Success...One Day At A Time

Why You Should Dress For Success...

After again spending most of the day in hospital - I remembered another lesson that I had learned whilst I was in there...

Despite trying to maintain my career after Connor was born - I always made sure that I never missed a day by his side when he was in hospital. It certainly caused problems at work - but I was determined to get my priorities right.

On one occassion we were having problems trying to get our point across about a sickness bug he kept getting - so we asked to see his consultant.

The consultant was held in such awe by the nursing staff that they almost bowed to him whenever he was on the ward! To us he had always been polite - but quite abrupt.

On this particular day I had to attend a very important meeting at work and therefore went to the hospital in my suit and tie for the first time.

"Ooh, you look smart!" said one of the nurses almost wolf-whistling. (OK - I thought she did!)

We were waiting in Connor's room as the consultant breezed in as usual.

I can honestly say that he almost stood to attantion as soon as he saw me standing there in my suit! Almost immediately, his attitude towards me completely changed.

He was nodding and agreeing with me as I voiced our concerns about Connor. At one point he even blamed a nurse for something that he himself had forgotten to do!

At the end of our conversation he thanked me and left. We had our request for more tests - and a promise of more vigilance by his nurses in the future!

Without a doubt we wouldn't have got half of what we wanted if I hadn't been wearing my suit and tie.

Sometimes our appearance is the last thing we consider when we are being passed over for promotion yet again - or when we are trying to catch the attention of someone important.

Whether you like it or not - you are judged by what you wear and how you act. You'd be surprised how much difference a new smart suit or dress could make. Just wearing will make you feel taller and more important.

Just because you need to work on your 'inside' - don't forget that the outside creates the first impression of you in other people's eyes.

After again spending most of

After again spending most of the day in hospital - I remembered another lesson that I had learned whilst I was in there...

Despite trying to maintain my career after Connor was born - I always made sure that I never missed a day by his side when he was in hospital. It certainly caused problems at work - but I was determined to get my priorities right.

On one occassion we were having problems trying to get our point across about a sickness bug he kept getting - so we asked to see his consultant.

The consultant was held in such awe by the nursing staff that they almost bowed to him whenever he was on the ward! To us he had always been polite - but quite abrupt.

On this particular day I had to attend a very important meeting at work and therefore went to the hospital in my suit and tie for the first time.

"Ooh, you look smart!" said one of the nurses almost wolf-whistling. (OK - I thought she did!)

We were waiting in Connor's room as the consultant breezed in as usual.

I can honestly say that he almost stood to attantion as soon as he saw me standing there in my suit! Almost immediately, his attitude towards me completely changed.

He was nodding and agreeing with me as I voiced our concerns about Connor. At one point he even blamed a nurse for something that he himself had forgotten to do!

At the end of our conversation he thanked me and left. We had our request for more tests - and a promise of more vigilance by his nurses in the future!

Without a doubt we wouldn't have got half of what we wanted if I hadn't been wearing my suit and tie.

Sometimes our appearance is the last thing we consider when we are being passed over for promotion yet again - or when we are trying to catch the attention of someone important.

Whether you like it or not - you are judged by what you wear and how you act. You'd be surprised how much difference a new smart suit or dress could make. Just wearing will make you feel taller and more important.

Just because you need to work on your 'inside' - don't forget that the outside creates the first impression of you in other people's eyes.

Shouldn't You Jump OVER The Bandwagon Instead Of Onto It?

I have received about 8 emails in the last 24 hours pushing the new 'wonder' opportunity.

The program is fully backed by one of the top 'gurus' on the net.

But...

I always feel that it is better to jump OVER the bandwagon than onto it!

As I now have quite a large mailing list - I am sure that I could get a few 'takers' that might put a few dollars into my pocket (but not necessarily theirs!). But I'm not going to.

Why?

I'm not going to because I believe that just because 'everyone' seems to be doing doesn't necessarily mean that I should be doing it. And neither should you.

Never, ever, get seduced by the lure of short-term profit dressed up as a long-term opportunity. If it looks too good to be true then it almost certainly is!

Some people will definitely make money out of these 'programs' just because of the sheer weight of the sheep following blindly from one 'dead cert' to another. I could be one of them. But I won't be.

I won't be because I believe that in a business such as this - people are important. People are important because, at the end of the day - that is who is at the other end of my emails and my websites.

People just like me. People wanting to make an honest living - and are prepared to put the necessary effort in to achieve it. But...

They still get seduced by very clever marketing and, for want of a better word - manipulation. Don't be a sheep. Think for yourself. Keep your wallet (or purse) in your pocket until you are given good, honest justification that something works.

You wouldn't give someone you just met on the streets $50+, so why would you commit that much to something based upon a promise?

I might lose money by saying this - but I'd rather have my reputation - and let you use your money for something more important instead.

I have received about 8

I have received about 8 emails in the last 24 hours pushing the new 'wonder' oppoortunity.

The program is fully backed by one of the top 'gurus' on the net.

But...

I always feel that it is better to jump OVER the bandwagon than onto it!

As I now have quite a large mailing list - I am sure that I could get a few 'takers' that might put a few dollars into my pocket (but not necessarily theirs!). But I'm not going to.

Why?

I'm not going to because I believe that just because 'everyone' seems to be doing doesn't necessarily mean that I should be doing it. And neither should you.

Never, ever, get seduced by the lure of short-term profit dressed up as a long-term opportunity. If it looks too good to be true then it almost certainly is!

Some people will definitely make money out of these 'programs' just because of the sheer weight of the sheep following blindly from one 'dead cert' to another. I could be one of them. But I won't be.

I won't be because I believe that in a business such as this - people are important. People are important because, at the end of the day - that is who is at the other end of my emails and my websites.

People just like me. People wanting to make an honest living - and are prepared to put the necessary effort in to achieve it. But...

They still get seduced by very clever marketing and, for want of a better word - manipulation. Don't be a sheep. Think for yourself. Keep your wallet (or purse) in your pocket until you are given good, honest justification that something works.

You wouldn't give someone you just met on the streets $50+, so why would you commit that much to something based upon a promise?

I might lose money by saying this - but I'd rather have my reputation - and let you use your money for something more important instead.

Falling Off Of The Work/Life See-Saw

We have just left Connor in the hospital overnight for the first time in nearly 8 months.

He has been sick a lot recently - and unfortunately he was getting to the point of dehydration.

Having a child with 'special needs' is difficult - but when he gets ill - then it becomes a stress-filled day!

I don't feel particularly 'positive' at the moment - but just finding something positive to say certainly helps. It would be too easy for me not to bother - especially as I might not be in the right frame of mind. Hey - we all have off-days, don't we?

Well...I don't! OK - I won't!

You see...life is all about impressions and perception. You don't care whether I've had a bad day - you just want me to write something positive! When all said and done - the only person you should care about is you.

And that's the way it should be. Look after 'number 1' first.

In my time as a supervisor and manager - I always had a number of people who let their family life affect their work. I could always sympathise to a degree - but, bottom-line, these people were there to do a job - and that's what they were paid to do.

It may seem cold to say that - but no matter how much I would try to persuade my boss otherwise - these people were always 'marked down' against others for that very reason. Remember - if you want to 'get on' then you have to do the job to the very best of your ability - and not let your home life impact upon your career.

But...

I've also seen too many people let their job affect their family life and weekends. So remember this rule next time you feel your two 'lives' encroaching upon each other:

"Once you set foot in your office - focus entirely on your work. As soon as you leave the office - stop thinking about it!"

I've seen too many people mess up their careers or family lives by forgetting this simple rule. Don't let yourself be one of them.

We have just left Connor

We have just left Connor in the hospital overnight for the first time in nearly 8 months.

He has been sick a lot recently - and unfortunately he was getting to the point of dehydration.

Having a child with 'special needs' is difficult - but when he gets ill - then it becomes a stress-filled day!

I don't feel particularly 'positive' at the moment - but just finding something positive to say certainly helps. It would be too easy for me not to bother - especially as I might not be in the right frame of mind. Hey - we all have off-days, don't we?

Well...I don't! OK - I won't!

You see...life is all about impressions and perception. You don't care whether I've had a bad day - you just want me to write something positive! When all said and done - the only person you should care about is you.

And that's the way it should be. Look after 'number 1' first.

In my time as a supervisor and manager - I always had a number of people who let their family life affect their work. I could always sympathise to a degree - but, bottom-line, these people were there to do a job - and that's what they were paid to do.

