Success...One Day At A Time

The Joy Of The Power Of Momentum!

At last - it's finally finished!

After a 19 hour day yesterday (hence no diary)...I have finally managed to release the ebook version of "The Law of Success in Sixteen Lessons" by the late, great Napoleon Hill.

I have spent the best part of seven months on and off on a project that ended up being 1,170 pages long!

There were times where I wondered if it was worth it...but I always kept plugging away...even if it was a little, every single day!

Why?

Because I know what the power of momentum can do...and how it can literally cripple you if you stop moving forward.

Is there a 'big' task that you have to finish...yet never quite get around to?

We all have them...and some are more difficult to complete than others.

The secret is to turn it into a habit - just like checking your email has become in the last couple of years (who doesn't do it as soon as they turn on their computer?).

So...if you have a task, try to break it down into bitesize 'chunks'...and then 'nibble' away every single day (if possible).

And...make sure that you give yourself a reward (no matter how small) at the end of every little stage...it will help build a foundation of motivation (hey - that rhymes! lol)...for when you have those moments when you can't really be bothered anymore.

Try it...it works for me...and it might just work for you, too!

At last - it's

At last - it's finally finished!

After a 19 hour day yesterday (hence no diary)...I have finally managed to release the ebook version of "The Law of Success in Sixteen Lessons" by the late, great Napoleon Hill.

I have spent the best part of seven months on and off on a project that ended up being 1,170 pages long!

There were times where I wondered if it was worth it...but I always kept plugging away...even if it was a little, every single day!

Why?

Because I know what the power of momentum can do...and how it can literally cripple you if you stop moving forward.

Is there a 'big' task that you have to finish...yet never quite get around to?

We all have them...and some are more difficult to complete than others.

The secret is to turn it into a habit - just like checking your email has become in the last couple of years (who doesn't do it as soon as they turn on their computer?).

So...if you have a task, try to break it down into bitesize 'chunks'...and then 'nibble' away every single day (if possible).

And...make sure that you give yourself a reward (no matter how small) at the end of every little stage...it will help build a foundation of motivation (hey - that rhymes! lol)...for when you have those moments when you can't really be bothered anymore.

Try it...it works for me...and it might just work for you, too!

Are You In the 97% Who Don't Act On What They Know?

I have a dream...

A dream that I set myself apart from my peers on the Internet...and actually HELP people!

How?

- Through coaching...personal and group.
- Through accountability...both to myself and from you to me.
- Through interactivity...surveys, questions, forums etc.
- Through originality...and honesty.

So...that's enough about what I want to achieve...what about YOU?

The reason why I ask is that, although I've got up at 5 a.m. for four days on the trot...I am still 'fired up'!

Why?

Because I have something to aim for...focus on...push myself towards.

Well...what about you?

Are you more concerned with reading yesterday's news than learning more about what you can do for yourself?

Now...don't be offended.

I know that it's easier not to bother. I know, because I used to 'waste' my entire weekend with my head in a newspaper!

But...times-are-a-changing. Jobs for life won't even cover you to middle-age in dog years...the stock markets worldwide aren't going to generate enough income for your retirement...I could go on and on.

But...why the 'doom and gloom' you may ask...it's so unlike me!

Well...aside from being a positive person...I am also a realist who believes that, unless YOU do something about what you want to achieve with YOUR life...you will become another statistic.

You know the ones I mean...the 97% who don't act on what they know...the 65% who retire poor...those sort of statistics.

So...the ball is in your court...what are you going to do about it?

I have a dream... A

I have a dream...

A dream that I set myself apart from my peers on the Internet...and actually HELP people!

How?

- Through coaching...personal and group.
- Through accountability...both to myself and from you to me.
- Through interactivity...surveys, questions, forums etc.
- Through originality...and honesty.

So...that's enough about what I want to achieve...what about YOU?

The reason why I ask is that, although I've got up at 5 a.m. for four days on the trot...I am still 'fired up'!

Why?

Because I have something to aim for...focus on...push myself towards.

Well...what about you?

Are you more concerned with reading yesterday's news than learning more about what you can do for yourself?

Now...don't be offended.

I know that it's easier not to bother. I know, because I used to 'waste' my entire weekend with my head in a newspaper!

But...times-are-a-changing. Jobs for life won't even cover you to middle-age in dog years...the stock markets worldwide aren't going to generate enough income for your retirement...I could go on and on.

But...why the 'doom and gloom' you may ask...it's so unlike me!

Well...aside from being a positive person...I am also a realist who believes that, unless YOU do something about what you want to achieve with YOUR life...you will become another statistic.

You know the ones I mean...the 97% who don't act on what they know...the 65% who retire poor...those sort of statistics.

So...the ball is in your court...what are you going to do about it?

