Success...One Day At A Time

Do You Ask WHY? WHY Me? WHY Now?

"...and then fate played its hand"

In the last few years - I have become a firm believer that what we call fate plays a very large part in out lives.

Hold on. It's not what you think.

I believe that fate is something that you can bend and shape - depending on what...and who you are at the point in time that such a 'divine' event happens.

I've had to deal with a lot recently - mostly not all good...

But...

I can choose to accept that I have no control over my destiny or I can learn from what has happened - and look for 'clues' pointing the way for me.

Within the last week - my life - not only externally but also internally, has shifted off of the path that it has been on the last six months.

I am at a crossroads.

How I 'deal' with what I have been 'given' will determine what sort of person I am and will become.

The dealing with it is the difficult part.

How do YOU view those 'oh it just happened for no reason' moments in your life?

Do you (like me) ask WHY?

WHY me? WHY now?

I am at that stage this evening. Tommorrow the next issue of my ezine will be sent out.

It will be different to any I have sent before.

It will be different for one reason only. It's down to fate.

Life isn't about business...about money...about fame...or about winning.

No. Life is what happens when you deal with what you have been 'given' and decide whether you are going to accept it or not.

Tommorrow is that day. I have made a decision based on what fate has dealt me - and it is going to change what I do and who I am...forever.

P.S. Who said that quote yesterday? None other than Marge Simpson of "The Simpsons"! (Who said that you can't learn anything from watching TV?)

"...and then fate played

"...and then fate played its hand"

In the last few years - I have become a firm believer that what we call fate plays a very large part in out lives.

Hold on. It's not what you think.

I believe that fate is something that you can bend and shape - depending on what...and who you are at the point in time that such a 'divine' event happens.

I've had to deal with a lot recently - mostly not all good...

But...

I can choose to accept that I have no control over my destiny or I can learn from what has happened - and look for 'clues' pointing the way for me.

Within the last week - my life - not only externally but also internally, has shifted off of the path that it has been on the last six months.

I am at a crossroads.

How I 'deal' with what I have been 'given' will determine what sort of person I am and will become.

The dealing with it is the difficult part.

How do YOU view those 'oh it just happened for no reason' moments in your life?

Do you (like me) ask WHY?

WHY me? WHY now?

I am at that stage this evening. Tommorrow the next issue of my ezine will be sent out.

It will be different to any I have sent before.

It will be different for one reason only. It's down to fate.

Life isn't about business...about money...about fame...or about winning.

No. Life is what happens when you deal with what you have been 'given' and decide whether you are going to accept it or not.

Tommorrow is that day. I have made a decision based on what fate has dealt me - and it is going to change what I do and who I am...forever.

P.S. Who said that quote yesterday? None other than Marge Simpson of "The Simpsons"! (Who said that you can't learn anything from watching TV?)

Do You Remember A Time When You Re-Invented Yourself?

"Every great artist draws inspiration from re-inventing themselves."

Wise words, don't you think?

Ah...but who do YOU think said them?

I'll give you a clue...they were said by the head of a VERY famous TV family (and it's not the Cosbys! lol)

I'll tell you tomorrow who said it - and I guarantee that you'll be surprised!

Anyway...

Do you remember a time when you re-invented yourself?

No? Well - I can only think of one time (or maybe two) in my life...

It was when I was aged 19 and I was dumped by my girlfriend at the time.

I was sad - but focused. I vowed to 'show her' that she was wrong about dumping me!

Within 6 months I finally learned to drive (after putting it off for a while), bought a car, changed my hairstyle and got a more exciting and demanding job that eventually led me to be who I am today.

I'd call that a re-invention, wouldn't you? lol

But...such re-inventions are rare.

Which is a pity.

In fact I KNOW that I am beginning to go through one at the moment.

My life is going to change beyond recognition in the next 6 months. How?

Well...you'll just have to 'stay tuned' to watch how I do it!

Isn't there a part of you that you would like to re-invent?

- What would you LOVE to do?
- Who would you LOVE to be?

The sky's the limit.

The only limitations we have on what we can achieve with our lives...are put there by ourselves.

The 'closer' I get to understanding how people 'tick' the more obvious it becomes.

So - don't wait until something HAPPENS in your life before you re-evaluate WHO you are and WHAT you are.

Time won't wait for you to change - so you'd better start soon.

Join me on my journey - and we'll do it together!

"Every great artist draws

"Every great artist draws inspiration from re-inventing themselves."

Wise words, don't you think?

Ah...but who do YOU think said them?

I'll give you a clue...they were said by the head of a VERY famous TV family (and it's not the Cosbys! lol)

I'll tell you tomorrow who said it - and I guarantee that you'll be surprised!

Anyway...

Do you remember a time when you re-invented yourself?

No? Well - I can only think of one time (or maybe two) in my life...

It was when I was aged 19 and I was dumped by my girlfriend at the time.

I was sad - but focused. I vowed to 'show her' that she was wrong about dumping me!

Within 6 months I finally learned to drive (after putting it off for a while), bought a car, changed my hairstyle and got a more exciting and demanding job that eventually led me to be who I am today.

I'd call that a re-invention, wouldn't you? lol

But...such re-inventions are rare.

Which is a pity.

In fact I KNOW that I am beginning to go through one at the moment.

My life is going to change beyond recognition in the next 6 months. How?

Well...you'll just have to 'stay tuned' to watch how I do it!

Isn't there a part of you that you would like to re-invent?

- What would you LOVE to do?
- Who would you LOVE to be?

The sky's the limit.

The only limitations we have on what we can achieve with our lives...are put there by ourselves.

The 'closer' I get to understanding how people 'tick' the more obvious it becomes.

So - don't wait until something HAPPENS in your life before you re-evaluate WHO you are and WHAT you are.

Time won't wait for you to change - so you'd better start soon.

Join me on my journey - and we'll do it together!

Never Ignore Something Because It Seems 'Different'

I literally 'stumbled' on them.

Two ebooks that are an absolute goldmine!

They are both called "1000 Ways to Make Money" - one was written in 1900 - and the other (an updated version) written this year.

Both books contain ideas for making money through both conventional and not-so-conventional means. Although a lot of the ideas may seem a little obscure - or not really suitable - they certainly got my brain cells fizzing with ideas for my business.

I was so excited that I had to send an email to the subscribers of "Our Success Partnership" to tell them about the ebooks within a couple of hours of downloading them!

Never ignore something because it seems 'different'.

It's always good to have an open mind about things. Some things may seem strange or unworkable - but reading about them may plant a seed of creativity in your mind that you can use on something more relevant.

Discount everything that is not 'normal' - and you will rule out a lot of ideas that may indeed become the key to your future success!

Sometimes inspiration can come from the strangest sources. Many times an idea has suddenly flashed into my head when I have been doing something completely different.

The key to using it to your advantage is always to remain open to any new idea - whether you think that it will be useful or not.

You may initially seem a little overwhelmed at the amount of ideas that are coming to you - naturally - but give it time and you will get a handle on what is important, and what is just 'noise'.

Then - just look at the best way to apply them to what you do - and you'll be on your way!

I literally 'stumbled' on them.

I literally 'stumbled' on them.

Two ebooks that are an absolute goldmine!

They are both called "1000 Ways to Make Money" - one was written in 1900 - and the other (an updated version) written this year.

Both books contain ideas for making money through both conventional and not-so-conventional means. Although a lot of the ideas may seem a little obscure - or not really suitable - they certainly got my brain cells fizzing with ideas for my business.

I was so excited that I had to send an email to the subscribers of "Our Success Partnership" to tell them about the ebooks within a couple of hours of downloading them!

Never ignore something because it seems 'different'.

It's always good to have an open mind about things. Some things may seems strange or unworkable - but reading about them may plant a seed of creativity in your mind that you can use on something more relevant.

Discount everything that is not 'normal' - and you will rule out a lot of ideas that may indeed become the key to your future success!

Sometimes inspiration can come from the strangest sources. Many times an idea has suddenly flashed into my head when I have been doing something completely different.

The key to using it to your advantage is always to remain open to any new idea - whether you think that it will be useful or not.

You may initially seem a little overwhelmed at the amount of ideas that are coming to you - naturally - but give it time and you will get a handle on what is important, and what is just 'noise'.

Then - just look at the best way to apply them to what you do - and you'll be on your way!

Would You Like To Join Me In 'National Focus Day"?

Guilt is such an unproductive thing!

I feel guilty because I working on my PC instead of sitting watching TV with my family.

Yet...

I feel guilty when I'm watching TV with my family that I should be working.

It's one of those perils of working from home - it becomes very difficult to 'switch off'.

But...I made an interesting discovery the other day.

I realised that I shouldn't be worrying about one thing whilst doing another.

Why?

Well...I can hardly focus on being a good dad and husband if my mind is elsewhere...and not very focused on my work if I'm worry about upsetting Lesley.

Ever feel like that sometimes?

So - I have an idea.

Would you like to join me in 'National Focus Day"? (OK - I made it up!)

When is it? Well...it's the day after you first read this...

Here's what we're going to do.

On National Focus Day we're going to be totally focused on:

1) Each task we do at work without being sidetracked by gossip.
2) Reading (or listening to) something that will improve our lives on the way to and from work.
3) Our spouse (or parents etc) when we first get in from work - and don't just moan about what a miserable day we've had.
4) Our children - and really take an interest in what they are doing.
5) Doing absolutely nothing in particular for the last hour or two of our day as a reward for staying so focused during the rest of the day.
6) Reviewing what we have achieved during the day in the last five minutes before we go to sleep.