It may seem cold to say that - but no matter how much I would try to persuade my boss otherwise - these people were always 'marked down' against others for that very reason. Remember - if you want to 'get on' then you have to do the job to the very best of your ability - and not let your home life impact upon your career.

But...

I've also seem too many people let their job affect their family life and weekends. So remember this rule next time you feel your two 'lives' encroaching upon each other:

"Once you set foot in your office - focus entirely on your work. As soon as you leave the office - stop thinking about it!"

I've seen too many people mess up their careers or family lives by forgetting this simple rule. Don't let yourself be one of them.

A Weight Off Of Your Mind?

Although I only scan through our daily newspaper - I still managed to find this....

A teenager on kidney dialysis desperately needed a transplant.
An ideal match was found - his seriously overweight mother.
But...the surgeon wouldn't operate as she was too heavy to undergo a successful operation.

What would YOU have done if you were in that situation?

Well...the mother lost 5 stone (70 pounds) in six months - and just recently both her and her son had the operations. The son is progressing well - and now doesn't need dialysis for the first time in years.

Would YOU have done it?

Here's what the mother said...

"After eating only vegetables and soup and walking everywhere - I was starving - but I knew that it would all be worth it."

I haven't really got much else to say (for a change!) - as this real life story has a message all of its own:

"You can achieve whatever you want in your life - but only if you want it bad enough."

Although I only scan through

Although I only scan through our daily newspaper - I still managed to find this....

A teenager on kidney dialysis desperately needed a transplant.
An ideal match was found - his seriously overweight mother.
But...the surgeon wouldn't operate as she was too heavy to undergo a successful operation.

What would YOU have done if you were in that situation?

Well...the mother lost 5 stone (70 pounds) in six months - and just recently both her and her son had the operations. The son is progressing well - and now doesn't need dialysis for the first time in years.

Would YOU have done it?

Here's what the mother said...

"After eating only vegetables and soup and walking everywhere - I was starving - but I knew that it would all be worth it."

I haven't really got much else to say (for a change!) - as this real life story has a message all of its own:

"You can achieve whatever you want in your life - but only if you want it bad enough."

How True Are These 40-Year-Old Lyrics?

I was driving along today after dropping Connor off at his 'special' school - and merrily singing along to a Beatles song...

Suddenly - the words jumped out at me -

"Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend."

So it doesn't annoy you - these lyrics are from "We Can Work It Out". Written almost 40 years ago - and they are still as true today!

If I could choose a catchphrase then this sentence would certainly be in my top 5. I see it every day - people getting stressed over petty things that they shouldn't give the time of day.

But they do. Why?

Is it because they live empty lives? Maybe.
Is it because they're bored? Perhaps
Is it because they haven't got more important things to worry about? Almost certainly.

If you have a purpose...a goal...a vision...a 'reason why'...then you won't want to clutter your thinking with little problems.

Your mind works like your stomach does in McDonalds. Once you've had one Big Mac - you fancy another!

If you can constantly feed your mind with positive thoughts, actions, and words - then all those stupid little arguments and annoyances won't matter anymore.

You'll be too busy moving forward to notice them as they get left behind.

I was driving along today

I was driving along today after dropping Connor off at his 'special' school - and merrily singing along to a Beatles song...

Suddenly - the words jumped out at me -

"Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend."

So it doesn't annoy you - these lyrics are from "We Can Work It Out". Written almost 40 years ago - and they are still as true today!

If I could choose a catchphrase then this sentence would certainly be in my top 5. I see it every day - people getting stressed over petty things that they shouldn't give the time of day.

But they do. Why?

Is it because they live empty lives? Maybe.
Is it because they're bored? Perhaps
Is it because they haven't got more important things to worry about? Almost certainly.

If you have a purpose...a goal...a vision...a 'reason why'...then you won't want to clutter your thinking with little problems.

Your mind works like your stomach does in McDonalds. Once you've had one Big Mac - you fancy another!

If you can constantly feed your mind with positive thoughts, actions, and words - then all those stupid little arguments and annoyances won't matter anymore.

You'll be too busy moving forward to notice them as they get left behind.

Are You A 'Doer' And 'Tryer' Or Just A Talker?

"Success is achieved by those who try"
- W. Clement Stone

And...failure is undoubtedly assured for those who don't!

I always used to 'talk a good game' - that is - say that I was going to do this or become that...but I never did quite manage to actually do anything about it! It took me some time before I realised that you have to actually do something if you want to expect something in return for it! There are certainly no 'free rides'.

It's easy to talk - it's much harder to follow through and actually start. Are you saying one thing - yet doing the complete opposite in your life?

Successful people are 'doers' and 'tryers' - not talkers. If you hung around a successful person long enough - you would see that they commit themselves as soon as they open their mouths.

They understand that you have to be in the race to have a chance of winning it.

What can you do NOW, today - to begin to put your dreams in motion? There is never a better time than the present to start something that challenges and scares you!

"Success is achieved by those

"Success is achieved by those who try"
- W. Clement Stone

And...failure is undoubtedly assured for those who don't!

I always used to 'talk a good game' - that is - say that I was going to do this or become that...but I never did quite manage to actually do anything about it! It took me some time before I realised that you have to actually do something if you want to expect something in return for it! There are certainly no 'free rides'.

It's easy to talk - it's much harder to follow through and actually start. Are you saying one thing - yet doing the complete opposite in your life?

Successful people are 'doers' and 'tryers' - not talkers. If you hung around a successful person long enough - you would see that they commit themselves as soon as they open their mouths.

They understand that you have to be in the race to have a chance of winning it.

What can you do NOW, today - to begin to put your dreams in motion? There is never a better time than the present to start something that challenges and scares you!

The Wavelength Of Coincidence

We finally got to see the movie "Signs" today (see 19th September post)

In itself the movie is perhaps a little slow - and a 'hit-or-miss' affair - but for me, there was no getting away from the message it gave in its last ten minutes or so.

If you have seen it - you will know what it is - and I won't go into too much detail to spoil it if you haven't yet.

It's all about coincidence and belief.

It was until about 10 minutes after the film finished that I realised that its title had a 'double meaning'!

I left the cinema with a feeling that this movie's message further vindicated how I think. I am far from a 'believer' (and in that sense - I have probably been closer to an atheist for most of my life) - yet in the last couple of years I have realised that everything has a meaning.

Because the all-to-frequent instances of concidence saving the life of Connor - I have literally opened my mind to the fact that there is something that 'helps' us.

But...

I am also a firm believer that you must be on the correct 'wavelength' in order to receive this help.

I look upon it as learning another language. You can shout louder or wave your arms - but if the other person doesn't understand what you are saying you are always going to have difficulty getting your point across. If you master even the basics of their language you will find that your ability to communicate increases to a huge degree.

So...open your mind to coincidence. Open your mind to positive thinking. Open your mind to the wonderful abundance we have on this Earth.

Accept that you have an ability that the rest of the non-human inhabitants on this planet would die for - your conciousness. Don't waste it. Use its power to attract what you truly deserve.

We were put on this planet to further our species. The only way we can do that is to be successful.

As the title of a famous book says - Never allow yourself the luxury of a negative thought. Open your mind to what you can't comprehend - and what you can't comprehend will help you if you work hard enough to keep the 'channel' open.

P.S. If you have seen the movie you will see what I mean....
Just so that you can understand what I see in Lesley - I asked her what sort of 'message' she got from the film. Her answer - "Always listen to your wife!"

We finally got to see

We finally got to see the movie "Signs" today (see 19th September post)

In itself the movie is perhaps a little slow - and a 'hit-or-miss' affair - but for me, there was no getting away from the message it gave in its last ten minutes or so.

If you have seen it - you will know what it is - and I won't go into too much detail to spoil it if you haven't yet.

It's all about coincidence and belief.

It was until about 10 minutes after the film finished that I realised that its title had a 'double meaning'!

I left the cinema with a feeling that this movie's message further vindicated how I think. I am far from a 'believer' (and in that sense - I have probably been closer to an atheist for most of my life) - yet in the last couple of years I have realised that everything has a meaning.

Because the all-to-frequent instances of concidence saving the life of Connor - I have literally opened my mind to the fact that there is something that 'helps' us.

But...

I am also a firm believer that you must be on the correct 'wavelength' in order to receive this help.

I look upon it as learning another language. You can shout louder or wave your arms - but if the other person doesn't understand what you are saying you are always going to have difficulty getting your point across. If you master even the basics of their language you will find that your ability to communicate increases to a huge degree.

So...open your mind to coincidence. Open your mind to positive thinking. Open your mind to the wonderful abundance we have on this Earth.

