
I read this the other day and it struck a chord with me! It made me think alot about the sort of friend I am to the people closest to me......Could I say that I am all the above ALL the time.....no......but am I all the above MOST of the time? Yes.....
It is important to remember that no matter how things are going in our own lives it is still important to be there for others.....by making sure you are a true friend means that you will in turn recieve the same back when you most need it....
Sometimes we get so immersed in our own world that we fail to put our head above the water and look at whats going on with other people......
So today, do one thing for a friend that is unexpected, something that will mean a lot to them....even the smallest things make a difference if its out of the ordinary.....even a cup of tea if you never normally make them one!!!
Have a cracking day.
A real friend increases your self-esteem
A real friend shows genuine affection
A real friend does not judge you.
A real friend is there when the crocodiles attack.
A real friend makes you a better person.
Why not be a real friend to someone?
I read this the other day and it struck a chord with me! It made me think alot about the sort of friend I am to the people closest to me......Could I say that I am all the above ALL the time.....no......but am I all the above MOST of the time? Yes.....
It is important to remember that no matter how things are going in our own lives it is still important to be there for others.....by making sure you are a true friend means that you will in turn recieve the same back when you most need it....
Sometimes we get so immersed in our own world that we fail to put our head above the water and look at whats going on with other people......
So today, do one thing for a friend that is unexpected, something that will mean a lot to them....even the smallest things make a difference if its out of the ordinary.....even a cup of tea if you never normally make them one!!!
Have a cracking day.
Saturday, 20 June 2009
The environment........
Although the problem of global environment change is an issue, it is not that sort of environment that I want to talk about......
I want to talk about the climate/environment that you live in on a day to day basis.......Is it conducive to your success.
When you look around your flat/house/car/office and feel inspired? Do you feel like it supports you in the goals that you set yourself? Whatr reminders do you have posted around so that when you are having a moment of weakness you are reminded of the end goal......
It is imperative that the environment that we live in is geared up to help you and support you......remember we have the power to change anything in our environment.
But it doesn't have to be drastic change....what about changing the screen saver on your desktop to one that is in line with your goals (I have a picture of South Africa on mine!)....or a picture of your perfect body (if thats one of your goals) where you can see it every day or a reminder in your car so that you can see it on the way to work.
It's also important to keep these visual reminders changing every month or 3 months so they don't just become part of the everyday scenery and blend into the background.....mix it up a bit!!
Make you environment work for you and help to keep you focussed....its an easy yet effective thing to do......
Have a cracking weekend.
I want to talk about the climate/environment that you live in on a day to day basis.......Is it conducive to your success.
When you look around your flat/house/car/office and feel inspired? Do you feel like it supports you in the goals that you set yourself? Whatr reminders do you have posted around so that when you are having a moment of weakness you are reminded of the end goal......
It is imperative that the environment that we live in is geared up to help you and support you......remember we have the power to change anything in our environment.
But it doesn't have to be drastic change....what about changing the screen saver on your desktop to one that is in line with your goals (I have a picture of South Africa on mine!)....or a picture of your perfect body (if thats one of your goals) where you can see it every day or a reminder in your car so that you can see it on the way to work.
It's also important to keep these visual reminders changing every month or 3 months so they don't just become part of the everyday scenery and blend into the background.....mix it up a bit!!
Make you environment work for you and help to keep you focussed....its an easy yet effective thing to do......
Have a cracking weekend.
Friday, 19 June 2009
Don't beat yourself up.......
Have you ever been on the trail of reaching your goals and suddenly you find yourself wavering slightly on your standards or not keeping to the processes that you planned?
Do you berate yourself for this? Do you get angry at yourself? If so then I am pleased to say that this happens for a reason!!! These minor setbacks make reaching the end goal even sweeter than before, because you know that you have overcome the feelings of adversity as well as reaching your target.
It is also a signal for yourself that you need to sit down and refresh the goals that you are striving for....sit down and take some time to make sure that the goals are structured properly and that they serve you.......remember if your goals are unreaslistic or do not have a step by step process in place to get there then they will be counter productive.
So you may berate yourself for 'falling off the wagon' but make sure that you recognise that this is a signal for you to revisit your goals and make them exciting and make sure they get your juices flowing........
Do you berate yourself for this? Do you get angry at yourself? If so then I am pleased to say that this happens for a reason!!! These minor setbacks make reaching the end goal even sweeter than before, because you know that you have overcome the feelings of adversity as well as reaching your target.
It is also a signal for yourself that you need to sit down and refresh the goals that you are striving for....sit down and take some time to make sure that the goals are structured properly and that they serve you.......remember if your goals are unreaslistic or do not have a step by step process in place to get there then they will be counter productive.
So you may berate yourself for 'falling off the wagon' but make sure that you recognise that this is a signal for you to revisit your goals and make them exciting and make sure they get your juices flowing........
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Inspirational Poem
Our Deepest Fear
By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Changes.......
The world at the moment is going through a massive period of change that can either be seen as a positive change or negative change.
For anyone to keep motivated in the transitional stage that we are at you MUST see the opportunity in everything you do. In every setback, negative outcome and troubled scenario there is a fantastic opportunity to become far better at what you do.
Harness every experience that you have to move yourself forward and become stronger.
Keep positive.
For anyone to keep motivated in the transitional stage that we are at you MUST see the opportunity in everything you do. In every setback, negative outcome and troubled scenario there is a fantastic opportunity to become far better at what you do.
Harness every experience that you have to move yourself forward and become stronger.
Keep positive.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Inspiration.......
For those of you that are ever in need of inspiration and a push in the right direction for motivation then you should read Lance Armstrongs book Its Not About The Bike.
For those of you that don't know who Lance Armstrong is....which I will be surprised.......he is one of the worlds leading professional cyclists and has won the Tour De France 7 times the first of which believe it or not he didn't win until after he had overcome his biggest obstacle......Testicular Cancer.
