Success...One Day At A Time

Are You A Success Bulimic?

Another December dawns tomorrow...and the madness that is the "Christmas Rush" has started for another year.

It's crazy how everything gets blown all out of proportion, isn't it?

Everything just gets squeezed into less than four weeks in December...then normality once again returns for another year.

Is your life like that?

Are you what I call a "Success Bulimic"?

Do you 'binge' on periods of good intentions and hard personal development 'work' - yet quickly fall back into the old routine when things don't quite go the way you hoped it would?

That's why I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions. If you need an excuse to stop doing something - then you're hardly likely to stick to your promise are you?

Take it easy...one step at a time.

It may have taken decades to 'find' your current mindset - so you are hardly going to be able to make drastic changes overnight - no matter what the 'gurus' might say.

The only way you can make lasting improvements to your lifestyle or career...is to work on it...little by little...every single day...every single week...every single month...every year...until you get there.

It's easy to back away from a 'big' thing that is causing you pain because it's such a change - but it is considerably harder to break a little routine that becomes almost part of your daily life.

Try it - it does work!

Another December dawns tomorrow...and the

Another December dawns tomorrow...and the madness that is the "Christmas Rush" has started for another year.

It's crazy how everything gets blown all out of proportion, isn't it?

Everything just gets squeezed into less than four weeks in December...then normality once again returns for another year.

Is your life like that?

Are you what I call a "Success Bulimic"?

Do you 'binge' on periods of good intentions and hard personal development 'work' - yet quickly fall back into the old routine when things don't quite go the way you hoped it would?

That's why I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions. If you need an excuse to stop doing something - then you're hardly likely to stick to your promise are you?

Take it easy...one step at a time.

It may have taken decades to 'find' your current mindset - so you are hardly going to be able to make drastic changes overnight - no matter what the 'gurus' might say.

The only way you can make lasting improvements to your lifestyle or career...is to work on it...little by little...every single day...every single week...every single month...every year...until you get there.

It's easy to back away from a 'big' thing that is causing you pain because it's such a change - but it is considerably harder to break a little routine that becomes almost part of your daily life.

Try it - it does work!

Be Careful...You Might Get What You Wish For!

Back from vacation...and back into the 'old' routine.

Well...we call it a routine - but really life is a series of challenges that need to be controlled and managed, wouldn't you say?

Life is, in fact, far from routine...

- We don't always sleep for the same amount of time every night.
- We very rarely eat the same foods every day.
- We are always encountering new faces on the commute into work.
- We are constantly updating our minds with 'real-time' information from newspapers, books, and TV.

So - our lives are more complicated and non-routine than we realise.

And that's why we need to filter everything we see and do.

Our subconscious limits what we see by filtering out the stuff we 'tell' it that we're not interested in.

And that's the problem.

If you always find a negative slant on everything - then that's what your subsconcious will 'look' for on your behalf.

But...on the other hand - if you are constantly on the lookout for opportunities - then you will attract those very same things.

So - next time you find yourself thinking how boring, mundane, and poor your life is - be careful - because you might just get what you wish for!

Back from vacation...and back into

Back from vacation...and back into the 'old' routine.

Well...we call it a routine - but really life is a series of challenges that need to be controlled and managed, wouldn't you say?

Life is, in fact, far from routine...

- We don't always sleep for the same amount of time every night.
- We very rarely eat the same foods every day.
- We are always encountering new faces on the commute into work.
- We are constantly updating our minds with 'real-time' information from newspapers, books, and TV.

So - our lives are more complicated and non-routine than we realise.

And that's why we need to filter everything we see and do.

Our subsconcious limits what we see by filtering out the stuff we 'tell' it that we're not interested in.

And that's the problem.

If you always find a negative slant on everything - then that's what your subsconcious will 'look' for on your behalf.

But...on the other hand - if you are constantly on the lookout for opportunities - then you will attract those very same things.

So - next time you find yourself thinking how boring, mundane, and poor your life is - be careful - because you might just get what you wish for!

Why You Could Be Wishing For The Wrong Thing

It's true that you don't miss something until it's gone.

We are going away on vacation on Wednesday...and this afternoon we took Connor to the respite home where he will be staying whilst myself, Lesley and Katie are away.

It's impossible to take him with us because of all of his machinery...like oxygen tanks...and his other medical stuff - he really wouldn't enjoy the experience - and we wouldn't really be taking a vacation! lol

Connor benefits from the one-to-one attention he gets from the nursing and care staff at the respite home...Katie benefits from the one-to-one attention from her parents...and Lesley and I get a chance to have some sleep!

But...

This evening...the atmosphere in our house has changed.