Accept that you have an ability that the rest of the non-human inhabitants on this planet would die for - your conciousness. Don't waste it. Use its power to attract what you truly deserve.

We were put on this planet to further our species. The only way we can do that is to be successful.

As the title of a famous book says - Never allow yourself the luxury of a negative thought. Open your mind to what you can't comprehend - and what you can't comprehend will help you if you work hard enough to keep the 'channel' open.

P.S. If you have seen the movie you will see what I mean....
Just so that you can understand what I see in Lesley - I asked her what sort of 'message' she got from the film. Her answer - "Always listen to your wife!"

Belief...That's All You Need

Are you running short of inspiration?

Do you feel as you are 'hitting a brick wall'? It's easy to do. We fight ourselves into such tight corners sometimes that it is easier to stay and take the punches than it is to fight your way out.

We all have those periods where we say to ourselves "Is this all there is?"

Don't worry - things can change. Your life can be turned around - and quicker than you could imagine.

All it takes is belief. Belief in yourself. Belief in your value as a person. Belief in your natural abilities that are unique solely to you.

You must sit yourself down and take stock of what it is about you that makes you who you are.

What are your strengths?
What are you weaknesses?
What challenges you?

A little under two years ago - I faced the same problems. I had a career - but with nowhere to go. So I sat down and asked myself some serious questions just like those and made sure that I was honest with my answers. My life was never the same after that.

I knew that they worked for me - so they might work for you. That's why I compiled them and put them into an inexpensive workbook bundled with a special report. I called it "The Millionaire Mindset" - which is what I now have.

In truth - there is nothing to stop you from working out the questions yourself - they aren't particularly mind-blowing or difficult. Sometimes simple is best. Give it a try for yourself - and if not - you know where to look for the questions that completely changed my attitude to life.

Are you running short of

Are you running short of inspiration?

Do you feel as you are 'hitting a brick wall'? It's easy to do. We fight ourselves into such tight corners sometimes that it is easier to stay and take the punches than it is to fight your way out.

We all have those periods where we say to ourselves "Is this all there is?"

Don't worry - things can change. Your life can be turned around - and quicker than you could imagine.

All it takes is belief. Belief in yourself. Belief in your value as a person. Belief in your natural abilities that are unique solely to you.

You must sit yourself down and take stock of what it is about you that makes you who you are.

What are your strengths?
What are you weaknesses?
What challenges you?

A little under two years ago - I faced the same problems. I had a career - but with nowhere to go. So I sat down and asked myself some serious questions just like those and made sure that I was honest with my answers. My life was never the same after that.

I knew that they worked for me - so they might work for you. That's why I compiled them and put them into an inexpensive workbook bundled with a special report. I called it "The Millionaire Mindset" - which is what I now have.

In truth - there is nothing to stop you from working out trhe questions yourself - they aren't particularly mind-blowing or difficult. Sometimes simple is best. Give it a try for yourself - and if not - you know where to look for the questions that completely changed my attitude to life.

The Power Of Your Momentum

Is your brain tuned for success?

Do you search for opportunities wherever you go?

Do you manage to see the positive side to most situations?

Do you regularly have those 'Ah-Ha' moments when that lightbulb goes off in your head?

If you're not - then you need to work on this foundation before you begin any new project with the aim to improve your life. It's easy to pick up a pen and write - but it's harder to pick up a pen and write every day for a year unless you are convinced that you are destined to succeed.

It may be difficult for you to take even the first step to changing your life - but I would be a liar if I said that once you were 'up-and-running' it would get a lot easier. Your success depends on your momentum.

It's like if you were trying to push a car down the street. The hardest part is getting the thing moving - but, once you're away, its momentum begins to help you - and makes pushing it a lot easier.

But...

Unless you have someone steering the car - you are going to have to manage that as well - and the braking when you come to a junction. The whole exercise needs to be co-ordinated carefully otherwise you will have trouble on your hands!

Having a happy and successful life is the same. You need to start pushing yourself - but you also need to make sure that you are aware of the adjustments that you need to make along the way. And...you must also make sure that you actually make those adjustments. The best way to do this is by being open to any possibilities that you might come across which could help you on your journey.

That's why you need to be alert to the opportunities around you. Constantly. The path to success is never a straight one - and so you need to be in a position to change direction at a moment's notice - and the only way to know which way to go is to always look out for the signs around you.

Is your brain tuned for

Is your brain tuned for success?

Do you search for opportunities wherever you go?

Do you manage to see the positive side to most situations?

Do you regularly have those 'Ah-Ha' moments when that lightbulb goes off in your head?

If you're not - then you need to work on this foundation before you begin any new project with the aim to improve your life. It's easy to pick up a pen and write - but it's harder to pick up a pen and write every day for a year unless you are convinced that you are destined to succeed.

It may be difficult for you to take even the first step to changing your life - but I would be a liar if I said that once you were 'up-and-running' it would get a lot easier. Your success depends on your momentum.

It's like if you were trying to push a car down the street. The hardest part is getting the thing moving - but, once you're away, its momentum begins to help you - and makes pushing it a lot easier.

But...

Unless you have someone steering the car - you are going to have to manage that as well - and the braking when you come to a junction. The whole exercise needs to be co-ordinated carefully otherwise you will have trouble on your hands!

Having a happy and successful life is the same. You need to start pushing yourself - but you also need to make sure that you are aware of the adjustments that you need to make along the way. And...you must also make sure that you actually make those adjustments. The best way to do this is by being open to any possibilities that you might come across which could help you on your journey.

That's why you need to be alert to the opportunities around you. Constantly. The path to success is never a straight one - and so you need to be in a position to change direction at a moment's notice - and the only way to know which way to go is to always look out for the signs around you.

Dr. Seuss Is The Key To Your Success!

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself.
Any direction you choose.
You're on your own.And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who will decide where to go."

Simple...yet powerful stuff. This paragraph is the opening to one of the greatest personal development books of our time.

Can you guess who wrote it? I warn you - the answer may surprise you.

These words are the opening to "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss!

Now - I don't claim to have 'found' this little gem - I came across a reference to it in an ezine I read the other week, but I tell you what - you should read this book!

I've read it myself. I've made Lesley read it, and I've read it to Katie. You may scoff that it is written for little kids - but the message it gives us is crystal clear.

Even though we may have struggles and problems in life - we will succeed - but only as long as we keep going!

I am constantly aware of finding something to learn from every situation that I come across. I see inspiration where perhaps many would find desolation - but I find the 'good' things in life - because I am always looking for them!

Are YOU?

Whatever your situation - never ignore something because it's not 'normal'. After all - if I hadn't bought a Dr. Seuss book for myself - I certainly would be inspired by it, would I? Learn what you can learn about yourself from wherever and whoever you can.

You may never need to use this information - but its better to know too much about a subject than not enough - even if it does mean buying a children's book!

"You have brains in your

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself.
Any direction you choose.
You're on your own.And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who will decide where to go."

Simple...yet powerful stuff. This paragraph is the opening to one of the greatest personal development books of our time.

Can you guess who wrote it? I warn you - the answer may surprise you.

These words are the opening to "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss!

Now - I don't claim to have 'found' this little gem - I came across a reference to it in an ezine I read the other week, but I tell you what - you should read this book!

I've read it myself. I've made Lesley read it, and I've read it to Katie. You may scoff that it is written for little kids - but the message it gives us is crystal clear.

Even though we may have struggles and problems in life - we will succeed - but only as long as we keep going!

I am constantly aware of finding something to learn from every situation that I come across. I see inspiration where perhaps many would find desolation - but I find the 'good' things in life - because I am always looking for them!

Are YOU?

Whatever your situation - never ignore something because it's not 'normal'. After all - if I hadn't bought a Dr. Seuss book for myself - I certainly would be inspired by it, would I? Learn what you can learn about yourself from wherever and whoever you can.

You may never need to use this information - but its better to know too much about a subject than not enough - even if it does mean buying a children's book!

"Little Hinges Swing Big Doors"

I came across this 'quote' as I was reading an interview today. It jumped right off of the page at me - and set my mind off on another tangent!

The thinking behind it is that, even though a door is big and heavy - all it needs are two or three little hinges to support it and make it open (and close).

Have you let the hinges on the door to your ideal future get a little rusty recently? Have you neglected to do those little things that, on their own don't make a difference, but once added together represent a large chunk of time or money?

You know - those little things that perhaps you should be doing - but don't really want to.