In a recent article I read in Success Magazine, Lance was asked how he had got himself back in the saddle after beating cancer. He responded by saying the he pretty much did the following (this is an abridged version and not word for word)
1: He decided that he was going to do it - He changed his belief systems and convinced himself that he could do it.
2: He re-trained his body to levels that he had never taken them to before. He saw the cancer as an opportunity, because it had made him more leaner therefore making it easier for him to climb mountains on the bike.
3: He went harder, faster and stronger than ever before
4: He failed - But in every failure he saw an opportunity to improve and get better.
5: He had the backing of friends, family and team mates behind him
6: He faced all the fears that were in his life head on and beat them knowing that he had beaten the toughest thing......death!!!
I think in current times we can learn a great deal from Lance Armstrong when we are own challenges in life. I am not trivialising cancer, far from it, but I am showing you how you can turn adversity into opportunity and thrive.
Keep that head up and keep positive.
For those of you that don't know who Lance Armstrong is....which I will be surprised.......he is one of the worlds leading professional cyclists and has won the Tour De France 7 times the first of which believe it or not he didn't win until after he had overcome his biggest obstacle......Testicular Cancer.
In a recent article I read in Success Magazine, Lance was asked how he had got himself back in the saddle after beating cancer. He responded by saying the he pretty much did the following (this is an abridged version and not word for word)
1: He decided that he was going to do it - He changed his belief systems and convinced himself that he could do it.
2: He re-trained his body to levels that he had never taken them to before. He saw the cancer as an opportunity, because it had made him more leaner therefore making it easier for him to climb mountains on the bike.
3: He went harder, faster and stronger than ever before
4: He failed - But in every failure he saw an opportunity to improve and get better.
5: He had the backing of friends, family and team mates behind him
6: He faced all the fears that were in his life head on and beat them knowing that he had beaten the toughest thing......death!!!
I think in current times we can learn a great deal from Lance Armstrong when we are own challenges in life. I am not trivialising cancer, far from it, but I am showing you how you can turn adversity into opportunity and thrive.
Keep that head up and keep positive.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Champions
I have had a number of instances recently when I have had to check my thinking.....I have been thinking like an amateur, and it has only been down to quick thinking of my girlfriend that helped me alter my thoughts and start behaving and believing like a champion.
I have been venting off some steam and she has taken the logical approach, where I have been emotional.....sometimes the emotional side of us rules supreme especially when you are thinking that you have been wronged or are under pressure!!!!!
It is key to remember that you MUST continue to think like a champion in EVERY situation.....let the small irrelevant things go....let the amateurs think about them......you need to think of the bigger picture and rise above the small challenges and move forward....
Keep moving forward and keep positive....believe me your world is will be a far better place when you always focus on the positive and whats good in your life.......think like a champion.
I have been venting off some steam and she has taken the logical approach, where I have been emotional.....sometimes the emotional side of us rules supreme especially when you are thinking that you have been wronged or are under pressure!!!!!
It is key to remember that you MUST continue to think like a champion in EVERY situation.....let the small irrelevant things go....let the amateurs think about them......you need to think of the bigger picture and rise above the small challenges and move forward....
Keep moving forward and keep positive....believe me your world is will be a far better place when you always focus on the positive and whats good in your life.......think like a champion.
Day by day.......
When staying positive and motivated becomes difficult on a day to day basis, it is essential that you take something positive out of every day....no matter how small it is.
People talk about being thankful for what you have got and how that makes a positive impact on your life, but sometimes that might seem repititive and non effective. You should definitely be grateful for all the material and spiritual things you have in life and this can set you off on the right foot.....but remember at the end of every day for you to move forward and reach your goals you must highlight all the positive things you achieve every day.
Ask yourself.......What was great about today? What positivity can you take from each day? Write it down.....say it out loud to friends.....keep a record of it every day and then read over it at the end of the week and see how it makes you feel.......
Have a cracking day.......
People talk about being thankful for what you have got and how that makes a positive impact on your life, but sometimes that might seem repititive and non effective. You should definitely be grateful for all the material and spiritual things you have in life and this can set you off on the right foot.....but remember at the end of every day for you to move forward and reach your goals you must highlight all the positive things you achieve every day.
Ask yourself.......What was great about today? What positivity can you take from each day? Write it down.....say it out loud to friends.....keep a record of it every day and then read over it at the end of the week and see how it makes you feel.......
Have a cracking day.......
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Quote of the day........
Cushion the painful effects of hard blows by keeping the
enthusiasm going strong, even if doing so requires struggle.
--Norman Vincent Peale
enthusiasm going strong, even if doing so requires struggle.
--Norman Vincent Peale
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Quote of the day.......
"I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves."
Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt
1767-1835, German Statesman
Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt
1767-1835, German Statesman
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Knowledge is only ever powerful when you share it with others......
I have recently been reading a book called 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by a chap called Steve Siebold......what an amazing book. For those of you who are focussed on self development then this is the book for you....
I have just read Secret Number 74 which talks about the power of knowledge and what to do with it. It is a common misconception that knowledge is power, but I am of the opinion that it is the application and sharing of this knowledge with others that is the powerful aspect of it.
Champions share the wealth of knowledge that they have have with others as they are coming from more of a spiritual level as opposed to an egotistical one. The ego feeds of the need to feel important and regard yourself in a higher position than others. The spiritual side of us is a self confident and loving entity that feels no threat when sharing ideas and knowledge with others.
So for you grow into a champion you MUST realise that the sharing of knowledge can only help you grow and reach your goals. So what are you holding back on today that could help someone? Where have you thought that you don't want to give someone some knowledge for fear that it might make them better than you?
