Contrary to popular belief, employees value many things more than the
amount of money they're being paid. If they're treated right, employees
will not only work for less, they'll be happier and more productive as
they do so.
Based upon hundreds of conversations I've had about bosses and jobs, here's what employees really want:
1. To feel proud.
When asked what they do for a living, employees want to boast rather
than apologize. They want the people they meet to be at least a little
impressed, even if it's only because the employee has taken on a job
that's generally thankless.
2. To be treated fairly.
While almost everyone realizes that life isn't fair, employees don't
want the boss to make life more unfair than it already is. Employees
hate favoritism. They expect the perks and promotions to go to the
people who work hard, not the people who kiss butt.
3. To respect the boss.
Employees want respect from the boss, of course, but just as strong is the need to feel respect for the boss! Employees want to believe in that their boss is a leader who is worthy of their loyalty.
4. To be heard out.
Employees hate it when the boss doesn't have the time or the interest
to listen to what they have to say. Employees don't expect the boss to
always take their advice, but if the boss won't hear them out they
(rightly) assume the boss doesn't care about them.
5. To have a personal life.
For many bosses (especially entrepreneurs) work is a way of life.
Employees, however, usually think of friends and family as their "real"
life. Even when they're committed to their job, they get twitchy when
work keeps them away too much.
6. To be coached not micromanaged.
Employees want the boss's help when 1) they ask for it, or 2) they're
floundering so badly they're afraid to ask for it. What employees don't
want is to have the boss looking over their shoulder all the time.
7. To see the assh*les get fired.
In almost every workplace there are one or two jerks who make life
miserable for everybody. Almost more than anything else, employees want
the boss to fire those jerks. If the boss doesn't, employees know he's a
weakling, a fool, or a jerk himself.
8. To feel less stress.
People hate the sense that they've got too much to do and not enough
time to do it. Bosses must plan carefully, anticipate problems, and set
realistic goals, so that they don't accidentally and unnecessarily add
stress to employees' lives.
9. To have a little security.
No sane employee expects lifetime employment. Even so, it's hard to
concentrate when you feel as if a sword is hanging over your head.
Employees want to know that they're not wasting their time when they're
giving your their best.
10. To beat the competition.
Finally, never underestimate the power of teamwork, especially when
teamwork means grinding the other team into the dust. Employees don't
want to be team players; they want to play on the winning team.
Why isn't money on the list of desires? Well, as it happens, I've seldom heard anybody complain about their salary per se, except in the context of the above desires (i.e. "they don't pay me enough to put up with this.")
Satisfy the ten desires above and your employees will remain loyal
and hardworking, even if you're paying them less (and maybe even far
less) than they might earn elsewhere.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE!
Think what a remarkable, unduplicatable, and miraculous thing it is
to be you! Of all the people who have come and gone on the earth, since
the beginning of time, not ONE of them is like YOU!
No one who has ever lived or is to come has had your combination of abilities, talents, appearance, friends, acquaintances, burdens, sorrows and opportunities.
No one’s hair grows exactly the way yours does. No one’s finger prints are like yours. No one has the same combination of secret inside jokes and family expressions that you know.
The few people who laugh at all the same things you do, don’t sneeze the way you do. No one prays about exactly the same concerns as you do. No one is loved by the same combination of people that love you – NO ONE!
No one before, no one to come. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE!
Enjoy that uniqueness. You do not have to pretend in order to seem more like someone else. You weren’t meant to be like someone else. You do not have to lie to conceal the parts of you that are not like what you see in anyone else.
You were meant to be different. Nowhere ever in all of history will the same things be going on in anyone’s mind, soul and spirit as are going on in yours right now.
If you did not exist, there would be a hole in creation, a gap in history, something missing from the plan for humankind.
Treasure your uniqueness. It is a gift given only to you. Enjoy it and share it!
No one can reach out to others in the same way that you can. No one can speak your words. No one can convey your meanings. No one can comfort with your kind of comfort. No one can bring your kind of understanding to another person.
No one can be cheerful and lighthearted and joyous in your way. No one can smile your smile. No one else can bring the whole unique impact of you to another human being.
Share your uniqueness. Let it be free to flow out among your family and friends and people you meet in the rush and clutter of living wherever you are. That gift of yourself was given you to enjoy and share. Give yourself away!
See it! Receive it! Let it tickle you! Let it inform you and nudge you and inspire you! YOU ARE UNIQUE!
By Okunribido Moses Oladimeji
No one who has ever lived or is to come has had your combination of abilities, talents, appearance, friends, acquaintances, burdens, sorrows and opportunities.
No one’s hair grows exactly the way yours does. No one’s finger prints are like yours. No one has the same combination of secret inside jokes and family expressions that you know.
The few people who laugh at all the same things you do, don’t sneeze the way you do. No one prays about exactly the same concerns as you do. No one is loved by the same combination of people that love you – NO ONE!
No one before, no one to come. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE!
Enjoy that uniqueness. You do not have to pretend in order to seem more like someone else. You weren’t meant to be like someone else. You do not have to lie to conceal the parts of you that are not like what you see in anyone else.
You were meant to be different. Nowhere ever in all of history will the same things be going on in anyone’s mind, soul and spirit as are going on in yours right now.
If you did not exist, there would be a hole in creation, a gap in history, something missing from the plan for humankind.
Treasure your uniqueness. It is a gift given only to you. Enjoy it and share it!
No one can reach out to others in the same way that you can. No one can speak your words. No one can convey your meanings. No one can comfort with your kind of comfort. No one can bring your kind of understanding to another person.
No one can be cheerful and lighthearted and joyous in your way. No one can smile your smile. No one else can bring the whole unique impact of you to another human being.
Share your uniqueness. Let it be free to flow out among your family and friends and people you meet in the rush and clutter of living wherever you are. That gift of yourself was given you to enjoy and share. Give yourself away!
See it! Receive it! Let it tickle you! Let it inform you and nudge you and inspire you! YOU ARE UNIQUE!
By Okunribido Moses Oladimeji
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
The 'Golden 20' for Academic Success!
- Go to class.
- Be on time.
- Sit to the front and center of the classroom.
- Bring a pen, paper, notebook, and books.
- Dress like a student (not like an athlete, rap star, rock musician, or surfer).
- Show respect and enthusiasm to your instructors.
- Listen, listen, listen--you can't learn while talking to your peers during class.
- Pay attention--don't doodle, doze, or daydream.
- Try to contribute once per class period, with a question or contribution to discussion. Participation counts--and helps.
- Have clearly marked notebooks, with separate sections--or separate notebooks--for each class.
- Take notes.
- Use a dictionary. This will increase your vocabulary and teach you correct spelling.
- Have a partner/"buddy" system for studying. Have parents, friends, dormmates, etc. quiz you. Form study groups.
- Read, read, read. Read magazines, the newspaper, sports books, science fiction, anything you can get your hands on.
- Set aside at least three hours a day, six days a week, to study.
- Get some of your homework done during school. Use free periods, extra time between classes, and the time before sports.
- Sacrifice and work during times when you know other people aren't working. Work on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon. It will be worth it.
- Volunteer for extra credit.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Don't merely attend classes and go to practice. Join the Government Club or Cultural Awareness Organization, write for the student newspaper, give tours, etc. Get involved.
- Work hard and be proud that you are working hard and learning. Realize that education is a key ingredient to many great things that you will accomplish in life.
By Steve Turner
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The important things in life
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the remaining open areas of the jar.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party, or fix the disposal.”
“Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
By Impact World Arena
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the remaining open areas of the jar.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party, or fix the disposal.”
“Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
By Impact World Arena
Monday, October 21, 2013
Believe in Yourself!
There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren’t the way you had hoped they would be.
That’s when you have to tell yourself that things will get better. There are times when people disappoint you and let you down.
But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself.
There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them.
Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are.
So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be.
Because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the goals that you know are meant to come true for you.
Keep Believing in Yourself!
By Okunribido Moses Oladimeji
That’s when you have to tell yourself that things will get better. There are times when people disappoint you and let you down.
But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself.
There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them.
Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are.
So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be.
Because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the goals that you know are meant to come true for you.
Keep Believing in Yourself!
By Okunribido Moses Oladimeji
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Tips for Effective Studying
In order to excel in college, you must first learn how to study properly.
Contrary to historical opinion, there are many effective ways to learn
information; it is a question of figuring out what works for you. What type
of studying best suits you? What time of day are you most efficient? What
is the proper environment for you to study in? Before you can answer these
questions, you have to do a little research. It takes an effort but the rewards
are more than worth it.
Memory
When we first learn something, information is processed into the brain to form a neural trace. This trace first enters your sensory memory, and then, if you're paying attention, to your Short Term Memory, or STM. If you keep working to process the information and adapt it correctly it then moves to your Long Term Memory, or LTM. The information processed into your LTM is more or less permanent; with occasional reviewing you will not forget it. The trick is to adapt the information you really need into your LTM as quickly as possible. Your STM has a small capacity and a short duration; you may learn something very quickly, but in 24 hours you will lose 80% of that information. The STM is fast and easily accessed, the LTM is slower but larger.
Repetition
The key to learning something well is repetition; the more times you go over the material the better chance you have of storing it permanently. Before you begin this process, however, it makes sense that you determine the type of learner you are. There are three basic types of learning: Visual, Auditory and Haptic. Most of us are, in fact, some combination of the three, but chances are one style will suit us more than the other two. Take some time to look over the types and figure out which category best describes your method of learning. Learning Types Visual Learners:
Visual learners study best when the material is graphic, ie. charts, tables, maps, etc. When in class, visual people should look at the professors when they are speaking, participate in class discussions and take detailed notes during lectures. When studying, study alone in a quiet place and try to transcribe your material on paper. When possible make drawings, graphs or tables of complex abstract ideas and work alone. Visual learners often have trouble working while having a dialogue, even if the dialogue directly pertains to the subject matter.
Auditory Learners:
Auditory people work best when they can hear the material. Read aloud, go over your notes and talk to yourself about the important points. Before reading, set a purpose and verbalize it, after you've finished be sure to summarize out loud what you just read. Speak your ideas into a tape machine as if you were having a conversation with someone, if you can, talk to your friends about the material. Because Auditory learners sometimes have trouble keeping columns aligned, try doing math computations by hand, on graph paper.
Haptic Learners:
Haptic learners are the most maligned division; they are the people that can't sit still. Haptics have to pace around the room, they must have music or a television playing in the background and are almost constantly finding themselves distracted. Despite what parents and teachers have been saying to the contrary, Haptic learning is just as effective as the other two, more traditional, types. Instead of fighting against your nature, adapt to it and find a method that really works. Make studying more physical; work at a standing desk, pace around the room, do reading while on an exercise bike, chew gum. Try to use color when you can; highlight your readings, read with a filtered light, put posters and bright colors around your desk. Haptic people should vary their activities, if you feel frustrated or 'clogged up' do something different for a few minutes. Try and keep a list of distractions as they come to you; once you write them down, they won't bother your concentration as much. If you want to, play music in the background at whatever volume you choose to. When reading, try skimming over the chapter to get a solid basic meaning before you really dig in. Try to visualize complex projects from start to finish before you begin them. Visualization is a useful tool for Haptic people, it helps you keep a positive, productive outlook on the task at hand.
SQ3R
The SQ3R method is the reading and studying system preferred by many educators. Reading research indicates that it is an extremely effective method for both comprehension and memory retention. It's effective because it is a system of active reader involvement.
Step 1. "S"= Survey Before you actually read a chapter, or go over a particular section of notes, take five minutes to survey the material. Briefly check headings and subheadings in order to understand the author's organizational pattern of ideas to be discussed. Scan all visual material. Read introductory and summary paragraphs. This preview will enable you to anticipate what the chapter is about.
Step 2. "Q"= Question Create interest in the material by asking: What are the main points of the chapter? As you read, keep the question in mind and figure out the most important points. It gives you a clearly defined purpose for reading, and helps you maintain interest in the material.
Step 3. "R"= Read Read the chapter actively for meaning. Go through the paragraph before underlining, then underline key words and phrases to help you recall the main points. Be selective, you don't want to highlight non-important points or miss anything that can help your comprehension. Summarize main concepts in your own words in the margins. The more active you are in the reading process, the more you will retain.
Step 4. "R"= Recite After every few pages, close your book and recite aloud the main points to the questions you posed in step 2. Try to recall basic details as to the author's intent by putting them in your own words. Verify your answer by checking the text. If you can't remember the text, read through it again. If you don't get it now, you won't remember it for a test. Take as much time as you need to answer your questions. Don't be frustrated, this takes more time but the information will be clearer in your mind.
Step 5. "R"= Review Finally, review the chapter every so often to fix the material in your mind. Keep rereading your margin notes and underlinings. Verbalize the sequence of main ideas and supporting facts to aid retention. Numerous reviews are a lot more effective than one cramming session the night before an exam. Review once right after you've finished reading and then every couple of days. The SQ3R is time consuming at first, expect it to take ten to fifteen percent longer to read a given chapter when you first begin. Research indicates a 70%% increase in retention after two months of using the system and, eventually, a reduction in time spent preparing for exams.
Note Taking Techniques
The most comprehensive note taking systems require attention on your part. You must be alert enough in class to take legible, meaningful notes. You can't rely on "writing everything down" because a lot of information in a given lecture won't help you actually learn the material. If you have problems determining the specific relevant points in a particular class, you can always ask the professor to clarify them for you. The 2-6 Method The 2-6 refers to the way you divide the space on your notepaper. Make two columns, using the red line on the left of the page as your border. Then, when you take notes in class, use the 6 column for the notes and the smaller 2 column on the left as a highlighting system. Write main headings and important points on the left, including material you think you will be tested on. When you're finished, you should have a comprehensive page of information that you can quickly scan for important points. Finally If you have any questions or need more help, stop by and talk to one of our counselors. Studying is 99%% perspiration; if you give it a real, concentrated effort over the course of a semester you will see an improvement. Your academic success is entirely up to you.
Memory
When we first learn something, information is processed into the brain to form a neural trace. This trace first enters your sensory memory, and then, if you're paying attention, to your Short Term Memory, or STM. If you keep working to process the information and adapt it correctly it then moves to your Long Term Memory, or LTM. The information processed into your LTM is more or less permanent; with occasional reviewing you will not forget it. The trick is to adapt the information you really need into your LTM as quickly as possible. Your STM has a small capacity and a short duration; you may learn something very quickly, but in 24 hours you will lose 80% of that information. The STM is fast and easily accessed, the LTM is slower but larger.