- There's no constant humming sound of Connor's oxygen concentrator in our hall.
- There's no set times that things have to be done or medicine to be given.
- There's no worry about whether he looks ill or not.

As Katie just said - "I miss my brother already!"

And so do I, too.

Just last night a 2 a.m. I was cursing about how frustrating it is having a special needs child who spends most of the night awake. This evening I wish he were here.

Be careful what you wish for...because most of the time, if it comes true...you might find that you were wishing for the wrong thing!

Our challenges make us into the people we are...when they are taken away...a little bit of us is taken away, too.

Night, night Connor. xxx

It's true that you don't

It's true that you don't miss something until it's gone.

We are going away on vacation on Wednesday...and this afternoon we took Connor to the respite home where he will be staying whilst myself, Lesley and Katie are away.

It's impossible to take him with us because of all of his machinery...like oxygen tanks...and his other medical stuff - he really wouldn't enjoy the experience - and we wouldn't really be taking a vacation! lol

Connor benefits from the one-to-one attention he gets from the nursing and care staff at the respite home...Katie benefits from the one-to-one attention from her parents...and Lesley and I get a chance to have some sleep!

But...

This evening...the atmosphere in our house has changed.

- There's no constant humming sound of Connor's oxygen concentrator in our hall.
- There's no set times that things have to be done or medicine to be given.
- There's no worry about whether he looks ill or not.

As Katie just said - "I miss my brother already!"

And so do I, too.

Just last night a 2 a.m. I was cursing about how frustrating it is having a special needs child who spends most of the night awake. This evening I wish he were here.

Be careful what you wish for...because most of the time, if it comes true...you might find that you were wishing for the wrong thing!

Our challenges make us into the people we are...when they are taken away...a little bit of us is taken away, too.

Night, night Connor. xxx

That Lie That We Tell Ourselves...

Yesterday afternoon I paid a visit to Katie's school...because they were having what's called a "Sharing Assembly".

Her year spent 20 minutes or so showing what they have learned during the last term.

But that's not all that interested me about it.

Each child had to take a turn...and stand up with a microphone and say a prepared line or two about what their class had made and seen.

Standing up with a mic in front of about one hundred plus other kids and parents would be enough to scare most people I know...including me!

But...Katie and her classmates are only six years old!

We certainly never used to do anything like that when I was six! Don't you think that is a fantastic way to give the children confidence...at the same time as getting them used to standing up in front of so many people?

It made me think...

If my six-year-old daughter can stand up and be counted in front of all of those people - why can't I?

It just goes to show that we talk ourselves out of so many situations where we would otherwise undoubtedly benefit.

Certainly gives you some food for thought...doesn't it?

Yesterday afternoon I paid a

Yesterday afternoon I paid a visit to Katie's school...because they were having what's called a "Sharing Assembly".

Her year spent 20 minutes or so showing what they have learned during the last term.

But that's not all that interested me about it.

Each child had to take a turn...and stand up with a microphone and say a prepared line or two about what their class had made and seen.

Standing up with a mic in front of about one hundred plus other kids and parents would be enough to scare most people I know...including me!

But...Katie and her classmates are only six years old!

We certainly never used to do anything like that when I was six! Don't you think that is a fantastic way to give the children confidence...at the same time as getting them used to standing up in front of so many people?

It made me think...

If my six-year-old daughter can stand up and be counted in front of all of those people - why can't I?

It just goes to show that we talk ourselves out of so many situations where we would otherwise undoubtedly benefit.

Certainly gives you some food for thought...doesn't it?

The Sheep's Guide To Relationships

I must subscribe to about 100 ezines.

I spend a lot of my day surfing for information.

And...guess what?

There are an awful lot of 'sheep' online!

You know - those people who just copy what an 'expert' does - and then just fills in the gaps. No wonder most of these people barely make a living online.

When you see the same article in about five ezines within a matter of days - then it makes me wonder if such people have 'got it'.

I wonder if they understand that they need to a) be original and b) put in the necessary effort...in order to keep people like you and me reading.

I could take ten minutes to copy and paste articles from other people for my ezine - but I'd rather spend most of an entire day writing the articles and putting it together myself.

To some people this may seem like a 'false economy' but...in the end...when the dust settles and some form of normality begins to come over the Internet - it will all come down to the same thing...

Relationships.

As in the 'real' world - you would undoubtedly want to do 'business' (in whatever form) with someone you like and respect and trust than someone who just contacts you when THEY need your business.

So - like with most things - the online world is no different.

You need to put the effort in BEFORE expecting the reward.

It may mean that you appear to 'fall behind' the sheep for a time - but everything will fall into place in the end...if you're patient enough.

I must subscribe to about

I must subscribe to about 100 ezines.

I spend a lot of my day surfing for information.