Go on be a champion and share all the wonderful information that you have.......and there's plenty more than you think there is.......
I have just read Secret Number 74 which talks about the power of knowledge and what to do with it. It is a common misconception that knowledge is power, but I am of the opinion that it is the application and sharing of this knowledge with others that is the powerful aspect of it.
Champions share the wealth of knowledge that they have have with others as they are coming from more of a spiritual level as opposed to an egotistical one. The ego feeds of the need to feel important and regard yourself in a higher position than others. The spiritual side of us is a self confident and loving entity that feels no threat when sharing ideas and knowledge with others.
So for you grow into a champion you MUST realise that the sharing of knowledge can only help you grow and reach your goals. So what are you holding back on today that could help someone? Where have you thought that you don't want to give someone some knowledge for fear that it might make them better than you?
Go on be a champion and share all the wonderful information that you have.......and there's plenty more than you think there is.......
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Quote of the day........
"Remember, success is not measured by heights attained but by obstacles overcome. We're going to pass through many obstacles in our lives: good days, bad days. But the successful person will overcome those obstacles and constantly move forward."
Bruce Jenner
Olympian, Speaker and Entrepreneur
Bruce Jenner
Olympian, Speaker and Entrepreneur
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Talking to yourself isn't a sign of madness......
.....its talking negatively to yourself, thats where the mad part comes in!!!
We all talk to ourselves in some way shape or form at some time and the content of what we say is massively important.
Have you ever had a situation where you have done something or said something and then have proceeded to verbally berate yourself because you didn't get the outcome that you wanted? This is an important and vulnerable time in which you can either positively learn from the experience or negatively reinforce the mistake that you have made which could prevent you from growing, cause you to continue to make the mistake or, even worse, never attempt to achieve the result you want in the same situation again.
It is crucial to look for the positives in the situation whatever the result is and immediately ensure that your language is positively reinforcing the lessons you can learn. So ask yourself what you could have done better? What are you going to do better next time? How are you going to positively reinforce the next time?
Remember the following equation:
E + R = 0
Experience + Response-Ability = Outcome
From positive reinforcement you can learn from your experience and next time you are in the same situation you can decide on what your Outcome needs to be, by drawing on your experience and knowing that you have the abilty to deal with any response.....perfect......
Have a cracking weekend.
We all talk to ourselves in some way shape or form at some time and the content of what we say is massively important.
Have you ever had a situation where you have done something or said something and then have proceeded to verbally berate yourself because you didn't get the outcome that you wanted? This is an important and vulnerable time in which you can either positively learn from the experience or negatively reinforce the mistake that you have made which could prevent you from growing, cause you to continue to make the mistake or, even worse, never attempt to achieve the result you want in the same situation again.
It is crucial to look for the positives in the situation whatever the result is and immediately ensure that your language is positively reinforcing the lessons you can learn. So ask yourself what you could have done better? What are you going to do better next time? How are you going to positively reinforce the next time?
Remember the following equation:
E + R = 0
Experience + Response-Ability = Outcome
From positive reinforcement you can learn from your experience and next time you are in the same situation you can decide on what your Outcome needs to be, by drawing on your experience and knowing that you have the abilty to deal with any response.....perfect......
Have a cracking weekend.
Friday, 20 March 2009
A limerick....
HAPPINESS
OK, another limerick…
It’s hard to find joy, some say
In a world full of decay.
The pursuit of happiness
Amid all the crappiness
Seems like trying to swim through clay
…so it’s time to start molding that clay, shaping it, forming it.
Before you know it, you have a swimming pool you can fill with warm, tropical water. The world is not decaying as long as you are forming it.
OK, another limerick…
It’s hard to find joy, some say
In a world full of decay.
The pursuit of happiness
Amid all the crappiness
Seems like trying to swim through clay
…so it’s time to start molding that clay, shaping it, forming it.
Before you know it, you have a swimming pool you can fill with warm, tropical water. The world is not decaying as long as you are forming it.
Quote of the day.......
"The great successful men of the world have used their imaginations.....they think ahead and create their mental picture, and the go to work materialising that picture in all its details, filling in here, adding a little there, altering this bit, but steadily building, steadily building" - Robert Collier
Thursday, 19 March 2009
What are you putting........
Time to sharpen the decision making skills again!!!
What are you putting off in your life that you KNOW must be done for you to feel like you are moving on? What are the clear decisions you are not taking and what are the reasons for this?
It could be anything - business, family, friends, health, wealth.........
Believe me the moment you clean out your closet of decision making you will have masses of empty space to put other useful things in there.....
Is there something that you are putting off because you are scared of what will happen.......believe me the result won't be as bad as you think it will be!!
Are you putting something off because you feel you don't know how to say or do it.....believe me when you DECIDE to do it, they way will materialise for you......
Or is it simply because you don't know whether its the right thing to do......well there's only one way to find out.......do it......
It is our moments of decision that our destiny is shaped and once you make the change your life will change for the better, even if the result of the action you take isn't a positive experience for you, it still means that you have flexed those decision making muscles and you now know that you can do it!!!
So make list of the the things you have been putting off and start ticking them off one by one.....you will have an amazing release of energy and feel like the weight has been lifted off your shoulders....
What are you putting off in your life that you KNOW must be done for you to feel like you are moving on? What are the clear decisions you are not taking and what are the reasons for this?
It could be anything - business, family, friends, health, wealth.........
Believe me the moment you clean out your closet of decision making you will have masses of empty space to put other useful things in there.....
Is there something that you are putting off because you are scared of what will happen.......believe me the result won't be as bad as you think it will be!!
Are you putting something off because you feel you don't know how to say or do it.....believe me when you DECIDE to do it, they way will materialise for you......
Or is it simply because you don't know whether its the right thing to do......well there's only one way to find out.......do it......