So - are you going to join me in 'celebrating' National Focus Day?

Who knows - if it works well enough for me tomorrow - then I might extend it to a week...or a year...

You'll never know unless you try it!

Let me know how you get on, won't you?

Guilt is such an unproductive

Guilt is such an unproductive thing!

I feel guilty because I working on my PC instead of sitting watching TV with my family.

Yet...

I feel guilty when I'm watching TV with my family that I should be working.

It's one of those perils of working from home - it becomes very difficult to 'switch off'.

But...I made an interesting discovery the other day.

I realised that I shouldn't be worrying about one thing whilst doing another.

Why?

Well...I can hardly focus on being a good dad and husband if my mind is elsewhere...and not very focused on my work if I'm worry about upsetting Lesley.

Ever feel like that sometimes?

So - I have an idea.

Would you like to join me in 'National Focus Day"? (OK - I made it up!)

When is it? Well...it's the day after you first read this...

Here's what we're going to do.

On National Focus Day we're going to be totally focused on:

1) Each task we do at work without being sidetracked by gossip.
2) Reading (or listening to) something that will improve our lives on the way to and from work.
3) Our spouse (or parents etc) when we first get in from work - and don't just moan about what a miserable day we've had.
4) Our children - and really take an interest in what they are doing.
5) Doing absolutely nothing in particular for the last hour or two of our day as a reward for staying so focused during the rest of the day.
6) Reviewing what we have achieved during the day in the last five minutes before we go to sleep.

So - are you going to join me in 'celebrating' National Focus Day?

Who knows - if it works well enough for me tomorrow - then I might extend it to a week...or a year...

You'll never know unless you try it!

Let me know how you get on, won't you?

Why Life Is About Quality - And The Things That Matter

The rules have changed!

The difference that you can make in the world will no longer be judged by your status or your bank balance!

You have been warned!

Many years ago - people had the view of the new Millennium as "The Age of Aquarius" - and, although the world is nothing like that very 'new age' view - the balance of influence has changed due to 9/11 and the Bali bombings (amongst others).

So - what can YOU do about it?

Become a 'people' person. Be polite, show respect (to the cleaner as much as the big boss).

Learn to give a little without expecting anything in return.

I'm not asking you to compromise yourself at the benefit of others - all I ask is that you look at the value you can give to your relationships as much as the value you give to your tasks.

So - what if you're not really a social sort of person?

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

I'm not really one, either!

The secret is not how you say it - but what you say!

I have spoken to precisely three people on the telephone since I began my online journey eight months ago. I'd like to think that I've managed to get my 'message' across pretty well so far!

But...

For me - and for what I have chosen to do - that is not good enough. So - I will making sure that I am also heard as well as read!

Life is about quality - and the things that matter.

The world is gradually waking up to this fact...just make sure that you are riding the wave instead of getting drowned by it!

The rules have changed! The

The rules have changed!

The difference that you can make in the world will no longer be judged by your status or your bank balance!

You have been warned!

Many years ago - people had the view of the new Millennium as "The Age of Aquarius" - and, although the world is nothing like that very 'new age' view - the balance of influence has changed due to 9/11 and the Bali bombings (amongst others).

So - what can YOU do about it?

Become a 'people' person. Be polite, show respect (to the cleaner as much as the big boss).

Learn to give a little without expecting anything in return.

I'm not asking you to compromise yourself at the benefit of others - all I ask is that you look at the value you can give to your relationships as much as the value you give to your tasks.

So - what if you're not really a social sort of person?

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

I'm not really one, either!

The secret is not how you say it - but what you say!

I have spoken to precisely three people on the telephone since I began my online journey eight months ago. I'd like to think that I've managed to get my 'message' across pretty well so far!

But...

For me - and for what I have chosen to do - that is not good enough. So - I will making sure that I am also heard as well as read!

Life is about quality - and the things that matter.

The world is gradually waking up to this fact...just make sure that you are riding the wave instead of getting drowned by it!

I'm Changing...And YOU Are Going To Be Dragged Along With Me!

Today has been a surreal experience.

On one front - my Listserver appears to have meesed up my ezine mailing (again!). I should listen to myself more in future and take more concrete steps to make sure that it doesn't happen again!

But...

I also had a two-and-half hour conversation that changed the way I view both my business and my world!

If you know me well enough by now - you'll know that I don't get 'taken in' very easily...but this experience set off a string of 'lightbulbs' in my head!

Although I am a coach - I have never had a proper coaching session myself. It has totally opened up my eyes!

I am so excited about the possibilities that lay ahead that I am having trouble keeping them to myself!

Thanks to this conversation - I have opened up a new 'channel' of thinking that I never really knew existed. Well, OK - I knew that I had a few things about myself that were holding me back - but now I've got the keys to the 'kingdom'!

It's definitely made me more aware of how valuable coaching can be. If someone like me - (who would like to think knows a few tools to unlock their potential) can get so much out of a session - then I am determined that more people benefit from the experience.

Watch this space over the next couple of weeks. I'm changing, my life is changing, my outlook is sharpening - and YOU are going to dragged along with me!

Hold on tight!

Today has been a surreal

Today has been a surreal experience.

On one front - my Listserver appears to have meesed up my ezine mailing (again!). I should listen to myself more in future and take more concrete steps to make sure that it doesn't happen again!

But...

I also had a two-and-half hour conversation that changed the way I view both my business and my world!

If you know me well enough by now - you'll know that I don't get 'taken in' very easily...but this experience set off a string of 'lightbulbs' in my head!

Although I am a coach - I have never had a proper coaching session myself. It has totally opened up my eyes!

I am so excited about the possibilities that lay ahead that I am having trouble keeping them to myself!

Thanks to this conversation - I have opened up a new 'channel' of thinking that I never really knew existed. Well, OK - I knew that I had a few things about myself that were holding me back - but now I've got the keys to the 'kingdom'!

It's definitely made me more aware of how valuable coaching can be. If someone like me - (who would like to think knows a few tools to unlock their potential) can get so much out of a session - then I am determined that more people benefit from the experience.

Watch this space over the next couple of weeks. I'm changing, my life is changing, my outlook is sharpening - and YOU are going to dragged along with me!

Hold on tight!

You Cannot Become Successful On Your Own!

Are you (like me) almost tied (OK - addicted) to sitting in front of your computer?

Close your eyes...and relax!

The trouble with the growth of computer use is that we tend to forget one of the golden 'rules' of success.

"You cannot become successful on your own!"

I'm probably as guilty as anyone - but I'm now going to learn to change.

Email is so time-consuming!

You can build relationships via email (I know of one extremely successful online collaboration where the two authors have never met or spoken on the 'phone!)...but I can honestly say that the most productive ones that I have had so far contain a non-email element to them.

For example - there are a few very successful up-and-coming Internet marketers that I am building relationships with. I met them at the Internet Marketing SuperConference in Vegas this year.

The main reason that I 'shelled' out almost $3,000 to get there from the UK (and over 40 hours total travelling time) was that I wanted to show my 'face'.

There would have been no other way that I would have met two of them otherwise - because there would have been no real reason for our paths to cross online.

So - my financial and time commitment WILL pay off. It hasn't yet - but these relationships will undoubtedly be worth all of that effort in the end.

Why am I telling you this?

Well...I set myself apart from my 'peers' by physically meeting with the 'movers' and 'shakers'.

The world...whether online or offline...are full of 'me, too' people.

Set yourself apart. Make your face known. Stand up and be counted. Go the extra mile.

Do whatever you can to be different and get noticed.

I'm not for a moment suggesting that you act like a clown or embarass yourself. All I ask is that you think of ways that you can get the attention of your peers and your 'superiors' by subtly making a difference.

It's not difficult to do. It's just a little more difficult to do regularly...and that's what will make the difference.

The effort you put in now will certainly pay off for you in the future.

Are you (like me) almost

Are you (like me) almost tied (OK - addicted) to sitting in front of your computer?

Close your eyes...and relax!

The trouble with the growth of computer use is that we tend to forget one of the golden 'rules' of success.

"You cannot become successful on your own!"

I'm probably as guilty as anyone - but I'm now going to learn to change.

Email is so time-consuming!

You can build relationships via email (I know of one extremely successful online collaboration where the two authors have never met or spoken on the 'phone!)...but I can honestly say that the most productive ones that I have had so far contain a non-email element to them.

For example - there are a few very successful up-and-coming Internet marketers that I am building relationships with. I met them at the Internet Marketing SuperConference in Vegas this year.

The main reason that I 'shelled' out almost $3,000 to get there from the UK (and over 40 hours total travelling time) was that I wanted to show my 'face'.

There would have been no other way that I would have met two of them otherwise - because there would have been no real reason for our paths to cross online.

So - my financial and time commitment WILL pay off. It hasn't yet - but these relationships will undoubtedly be worth all of that effort in the end.

Why am I telling you this?

Well...I set myself apart from my 'peers' by physically meeting with the 'movers' and 'shakers'.

The world...whether online or offline...are full of 'me, too' people.

Set yourself apart. Make your face known. Stand up and be counted. Go the extra mile.

Do whatever you can to be different and get noticed.

I'm not for a moment suggesting that you act like a clown or embarass yourself. All I ask is that you think of ways that you can get the attention of your peers and your 'superiors' by subtly making a difference.

It's not difficult to do. It's just a little more difficult to do regularly...and that's what will make the difference.