And...guess what?

There are an awful lot of 'sheep' online!

You know - those people who just copy what an 'expert' does - and then just fills in the gaps. No wonder most of these people barely make a living online.

When you see the same article in about five ezines within a matter of days - then it makes me wonder if such people have 'got it'.

I wonder if they understand that they need to a) be original and b) put in the necessary effort...in order to keep people like you and me reading.

I could take ten minutes to copy and paste articles from other people for my ezine - but I'd rather spend most of an entire day writing the articles and putting it together myself.

To some people this may seem like a 'false economy' but...in the end...when the dust settles and some form of normality begins to come over the Internet - it will all come down to the same thing...

Relationships.

As in the 'real' world - you would undoubtedly want to do 'business' (in whatever form) with someone you like and respect and trust than someone who just contacts you when THEY need your business.

So - like with most things - the online world is no different.

You need to put the effort in BEFORE expecting the reward.

It may mean that you appear to 'fall behind' the sheep for a time - but everything will fall into place in the end...if you're patient enough.

"Nobody Said It Was Easy..."

That line from a song by the group Coldplay just echoed in my head just before I began to write this.

Could describe life, couldn't it?

Life certainly isn't easy...but then again...it doesn't have to be hard.

Echoing the music theme - here's another line by an eighties group called Talk Talk -

"Life's what you make it!"

And that's certainly true as well!

Whatever situation you find yourself in...whether you are happy or not...all depends on how you inwardly view your 'lot'.

It's easy to moan and complain about how tough or unlucky your life is. Perhaps that's why so many people do exactly that.

I refuse to accept that my life has to be terrible because it looks that way compared to my family and everyone I know.

Lesley and I have more to deal with emotionally and physically than our friends and family. But...everyone else is not as happy as we are!

If I wanted to prove my point - I just have - because we have every right to moan and complain.

But...

Life's like Star Wars.

You can either choose to stay and fight for the 'good side' - or give into the 'dark side'.

With my asthma I may sometimes sound like Darth Vader - but the similarities end there! (Though you haven't seen any recent pictures of me, have you? lol)

If you look upwards - you see the blue sky of opportunity.

If you look downwards - you see the brown sludge of wasted opportunity.

Only you can choose which way you look at you life...but I strongly recommend that you don't spend all of your life looking down at your feet!

"Nobody said it was

"Nobody said it was easy..."

That line from a song by the group Coldplay just echoed in my head just before I began to write this.

Could describe life, couldn't it?

Life certainly isn't easy...but then again...it doesn't have to be hard.

Echoing the music theme - here's another line by an eighties group called Talk Talk -

"Life's what you make it!"

And that's certainly true as well!

Whatever situation you find yourself in...whether you are happy or not...all depends on how you inwardly view your 'lot'.

It's easy to moan and complain about how tough or unlucky your life is. Perhaps that's why so many people do exactly that.

I refuse to accept that my life has to be terrible because it looks that way compared to my family and everyone I know.

Lesley and I have more to deal with emotionally and physically than our friends and family. But...everyone else is not as happy as we are!

If I wanted to prove my point - I just have - because we have every right to moan and complain.

But...

Life's like Star Wars.

You can either choose to stay and fight for the 'good side' - or give into the 'dark side'.

With my asthma I may sometimes sound like Darth Vader - but the similarities end there! (Though you haven't seen any recent pictures of me, have you? lol)

If you look upwards - you see the blue sky of opportunity.

If you look downwards - you see the brown sludge of wasted opportunity.

Only you can choose which way you look at you life...but I strongly recommend that you don't spend all of your life looking down at your feet!

That Annoying Failure Mind Trick

It's amazing that, even after all these years, the fear of failure still rears its ugly head.

Within the last 24 hours I have contemplated a new project that, quite frankly, seems an excellent proposition.

The fact that it 'came out of the blue' means that it is even more welcome.

Yet...

Even though I know that...with quite a fair amount of effort...it could be a resounding success - I still have to fight those old demons in my head saying things like:

"It must be too good to be true."
"You'll begin it...but you'll never finish it."
"What if I get 'caught out' somehow?"

It's a good job that I can recognize them for what they are.

Tricks.

Tricks that your mind plays on you when an opportunity opens up to you.

You know what I mean - if something looks good - then we automatically have to find some excuses why it won't work.

They're not always easy to ignore - especially where some form of solid commitment is required!

So - watch this space as I force those voices out of the way and press on with my new project.

Just because it may look too good to be true - it doesn't necessarily mean that it is!

Only time will be the judge of whether my instincts are right or not.

It's amazing that, even after

It's amazing that, even after all these years, the fear of failure still rears its ugly head.