Why A Positive Attitude Is Useless Without This!

"It's your aptitude, not just your attitude that determines your ultimate altitude."
- Zig Ziglar

Part of the 'battle' of making more of your life is dealt with entirely in your head.

Everyone has ideas on how they can make progress...whether at home or at work...yet, most of the time, these ideas are just forgotten about.

Having a positive attitude goes some way towards rectifiying this as, if you are thinking positively and constructively about your 'problems', then you are automatically more aware of ways that you can move forward.

But...unfortunately, being positive is not enough on its own.

You need to follow up your positive attitude with some action!

You can be the most positive person in the world...yet still suffer constant defeat (as I know from experience)...because you don't actually apply what you have learned.

You can be a self-improvement or a seminar 'junkie' - and yet you still can't make things happen. Why?

Well...because you need to translate what you have learned into your life...and then work towards playing around with it until it works for you. It's no good just trying to copy someone else as they are an entirely different person from YOU.

So - keep positive, by all means...but make sure that you are working to build a solid foundation for your successful future in the meantime.

"It's your aptitude, not

"It's your aptitude, not just your attitude that determines your ultimate altitude."
- Zig Ziglar

Part of the 'battle' of making more of your life is dealt with entirely in your head.

Everyone has ideas on how they can make progress...whether at home or at work...yet, most of the time, these ideas are just forgotten about.

Having a positive attitude goes some way towards rectifiying this as, if you are thinking positively and constructively about your 'problems', then you are automatically more aware of ways that you can move forward.

But...unfortunately, being positive is not enough on its own.

You need to follow up your positive attitude with some action!

You can be the most positive person in the world...yet still suffer constant defeat (as I know from experience)...because you don't actually apply what you have learned.

You can be a self-improvement or a seminar 'junkie' - and yet you still can't make things happen. Why?

Well...because you need to translate what you have learned into your life...and then work towards playing around with it until it works for you. It's no good just trying to copy someone else as they are an entirely different person from YOU.

So - keep positive, by all means...but make sure that you are working to build a solid foundation for your successful future in the meantime.

Are You Thinking Quality?

Ever wondered why some people 'make it' whilst others exactly like them fail?

It's not because of their backgrounds.
It's not because of their education.
It's not because of how 'lucky' they are.

The ONLY distinction between you and anyone else is the quality of your thinking.

Let's take athletes as an example. Sure...there are undoubtedly some physical characteristics that make some people better runners than others etc...

But...

When you come down to the top 100 sprinters in the world - there are literally only 1/10ths of a second between #1 and #100.

So - what's the difference?

The difference is in how they think.

How they force themselves using their willpower to train that little bit harder...and longer.
How they focus their thinking and visualize winning BEFORE they actually race.
How they 'tune out' as they race.

And...there are undoubtedly many more factors that contribute to their success compared to the also-rans.

So...if we look to applying this concept in real life this means that if you want to be a success in your career...you need to :

Push yourself that little bit harder when you feel yourself slowing down.
Practice visualizing yourself carrying out the duties of the position you aspire to,
Learn how to concentrate solely on your current task...and not get distracted easily.

Apply just these three principles...and I guarantee that your career will begin to take off more quickly than you could ever imagine.

Try it for a month and see what happens. What have you got to lose?

Ever wondered why some people

Ever wondered why some people 'make it' whilst others exactly like them fail?

It's not because of their backgrounds.
It's not because of their education.
It's not because of how 'lucky' they are.

The ONLY distinction between you and anyone else is the quality of your thinking.

Let's take athletes as an example. Sure...there are undoubtedly some physical characteristics that make some people better runners than others etc...

But...

When you come down to the top 100 sprinters in the world - there are literally only 1/10ths of a second between #1 and #100.

So - what's the difference?

The difference is in how they think.

How they force themselves using their willpower to train that little bit harder...and longer.
How they focus their thinking and visualize winning BEFORE they actually race.
How they 'tune out' as they race.

And...there are undoubtedly many more factors that contribute to their success compared to the also-rans.

So...if we look to applying this concept in real life this means that if you want to be a success in your career...you need to :

Push yourself that little bit harder when you feel yourself slowing down.
Practice visualizing yourself carrying out the duties of the position you aspire to,
Learn how to concentrate solely on your current task...and not get distracted easily.

Apply just these three principles...and I guarantee that your career will begin to take off more quickly than you could ever imagine.

Try it for a month and see what happens. What have you got to lose?

Was That 'Lose Yourself'...Or Make More Of Yourself?

Lesley and I went to the cinema to see "8 Mile" which stars the rapper Eminem.

Surprisingly (to me, anyway)...the film is excellent...and so is Eminem!

Another surprise is that the film is peppered with lots of 'make more of yourself' type messages...as Eminem's characters realizes that he is throwing his life away.