Repetition
The key to learning something well is repetition; the more times you go over the material the better chance you have of storing it permanently. Before you begin this process, however, it makes sense that you determine the type of learner you are. There are three basic types of learning: Visual, Auditory and Haptic. Most of us are, in fact, some combination of the three, but chances are one style will suit us more than the other two. Take some time to look over the types and figure out which category best describes your method of learning. Learning Types Visual Learners:
Visual learners study best when the material is graphic, ie. charts, tables, maps, etc. When in class, visual people should look at the professors when they are speaking, participate in class discussions and take detailed notes during lectures. When studying, study alone in a quiet place and try to transcribe your material on paper. When possible make drawings, graphs or tables of complex abstract ideas and work alone. Visual learners often have trouble working while having a dialogue, even if the dialogue directly pertains to the subject matter.
Auditory Learners:
Auditory people work best when they can hear the material. Read aloud, go over your notes and talk to yourself about the important points. Before reading, set a purpose and verbalize it, after you've finished be sure to summarize out loud what you just read. Speak your ideas into a tape machine as if you were having a conversation with someone, if you can, talk to your friends about the material. Because Auditory learners sometimes have trouble keeping columns aligned, try doing math computations by hand, on graph paper.
Haptic Learners:
Haptic learners are the most maligned division; they are the people that can't sit still. Haptics have to pace around the room, they must have music or a television playing in the background and are almost constantly finding themselves distracted. Despite what parents and teachers have been saying to the contrary, Haptic learning is just as effective as the other two, more traditional, types. Instead of fighting against your nature, adapt to it and find a method that really works. Make studying more physical; work at a standing desk, pace around the room, do reading while on an exercise bike, chew gum. Try to use color when you can; highlight your readings, read with a filtered light, put posters and bright colors around your desk. Haptic people should vary their activities, if you feel frustrated or 'clogged up' do something different for a few minutes. Try and keep a list of distractions as they come to you; once you write them down, they won't bother your concentration as much. If you want to, play music in the background at whatever volume you choose to. When reading, try skimming over the chapter to get a solid basic meaning before you really dig in. Try to visualize complex projects from start to finish before you begin them. Visualization is a useful tool for Haptic people, it helps you keep a positive, productive outlook on the task at hand.
SQ3R
The SQ3R method is the reading and studying system preferred by many educators. Reading research indicates that it is an extremely effective method for both comprehension and memory retention. It's effective because it is a system of active reader involvement.
Step 1. "S"= Survey Before you actually read a chapter, or go over a particular section of notes, take five minutes to survey the material. Briefly check headings and subheadings in order to understand the author's organizational pattern of ideas to be discussed. Scan all visual material. Read introductory and summary paragraphs. This preview will enable you to anticipate what the chapter is about.
Step 2. "Q"= Question Create interest in the material by asking: What are the main points of the chapter? As you read, keep the question in mind and figure out the most important points. It gives you a clearly defined purpose for reading, and helps you maintain interest in the material.
Step 3. "R"= Read Read the chapter actively for meaning. Go through the paragraph before underlining, then underline key words and phrases to help you recall the main points. Be selective, you don't want to highlight non-important points or miss anything that can help your comprehension. Summarize main concepts in your own words in the margins. The more active you are in the reading process, the more you will retain.
Step 4. "R"= Recite After every few pages, close your book and recite aloud the main points to the questions you posed in step 2. Try to recall basic details as to the author's intent by putting them in your own words. Verify your answer by checking the text. If you can't remember the text, read through it again. If you don't get it now, you won't remember it for a test. Take as much time as you need to answer your questions. Don't be frustrated, this takes more time but the information will be clearer in your mind.
Step 5. "R"= Review Finally, review the chapter every so often to fix the material in your mind. Keep rereading your margin notes and underlinings. Verbalize the sequence of main ideas and supporting facts to aid retention. Numerous reviews are a lot more effective than one cramming session the night before an exam. Review once right after you've finished reading and then every couple of days. The SQ3R is time consuming at first, expect it to take ten to fifteen percent longer to read a given chapter when you first begin. Research indicates a 70%% increase in retention after two months of using the system and, eventually, a reduction in time spent preparing for exams.
Note Taking Techniques
The most comprehensive note taking systems require attention on your part. You must be alert enough in class to take legible, meaningful notes. You can't rely on "writing everything down" because a lot of information in a given lecture won't help you actually learn the material. If you have problems determining the specific relevant points in a particular class, you can always ask the professor to clarify them for you. The 2-6 Method The 2-6 refers to the way you divide the space on your notepaper. Make two columns, using the red line on the left of the page as your border. Then, when you take notes in class, use the 6 column for the notes and the smaller 2 column on the left as a highlighting system. Write main headings and important points on the left, including material you think you will be tested on. When you're finished, you should have a comprehensive page of information that you can quickly scan for important points. Finally If you have any questions or need more help, stop by and talk to one of our counselors. Studying is 99%% perspiration; if you give it a real, concentrated effort over the course of a semester you will see an improvement. Your academic success is entirely up to you.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
6 Reasons You're Not a Millionaire
In 2012, Australian mining tycoon Gina Rinehart was officially declared the richest woman in the world, boasting assets of more than $26 billion. Not long after, Rinehart took heat for an article she wrote for the Australian Resources and Investment Magazine, where she suggested that those who wanted what she had should "spend less time drinking or smoking and socializing and more time working."
"If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself..."
Obviously, she didn't run that article through a PR consultant before she submitted it.
But as off-putting as that statement might be, I can't help but reluctantly concede that there's some truth to it. Now, don't get me wrong — I'm not for a moment suggesting that the reason we're not rich is that we don't work hard enough. Quite the contrary, I think most people work very hard and we tend to do whatever it takes to put food on the table and provide for our families. We're resourceful, we're dedicated, and we don't give up.
I also believe that social programs are a good thing and that we have a responsibility to help those that need help. Always. Without Question. Period. (See also: Easy Ways to Support Charity)
But I also think that we've lost some of that vision and moxie that brought us here. I think that if you could measure potential, we'd be off the charts, but we've learned to ignore it, suppress it, and bury it down deep because it's easier, or at least safer, than taking the risk to see what we're really made of.
So all that said, if you still want to know the real reason you're not a millionaire, read on, and just know that I say all of this with nothing but love.
1. You Work for Someone Else
When you work for someone else, you're essentially trading time for money, and there are two problems with this strategy:
You only have so much time to trade
Someone else is in charge of setting how much your time is worth
So, while it's not impossible to reach millionaire status while working for someone else, it doesn't happen often.
Does that mean you should run out and quit your job? No, but it does mean you should start looking at your time as a valuable commodity and rethink how you're spending it. Then, find a way to start moving toward a more profitable way of spending your days, a way that pays you for your talent and ability rather than the number of hours you've worked or the amount your pay-grade says you've earned.
Maybe you start out by moonlighting or maybe you save up until you can take the big leap. Either way, the path is the same. (See also: 9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash)
And if you're not hip to venturing out on your own, then you need to find another way to increase your income. Maybe you become very good at moving up the corporate ladder, or maybe you become remarkably savvy at investing, or better yet, maybe you do both. The point is, if your goal is to be a millionaire in a reasonable amount of time, you're the one that will have to make that happen.
2. You're Not Trying
While most millionaires are looking for ways to increase their wealth, the rest of us are simply looking for ways to pay our bills. This mindset has a direct effect on how much money you make.
When I first launched my freelance career, I had a clear number in mind. I knew that I had to make X amount of dollars to pay my bills and keep my household running smoothly. Interestingly, that's exactly the amount of money I made, month after month, year after year. Whatever amount I needed, that was the amount I made, and for the longest time, I felt pretty proud of my ability to meet my obligations.