Within the last 24 hours I have contemplated a new project that, quite frankly, seems an excellent proposition.

The fact that it 'came out of the blue' means that it is even more welcome.

Yet...

Even though I know that...with quite a fair amount of effort...it could be a resounding success - I still have to fight those old demons in my head saying things like:

"It must be too good to be true."
"You'll begin it...but you'll never finish it."
"What if I get 'caught out' somehow?"

It's a good job that I can recognize them for what they are.

Tricks.

Tricks that your mind plays on you when an opportunity opens up to you.

You know what I mean - if something looks good - then we automatically have to find some excuses why it won't work.

They're not always easy to ignore - especially where some form of solid commitment is required!

So - watch this space as I force those voices out of the way and press on with my new project.

Just because it may look too good to be true - it doesn't necessarily mean that it is!

Only time will be the judge of whether my instincts are right or not.

Why What You Think Is Important Isn't A Priority

Are you a workaholic?

Would you rather spend time at work than at home?

Do you go on vacation - yet take the entire week to relax?

I used to be all three...up until I realised that my life was for living as well as working!

Even now - if I give myself a 'day off' - I have to stop myself from feeling guilty...feeling guilty that I should be sitting at my desk in my home office.

It's all about your priorities.

Sometimes you don't realise how important your family is...until it's too late. Sometimes you don't realise how important it is to really have a break to re-charge your batteries...until it's too late.

So - give yourself the weekend off - do absolutely nothing if you want to - or perhaps better still - devote the time to playing with your kids...or visiting friends.

I spent eleven years in a job making myself 'indispensable' - yet, in the space of less than a month after Connor's birth - both myself and my bosses realised that I wasn't so essential after all.

I had wasted some of the best years of my life working beyond the call of duty - but I am sure that I would have still got to the position I had if I had worked an hour less every day.

When you leave in the mornings before your kids wake up...and return in the evening after they are in bed - then it's a fair sign that perhaps you are working too much!

Don't make the same mistakes I did - make time for YOU and your family.

Your job will always be there...they won't.

Are you a workaholic? Would

Are you a workaholic?

Would you rather spend time at work than at home?

Do you go on vacation - yet take the entire week to relax?

I used to be all three...up until I realised that my life was for living as well as working!

Even now - if I give myself a 'day off' - I have to stop myself from feeling guilty...feeling guilty that I should be sitting at my desk in my home office.

It's all about your priorities.

Sometimes you don't realise how important your family is...until it's too late. Sometimes you don't realise how important it is to really have a break to re-charge your batteries...until it's too late.

So - give yourself the weekend off - do absolutely nothing if you want to - or perhaps better still - devote the time to playing with your kids...or visiting friends.

I spent eleven years in a job making myself 'indispensable' - yet, in the space of less than a month after Connor's birth - both myself and my bosses realised that I wasn't so essential after all.

I had wasted some of the best years of my life working beyond the call of duty - but I am sure that I would have still got to the position I had if I had worked an hour less every day.

When you leave in the mornings before your kids wake up...and return in the evening after they are in bed - then it's a fair sign that perhaps you are working too much!

Don't make the same mistakes I did - make time for YOU and your family.

Your job will always be there...they won't.

The Secret of Decision Making

On reflection...it's amazing how many of my decisions are based on 'instinct'.

I am certain that a good 90% of the decisions I make are based on split second judgements of which course of action is 'right' or not.

But...I never used to be like this. I used to focus only on the 'facts' at the expense of all else.

What a mistake.

Whether you want to admit it or not - there are 'factors' in how we live our lives that we cannot explain.

Things like:

- Intuition
- Coincidence
- Instinct
- Gut feeling

All of these things should be acceptable forms of your decision making process.

No - I'm not asking you to go all 'new-agey' and denounce capitalism! All I am suggesting is that perhaps you should look for signs of what is right 'inside of you' as well as out.

Who knows why these things happen - or what real role they play in our lives?

If you don't look for these sort of 'signs' - it's like ignoring one of your other senses. I'm sure you'll agree that, without your hearing, for example, your view on life would be different.

So - don't ignore what could be an important 'weapon' in your success arsenal. Who knows how valuable it could be?

On reflection...it's amazing how many

On reflection...it's amazing how many of my decisions are based on 'instinct'.

I am certain that a good 90% of the decisions I make are based on split second judgements of which course of action is 'right' or not.

But...I never used to be like this. I used to focus only on the 'facts' at the expense of all else.

What a mistake.

Whether you want to admit it or not - there are 'factors' in how we live our lives that we cannot explain.

Things like:

- Intuition
- Coincidence
- Instinct
- Gut feeling

All of these things should be acceptable forms of your decision making process.

