Look Around You

A very special teacher in high school many years ago had a husband who unexpectedly died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.

With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important. Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves... and none of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day."

Her eyes beginning to water, she went on, "So I would like you all to make me a promise... from now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see - it could be a scent - perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. Please, look for these things, and cherish them.

For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted. We must make it important to notice them, for at any time ... it can all be taken away."

The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.

Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.
_________________
I fall and I pick myself up.
I lose hope yet I dream.
I am lost and I find myself again.
I cry and I laugh through my tears.
I despair yet I believe.

Disappointment In God

Talk to many people and you will learn about their disappointment in God. Perhaps they suffered a tragedy or lost someone close to them. Maybe they prayed a prayer that wasn't answered or hoped for a miracle that didn't happen.

But why do some people allow a disappointment to drive them away from God while others take that same disappointment and cling to God all the more?

There is a true story about a woman who was disappointed in how her life turned out. After many childless years, Elisha, God's prophet, prayed for her and she birthed a son. But as a youth, this child suddenly died. The woman found Elisha and said, "Did I ask you for a son, my lord? Didn't I tell you, 'don't raise my hopes'?" 2 Kings 4:28 NIV

She might have gone into mourning, secluded herself in her home, and never trusted in God again. I can understand those actions. But instead, she searched for Elisha and asked him why he had allowed her to raise her hopes. She wasn't ready to give up until she understood. A miracle happened. Elisha prayed for her son, he came back from the dead. (v36).

Maybe that is the difference. Some people experience disappointment and give up. But it is those who cling to God all the more and keep asking for an explanation, knowing there is one, who see their disappointment change to something positive in their lives.

Please heed the lesson of this Shunammite woman and give your disappointment to God. Don't let anything rob you of a life filled with the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. A miracle awaits you just around the next corner.

The Perfect Mistake

My Mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to orphanages in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what had happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China!

The Great Depression was at it's height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this."

Months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage. "But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my coworkers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top.

The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued: "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that."

The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way.

There are times we want to blame God instead of thanking him! Perhaps it is something we ought to try more often, "Thank you God for not allowing my car to start this morning." He may have been saving your life from a car accident. "Lord Jesus, thank you for letting me lose my glasses; I'm sure they'll be put to good use or there is a lesson to be learned."

Get Paid More and Promoted Faster

Get Paid More and Promoted Faster
By Joe Farcht

Everyone wants to get paid more and promoted faster. It is just human nature. But who knows what they must do to be recognized as a high performer worthy of being paid more and promoted faster? There are many things you can do and I’ve chosen to share three with you.

Develop Good Work Habits:

Most people are time wasters not because they deliberately waste time but because they have picked-up poor work habits, perhaps attitudes, and unproductive ways of working from other people. And they are largely unaware of those unproductive work habits and attitudes. To develop good work habits a person needs to become aware of new ways of working that are more efficient and productive. They can do that by self-study in the area of time management like from the book The Time Trap by Alec Mackenzie. Or they can develop good work habits by being led through a work skill and attitude development process like Mastering Productivity (Leadership Advantage, Inc. program). Practicing new more effective and productive ways of working over a period of time will result in good work habits and attitudes. You will distinguish yourself from others who waste some of their time.

Know How to Set Priorities:

Many people set priorities from the piles of papers on their desk, by the next person who walks in the door, or by a deadline that is looming because of procrastination. According to a survey of 104 chief executive officers, Brian Tracy notes that 84% agreed that the most important work quality was the ability to set priorities. Setting priorities separate the important from the unimportant. I call the important priorities High Payoff Activities (major work activities you engage in to earn your wages). Spending more time in your High Payoff Activities makes you more productive accomplishing the right work. A person setting priorities, working with good work habits and attitudes, and producing quality work is the person who will get paid more and promoted faster.

Exhibit a Sense of Urgency:

If you are known for being quick and responsive, dependable, and a producer of high quality work, then you will immediately stand out from other employees. According to the same survey of Chief Executive Officers, less than 2% of employees have a sense of urgency and are always on the fast track to promotion. If your supervisor knows he or she can depend on you to complete quality work quickly, your future is assured. If your supervisor doesn’t appreciate you for these qualities, get another supervisor who is appreciative.

Good work habits and attitudes, setting appropriate priorities in accordance with your High Payoff Activities, and working with a sense of urgency to complete quality work will make you stand out as a high performer in your company. That status will get you paid more and promoted faster. With the shortage of quality workers in our country, it is imperative to keep high performers. Becoming a high performer provides you with work security for your future.

A Teacher's Lesson

There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same.

But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."

His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."

His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class."

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.

Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.

Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children..

Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one her "teacher's pets."

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came.. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer -- the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.

The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.

They hugged each, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference."

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

Three Men & A Temple

Truly powerful ambition, in an individual, carries others along with him. Ambition comes from a unique perspective on life. In some, it is limited in horizon. While some others can have a large-hearted, all-inclusive ambition. What is your type?

About 1000 years ago, a sage was drawn to a construction site. He watched from the edge of a clearing in the forest as the workmen bent over their individual tasks.

Finally his curiosity drove him to one workman at the edge of the site, whom he asked "What are you doing, my good man?" The workman looked up briefly and went back to his work "I'm working" he said curtly.

Not satisfied with the answer, the sage approached a second workman to ask him the same question. "You can see I'm breaking stones" he replied.

The sage was made of stern stuff and he wasn't leaving without an answer, so he walked over to a third workman with the question. "I'm building a temple" replied this workman smilingly.

The incident opened the sage's eyes, because all three of them were breaking boulders into smaller stones, but in their minds they were not doing the same jobs.

The third workman was working for a cause much larger than himself and it showed in his approach to work.

You can just do a day's work, or build a career, a team, an organization, or a nation

An individual's overpowering ambition can be the glue that holds together and powers forward a team, an army or a country.

This has been proven time and again by various leaders from history. Alexander The Great and Gandhi are just two names from the past.

If we look at corporates today, examples abound of ambitious leaders who built great institutions. Narayana Murthy of Infosys enjoys creating millionaires in his organization. When he could have focused on making himself a billionaire and then a trillionaire.

Those who share your ambitions should share its results

In the movies, treasure hunters and bank robbers fall out at the end, and one of them tries to make off with all the loot. The corporate equivalent of this goes on all around us.

The reward of a whole team’s work gets unfairly distributed. A leader, who's in the business for the long haul, makes his people shareholders in the fruits of their efforts.

Today, that seems to be the only way to build a lasting institution. Grow people at a rate that keeps them from striking out on their own.

Expand your ambition and your horizon

Grow the small pictures that others see, so your big picture gets progressively even bigger. You can choose your perspective and your role in life. Be the one who builds the temple.

The Force That Controls You!

The Force That Controls You!
By Joe Farcht

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to understand the force that controls what you think and how you act? The thoughts and actions you engage in today, determine the results you experience now and into the future. So, if you understood the force that controls you, you could use that knowledge to change your thoughts and your actions to get the results in work and life that you desire!

This Is Important!

Between 80 and 95% of what you think comes from habits of thought called attitudes. And those habits of thoughts come from your beliefs. And where do your beliefs come from?