It is our moments of decision that our destiny is shaped and once you make the change your life will change for the better, even if the result of the action you take isn't a positive experience for you, it still means that you have flexed those decision making muscles and you now know that you can do it!!!
So make list of the the things you have been putting off and start ticking them off one by one.....you will have an amazing release of energy and feel like the weight has been lifted off your shoulders....
Friday, 13 March 2009
Quote of the day.........
The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.
--James Branch Cabell
possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.
--James Branch Cabell
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Spoilt for choice........
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way" - Viktor Frankel
In life professional performers believe they have the power and the right to choose their own destiny and future. Average people in life let their circumstances effect them and believe they have no choice....the classic one that I am sure can be heard around the world on a Monday morning is......."I hate going to work, my job is so boring and I am so tired" but the people who are "victims" of this are those that don't make the conscious choice to change their job or if they don't want to do that change their attitude towards it!!
Believe or not we are not at the mercy of what the gods desire us to do, you are not at the beck and call of your boss, you are not ruled by anyone apart from your own choices and decisions.
Believe me, when you start to make conscious choices in your life, that are motivated by your desire to be in control, your life will immediately become better.
When making your choices you need to do it from a position of objective reality......ask yourself the question "Am I in control of this choice?", "Does this choice serve my end goal?"
Just remember life in this universe is very much like shopping.....you have an amazing amount of choice and when you are out on the universal high street you are the master of your choices......now all you have to decide is whether or not you want the 5 bedroomed house with the swimming pool or do you want the Ferrari or both!!!
In life professional performers believe they have the power and the right to choose their own destiny and future. Average people in life let their circumstances effect them and believe they have no choice....the classic one that I am sure can be heard around the world on a Monday morning is......."I hate going to work, my job is so boring and I am so tired" but the people who are "victims" of this are those that don't make the conscious choice to change their job or if they don't want to do that change their attitude towards it!!
Believe or not we are not at the mercy of what the gods desire us to do, you are not at the beck and call of your boss, you are not ruled by anyone apart from your own choices and decisions.
Believe me, when you start to make conscious choices in your life, that are motivated by your desire to be in control, your life will immediately become better.
When making your choices you need to do it from a position of objective reality......ask yourself the question "Am I in control of this choice?", "Does this choice serve my end goal?"
Just remember life in this universe is very much like shopping.....you have an amazing amount of choice and when you are out on the universal high street you are the master of your choices......now all you have to decide is whether or not you want the 5 bedroomed house with the swimming pool or do you want the Ferrari or both!!!
Monday, 9 March 2009
Quote of the day.......
Whatever failures I have known, whatever errors I have committed, whatever follies I have witnessed in private and public life have been the consequence of action without thought."
Bernard M. Baruch
1870-1965, American Financier
Bernard M. Baruch
1870-1965, American Financier
Friday, 6 March 2009
Quote of the day.......
“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” - Lance Armstrong
The Top 10 of successful people.......
1. Have boundless energy
Charismatic people keep themselves in great shape and exude exceptional energy when entering a room.
2. Have goals
Charismatic people have goals. They have a clear vision and specific goals to achieve that vision. They plan their work and work their plan.
They focus on what they want to achieve. They work every day to make their goals a reality.
3. Make it all about them
Charismatic people make the experience all about those they are interacting with. By showing an active interest in others, the charismatic individual can generate a tremendous amount of goodwill.
4. Develop self-confidence
Charismatic people have an intense belief in themselves. They have an unshakeable belief in their ability to rise above circumstances. They let their dreams give them the power to face fear and uncertainty.
5. Develop crisp, compelling communication
The power to listen, anticipate and articulate are the gifts of charismatic people. They tend to keep communications short, sharp and sweet, and paint powerful pictures…they set the scene, chart the territory and highlight the action needed.
6.Become knowledgeable
Many charismatic people are avid readers. This enables them to stimulate the intellect of others and to start a good conversation and keep it going.
7. Be proactive
Charismatic people take the lead. They assume direct responsibility for their own life and actions.
8. Be positive
Charismatic people are positive in outlook and co-operative. They tend to provide solutions and suggestions rather than objections or negativity.
9. Have a strong rapport
Part of that riveting quality of a charismatic person comes from the relationship that they create with their audience. Part of that relationship is created by what they say. However, the vast majority of it is created with their eyes, motions and emotions.
10. Have fun
Charismatic people are fun to be around. Their enthusiasm for projects is contagious and rubs off on everyone.
Charismatic people keep themselves in great shape and exude exceptional energy when entering a room.
2. Have goals
Charismatic people have goals. They have a clear vision and specific goals to achieve that vision. They plan their work and work their plan.
They focus on what they want to achieve. They work every day to make their goals a reality.
3. Make it all about them
Charismatic people make the experience all about those they are interacting with. By showing an active interest in others, the charismatic individual can generate a tremendous amount of goodwill.
4. Develop self-confidence
Charismatic people have an intense belief in themselves. They have an unshakeable belief in their ability to rise above circumstances. They let their dreams give them the power to face fear and uncertainty.
5. Develop crisp, compelling communication
The power to listen, anticipate and articulate are the gifts of charismatic people. They tend to keep communications short, sharp and sweet, and paint powerful pictures…they set the scene, chart the territory and highlight the action needed.
6.Become knowledgeable
Many charismatic people are avid readers. This enables them to stimulate the intellect of others and to start a good conversation and keep it going.
7. Be proactive
Charismatic people take the lead. They assume direct responsibility for their own life and actions.
8. Be positive
Charismatic people are positive in outlook and co-operative. They tend to provide solutions and suggestions rather than objections or negativity.
9. Have a strong rapport
Part of that riveting quality of a charismatic person comes from the relationship that they create with their audience. Part of that relationship is created by what they say. However, the vast majority of it is created with their eyes, motions and emotions.