No - I'm not asking you to go all 'new-agey' and denounce capitalism! All I am suggesting is that perhaps you should look for signs of what is right 'inside of you' as well as out.

Who knows why these things happen - or what real role they play in our lives?

If you don't look for these sort of 'signs' - it's like ignoring one of your other senses. I'm sure you'll agree that, without your hearing, for example, your view on life would be different.

So - don't ignore what could be an important 'weapon' in your success arsenal. Who knows how valuable it could be?

The Day Before You Go On Vacation Syndrome

I have achieved a lot today - both in the online and offline worlds.

Compared to a 'normal' day I have probably achieved about 100% 'more' in each world!

It just goes to show what you can do if you really set your mind to it - and if what you are doing is important enough to keep you focused.

I call it the "day before you go on vacation" syndrome. (I'm not, BTW)

You know - it's the day before you are due to go on vacation - and you rush around making sure that everything is finished so that you don't leave any work whilst you're away.

Ever notice that?

I bet, if you're like me - you probably write down a list of exactly what needs to be done - so that you can be sure that you don't miss anything important.

It's funny how goal-oriented we become when we have the prospect of a nice vacation in front of us, isn't it?

Why don't you try to have a "day before you go on vacation" day tomorrow?

Draw up a list of all those tasks that you have put off for too long - and prioritise them - then just do them as if you were going on vacation!

Wouldn't it be great to come in work the next day knowing that you had a clean 'slate' to start the day with.

You proved that you can do it the day before your real vacation - so why not play 'pretend' - and get rid of that backlog once and for all?

I promise that you will be glad that you did!

I have achieved a lot

I have achieved a lot today - both in the online and offline worlds.

Compared to a 'normal' day I have probably achieved about 100% 'more' in each world!

It just goes to show what you can do if you really set your mind to it - and if what you are doing is important enough to keep you focused.

I call it the "day before you go on vacation" syndrome. (I'm not, BTW)

You know - it's the day before you are due to go on vacation - and you rush around making sure that everything is finished so that you don't leave any work whilst you're away.

Ever notice that?

I bet, if you're like me - you probably write down a list of exactly what needs to be done - so that you can be sure that you don't miss anything important.

It's funny how goal-oriented we become when we have the prospect of a nice vacation in front of us, isn't it?

Why don't you try to have a "day before you go on vacation" day tomorrow?

Draw up a list of all those tasks that you have put off for too long - and prioritise them - then just do them as if you were going on vacation!

Wouldn't it be great to come in work the next day knowing that you had a clean 'slate' to start the day with.

You proved that you can do it the day before your real vacation - so why not play 'pretend' - and get rid of that backlog once and for all?

I promise that you will be glad that you did!

Why...When It Should Be What Or How!

Are you too hung on up on the "Why" instead of focusing on the "What" or "How"?

Let me explain...

I have met many people on my online 'travels' who spend all their time asking themselves "Why" questions :

- Why am I here?
- Why do I always mess up?
- Why can't I be more successful?
- Why am I so unlucky?

And...because they are asking themselves those 'unanswerable' type questions - they just get even more depressed and frustrated when they find that they don't have the answers!

Focus instead on the "What" questions...

- What can I do NOW to improve my finances?
- What could I do differently next time?
- What will I focus on doing better today?
- What can I achieve if I really put myself 100% into it?

...and the "How" questions...

- How will I stop myself from reacting the same way next time?
- How will this help achieve my goals?
- How can I make my job more interesting?
- How can I find ways to learn more about myself?

It's all a question of questions!

How and What questions automatically focus you on doing something.

Why questions automatically provide excuses for why you are't soing something!

So - next time you feel that life is treating you badly - or you are wondering "Why them and not me?" - perhaps you should start looking for the How's and the What's to give you some help to get something positive out of the situation.

Are you too hung on

Are you too hung on up on the "Why" instead of focusing on the "What" or "How"?

Let me explain...

I have met many people on my online 'travels' who spend all their time asking themselves "Why" questions :

- Why am I here?
- Why do I always mess up?
- Why can't I be more successful?
- Why am I so unlucky?

And...because they are asking themselves those 'unanswerable' type questions - they just get even more depressed and frustrated when they find that they don't have the answers!

Focus instead on the "What" questions...

- What can I do NOW to improve my finances?
- What could I do differently next time?
- What will I focus on doing better today?
- What can I achieve if I really put myself 100% into it?

...and the "How" questions...

- How will I stop myself from reacting the same way next time?
- How will this help achieve my goals?
- How can I make my job more interesting?
- How can I find ways to learn more about myself?

It's all a question of questions!

How and What questions automatically focus you on doing something.

Why questions automatically provide excuses for why you are't soing something!