Your beliefs come from your teachers. Who were your teachers? All the people you came in contact with and their beliefs. Let’s drill down even more into how we acquired our beliefs.

Some of your teachers were parents, siblings, relatives, school teachers, playmates and others who influenced your life. What beliefs did your parents have about money, raising children, eating, hygiene, work and play, and so on? Were their beliefs the Truth - meaning derived from universal laws and hence always true?

Or were their beliefs influenced by incorrect assumptions, past negative experiences, the imperfect beliefs received from their parents, and the imperfect beliefs of their parents before them? Were siblings, relatives, school teachers, playmates, and other people in your life teaching you the “Truth” or imperfect beliefs?

Your beliefs are handed down to you from others and you think and act from those beliefs resulting in the life you experience today. So the “Force that Controls You” is the beliefs you acquired in the past. The life you experience today is a result of your past thoughts and actions driven by your beliefs.

Knowing the Truth

If we could only discover what the Truth is, then we could change our beliefs and change how we think, act, and then enjoy the life of our dreams. It is simple but hard. It takes time and effort to reflect on the life you are living and ask these questions:

1. What actions am I taking that result in the life I am living?
2. What thoughts and attitudes underlie those actions?
3. What beliefs do I possess that create those thoughts and attitudes?
4. Where did I acquire those beliefs?
5. Were those beliefs the Truth or were they flawed?
6. What is the Truth?

Knowing the Truth will take the acquisition of knowledge through learning, reading, study, and integration of all that you learn. It is called developing wisdom. But once you know the Truth it will set you free to change your beliefs, thinking, attitude, behaviors and create the life of your dreams.

Is this process worthwhile? Absolutely! Can you do it? YES should be your answer!

It’s a big job that can’t be done overnight. What can be accomplished overnight is a decision to pursue this journey of discovery and personal growth. Courage, commitment, and discipline exercised over time will then yield unbelievable results.

Take one day at a time. Begin by taking just a few minutes each day to pursue this journey. As time passes and you make progress you will be motivated to take more time each day and accelerate the development process.

In time, you will experience unbelievable personal growth and development and your life will change for the better. It is worth the effort. Start your journey now!

Make the decision and commit to taking “More Control of Your Life.”

Inspiring Poem - Dedicate Time

Dedicate time to work:
It's the price of success.

Dedicate time to think:
It's the fountain of power.

Dedicate time to enjoy:
It's the secret of youth.

Dedicate time to love and be loved:
It's the source of joy and satisfaction.

Dedicate time to laugh:
it mitigates the stress

Make Your Life Beautiful !!!

1. Keep smiles on your face
2. Trust your self & Do your work accurate
3. Don't give up hopes
4. Keep time to dream
5. Think about sweet things/sweet ones
6. Allocate separate places for problems in your mind
7. Keep a separate time to think about problems ( not the whole day)
8. Have chat with people who you like
9. Laugh with friends
10. Keep a little time to be alone

Have you ever feel the beauty of sunset on the horizon
Have you ever feel the sweetness of a starry sky in a night
Have you ever feel the beauty of the full moon
Have you ever feel sweetness of a rainbow on cloudless sky

Collect smiles from these to your life---------life is-------sweet

Inspiring Story - Big Johns

One fine day, a bus driver went to the bus garage, started his bus, and drove off along his route. No problems for the first few stops - a few people got on, a few got off, and things went generally well. At the next stop, however, a big hulk of a guy got on.

Six feet eight,built like a wrestler, arms hanging down to the ground. He glared at the driver and said, "Big John doesn't pay!" and sat down at the back.

Did I mention that the driver was five feet three, thin, and basically meek? Well, he was. Naturally, he didn't argue with Big John, but he wasn't happy about it.

The next day the same thing happened - Big John got on again, made a show of refusing to pay, and sat down. And the next day, and the one after that, and so forth.

This grated on the bus driver, who started losing sleep over the way Big John was taking advantage of him. Finally he could stand it no longer. He signed up for body building courses, karate, judo, and all that good stuff.

By the end of the summer, he had become quite strong - what's more, he felt really good about himself. So on the next Monday, when Big John once again got on the bus and said,"Big John doesn't pay!," the driver stood up, glared back at the passenger, and screamed, "Oh yeah? And why not?!" With a surprised look on his face, Big John replied, "Big John has a bus pass."

There are many percieved 'Big Johns' or Big Problems in our lives. Lets first see if they are really that big and if they are really problems in the first place before we waste a great deal of time and energy in trying to solve them…..but on the other hand- maybe these percieved problems help us to get out of our comfort zone and get prepared for a problem when it comes along….take the story in the way it works best for you!!

Never Under Estimate Anyone

A young boy enters a barber shop and the barber whispers to his Customer,

"This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you."

The barber puts a five rupee coin in one hand and two one rupee coins(1+1=2) in the other, then calls the boy over and asks, "Which do you want, son?"

The boy takes the two one rupee coins and leaves. "What did I tell you?" said the barber. "That kid never learns!"

Later, when the customer leaves, he sees the same young boy coming out of the ice cream store.
"Hey, son! May I ask you a question?
Why did you take two one rupee coins instead of five rupee coin?"

The boy licked his cone and replied,
*Because THE DAY I TAKE THE FIVE RUPEE COIN, THE GAME IS OVER *
.................................................................................
Moral: When you think the other person is dumb, you are making a fool of yourself

Lessons worth remembering. ...... WORTH READING !!!!!!

A young executive was leaving the office at 6 p.m. then he found the CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.

"Listen," said the CEO, "this is a very sensitive and important document, and my secretary has left. Can you make this thing work?" "Certainly," said the young executive. He turned the machine on, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.
"Excellent, excellent!" said the CEO as his paper disappeared inside the machine. "I just need one copy."

Lesson I - Never, never assume that your BOSS knows everything.
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A crusty old man walks into a bank and says to the teller at the window: "I want to open a damn checking account." To which the astonished woman replies: "I beg your pardon, sir; I must
have misunderstood you. What did you say?" "Listen up bitch! I said, I want to open a damn checking account right now!" "I'm very sorry sir, but we do not tolerate that kind of language in
this bank." Having said this, the teller leaves the window and goes over to the bank manager to tell him about her problem customer. They both return and the manager asks the old geezer: "What seems to be the problem here?"

"There's no damn problem, sonny," the elderly man says. I just won 50 million bucks in the damn lottery and I want to open a damn checking account in this damn bank!"

"I see," says the manager thoughtfully. "And you're saying that this bitch here is giving you a hard time?"

Lesson II - If you are RICH, you can get away with almost anything.
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An American and a Japanese were sitting on the plane on the way to LA when the American turned to the Japanese and asked, "What kind of -ese are you?" The Japanese confused, replied, "Sorry but I don't understand what you mean." The American repeated, "What kind of -ese are you?" Again, the Japanese was confused over the question. The American, now irritated, then yelled, "What kind of -ese are you...Are you a Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese!, etc......??? " The Japanese then replied, "Oh, I am a Japanese."

A while later the Japanese turned to the American and asked What kind of 'key' was he. The American, frustrated, yelled, "What do you mean what kind of '-key' am I?!" The Japanese said, "Are you a Yankee, donkee, or monkee?"