The effort you put in now will certainly pay off for you in the future.

Never Think Yourself Out Of Something Before You Have Even Started It

It's amazing what you can adjust to if you have to.

For the past four-and-a-half years Lesley and I have had an average of only one night every two weeks where we have been able to sleep through the night without interruption.

Why?

Well...Connor doesn't have a 'body clock' so he can fall asleep at 3 p.m. - and wake up at 10 p.m. - then stay awake until 6 a.m.! (and this isn't unusual!)

That sort of regular disturbed sleep can sometimes scramble your brain, believe me!

We look forward to the night when the respite nurse comes and looks after him overnight.

But it's amazing what you get used to. I think I feel more tired when I do finally get a full night's sleep than I usually do!

If you had asked me before Connor was born that I would be able to cope with getting up at all hours every night - I would have laughed at you!

It's the same with anything you do.

Just because you're not doing it now, or aren't used to it - doesn't mean that you can't do it!

Whether it's regular exercising or regular self improvement....just because you might not 'fit the bill' now - who's to say that with a little focused effort - you can't make changes for the better in your life?

Take it from me - the human body is an amazingly adaptable machine!

Never think yourself out of something before you have even started it.

Accept defeat before you have even begun the race - and the resulting failure will be guaranteed. Train a little and make a positive effort and...who knows what you can achieve if you really set your mind to it!

It's amazing what you can

It's amazing what you can adjust to if you have to.

For the past four-and-a-half years Lesley and I have had an average of only one night every two weeks where we have been able to sleep through the night without interruption.

Why?

Well...Connor doesn't have a 'body clock' so he can fall asleep at 3 p.m. - and wake up at 10 p.m. - then stay awake until 6 a.m.! (and this isn't unusual!)

That sort of regular disturbed sleep can sometimes scramble your brain, believe me!

We look forward to the night when the respite nurse comes and looks after him overnight.

But it's amazing what you get used to. I think I feel more tired when I do finally get a full night's sleep than I usually do!

If you had asked me before Connor was born that I would be able to cope with getting up at all hours every night - I would have laughed at you!

It's the same with anything you do.

Just because you're not doing it now, or aren't used to it - doesn't mean that you can't do it!

Whether it's regular exercising or regular self improvement....just because you might not 'fit the bill' now - who's to say that with a little focused effort - you can't make changes for the better in your life?

Take it from me - the human body is an amazingly adaptable machine!

Never think yourself out of something before you have even started it.

Accept defeat before you have even begun the race - and the resulting failure will be guaranteed. Train a little and make a positive effort and...who knows what you can achieve if you really set your mind to it!

Make The Most Of What You Have Got...Even If You Don't Realize It!

Inspiration can come at your from all angles.

There I was yesterday - going on about spam - when I received an email from a young disabled lady from Malaysia who once again made me realise how fortunate I was.

Her email urged me to make sure that Connor got the schooling he deserved - which was something that many people (including her) were denied by either parents who didn't care or facilities that did not cater for disabled people.

Her wonderful, unselfish email brough a tear to my eye. And inspired me.

It inspired me to write an article about the very problem she asked me about. It will be in this week's ezine.

It inspired me to focus my attention on what really matters - not money, or fame, or a big mailing list - no - my family.

So - off we took Katie to see the "Powerpuff Girls - The Movie". A complete load of rubbish, I might add! lol

But...

Katie absolutely loved it!

What could have turned into 99 minutes of boredom - turned into 99 minutes of joy as I watched her relive every scene - jumping around in her chair - and telling us for the 56th time which one was called Blossom!

And...the moral of this story?

"Don't wait until you are less fortunate than most to realise that you are already more fortunate than many."

Appreciate what special, unique talents you have - and use them! Life's too short to be bitter about what you haven't got.

If you make the most of what you have got - you will undoubtedly live a full, happy, and successful life!

Inspiration can come at your

Inspiration can come at your from all angles.

There I was yesterday - going on about spam - when I received an email from a young disabled lady from Malaysia who once again made me realise how fortunate I was.

Her email urged me to make sure that Connor got the schooling he deserved - which was something that many people (including her) were denied by either parents who didn't care or facilities that did not cater for disabled people.

Her wonderful, unselfish email brough a tear to my eye. And inspired me.

It inspired me to write an article about the very problem she asked me about. It will be in this week's ezine.

It inspired me to focus my attention on what really matters - not money, or fame, or a big mailing list - no - my family.

So - off we took Katie to see the "Powerpuff Girls - The Movie". A complete load of rubbish, I might add! lol

But...

Katie absolutely loved it!

What could have turned into 99 minutes of boredom - turned into 99 minutes of joy as I watched her relive every scene - jumping around in her chair - and telling us for the 56th time which one was called Blossom!

And...the moral of this story?

"Don't wait until you are less fortunate than most to realise that you are already more fortunate than many."

Appreciate what special, unique talents you have - and use them! Life's too short to be bitter about what you haven't got.

If you make the most of what you have got - you will undoubtedly live a full, happy, and successful life!

Why You Will Never Become An Overnight Success

Its amazing how many people out there believe that they can 'get rich quick'.

Over the course of a week - I must receive 'business opportunity' emails in the hundreds.

Added to the viagra, dating agency, and chain letter emails - all they seem to do is waste both mine, and the senders', time.

I am certain that the vast majority of these emails are not sent by scam artists or fraudsters. I'm sure that there are a huge amount of naive people who have been 'taken in' - and think that by spending anything from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars for these 'programs' that their financial future is assured.

They just don't get it!

They don't understand that it is impossible to 'get-rich-quick'!

However hard you try - you will never be able to break one of the Laws.

Such Laws govern how we live - and what we can and can't do. There have been many books written about them over the years (and maybe one of mine in the future! lol) - so I'm not going to go into too much detail with the room I have available here.

Suffice to say that...unless you put in the required effort - you won't get the desired reward.

"But what about those people who have 'got-rich-quick'?" you may ask.

Well...nothing can break that simple Law - one that is close to economists' hearts - that of Supply and Demand.

Except where success concerned - there is a slight twist on this theory.

How much you demand of your time, effort, and knowledge will be reflected exactly in how much you are supplied with in return.

This works for money, happiness, or health, in fact anything that can be reflected in your life.

So - if you think that you can find a 'short-cut' in this system - think again.

This Law always evens itself out in the end. Guaranteed.

You can't run a marathon without training for it first - so why would you expect to be able to make a success of your life overnight?

Its amazing how many people

Its amazing how many people out there believe that they can 'get rich quick'.

Over the course of a week - I must receive 'business opportunity' emails in the hundreds.

Added to the viagra, dating agency, and chain letter emails - all they seem to do is waste both mine, and the senders', time.

I am certain that the vast majority of these emails are not sent by scam artists or fraudsters. I'm sure that there are a huge amount of naive people who have been 'taken in' - and think that by spending anything from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars for these 'programs' that their financial future is assured.

They just don't get it!

They don't understand that it is impossible to 'get-rich-quick'!

However hard you try - you will never be able to break one of the Laws.

Such Laws govern how we live - and what we can and can't do. There have been many books written about them over the years (and maybe one of mine in the future! lol) - so I'm not going to go into too much detail with the room I have available here.

Suffice to say that...unless you put in the required effort - you won't get the desired reward.

"But what about those people who have 'got-rich-quick'?" you may ask.

Well...nothing can break that simple Law - one that is close to economists' hearts - that of Supply and Demand.

Except where success concerned - there is a slight twist on this theory.

How much you demand of your time, effort, and knowledge will be reflected exactly in how much you are supplied with in return.

This works for money, happiness, or health, in fact anything that can be reflected in your life.

So - if you think that you can find a 'short-cut' in this system - think again.

This Law always evens itself out in the end. Guaranteed.

You can't run a marathon without training for it first - so why would you expect to be able to make a success of your life overnight?

'Do The Right Thing'...And You Will Benefit In The Long Run

Sometimes your emotions can cloud your judgement.

I've been guilty of exactly that over the last couple of weeks.

I was let down badly by my Autoresponders last week...and this week - my ezine still hasn't been sent out despite it being Sunday night (it should have gone out on Friday)

I've met the people that run the company that I use for both - and like them. Their support was impeccable.

Perhaps I've been spoilt as now that they are going all 'corporate' due to their success - I cannot trust their reliability - or get as good support as before.

So I'm looking at biting the bullet and moving my list. It's not a decison I take very lightly. After all it will certainly cost me more money.

But sometimes...you have to make those decisions that make sense - without letting the emotional attachment get in the way.

Above all - I value the fact that my ezine is on time - and delivered on time. Without that (and after the weekend I have had! lol) - then my entire 'reputation' online is put under scrutiny.

We all have difficult decisions to make (most of them undoubtedly more important that just moving a mailing list) - and it can sometimes be difficult to 'step back' from the situation - and look at it from a totally dispassionate set of eyes.

It's not easy - far from it.

But...any 'grief' that you have now will certainly be less than the problems you will have if you leave the situation to drag on as it is.

Marriages and life-long friendships have been broken for far less.

Even though it may sometimes seem that you are not doing 'the right thing' - your relationships will certainly benefit in the long run.

Sometimes your emotions can cloud

Sometimes your emotions can cloud your judgement.

I've been guilty of exactly that over the last couple of weeks.

I was let down badly by my Autoresponders last week...and this week - my ezine still hasn't been sent out despite it being Sunday night (it should have gone out on Friday)

I've met the people that run the company that I use for both - and like them. Their support was impeccable.