It hits him that he has a talent that he is literally wasting by not making a serious effort to 'knuckle down' and make more of himself.

Excellent film (it has a 'tagline' of "Every Moment Is Another Chance". Excellent script. Excellent acting.

Although the film may not be to everyone's tastes...its message is universal.

Unless you make the best of what you have got...then you are always going to struggle chasing after things that you haven't.

I left the cinema with that 'feel good' feeling that I very rarely get these days. Life isn't about goodies vs baddies...it's about the battle you have between you and that voice between your ears!

Are you making the most of YOUR talents?

Lesley and I went to

Lesley and I went to the cinema to see "8 Mile" which stars the rapper Eminem.

Surprisingly (to me, anyway)...the film is excellent...and so is Eminem!

Another surprise is that the film is peppered with lots of 'make more of yourself' type messages...as Eminem's characters realizes that he is throwing his life away.

It hits him that he has a talent that he is literally wasting by not making a serious effort to 'knuckle down' and make more of himself.

Excellent film (it has a 'tagline' of "Every Moment Is Another Chance". Excellent script. Excellent acting.

Although the film may not be to everyone's tastes...its message is universal.

Unless you make the best of what you have got...then you are always going to struggle chasing after things that you haven't.

I left the cinema with that 'feel good' feeling that I very rarely get these days. Life isn't about goodies vs baddies...it's about the battle you have between you and that voice between your ears!

Are you making the most of YOUR talents?

It's Not How Much That's Important...But How Long?

"Time is the ultimate precious commodity"

It's the easiest mistake to make. You focus more on 'how much' instead of 'how long'.

What do I mean by that?

I mean that you focus on how much money something costs...rather than how much time it takes you.

So - you might baulk at paying $100 for an hour's coaching. But...what you don't realize is that the value you could get from 'short-circuiting' the success process of a top achiever would be worth much more than $100 to you in the long run.

It's something that I've spent a while trying to focus on recently (and I find it very hard! lol)

Delegation. That's the key!

Put it this way. I hate gardening and cutting my grass.

It could take me over an hour every couple of weeks just to mow my lawn. What more could I achieve in those hours that would take me closer to where I want to go?

Wouldn't it be better for me to pay a teenager $10 to cut my grass so that I can spend that hour listening to a tape of a top Internet marketer - the result of which I could make changes to my website that would certainly result in more than $10 of increased profits?

It's not an easy decision to make...after all...how do I know that I will get more than $10 back from the effort?

Well...wouldn't you work that little bit harder to make something happen if you knew that you were 'paying' for the privilege of focusing your energies?

I'll leave it up to you to decide if it's worth it!

"Time is the ultimate

"Time is the ultimate precious commodity"

It's the easiest mistake to make. You focus more on 'how much' instead of 'how long'.

What do I mean by that?

I mean that you focus on how much money something costs...rather than how much time it takes you.

So - you might baulk at paying $100 for an hour's coaching. But...what you don't realize is that the value you could get from 'short-circuiting' the success process of a top achiever would be worth much more than $100 to you in the long run.

It's something that I've spent a while trying to focus on recently (and I find it very hard! lol)

Delegation. That's the key!

Put it this way. I hate gardening and cutting my grass.

It could take me over an hour every couple of weeks just to mow my lawn. What more could I achieve in those hours that would take me closer to where I want to go?

Wouldn't it be better for me to pay a teenager $10 to cut my grass so that I can spend that hour listening to a tape of a top Internet marketer - the result of which I could make changes to my website that would certainly result in more than $10 of increased profits?

It's not an easy decision to make...after all...how do I know that I will get more than $10 back from the effort?

Well...wouldn't you work that little bit harder to make something happen if you knew that you were 'paying' for the privilege of focusing your energies?

I'll leave it up to you to decide if it's worth it!

Life Should Be An Experience...Not A Trauma

I've been to the funeral of one of Lesley's uncles today.

Although he had a full life until he died (he was 60) - it was a sad occasion.

But should it be?

Over the last year or so - I have opened my mind to a lot more of the 'spiritual' side of success. For someone who is not religious in the slightest - this is certainly a big jump forward for me.

I've come to realise that:

Life is for living...and not just getting by.
Life is about taking chances...and relying on your own potential to pull you through.
Life is about going the extra mile...and literally dragging yourself forward.

In short - life should be an experience...and not a trauma!

My aim is to try to find out as much as I can about ME - and how I can use MY potential to enhance my experiences.

What about you?

Are you looking at life as a stuggle...a chore...a stressful existence? Or are you looking at it as fun...a challenge...an exciting experience?

I've always said that life is too short to be miserable...and today's sad events had proved that to me even more.

We all 'go' one day...so why don't you make the most of enjoying the GOOD things about who you are...and who you can be?