Lesson III - Never insult anyone.
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There were these 4 guys, a Russian, a German, a British and a French, who found this small genie bottle. When they rubbed the bottle, a genie appeared. Thankful that the 4 guys had released him out of the bottle, he said, "Next to you all are 4 swimming pools, I will give each of you a wish. When you run towards the pool and jump, you shout what you want the pool of water to become, then your wish will come true." The French wanted to start. He ran towards the pool, jumped and shouted "WINE". The pool immediately changed into a pool of wine. The Frenchman was so happy swimming and drinking from the pool.

Next is the Russian's turn, he did the same and shouted," VODKA" and immersed himself into a pool of vodka. The German was next and he jumped and shouted, "BEER". He was so contented with his beer pool. The last is the British. He was running towards the pool when suddenly he steps on a banana peel. He slipped towards the pool and shouted, SHIT!!!!!!!. ........"

Lesson IV - Think twice before you say something, because sometimes what you say accidentally does happen.
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A junior manager, a senior manager and their boss are on their way to a meeting. On their way through a park, they come across a wonder lamp. They rub the lamp and a ghost appears. The ghost says, "Normally, one is granted three wishes but as you are three, I will allow one wish each" So the eager senior manager shouted, I want the first wish. I want to be in the Bahamas , on a fast boat and have no worries.

"Pfufffff, and he was gone. Now the junior manager could not keep quiet and shouted " I want to be in Florida with beautiful girls, plenty of food and cocktails.

"Pfufffff, and he was also gone. The boss calmly said, "I want these two idiots back in the office after lunch"

Lesson V- "Always allow the bosses to speak first"

Take The Responsibility

Take the Hit
By Donald Trump

Take the responsibility. Take the hit. If you do that, you will have no need to blame others or continually find fault with them.

A guy I once knew used to constantly call me to complain about everybody and their brother. To listen to him, you would think that the entire world was against him and that he never made a mistake in his life.

From day one, nothing was ever his fault. Everyone else was to blame. In truth, he was his own biggest blind spot and sad to say, he eventually became a total loser because he never remedied his biggest problem - himself.

So when things go wrong, look at yourself first. Don’t instinctively blame others or the circumstances - or use them to cover your behind. Be the leader. Stand tall and take the hit.

If you accept the glory, be willing to accept the blame.

Ways To Unleash The Courage Within

12 Ways To Unleash The Courage Within
By Gabriel Daniels

What you are about to learn are very powerful ways to help you get from where you are to where you want to go. When you consistently apply the principles below, you will notice a dramatic and positive change in your life.

Before we move on, though, I’d like to explain why I use the word “unleash.”

I am convinced that courage is already within us all and only needs to be “unleashed.” There’s a part of us that knows this—whether or not we readily admit it. We only need to accept this fact.

For many years, we have been taught by society, and sadly, even by our well-meaning relatives or friends, why we should not do something, or why we should not pursue a particular goal. They try to discourage us in a number of ways. Sometimes, it may not be that they don’t believe in us or our ideas, but that they feel that if they were to pursue the idea/goal themselves, they wouldn’t have the courage to do it—they would be too afraid.

In other words, they pass on their fears to us unconsciously (and unintentionally). Unfortunately, we end up making fewer attempts as a result. And the less we attempt to do something because of fear (the fears others programmed into us) the less our minds believe that courage is already within us. And the less our minds believe that courage is already within us, the more it becomes true (a reality) for us.

In my first article, Run Freely (A Lesson About Courage), I shared with you an important lesson I learned, through observation, many years ago—and that is: Courage has always been inside of us from the time we were children. (And since we were all children at one time, courage is inside “all” of us.)

Courage is not something that comes from outside of us (although external factors or influences can help in drawing that courage out, or can help in getting us to be more in touch with that courage—and that's what I would like to share with you in the principles below), because absolute courage (or fearlessness) is the very nature of our “spirit” (at least here in the physical world—I say “physical” because in the physical world, nothing can harm a spirit...and another reason I stress “physical” is because others may say, “The devil is a spirit. Why, then, does the devil fear God?”).

I love the quote I read in one of Wayne Dyer's books years ago. (Wayne Dyer, by the way, is a highly recognized best-selling author and motivational speaker.) The quote was actually by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin...and it goes like this:

We are not human beings having
a spiritual experience.
We are spiritual beings having
a human experience.

I figured, that's probably why kids (especially those at an early age) are so courageous (and less self-conscious). They are more in touch with that “spirit” part of themselves.

In fact, I believe that through the years, as people grow up towards adulthood, they have gotten less and less in touch with that “spirit” part of themselves due to the many self-created (or imaginary) fears—or due to fears that have been passed on to them by others (or society). These fears started to gradually cover up their fearless nature—their very essence or core—just like mold gradually covers up a piece of fresh bread left out in the open.

Keeping the above in mind, here, then, are 12 ways (I'll cover more in future articles) to unleash the courage within:

1. Reinforce in your being the conviction that you are a “fearless” spirit in a physical body. It's your true nature. It's your very essence. Accept this fact and your life will change in positive ways.

Detach yourself from the fear of the body, and the mind, clinging instead to the fearlessness of the spirit.
~ Chin-Ning Chu

It is in your power to discover that who you really are has nothing to fear, but that you make yourself fearful each time you look outside of yourself for some power to make you feel fearless.
~ Vernon Howard

2. Simply attempt. JUST DO IT. Avoid overanalyzing (which usually results in procrastination). Once you've decided to do something, just do it (avoid delaying unnecessarily).

Over time, this reinforces the feeling of courage in your nervous system. You'll be more and more in touch with the courageous part of yourself. And as a result, taking action (without hesitating) will feel more natural to you.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.
~ Seneca

Do it like there's no one watching, do it like you don't need the money, do it like you just can't lose, JUST DO IT.
~ Nike Ad

In other words, do your best not to give fear (or excuses) a chance to creep in. Why? Because when that happens, the following is what normally results (as Seneca's quote explains):

A man who suffers before it is necessary suffers more than is necessary.

Also, as Publilius Syrus’s quote explains:

Valor grows by daring, fear by holding back.

3. Give yourself permission to be courageous (avoid allowing yourself to be cowardly). And avoid giving others (or anything) permission to make you feel fearful. The key word here is “permission.”

Understanding this principle and applying it in your daily life will empower you in ways you may not have imagined before. It puts you in a powerful position because it gives you control (in other words, you won't be just a mindless punching bag to others). You are able to “consciously” decide whether or not someone will influence you in a negative way. As a result, you'll be more at ease in dealing with others, no matter who they are.

You see, the reason some people are bullied is because “they permit it.” They give permission to the bully to bully them. But the moment they no longer give permission to the bully to mistreat them, the bully loses his/her power.

(There's an excellent section on this concept of “permission” in Gerry Spence's book, How To Argue And Win Every Time.)

No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Starting now, never again permit hard or disapproving facial expressions to intimidate you.
~ Vernon Howard

4. Reinforce the belief that the only power others have is the power you give them. Their power comes from you. In fact, it is your gift to them. Their power is merely “your perception” of their power (in other words, the source of their power is in your mind). And you have a choice at any moment how much power you will give them.