I'm sure that there is no need to spell them out for you - I'm sure that you already know what they are - and anyway, these sort of things are always different depending on who you are and who you want to become!

You need to keep those hinges oiled - otherwise that door will never open again. Round up those little tasks that you know that you should start - and try to 'blitz' them all in a short a time as possible. Get them out of the way and make room in both your head and your life for those things that are going to help you push that heavy door open - and keep it wedged open!

The longer that you leave these things - the harder they become to 'start' (or start again!). Use those hinges to your advantage - and you'll find that you don't have to push that hard to at least see what's on the other side.

"Little Hinges Swing Big Doors"

"Little Hinges Swing Big Doors"

I came across this 'quote' as I was reading an interview today. It jumped right off of the page at me - and set my mind off on another tangent!

The thinking behind it is that, even though a door is big and heavy - all it needs are two or three little hinges to support it and make it open (and close).

Have you let the hinges on the door to your ideal future get a little rusty recently? Have you neglected to do those little things that, on their own don't make a difference, but once added together represent a large chunk of time or money?

You know - those little things that perhaps you should be doing - but don't really want to.

I'm sure that there is no need to spell them out for you - I'm sure that you already know what they are - and anyway, these sort of things are always different depending on who you are and who you want to become!

You need to keep those hinges oiled - otherwise that door will never open again. Round up those little tasks that you know that you should start - and try to 'blitz' them all in a short a time as possible. Get them out of the way and make room in both your head and your life for those things that are going to help you push that heavy door open - and keep it wedged open!

The longer that you leave these things - the harder they become to 'start' (or start again!). Use those hinges to your advantage - and you'll find that you don't have to push that hard to at least see what's on the other side.

Boy...Did I Get A Sign From The Movie "Signs"!

Have you seen the movie "Signs" yet?

I have...well, sort of. I've seen the first 21 minutes of it! (before the film got stuck in the projector!)

Lesley and I were out on one of our very rare trips to the cinema yesterday - as we were able to get a nurse look after Connor for a few hours. The easy option was for us to get stressed about how 'unlucky' we were - or how these sort of things always happen to us (We missed the last MINUTE of "The Beach" a couple of years ago because the film caught alight!).

But...when you realise that there are much more important things to worry about - then missing a film doesn't seem such a big deal. We just went for a meal instead.

Are you letting the little things wear you down?

Life is full of challenges that are 'sent' to try both our sanity and our patience! You will never be able to 'sail' through life with some form of failure along the way.

Successful people know that the path to success is paved with failure. Many (if not all) of the most successful people have either been bankrupts or had serious financial problems on their road to success. Our mind is a mechanism that learns from experience - we carry on doing what we are doing until feedback tells us otherwise.

Your brain is like a guided missile aimed at your success. But...the only way that it will reach its target is by you making constant adjustments to corrrect its path during its journey!

Have you seen the movie

Have you seen the movie "Signs" yet?

I have...well, sort of. I've seen the first 21 minutes of it! (before the film got stuck in the projector!)

Lesley and I were out on one of our very rare trips to the cinema yesterday - as we were able to get a nurse look after Connor for a few hours. The easy option was for us to get stressed about how 'unlucky' we were - or how these sort of things always happen to us (We missed the last MINUTE of "The Beach" a couple of years ago because the film caught alight!).

But...when you realise that there are much more important things to worry about - then missing a film doesn't seem such a big deal. We just went for a meal instead.

Are you letting the little things wear you down?

Life is full of challenges that are 'sent' to try both our sanity and our patience! You will never be able to 'sail' through life with some form of failure along the way.

Successful people know that the path to success is paved with failure. Many (if not all) of the most successful people have either been bankrupts or had serious financial problems on their road to success. Our mind is a mechanism that learns from experience - we carry on doing what we are doing until feedback tells us otherwise.

Your brain is like a guided missile aimed at your success. But...the only way that it will reach its target is by you making constant adjustments to corrrect its path during its journey!

Which Tactic Are Playing The Game Of Life With?

Are you playing not to lose...or are you playing to win?

This thought crossed my mind as I wandered out of a football (OK - soccer) match last night where my local team (Crystal Palace FC) were once again beaten at home.

It is a well-known 'secret' that our manager would rather our side didn't concede a goal than going out to score ourselves. His philosophy is that - if the other team don't score - we won't lose. Almost every supporter that I have ever talked to would rather it was - unless we score - we're not going to win!

So - with which 'tactic' are you playing this game called Life?

Are you accepting what you have got because you are worried about the consequences of taking a chance...or are you focused on moving your life forward because you know that, unless you make some effort to change, nothing is going happen?

Do you gladly settle for an 'unfulfilled' life because you are too concerned with possibly losing what you have now?

Do you fail to push yourself harder when you know you should - just because you think that you might fail?

Do you avoid challenges because you don't think that you would deserve the 'rewards' from their completion?

Play to win - and whatever happens - you will certainly benefit from trying. If you are happy to plod through life without achieving much then that's fine - if it's what you really want. But...if you want a life that can be both challenging and rewarding - then you must focus your energies on getting those 'goals'.

You will fail on the way - but it's the only way to learn how to win. Go for the 'win' - life is certainly more dull without it!

Are you playing not to

Are you playing not to lose...or are you playing to win?

This thought crossed my mind as I wandered out of a football (OK - soccer) match last night where my local team (Crystal Palace FC) were once again beaten at home.

It is a well-known 'secret' that our manager would rather our side didn't concede a goal than going out to score ourselves. His philosophy is that - if the other team don't score - we won't lose. Almost every supporter that I have ever talked to would rather it was - unless we score - we're not going to win!

So - with which 'tactic' are you playing this game called Life?

Are you accepting what you have got because you are worried about the consequences of taking a chance...or are you focused on moving your life forward because you know that, unless you make some effort to change, nothing is going happen?

Do you gladly settle for an 'unfulfilled' life because you are too concerned with possibly losing what you have now?

Do you fail to push yourself harder when you know you should - just because you think that you might fail?

Do you avoid challenges because you don't think that you would deserve the 'rewards' from their completion?

Play to win - and whatever happens - you will certainly benefit from trying. If you are happy to plod through life without achieving much then that's fine - if it's what you really want. But...if you want a life that can be both challenging and rewarding - then you must focus your energies on getting those 'goals'.

You will fail on the way - but it's the only way to learn how to win. Go for the 'win' - life is certainly more dull without it!

How To Solve Action Paralysis...

I'll let you into a little secret...

I don't know what I'm going to write about today.

To most people - that would paralyse them. Stop them dead. What can I write about?

There is an easy solution - one that I use all the time. I just start!

I know that just staring at a blank screen will get me nowhere. I also know that the longer I leave starting - the harder it will be...and, once I actually begin the process of writing - I know that the words will come to me. If I don't like them I can just hit the 'delete' key and start again.

The easy option is to go and make myself a coffee - but hard is fun sometimes!

I never used to believe the saying that goes something like "Everyone has got a book inside themselves." I now know that it's true. Up until less than a year ago I hadn't written a single article or ebook - and now I write this every day, an article a week - and (so far) nearly three ebooks and courses!

Don't worry about the finish - worry about not starting. In the same way as "if you don't ask - you don't get" - success at whatever path you choose is entirely dependent on one single thing - whether you start or not!. The biggest difference between where I am now and where I was less than a year ago was that I started something - and stuck with it.

Start something, anything - just so that you can open your eyes to the opportunities that are out there. It can be difficult to stay focused - but, believe me - it's not as hard as you would imagine.

I'll let you into a

I'll let you into a little secret...

I don't know what I'm going to write about today.

To most people - that would paralyse them. Stop them dead. What can I write about?

There is an easy solution - one that I use all the time. I just start!

I know that just staring at a blank screen will get me nowhere. I also know that the longer I leave starting - the harder it will be...and, once I actually begin the process of writing - I know that the words will come to me. If I don't like them I can just hit the 'delete' key and start again.

The easy option is to go and make myself a coffee - but hard is fun sometimes!

I never used to believe the saying that goes something like "Everyone has got a book inside themselves." I now know that it's true. Up until less than a year ago I hadn't written a single article or ebook - and now I write this every day, an article a week - and (so far) nearly three ebooks and courses!

Don't worry about the finish - worry about not starting. In the same way as "if you don't ask - you don't get" - success at whatever path you choose is entirely dependent on one single thing - whether you start or not!. The biggest difference between where I am now and where I was less than a year ago was that I started something - and stuck with it.

Start something, anything - just so that you can open your eyes to the opportunities that are out there. It can be difficult to stay focused - but, believe me - it's not as hard as you would imagine.