10. Have fun
Charismatic people are fun to be around. Their enthusiasm for projects is contagious and rubs off on everyone.
212
What happens at 212?........no its not the time at which the blood rushes to your stomach after lunch that makes you feel lethargic for the afternoon!!!!
Its actually the point at which water boils in farenheit. But why is this important to you and me? It is important because the different between hot water and boling water....which produces steam.....which can power engines.....is one degree!!!!
One more degree in energy is the tipping point to change.....Now apply this to your life and imagine that you are one degree away from making an impact on your goals.....this is the point that most people seem to give up because it gets really hard. The line between success and failure is so fine that people rarely know that they are on it and with a little more patience and perseverance they would be where they wanted to be.......
The world class performers and thinkers know that a degree change in thinking, effort and action can result in massive achievements......
What are you going to do to get your water boiling today?
Its actually the point at which water boils in farenheit. But why is this important to you and me? It is important because the different between hot water and boling water....which produces steam.....which can power engines.....is one degree!!!!
One more degree in energy is the tipping point to change.....Now apply this to your life and imagine that you are one degree away from making an impact on your goals.....this is the point that most people seem to give up because it gets really hard. The line between success and failure is so fine that people rarely know that they are on it and with a little more patience and perseverance they would be where they wanted to be.......
The world class performers and thinkers know that a degree change in thinking, effort and action can result in massive achievements......
What are you going to do to get your water boiling today?
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Repition is the mother of habit
Did you know that there is a simple process to follow in every walk of life....whether it be putting up flat pack furniture, driving a car or changing those limiting beliefs that have prevented you from achieving the amazing life that you deserve?
Well let me give you the clear and simple 6 step process that you need to follow in order to achieve your goals........This process is brought to you by the king of motivation....Anthony Robbins.....if none of you have heard of him then look him up on google and start reading and listening to some of his books......he is amazing. His simple 6 step process is this:
Step 1: Decide on what you really want and what is preventing you from having it now
Step 2: Get Leverage – Associate massive pain to not changing your limiting belief/habit that is preventing you from having what you want. Create massive pleasure to taking the action needed to change
Step 3: Interrupt the limiting pattern/habit – Remember ‘If you do what you’ve always done you will get what you’ve always got’
Step 4: Create a new empowering belief/habit that moves you towards your goal
Step 5: Condition the new pattern until its consistent – Schedule in time for reinforcement sessions e.g. Affirmations, Mantras and Meditation in the morning
Step 6: Test it – Imagine yourself doing the old limiting habit/belief and then think about what you have replaced that with. Rehearse in your mind what you would do i.e instead of laying in bed, get up and go to the gym.
Believe me that if you stick to this process with unwavering faith and make sure you interrupt those limiting patterns then you will succeed!
For those of you that are trying to change someone......remember that the quickest way to do this is by changing yourself first, set the good example..........and use this process and then show them how to do it.
Remember repitition is the mother of habit.......
Well let me give you the clear and simple 6 step process that you need to follow in order to achieve your goals........This process is brought to you by the king of motivation....Anthony Robbins.....if none of you have heard of him then look him up on google and start reading and listening to some of his books......he is amazing. His simple 6 step process is this:
Step 1: Decide on what you really want and what is preventing you from having it now
Step 2: Get Leverage – Associate massive pain to not changing your limiting belief/habit that is preventing you from having what you want. Create massive pleasure to taking the action needed to change
Step 3: Interrupt the limiting pattern/habit – Remember ‘If you do what you’ve always done you will get what you’ve always got’
Step 4: Create a new empowering belief/habit that moves you towards your goal
Step 5: Condition the new pattern until its consistent – Schedule in time for reinforcement sessions e.g. Affirmations, Mantras and Meditation in the morning
Step 6: Test it – Imagine yourself doing the old limiting habit/belief and then think about what you have replaced that with. Rehearse in your mind what you would do i.e instead of laying in bed, get up and go to the gym.
Believe me that if you stick to this process with unwavering faith and make sure you interrupt those limiting patterns then you will succeed!
For those of you that are trying to change someone......remember that the quickest way to do this is by changing yourself first, set the good example..........and use this process and then show them how to do it.
Remember repitition is the mother of habit.......
Friday, 20 February 2009
Champion or Amateur?
I am fortunate enough to have some fantastic friends in my life who help me correct my thinking when i am thinking like an amateur! One particular friend (Nick) introduced me to a fantastic book that gives you some superb lessons on how to ALWAYS think like a champion. Contrary to popular belief champions arent born they are made....like diamonds over a period of time. It happens through hard work, constant maintaining of the highest standards and going the extra mile that amateurs wont do. So ask yourself the question at work or play are you going the extra mile and being and thinking like a champion? If not what are you going to do differently from now on. I will be putting ideas on here to keep you all in a champions mind set. Remember think like a champion, talk like a champion, dress like a champion, live life like a champion and you will become healthy, wealthy (spiritually, moneytarily, emotionally) and wise.
Life coaching.......
Do you ever feel like you need to move forward with your life but you don't know where to start? Do you ever feel like you lack the structure to achieve your end goal? Or do you just lack someone that is going to hold you accountable for the actions you should be taking?
If the answer is yes to any of the above then look no further.......I am a qualified life coach and I would welcome the opportunity to assist you in your coaching and taking your forward in your life.
My sessions can be done face to face or over the phone and last an hour for a period of 3 months if needs be.
So if you are interested in taking your life to new levels or are in the process of doing it already and need some guidance then please either e-mail me at david.davies@marveldevelopment.co.uk or 07888 665 868.
Have an amazing weekend and remember:
"People who consider themselves victims of their circumstances will always remain victims unless they develop a greater vision for their lives." Stedman Graham
If the answer is yes to any of the above then look no further.......I am a qualified life coach and I would welcome the opportunity to assist you in your coaching and taking your forward in your life.