This very powerful principle can be applied to fears/anxieties you may have when dealing with others. As you regularly apply this principle, you’ll be more at ease when dealing with anyone, even authority figures or influential people. Also, with this knowledge, it will be in your power to give “less” or “no” power to those who like to abuse it (ex. bullies or difficult people in general).

This empowers you, and reinforces your courage at the same time, because you are in a position to make a “conscious” decision (just like principle 3 above). People won’t be able to abuse power because their power comes from you in the first place. At any moment, you can easily take back any power you’ve already given them...“just by deciding.”

(Again, there's an excellent section/chapter on this principle in Gerry Spence's book, How To Argue And Win Every Time.)

No human being has any authority over you. Your life belongs to you and to you alone. No scowling face or irritated manner, no challenging posture or threatening tone has any power to make you feel nervous or anxious, frightened or angry. This is a fact; and anyone who is tired of letting someone else tell them how to feel can use this self-liberating principle to win true and lasting independence. Your true nature answers to no man.
~ Vernon Howard

No one can make you happy or sad or excited or angry unless you give them that power over your life. Decide right now to only give your power to those things, circumstances, and people that support you in getting what you want.
~ Marshall Sylver

Don't let the negativity given to you by the world disempower you. Instead give to yourself that which empowers you.
~ Les Brown

5. Reinforce the belief that the only power “anything” has is the power you give it. The power that events and experiences have over you will depend on the meaning you give them. (Two people can go through similar experiences but will respond in completely different ways, depending on what meaning they give those experiences.)

Again, just like principles 3 and 4 above, applying this principle will empower you because you will have the ability to make a “conscious” decision (it gives you the power of “choice”—you get to choose how you will perceive or interpret any event, experience, etc.).

Nothing has any power over me other than that which I give it through my conscious thoughts.
~ Anthony Robbins

If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.
~ Marcus Aurelius

Nothing has any power except the power that you give it.
~ Marshall Sylver

6. Apply the “calmness linked to fear” technique (a powerful technique that can help you remain calm in situations that would normally trigger fear/anxiety).

Imagine one of your biggest fears, whatever it is (a situation, a thing, a specific person, a type of person, etc.). Then imagine or visualize (in “associated” mode—meaning, you are seeing things in your surroundings from inside your own body...and not watching yourself as an actor on a movie screen) yourself being calm—being relaxed.

For example, if one of your biggest fears is having confrontations with certain types of people (ex. bullies or difficult people), imagine the bully in front of you (you can do this with your eyes open or closed—whatever is more comfortable for you), yelling at you—at the top of his/her voice, insulting you, putting you down, “commanding” you (like a dictator) to do things, etc. (imagine the worst case scenario). And while the bully is doing these things to you, “consciously” relax your body.

Be aware of any tension in your body, then think “relax.” Be aware of your breathing to make sure it's not shallow or too fast. Breathe naturally...in a relaxed manner. Feel your body becoming more and more relaxed as you imagine the bully doing his/her all to shake your foundation.

You could even smile...and I mean “actually smile”...or smile inside...while you're looking straight at him/her (as if you were saying to him/her, “Who are you trying to fool?”). Or even laugh inside...while you're looking at him/her. Whatever it takes for you to reach an empowering state—a “calm” or “relaxed” state.

The goal of this exercise is to link/associate the feeling of “calmness” or “being relaxed” with that particular fear (in this case, the bully) you're imagining.

If you do this exercise effectively (by the way, you can do it as many times as needed—although I’ve found that one or two sessions usually does the trick), when you are put in a situation where you have to face that particular fear (ex. the bully), you will feel calm or relaxed. Or, at the very least, the fear (or anxiety) you normally would have felt will have decreased dramatically to the point where it no longer bothers or paralyzes you.

7. Constantly work on increasing your self-awareness--your self-knowledge. As some would say: Know thyself.

The more you know about yourself (your strengths, weaknesses, fears, beliefs, goals, motives, etc.), the calmer, more confident, and more courageous you'll be.

When two people meet, the prize always goes to the one with the most self-insight. He will be calmer, more confident, more at ease with the other.
~ Vernon Howard

He who knows much about others may be learned, but he who understands himself is more intelligent. He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.
~ Lao-Tzu

8. Make a list of the following, and review regularly, or once in a while (depending on the need), to serve as empowering reminders:

• Your past successes/victories

• Risks you've taken in the past

• Your past courageous acts

By reminding yourself of past victories, courageous acts, etc., it helps empower you in the present moment. Basically, what you’re saying to yourself, as you face the present challenge, is, “I’ve succeeded many times before, therefore I can do it again.” Or, “I’ve been victorious many times in the past, therefore I can be victorious again.”

9. Surround yourself with others who help uplift your spirit. Avoid associating with those who like to bring you down or belittle your ideas (either because they don't believe in you or your ideas—or because they know they would be fearful in the same situation...and they want you to feel the same way so they won’t be alone in feeling that way). In other words, choose your environment (which includes the people who surround you on a regular basis) wisely.

Remember: Courage is contagious. And so is cowardice.

We need to find the courage to say NO to the things and people that are not serving us if we want to rediscover ourselves and live our lives with authenticity.
~ Barbara De Angelis

To succeed in life, you have to forget about most people. If you want to rise to the top, you have to disregard the opinions, reactions, and warnings of others.
~ Ken Roberts

10. Get used to dealing with the unexpected (or uncertainty). In other words, don't wait until you have all the answers, or until you know it all, before taking any action. Don't wait until all conditions are perfect before taking the necessary steps you know you should take.

By mastering this skill, you’ll be able to go out there in the world with courage and confidence, taking one action after another, no matter what the conditions may be. You’ll be so used to dealing with the unexpected (having the ability to handle anything that comes your way) that even during times when you are not quite 100% prepared, you’ll feel confident in taking action.

The number one characteristic of students who later become heads of companies is the ability to withstand uncertainty.
~ David A. Thomas, Dean, Cornell Business School

It is the individual's ability to deal with the unexpected that characterizes the difference between success and failure.
~ Ross Perot

The following quotes explain why it’s usually not a good idea to wait until "all conditions are perfect" before taking action:

If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything.
~ Ecclesiastes 11:4 (Good News Bible)

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must be first overcome.
~ Samuel Johnson

11. Simply decide that fear will not get in your way no matter what. If you happen to feel fear, for whatever reason, do what you have to do anyway. Act in spite of fear. You don't have to wait until the fear is gone. Like Susan Jeffers's book suggests: Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway.

In spite of fear, do what you have to do.
~ Chin-Ning Chu

Courage is acting in spite of fear.
~ Howard W. Hunter

12. Apply the “I have nothing to prove” or “I don't have to prove anything” attitude. Avoid feeling the need to prove yourself to anyone. Just be your natural self. Express your true self.

In fact, always make it your goal to “express,” not “impress.” When you’re focused on “expressing,” you’ll be more at ease.