But then I realized that I was still just working to pay my bills, trading time for money, even if I wasn't driving downtown to do it. I had changed the method by which I earned my paycheck, but it was still just a paycheck all the same.
And oddly enough, once I made this realization, once I set aside that mental "must-have" number, my income started to increase. I may not have made my first million yet, but I'm finally starting to see the path that will get me there.
If you want a million dollars, then set out to make a million dollars. There's nothing wrong with "doing what you have to do" to get by, but don't let that become your goal.
3. You Don't Believe
Ask anyone — and I mean anyone — if they'd like to be rich, and most won't even hesitate before saying yes. But ask those same people if they're certain they'll become rich, and you'll find that the answers aren't nearly as confident.
That's because the average Joe or Jane doesn't really believe they'll ever be millionaires.
They'd certainly like to believe it, but their doubt resonates much louder than their desire. As long as that's true, the wealth they desire will elude them.
Now, this commitment to becoming rich might sound like something out of a new age book, but the fact remains that it is a common trait among the real-life wealthy. And if becoming a millionaire is really what you want to do, then you have to believe that it will happen, come hell or high water. (See also: 5 Lessons From Millionaires)
This is why Donald Trump can go from having millions in the bank to millions in debt to millions in the bank again. He believes he is supposed to have money. Think what you will about Trump, but the fact remains that he keeps coming back, no matter what financial obstacles life might throw his way.
When faced with bankruptcy and over $900 million in personal debt in 1991, do you suppose Trump ever, even for one second thought, "Well, this is it... I guess I'll just throw in the towel?" And incidentally, he didn't just make this comeback once. Trump has filed for corporate bankruptcy three more times since then, and according to analysts, he's now worth more than he was before the bankruptcy.
How's that for a testimonial to the power of positive thinking?
In the words of Warren Buffet, "I always knew I was going to be rich. I don't think I ever doubted it for a minute."
4. You Don't Trust Your Instincts
Catherine L. Hughes didn't start out as an obvious success story. At 16, she was a teen mom. She attended college, but never finished. Yet, despite her slow start, she used her job at a local radio station to propel her career, and eventually secured a position as the General Manager of Howard University's radio station. Not long after, she and her husband bought their first radio station, and Radio One was born.
Then came the divorce. Hughes was able to buy out her husband's shares in the station but was forced to sleep on the studio floor with her son because they couldn't afford to live anywhere else. Her mother pleaded with her to let the station go and find a more suitable life for her and her son.
But Hughes stuck to her guns and today, Radio One is a multi-million dollar media company. "Sometimes," says Hughes, "the ones who love you the most give you the worst [business] advice. If I had listened to my mother.... there would be no Radio One."
Who have you been listening to? Maybe it's time to get a second opinion. Or maybe it's time to start listening to your gut and seeing just how far you can fly.
5. You're Waiting
In his book, How Rich People Think, author Steve Siebold writes, "...while the masses are waiting to pick the right [lotto] numbers and praying for prosperity, the great ones are solving problems."
Yes, this is one of those harsh realities I mentioned earlier, but that doesn't make it any less true. What's more, we have a tendency to apply this mentality to all aspects of our lives, and that leaves us in a perpetual state of limbo. We're waiting for our boss to give us a raise or a promotion. We're waiting for our partner or spouse to make us happy and fulfilled. We're waiting on the government to fix the problems in our world, solve unemployment, create better programs, and lower our taxes. We're waiting for the right time, for more money, or for a better opportunity.
In fact, if you think about it, we're always waiting for something. All that waiting is keeping us from achieving what we really want and, more importantly, what we could really become. As long as you're waiting, someone else is in control of your future. And if someone else is in control, you'll never get to where you want to go.
6. You Need to Revamp Your Relationship With Money
In a 2012 post for Entrepreneur.com, Grant Cardone writes,
Who says, 'Money won't make you happy'? People without money. Who says, 'All rich people are greedy'? People who aren't rich. Wealthy people don't talk like that. You need to know what people are doing to create wealth and follow their example: What do they read? How do they invest? What drives them? How do they stay motivated and excited?
And he should know.
Cardone is an entrepreneur, international speaker, best-selling author, and sales and training expert for Fortune 500 companies. He makes a living off teaching others how to make a living and all of his success comes down to mindset.
Cardone isn't the only one pointing to our dysfunctional love affair with money. Finance diva Suze Orman has written at length on the importance of a healthy relationship with money and treating it with respect: "Your money is governed by how you treat it: it's that simple. It thrives when you are being responsible, respectful, and doing honorable things with it." And to do that, you have to get past this idea that wanting it — and being committed to getting it — somehow makes you a bad or selfish person. (See also: Make Plans for a Better Relationship With Money)
I'm going to quote Siebold one more time as well: "[The middle class] sees money as a never-ending necessary evil that must be endured as part of life," he writes. "The world class sees money as the great liberator, and with enough of it, they are able to purchase financial peace of mind."
Now, think about how you see your money. Is it a means to an end? Or a strategic tool in your life plan arsenal?
Does it bring you joy, or does it cause you stress and worry? Figure that out, because when you revamp your relationship with money, it's surprising how many doors will start to open up.
What's keeping you from your first million?
By Kate Luther
"If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself..."
Obviously, she didn't run that article through a PR consultant before she submitted it.
But as off-putting as that statement might be, I can't help but reluctantly concede that there's some truth to it. Now, don't get me wrong — I'm not for a moment suggesting that the reason we're not rich is that we don't work hard enough. Quite the contrary, I think most people work very hard and we tend to do whatever it takes to put food on the table and provide for our families. We're resourceful, we're dedicated, and we don't give up.
I also believe that social programs are a good thing and that we have a responsibility to help those that need help. Always. Without Question. Period. (See also: Easy Ways to Support Charity)
But I also think that we've lost some of that vision and moxie that brought us here. I think that if you could measure potential, we'd be off the charts, but we've learned to ignore it, suppress it, and bury it down deep because it's easier, or at least safer, than taking the risk to see what we're really made of.
So all that said, if you still want to know the real reason you're not a millionaire, read on, and just know that I say all of this with nothing but love.
1. You Work for Someone Else
When you work for someone else, you're essentially trading time for money, and there are two problems with this strategy:
You only have so much time to trade
Someone else is in charge of setting how much your time is worth
So, while it's not impossible to reach millionaire status while working for someone else, it doesn't happen often.
Does that mean you should run out and quit your job? No, but it does mean you should start looking at your time as a valuable commodity and rethink how you're spending it. Then, find a way to start moving toward a more profitable way of spending your days, a way that pays you for your talent and ability rather than the number of hours you've worked or the amount your pay-grade says you've earned.
Maybe you start out by moonlighting or maybe you save up until you can take the big leap. Either way, the path is the same. (See also: 9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash)
And if you're not hip to venturing out on your own, then you need to find another way to increase your income. Maybe you become very good at moving up the corporate ladder, or maybe you become remarkably savvy at investing, or better yet, maybe you do both. The point is, if your goal is to be a millionaire in a reasonable amount of time, you're the one that will have to make that happen.
2. You're Not Trying
While most millionaires are looking for ways to increase their wealth, the rest of us are simply looking for ways to pay our bills. This mindset has a direct effect on how much money you make.
When I first launched my freelance career, I had a clear number in mind. I knew that I had to make X amount of dollars to pay my bills and keep my household running smoothly. Interestingly, that's exactly the amount of money I made, month after month, year after year. Whatever amount I needed, that was the amount I made, and for the longest time, I felt pretty proud of my ability to meet my obligations.