I Have Realized How Lucky I Really Am...

Having just spent three hours in a hospital cubicle made me realise how lucky I really am.

For 9 whole months in 1998/99 both Lesley and I spent practically every single day in hospital with Connor - and even Katie was in a different hospital 20 miles away from Connor for two weeks around Christmas 1998.

So - how can I gripe about spending three hours in one tonight?

Well - I'm tired. But - that's too easy to use as an excuse in my book. After all - I must have been a lot more tired when I was spending a total of 18 hours a day at two different hospitals a few years ago! I'm lucky that I have one healthy daughter - I've seen too many families to mention that have more than one child who is either seriously ill or severely disabled.

Do you count your blessings - or do you dwell on how 'unlucky' you are? I guarantee that, no matter how hard up or unfortunate you are - there is always somebody who is worse off than you! The next time that you begin to feel sorry for yourself - remember how 'lucky' your life really is compared to many other people in this world.

Our next door neighbour lost his life nearly four years ago - and left two young boys and his wife pregnant. I see his cute three year old son every day - but he will never, ever have seen his dad. Now try telling me how 'hard' my life is because I spent just three hours in hospital tonight.Feeling sorry for yourself is the easy way out. - making the best of what you have got may be harder - but, believe me, it's certainly a lot more rewarding.

Having just spent three hours

Having just spent three hours in a hospital cubicle made me realise how lucky I really am.

For 9 whole months in 1998/99 both Lesley and I spent practically every single day in hospital with Connor - and even Katie was in a different hospital 20 miles away from Connor for two weeks around Christmas 1998.

So - how can I gripe about spending three hours in one tonight?

Well - I'm tired. But - that's too easy to use as an excuse in my book. After all - I must have been a lot more tired when I was spending a total of 18 hours a day at two different hospitals a few years ago! I'm lucky that I have one healthy daughter - I've seen too many families to mention that have more than one child who is either seriously ill or severely disabled.

Do you count your blessings - or do you dwell on how 'unlucky' you are? I guarantee that, no matter how hard up or unfortunate you are - there is always somebody who is worse off than you! The next time that you begin to feel sorry for yourself - remember how 'lucky' your life really is compared to many other people in this world.

Our next door neighbour lost his life nearly four years ago - and left two young boys and his wife pregnant. I see his cute three year old son every day - but he will never, ever have seen his dad. Now try telling me how 'hard' my life is because I spent just three hours in hospital tonight.Feeling sorry for yourself is the easy way out. - making the best of what you have got may be harder - but, believe me, it's certainly a lot more rewarding.

Where Do Your Priorities Really Lie?

Where do your priorities really lie?

The reason why I am asking is that I haven't been near a PC for almost 24 hours for (vacation apart) - the first time in an entire year!

Why?

Well - because Connor has been very sick - and I have spent all day nursing him. I was desperate to check my emails - but I knew that I had to be there every time he neede me. No matter how much I would have loved to have even sat at my PC for 5 minutes - I wouldn't have done so. I wouldn't have because my son's health is more important than my ambitions.

Do you really know what your priorities are? Do you work late every night and never see your kids until the weekend? Do you avoid phoning your parents because it seems like such hard work?

It's easy to fall into the 'money trap' where you believe that the most important thing in your life is how much you earn - or what your job title is. There are few people in this world who have really sat down and considered what's important to them. Money and prestige - or family and health? Such a choice will affect the rest of your life - so what's your call?

Where do your priorities really

Where do your priorities really lie?

The reason why I am asking is that I haven't been near a PC for almost 24 hours for (vacation apart) - the first time in an entire year!

Why?

Well - because Connor has been very sick - and I have spent all day nursing him. I was desperate to check my emails - but I knew that I had to be there every time he neede me. No matter how much I would have loved to have even sat at my PC for 5 minutes - I wouldn't have done so. I wouldn't have because my son's health is more important than my ambitions.

Do you really know what your priorities are? Do you work late every night and never see your kids until the weekend? Do you avoid phoning your parents because it seems like such hard work?

It's easy to fall into the 'money trap' where you believe that the most important thing in your life is how much you earn - or what your job title is. There are few people in this world who have really sat down and considered what's important to them. Money and prestige - or family and health? Such a choice will affect the rest of your life - so what's your call?

It's Success Or The TV. Your Choice!

It's now 8:30pm on a Saturday night - and I am writing this.

Why?

Well - I could easily 'miss' out the weekend, couldn't I? After all - what does it matter?

It matters to me. It matters because, although my aim was to write these reflections every weekday - it has turned into a challenge for me to write something useful every day. I could easily sit myself in front of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for 10 minutes or so instead - but I'm not because this means something to me.

It means something because when I set myself challenges I like to achieve them.
It means something because it focuses my mind on important things.
It means something because I want you to have regular useful information to work with.

I didn't have to bother - but I do because I value what I do.

What about you? Are you too 'busy' playing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire instead of trying to work on being a Millionaire? You are the only person who decides if what you are doing right now matters. Nobody else is accountable for where you are right now. If you really want a changed life - then - YOU are going to have to change.

Don't gamble 50/50 for success - make the decision that you are really 100% sure how much you really want your 'final answer'.

It's now 8:30pm on a

It's now 8:30pm on a Saturday night - and I am writing this.

Why?

Well - I could easily 'miss' out the weekend, couldn't I? After all - what does it matter?

It matters to me. It matters because, although my aim was to write these reflections every weekday - it has turned into a challenge for me to write something useful every day. I could easily sit myself in front of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for 10 minutes or so instead - but I'm not because this means something to me.

It means something because when I set myself challenges I like to achieve them.
It means something because it focuses my mind on important things.
It means something because I want you to have regular useful information to work with.

I didn't have to bother - but I do because I value what I do.

What about you? Are you too 'busy' playing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire instead of trying to work on being a Millionaire? You are the only person who decides if what you are doing right now matters. Nobody else is accountable for where you are right now. If you really want a changed life - then - YOU are going to have to change.

Don't gamble 50/50 for success - make the decision that you are really 100% sure how much you really want your 'final answer'.

The 'McDonalds Syndrome'

It's where you you go back for more despite the terrible experience you had before.

I'm having that experience with my new PC right now. It took 3 DAYS to get here (don't ask!). It's a good job that I have the patience of a saint! Now that it's here - I love it and would like to get another one! OK - I don't really need another one - but I've fallen in love with the faster processor, more features, and of course - my lovely flat screen That's why I would willingly order another one if I was a little weaker!

What about you? Do you still go back depsite the 'poor' service? I'm not talking about fast food restaurants or PCs - I'm talking about life in general. Do you just 'hang around' because you can't be bothered to take a chance?

I'm not for one moment suggesting that you quit your job or dump your spouse - I'm talking about what you do in your spare time! Do you aimlessly spend 40 hours a week watching TV or lying in until midday on a Saturday?

If you were buying a new TV, or stereo, or a car - you would choose the one that represented the best value for the money you had available to spend, wouldn't you? Don't begin to think about accepting second best for your spare time! Don't keep going back for more and filling your mind with 'stuff' that won't help you become successful.

Change what you do in your spare time - and you can change your life. Even an hour a week devoted your own development works out at the equivalent of seven working days a year that you can use to your advantage. Don't waste them in front of the TV.

I call it the 'McDonalds

I call it the 'McDonalds Syndrome'

It's where you you go back for more despite the terrible experience you had before.

I'm having that experience with my new PC right now. It took 3 DAYS to get here (don't ask!). It's a good job that I have the patience of a saint! Now that it's here - I love it and would like to get another one! OK - I don't really need another one - but I've fallen in love with the faster processor, more features, and of course - my lovely flat screen That's why I would willingly order another one if I was a little weaker!

What about you? Do you still go back depsite the 'poor' service? I'm not talking about fast food restaurants or PCs - I'm talking about life in general. Do you just 'hang around' because you can't be bothered to take a chance?

I'm not for one moment suggesting that you quit your job or dump your spouse - I'm talking about what you do in your spare time! Do you aimlessly spend 40 hours a week watching TV or lying in until midday on a Saturday?

If you were buying a new TV, or stereo, or a car - you would choose the one that represented the best value for the money you had available to spend, wouldn't you? Don't begin to think about accepting second best for your spare time! Don't keep going back for more and filling your mind with 'stuff' that won't help you become successful.

Change what you do in your spare time - and you can change your life. Even an hour a week devoted your own development works out at the equivalent of seven working days a year that you can use to your advantage. Don't waste them in front of the TV.