My sessions can be done face to face or over the phone and last an hour for a period of 3 months if needs be.
So if you are interested in taking your life to new levels or are in the process of doing it already and need some guidance then please either e-mail me at david.davies@marveldevelopment.co.uk or 07888 665 868.
Have an amazing weekend and remember:
"People who consider themselves victims of their circumstances will always remain victims unless they develop a greater vision for their lives." Stedman Graham
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Quote......
I was watching The Dark Knight (Batman Film) and heard a fantastic quote which was......
"The darkest part of night is just before the dawn".....so when you are feeling in despair and you feel low remember GOOD TIMES are just around the corner.....
"The darkest part of night is just before the dawn".....so when you are feeling in despair and you feel low remember GOOD TIMES are just around the corner.....
Friday, 6 February 2009
Quote of the day......
Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver
The very curable disease.......
...........there is an epidemic sweeping the nation and it is effecting millions of people....no its not flu, but something much much worse.......the symptoms are easy to spot, the cure is easy to administer and it doesn't take long to feel better........You may well have had it before or you may know someone who has it right now......its called.....dare I say it.........Excusitis.......
Excusitis is a horrible disease that prevents people from reaching their goals.....the clear symptoms usually display themselves in the form of the following:
Excusitis is a horrible disease that prevents people from reaching their goals.....the clear symptoms usually display themselves in the form of the following:
- Blaming other people for the situation they find themselves in
- Blaming their age, sexual orientation, gender, height, weight, race for their situation
- Blaming social circumstances for their problems
- Blaming the "credit crunch" (what a horrible phrase) for their problems
- Blaming their upbringing
- Blaming their peers
- Blaming their company or their boss
The list goes on and on and on (most people who suffer from excusitis normally say more than one of the above)!!!
Now how true are these things? The answer is...However true you want them to be!!!! You have to ask yourself whether Helen Keller allowed her disability to prevent her from becoming an Author, Lecturer and Political Activist. Do you think that Barrack Obama used his ethnicity to prevent him from becoming the first black President of the USA? Do you think Elton John used his sexuality as a reason for him not to become the famous entertainer he is today.....the answer is NO not at all.
Look at your current situation and believe with an utter faith that it is not because of your size, shape, colour, creed or economic climate, educational level or upbringing that have put you where you are......its down to the decisions you have made or not made.....
Realise NOW that you can change your situation today if you take simple and effective ACTION!! You create your life NOT the other way round.....
So if you are suffering from excusitis and want to rid yourself of it then get up and decide what you want to change in your life....and then simply change it.
I can hear some people now saying "Its not that easy" trust me it is.......From being 17 stone, single, driving a fiesta and not performing at work....I decided to take simple yet drastic action and within 3 months I was 15 stone, driving a BMW, going out with an amazing woman and had drive and clarity at work.......Now I don't say this to impress you, but to impress upon you (as Tony Robbins would say) the simplicity of taking inspired action NOW!!!!
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Something I should have done ages ago......
I completed something today that I should have dones ages ago......and it is riduculous that I haven't done it sooner!!!!
I wrote my vision for 2009 today and let me tell you my 2009 is going to be awesome.....its full of adventure, love, laughter, new places, shark dives, table mountains, weddings, nieces, friends, family, life coaching, personal development, spiritual development and much much more......
Writing a vision helps you to plan how your year (or a certain time frame) is going to go in advance, its bascially putting down on paper what your vision board says to you in pictures.....(those of you that haven't done your vision board might find a written vision better for you)
Your vision should get you energised and excited when you read it, it should be full of emotive words and bold statements, it should always be in the present tense and most importantly it should be full of things that you whole heartedly believe in......
And good news is....you can take it with you anywhere you go. In your purse/wallet, in your diary, in your car.........you could even transfer it on to CD and listen to it as you go on your way to work......
Its a powerful tool to help you create the life you want for yourself......if you want any tips drop me a mail david.davies@marveldevelopment.co.uk
DD
I wrote my vision for 2009 today and let me tell you my 2009 is going to be awesome.....its full of adventure, love, laughter, new places, shark dives, table mountains, weddings, nieces, friends, family, life coaching, personal development, spiritual development and much much more......
Writing a vision helps you to plan how your year (or a certain time frame) is going to go in advance, its bascially putting down on paper what your vision board says to you in pictures.....(those of you that haven't done your vision board might find a written vision better for you)
Your vision should get you energised and excited when you read it, it should be full of emotive words and bold statements, it should always be in the present tense and most importantly it should be full of things that you whole heartedly believe in......
And good news is....you can take it with you anywhere you go. In your purse/wallet, in your diary, in your car.........you could even transfer it on to CD and listen to it as you go on your way to work......
Its a powerful tool to help you create the life you want for yourself......if you want any tips drop me a mail david.davies@marveldevelopment.co.uk
DD
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Quote of the day.......
"Defeat is a state of mind. No one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as reality. To me, defeat in anything is merely temporary, and its punishment is but an urge for me to greater effort to achieve my goal. Defeat simply tells me that something is wrong in my doing; it is a path leading to success and truth."
Bruce Lee1940-1973, Martial Artist, Actor and Author
Bruce Lee1940-1973, Martial Artist, Actor and Author
Sunday, 1 February 2009
I'm in the mood for dancing.........
Have you ever been listening to a piece of music or singing to yourself and then broken into a dance? Come on you know what I mean.....you have been in the kitchen and singing away and all of sudden you don't know how but you have ended up in the middle of the kitchen using the salt and pepper shakers as maracas and dancing to Loco In Acapolco.....(yes I admit it I have done it...)