Don't go your grave wishing that it all could have been different...it will be too late by then.

I've been to the funeral

I've been to the funeral of one of Lesley's uncles today.

Although he had a full life until he died (he was 60) - it was a sad occasion.

But should it be?

Over the last year or so - I have opened my mind to a lot more of the 'spiritual' side of success. For someone who is not religious in the slightest - this is certainly a big jump forward for me.

I've come to realise that:

Life is for living...and not just getting by.
Life is about taking chances...and relying on your own potential to pull you through.
Life is about going the extra mile...and literally dragging yourself forward.

In short - life should be an experience...and not a trauma!

My aim is to try to find out as much as I can about ME - and how I can use MY potential to enhance my experiences.

What about you?

Are you looking at life as a stuggle...a chore...a stressful existence? Or are you looking at it as fun...a challenge...an exciting experience?

I've always said that life is too short to be miserable...and today's sad events had proved that to me even more.

We all 'go' one day...so why don't you make the most of enjoying the GOOD things about who you are...and who you can be?

Don't go your grave wishing that it all could have been different...it will be too late by then.

The Message And The Big Red Dog

"Believe In Yourself."

An excellent point, don't you think? Well...it may surprise you that I heard this statement whilst Katie was watching one of her children's programmes on TV - "Clifford, The Big Red Dog"!

It's such a shame that as we jump from our childhood years to our teenage years...our self-belief takes a battering. We suddenly realize that we can't have anything we want whenever we want it...and find out that there are a lot of school 'bullies' around to crush any belief in ourselves we may have.

And...it doesn't stop there.

In the rush to get out to work and make a career for ourselves...we find that we never quite measure up to our best competitor. We know that we will never, ever, be promoted to a place where we can turn around to people and be proud to say what we have achieved.

But...it doesn't have to be that way!

The only thing that stops you from getting where you want to go is YOU! If you believe that you will never 'make it' - then your wishes will come true!

But...on the other side of the coin...if you can believe that you have unique talents that NOBODY on this entire planet has...then you can start to look at ways at which you can use that belief to make your mark on this world.

Sure - belief on it's own won't make you successful...but I can certainly guarantee that without it - you never will be!

"Believe In Yourself." An

"Believe In Yourself."

An excellent point, don't you think? Well...it may surprise you that I heard this statement whilst Katie was watching one of her children's programmes on TV - "Clifford, The BIg Red Dog"!

It's such a shame that as we jump from our childhood years to our teenage years...our self-belief takes a battering. We suddenly realize that we can't have anything we want whenever we want it...and find out that there are a lot of school 'bullies' around to crush any belief in ourselves we may have.

And...it doesn't stop there.

In the rush to get out to work and make a career for ourselves...we find that we never quite measure up to our best competitor. We know that we will never, ever, be promoted to a place where we can turn around to people and be proud to say what we have achieved.

But...it doesn't have to be that way!

The only thing that stops you from getting where you want to go is YOU! If you believe that you will never 'make it' - then your wishes will come true!

But...on the other side of the coin...if you can believe that you have unique talents that NOBODY on this entire planet has...then you can start to look at ways at which you can use that belief to make your mark on this world.

Sure - belief on it's own won't make you successful...but I can certainly guarantee that without it - you never will be!

Listen, Learn...Then Act!

It's funny...

Having to learn how to be an online marketer as well as ezine publisher, ebook author, and webmaster certainly stretches you!

But...I can honestly say that I know at least 100 times more about each 'facet' of my new abilities than I did only a year ago.

Sure - I read a lot. But then again...I also have to write a lot!

I was chatting to a 'newbie' on the phone yesterday evening and, after I was finished, I realised that I do know A LOT about how to do this 'stuff' on the Internet! Not enough to make a very good living out of it (yet)...but I have the building blocks in place.

Why? Because I listen...and learn from those marketers who are already successful (most of the time!).

For example, I had always heard about the financial benefits of an 'upsell'...basically offering a higher price combination of products to someone once they had already made up their mind to buy the original item.

50% of the buyers on "The Science of Success" website do exactly that...and I've probably made an extra few hundred dollars in six months from it.

All because I listened, learned, then acted!

This three step process for copying those who are where you want to be is a good starting point for setting yourself realistic targets in any line of work...be it your own business...or your career.

Everyone does the listening bit.
A small percentage actually makes a note of what they have just learned.
And an extremely small number of people actually take what they have listened to and learned...and shape it to fit their own business.

It's not easy. It doesn't always work.

But...if I can make two or three separate lots of a few hundred (or even a few thousand) dollars every year because I applied something someone else was doing successfully - then I will be very happy!

And...if you did the same with all the personal development books you read...or tapes you listen to...then, without a doubt, your life will have changed beyond your expectations by this time next year!