Perhaps I've been spoilt as now that they are going all 'corporate' due to their success - I cannot trust their reliability - or get as good support as before.

So I'm looking at biting the bullet and moving my list. It's not a decison I take very lightly. After all it will certainly cost me more money.

But sometimes...you have to make those decisions that make sense - without letting the emotional attachment get in the way.

Above all - I value the fact that my ezine is on time - and delivered on time. Without that (and after the weekend I have had! lol) - then my entire 'reputation' online is put under scrutiny.

We all have difficult decisions to make (most of them undoubtedly more important that just moving a mailing list) - and it can sometimes be difficult to 'step back' from the situation - and look at it from a totally dispassionate set of eyes.

It's not easy - far from it.

But...any 'grief' that you have now will certainly be less than the problems you will have if you leave the situation to drag on as it is.

Marriages and life-long friendships have been broken for far less.

Even though it may sometimes seem that you are not doing 'the right thing' - your relationships will certainly benefit in the long run.

A Challenge...That's The Sort Of Incentive I Need!

I've got at least 15 different ideas in my head at the moment for product ideas and enhancements to the Our Success Partnership website.

But...as you no doubt know - I couldn't possibly make the time to work on them all!

Or can I?

I'm going to give myself a little test. I'm going to challenge myself to come up with a plan for each one.

Each new 'project' will

1) Have a deadline
2) Have each element broken down into manageable pieces.
3) Each manageable piece will have a deadline.
4) Each of these pieces will be broken down into daily tasks.
5) Each of these daily tasks will have a daily time commitment.
6) Each time commitment will be fulfilled every day.

Of course - there might be some days where things may slip due to circumstances out of my control (such as Connor being ill, or my Mailing List provider breaking down!). But - I will give myself a maximum of three days to 'catch up'!

OK. So how am I going to actually 'do' all of these projects, you may ask?

Well...that's where YOU are going to come in!

By 31st October (when the deadline for the "To Our Success" E-course ends) I will have a list of the 15 or so projects that I am willing to commit myself to. (These will of course include those 'unfinished' ones that I have mentioned previously).

Then - I will ask YOU which one YOU want me to work on first. It's as simple as that!

I will post every day on how I am 'coming along' - and whether I am sticking to the 'plan'!

So - why am I doing this?

I'm doing this for three reasons:

1) I want only to provide content that YOU want (and not only what I want to do!)
2) I want to show YOU that it can be possible to get on and do something from a standing start. You'll be with me all the way!
3) It makes me accountable, challenged, and well...different!

In fact - I don't know of anybody else who has done this before - so perhaps it will be another first! lol

I'm no different to you. I need to be given an incentive to do what I do. This is my way of challenging myself to complete my next project!

I'm going to walk you through a project from its very beginning to its end - and you'll see that there are no 'secrets' to doing what I do.

And I'll prove to you that success...is all down to YOUR mind!

I've got at least 15

I've got at least 15 different ideas in my head at the moment for product ideas and enhancements to the Our Success Partnership website.

But...as you no doubt know - I couldn't possibly make the time to work on them all!

Or can I?

I'm going to give myself a little test. I'm going to challenge myself to come up with a plan for each one.

Each new 'project' will

1) Have a deadline
2) Have each element broken down into manageable pieces.
3) Each manageable piece will have a deadline.
4) Each of these pieces will be broken down into daily tasks.
5) Each of these daily tasks will have a daily time commitment.
6) Each time commitment will be fulfilled every day.

Of course - there might be some days where things may slip due to circumstances out of my control (such as Connor being ill, or my Mailing List provider breaking down!). But - I will give myself a maximum of three days to 'catch up'!

OK. So how am I going to actually 'do' all of these projects, you may ask?

Well...that's where YOU are going to come in!

By 31st October (when the deadline for the "To Our Success" E-course ends) I will have a list of the 15 or so projects that I am willing to commit myself to. (These will of course include those 'unfinished' ones that I have mentioned previously).

Then - I will ask YOU which one YOU want me to work on first. It's as simple as that!

I will post every day on how I am 'coming along' - and whether I am sticking to the 'plan'!

So - why am I doing this?

I'm doing this for three reasons:

1) I want only to provide content that YOU want (and not only what I want to do!)
2) I want to show YOU that it can be possible to get on and do something from a standing start. You'll be with me all the way!
3) It makes me accountable, challenged, and well...different!

In fact - I don't know of anybody else who has done this before - so perhaps it will be another first! lol

I'm no different to you. I need to be given an incentive to do what I do. This is my way of challenging myself to complete my next project!

I'm going to walk you through a project from its very beginning to its end - and you'll see that there are no 'secrets' to doing what I do.

And I'll prove to you that success...is all down to YOUR mind!

How I Know How Successful You Will Be...

It could have been such a frustrating day...

But I wasn't going to let it happen.

My ezine is published every Friday. Period.

I am proud of the fact that, vacation aside, I have managed to 'gear' my entire working week towards its successful completion and delivery.

But not today.

The website that runs my Listserver has been down all day - and that means that I have been unable to do all of the necessary work to enable me to send out this week's issue.

Yet again - I have been let down by a third party - yet it reflects badly on me!

But...life's like that!

Sure - I wouldn't be human if I wasn't disappointed - but instead I used the time to do some other constructive work that I would have had to do anyway.

Don't let a setback paralyze you.

When these sort of things happen to you - just accept that don't have control over the current situation - and just get on and do something else instead.

Shouting and getting stressed about it will not solve the problem. You need to make sure that you just 'get into gear' - and just carry on.

Sometimes life can be frustrating. Sometimes things happen that really bug (for want of a better word! lol) you.

It's not what happens to you that measures how successful you'll be - it's how you react to what happens to you.

So - I've now got to work over the weekend - but at least I've managed to do some work that I had scheduled for Monday - so it's certainly not a bad thing.

Don't get dragged down by defeat - you'll stand a much better chance of succeeding if you fight your way out of the corner!

It could have been such

It could have been such a frustrating day...

But I wasn't going to let it happen.

My ezine is published every Friday. Period.

I am proud of the fact that, vacation aside, I have managed to 'gear' my entire working week towards its successful completion and delivery.

But not today.

The website that runs my Listserver has been down all day - and that means that I have been unable to do all of the necessary work to enable me to send out this week's issue.

Yet again - I have been let down by a third party - yet it reflects badly on me!

But...life's like that!

Sure - I wouldn't be human if I wasn't disappointed - but instead I used the time to do some other constructive work that I would have had to do anyway.

Don't let a setback paralyze you.

When these sort of things happen to you - just accept that don't have control over the current situation - and just get on and do something else instead.

Shouting and getting stressed about it will not solve the problem. You need to make sure that you just 'get into gear' - and just carry on.

Sometimes life can be frustrating. Sometimes things happen that really bug (for want of a better word! lol) you.

It's not what happens to you that measures how successful you'll be - it's how you react to what happens to you.

So - I've now got to work over the weekend - but at least I've managed to do some work that I had scheduled for Monday - so it's certainly not a bad thing.

Don't get dragged down by defeat - you'll stand a much better chance of succeeding if you fight your way out of the corner!

What Are YOU Going To Do To Challenge Yourself Every Day?

Sometimes it's difficult to know what to write...

It's even more difficult to know that what I write has to be useful...

What are you doing that challenges you every day?

Is your biggest challenge every day deciding what you want to have for lunch? If it is...then unless you want to stay EXACTLY where you are...you're going to have to start to change.

It doesn't take much.

Have you ever seen those "World's Strongest Man" TV programmes? We get them regularly here in the UK.

Athletes and would-be "Mr Universe's" compete against each other in various challenges ranging from carrying rocks to lifting cars.

There is one 'race' that interests me, though.

It's the one where they see who can pull a huge lorry over a certain distance the fastest.

At the start...you can almost see the veins bursting out of their heads. The sheer weight of the lorry means that it certainly isn't very easy to get it going.

But...

Once its tyres start to roll - the competitor begins to speed up...

And...by the time he has finished the course - the lorry is starting to move along both quickly and almost effortlessly.

It's all down to momentum.

Where improving your life is concerned...starting is going to be the most difficult thing.

Once you begin to fill your mind with positive thoughts and actions...yet more will begin to flood in.

It's almost as if you have suddenly noticed that there is a world out there...and that it's not just a picture that you see on your window.

Believe me...the easiest way to get the wheels going on your success 'vehicle' is to challenge yourself regularly.

I'm no different to you. I could just as easily be watching TV at the moment....but I am not.

I'm not because I am challenging myself to come up with something useful for YOU every day.

So - what about you? What are YOU going to do to challenge yourself every day?

Sometimes it's difficult to know

Sometimes it's difficult to know what to write...

It's even more difficult to know that what I write has to be useful...

What are you doing that challenges you every day?

Is your biggest challenge every day deciding what you want to have for lunch? If it is...then unless you want to stay EXACTLY where you are...you're going to have to start to change.

It doesn't take much.

Have you ever seen those "World's Strongest Man" TV programmes? We get them regularly here in the UK.

Athletes and would-be "Mr Universe's" compete against each other in various challenges ranging from carrying rocks to lifting cars.

There is one 'race' that interests me, though.

It's the one where they see who can pull a huge lorry over a certain distance the fastest.

At the start...you can almost see the veins bursting out of their heads. The sheer weight of the lorry means that it certainly isn't very easy to get it going.

But...

Once its tyres start to roll - the competitor begins to speed up...