So - next time you feel that life is treating you badly - or you are wondering "Why them and not me?" - perhaps you should start looking for the How's and the What's to give you some help to get something positive out of the situation.

Why You Have Such Unlimited Potential To Change Your Life

It's true when they say that your 'universe' expands only when you do.

If you had asked me five years ago (six months before Connor's birth) that I would have quit my job of then 11 years, started a new one, quit that, started my own business (this), written two ebooks, learned from scratch enough to make me qualified as a nurse - and become more positive than I ever have been before - I would have laughed at you!

Add to that writing 300+ words every single day - then I would have never believed it unless I was actually doing it!

It's amazing how much you can evolve and grow when you really want (or have) to.

I can honestly say that, if Connor hadn't been born with all of his problems - then I probably would have still been at the same bank - and still be a manager who was never quite contented with his 'lot'.

That's why, when I see (and read of) so many people complaining that they haven't got this, or can't do that, it saddens me.

It saddens me because they don't see what (almost unlimited) potential they have to make more of their lives!

Are you one of those people?

Do you look for the down instead of the up...or the fall after the victory?

Shake yourself out of it! You can do whatever YOU want to do. You can be whoever YOU want to be.

You just have to want it badly enough to make the effort to change what you have been doing so far.

It's certainly not easy - but it is certainly rewarding!

Take a look at where you are today - can you be more than you are - can you do more than you are - can you push yourself harder than you are?

If the answer is yes - then you'd better start trying to find a way to change - otherwise you'll always be who you have always been.

Take it from me - it does work...but only if you try hard and long enough at it!

It's true when they say

It's true when they say that your 'universe' expands only when you do.

If you had asked me five years ago (six months before Connor's birth) that I would have quit my job of then 11 years, started a new one, quit that, started my own business (this), written two ebooks, learned from scratch enough to make me qualified as a nurse - and become more positive than I ever have been before - I would have laughed at you!

Add to that writing 300+ words every single day - then I would have never believed it unless I was actually doing it!

It's amazing how much you can evolve and grow when you really want (or have) to.

I can honestly say that, if Connor hadn't been born with all of his problems - then I probably would have still been at the same bank - and still be a manager who was never quite contented with his 'lot'.

That's why, when I see (and read of) so many people complaining that they haven't got this, or can't do that, it saddens me.

It saddens me because they don't see what (almost unlimited) potential they have to make more of their lives!

Are you one of those people?

Do you look for the down instead of the up...or the fall after the victory?

Shake yourself out of it! You can do whatever YOU want to do. You can be whoever YOU want to be.

You just have to want it badly enough to make the effort to change what you have been doing so far.

It's certainly not easy - but it is certainly rewarding!

Take a look at where you are today - can you be more than you are - can you do more than you are - can you push yourself harder than you are?

If the answer is yes - then you'd better start trying to find a way to change - otherwise you'll always be who you have always been.

Take it from me - it does work...but only if you try hard and long enough at it!

The Secret To Making Those 'Big Decisions'

Lesley and I looked at a new housing development today.

It is one hour's drive away from where we currently live.

Let me ask you this question....

Would you swap a 1930's 3 bedroom, one bathroom terraced house for an as yet unbuilt 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom detached house without having to increase your mortgage?

You bet you would!

Well...that's the 'dilemma' facing us at the moment. Should we stay or should we go?

Isn't it funny how we put obstacles in the way when we are weighing up pros and cons?

Sure...because of Connor - we have a few more logistical problems (OK - a lot!) more than most...but the biggest 'excuse' we have come up with so far is that we would rather Katie moved during the summer break.

Yet - to do that it would probably cost us in the region of $10,000 when price rises and therefore additional taxes are taken into consideration!

Phew!

But...I have a secret when it comes to these 'big' decisions.

I did it for our very first house when we looked at the prospect of having to totally redevelop it - and I did the same when we bought this house from my sister when we hadn't set foot in it for 6 months!

Want to know what it is?

I just go with my gut feeling. My instinct...my sense of what is right.

On every occasion I have been proved right - despite each decision at the time being a seriously big financial step.

And so it will be with this one.

Somehow - we must find $20,000 to pay as a deposit to the developers of the new house BEFORE we get the sale proceeds from this one!

At the moment - I haven't the faintest idea how I will raise it.

But....I will find a way - my instinct will see to that!

Remember - just because you can't always touch the 'evidence' - it doesn't mean that its contribution isn't valuable.

I'll prove it in April next year when I am sitting in my new house!

Lesley and I looked at

Lesley and I looked at a new housing development today.

It is one hour's drive away from where we currently live.

Let me ask you this question....

Would you swap a 1930's 3 bedroom, one bathroom terraced house for an as yet unbuilt 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom detached house without having to increase your mortgage?