Email - The Great 'Leveller'.

Take yesterday for example. One minute I received an email from a millionaire businessman - the next I was being asked about marriage counselling!

The beauty of it is that whether you're short, fat, thin, shy, or extrovert, it's your personality that comes through when you write. I gave myself a bit of a shock yesterday. I realised that I was a writer. I've written ebooks, I write articles, hell - I even write this every day! - but in my eyes, my 'occupation' is not that of a writer.

But...

When I sit down and think about it - my success online is down entirely to what I write. Apart from the 100 or so people that I met at the Internet Marketing SuperConference in June - nobody knows what I actually look like! Yet over 15,000 people receive my ezine every week - and don't unsubscribe!

You, too, have a personality. A personality that is hidden behind shyness, fear, or stress. A personality that sets you apart from everyone else on this planet. Linked to this personality is also your unique talents, which, combined with whatever 'delivery vehicle' you choose to use (whether its spoken or written down) will enable YOU to live the life you have always dreamed about.

If you're shy or lack confidence - write something down. If you're a good talker - record yourself on tape. Make use of the God-given talents you have - and the world could be your oyster. Who would have thought just six months ago that I would be emailing a millionaire? It can work for you, too, if you really want it bad enough.

Email is a great 'leveller'.

Email is a great 'leveller'.

Take yesterday for example. One minute I received an email from a millionaire businessman - the next I was being asked about marriage counselling!

The beauty of it is that whether you're short, fat, thin, shy, or extrovert, it's your personality that comes through when you write. I gave myself a bit of a shock yesterday. I realised that I was a writer. I've written ebooks, I write articles, hell - I even write this every day! - but in my eyes, my 'occupation' is not that of a writer.

But...

When I sit down and think about it - my success online is down entirely to what I write. Apart from the 100 or so people that I met at the Internet Marketing SuperConference in June - nobody knows what I actually look like! Yet over 15,000 people receive my ezine every week - and don't unsubscribe!

You, too, have a personality. A personality that is hidden behind shyness, fear, or stress. A personality that sets you apart from everyone else on this planet. Linked to this personality is also your unique talents, which, combined with whatever 'delivery vehicle' you choose to use (whether its spoken or written down) will enable YOU to live the life you have always dreamed about.

If you're shy or lack confidence - write something down. If you're a good talker - record yourself on tape. Make use of the God-given talents you have - and the world could be your oyster. Who would have thought just six months ago that I would be emailing a millionaire? It can work for you, too, if you really want it bad enough.

My Own Private 9/11.

9/11.

A date that will be etched forever in the memory of a generation.

Also, perhaps to many - a turning point in their lives. Even those lucky enough not be directly effected realised how unpredictable life can be. They realised that there was more to life than drudgery, misery, and unhappiness. They realised that we only get one shot at this life - however long - at that we should make the most of it.

In my life I have a date just like 9/11 - a date on which events marked a turning point in my life - and a realisation that I could live a happy, fulfilled life - a life that I could smile to myself at when I looked back in my old age. That date is 2nd June 1998. The day that my son Connor was born with severe mental and physical disabilities. As far as we were concerned he was going to be a normal, healthy baby. In my mind I can still remember what I felt, saw, and heard.

That day marked a turning point in my life. That day made me realise that a career and job 'security' weren't as important as the health and happiness of my family. I knew then that there was no way back to the old life for me. It took a few years - but my life is now on track to where I want it to go on a personal level.

Don't wait until you experience an event that forces you to realise that you can do something with your life. Don't let it take something terrible to shake you out of your slumber. Do something, anything...but don't wait until it's too late.

9/11. A date that will

9/11.

A date that will be etched forever in the memory of a generation.

Also, perhaps to many - a turning point in their lives. Even those lucky enough not be directly effected realised how unpredictable life can be. They realised that there was more to life than drudgery, misery, and unhappiness. They realised that we only get one shot at this life - however long - at that we should make the most of it.

In my life I have a date just like 9/11 - a date on which events marked a turning point in my life - and a realisation that I could live a happy, fulfilled life - a life that I could smile to myself at when I looked back in my old age. That date is 2nd June 1998. The day that my son Connor was born with severe mental and physical disabilities. As far as we were concerned he was going to be a normal, healthy baby. In my mind I can still remember what I felt, saw, and heard.

That day marked a turning point in my life. That day made me realise that a career and job 'security' weren't as important as the health and happiness of my family. I knew then that there was no way back to the old life for me. It took a few years - but my life is now on track to where I want it to go on a personal level.

Don't wait until you experience an event that forces you to realise that you can do something with your life. Don't let it take something terrible to shake you out of your slumber. Do something, anything...but don't wait until it's too late.

Waiting...And Waiting...

I've just spent a day waiting in for a delivery of a new PC.

And guess what?

It hasn't arrived. A call to the call centre an hour ago confirmed that it was 'on the lorry' and would "definitely reach you by 6pm".

I'm sure that you've had the same experience many times. It's probably the biggest headache of any business that delivers goods either on- or offline - 'The Last Mile'.

It's easy to get frustrated. It's easy to get angry. I just don't bother wasting my energy - I've got far more important things to worry about. Don't let the petty things in life ruin your day. If you could physically see each little grievance as a brick in front of your path to success - you'd soon realise that it starts to get difficult to hurdle a wall when it's more than four or five bricks high.

Just let the little things wash over you like a wave - instead of being a brick being thrown in your path. I could have had my day ruined by getting upset by the fact that the call centre conveniently closes at 5:30 pm - so you can't complain to anyone until the next day.

But...

Remember that YOU are the one who controls what affects your mood, and therefore YOUR day. The longer that you build that wall - the harder it will be to knock down.

I've just spent a day

I've just spent a day waiting in for a delivery of a new PC.

And guess what?

It hasn't arrived. A call to the call centre an hour ago confirmed that it was 'on the lorry' and would "definitely reach you by 6pm".

I'm sure that you've had the same experience many times. It's probably the biggest headache of any business that delivers goods either on- or offline - 'The Last Mile'.

It's easy to get frustrated. It's easy to get angry. I just don't bother wasting my energy - I've got far more important things to worry about. Don't let the petty things in life ruin your day. If you could physically see each little grievance as a brick in front of your path to success - you'd soon realise that it starts to get difficult to hurdle a wall when it's more than four or five bricks high.

Just let the little things wash over you like a wave - instead of being a brick being thrown in your path. I could have had my day ruined by getting upset by the fact that the call centre conveniently closes at 5:30 pm - so you can't complain to anyone until the next day.

But...

Remember that YOU are the one who controls what affects your mood, and therefore YOUR day. The longer that you build that wall - the harder it will be to knock down.

Do You Really Want This Relationship?

Is your life like an episode of Jerry Springer?

The daytime screaming matches are catching on here in the UK. It may be fascinating to watch in a perverse way - but whenever I catch one - it just reminds me that so many people are wasting their lives away!

Do you let 'silly' things get to you?
Is negative thinking crowding your brain?
Are petty arguments a regular feature of your life?

It's easy to get 'sucked-in' to this way of living. It's like a downward spiral - and very difficult to pull yourself out of. Most of the people I know waste a large part of their day on 'toxic' thinking. Sulking. Getting stressed. Worrying about pleasing someone else. We've all been guilty of it at different times.

There is a way out - but it's hard. It's only hard because you have to change your way of thinking. But...the process itself it's simple.

You can decide whether the negative relationships of your life are worth 'fighting' for by asking yourself one question:

"Would I have a relationship with this person in my ideal day?"

So. You have an argument with your spouse. Regularly. Now - ask yourself that question. When you dream of your huge house and holidays abroad - would you want them with you?

This may seem a harsh way to look at things - but remember that life is all about being selfish to a degree. If you're 'stuck' in a miserable marriage for 25 years - you've just wasted a huge part of your life on being unhappy. Obviously - things are always as 'cut-and-dried' as this - but it's certainly a very good place to start when you are evaluating what matters to you.

Success isn't only about money. It's pointless being rich if you're miserable. Period.

Is your life like an

Is your life like an episode of Jerry Springer?

The daytime screaming matches are catching on here in the UK. It may be fascinating to watch in a perverse way - but whenever I catch one - it just reminds me that so many people are wasting their lives away!

Do you let 'silly' things get to you?
Is negative thinking crowding your brain?
Are petty arguments a regular feature of your life?