And...by the time he has finished the course - the lorry is starting to move along both quickly and almost effortlessly.

It's all down to momentum.

Where improving your life is concerned...starting is going to be the most difficult thing.

Once you begin to fill your mind with positive thoughts and actions...yet more will begin to flood in.

It's almost as if you have suddenly noticed that there is a world out there...and that it's not just a picture that you see on your window.

Believe me...the easiest way to get the wheels going on your success 'vehicle' is to challenge yourself regularly.

I'm no different to you. I could just as easily be watching TV at the moment....but I am not.

I'm not because I am challenging myself to come up with something useful for YOU every day.

So - what about you? What are YOU going to do to challenge yourself every day?

Don't Waste Time...It's Too Important

I'm on a journey. A very public journey.

From having never written a word before December last year - I am now writing (hopefully useful) comments and articles every single day!

Despite always feeling that I had a 'book inside me' - I have probably written three or four books worth of information in less than a year.

Just shows you what you can do if you really set your mind to it!

What about you? What would YOU like to achieve in the next year?

There is a very fine line between positive and negative...success and failure...happiness and despair.

Whatever impression I may give - my life is certainly no 'bed of roses'. I have those negative moments, experience setbacks with sometimes alarming regularity - and perhaps haven't achieved as much as I would have wished when I first started out.

But...

I have found out that every experience I have is a learning experience. An opportunity to push myself to cope...push myself to acheive success in my life despite what happens to, or around, me.

I hope that you are enjoying the ride. :-)

In the days of 'get-rich-quick' with an army of (sometimes very well-known) 'sharks' trying to relieve you of your money - it becomes increasingly difficult for someone like me to make as big a 'difference' as I would like.

Too many people expect something for nothing - and have yet to find out that they will get nothing unless they pay 'something' - whether in effort, money, or time in return .

So - don't let the chase for money cloud your development. I have lost at least the equivalent of $50,000 in income in the last year - but money cannot buy the lessons that I have learned - and the satisfaction I have from doing things 'my way'.

I can't put a price on how important it is to be able to take Katie to the cinema after I pick her up from school or...
How important it is just to spend an hour in a coffee shop with Lesley or...
How necessary it is for me just to be 'around' to help when Connor gets ill (again!).

I haven't abandoned the 'chase' to be a Millionaire - far from it - but I know that, whatever happens, I will achieve my goals on my terms.

And so should you. Time is too important to waste otherwise.

I'm on a journey. A

I'm on a journey. A very public journey.

From having never written a word before December last year - I am now writing (hopefully useful) comments and articles every single day!

Despite always feeling that I had a 'book inside me' - I have probably written three or four books worth of information in less than a year.

Just shows you what you can do if you really set your mind to it!

What about you? What would YOU like to achieve in the next year?

There is a very fine line between positive and negative...success and failure...happiness and despair.

Whatever impression I may give - my life is certainly no 'bed of roses'. I have those negative moments, experience setbacks with sometimes alarming regularity - and perhaps haven't achieved as much as I would have wished when I first started out.

But...

I have found out that every experience I have is a learning experience. An opportunity to push myself to cope...push myself to acheive success in my life despite what happens to, or around, me.

I hope that you are enjoying the ride. :-)

In the days of 'get-rich-quick' with an army of (sometimes very well-known) 'sharks' trying to relieve you of your money - it becomes increasingly difficult for someone like me to make as big a 'difference' as I would like.

Too many people expect something for nothing - and have yet to find out that they will get nothing unless they pay 'something' - whether in effort, money, or time in return .

So - don't let the chase for money cloud your development. I have lost at least the equivalent of $50,000 in income in the last year - but money cannot buy the lessons that I have learned - and the satisfaction I have from doing things 'my way'.

I can't put a price on how important it is to be able to take Katie to the cinema after I pick her up from school or...
How important it is just to spend an hour in a coffee shop with Lesley or...
How necessary it is for me just to be 'around' to help when Connor gets ill (again!).

I haven't abandoned the 'chase' to be a Millionaire - far from it - but I know that, whatever happens, I will achieve my goals on my terms.

And so should you. Time is too important to waste otherwise.

The Success Secret Of Learning In Stages

It's easy to get overwhelmed with information - especially now that the Internet has a virtually unlimited capacity for free information.

I must have hundreds of both free and paid ebooks and reports on my hard drive.

And that's the problem...

Too much information pulls you in too many different directions.

Like you cannot focus your eyes clearly on more than one subject at a time - your mind can only clearly apply one concrete piece of information at a time.

That's why jumping to the next self-help book immediately after finishing the first one is not the best way to learn how to be successful.

You need to fully work with and understand what you read - before you move onto the next thing.

So - if you want to conquer fear - read and apply the most popular book you can find. Then find another one on the same subject. Carry this on until you have achieved what you set out to do. This may seem repetitive (after all - there are only so many ways you can conquer fear!) - but it imprints that information on your brain.

The more you saturate your mind with the same principles - the more chance you have of making it work for you.

General self-help books are excellent starting points to this process - but trying to conquer your fear of cold calling at the same time as focusing on being more organized...at the same time as trying to give up smoking....well - it's not going to work, is it?

Look at when you learned to drive. You were taught how to drive a car. Not a lorry. Not a van. Not a motorcycle. A car. Your whole training was focused on what you had to do in order to drive it.

You weren't concerned about the "cyclist's code", or how many hours you were allowed to drive a lorry on a shift. You knew that all you need to be concerned about was how to drive that car, NOW.

And how did you learn? You learned in stages. First you learned about what the instruments were for - where they were and what they did. Before you ever drove yourself - you did a lot of practicing. You didn't care about where to put the gas in - or how regularly you should service the car - all you were concerned about was what you needed to learn NOW.

So - don't take a 'scatter gun' approach to your future. Focus on improving one area of your life at a time - and stick with it until you get results.

It's such a simple plan - but most people just ignore it. Don't let yourself be one of them.

It's easy to get overwhelmed

It's easy to get overwhelmed with information - especially now that the Internet has a virtually unlimited capacity for free information.

I must have hundreds of both free and paid ebooks and reports on my hard drive.

And that's the problem...

Too much information pulls you in too many different directions.

Like you cannot focus your eyes clearly on more than one subject at a time - your mind can only clearly apply one concrete piece of information at a time.

That's why jumping to the next self-help book immediately after finishing the first one is not the best way to learn how to be successful.

You need to fully work with and understand what you read - before you move onto the next thing.

So - if you want to conquer fear - read and apply the most popular book you can find. Then find another one on the same subject. Carry this on until you have achieved what you set out to do. This may seem repetitive (after all - there are only so many ways you can conquer fear!) - but it imprints that information on your brain.

The more you saturate your mind with the same principles - the more chance you have of making it work for you.

General self-help books are excellent starting points to this process - but trying to conquer your fear of cold calling at the same time as focusing on being more organized...at the same time as trying to give up smoking....well - it's not going to work, is it?

Look at when you learned to drive. You were taught how to drive a car. Not a lorry. Not a van. Not a motorcycle. A car. Your whole training was focused on what you had to do in order to drive it.

You weren't concerned about the "cyclist's code", or how many hours you were allowed to drive a lorry on a shift. You knew that all you need to be concerned about was how to drive that car, NOW.

And how did you learn? You learned in stages. First you learned about what the instruments were for - where they were and what they did. Before you ever drove yourself - you did a lot of practicing. You didn't care about where to put the gas in - or how regularly you should service the car - all you were concerned about was what you needed to learn NOW.

So - don't take a 'scatter gun' approach to your future. Focus on improving one area of your life at a time - and stick with it until you get results.

It's such a simple plan - but most people just ignore it. Don't let yourself be one of them.

I Want To Talk To You - Not To Your Wallet!

Today I have spent the ENTIRE working day answering emails!

I could be like some people I know - and never answer them. You send them an email - and...nothing.

Most of the Internet marketers that I have managed to get to 'speak' to very rarely answer them.

What sort of 'customer service' is that?

I decided when I first started that I would always try to answer every (non-spam!) email that was sent to me. Sometimes I may take 30 minutes to type a response - but it's worth it to know that people who take the time to write to me are treated like human beings and not as a number.

Sure - as time goes on - then I might have to get a little more selective - or send out standard answers - but not just yet!

I pride myself on talking to YOU - and not to your wallet!

In any area of life - it's the same. Treat people as you wish to be treated yourself.

It's not a difficult thing to remember - but most people are so self-absorbed that they don't appreciate that the world (and therefore your success on it) is built upon relationships!

So - if you want to get on - start getting along with more people. Treat them with respect. It doesn't matter if they are the cleaner or the CEO - everyone deserves to be respected.

One day it could be you in either position - and how would YOU feel?

Be reliable. Be polite. And above all be genuine!

Always remember that the people you tread on on the way up - will be there to trip you up on the way down.

Don't burn your bridges - build them!

Today I have spent the

Today I have spent the ENTIRE working day answering emails!

I could be like some people I know - and never answer them. You send them an email - and ...nothing.

Most of the Internet marketers that I have managed to get to 'speak' to very rarely answer them.

What sort of 'customer service' is that?

I decided when I first started that I would always try to answer every (non-spam!) email that was sent to me. Sometimes I may take 30 minutes to type a response - but it's worth it to know that people who take the time to write to me are treated like human beings and not as a number.

Sure - as time goes on - then I might have to get a little more selective - or send out standard answers - but not just yet!

I pride myself on talking to YOU - and not to your wallet!