Your true nature never needs to anxiously prove itself to others, but lives in calm command, like a popular king.
~ Vernon Howard

The real acid test of courage is to be just your honest self when everybody is trying to be like somebody else.
~ Andrew Jensen

The time men spend in trying to impress others, they could spend in doing the things by which others would be impressed.
~ Frank Romer

Naturalness is the easiest thing in the world to acquire, if you will forget yourself—forget about the impression you are trying to make.
~ Dale Carnegie

This above all: to thine own self be true.
~ William Shakespeare

Take The Plunge

"Watch me dive off the high board, Dad," my ten-year-old son called out. I looked up to the ten-foot-high diving board and waited as he stood at the edge, stooped over, arms extended. He had jumped off the high board many times before, but now his nerve seemed to falter as he contemplated streaking through the air headfirst.

The swimming pool was vacated, so he could take his time. "You can do it, Robby," I encouraged. But he couldn't. Not that evening. For 20 minutes he attempted to muster the courage to make the plunge, and he finally gave up when the pool closed for the night.
"I feel disappointed in myself," Robby said on the way home. "I feel
terrible. I know I can do it, though. I know I can."

He persuaded me to take him swimming again the next evening. Like the night before, we happened to be the only swimmers. "I'm going to do it this time," he said emphatically. "Watch me!"

He climbed the ladder and walked to the end of the board as I watched. Again I encouraged him. Again he hesitated. As the previous night, his nerve failed. It seemed that he would never conquer his fear and leap.

The lifeguards on duty helped me cheer him on. "You can do it, Robby," we all exhorted. "Just do it! Don't think about it. Just do it!"

For 30 minutes we encouraged him. For 30 minutes he started and stopped, he leaned and straightened and fought the fear that held him back.

And then it happened. He extended his arms, bent over the edge and fell headfirst into the water! He emerged to the sounds of laughter and congratulations. He did it! He finally did it! And before he went home, he did it three more times.

Robby learned something about facing his fear that evening. But he learned something else, too. He learned that some things can't be done with less than full commitment. A chasm cannot be leaped in two small jumps and a dive cannot be made a little at a time. Sometimes you just have to do it.

Some things require no less than full commitment. What is requiring your full commitment? Will you take the plunge?

Defining Yourself

All of us spend far too much time, effort, and energy worrying about what other people think about us. We would spend far less time worrying about what other people think about us if we realized how seldom they do. In the final analysis, the only opinion about us that matters is the opinion we hold of ourselves. This involves a level of self-evaluation and honesty that few people achieve.

One of the great writers of all time, William Shakespeare, wrote, "To thine own self be true." This is very simple but not very easy. In order for us to fully understand who we are, we first have to be clear on who we are not. The great sculptor, Michael Angelo, when asked how he was able to take a block of granite and turn it into a beautiful woman, replied, "You simply find a block of granite and remove everything that is not a beautiful woman."

All of us have talents and abilities that, if fully exploited, would make us successful. Unfortunately, we too often perform outside of our level of talent and expertise. One of the advantages I find in being blind is that there are so many things I cannot do. This leaves a handful of things I can do where I can focus my efforts and energy. This narrow focus has brought me a high degree of success, happiness, and satisfaction. If you have all five senses, you will have to take on the added task of focusing your energy in certain areas while eliminating others where you could perform if you wanted to.

Remember, Michael Jordan was arguably the best basketball player that has ever played the game; but when he decided to play baseball, he was barely a mediocre Minor League player. Playing in the Minor Leagues is great if that's all you can do. I would argue that each of us has Major League talent and ability if we will simply play the right game and not play the wrong ones. Everyone you can think of who has ever achieved greatness has focused their talent in a narrow range. Anyone attempting to be great at everything is destined, at best, to be average at a lot of things and great at nothing.

Try observing yourself objectively as if you were evaluating an employee. Give yourself an annual review. Determine what you do well and where you perform at only an average level. Begin to work on eliminating the average until you only deal with the things you do well. The more specialized you become as you focus on your greatness, the more you will succeed.

As you go through your day today, determine to undergo an honest self-evaluation. Move toward your area of greatness, and away from everything else.

Today's the day!

Appreciate Yourself !!!

People who like themselves are much more attractive than those who do not. Accept yourself for the wonderful person that you are. Your body language will improve and people will pick up on the confidence you project.

Just take a moment to think about what you appreciate about yourself. This simple but profound shift in focus can transform our lives, our families, our relationships, our careers, our work groups, and more.

Spend some time being grateful for who you are, where you are in your life and what you have learnt along the way...and, if what you are grateful for has something to do with someone else - let them know too.

"I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days or great days."

~ Lance Armstrong

Improve Your Productivity

Planning
By Zig Ziglar

If I were to ask the question, Would you like to improve your productivity dramatically without working any longer or any harder? chances are pretty good that you would say, “That would be nice! I’d be more effective and I’d probably get a raise! I might even have more fun in the process.”

Question: How many of you, on the night before the day you were going on vacation, sat down and wrote out a list of the things you wanted to be certain to do before you left work the next day? Chances are extremely good that most of you would say you had done that. And most of you would also admit that you managed to complete more than twice the number of tasks you complete on a normal day.

Now think about this for a moment: If planning your job on the day before you go on vacation increases your productivity, doesn’t it make sense that if you were to spend a few minutes every day before you start your work day contemplating what is really important and what you really need to accomplish, that you would have the same great results? And the chances are excellent – definitely better than good – that this process will attract favorable attention, probably leading to more job security, perhaps a raise, and maybe even a significant promotion.

The reality is, productivity has a direct bearing on profitability, and all businesses are interested – very much so – in profits. Profitability comes from loyalty, productivity, and having a character base from which to work. So as you ponder this question, I hope you will seriously consider not only planning your schedule as you prepare to go on vacation, but that every day you will spend a few minutes before you go to work planning how you can be more effective that day It doesn’t take long to plan; it does take a lot of time not to plan, because without a plan of action, people will impose on your time with idle chatter and requests that take you away from the task at hand. Not only will you be less effective, but the effectiveness of the people, who take your time for casual chatter, or in some cases gossip, will be greatly reduced and everybody, including management and leadership, will be very unhappy about that.

Chances are good, regardless of the job market, the most productive people with the right attitude are the ones who really have more job security, and in most cases a better income. When you feel good about yourself and your productivity, you probably will also be performing better at home. When there is no job related stress you are more aware of your mate and children, if you are a parent. You will spend more time being better organized so you can spend more time having that balanced life that all of us are really interested in.

Planning for a balanced life will enable you to deal with the physical, the mental, and the spiritual aspects of your life. It will also enable you to develop more friendships, and stronger, better, more lasting relationships. There are many benefits that go with making the plan a daily part of your life. Time well spent results in more money to spend, more money to save, and more time to vacation. It will allow you to attend more of your children’s ball games or school functions as well.

A plan is always successful if the plan is good. And if you’ve been on the job for any length of time, you can develop a better plan of action so that everyone benefits from it. I’m talking about planning today for tomorrow’s future. Think about it. I promise you’ll be more productive, happier, healthier, and have a much better chance for increased income when you are secure in who you are, where you are, and what you’re doing. I sincerely hope you’ll take action immediately to get that plan into your daily life.

Make An Extra Effort To Encourage Others....

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning: There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, " Mr.Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me.I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr.Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray.

Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to f ace the farmer's mousetrap alone.


That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital , and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died.