But then I realized that I was still just working to pay my bills, trading time for money, even if I wasn't driving downtown to do it. I had changed the method by which I earned my paycheck, but it was still just a paycheck all the same.
And oddly enough, once I made this realization, once I set aside that mental "must-have" number, my income started to increase. I may not have made my first million yet, but I'm finally starting to see the path that will get me there.
If you want a million dollars, then set out to make a million dollars. There's nothing wrong with "doing what you have to do" to get by, but don't let that become your goal.
3. You Don't Believe
Ask anyone — and I mean anyone — if they'd like to be rich, and most won't even hesitate before saying yes. But ask those same people if they're certain they'll become rich, and you'll find that the answers aren't nearly as confident.
That's because the average Joe or Jane doesn't really believe they'll ever be millionaires.
They'd certainly like to believe it, but their doubt resonates much louder than their desire. As long as that's true, the wealth they desire will elude them.
Now, this commitment to becoming rich might sound like something out of a new age book, but the fact remains that it is a common trait among the real-life wealthy. And if becoming a millionaire is really what you want to do, then you have to believe that it will happen, come hell or high water. (See also: 5 Lessons From Millionaires)
This is why Donald Trump can go from having millions in the bank to millions in debt to millions in the bank again. He believes he is supposed to have money. Think what you will about Trump, but the fact remains that he keeps coming back, no matter what financial obstacles life might throw his way.
When faced with bankruptcy and over $900 million in personal debt in 1991, do you suppose Trump ever, even for one second thought, "Well, this is it... I guess I'll just throw in the towel?" And incidentally, he didn't just make this comeback once. Trump has filed for corporate bankruptcy three more times since then, and according to analysts, he's now worth more than he was before the bankruptcy.
How's that for a testimonial to the power of positive thinking?
In the words of Warren Buffet, "I always knew I was going to be rich. I don't think I ever doubted it for a minute."
4. You Don't Trust Your Instincts
Catherine L. Hughes didn't start out as an obvious success story. At 16, she was a teen mom. She attended college, but never finished. Yet, despite her slow start, she used her job at a local radio station to propel her career, and eventually secured a position as the General Manager of Howard University's radio station. Not long after, she and her husband bought their first radio station, and Radio One was born.
Then came the divorce. Hughes was able to buy out her husband's shares in the station but was forced to sleep on the studio floor with her son because they couldn't afford to live anywhere else. Her mother pleaded with her to let the station go and find a more suitable life for her and her son.
But Hughes stuck to her guns and today, Radio One is a multi-million dollar media company. "Sometimes," says Hughes, "the ones who love you the most give you the worst [business] advice. If I had listened to my mother.... there would be no Radio One."
Who have you been listening to? Maybe it's time to get a second opinion. Or maybe it's time to start listening to your gut and seeing just how far you can fly.
5. You're Waiting
In his book, How Rich People Think, author Steve Siebold writes, "...while the masses are waiting to pick the right [lotto] numbers and praying for prosperity, the great ones are solving problems."
Yes, this is one of those harsh realities I mentioned earlier, but that doesn't make it any less true. What's more, we have a tendency to apply this mentality to all aspects of our lives, and that leaves us in a perpetual state of limbo. We're waiting for our boss to give us a raise or a promotion. We're waiting for our partner or spouse to make us happy and fulfilled. We're waiting on the government to fix the problems in our world, solve unemployment, create better programs, and lower our taxes. We're waiting for the right time, for more money, or for a better opportunity.
In fact, if you think about it, we're always waiting for something. All that waiting is keeping us from achieving what we really want and, more importantly, what we could really become. As long as you're waiting, someone else is in control of your future. And if someone else is in control, you'll never get to where you want to go.
6. You Need to Revamp Your Relationship With Money
In a 2012 post for Entrepreneur.com, Grant Cardone writes,
Who says, 'Money won't make you happy'? People without money. Who says, 'All rich people are greedy'? People who aren't rich. Wealthy people don't talk like that. You need to know what people are doing to create wealth and follow their example: What do they read? How do they invest? What drives them? How do they stay motivated and excited?
And he should know.
Cardone is an entrepreneur, international speaker, best-selling author, and sales and training expert for Fortune 500 companies. He makes a living off teaching others how to make a living and all of his success comes down to mindset.
Cardone isn't the only one pointing to our dysfunctional love affair with money. Finance diva Suze Orman has written at length on the importance of a healthy relationship with money and treating it with respect: "Your money is governed by how you treat it: it's that simple. It thrives when you are being responsible, respectful, and doing honorable things with it." And to do that, you have to get past this idea that wanting it — and being committed to getting it — somehow makes you a bad or selfish person. (See also: Make Plans for a Better Relationship With Money)
I'm going to quote Siebold one more time as well: "[The middle class] sees money as a never-ending necessary evil that must be endured as part of life," he writes. "The world class sees money as the great liberator, and with enough of it, they are able to purchase financial peace of mind."
Now, think about how you see your money. Is it a means to an end? Or a strategic tool in your life plan arsenal?
Does it bring you joy, or does it cause you stress and worry? Figure that out, because when you revamp your relationship with money, it's surprising how many doors will start to open up.
What's keeping you from your first million?
By Kate Luther
Monday, June 10, 2013
Mark Zuckerberg: Success Secrets of the World Youngest Billionaire
In the course of building a business; I have seen and learned a lot of things, and I am still in the learning process. Everyday, I come across tough, die hard entrepreneurs whose drive and achievements inspire me.
One of such inspiring entrepreneurs is Mark Zuckerberg; the youngest billionaire in the world. A lot have been said and written about this young billionaire entrepreneur but I am going to focus on his entrepreneurial achievements.
I saw how Mark Zuckerberg started from scratch and rose to become the youngest billionaire in the world all in a space of five years. Call him an accidental billionaire, a billionaire hacker or anything you like and you won’t be wrong but he definitely deserved his current status. Mark Zuckerberg is currently on our list of richest drop out billionaires but I don’t intend writing about his successes or fame.
Instead, I want to share with you lessons I picked up from the early years of Mark Zuckerberg; when he had nothing but a dream. I think it’s worthwhile you quietly reflect on the entrepreneurial life of Mark Zuckerberg and learn from it.
Now how did Mark Zuckerberg develop the idea for FaceBook.com? How did Mark Zuckerberg rise from nothing to become the youngest billionaires in the world? What lessons can be drawn from the startup story of Mark Zuckerberg and his Facebook Company? If you are interested in the answer to any of the questions, then read on.
“It’s not because of the amount of money. For me and my colleagues; the most important thing is that we create an open information flow for people. Having media corporations owned by conglomerates is not just an attractive idea to me.” –Mark Zuckerberg
In this article, I will be sharing with you the success lessons I learned from this young billionaire; Mark Zuckerberg. I am not sharing this with you to thrill you but to challenge you to stick it through the entrepreneurial process. If you are ready to learn, then below are the secrets to the success of Mark Zuckerberg; the youngest billionaire in the world.
Mark Zuckerberg: Success Secrets of the Youngest Billionaire in the World
1. Have a Dream
Most people think that Mark Zuckerberg emerged from the blues to become a billionaire; they think he built Facebook with just a snap of fingers. The truth is they are wrong. Mark Zuckerberg was not an overnight success. His journey to fame and fortune began as a dream; a desire he was willing to sacrifice all for. That’s why Napoleon Hill said that “Desire is the starting point of all achievements.”