In any area of life - it's the same. Treat people as you wish to be treated yourself.

It's not a difficult thing to remember - but most people are so self-absorbed that they don't appreciate that the world (and therefore your success on it) is built upon relationships!

So - if you want to get on - start getting along with more people. Treat them with respect. It doesn't matter if they are the cleaner or the CEO - everyone deserves to be respected.

One day it could be you in either position - and how would YOU feel?

Be reliable. Be polite. And above all be genuine!

Always remember that the people you tread on on the way up - will be there to trip you up on the way down.

Don't burn your bridges - build them!

Hey - This Soft Stuff Is Important!

We had a nurse come in for a few hours this afternoon to look after Connor.

Despite the fact that both Lesley and I couldn't really be bothered - we had to do something to take advantage of this 'free' time.

The easiest thing would have been to go shopping - but then that's not exactly fair on Katie.

So - we decided that we would let our feisty six year old choose what we would do.

Off to swimming first (not one of my favorite pasttimes - that's for sure! lol). Even though it started off as a 'chore' for me - all was forgotten when I saw how she was enjoying herself. All the money in the world can't buy that look of happiness on the face of your child, could it?

Then - off to Burger King for a cheeseburger - then on to a toy shop to spend her pocket money on a new dress for her 'doll of the moment'.

Even though we would have gladly done absolutely nothing today - it has turned into a wonderful day - just from seeing Katie getting so much out of it.

Whether you're six ot sixty - you will still love being 'spoilt' - and have something or some time devoted especially to you.

That's why family is important.

Do something unselfishly for someone you love - and watch how your world changes!

They get something they want (or get to spend some time with someone they love)
...and you get that 'warm' feeling that you only get when you see someone you love happy and pleased to see you.

You might think that this sort of stuff is 'soft'. Hey - this stuff is important!

Giving love unconditionally is one of those things that get left by the wayside when there are bills to pay - or careers to succeed in. You don't have to be one of those people who lose touch - and grow distant from the very people that can love and support you through the challenges ahead.

Sometimes all it takes is a phone call to them out-of-the-blue - and their whole day can change for the better in an instant.

If it can work magic on a six year old - then it can certainly work for anyone...no matter how old they are.

We had a nurse come

We had a nurse come in for a few hours this afternoon to look after Connor.

Despite the fact that both Lesley and I couldn't really be bothered - we had to do something to take advantage of this 'free' time.

The easiest thing would have been to go shopping - but then that's not exactly fair on Katie.

So - we decided that we would let our feisty six year old choose what we would do.

Off to swimming first (not one of my favorite pasttimes - that's for sure! lol). Even though it started off as a 'chore' for me - all was forgotten when I saw how she was enjoying herself. All the money in the world can't buy that look of happiness on the face of your child, could it?

Then - off to Burger King for a cheeseburger - then on to a toy shop to spend her pocket money on a new dress for her 'doll of the moment'.

Even though we would have gladly done absolutely nothing today - it has turned into a wonderful day - just from seeing Katie getting so much out of it.

Whether you're six ot sixty - you will still love being 'spoilt' - and have something or some time devoted especially to you.

That's why family is important.

Do something unselfishly for someone you love - and watch how your world changes!

They get something they want (or get to spend some time with someone they love)
...and you get that 'warm' feeling that you only get when you see someone you love happy and pleased to see you.

You might think that this sort of stuff is 'soft'. Hey - this stuff is important!

Giving love unconditionally is one of those things that get left by the wayside when there are bills to pay - or careers to succeed in. You don't have to be one of those people who lose touch - and grow distant from the very people that can love and support you through the challenges ahead.

Sometimes all it takes is a phone call to them out-of-the-blue - and their whole day can change for the better in an instant.

If it can work magic on a six year old - then it can certainly work for anyone...no matter how old they are.

Why You Should 'Fake It Til You Make It'

I have been awake since 4 a.m. because Connor has been sick again.

Although I could describe myself as tired - I still managed to get an hour's reading in at 5 a.m.!

Doctors are 'none-the-wiser' and over the last 5 weeks or so he has been physically sick for 75% of the time off and on.

It's easy to feel sorry for yourself when you're tired and worried at the same time.

But...

I refuse to feel sorry for myself because I know that it doesn't achieve anything. So - I limit myself to the odd few seconds of short-temper...and then mentally force myself to 'deal with it'.

I could curse my lot and complain to anyone I meet - but I don't. Why? Two reasons:

1) I can deal with whatever comes my way - I know that it's how I think of what happens to me that affects my life - not what actually happens.

2) The world is full of people who feel sorry for themselves (sometimes for no particular reason) - so why would I want to share my 'misery' with other people?

What you say and how you feel is catching. Miserable people end up listening to other miserable people. Gossips end up talking to gossips. Negative people attract other negative people.

So why not be different?

Why not having something positive to say about everything in your life?

If you can't manage that - then fake it!

Yep - that's right - fake it!

Try feeling miserable when you have a smile on your face.
Try feeling angry when all of your muscles are relaxed.

Go on - try it.

Keep it up and eventually your brain won't know any difference between it and the real thing.

Then just watch what sort of people start talking to you :-)

I have been awake since

I have been awake since 4 a.m. because Connor has been sick again.

Although I could describe myself as tired - I still managed to get an hour's reading in at 5 a.m.!

Doctors are 'none-the-wiser' and over the last 5 weeks or so he has been physically sick for 75% of the time off and on.

It's easy to feel sorry for yourself when you're tired and worried at the same time.

But...

I refuse to feel sorry for myself because I know that it doesn't achieve anything. So - I limit myself to the odd few seconds of short-temper...and then mentally force myself to 'deal with it'.

I could curse my lot and complain to anyone I meet - but I don't. Why? Two reasons:

1) I can deal with whatever comes my way - I know that it's how I think of what happens to me that affects my life - not what actually happens.

2) The world is full of people who feel sorry for themselves (sometimes for no particular reason) - so why would I want to share my 'misery' with other people?

What you say and how you feel is catching. Miserable people end up listening to other miserable people. Gossips end up talking to gossips. Negative people attract other negative people.

So why not be different?

Why not having something positive to say about everything in your life?

If you can't manage that - then fake it!

Yep - that's right - fake it!

Try feeling miserable when you have a smile on your face.
Try feeling angry when all of your muscles are relaxed.

Go on - try it.

Keep it up and eventually your brain won't know any difference between it and the real thing.

Then just watch what sort of people start talking to you :-)

Why Me? Because I'm Totally Responsible...That's Why!

Have you felt that you have been let down lately?

Do you sometimes feel that it seems to be you against 'the World'?

Well - at times this week - it has seemed like that way for me, too.

I have been let down by a key component of my E-course - the autoresponders. I have done (and will have) a lot of manual work and an added extra expense - all because I was let down on the functionality by a third party.

Who's fault is it? Theirs...or was it mine?

Well...there's two answers to that really - the easy one and the hard one.

The easy one is - it's all their fault. "Why did this have to happen to me?", "Why didn't they tell me?"

Then - there's the hard one. It's my fault. "I was the one who made the initial decision to use them", "I was the one who was happy with the testing (see my posts a couple of days ago! lol)

When all is said and done - you have the sole responsibility for anything that affects your life!"

You just have to accept it - like I have had to do. We all make 'mistakes'. If we didn't then we proabably wouldn't learn that much.

You can't go around blaming people for things that you could have control over.

You might blame your boss for not promoting you.
You might blame your wife for your unhappy marriage.
You might blame the stores for offering you the credit in the first place.

Wake up! Start acting like an adult! Accept the responsibility for who, what, where, and how you are!

Playing the blame game is easy - but however you play it - you will never, ever win in the end.

It's surprising how much your life can change just by accepting responsibility and being truthful to yourself. Change can only happen when you absolutely, positively, want it to happen.

So start becoming more responsible today - there's no better time to start than right now!

Have you felt that you

Have you felt that you have been let down lately?

Do you sometimes feel that it seems to be you against 'the World'?

Well - at times this week - it has seemed like that way for me, too.

I have been let down by a key component of my E-course - the autoresponders. I have done (and will have) a lot of manual work and an added extra expense - all because I was let down on the functionality by a third party.

Who's fault is it? Theirs...or was it mine?

Well...there's two answers to that really - the easy one and the hard one.

The easy one is - it's all their fault. "Why did this have to happen to me?", "Why didn't they tell me?"

Then - there's the hard one. It's my fault. "I was the one who made the initial decision to use them", "I was the one who was happy with the testing (see my posts a couple of days ago! lol)

When all is said and done - you have the sole responsibility for anything that affects your life!"

You just have to accept it - like I have had to do. We all make 'mistakes'. If we didn't then we proabably wouldn't learn that much.

You can't go around blaming people for things that you could have control over.

You might blame your boss for not promoting you.
You might blame your wife for your unhappy marriage.
You might blame the stores for offering you the credit in the first place.

Wake up! Start acting like an adult! Accept the responsibility for who, what, where, and how you are!

Playing the blame game is easy - but however you play it - you will never, ever win in the end.

It's surprising how much your life can change just by accepting responsibility and being truthful to yourself. Change can only happen when you absolutely, positively, want it to happen.

So start becoming more responsible today - there's no better time to start than right now!

Are You Going Backwards By Standing Still?

As part of the ongoing development of my 'business' online - I am always looking at ways to make improvements in what I do.

But...

Any improvement must be weighed up between its cost and the benefits I gain from paying for it.