It's easy to get 'sucked-in' to this way of living. It's like a downward spiral - and very difficult to pull yourself out of. Most of the people I know waste a large part of their day on 'toxic' thinking. Sulking. Getting stressed. Worrying about pleasing someone else. We've all been guilty of it at different times.

There is a way out - but it's hard. It's only hard because you have to change your way of thinking. But...the process itself it's simple.

You can decide whether the negative relationships of your life are worth 'fighting' for by asking yourself one question:

"Would I have a relationship with this person in my ideal day?"

So. You have an argument with your spouse. Regularly. Now - ask yourself that question. When you dream of your huge house and holidays abroad - would you want them with you?

This may seem a harsh way to look at things - but remember that life is all about being selfish to a degree. If you're 'stuck' in a miserable marriage for 25 years - you've just wasted a huge part of your life on being unhappy. Obviously - things are always as 'cut-and-dried' as this - but it's certainly a very good place to start when you are evaluating what matters to you.

Success isn't only about money. It's pointless being rich if you're miserable. Period.

Lose Money In The Short-Term and Gain In The Long-Term?

Question:

Would your forgo a reasonable amount of affiliate commission in order to get lots of subscribers to your mailing list?

That is the 'dilemma' that I am facing at the moment. In two days I have got over 100 new susbcribers for FREE through an excellent service called Subscription Rocket. My ezine gets 'shown' on pop-unders on other sites depending on how many times I show the same pop-under. This is great - but I already have a pop-under that more than pays for my 3,000 monthly subscribers through Ezine Place.

So what would you do?

I've decided that I am going to alternate between the two services - and see how things are in a month's time. It's easy to get carried away with the 'new thing' - but you should never get rid of something if it "ain't broke".

This short-term 'get rich quick' mentality is everywhere on the Internet - especially over the last few months. I've lost count of the people who I have come across who jump from 'bandwagon' to 'bandwagon' - and then complain when they each start to fall away.

Be consistent. Whether it's in business or life - never make wholesale changes or put all of your eggs in one basket. Evolve what you are doing - and turn your life around one step at a time. Remember - if we don't have steps the climb to the top will be that much more difficult.

Question: Would your forgo a

Question:

Would your forgo a reasonable amount of affiliate commission in order to get lots of subscribers to your mailing list?

That is the 'dilemma' that I am facing at the moment. In two days I have got over 100 new susbcribers for FREE through an excellent service called Subscription Rocket. My ezine gets 'shown' on pop-unders on other sites depending on how many times I show the same pop-under. This is great - but I already have a pop-under that more than pays for my 3,000 monthly subscribers through Ezine Place.

So what would you do?

I've decided that I am going to alternate between the two services - and see how things are in a month's time. It's easy to get carried away with the 'new thing' - but you should never get rid of something if it "ain't broke".

This short-term 'get rich quick' mentality is everywhere on the Internet - especially over the last few months. I've lost count of the people who I have come across who jump from 'bandwagon' to 'bandwagon' - and then complain when they each start to fall away.

Be consistent. Whether it's in business or life - never make wholesale changes or put all of your eggs in one basket. Evolve what you are doing - and turn your life around one step at a time. Remember - if we don't have steps the climb to the top will be that much more difficult.

Clear Your Clutter - Now!

I've just spent the whole day clearing rubbish from the bottom of my garden.

The amount of garden waste that had built up over the last five years of cutting trees etc easily filled up two big vans.

The trouble was - I could have saved myself a day of hard labor if I had actually disposed of the waste as soon as I collected it. It's the same with life. Completely finish something before you move on to the next task. It's true for businesses, it's true for your home life.

The hardest part is usually starting something - so why make yourself 'start' it all over again just to finish it? So - I've decided. Any 'mess' that I make in my garden will be cleared up that day - period.

I don't know about you - but isn't it also nicer to come downstairs in the morning to find a clean kitchen and a tidy living room? On the rare occasions that things are 'left' overnight - it certainly affects my mood in the morning!

It's also good to practice a 'clearance of clutter' regularly. You know - those little things that you leave - like painting the house, or tidying the garage. Get them out of the way! If you don't they will clog up your thoughts - and the constant mental reminders will get in the way of more constructive thoughts.

I can now check one nagging thought off now that my garden is done. What can you get out of the way to make room for better things?

I've just spent the whole

I've just spent the whole day clearing rubbish from the bottom of my garden.

The amount of garden waste that had built up over the last five years of cutting trees etc easily filled up two big vans.

The trouble was - I could have saved myself a day of hard labor if I had actually disposed of the waste as soon as I collected it. It's the same with life. Completely finish something before you move on to the next task. It's true for businesses, it's true for your home life.

The hardest part is usually starting something - so why make yourself 'start' it all over again just to finish it? So - I've decided. Any 'mess' that I make in my garden will be cleared up that day - period.

I don't know about you - but isn't it also nicer to come downstairs in the morning to find a clean kitchen and a tidy living room? On the rare occasions that things are 'left' overnight - it certainly affects my mood in the morning!

It's also good to practice a 'clearance of clutter' regularly. You know - those little things that you leave - like painting the house, or tidying the garage. Get them out of the way! If you don't they will clog up your thoughts - and the constant mental reminders will get in the way of more constructive thoughts.

I can now check one nagging thought off now that my garden is done. What can you get out of the way to make room for better things?

Every Day I See That Fridge Magnet...

Every day I see it. I guarantee that 99% of the time I don't remember seeing it - but I know that my brain takes it in.

It's on my fridge door. A magnet with the words :

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!
Live the life you've imagined."
- Thoreau

Every day I subconsciously get this message. Every day my brain has something positive and dynamic to keep it focused on my goal. The Goal.

The more I fill my head with positive, uplifting, and challenging thoughts - the less room I have for negative thinking. If I was an athlete I would train every day - hard - if I really wanted to reach the top of my chosen sport. I would make sacrifices, go through the pain barrier, and mentally challenge myself to go that extra mile.

Why should it be any different because you're sitting at a desk in an office?

Success revolves around risk and reward. The more you risk 'stepping out of your box' - the more reward you will get. Not now. Not this week. Almost certainly not this month. But over time your payback will come - and only if you make the effort first.

Every day I see it.

Every day I see it. I guarantee that 99% of the time I don't remember seeing it - but I know that my brain takes it in.

It's on my fridge door. A magnet with the words :

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!
Live the life you've imagined."
- Thoreau

Every day I subconsciously get this message. Every day my brain has something positive and dynamic to keep it focused on my goal. The Goal.

The more I fill my head with positive, uplifting, and challenging thoughts - the less room I have for negative thinking. If I was an athlete I would train every day - hard - if I really wanted to reach the top of my chosen sport. I would make sacrifices, go through the pain barrier, and mentally challenge myself to go that extra mile.

Why should it be any different because you're sitting at a desk in an office?

Success revolves around risk and reward. The more you risk 'stepping out of your box' - the more reward you will get. Not now. Not this week. Almost certainly not this month. But over time your payback will come - and only if you make the effort first.

The Joy Of Getting Your Priorities Right.

Yet again my 7 p.m. cut-off time comes and goes!

If I were a single man without any responsibilites then I would no doubt spend all day and all night sitting in front of a PC screen.

But I'm not. My life has a purpose other than that of a becoming a millionaire. Having all of the money in the world may buy you more material things - but it can never, ever buy you a family.

I have had less than 12 hours sleep in three nights because of Connor becoming unwell. So - I haven't been able to do as much work as I would of liked. It would be easy to blame him and my circumstances - but I know where my priorities are. Where family and business are concerned - there is only one winner (and no - it's not the business!)

Do you know where your priorities are?

- Do you work an extra hour in the evening at the expense of spending time with your kids? (Why not get in earlier instead?)
- Do you take your spouse for granted? (We've all been guilty of that!)
- Do you value your TV more than you value your health? (I know - it's easy to do)

What I am trying to say is that unless you have friends, family, food, drink, and your health - it won't matter if you're poor or a millionaire - you'll be miserable!

Take some time to think about it. Don't get seduced by the lure of wealth at the expense of 'life'. You'll never hear someone on their deathbed say - "I wish that I had spent less time with my kids" or "I wish that I could have worked longer hours".

Get your priorities in their rightful places. Take it from me - there's no better way to live.

Yet again my 7 p.m.

Yet again my 7 p.m. cut-off time comes and goes!

If I were a single man without any responsibilites then I would no doubt spend all day and all night sitting in front of a PC screen.

But I'm not. My life has a purpose other than that of a becoming a millionaire. Having all of the money in the world may buy you more material things - but it can never, ever buy you a family.