So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

Positive Attitude

More than 100 years ago, author Robert Louis Stevenson offered the following tips for maintaining a positive attitude. They still apply today.


1· Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.

2· Make the best of your circumstances. Everyone has problems. The trick is to make laughter outweigh the tears.

3· Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't think that somehow you should be protected from misfortunes that be fall others.

4· You can't please everybody. Don't let criticism worry you.

5· Don't let your neighbour set your standards. Be yourself.

6· Do the things you enjoy doing, but stay out of debt.

7· Don't borrow trouble. Imaginary burdens are harder to bear than the actual ones.

8· Hate poisons the soul, so don't carry grudges. Avoid people who make you unhappy.

9· Have many interests. If you can't travel, read about new places.

10· Don't hold post-mortems. Don't spend your life brooding over sorrows and mistakes.

11· Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.

12· Keep busy at something. A busy person never has time to be unhappy.

Inspiring Story - The 99 Club

Once upon a time, there lived a King who, despite his luxurious lifestyle, was neither happy nor content.

One day, the King came upon a servant who was singing happily while he worked. This fascinated the King; why was he, the Supreme Ruler of the Land, unhappy and gloomy, while A lowly servant had so much joy. The King asked the servant, " Why are you so happy?"

The man replied, " Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but my family and I don't need too much - just a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummies." The king was not satisfied with that reply. Later in the day, he sought the advice of his most trusted advisor. After hearing the King's woes and the servant's story, the advisor said, " Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made part of The 99 Club."

"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired. The advisor replied, " Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep."

When the servant saw the bag, he took it into his house. When he opened the bag, he let out a great shout of joy... So many gold coins! He began to count them. After several counts, he was at last convinced that there were 99 coins. He wondered, " What could've happened to that last gold coin? Surely, no one would leave 99 coins! " He looked everywhere he could, but that final coin was elusive. Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to earn that gold coin and complete his collection. From that day, the servant's life was changed. He was overworked, horribly grumpy, and castigated his family for not helping him make that 100th gold coin. He stopped singing while he worked.

Witnessing this drastic transformation, the King was puzzled. When he sought his advisor's help, the advisor said, " Your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined The 99 Club. " He continued, " The 99 Club is a name given to those people who have enough to be happy but are never contented, because they're always yearning and striving for that extra 1 telling to themselves: *"Let me get that one final thing and then I will be happy for life ." *

We can be happy, even with very little in our lives, but the minute we're given something bigger and better, we want even more! We lose our sleep, our happiness, we hurt the people around us; all these as a price for our growing needs and desires. That's what joining The 99 Club is all about."

It is important to continuously strive to achieve more in life, but we all have a lot to be thankful for. Lets not lose sight of what we have and enjoy it to the fullest extent possible.

Life Is Full Of Tough Decisions That Need To Be Made

A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one still in use while the other disused. Only one child played on the disused track, the rest on the operational track. The train is coming, and you are just beside the track interchange. You can make the train change its course to the disused track and save most of the kids. However, that would also mean the lone child playing by the disused track would be sacrificed. What is the decision you would make?

Most people might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one child. You might think the same way, I guess. Exactly, I thought the same way initially because to save most of the children at the expense of only one child was rational decision most people would make, morally and emotionally. But, have you ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place? Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was.

The great critic Leo Velski Julian who told the story said he would not try to change the course of the train because he believed that the kids playing on the operational track should have known very well that track was still in use, and that they should have run away if they heard the train's sirens. If the train was diverted, that lone child would definitely die because he never thought the train could come over to that track! Moreover, that track was not in use probably because it was not safe. If the train was diverted to the track, we could put the lives of all passengers on board at stake! And in your attempt to save a few kids by sacrificing one child, you might end up sacrificing hundreds of people to save these few kids.

We are all aware that life is full of tough decisions that need to be made, we may not realize that hasty decisions may not always be the right one. While the dilemmas in making decisions are many, lets try to make considered ones today and see how well we fared.

Motivational Story - Key To Success.

Once upon a time a very strong woodcutter asked for a job in a timber merchant, and he got it. His salary was really good and so were the working conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was determined to do his best.

His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to fell the trees. The first day, the woodcutter brought 15 trees.

"Congratulations," the boss said, "Carry on with your work!"

Highly motivated by the words of his boss, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he only could bring 10 trees. The third day he tried even harder, but he was only able to bring 7 trees. Day after day he was bringing less and less trees.

"I must be losing my strength," the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on. "When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss asked.

"Sharpen?" I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees...."

Most of us NEVER update our skills. We think that whatever we have learned is very much enough. But good is not good when better is expected. Sharpening our skills from time to time is the key of success.

Motivational Story - Frog Who Got To The TOP !!!

Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs.... who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants....

The race began....

Honestly:
No one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.

You heard statements such as:
"Oh, WAY too difficult!!"
"They will NEVER make it to the top."

or:

"Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"

The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one.... Except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher....

The crowd continued to yell, "It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up....

But ONE continued higher and higher and higher.... This one wouldn't give up!

At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it?
A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal?

It turned out....
That the winner was DEAF!!!!

The wisdom of this story is:
Never listen to other people's tendencies to be negative or pessimistic.... because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you -- the ones you have in your heart!
Always think of the power words have. Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!

Therefore:
ALWAYS be....POSITIVE!

And above all:
Be DEAF when people tell YOU that you cannot fulfill your dreams!

Always think:
I can do this!

Where Is God When Life Is Falling Apart?

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though they labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
~ Habakkuk 3:17-18

Your life is falling apart and it seems that God has abandoned you. Your plans have come to nothing, bills are due and you don't have the money to pay them, your friends seem to have no time for you and your car is close to breaking down.

At times like this, it's so easy to wonder where God is and if He even cares for you. Where will the money to pay tomorrow's bill come from? What will you do if your car breaks down? What does your future hold?

Habakkuk was a prophet who lived in a time when the king of Judah was leading his people down a path of destruction and godlessness, and his world was falling apart around him. God had shown Habakkuk that Judah would soon be invaded by the Babylonians, and Habakkuk had reason to fear.

Yet, in spite of that, Habakkuk chose to trust God, to rejoice in Him in the middle of his troubles. Even when all around him seemed hopeless, Habakkuk hoped. In our lives, when all seems hopeless, we have every reason to rejoice and trust God to take care of us. Our feelings may tell
us that God has abandoned us, that He doesn't care, but our feelings are not reliable. Our feelings don't change who God is. God promised to be with us, and His promises are true - He's the same yesterday, today and forever, and He doesn't lie.

So, when you worry and struggle with fear, choose to rejoice in the Lord, to joy in the God of your salvation - He never changes, and He will never leave you or forsake you.

Empower Yourself with Inspiring Thoughts

"Life consists not in holding good cards,
but in playing those you hold well."

"Every lucky happening and every lucky break are little gifts from God
above that are ours to freely take."
~ Helen Steiner Rice

"Remember, a kind and thoughtful deed
or a hand outstretched in a time of need is the rarest of gifts,
for it is a part, not of the purse, but a loving heart."
~ Helen Steiner Rice

A foolish person knows their strengths,
a wise person acknowledges their weaknesses
and makes allowances for them,
while a godly person seeks to overcome them.