Take this weblog, for example. I reckon that it takes me, on average, around 15 minutes a day to sit down and write. (and...yes - I do write it every day at the time it says at the top of the entry - I don't just write them all in advance!).

So - I have the equation - 15 minutes of my time vs actual benefit towards my 'plan'.

Nothing in life is free - and my time certainly is not...but...I feel that it is necessary (at this time) to provide this 'service' to you for nothing.

Why?

1) You benefit from my knowledge for free.
2) My 'online presence' benefits from the increased exposure and credibility
3) I personally benefit from the routine (as I mentioned in a previous post)

So - it's a win-win-win situation.

But...

Nothing ever stands still. Those people that stand still are going backwards.

Once the equation starts to tip too far one way or another - then something must be changed to bring it back into a 'win-win-win' situation.

What lesson can you learn from this? Well...

Never accept that anything is 'written in stone'.

Just because you are able to do something NOW - doesn't necessarily mean that you should always have to do it.

Just because your career is static - doesn't mean that it has to be that way forever.
Just because you have been passed over for a salary increase - doesn't mean that you won't get one next time.
Just because you haven't found a partner - doesn't mean that you are going to be left 'on the shelf.'

But...they all will be the same next time or next year unless...YOU CHANGE.

Yes - you!

You can't expect the World to move towards helping you until you start helping yourself.

Take responsibility for your own future TODAY...and don't ever look back once you've made that decision.

It's working for me - and it will certainly work for you, too.

As part of the ongoing

As part of the ongoing development of my 'business' online - I am always looking at ways to make improvements in what I do.

But...

Any improvement must be weighed up between its cost and the benefits I gain from paying for it.

Take this weblog, for example. I reckon that it takes me, on average, around 15 minutes a day to sit down and write. (and...yes - I do write it every day at the time it says at the top of the entry - I don't just write them all in advance!).

So - I have the equation - 15 minutes of my time vs actual benefit towards my 'plan'.

Nothing in life is free - and my time certainly is not...but...I feel that it is necessary (at this time) to provide this 'service' to you for nothing.

Why?

1) You benefit from my knowledge for free.
2) My 'online presence' benefits from the increased exposure and credibility
3) I personally benefit from the routine (as I mentioned in a previous post)

So - it's a win-win-win situation.

But...

Nothing ever stands still. Those people that stand still are going backwards.

Once the equation starts to tip too far one way or another - then something must be changed to bring it back into a 'win-win-win' situation.

What lesson can you learn from this? Well...

Never accept that anything is 'written in stone'.

Just because you are able to do something NOW - doesn't necessarily mean that you should always have to do it.

Just because your career is static - doesn't mean that it has to be that way forever.
Just because you have been passed over for a salary increase - doesn't mean that you won't get one next time.
Just because you haven't found a partner - doesn't mean that you are going to be left 'on the shelf.'

But...they all will be the same next time or next year unless...YOU CHANGE.

Yes - you!

You can't expect the World to move towards helping you until you start helping yourself.

Take responsibility for your own future TODAY...and don't ever look back once you've made that decision.

It's working for me - and it will certainly work for you, too.

There's More To Life Than Money And Work...

Time-out in the Vurnum household today as Lesley and I spent some quality time together.

I'm completely 'snowed-under' because of the E-course - but, as I am always fond of saying - there is more to life than money and work!

I could have easily spent the whole day 'catching up' - but why should I?

Having spent most of the weekend on getting it right - I felt that it was time to do the right thing - and stick to my priorities.

Success can be like a drug.

And perhaps like all drugs - it has its 'kick' - but then also the 'hangover' afterwards.

I've always wondered who are the bigger fools - the father who never sees his children because of his career - or the average 'man on the street' who just does his 9-5 and goes home?

Success should be nutured...developed...relived...enhanced - and not just put to the back of your mind as you blindly rush towards your next project.

I may be accused of talking 'out-of-turn' - but sometimes you need to take stock of where you are at the very moment that you finish a project. Sometimes - you need to focus on your priorities even when you are being pulled in other directions.

It's the only way to make sure that your 'Big Plan' stays on track.

Time-out in the Vurnum household

Time-out in the Vurnum household today as Lesley and I spent some quality time together.

I'm completely 'snowed-under' because of the E-course - but, as I am always fond of saying - there is more to life than money and work!

I could have easily spent the whole day 'catching up' - but why should I?

Having spent most of the weekend on getting it right - I felt that it was time to do the right thing - and stick to my priorities.

Success can be like a drug.

And perhaps like all drugs - it has its 'kick' - but then also the 'hangover' afterwards.

I've always wondered who are the bigger fools - the father who never sees his children because of his career - or the average 'man on the street' who just does his 9-5 and goes home?

Success should be nutured...developed...relived...enhanced - and not just put to the back of your mind as you blindly rush towards your next project.

I may be accused of talking 'out-of-turn' - but sometimes you need to take stock of where you are at the very moment that you finish a project. Sometimes - you need to focus on your priorities even when you are being pulled in other directions.

It's the only way to make sure that your 'Big Plan' stays on track.

You Have To Build Your Credibility Before Your Bank Balance

Round One of "Stage 2" of my Internet 'plan' was completed today with the release of the To Our Success E-course.

And, perhaps surprisingly - everything has gone without a major hitch.

I'm now glad that I took my time and planned what I wanted to do!

I'll be honest with you - I could have probably released a 'cobbled-together' version a couple of months ago - but I decided early on that it was essential for me to do things properly - and to make sure that, on the day of its release - it would run smoothly. (which it has)

I've been told by more than a few people that I should really charge the $97 I intended to - instead of practically giving it away for free.

But all I say to them is that sometimes you have to build your credibility before you build your bank balance.

I hope that by releasing the E-course this way - I have gone some way to building my reputation as somebody who tries to give value instead of making a 'fast buck'.

Only time will tell if I am right.

No - I've got that wrong!

Time will show that I WAS right!

Value before cash can be a difficult call to make - but I know that if you 'follow my lead' you will certainly be rewarded (like I will) in the future.

Round One of "Stage 2"

Round One of "Stage 2" of my Internet 'plan' was completed today with the release of the To Our Success E-course.

And, perhaps surprisingly - everything has gone without a major hitch.

I'm now glad that I took my time and planned what I wanted to do!

I'll be honest with you - I could have probably released a 'cobbled-together' version a couple of months ago - but I decided early on that it was essential for me to do things properly - and to make sure that, on the day of its release - it would run smoothly. (which it has)

I've been told by more than a few people that I should really charge the $97 I intended to - instead of practically giving it away for free.

But all I say to them is that sometimes you have to build you credibility before you build your bank balance.

I hope that by releasing the E-course this way - I have gone some way to building my reputation as somebody who tries to give value instead of making a 'fast buck'.

Only time will tell if I am right.

No - I've got that wrong!

Time will show that I WAS right!

Value before cash can be a difficult call to make - but I know that if you 'follow my lead' you will certainly be rewarded (like I will) in the future.

Don't Look Back In Anger

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

Tomorrow I'm releasing my new E-Course called "To Our Success".

So?

Well...I announced the day to my ezine subscribers on Friday knowing full well that I had at least three full days work ahead of me!

Why?

I wanted to challenge myself to 'do the business' and put some really heavy effort in.

In less than three days (weekends aren't full working days!) - I have completely re-written my website sales copy twice, I've put the finishing touches to the E-course, and I've had to iron out some last minute technical hitches! And then - I've had to test it all - and believe me - when you see it - you might get an idea of what I've had to 'cobble together' to get it to work the way I wanted it!

Don't you get a fantastic sense of achievement when you can look back and see what you have accomplished?

The 'buzz' that you get from performing almost at your full potential - and succeeding - is certainly something worth working for - take it from me!

Take a look at some of those things that you can accomplish with a flourish (hey - I like that phrase!) - and spend a few days (or even a few hours) challenging yourself to get as much done as possible.

It's great to know that I will have a new product 'out there' - despite seeming to have the same amount of time left this week as I usually do.

What can you focus on and 'finish' using your full potential? I'm sure that you could find something if you really tried!

I'll let you into a

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

Tomorrow I'm releasing my new E-Course called "To Our Success".

So?

Well...I announced the day to my ezine subscribers on Friday knowing full well that I had at least three full days work ahead of me!

Why?

I wanted to challenge myself to 'do the business' and put some really heavy effort in.

In less than three days (weekends aren't full working days!) - I have completely re-written my website sales copy twice, I've put the finishing touches to the E-course, and I've had to iron out some last minute technical hitches! And then - I've had to test it all - and believe me - when you see it - you might get an idea of what I've had to 'cobble together' to get it to work the way I wanted it!

Don't you get a fantastic sense of achievement when you can look back and see what you have accomplished?

The 'buzz' that you get from performing almost at your full potential - and succeeding - is certainly something worth working for - take it from me!

Take a look at some of those things that you can accomplish with a flourish (hey - I like that phrase!) - and spend a few days (or even a few hours) challenging yourself to get as much done as possible.

It's great to know that I will have a new product 'out there' - despite seeming to have the same amount of time left this week as I usually do.

What can you focus on and 'finish' using your full potential? I'm sure that you could find something if you really tried!

We Don't Know What We Don't Know...

Do you think small or do you think BIG?

The reason why I ask is that I have caught myself thinking 'smaller' than I should do recently.

When we think of goals and targets - we always underestimate what we can achieve.

For example - if you don't believe that you could double your salary in a year or two - how can you expect your mind to believe that you should become a millionaire?