It's funny... Having to learn

It's funny...

Having to learn how to be an online marketer as well as ezine publisher, ebook author, and webmaster certainly stretches you!

But...I can honestly say that I know at least 100 times more about each 'facet' of my new abilities than I did only a year ago.

Sure - I read a lot. But then again...I also have to write a lot!

I was chatting to a 'newbie' on the phone yesterday evening and, after I was finished, I realised that I do know A LOT about how to do this 'stuff' on the Internet! Not enough to make a very good living out of it (yet)...but I have the building blocks in place.

Why? Because I listen...and learn from those marketers who are already successful (most of the time!).

For example, I had always heard about the financial benefits of an 'upsell'...basically offering a higher price combination of products to someone once they had already made up their mind to buy the original item.

50% of the buyers on "The Science of Success" website do exactly that...and I've probably made an extra few hundred dollars in six months from it.

All because I listened, learned, then acted!

This three step process for copying those who are where you want to be is a good starting point for setting yourself realistic targets in any line of work...be it your own business...or your career.

Everyone does the listening bit.
A small percentage actually makes a note of what they have just learned.
And an extremely small number of people actually take what they have listened to and learned...and shape it to fit their own business.

It's not easy. It doesn't always work.

But...if I can make two or three separate lots of a few hundred (or even a few thousand) dollars every year because I applied something someone else was doing successfully - then I will be very happy!

And...if you did the same with all the personal development books you read...or tapes you listen to...then, without a doubt, your life will have changed beyond your expectations by this time next year!

There's Nothing Magical About Success

Every Thursday I have a task.

A task to write most of my ezine in time for the Friday edition.

Most weeks I haven't got the faintest idea about what I'm going to write.

It was the same today!

But...I find that once I get started I usually can find something to 'ramble' on about! (A bit like this, really! lol)

And guess what?

The article that I have written for tomorrow's issue is probably one of, if not the, best one that I have ever written!

It just goes to show that there is nothing 'magical' about how you achieve things in life.

YOU already have the abilities you require to get yourself to where you want to go. Guaranteed!

The problem is that, most of the time, you probably don't realise that your mind, when given a task or a problem to solve...will help you in inspirational ways that you couldn't possibly imagine!

We all suffer from self-doubt...and a lack of serious belief in ourselves.

It's about time that you threw the challenge down to your subsconcious...

Ask for inspiration...and you will certainly be surprised about what will come your way!

Every Thursday I have a

Every Thursday I have a task.

A task to write most of my ezine in time for the Friday edition.

Most weeks I haven't got the faintest idea about what I'm going to write.

It was the same today!

But...I find that once I get started I usually can find something to 'ramble' on about! (A bit like this, really! lol)

And guess what?

The article that I have written for tomorrow's issue is probably one of, if not the, best one that I have ever written!

It just goes to show that there is nothing 'magical' about how you achieve things in life.

YOU already have the abilities you require to get yourself to where you want to go. Guaranteed!

The problem is that, most of the time, you probably don't realise that your mind, when given a task or a problem to solve...will help you in inspirational ways that you couldn't possibly imagine!

We all suffer from self-doubt...and a lack of serious belief in ourselves.

It's about time that you threw the challenge down to your subsconcious...

Ask for inspiration...and you will certainly be surprised about what will come your way!

Go On...You Tell That Little Nagging Voice In Your Head...

I've had a very interesting day...

First...I spent an hour giving some marketing 'advice' to my brother, Mark, this afternoon.

"So what?" you might say.

Well...perhaps for the first time I realised that I do actually have a 'talent' for marketing...something which has perhaps held me back in the past.

Then...I spend an hour and a half on the phone with my mentor, Mitch Axelrod...and, once again surprised myself by doing some informal 'coaching' of my own on him! lol

Then...I spent another hour with my eldest brother, Paul, talking about the best way for him to 'bluff' his way through a staff motivation seminar he is going on tomorrow.

What surprised was that a) he even bothered to ask, b) I actually enjoyed the process, and c) I actually sounded as if I knew what I was talking about!

So what's that got to do with you?

Well...I've just proved that I can do at least three things I didn't believe I could - in one day!

It just proves how our thoughts hold us back where 'getting on' is concerned. I could have easily have side-stepped some of the questions that I have had today...and stayed where I was...but I didn't.

And...I've benefited tremendously from the process!

So - what can YOU do today to prove to that little nagging voice in your head that you CAN do something that it thinks you can't?

I've had a very interesting

I've had a very interesting day...

First...I spent an hour giving some marketing 'advice' to my brother, Mark, this afternoon.

"So what?" you might say.

Well...perhaps for the first time I realised that I do actually have a 'talent' for marketing...something which has perhaps held me back in the past.