"Our plans may be interrupted by storms, but God's plans never are.
In fact, the storm is part of His plan.
If we don't abandon ship, the winds of God will blow us right
where we belong--no matter how off course we feel."
~ Ron Hutchcraft

Inspirational Story - The Kingdom Worth Dying For...

THE KINGDOM WORTH DYING FOR -----
by Max Lucado

In my closet hangs a sweater that I seldom wear. It is too small. The sleeves are too short, the shoulders too tight. Some of the buttons are missing, and the thread is frazzled. I should throw that sweater away. I have no use for it. I'll never wear it again. Logic says I should clear out the space and get rid of the sweater.

That's what logic says.

But love won't let me.

Something unique about that sweater makes me keep it. It has no tag because it wasn't made in a factory. It has no label because it wasn't produced on an assembly line. It's the creation of a devoted mother expressing her love.

And though the sweater has lost all of its use, it has lost none of its value. It is valuable not because of its function, but because of its maker.

You aren't an accident. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman.

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

In a society that has little room for second fiddles, that's good news. In a culture where the door of opportunity opens only once and then slams shut, that is a revelation.

Jesus told John that a new kingdom was coming-a kingdom where people have value not because of what they do, but because of whose they are.

Expect The Best !!!

Think on this....

"Excellence can be attained if you,
Care more than others think is wise,
Risk more than others think is safe,
Dream more than others think is practical,
and Expect more than others think is possible."
~ Author Unknown


EXPECT THE BEST

You have heard it said, "What you see is what you get."

Consider this alternative: What you expect is what you get. Expect great things of yourself.

Expect high achievement. Expect the best!

The bumble bee does not know it is aerodynamically impossible for him to fly. He simply expects it of himself!

What do you expect of yourself? Are you like the bumblebee who does not know he cannot fly? Or do you limit yourself by staying within restrictive boundaries?

Dr. Denis Waitley challenges you, "Make your goals out of reach . . . but never out of sight."

Meggido Message has said, "If you have accomplished all you planned for yourself, you have not planned enough."

Do not limit yourself by planning only that which is possible to accomplish.
Expect the best!

Achieve! Achieve!

Remember Three Things In Life

Three Things In Life:

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
Time, Words & Opportunity

Three things in life that may never be lost -
Peace, Hope & Honesty.

Three things in life that are most valuable -
Love, Faith & Prayer

Three things in life that are never certain -
Dreams, Success & Fortune

Three things that make a man -
Hard work, Sincerity & Commitment

Three things in life that can destroy a man -
Lust, Pride & Anger

Inspiring Conversation......Worth Reading.....Please Read It

An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, The Almighty. He asks one of his new students to stand and.....

Prof:
So you believe in God?

Student:
Absolutely, sir.

Prof :
Is God good?

Student:
Sure.

Prof:
Is God all-powerful?

Student :
Yes.

Prof:
My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him.
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm?
(Student is silent.)

Prof:
You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?

Student:
Yes.

Prof:
Is Satan good?

Student :
No.

Prof:
Where does Satan come from?

Student:
From...God...

Prof:
That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student:
Yes.

Prof:
Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?

Student:
Yes.

Prof:
So who created evil?
(Student does not answer.)

Prof:
Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?

Student:
Yes, sir.

Prof:
So, who created them?
(Student has no answer.)

Prof:
Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you.
Tell me, son...Have you ever
seen God?

Student:
No, sir.

Prof:
Tell us if you have ever heard your God?

Student:
No, sir.

Prof:
Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?

Student:
No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.

Prof:
Yet you still believe in Him?

Student:
Yes.

Prof:
According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist.
What do you say to that, son?

Student:
Nothing. I only have my faith.

Prof:
Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.

Student:
Professor, is there such a thing as heat?

Prof:
Yes.

Student:
And is there such a thing as cold?

Prof:
Yes.

Student:
No sir. There isn't.
(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student :
Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)

Student:
What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Prof:
Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?

Student :
You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light....But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?

Prof:
So what is the point you are making, young man?

Student:
Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.

Prof:
Flawed? Can you explain how?

Student:
Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it.
Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?

Prof:
If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.

Student:
Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)

Student:
Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher? (The class is in uproar.)

Student:
Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?
(The class breaks out into laughter.)

Student:
Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain,sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
(The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable.)

Prof:
I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.

Student:
That is it sir... The link between man & god is FAITH . That is all that keeps things moving & alive.

NB: I believe you have enjoyed the conversation...this is a true story, and the student was none other than.........
APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president of India.

Simplicity That Shows Greatness

Worlds second richest man ( Interesting aspects of life -Warren Buffet...Something to think about. Many things to learn……

There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity . Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:

1. He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!

2. He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.

3. He still lives in the same small 3-bedroom house in mid-town Omaha that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.

4. He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.

5. He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.

6. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.

7. He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch Television.

8. Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.

9. Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

His advice to young people :

"Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself and Remember:

A. Money doesn't create man but it is the man who created money.

B. Live your life as simple as you are.

C. Don't go on brand name; just wear those things in which u feel comfortable.

D. Don't waste your money on unnecessary things; just spend on them who really in need rather.

Warren Buffet's life is a humbling and inspiring example for everyone. He epitomises the simplicity that shows greatness. Take even a small slice of his life's ethos to see how it can make a difference to your life.

Life Is Precious. Handle It With Care !!!

Sanjay, a rich guy, loved fast cars and he did have a few in his possession. He loved to speed and could not be bothered about breaking speed limits. Many a times he was caught by the cops and speed radars, fined, but still he never bothered until. One day as he was driving at a very high speed as usual, he saw a cop following him. The cop overtook him finally and asked him to stop and checked his license. He then took out his pad and started Writing, and then handed over the sheet of paper to Sanjay. How much was this one going to cost?!!! Wait a minute. What was this???? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket. Sanjay began to read:

"Dear Sanjay,

Once upon a time I had a lovely daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver's car. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his three daughters. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until Heaven, before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray for me.. And be careful, Sanjay, my son is all I have left."

Sanjay turned around in time to see the cop's car pull away and head down the road. He watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.

Life is precious. Handle it with care.

"Be more concered with your character than your reputation because your character is what you really are while your reputation is nearly what others think you are."

Give Life Your Best!

Give Life Your Best!
By Fr. Brian Cavanaugh


"Give life your best. At all times and in all circumstances,
always give your best in whatever you do.

It does not matter in what place you finish if you gave
life your best.

Likewise, no matter in what place you do finish,
it doesn't matter if it is not your best.

When you give life your best,
there is no need for apologies or excuses,
so go ahead—give life your best!"

What Is Your Dream?

There were once 2 brothers who lived on the 80th level. On coming home one day, they realized to their dismay that the lifts were not working and that they have to climb the stairs home.

After struggling to the 20th level, panting and tired, they decided to abandon their bags and come back for them the next day. They left their bags then and climbed on. When they have struggled to the 40th level, the younger brother started to grumble and both of them began to quarrel. They continued to climb the flights of steps, quarreling all the way to the 60th floor.

They then realized that they have only 20 levels more to climb and decided to stop quarreling and continue climbing in peace. They silently climbed on and reached their home at long last. Each stood calmly before the door and waited for the other to open the door.