It brought to mind one of my favorite sayings:

We don't know what we don't know

What if we had the power to literally 'think' our way to success (with action of course)?

Wouldn't it be fantastic to know that if we thought long and hard enough for money to pay off our debts - it would eventually appear?

Ah...but who's to say that it won't?

Just because such a thing seems 'unbelievable' in our materialistic world - who's to say that it is impossible?

We can't say that it won't for sure - because, well - we don't know, do we?

I'm doing a lot of reading on prosperity thinking at the moment - and so far -

There are certainly more questions that we don't know the answers to than there are answers that we know the questions to.

(Read that again if you're not sure what I mean!)

NEVER ignore the power of your own mind. Who knows what it really knows?

Do you think small or

Do you think small or do you think BIG?

The reason why I ask is that I have caught myself thinking 'smaller' than I should do recently.

When we think of goals and targets - we always underestimate what we can achieve.

For example - if you don't believe that you could double your salary in a year or two - how can you expect your mind to believe that you should become a millionaire?

It brought to mind one of my favorite sayings:

We don't know what we don't know

What if we had the power to literally 'think' our way to success (with action of course)?

Wouldn't it be fantastic to know that if we thought long and hard enough for money to pay off our debts - it would eventually appear?

Ah...but who's to say that it won't?

Just because such a thing seems 'unbelievable' in our materialistic world - who's to say that it is impossible?

We can't say that it won't for sure - because, well - we don't know, do we?

I'm doing a lot of reading on prosperity thinking at the moment - and so far -

There are certainly more questions that we don't know the answers to than there are answers that we know the questions to.

(Read that again if you're not sure what I mean!)

NEVER ignore the power of your own mind. Who knows what it really knows?

"There Are No Straight Lines To Success"

I came across an interesting quote as I was 'surfing' today...

"There are no straight lines to success."

What this means is that your path will always be up,down,left, right, and there will be many dead-ends.

Take a cue from the most 'results-oriented' living things on earth - plants and trees. In the natural world - there are no 'perfect' straight lines. Stalks zig-zag up to catch the sun, roots stretch out in all directions in search of water, flowers only bloom and blossom for short periods every year.

There are a lot of flowers that only bloom for a few days every year - yet their whole 'reason' for growing and development the rest of the year is solely devoted to that very aim.

What if I was to say to you that you would have ups-and downs all year - except for one day when you get paid a year's salary as a bonus for getting through it. Would you accept that?

Would you look to learn from the 'disappointments' instead of letting them crush you?
Would you spend more time doing the things that excite you - rather than worrying about what you haven't got?

Wouldn't that be great?

What if I told you that you would have four YEARS of ups-and-downs in return for a wonderful, happy, wealthy rest of your life?

More difficult perhaps? But acheivable - nevertheless.

The practical ways of doing this could fill an entire encyclopaedia set - there are so many opportunities open to you to acheive it.

But...

Most people can't look beyond this minute, today, this week, this month - let alone this year. They let things get on top of them - and then fool themselves into thinking that, because they are facing the wrong way today - then they are always going to carry on in that direction.

You now know otherwise.

Remember - just because you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel - you know that it is always there.

I came across an interesting

I came across an interesting quote as I was 'surfing' today...

"There are no straight lines to success."

What this means is that your path will always be up,down,left, right, and there will be many dead-ends.

Take a cue from the most 'results-oriented' living things on earth - plants and trees. In the natural world - there are no 'perfect' straight lines. Stalks zig-zag up to catch the sun, roots stretch out in all directions in search of water, flowers only bloom and blossom for short periods every year.

There are a lot of flowers that only bloom for a few days every year - yet their whole 'reason' for growing and development the rest of the year is solely devoted to that very aim.

What if I was to say to you that you would have ups-and downs all year - except for one day when you get paid a year's salary as a bonus for getting through it. Would you accept that?

Would you look to learn from the 'disappointments' instead of letting them crush you?
Would you spend more time doing the things that excite you - rather than worrying about what you haven't got?

Wouldn't that be great?

What if I told you that you would have four YEARS of ups-and-downs in return for a wonderful, happy, wealthy rest of your life?

More difficult perhaps? But acheivable - nevertheless.

The practical ways of doing this could fill an entire encyclopaedia set - there are so many opportunities open to you to acheive it.

But...

Most people can't look beyond this minute, today, this week, this month - let alone this year. They let things get on top of them - and then fool themselves into thinking that, because they are facing the wrong way today - then they are always going to carry on in that direction.

You now know otherwise.

Remember - just because you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel - you know that it is always there.

Are You Learning As Much As You Are Earning?

Over the last year I have probably used my brain more than at any other period of my life.

It's great!

Even during exam time during my teenage years I only had to fully 'function' in short bursts.

I can honestly say that I am pushing myself harder (but smarter) every day.

Can you say that?

Are you learning as much as you are earning?

Is your free time 'wasted' time - or valuable development time?

You don't have to suddenly stop everything and go back to college - just fill your 'spare' time with things that will help YOU get to where you want to go.

I'm not saying that it is easy (if it was - everybody would be successful). Take me for example. I could sit here all day surfing the 'net as I have a ready-made excuse - "I'm researching!"

But...

One way to ensure that I don't completely 'waste' a day is to make sure that I have a routine. My daily routine is writing this. My weekly routine is writing my ezine. Of course I am writing my books at the same time, answering emails, and writing code etc - but by having a routine - I know that I am constantly adding to my 'body' of work.

Think about it. If I didn't write an article a week - then I would certainly find it difficult (if not impossible) to write 52 articles at the end of the year! Also - I've written over 60 pages of this 'diary' over two months - so it all 'adds up'.

Stop for a moment and think about how you can add some 'routine' to your life.

The trick to sticking to it is to become accountable to someone else for its completion. It's the way I manage to do it - and, if I can - then you certainly can to!

Over the last year I

Over the last year I have probably used my brain more than at any other period of my life.

It's great!

Even during exam time during my teenage years I only had to fully 'function' in short bursts.

I can honestly say that I am pushing myself harder (but smarter) every day.

Can you say that?

Are you learning as much as you are earning?

Is your free time 'wasted' time - or valuable development time?

You don't have to suddenly stop everything and go back to college - just fill your 'spare' time with things that will help YOU get to where you want to go.

I'm not saying that it is easy (if it was - everybody would be successful). Take me for example. I could sit here all day surfing the 'net as I have a ready-made excuse - "I'm researching!"

But...

One way to ensure that I don't completely 'waste' a day is to make sure that I have a routine. My daily routine is writing this. My weekly routine is writing my ezine. Of course I am writing my books at the same time, answering emails, and writing code etc - but by having a routine - I know that I am constantly adding to my 'body' of work.

Think about it. If I didn't write an article a week - then I would certainly find it difficult (if not impossible) to write 52 articles at the end of the year! Also - I've written over 60 pages of this 'diary' over two months - so it all 'adds up'.

Stop for a moment and think about how you can add some 'routine' to your life.

The trick to sticking to it is to become accountable to someone else for its completion. It's the way I manage to do it - and, if I can - then you certainly can to!

What? A Good Retail Experience?

As I intend to produce some audio versions of my material - I bought myself a headset/microphone set in June for over $100. (see I'm taking this seriously!)

It seemed to work only occasionally - and just seemed to produce a constant hum when I last tried to use it a couple of days ago.

So - I took it back to the large retail chain I originally bought it from - expecting it to be sent away to the manufacturer - and my audio plans would then be put on hold until they finally sent a replacement.

Except...

Within less than 3 minutes of explaining the problem - it was exchanged (with no-questions-asked) for a brand new model!

Whether it was luck that I was dealt with by a manager or not - I don't know - but what I do know is was that they exceeded my expectations.

I walked out of the store with a smile on my face - and a 'weight' off of my shoulders.

Whatever you do, wherever you are - if you can 'over-deliver' then you will set yourself apart from your competitors and your peers.

Even better - if you 'under-promise' as well as over-delivering then you will certainly be 'head and shoulders' above everyone else.

This isn't purely restricted to business. Think of how you can apply it in your career - or in your relationships.

It doesn't always take a lot of effort to do that little bit extra. Take it from me - that little bit extra is always going to make a big difference!

As I intend to produce

As I intend to produce some audio versions of my material - I bought myself a headset/microphone set in June for over $100. (see I'm taking this seriously!)

It seemed to work only occasionally - and just seemed to produce a constant hum when I last tried to use it a couple of days ago.

So - I took it back to the large retail chain I originally bought it from - expecting it to be sent away to the manufacturer - and my audio plans would then be put on hold until they finally sent a replacement.

Except...

Within less than 3 minutes of explaining the problem - it was exchanged (with no-questions-asked) for a brand new model!

Whether it was luck that I was dealt with by a manager or not - I don't know - but what I do know is was that they exceeded my expectations.

I walked out of the store with a smile on my face - and a 'weight' off of my shoulders.

Whatever you do, wherever you are - if you can 'over-deliver' then you will set yourself apart from your competitors and your peers.

Even better - if you 'under-promise' as well as over-delivering then you will certainly be 'head and shoulders' above everyone else.

This isn't purely restricted to business. Think of how you can apply it in your career - or in your relationships.

It doesn't always take a lot of effort to do that little bit extra. Take it from me - that little bit extra is always going to make a big difference!

My First Co-Author Will Be...

A few months ago I bought the domain name - www.successischildsplay.com

I bought it because one day I intend to write a book about success with Kati