I have had less than 12 hours sleep in three nights because of Connor becoming unwell. So - I haven't been able to do as much work as I would of liked. It would be easy to blame him and my circumstances - but I know where my priorities are. Where family and business are concerned - there is only one winner (and no - it's not the business!)

Do you know where your priorities are?

- Do you work an extra hour in the evening at the expense of spending time with your kids? (Why not get in earlier instead?)
- Do you take your spouse for granted? (We've all been guilty of that!)
- Do you value your TV more than you value your health? (I know - it's easy to do)

What I am trying to say is that unless you have friends, family, food, drink, and your health - it won't matter if you're poor or a millionaire - you'll be miserable!

Take some time to think about it. Don't get seduced by the lure of wealth at the expense of 'life'. You'll never hear someone on their deathbed say - "I wish that I had spent less time with my kids" or "I wish that I could have worked longer hours".

Get your priorities in their rightful places. Take it from me - there's no better way to live.

"Life Doesn't Come With A Map."

"Life doesn't come with a map -
So it doesn't matter if you take a wrong turn."

I saw this on a board outside a church whilst I was out today. Read it again. Makes you think, doesn't it?

Too many of us worry about the bigger implications of what we do. In plain English I call this the "Fear of What-if".

Are you putting off making more of your life because of what *might* happen?
Are you more concerned about how much your pension *might* be if you stay at your job for another five years?
Are you worried what sort of reaction you *might* get if you start taking your success more seriously?

Remember, there are no wrong decisions! Whatever you decide to do, now, today - it's right for you now. In a year's time it *might* look wrong with hindsight - but you certainly won't know that until you get there.

Stop worrying about "what-if" - and start focusing on "why not?". That decision alone will be one of the best 'right' decisions you could ever make!

"Life doesn't come with

"Life doesn't come with a map -
So it doesn't matter if you take a wrong turn."

I saw this on a board outside a church whilst I was out today. Read it again. Makes you think, doesn't it?

Too many of us worry about the bigger implications of what we do. In plain English I call this the "Fear of What-if".

Are you putting off making more of your life because of what *might* happen?
Are you more concerned about how much your pension *might* be if you stay at your job for another five years?
Are you worried what sort of reaction you *might* get if you start taking your success more seriously?

Remember, there are no wrong decisions! Whatever you decide to do, now, today - it's right for you now. In a year's time it *might* look wrong with hindsight - but you certainly won't know that until you get there.

Stop worrying about "what-if" - and start focusing on "why not?". That decision alone will be one of the best 'right' decisions you could ever make!

The Focus Of A Six-Year-Old

Having just spent the day at London Zoo with Katie puts me in a reflective mood.

As a parent, it's good to have some quality one-on-one time with your children - spending hours together without the slightest cross word. It's also great to see how a six-year-old's mind works. She's always focused on the current important goal. Her first goal was to see the monkeys - and she kept on and on until we saw them. Then the lions. Then the snails! Then, once she had seen something she wanted to buy in the gift shop - she 'reminded' me about forty times not to forget to go back to buy it!

It's infuriating as hell - but it certainly works. As soon as we were on our journey home - the 'goal' was ice cream!

It's such a shame that we lose that focus as we get older (but not necessarily wiser). How many times have you 'committed' yourself to something only to give up after the first setback? Focus your energies on the most important thing that you can do today - and see it through right to the very end. You'll be glad that you did. I know that Katie is!

Having just spent the day

Having just spent the day at London Zoo with Katie puts me in a reflective mood.

As a parent, it's good to have some quality one-on-one time with your children - spending hours together without the slightest cross word. It's also great to see how a six-year-old's mind works. She's always focused on the current important goal. Her first goal was to see the monkeys - and she kept on and on until we saw them. Then the lions. Then the snails! Then, once she had seen something she wanted to buy in the gift shop - she 'reminded' me about forty times not to forget to go back to buy it!

It's infuriating as hell - but it certainly works. As soon as we were on our journey home - the 'goal' was ice cream!

It's such a shame that we lose that focus as we get older (but not necessarily wiser). How many times have you 'committed' yourself to something only to give up after the first setback? Focus your energies on the most important thing that you can do today - and see it through right to the very end. You'll be glad that you did. I know that Katie is!

Harry Potter...and You!

Katie has watched Harry Potter on video three times today.

Why?

Because she likes it! She even knows what the characters are going to say - and she still laughs at the same things. I remember my younger brother watched Star Wars 52 times when it first came out on video some years ago!

Isn't it strange how children get more out of something the more they watch it? It's not just films or TV either - they'll happily role play the same things again and again - to the utter annoyance of their parents!

They get value out of what they do. Every time their experience acculmulates and they get a little bit more enjoyment from it.

It such a shame that we, as adults, go for the 'short, sharp, shock' form of enjoyment. We do something - read an excellent book, spend a day at the beach, or watch a movie - and we're too busy worrying about Monday morning, or what time it is to fully relax and enjoy it! You can't ever hope to recapture the freedom of youth - but you should take note of how you should enjoy life - and make the most of what's happening now, today - instead of thinking about what's going to happen next.

Katie has watched Harry Potter

Katie has watched Harry Potter on video three times today.

Why?

Because she likes it! She even knows what the characters are going to say - and she still laughs at the same things. I remember my younger brother watched Star Wars 52 times when it first came out on video some years ago!

Isn't it strange how children get more out of something the more they watch it? It's not just films or TV either - they'll happily role play the same things again and again - to the utter annoyance of their parents!

They get value out of what they do. Every time their experience acculmulates and they get a little bit more enjoyment from it.

It such a shame that we, as adults, go for the 'short, sharp, shock' form of enjoyment. We do something - read an excellent book, spend a day at the beach, or watch a movie - and we're too busy worrying about Monday morning, or what time it is to fully relax and enjoy it! You can't ever hope to recapture the freedom of youth - but you should take note of how you should enjoy life - and make the most of what's happening now, today - instead of thinking about what's going to happen next.

A Self-Confessed 'Information Junkie' Repents

Being a self-confessed 'information junkie' - it is easy for me to get sucked into a subject once I have decided to work on it.

I spent many years of my life reading (but not using) personal development books and courses. I probably read every semi-popular book on the market - yet I still stood still. My career undoubtedly benefited from my new-found wisdom, but deep down my life wasn't going where I wanted it to go. So I stopped reading. I realised that I already had read enough to get me to where I wanted to go - and that I should be working on how to use this knowledge to actually affect my life.

The rest is history.

So fast-forward a few years. I have a website (or two). I have big plans. But I still have the same amount of time as I did before, yet - emails to answer, products to develop, ezines to write, relationships to build...it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information that comes my way.

So - prioritisation is the key. What is important...what should I do that helps me achieve my goals?

What do YOU really want out of life? A big car? A big house? A happy, debt free life? What are YOU going to do about it? There is too much information available out there -and it's so easy to get dragged down by the apparent lack of time you might have to go through it all.

Look at everything that you do, every day. Does it in some contribute to your journey to success? If it doesn't, then make sure that you fill the time doing something that does build your foundation. It's easy to sit and read a newspaper or watch TV for an hour, and it may be hard to work on your future instead.

But I bet that you would swap 5 years of hard, focused effort for the life of your dreams, wouldn't you?

Being a self-confessed 'information junkie'

Being a self-confessed 'information junkie' - it is easy for me to get sucked into a subject once I have decided to work on it.

I spent many years of my life reading (but not using) personal development books and courses. I probably read every semi-popular book on the market - yet I still stood still. My career undoubtedly benefited from my new-found wisdom, but deep down my life wasn't going where I wanted it to go. So I stopped reading. I realised that I already had read enough to get me to where I wanted to go - and that I should be working on how to use this knowledge to actually affect my life.

The rest is history.

So fast-forward a few years. I have a website (or two). I have big plans. But I still have the same amount of time as I did before, yet - emails to answer, products to develop, ezines to write, relationships to build...it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information that comes my way.

So - prioritisation is the key. What is important...what should I do that helps me achieve my goals?

What do YOU really want out of life? A big car? A big house? A happy, debt free life? What are YOU going to do about it? There is too much information available out there -and it's so easy to get dragged down by the apparent lack of time you might have to go through it all.

Look at everything that you do, every day. Does it in some contribute to your journey to success? If it doesn't, then make sure that you fill the time doing something that does build your foundation. It's easy to sit and read a newspaper or watch TV for an hour, and it may be hard to work on your future instead.

But I bet that you would swap 5 years of hard, focused effort for the life of your dreams, wouldn't you?