So if you want to replicate the success of Mark Zuckerberg; if you want to become rich and famous like him, it starts with your desire. What do you want from this life? Where do you want to be in the next ten years? What do you want to be remembered for after you bow your head to death?
2. Think big
Facebook was a project on Mark Zuckerberg’s computer and he would have opted to sell it off back then but he refused. Why? He refused to sell it off because he wasn’t looking for a payoff; he wasn’t interested in a paid job, he was more interested in changing the world. Facebook was a small project but Mark Zuckerberg’s dream wasn’t a small one.
His friends envisioned Facebook as a college project; Mark Zuckerberg envisioned Facebook as a worldwide project that will change the way people communicate and stay in touch. People initially analyzed Facebook as a million dollar project but Mark Zuckerberg envisioned a billion dollar company.
What do you see in that small business idea of yours? Where do you see your company in the nearest future? Are you aspiring to build a million dollar company or a billion dollar company? Remember that success doesn’t just happen; it begins with strategic planning.
3. Start small
Mark Zuckerberg had big dreams and wonderful plans. He envisioned a worldwide project that will be worth billions of dollars. Yet, he started small. He wasn’t discouraged by his humble beginning; he didn’t despise the days of little beginning. Instead of waiting for the million dollar funding or startup capital; he started from his dormitory with little capital and sweat equity. But today; he’s among the youngest billionaires in the world. Never be ashamed to start from the scratch because building a business from scratch is where the glory lies.
4. Believe in yourself
Self belief is a prerequisite for successfully undertaking any venture and Mark Zuckerberg had lots of it. You can never build a successful business by thrusting responsibility to someone else. You have to believe that starting a business and growing such business can be done and you are the one to do it. Never look down on yourself; believe firmly in yourself and your God’s given ability and you will make it.
“You are nuts and you should be proud of it. Stick with what you believe in.” – Trip Hawkins
5. Follow your passion
What are you passionate about? Are you prepared to stick to your passion? Are you willing to make sacrifices for your passion? These are the questions you must answer if you want to replicate the success of Mark Zuckerberg.
Mark Zuckerberg was a programming enthusiast from childhood and he stuck to that passion; despite the fact that it led him to break the rules, he stuck to it. Everyone loves the success story of Mark Zuckerberg but only few will ever give a thought to the fact that Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of college; just to make sure his passion never dies. That singular sacrifice alone enabled him make the list of the richest drop out billionaires in the world. Undying resolve is a key to building a billion dollar business from scratch.
Mark Zuckerberg: Success Secrets of the Youngest Billionaire in the World
6. Be prepared for criticism
“I just wish nobody made a film about me while I am still alive.” – Mark Zuckerberg
Just like every successful entrepreneur; Mark Zuckerberg has gotten his share of criticism. But he refused to be cowed by it. Criticism is a necessity on the road to the top so you must be prepared not only to accept it but also to leverage on it. Don’t let criticism hold you back; instead, use it as a stepping stone to greater heights.
7. Be diligent
“I guess we could. If you look at how much of our page is taken up with ads compared to the average search query. The average for us is a little less than 10% of the pages and the average for search is about 20% taken up with ads. That’s the simplest thing we could do but we aren’t like that; we make enough money. Right, I mean we are keeping things running; we are growing at the rate we want to.” – Mark Zuckerberg“See thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before vain men.” – Proverbs 22: 29
The message above is clear. Before the sweetness of success comes sweat. No man gets to the top with both hands in his pocket. All successful entrepreneurs and drop out billionaires earned their place through hard work; they toiled while others slept and that’s why they became successful.
8. Don’t be afraid to dare the giants
Mark Zuckerberg wanted Facebook to be the heart of the internet but he had an obstacle; an unmovable well established giant and that giant is Google. Was Mark afraid to take Google head on? The answer is no. Sometimes, success can be found at the feet of the giants; in the den of lions and only the brave can go for it. That’s why courage is one of the characteristics possessed by successful entrepreneurs. Without courage, there will be no risk taking.
9. Be focused
“The thing I really care about is the mission; making the world open.” – Mark Zuckerberg
Do you know the reason why Facebook was able to withstand Google? The answer is because Mark Zuckerberg focused on fulfilling Facebook’s mission. That’s why successful entrepreneurs such as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Andrew Carnegie repeatedly emphasized the need to concentrate. Diversified effort yield’s minimal results; concentrated effort yields maximum result. So concentrate.
“Concentrate your energy, your thoughts and your capital.” – Andrew Carnegie
10. Learn to take risk
“Without the element of uncertainty, the bringing off of even, the greatest business triumph would be dull, routine and eminently unsatisfying.” – J. Paul Getty“In today’s rapidly changing world, the people who are not taking risk are the risk takers.” – Robert Kiyosaki
No entrepreneur ever became successful without undertaking an atom of risk. Mark Zuckerberg also had his fair share of risk. When Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of college to focus on building Facebook; he took risk. By confronting Google; he took risk. Facebook itself was a risky venture that paid off immensely. Entrepreneurship is all about risk taking. Without risk, the world will remain stagnant.
“Risk — If one has to jump a stream and knows how wide it is, he will not jump. If he doesn’t know how wide it is, he’ll jump and six times out of ten, he’ll make it.” – Anonymous“You must take risks, both with your own money or with borrowed money. Risk taking is essential to business growth.” – J. Paul Getty
11. Stick to the process
“In the game of entrepreneurship, the process is more important than the goal. When you start building a business, you begin a journey, a process. This process has a beginning and an ending and between the beginning and end lays a lot of challenges. You will win only if you remain faithful to the process.” - Rich Dad
Starting the entrepreneurial process is one thing; sticking to the process is another. Facebook was not an overnight success; its success was achieved on installments. Mark Zuckerberg did not become a billionaire overnight; he worked it out for years and he is still working it out. That’s the spirit of entrepreneurship; the spirit of continuity.
“Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” – Ray Kroc
In conclusion; there’s nothing extraordinary about Mark Zuckerberg’s success. There’s nothing abnormal about his emergence as the youngest billionaire in the world. He deserves the position because he dreamed it, planned it and worked it out. He stuck to his passion and focused on fulfilling the Facebook mission; that was why he became the youngest billionaire in the world. His success has nothing to do with luck
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
10 Ways to develope a mastery mind
In today’s world of hacks, shortcuts and instant money-making blueprints, I think we have lost appreciation for slow-brewing mastery in our work.
Through the years, I have worked with many martial artists, cultural leaders and business mentors who have taught me that trying to finish first in a short race is not only stressful, it works against developing deep expertise.
Here are ten ways to develop a mastery mindset:
Learn patience
My mother in law has taught me that Diné people (Navajos) have ceremonies for every part of life. There are baby’s first laugh ceremonies and puberty ceremonies and seasonal ceremonies. There are water ceremonies and lightening ceremonies and beauty way ceremonies. In these sacred gatherings, conversation is slow and deliberate and unhurried. An elder can take an entire hour to share a teaching, or bless food before eating. I have watched elders see a young person squirm with impatience, then choose to talk slower and longer. They do this because they know that learning to settle down and develop patience is going to help young folks develop thoughtfulness, depth and wisdom.
Practice the basics
When we first learn a new skill, we dive into it with abandon, taking classes, learning from mentors and practicing like crazy. When we reach a certain level of success, we often get lazy. True masters never stop practicing the basics. Martial artists do push ups and sit ups every day of their lives. Artists practice brush strokes. Writers write daily. Entrepreneurs create, market and sell. When you don’t practice the basics, they go away.
Appreciate the source of your materials...
In Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Jiro’s son walks slowly around the fish market, looking for the perfect fish for the evening meals. He has relationships with fishermen who will not sell their product to anyone but him. Great work is built with great materials, by people and partners who care as much about what they do as you care about what you do. Avoid cheap, sloppy and poorly constructed source materials.
Deconstruct everything..
Often, success is random. If you started a business in 1996 like I did, you might have thought you were naturally talented. The market was flourishing. Companies were throwing huge sums of money around for training, employee perks and expensive toys. If you do well, take the time to figure out exactly what were the conditions that led to your success. If you have a raging failure, figure out exactly which conditions, personal and environmental, led to your failure. As Don Miguel Ruiz says in The Four Agreements, “Don’t take things personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dreams.”
Set boundaries..
You cannot create great work if you are in a constant state of reaction. You must protect your creative work time by blocking out your schedule, turning off your phone and closing down your email. You must protect your creative energy by avoiding “life sucking squids,” as my friend Martha Beck calls people who only care about their own edification and not about your needs or soul. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can take advantage of you without your permission.”
Make your space holy..
When you respect your work, you want to create a beautiful, clean, sacred container for it. Regardless of the size, cost or fanciness of your physical space, treat it with reverence. Pay attention to what you bring into it. Take time to clean the floor and wash the windows. Surround yourself with images of beauty and inspiration. Give gratitude to the tools that you use to do your work, and to all the masters who have come before you.
Cultivate your voice...
While you can become fluent in another language, you will never feel more anchored and at home than when you are speaking your native tongue. Explore your voice. Listen to your intuition. Write down your thoughts. Develop your ideas. Don’t get distracted by your love for someone else’s voice, that will only lead to cheap knock-offs.
Swallow your pride....
True mastery is based on a love affair with your work. You want to take a great photograph, or write a great paragraph, or lead a transformational coaching call because you want to make the profession proud. You want to please the past masters and the art itself. If your work is criticized, or isn’t up to your own standards, don’t take it personally. If you receive lots of accolades and exposure, don’t let it get to your head. Keep your focus on honoring your profession.
Punch through the bag....
My mixed martial arts teacher Mr. Fiori always tells me to “punch through the bag” when I am practicing jabs and crosses. If you just focus on hitting the target itself, your punch will be weak. Set your target a foot behind the bag, and aim to hit that. The same applies to your work. How does today’s goal relate to tomorrow’s goal, and next year’s goal? How will your choices today affect your relatives in seven generations? Always think ahead.
When imitated, don’t retaliate, innovate....
When you are great at what you do, people are bound to imitate you. Sometimes they will try to steal your intellectual property, or students, or employees or business model, or artistic genre. It is natural to get upset when this happens. But instead of fighting with the imitator, move on to innovate the next stage of your work. If you are doing your job well, your work is constantly improving and growing. Imitate that.
Once you begin to cultivate a mastery mindset, life slows down and you appreciate the delicious nuances in every moment. And when you sink into that way of living, you may realize that mastery is not even the goal.
“Science is not about control. It is about cultivating a perpetual condition of wonder in the face of something that forever grows one step richer and subtler than our latest theory about it. It is about reverence, not mastery.” – Richard Powers
COINED BY IMPACT WORLD ARENA
Friday, March 1, 2013
Secret Of Success ; Gather Yourself Together! Simple!
After years of searching, the seeker was told to go to a cave, in
which he would find a well. 'Ask the well what is truth', he was advised, 'and
the well will reveal it to you'. Having found the well, the seeker asked that
most fundamental question. And from the depths came the answer, 'Go to the
village crossroad: there you shall find what you are seeking'.
Full of hope and anticipation the man ran to the crossroad to find
only three rather uninteresting shops. One shop was selling pieces of metal,
another sold wood, and thin wires were for sale in the third. Nothing and no
one there seemed to have much to do with the revelation of truth.
Disappointed, the seeker returned to the well to demand an
explanation, but he was told only, 'You will understand in the future.' When
the man protested, all he got in return were the echoes of his own shouts.
Indignant for having been made a fool of - or so he thought at the time - the
seeker continued his wanderings in search of truth.
As years went by, the
memory of his experience at the well gradually faded until one night, while he
was walking in the moonlight, the sound of sitar music caught his attention. It
was wonderful music and it was played with great mastery and inspiration.
Profoundly moved, the truth seeker felt drawn towards the player.
He looked at the fingers dancing over the strings. He became aware of the sitar
itself. And then suddenly he exploded in a cry of joyous recognition: the sitar
was made out of wires and pieces of metal and wood just like those he had once
seen in the three stores and had thought it to be without any particular significance.
At last he understood the message of the well: we have already been
given everything we need: our task is to assemble and use it in the appropriate
way. Nothing is meaningful so long as we perceive only separate fragments. But
as soon as the fragments come together into a synthesis, a new entity emerges,
whose nature we could not have foreseen by considering the fragments alone.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Knowing Your Stand
The carrot, the egg, and the coffee bean
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.It seemed that, as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.
She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," the young woman replied.
The mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water - but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened! The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" the mother asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong but, with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?
Did I have a fluid spirit but, after a death, a breakup, or a financial hardship, does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.
When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavour.If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The power of determination (true story)
A true story about athlete Glenn Cunningham who was horribly burned in
a schoolhouse fire at the age of 8. Doctors predicted he would never walk
again. Determined to walk, Glenn would throw himself off his wheelchair and
pull his body across the yard and along a fence. Twenty-two months later, he
took his first steps and through sheer determination, learned to run despite
the pain…
The little country schoolhouse was heated by an old-fashioned,
pot-bellied coal stove. A little boy had the job of coming to school early each
day to start the fire and warm the room before his teacher and his classmates
arrived.
One morning they arrived to find the schoolhouse engulfed in flames.
They dragged the unconscious little boy out of the flaming building more dead
than alive. He had major burns over the lower half of his body and was taken to
a nearby county hospital.
From his bed the dreadfully burned, semi-conscious little boy faintly
heard the doctor talking to his mother. The doctor told his mother that her son
would surely die – which was for the best, really – for the terrible fire had
devastated the lower half of his body.
But the brave boy didn’t want to die. He made up his mind that he
would survive. Somehow, to the amazement of the physician, he did survive. When
the mortal danger was past, he again heard the doctor and his mother speaking
quietly. The mother was told that since the fire had destroyed so much flesh in
the lower part of his body, it would almost be better if he had died, since he
was doomed to be a lifetime cripple with no use at all of his lower limbs.
Once more the brave boy made up his mind. He would not be a cripple.
He would walk. But unfortunately from the waist down, he had no motor ability.
His thin legs just dangled there, all but lifeless.
Ultimately he was released from the hospital. Every day his mother
would massage his little legs, but there was no feeling, no control, nothing.
Yet his determination that he would walk was as strong as ever.
When he wasn’t in bed, he was confined to a wheelchair. One sunny day
his mother wheeled him out into the yard to get some fresh air. This day, instead
of sitting there, he threw himself from the chair. He pulled himself across the
grass, dragging his legs behind him.
He worked his way to the white picket fence bordering their lot. With
great effort, he raised himself up on the fence. Then, stake by stake, he began
dragging himself along the fence, resolved that he would walk. He started to do
this every day until he wore a smooth path all around the yard beside the
fence. There was nothing he wanted more than to develop life in those legs.
Ultimately through his daily massages, his iron persistence and his
resolute determination, he did develop the ability to stand up, then to walk
haltingly, then to walk by himself – and then – to run.