And they realized that the key was in their bags which was left on the 20th floor.

This story is reflecting on our life...many of us live under the expectations of our parents, teachers and friends when young. We seldom get to do the things that we really like and love and are under so much pressure and stress so that by the age of 20, we get tired and decided to dump this load.

Being free of the stress and pressure, we work enthusiastically and dream ambitious wishes.

But by the time we reach 40 years old, we start to lose our vision and dreams. We began to feel unsatisfied and start to complain and criticize. We live life as a misery as we are never satisfied. Reaching 60, we realize that we have little left for complaining anymore, and we began to walk the final episode in peace and calmness.

We think that there is nothing left to disappoint us, only to realize that we could not rest in peace because we have an unfulfilled dream ...... a dream we abandoned 60 years ago.

So take some time to think - what is your dream....and then follow it...whether you are 20, 40 or getting to 60, and ........

People Skills Are Having Within Themselves

Important People Skills
by Ann Landers


1. Keep skid chains on your tongue; always say less than you think.
Cultivate a low, persuasive voice.
How you say it counts more than what you say.

2. Make promises sparingly, and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs.

3. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody.
Praise good work, regardless of who did it.
If criticism is needed, criticize helpfully, never spitefully.

4. Be interested in others, their pursuits, their work, their homes and families.

Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn.
Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as a person of importance.

5. Be Cheerful.
Don't burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your minor aches and pains and small disappointments.
Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of a load.

6. Keep an open mind.
Discuss but don't argue.
It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.

7. Let your virtues, if you have any, speak for themselves.
Refuse to talk of another's vices.
Discourage gossip.
It is a waste of valuable time and can be extremely destructive.

8. Be careful of another's feelings.
Wit and humor at the other person's expense are rarely worth it and may hurt when least expected.

9. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you.
Remember, the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter in the world.
Simply live so that nobody will believe them.
Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of backbiting.

10. Don't be too anxious about the credit due you.
Do your best, and be patient.
Forget about yourself, and let others "remember."
Success is much sweeter that way.

Learning to Get Back Up

Bringing a giraffe into the world is a tall order. A baby giraffe falls 10 feet from its mother's womb and usually lands on its back. Within seconds it rolls over and tucks its legs under its body. From this position it considers the world for the first time and shakes off the last vestiges of the birthing fluid from its eyes and ears. Then the mother giraffe rudely introduces its offspring to the reality of life.

The mother giraffe lowers her head long enough to take a quick look. Then she positions herself directly over her calf. She waits for about a minute, and then she does the most unreasonable thing. She swings her long, pendulous leg outward and kicks her baby, so that it is sent sprawling head over heels.

When it doesn't get up, the violent process is repeated over and over again. The struggle to rise is momentous. As the baby calf grows tired, the mother kicks it again to stimulate its efforts. Finally, the calf stands for the first time on its wobbly legs.

Then the mother giraffe does the most remarkable thing. She kicks it off its feet again. Why? She wants it to remember how it got up. In the wild, baby giraffes must be able to get up as quickly as possible to stay with the herd, where there is safety. Lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild hunting dogs all enjoy young giraffes, and they'd get it too, if the mother didn't teach her calf to get up quickly and get with it.

The next time you "fall", remember this lesson. All great & successfull people have fallen at one point or another. The secret is to get up & move forward.

Desire is the Key to All Success and Achievement

It's Time For You To..

"Achieve Your Goals"
"Become Super-Successful"
"Live Your Dreams"

Achieving anything is not that hard. All it takes is doing what needs to be done long enough to produce results.

Drive around any city and you will see many large, expensive, custom homes with expensive cars in attractive, well-maintained front yards. Just the kind of neighborhood you would like to live in, right? It's sometimes hard to believe that there are that many people making enough money to afford to live in these exclusive, private communities.

The people who live there are a very diverse group. They are young and old, represent every religious and ethnic background and come from poor and wealthy parents.

There is very little to separate these successful people from the people who live in much smaller track homes just down the street. If you did a very complete study of the differences between these very successful people and there not so successful neighbors you would see some obvious things.

Of course you would see they have bigger and better things: back accounts, education, careers or businesses, toys, etc. You would also see that they do more things: vacations, club memberships, charity, and so on.

Having and doing these things is not what allowed the luxury of living in the exclusive neighborhood. The having and doing is a result. The results illustrates the dramatic differences between the haves and the have-nots.

It is the cause of these awesome results that is important. Here is where you will find great differences between the custom and track home owners.

It's a pretty simple difference. Successful people start to do things, figure out how to get successful results from what they are doing and they continue doing those things that get the results they want.

There can be a lot involved making that simple formula to work for you. But it all boils down to one key difference between the achievers and those that miss out. In our study of two neighborhoods the biggest difference you would find in the people would be the level of desire in the people.

At the core it is desire that fuels your effort to achieve. If your desire is not enough to drive you to success don't despair. Desire is in all of us. It is the amount that is important. If you need more I can show you how to get it. To find out how request the Free Report in the upper left hand corner of this page. It's that easy. Fill out your name and email address and click on the submit button. You will receive the Free Report on how get all the desire you need to

Live Your Dreams.

Practice Uncommon Appreciation

If asked, could you name the five wealthiest people in the world, or five people who have one the Nobel Prize, or the last five Academy Award winners for best actor and actress? The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. When the applause dies, the awards tarnish, and achievements are forgotten, no one cares about who won which award.

But if I asked you to list five teachers or mentors who believed in you and encouraged you, five friends who have helped you through a difficult time, five people who have taught you something worthwhile, or five people who have made you feel appreciated and special - that's much easier to do, isn't it?

That's because the people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They're the ones who care. If you want to be remembered for being important to someone else's life, make them feel appreciated.

Appreciation as a Secret of Success Another important reason for being in a state of appreciation as often as possible is that when you are in such a state, you are in one of the highest emotional states possible.

When you are in a state of appreciation and gratitude, you are in a state of abundance. You are appreciating what you do in stead of focusing on, and complaining about, what you don't have. Your focus is on what you have received... and you always get more of what you focus on. And because the law of attraction states that like attracts like, the more you are in a state of gratitude, the more you will attract to be grateful for. It becomes an upward-spiraling process of ever-increasing abundance that just keeps getting better and better.

Think about it. The more grateful people are for the gifts we give them, the more inclined we are to give them more gifts. Their gratitude and appreciation reinforces our giving. The same principle holds true on a universal and spiritual level as it does on an interpersonal level.

Keeping Score. When I first learned about the power of appreciation, it made total sense to me. However, it was still something that I forgot to do. I hadn't yet turned it into a habit. A valuable technique that I employed to help me lock in this new habit was to carry a 3" x 5" card in my pocket all day, and every time I acknowledged and appreciated someone, I would place a check mark on the card. I would not allow myself to go to bed until I had appreciated 10 people. If it was late in the evening and I didn't have 10 check marks, I would appreciate my wife and children, I would send an e-mail to several staff, or I would write a letter to my mother or stepfather. I did whatever it took until it became an unconscious habit.

And remember... take time to appreciate yourself, too!

- By Jack Canfield