Then...I spend an hour and a half on the phone with my mentor, Mitch Axelrod...and, once again surprised myself by doing some informal 'coaching' of my own on him! lol

Then...I spent another hour with my eldest brother, Paul, talking about the best way for him to 'bluff' his way through a staff motivation seminar he is going on tomorrow.

What surprised was that a) he even bothered to ask, b) I actually enjoyed the process, and c) I actually sounded as if I knew what I was talking about!

So what's that got to do with you?

Well...I've just proved that I can do at least three things I didn't believe I could - in one day!

It just proves how our thoughts hold us back where 'getting on' is concerned. I could have easily have side-stepped some of the questions that I have had today...and stayed where I was...but I didn't.

And...I've benefited tremendously from the process!

So - what can YOU do today to prove to that little nagging voice in your head that you CAN do something that it thinks you can't?

Lessons From An Annoyed, But Dutiful Husband...And Those Shops!

I realised something today.

I don't like shopping!

For years I have dutifully followed Lesley from clothes shop to clothes shop...and from changing room to changing room.

I always did so because I thought that I SHOULD...dutiful husband stuff and all that.

But...today I realised that I didn't have to do something if I didn't want to. It's not always an easy decision to make...believe me!

So - from today...

If I don't want to go shopping...I won't.
If I don't want to go over my in-laws for dinner...I won't.
If I don't want to watch some rubbish TV program...I won't.

Now - this may seem harsh - after all life IS about 'give and take'.

But...why should I do something that makes ME unhappy?

Trying to do something for 'appearances' sake is not a good enough excuse for me from now on, I'm afraid.

There are only so many hours in a day - so why waste them on something that you don't have to do!

I realised something today. I

I realised something today.

I don't like shopping!

For years I have dutifully followed Lesley from clothes shop to clothes shop...and from changing room to changing room.

I always did so because I thought that I SHOULD...dutiful husband stuff and all that.

But...today I realised that I didn't have to do something if I didn't want to. It's not always an easy decision to make...believe me!

So - from today...

If I don't want to go shopping...I won't.
If I don't want to go over my in-laws for dinner...I won't.
If I don't want to watch some rubbish TV program...I won't.

Now - this may seem harsh - after all life IS about 'give and take'.

But...why should I do something that makes ME unhappy?

Trying to do something for 'appearances' sake is not a good enough excuse for me from now on, I'm afraid.

There are only so many hours in a day - so why waste them on something that you don't have to do!

One Hundred And Fifty Year Old Words Of Wisdom

I subscribe to literally hundreds of ezines...and today I happened to find this quote... (in a ezine about selling ad space of all things!)

"It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money -- that is all.

If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that...you may as well pay for something better."
John Ruskin (1816-1900)

Fascinating, eh? It's even more unbelievable that these words of wisdom are probably over 150 years old!

It doesn't matter whether you are buying a newspaper, a house, or 'buying' into the latest success technique.

You get what you pay for.

If you go for the cheapest option then you'll more than likely end up 'unlucky'.

Commit to something only half-hearted - and you're guaranteed a half-hearted return on your 'investment'.

Remember...there are NEVER any short-cuts. The best route to success is NEVER the shortest...because the more you learn along the way - the more you'll be able to achieve further along the way!

I subscribe to literally hundreds

I subscribe to literally hundreds of ezines...and today I happened to find this quote... (in a ezine about selling ad space of all things!)

"It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money -- that is all.

If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that...you may as well pay for something better."
John Ruskin (1816-1900)

Fascinating, eh? It's even more unbelievable that these words of wisdom are probably over 150 years old!

It doesn't matter whether you are buying a newspaper, a house, or 'buying' into the latest success technique.

You get what you pay for.

If you go for the cheapest option then you'll more than likely end up 'unlucky'.

Commit to something only half-hearted - and you're guaranteed a half-hearted return on your 'investment'.

Remember...there are NEVER any short-cuts. The best route to success is NEVER the shortest...because the more you learn along the way - the more you'll be able to achieve further along the way!

It's A Vacuum...Not A Hoover!

It's Sunday night...

...and I've spent most of the day clearing out the drawers and cupboards in my home office.

Why?

Well...it's for a very good reason.

Nature hates a vacuum. So - when a 'space' opens up...it rushes to fill it.

Now - you may think that I've lost the plot...but I have read so much about this concept lately that I though that it was about time that I actually tried it!

After all - what use are piles of papers that haven't been read for a few weeks or months?

It's easier to say to yourself that you might need one single piece of information from them - and stop yourself from throwing them away. So - I was feeling a little 'cluttered' - so I have had a BIG clear out! lol

Try it. Do the same with your wardrobe (that's next on my agenda).

After all - have YOU ever seen a wardrobe only HALF full of clothes?