You bet you would!

Well...that's the 'dilemma' facing us at the moment. Should we stay or should we go?

Isn't it funny how we put obstacles in the way when we are weighing up pros and cons?

Sure...because of Connor - we have a few more logistical problems (OK - a lot!) more than most...but the biggest 'excuse' we have come up with so far is that we would rather Katie moved during the summer break.

Yet - to do that it would probably cost us in the region of $10,000 when price rises and therefore additional taxes are taken into consideration!

Phew!

But...I have a secret when it comes to these 'big' decisions.

I did it for our very first house when we looked at the prospect of having to totally redevelop it - and I did the same when we bought this house from my sister when we hadn't set foot in it for 6 months!

Want to know what it is?

I just go with my gut feeling. My instinct...my sense of what is right.

On every occasion I have been proved right - despite each decision at the time being a seriously big financial step.

And so it will be with this one.

Somehow - we must find $20,000 to pay as a deposit to the developers of the new house BEFORE we get the sale proceeds from this one!

At the moment - I haven't the faintest idea how I will raise it.

But....I will find a way - my instinct will see to that!

Remember - just because you can't always touch the 'evidence' - it doesn't mean that its contribution isn't valuable.

I'll prove it in April next year when I am sitting in my new house!

Who Are You Really Kidding - Yourself Or Those People Around You?

Yet again (let's call it fate!)...I literally fell upon an excellent ebook!

I nearly didn't buy it because of the way it was presented.

Its name, for a start - "How To Get Lots Of Money For Anything Fast!"

Call me an old cynic from the UK - but what an absolutely RIDICULOUS name!

The thing is, though - the content of the ebook is absolutely first-rate. In fact...I rank it right up there with the all-time greats!

It's so silly that it was aimed at the "get rich quick" fraternity - when it should be classed as a 'serious' tool for achieving any goal that you set yourself.

Perhaps the author's very famous 'net marketing friend thought that my area of the online world was too boring for them to make any money!

What a joke!

It just goes to show that outward appearances do have an effect on what is perceived to be valuable.

Are your actions 100% consistent with your outward appearance and behavior? Are you really an aging hippy dressed up in corporate clothing?

Who are you really kidding - yourself or those people around you?

Be authentic to yourself. You are unique for a reason.

You are unique and have special talents because you were put on this Earth to use them and not waste them.

Don't try to make out that you are something that you are not. It's only you who will lose out in the long run.

Yet again (let's call it

Yet again (let's call it fate!)...I literally fell upon an excellent ebook!

I nearly didn't buy it because of the way it was presented.

Its name, for a start - "How To Get Lots Of Money For Anything Fast!"

Call me an old cynic from the UK - but what an absolutely RIDICULOUS name!

The thing is, though - the content of the ebook is absolutely first-rate. In fact...I rank it right up there with the all-time greats!

It's so silly that it was aimed at the "get rich quick" fraternity - when it should be classed as a 'serious' tool for achieving any goal that you set yourself.

Perhaps the author's very famous 'net marketing friend thought that my area of the online world was too boring for them to make any money!

What a joke!

It just goes to show that outward appearances do have an effect on what is perceived to be valuable.

Are your actions 100% consistent with your outward appearance and behavior? Are you really an aging hippy dressed up in corporate clothing?

Who are you really kidding - yourself or those people around you?

Be authentic to yourself. You are unique for a reason.

You are unique and have special talents because you were put on this Earth to use them and not waste them.

Don't try to make out that you are something that you are not. It's only you who will lose out in the long run.

All The Money In The World Will Never Buy You A Smile, A Laugh, Or A Hug

After spending all day solely on 'fatherly' duties...it's made me realise how much joy you can get from those people who you so often take for granted.

Seeing the excitement on Katie's face as I was playing (and losing at!) snap with her made me smile inside.

It's funny how it's so easy to miss things like that when you think everything is 'wrong' with your life.

I also realised that if it wasn't for her brother's problems - I wouldn't see so much of her growing up.

And as for that brother of her's, Connor...

One day I will put a short video on my site of him laughing - which, even though it is silent - is probably THE best laugh I have ever seen!

You can't beat a really geniune laugh from someone you love, can you?

So - don't take those who you love for granted.

You can't buy a smile or a laugh or a hug...or, in fact anything, that genuinely can 'move' you the way that your close family can.

Ignore the strength of those who love you at your peril.

You may be able to 'make it' without them - but you certainly won't enjoy life without them there to share it all with you.

After spending all day solely

After spending all day solely on 'fatherly' duties...it's made me realise how much joy you can get from those people who you so often take for granted.

Seeing the excitement on Katie's face as I was playing (and losing at!) snap with her made me smile inside.