He began to walk to school, then to run to school, to run for the
sheer joy of running. Later in college he made the track team.
Still later in Madison Square Garden this young man who was not
expected to survive, who would surely never walk, who could never hope to run –
this determined young man, Dr. Glenn Cunningham, ran the world’s fastest
mile**!
**On June 16, 1934, Glenn Cunningham ran the mile in 4:06.8 minutes,
breaking the world’s record. His effort portrays that whatever you want to
create in your life is yours for the making. As long as you desire it enough
and allow your will to guide you, you can have and be whatever your heart
desires. The only one that can put limits on our personal will is ourselves.
Develop and encourage your will to create and all the forces of nature within
and without will help you bring your desire to pass.
Life Summary:
8 years old, was horribly burned in a schoolhouse fire. Doctors
predicted he would never walk again.
22 months later, took his first steps and through sheer determination,
learned to run despite the pain.
In high school, set records for the mile and later attended Kansas
University.While at Kansas, refused all scholarship money, preferring to pay his
own way.By sophomore year, ran the 1,500 meter race at the 1932 Olympics, but
finished fourth due to a severe cold.
By senior year, set a world record for the mile of 4:06.8 and held
seven of the top 13 fastest recorded times for the mile.In 1936, voted “Most Popular Athlete” by his fellow athletes.He went on to earn a master’s degree from University of Iowa and later
a doctorate from New York University.While in New York, won 21 of 31 races at Madison Square Gardens and
set an indoor mile record there in 1938.
His fastest mile time was 4:04.4 at a Dartmouth track meet in 1938.
When the 1940 Olympics were cancelled, he retired from his running
career and taught at Cornell College in Iowa.During World War II, he served two years in the Navy.Spent the remainder of his life running the Glenn Cunningham Youth
Ranch for troubled kids in Kansas, USA.
It is estimated that he and his wife raised around 9,000 kids on their
ranch in the years until his death in 1988.
All you need to do is to believe in the I CAN and I WILL and I MUST!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
You Can Be Your Dream!
Words of encouragement can help to relieve stress and boost our
morale. Below are my favorite encouragement quotes, I hope these help to make
you feel a lot more confident in your ability to achieve your dreams.
Don’t give up! Did you know that Thomas Edison tried over 2000
materials before he found one that he could make the light bulb? At one point,
there was a fire accident and his lab was destroyed completely. He started
rebuilding the lab the next day and kept going.
Abraham Lincoln is in our hearts, one of the greatest presidents but
we rarely know that he faced many failures and defeat throughout his life: born
into poverty, twice failed in business, lost eight elections and suffered a
nervous breakdown.
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the
airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”- Henry Ford
“One has to remember that every failure can be a stepping stone to
something better.”- Col. Harland Sanders
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till
it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then,
for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”-Harriet Beecher Stowe
“A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure.”-Unknown
“I am grateful for all of my problems. After each one was overcome, I
became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come. I grew in
all my difficulties.”-James Cash Penney
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road… unless you fail to
make the turn, at least make a turn.”-Okunribido Moses Oladimeji
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from
the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Discover.”-Mark Twain
“Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no
birds sang except those that sang best.”-Henry Van Dyke
“Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only
need to find one good reason why it will.”-Dr. Robert Anthony
“Extraordinary struggles bring an extraordinary purpose for those who
wait.”-Brianna Gazvoda
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you
have imagined.”-Henry David Thoreau
“Count the garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall. Count
your life with smiles and not the tears that roll.”-Unknown
“Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty.”-Sicilian Proverb
“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also
be only the beginning.”-Ivy Baker Priest
“It doesn’t matter how many say it cannot be done or how many people
have tried it before; it’s important to realize that whatever you’re doing, it’s
your first attempt at it.”-Wally Amos
“If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you.
You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call
‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.”-Mary Pickford
“He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as
surely as if he had failed.”-William James
“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long
and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open
for us.”-Alexander Graham Bell
“Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I give myself reasons
why I can.”-Okunribido Moses Oladimeji
Take care friends and if you know some good encouragement quotes,
phrases or poems, please share with our fellow visitors!!!
Monday, February 25, 2013
7 Unfortunate Habits of Unhappy People
Everyone experiences unhappy times on occasion, but there is a big
difference between experiencing a temporary bout of sadness and living a
habitually unhappy life. That’s what
chronically unhappy people do.Even if you are generally a happy person, take a look at these seven
habits to determine if any of them are keeping you from experiencing greater
amounts of joy.
1. Playing it too safe.
Don’t play it so safe that you put yourself in situations where none
of your potential options satisfy your calling.
Dream your dream, but also realize that you are more than just the
dreamer, you are the point of origin for your dream’s reality.Your dream is your creative vision for your future life. You must break out of your current comfort
zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar. Start smashing through those emotional
barriers. Move forward. Life doesn’t magically give you what you want
in your mind; it gives you what you insist upon with your actions. Read The Power of Habit.
2. Continuous self doubt.
You will inevitably become who you believe yourself to be.If you spend enough time saying, “I’m not smart enough, thin enough
and rich enough,” it’s likely that you will someday be right. On the contrary, if you have the belief that
you are smart enough, thin enough and rich enough now to take the next positive
step forward, over time you will likely acquire the capacity to be these very
things at your desired level of expectation.
3. Obsession with control.
Sometimes people put too much interest into trying to control every
tiny aspect of their lives. Learn to let
go, relax and ride the path that life takes you. Try something new, take a chance, but above
all, smile and enjoy the scenery.Freeing yourself from trying to control the insignificant things lets
you experience more of the good stuff around you. The greatest joys in life are often the
unexpected surprises that arrive when you are flexible and open to life’s
twists and turns. Read Buddha’s Brain.
4. Setting unrealistic
expectations.
You won’t drop two jean sizes overnight. Your relationships won’t grow without your
attention. You can’t pay off $25K in
debt in a week. Your new business
venture won’t instantly turn a profit.You’re going to make mistakes every now and then. You will go a day or two when you feel like
you’re running in place. You’re going to
try new techniques and they’re not always going to work. You’re a human being. You’re going to fail from time to time. But that’s how you grow. Worthwhile goals take work and persistence.
5. A bad attitude.
The greatest discovery you will ever make is that you can change your
life by simply changing your attitude.
Optimism is the most essential human trait, because it allows you to
evolve your ideas and improve every situation you encounter.So don’t take things for granted.
Be positive and realize how fortunate you are. Not every day will be perfect, but if you pay
attention you’ll realize that 99.9% of the time you’re having either a good day
or a great day.
6. Slacking on exercise.
You DO have enough time to exercise.
If you say otherwise, you’re lying to yourself. The truth is you don’t have time not to, or
sooner or later you’ll be making time for illness.At least 30 minutes of exercise every day has been proven on countless
occasions by countless medical studies to increase the strength, happiness and
longevity of human lives. You’re talking
about three and a half hours a week.
That’s hardly seems an excessive amount of time considering the
tremendous benefits in terms of the impact on the remaining 164.5 hours of the
week. Read The 4-Hour Body.
7. Overindulgence of a good
thing.
As Oscar Wilde once said, “Everything in moderation, including
moderation.”
Eating too much makes you fat.
Spending too much money makes you broke.
Working too much leaves your family at home missing you. Playing too much leaves important work
undone… And so on and so forth.Happiness depends on the balancing act of applying your positive
resources equally to the hungry deficits in your life. All details aside, the important thing to
remember is this: Long-term happiness is
never found in one good thing; it is a combination, it is a balanced lifestyle.
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