If nothing else - at least you can make yourself feel good by donating the lot to your favorite charity!

It's Sunday night... ...and I've

It's Sunday night...

...and I've spent most of the day clearing out the drawers and cupboards in my home office.

Why?

Well...it's for a very good reason.

Nature hates a vacuum. So - when a 'space' opens up...it rushes to fill it.

Now - you may think that I've lost the plot...but I have read so much about this concept lately that I though that it was about time that I actually tried it!

After all - what use are piles of papers that haven't been read for a few weeks or months?

It's easier to say to yourself that you might need one single piece of information from them - and stop yourself from throwing them away. So - I was feeling a little 'cluttered' - so I have had a BIG clear out! lol

Try it. Do the same with your wardrobe (that's next on my agenda).

After all - have YOU ever seen a wardrobe only HALF full of clothes?

If nothing else - at least you can make yourself feel good by donating the lot to your favorite charity!

Why Success Really Is Timeless

I am currently writing the website copy for my newest project - The Law Of Success in Sixteen Lessons by Napoleon Hill.

It's hard to believe that it was released seventy-five years ago...and I'd guess at least 90% of it is STILL totally relevant today.

I'm going through, chapter by chapter...so that I can pull out the benefits to put on the website. It makes ME want to buy it...just by reading what I've written!

What's the lesson that you can learn here?

Well...(like marketing, for example)...it shows that 'success' - however you define it - is timeless.

The power of the mind is such that, even though it has much more to 'take-in' nowadays...it still requires the same basic processes to enable it to 'generate' success!

What this means is that the answer to more success in your life doesn't necessarily exist in the latest book or tape set - it lies dormant, somewhere inside your head...just waiting to be re-awakened with some serious creativity followed by action.

So - what are you waiting for?

I am currently writing the

I am currently writing the website copy for my newest project - The Law Of Success in Sixteen Lessons by Napoleon Hill.

It's hard to believe that it was released seventy-five years ago...and I'd guess at least 90% of it is STILL totally relevant today.

I'm going through, chapter by chapter...so that I can pull out the benefits to put on the website. It makes ME want to buy it...just by reading what I've written!

What's the lesson that you can learn here?

Well...(like marketing, for example)...it shows that 'success' - however you define it - is timeless.

The power of the mind is such that, even though it has much more to 'take-in' nowadays...it still requires the same basic processes to enable it to 'generate' success!

What this means is that the answer to more success in your life doesn't necessarily exist in the latest book or tape set - it lies dormant, somewhere inside your head...just waiting to be re-awakened with some serious creativity followed by action.

So - what are you waiting for?

Are You Thinking About What You Think About?

The more that I think and write about success...the more I come across the 'signs'.

Take today, for example...

I was tidying up this week's issue of my ezine, generally checking for spelling etc.

Whilst I was doing that I was listening to an interview from one of those internet 'radio' shows.

All of a sudden...it jumped out at me...

The guy said something that made me feel a tingle down my spine.

He mentioned that someone said that you should "think about what you think about". Not an 'original' idea, I grant you...but what shook me was what I myself had written just a few hours previously and was now looking at:

"...think about what you're thinking about!"

So - would YOU take this as a 'sign' that you were on the right track? Or would you just put it down as a coincidence?

I know what I WOULD have done...just a few months ago...but now I LOOK for signs like that. I use my instinct.

Coincidence...whether you believe it or not...happens for a reason.

The hard part is tuning your mind to accepting it!

The more that I think

The more that I think and write about success...the more I come across the 'signs'.

Take today, for example...

I was tidying up this week's issue of my ezine, generally checking for spelling etc.

Whilst I was doing that I was listening to an interview from one of those internet 'radio' shows.

All of a sudden...it jumped out at me...

The guy said something that made me feel a tingle down my spine.

He mentioned that someone said that you should "think about what you think about". Not an 'original' idea, I grant you...but what shook me was what I myself had written just a few hours previously and was now looking at:

"...think about what you're thinking about!"

So - would YOU take this as a 'sign' that you were on the right track? Or would you just put it down as a coincidence?

I know what I WOULD have done...just a few months ago...but now I LOOK for signs like that. I use my instinct.

Coincidence...whether you believe it or not...happens for a reason.

The hard part is tuning your mind to accepting it!

If It Ain't Broke - Don't Fix It!

I made a discovery today.

I realise that I can use my time more efficiently if I concentrate!

It's not rocket science if it?

It's easy to 'kick back' when you shouldn't.
It's easy to put off something until it becomes urgent.
It's easy to work only to a level that is 'comfortable'.

But...I achieved a lot today because I made sure that I was distracted as little as possible. Simply, really!

Or is it?

I have a tendency to 'multi-task' when I write. I have music or even audio books or teleconferences going on in the background whilst I work.