It's funny how it's so easy to miss things like that when you think everything is 'wrong' with your life.

I also realised that if it wasn't for her brother's problems - I wouldn't see so much of her growing up.

And as for that brother of her's, Connor...

One day I will put a short video on my site of him laughing - which, even though it is silent - is probably THE best laugh I have ever seen!

You can't beat a really geniune laugh from someone you love, can you?

So - don't take those who you love for granted.

You can't buy a smile or a laugh or a hug...or, in fact anything, that genuinely can 'move' you the way that your close family can.

Ignore the strength of those who love you at your peril.

You may be able to 'make it' without them - but you certainly won't enjoy life without them there to share it all with you.

"Are You Proud Of What You Are Achieving Right Now?"

Success comes in many forms....

What you might class as success - I might look at as failure...and vice-versa.

The only way you should therefore measure it is by your own yardstick.

Trying to keep up with your friends, neighbors, or enemies is a sure-fire way to hinder your advancement.

Rather than looking to the outside for recognition - look inside instead.

Ask yourself - "Am I proud of what I am achieving right now?"

Only YOU know the answer to that question. All that prodding by other 'well meaning' friends and family about what you should do or how you should be, won't get you very far.

Unless you are true to yourself...unless you are really happy with yourself...unless you are truly confident about what you are doing with your life - then it won't make a blind bit of difference whether you succeed in the 'real world' or not.

Success comes from within and isn't measured in $ signs.

The $ signs only come once the inside has sorted itself out!

Success comes in many forms....

Success comes in many forms....

What you might class as success - I might look at as failure...and vice-versa.

The only way you should therefore measure it is by your own yardstick.

Trying to keep up with your friends, neighbors, or enemies is a sure-fire way to hinder your advancement.

Rather than looking to the outside for recognition - look inside instead.

Ask yourself - "Am I proud of what I am achieving right now?"

Only YOU know the answer to that question. All that prodding by other 'well meaning' friends and family about what you should do or how you should be, won't get you very far.

Unless you are true to yourself...unless you are really happy with yourself...unless you are truly confident about what you are doing with your life - then it won't make a blind bit of difference whether you succeed in the 'real world' or not.

Success comes from within and isn't measured in $ signs.

The $ signs only come once the inside has sorted itself out!

Do You Do What You Do For Yourself Or For Someone Else?

It's a strange thought...

I know that what I am typing now will not be seen by anybody for a while.

When I write I like to imagine a single person in front of me to whom I write. It stops me from being too impersonal like a lot of stuff I read online.

Ezine publishers tend to forget that, although your list may have 20,000 subscribers - only one person at a time is reading what you write!

What about you, my invisible friend?

Do you do what you do for yourself or for someone else?

- Do you dress the way you do because of what you think other people may say?
- Do you work in a job because you think that it is the 'safest' - but not because you enjoy it?
- Do you very rarely voice your honest opinion because you are frightened of how your comments will be taken?
- Do you hold yourself back because you believe that you won't live up to other peoples' expectations?

Wel...I'll tell you now - and tell you straight.

GET OVER IT!

You owe it to yourself to be yourself!

Do you really want to go through life wondering what it would have been like if you had really pushed yourself - and found out more about your life?

Waiting for other peoples' approval will mean that you are sacrificing YOURSELF because of others.

Life is too short and precious to worry about what other people think about - they're too busy worrying about what you think to notice!

Make the effort to be yourself - and you will certainly be rewarded by the feeling of intense satisfaction that you got from doing it - your way!

It's a strange thought... I

It's a strange thought...

I know that what I am typing now will not be seen by anybody for a while.

When I write I like to imagine a single person in front of me to whom I write. It stops me from being too impersonal like a lot of stuff I read online.

Ezine publishers tend to forget that, although your list may have 20,000 subscribers - only one person at a time is reading what you write!

What about you, my invisible friend?

Do you do what you do for yourself or for someone else?

- Do you dress the way you do because of what you think other people may say?
- Do you work in a job because you think that it is the 'safest' - but not because you enjoy it?
- Do you very rarely voice your honest opinion because you are frightened of how your comments will be taken?
- Do you hold yourself back because you believe that you won't live up to other peoples' expectations?

Wel...I'll tell you now - and tell you straight.

GET OVER IT!

You owe it to yourself to be yourself!

Do you really want to go through life wondering what it would have been like if you had really pushed yourself - and found out more about your life?

Waiting for other peoples' approval will mean that you are sacrificing YOURSELF because of others.

Life is too short and precious to worry about what other people think about - they're too busy worrying about what you think to notice!

Make the effort to be yourself - and you will certainly be rewarded by the feeling of intense satisfaction that you got from doing it - your way!