These bouts of movement and energy happen because your body is pure energy and it is this energy that is screaming to be let out, they certainly make you feel energised after doing them and it shows you that you have energy deep inside you that can be summoned when you need it.
So what am i getting at apart from using kitchen utensils as stage props? Well remember this.....when you are feeling like you are lacking in energy......dance or run or sing or exercise....move yourself and because your body is made of pure energy you will become energised........sounds weird eh.......sometimes to recharge your energy you need to move your body and shake it up......awaken the energetic person inside you and you will feel like you can achieve anything.......
These bouts of movement and energy happen because your body is pure energy and it is this energy that is screaming to be let out, they certainly make you feel energised after doing them and it shows you that you have energy deep inside you that can be summoned when you need it.
So what am i getting at apart from using kitchen utensils as stage props? Well remember this.....when you are feeling like you are lacking in energy......dance or run or sing or exercise....move yourself and because your body is made of pure energy you will become energised........sounds weird eh.......sometimes to recharge your energy you need to move your body and shake it up......awaken the energetic person inside you and you will feel like you can achieve anything.......
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Awesome quote from a man who is inspirational.....
"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."
Lance ArmstrongCancer Survivor and Athlete
Lance ArmstrongCancer Survivor and Athlete
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Quote of the day.....
Energy, mental clarity, and positive regard for others are the three most important benchmarks of well-being. -Jeanne Segal Ph.D.
Friday, 23 January 2009
Alter Egos.........
Everyone has the power of greatness. Not for fame, but greatness. Because greatness is determined by service.~Martin Luther King
I love this quote as it reminds us that we all have the ability to become great at everything we do. However the fire of greatness won't be lit inside you unless you can set it alight......
So how do you go about doing that then? Its really simple you will be pleased to hear!!!
Firstly decide on what it is you want to be great at or what in your life you want to be great (now you really have to think hard about this and make sure that it something that you have an unwavering conviction that you can achieve it) This is where a vision board comes in......
Then.....are you ready for this.......take INSPIRED ACTION......NOW........do something, no matter how small it is, to move you one step towards being great.......
The next step to keep you on the path to greatness is to link massive pleasure to taking your inspired action.......if it is to lose weight, imagine how it will feel to fit into those jeans you have never been able to get into......imagine how you will feel when you fit into your wetsuit without showing all your wobbly bits.........
People normally do things for two main reasons, either in the avoidance of pain or the gain of pleasure.......decide on what motivates you more
Everyone one of us has bigger person waiting to poked, pushed and prodded into action, a person that has the brilliance of mind and radiance of personality to think of new ideas, seize on new opportunities and achieve huge things....it is amazing when that person is awoken from its slumber and put into action.....it amazing what you will achieve....this person holds the fire that you need to succeed...
So what are you going to do today to wake up your alter ego?
I love this quote as it reminds us that we all have the ability to become great at everything we do. However the fire of greatness won't be lit inside you unless you can set it alight......
So how do you go about doing that then? Its really simple you will be pleased to hear!!!
Firstly decide on what it is you want to be great at or what in your life you want to be great (now you really have to think hard about this and make sure that it something that you have an unwavering conviction that you can achieve it) This is where a vision board comes in......
Then.....are you ready for this.......take INSPIRED ACTION......NOW........do something, no matter how small it is, to move you one step towards being great.......
The next step to keep you on the path to greatness is to link massive pleasure to taking your inspired action.......if it is to lose weight, imagine how it will feel to fit into those jeans you have never been able to get into......imagine how you will feel when you fit into your wetsuit without showing all your wobbly bits.........
People normally do things for two main reasons, either in the avoidance of pain or the gain of pleasure.......decide on what motivates you more
Everyone one of us has bigger person waiting to poked, pushed and prodded into action, a person that has the brilliance of mind and radiance of personality to think of new ideas, seize on new opportunities and achieve huge things....it is amazing when that person is awoken from its slumber and put into action.....it amazing what you will achieve....this person holds the fire that you need to succeed...
So what are you going to do today to wake up your alter ego?
Quote of the day.......
No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see the possibilities – always see them, for they're always there.--Norman Vincent Peale
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Quote.....
You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart. Then people are going to treat you better. You're going to find, yes you will, that you're beautiful as you feel. -Carole King
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Even in the tough times......
we should always make a big effort to spend time with the people that mean the most to us in our lives. The people that support you when the going gets tough, those people that love you unconditionally......
One idea that I have used with my partner is to create a date box.....this has given us a source of fun, memories and excitement each week to look forward to. The premise is simple and is a fantastic way to make sure you do something with your girlfriend/boyfriend, family, friends or by yourself.
Now this is where I go all Blue Peter on you.....firstly get yourself a medium size box (a shoe box will be excellent). Then decorate the box as you see fit (we have put gold wrapping paper round ours). Then label the box....i.e. Cath and Dave's date box or the Davies Family Box of Fun!...or something along those lines.
Then get as many pieces of paper as you like and each person writes as many activities as they can and puts them in the box. They can be simple things like going for a country walk, going to the pub for a drink or as different as going to the Museum of Science and Industry or going Salsa dancing.
Take it in turns to pick an idea out of the box and make sure you stick to them. Make them fun and remember the reason you are doing it.......
In a world where it is very easy to suffer from the doom and gloom disease, make your life and the life of your significant others a better place to be by making it different and fun together....
Happy date box making.......
One idea that I have used with my partner is to create a date box.....this has given us a source of fun, memories and excitement each week to look forward to. The premise is simple and is a fantastic way to make sure you do something with your girlfriend/boyfriend, family, friends or by yourself.
Now this is where I go all Blue Peter on you.....firstly get yourself a medium size box (a shoe box will be excellent). Then decorate the box as you see fit (we have put gold wrapping paper round ours). Then label the box....i.e. Cath and Dave's date box or the Davies Family Box of Fun!...or something along those lines.
