Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Always Think Big

One of the secrets to wealth is to THINK BIG! The fact is that very few people “think” big and even fewer “play” big. So why don't people want to “play big”? Usually, it’s because they believe they can't handle “big” or they don't want to handle it. Why? Because “big” often equals big responsibilities, big hassles and big problems.

One of the biggest differences between rich people and poor people is that highly successful people are bigger than their problems while unsuccessful people are smaller than their problems.

Unsuccessful people are constantly trying to avoid problems. They back away from challenges. The irony is that in their quest to make sure they don't have problems, they have the biggest problem of all... they're broke or close to it. The secret to success is not to try and shrink your problems; it's to grow yourself so you're bigger than any problem.

Imagine a “level 2” person is looking at a “level 5” problem. Does this problem appear to be big or small? The answer is that from a “level 2” perspective, a “level 5” problem would seem BIG.

Now imagine a “level 8” person looking at this same “level 5” problem. From this person’s perspective, is this problem big or small? Magically, the identical problem is now a SMALL problem.

And for a “level 10” person, it’s NO problem at all. It’s just an everyday occurrence, like brushing your teeth.

It’s important to realize that whether you are rich or poor, playing big or playing small, problems do not go away. If you're breathing, you will always have situations that aren’t perfect.

Therefore, the size of the problem is never the problem. It’s always the size of you!

The secret then is to grow yourself as a person, to be bigger than your problems so that they become insignificant and appear to disappear. Not because the problems are not there, but because you handle them so easily.

The bigger problems you can handle; the bigger business you can handle, the bigger responsibilities you can handle, the more customers you can handle and the more money and wealth you can handle.

Remember, your income can only grow to the extent that you do!

A universal principle states that “at all points in time you are either growing or dying”. That’s why it is essential to keep learning and continue to work on yourself.

This month commit to growing yourself.

This month, do not shrink from problems, do not avoid problems and do not complain about problems. Practice not letting problems bother you. In fact, don’t even call them problems; refer to them as “challenges” or “situations”.

This month, practice handling problems with elegance and ease. The way to do this is to let go of your attachments, as well as the emotion and drama you create when you don’t get what you want. Just stay present and handle one situation at a time with an open mind and an open heart. Trust yourself and trust the universe that everything will work out in the end.

The bottom line is that if you become a master at handling problems, what can stop you from happiness and wealth? The answer is NOTHING!

Daily Declaration:

I am bigger than any problems.

I can handle any problems.

Nothing will stop me from getting rich.

I have a millionaire mind!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Your Challenges Keep You Energized.

The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the water close to Japan has not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther than ever. The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring the fish. If the return trip took more time, the fish were not fresh.

To solve this problem, fish companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer.

However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen fish. And they did not like the taste of frozen fish. The frozen fish brought a lower price. So, fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, they were tired, dull, and lost their fresh-fish taste. The fishing industry faced an impending crisis! But today, they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan . How did they manage? To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks but with a small shark. The fish are challenged and hence are constantly on the move. The challenge they face keeps them alive and fresh!

Have you realized that some of us are also living in a pond but most of the time tired and dull? Basically in our lives, sharks are new challenges to keep us active. If you are steadily conquering challenges, you are happy.

"Your challenges keep you energized. Don't create success and revel in it in a state of inertia. You have the resources, skills and abilities to make a difference. Put a shark in your tank and see how far you can really go..!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Things Are Not Always Black or White

Many times, we tend to argue over isues with our fellow colleagues, spouses, parents, members & etc. We failed to realise that we're merely stressing our views which could be right for us but wrong to others, in the heat of the arguement. We need to establish greater sense of understanding & maturity, which could could help us to form a meaningful & better relationship.
In life, a lesson learned in your past that you will never forget completely.

When I was in primary school, I got into a major argument with a boy in my class. I have forgotten what the argument was about, but I have never forgotten the lesson learned that day.

I was convinced that I was right and he was wrong - and he was just as convinced that I was wrong and he was right. The teacher decided to teach us a very important lesson. She brought us up to the front of the class and placed him on one side of her desk and me on the other.

In the middle of her desk was a large, round object. I could clearly see that it was black. She asked the boy what color the object was. White, he answered.

I couldn't believe he said the object was white, when it was obviously black! Another argument started between my classmate and me, this time about the color of the object.

The teacher told me to go stand where the boy was standing and told him to come stand where I had been. We changed places, and now she asked me what the color of the object was. I had to answer, White. It was an object with two differently colored sides, and from his viewpoint it was white. Only from my side was it black.

My teacher taught me a very important lesson learned that day You must stand in the other person's shoes and look at the situation through their eyes in order to truly understand their perspective.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

21 Rules of Life

1. Marry the right person . This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.
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2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.
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3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
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4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
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5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.
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6. Be generous.
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7. Have a grateful heart.
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8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
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9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.
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10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
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11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.
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12. Commit yourself to quality.
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13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationship with people you love and respect.
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14. Be loyal.
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15. Be honest.
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16. Be a self-starter.
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17. Be decisive even it it means you'll sometimes be wrong.
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18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
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19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.
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20. Take good care of those you love.
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21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Be Positive, But Realistic

Positive thinking is essential to success, yet so many people just don't have the persistence required to make it work for them. The reality is, most overnight success stories are no such thing. Just because you've heard of someone for the first time doesn't mean they haven't been working for 20 or 30 years or more to get where they are.

For example, The Apprentice became a big hit when it first aired, but I had over 30 years of experience to draw from in those boardroom scenes. It wasn't just a fluke that I came across as someone who knew what he was doing. The fact that I was on television was new, but the rest wasn't particularly new to me. Business is business, whether it's being filmed or not. My business credentials and experience made up the back story to a show based on a high-stakes New York corporation.

How does positive attitude fit into the making of The Apprentice? First of all, I didn't say no when I was asked to do the show. I knew it was a risk, but I was positive about what might happen. If I had chosen to listen solely to the negatives about the endeavor, such as, "most new TV shows fail" or, "reality TV is on the way out" or, "you'll lose your credibility," and about 50 others, I never would have given the show a thought.

But instead, I chose a positive perspective. I asked myself the "what if" questions. What if it were a success? What if I enjoyed it? What if it proved to be enlightening? What if it brought The Trump Organization more of the recognition it deserved? What if the jobs provided to the winners proved to be a valuable stepping-stone to deserving individuals? I had a long list of positives to go along with the negatives.

I see myself as a cautious positive thinker. When I hear people saying that anything you want to do is possible, to me that's being childish or at least uninformed. Some things are not going to happen. For example, if I decided tomorrow that I wanted to win a gold medal at the Olympics as a swimmer, and I was sure I could because I was so positive about it, I'd need a shrink instead of a swim coach.

You need to be positive every day, but you need to be realistic too.

- By Donald Trump

Monday, February 11, 2008

The Power of Three Little Words

Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another often come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships that have cooled.

The following three word phrases can enrich every relationship:

I'LL BE THERE - Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. 'Being there' is at the very, very core of civility.

I MISS YOU - Perhaps more marriages could be salvaged and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other, "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.

I RESPECT YOU - Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. It is a powerful way to affirm the importance of a relationship.

MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT - This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting "maybe I'm wrong."

PLEASE FORGIVE ME - Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up to he has been in the wrong, which is by saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU - Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME - "A friend is one who walks in when others walk out." "Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there, indicating "you can count on me."

LET ME HELP - The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU - People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.

GO FOR IT - Some of your friends may be non-conformists, have unique projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage their uniqueness - everyone has dreams that no one else has.

I suppose the 3 little words that you were expecting to see have to be reserved for those who are special; that is I LOVE YOU.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Be Prepared For Complaints

One of my students told me:

I can't believe it. Before I was devoted to helping others, very few people had complaints against me. It seems that the more I do for others, the more that people are upset with me. Those I help, complain, "Why aren't you doing more?" Those I am unable to help complain, "How come you help other people and not me?" Those who are angry with me for various reasons tell me, "You feel that just because you help people you don't have to live up to other obligations."

When you devote your life to helping others, you are likely to arouse envy, animosity, and resentment. The needs of the people you help can be so great that they will be angry you aren't helping them even more than you are. Your energy, time, and other resources are limited, so those you don't help might feel resentful that you do more for others than you do for them.

Some people will be envious of the good you do. In order to feel better about themselves, they will find it easier to put you down than to do more themselves. They are likely to challenge your motivations when they say things like:

• "He only helps others because of his overblown ego."

• "She only helps those whom she feels will help her."

• "He wants to get ahead politically so he does favors for others."

• "She only does kindness because she is compensating for feelings of inferiority."

Even if it isn't true, cynical or envious people are likely to make these claims. Someone with mixed motives -- he wants to help others and he does enjoy honor -- is likely to feel more hurt about this than someone whose motivations are pure. But anyone who has a sensitive nature can feel hurt.

Being criticized is part of the price one pays for helping others. This elevates you: You are willing to personally suffer in order to do acts of kindness for others. Acknowledge the truth of a complaint and it will be easier to tolerate.

• "Yes. I should do a lot more than I am doing. I'm sorry that I'm limited."

• "I acknowledge that I am only doing a drop in the bucket of what needs to be done."

• "I agree that it would be wonderful if I were doing more than I am."

• "Yes. I am inconsistent. But I feel it's better to continue doing the good that I'm doing than to consistently do nothing for others."

One of my students explained:

I remember how shocked I was when someone whom I've helped greatly told me off in great anger, "You aren't there for me enough when I really need you. O.K., so you did help me before but what about lately!"

After this I heard about being prepared for such occurrences. The next time someone I had helped attacked me for not doing enough for them, I was mentally ready to answer with true compassion, "I'm sorry for not being there when you needed me. I see how much you've suffered. It's really rough."

The amazing thing is that when I said this with sincere concern, the person's anger subsided and I received an apology. My response was, "That's all right. I understand the pressure you were under." We parted with good feelings.

- By Zelig Pliskin

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

The Grace of God

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.

The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace of God.

Monday, February 04, 2008

My Best Friend

My best friend is not a teddy I hug instead of crying.
My best friend is not the takeout I have when I'm dizzier than a top.
My best friend is not the drink I had last night at the bar with tomato juice and beer and celery.
My best friend is not the contents of my wallet.
My best friend is not the jewellry I wear to proclaim my own name.
My best friend is not the fame or recognition I get.
My best friend is the one who listens.
My best friend is the one who I matter to.
My best friend is the one who finishes my sentences.
My best friend is the one who has been with me since God knows when.
Because, when the world turns its back
And when everything that my friend is not I lack
Then I still have that treasure...
And then that is the purest source of pleasure.

Friday, February 01, 2008

Uplifting Things To Do Today !!!

* Smile at a stranger

* Drop a coin where a child can find it

* Learn something new and teach it to someone

* Tell someone you love them

* Hug someone

* Forgive someone who has wronged you

* Try saying "I'm sorry" when you ought to

* Tell a child how great they are

* Sing a song about Jesus to yourself

* Keep a promise

* Call someone just to say hello

* Try listening more than talking

* Stand up for what you believe in

* Thank God for His beautiful Creation

* Encourage someone who is feeling down

* Cherish today as if it were your last one

* Tell someone about Jesus

-- Author Unknown