Then get as many pieces of paper as you like and each person writes as many activities as they can and puts them in the box. They can be simple things like going for a country walk, going to the pub for a drink or as different as going to the Museum of Science and Industry or going Salsa dancing.
Take it in turns to pick an idea out of the box and make sure you stick to them. Make them fun and remember the reason you are doing it.......
In a world where it is very easy to suffer from the doom and gloom disease, make your life and the life of your significant others a better place to be by making it different and fun together....
Happy date box making.......
Monday, 12 January 2009
What is shaping your thinking at the moment?
What are you reading at the moment? What are you listening to on your MP3 player (or Walkman for those of you who haven't joined the digital revolution!!)? What kind of people are you talking to at the moment?
I ask these questions because the material we read, listen to and hear from peers and colleagues can have a big influence on the way you think, act and feel. If you are in a negative state of mind it is normally because you are thinking negative thoughts......but where do they come from? They come from within you, but you have to ask yourself the question what is feeding them? Are you consuming material that is conducive of a positive state of mind? Are the people you are talking to giving you positive advice or are they doom mongers!
Take a minute to think about this and then act upon it. Start reading positive literature (some books can be seen at the bottom of the page), do something positive as soon as you wake up such as exercise. On the way to work, listen to some positive music that gets your positive juices flowing or a positive CD such as The Secret or something from Tony Robbins. Surround yourself with people that will support your positive state of mind and reinforce the reasons why it so good to be alive and kicking!!!! (There are plenty of groups you can join in your area or on the web)
These are all things you can do right now.....take action and keep your positive and proactive mind in sync with those people who are going to give you positive reinforcement.
Remember your thoughts become things and you have the power to choose whether they are positive or negative thoughts.
Dave
I ask these questions because the material we read, listen to and hear from peers and colleagues can have a big influence on the way you think, act and feel. If you are in a negative state of mind it is normally because you are thinking negative thoughts......but where do they come from? They come from within you, but you have to ask yourself the question what is feeding them? Are you consuming material that is conducive of a positive state of mind? Are the people you are talking to giving you positive advice or are they doom mongers!
Take a minute to think about this and then act upon it. Start reading positive literature (some books can be seen at the bottom of the page), do something positive as soon as you wake up such as exercise. On the way to work, listen to some positive music that gets your positive juices flowing or a positive CD such as The Secret or something from Tony Robbins. Surround yourself with people that will support your positive state of mind and reinforce the reasons why it so good to be alive and kicking!!!! (There are plenty of groups you can join in your area or on the web)
These are all things you can do right now.....take action and keep your positive and proactive mind in sync with those people who are going to give you positive reinforcement.
Remember your thoughts become things and you have the power to choose whether they are positive or negative thoughts.
Dave
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Just when you feel like giving up.......
......be happy because you know you are nearing a breakthrough!!!
Have you ever experienced in your life when you have been striving to get something or somewhere and feel like giving up, because you feel like you are never going to get there and you have put so much effort, time and passion into it achieving the end result. Well let me tell you fear not!!!! This is good news for you because these are the moments you make the biggest gains and you will achieve your goal!!!
Exciting isn't it!! Remember in your moments of despair you become stronger when you stick to your resolve and don't give up!!!! You are an amazing person and have more power and resilience than you give yourself credit for!!
So stick to those new years REVOLUTIONS and keep going!!!
Have you ever experienced in your life when you have been striving to get something or somewhere and feel like giving up, because you feel like you are never going to get there and you have put so much effort, time and passion into it achieving the end result. Well let me tell you fear not!!!! This is good news for you because these are the moments you make the biggest gains and you will achieve your goal!!!
Exciting isn't it!! Remember in your moments of despair you become stronger when you stick to your resolve and don't give up!!!! You are an amazing person and have more power and resilience than you give yourself credit for!!
So stick to those new years REVOLUTIONS and keep going!!!
Monday, 5 January 2009
The First Hurdle........
Well 2009 is here and in full swing and I can imagine quite a lot of you are determined to create a healthier lifestyle for yourself!!! But WHY? Are you doing it because everyone else is doing it or are you doing it because you feel its the right thing to do? We often fall at the first hurdle of any healthy lifestyle changes because we lack a clear reason as to WHY you are doing it?
It is imperative with creating the life that you want, that you focus clearly on what the changes will give you and NOT as many people do on the difficulty of doing it.......YES it is going to be hard to give up smoking if you have smoked 20 a day for many years......YES it is going to be hard to go to the gym to train 5 times a week if all you have ever done is use the sauna/steam room!! But think about what these New Years Revolutions will bring you and add to your life. Maybe they will bring you the following:
It is imperative with creating the life that you want, that you focus clearly on what the changes will give you and NOT as many people do on the difficulty of doing it.......YES it is going to be hard to give up smoking if you have smoked 20 a day for many years......YES it is going to be hard to go to the gym to train 5 times a week if all you have ever done is use the sauna/steam room!! But think about what these New Years Revolutions will bring you and add to your life. Maybe they will bring you the following:
- More energy, vitality and enthusiasm
- A healthier body and mind
- Weight loss - (if followed correctly)
- More opportunities
- Greater focus on your goals
- Clearer mind to solve problems
- More confidence
And this is just the begining of the wonderful journey you will encounter when you are clear on the pleasure that the new healthier lifestyle will bring you rather than focussing on the pain of having to start from the bottom! The more you focus on the positives, the easier it becomes to achieve your goals.
For those of you that do fall at the first hurdle....all is not lost......this experience gives you the chance to refresh your goals and gain clarity......the biggest reason we fall at the first hurdle is that we are not clear on the WHY?
Choosing to go healthy gives you unbounded energy and enthusiasm for life, which can only be positive......so why wouldn't you do it?
Dave
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