Sometimes I find myself 'drifting' between the audio and MY output.

Yet...other times - the audio compliments what I am writing. You see...writing isn't all that difficult (if I can churn out something like this most days - I've proved it!)...and a lot of it comes down to inspiration.

Today I had some Baroque music in the background (with some subliminal commands that I recorded myself 'underneath' it). And...it helped my creativity and concentration.

But that's not always the case...I'll have some pop music going all day long...especially if I need some motivation!

So - really, it's 'horses for courses' where concentration is concerned.

So - if rock music works for you - it works for YOU! It's yet another one of those fallacies where success is concerned.

Remember - "If it ain't broke - don't fix it!"

I made a discovery today.

I made a discovery today.

I realise that I can use my time more efficiently if I concentrate!

It's not rocket science if it?

It's easy to 'kick back' when you shouldn't.
It's easy to put off something until it becomes urgent.
It's easy to work only to a level that is 'comfortable'.

But...I achieved a lot today because I made sure that I was distracted as little as possible. Simply, really!

Or is it?

I have a tendency to 'multi-task' when I write. I have music or even audio books or teleconferences going on in the background whilst I work.

Sometimes I find myself 'drifting' between the audio and MY output.

Yet...other times - the audio compliments what I am writing. You see...writing isn't all that difficult (if I can churn out something like this most days - I've proved it!)...and a lot of it comes down to inspiration.

Today I had some Baroque music in the background (with some subliminal commands that I recorded myself 'underneath' it). And...it helped my creativity and concentration.

But that's not always the case...I'll have some pop music going all day long...especially if I need some motivation!

So - really, it's 'horses for courses' where concentration is concerned.

So - if rock music works for you - it works for YOU! It's yet another one of those fallacies where success is concerned.

Remember - "If it ain't broke - don't fix it!"

Those Mistakes...And The Korgis

"Everybody's gotta learn sometime..."

If you're sad like me, you'll know that this is a title of a 'one hit wonder' song from the 1980's by a group called The Korgis!

It got me thinking...

The only way that we really learn is from our mistakes.

It makes sense, doesn't it? After all - if everything always went 'according to plan' you would never know what was good or bad, right or wrong, exciting or depressing.

Are you one of those people for whom failure at anything means 'the end of the world'?

It's no shame if you are...I know many people whose lives almost fall apart at the first sign of losing money or because of some mess up.

Failure is temporary. Once it's happened, it's happened!

As long as you learn WHY it didn't work - then there will be no need for you to 'go there' again.

Just because you fail at something doesn't mean that you are a FAILURE!

So - something went wrong. So what! It doesn't mean that you aren't incapable of turning it around the next time is it?

It is difficult to get out of a rut...but only because YOU put yourself there. As the saying goes - "One swallow doesn't make a summer".

And, therefore - one failure doesn't mean disaster...as long as you actually LEARN from it!

"Everybody's gotta learn sometime..."

"Everybody's gotta learn sometime..."

If you're sad like me, you'll know that this is a title of a 'one hit wonder' song from the 1980's by a group called The Korgis!

It got me thinking...

The only way that we really learn is from our mistakes.

It makes sense, doesn't it? After all - if everything always went 'according to plan' you would never know what was good or bad, right or wrong, exciting or depressing.

Are you one of those people for whom failure at anything means 'the end of the world'?

It's no shame if you are...I know many people whose lives almost fall apart at the first sign of losing money or because of some mess up.

Failure is temporary. Once it's happened, it's happened!

As long as you learn WHY it didn't work - then there will be no need for you to 'go there' again.

Just because you fail at something doesn't mean that you are a FAILURE!

So - something went wrong. So what! It doesn't mean that you aren't incapable of turning it around the next time is it?

It is difficult to get out of a rut...but only because YOU put yourself there. As the saying goes - "One swallow doesn't make a summer".

And, therefore - one failure doesn't mean disaster...as long as you actually LEARN from it!

Creating Targets Without A Clue Of Where They Are...Now That Is Fun!

I've just been listening to an Internet marketing audio, and I heard the following piece of advice -

"Find the market before you produce your product."

Now...this is a very true statement that most people ignore when they are attempting to get online.

But what has it got to do with success? I bet you're wondering.

EVERYTHING!

It's the same where success is concerned!

Unless you don't know where you want to go, and how you intend to get there...it's pointless trying to 'create' targets for yourself.

Most people are too busy looking for the 'quick fix' that they forget that must KNOW what they are trying to achieve overall!

So you want to be your company's CEO? Are you prepared to put in the necessary hours of extra work - and perhaps years of study for an MBA?
Do you want to start your own business? Are you prepared to work evenings for a couple of years to build up your business to the point that you can leave your 9-5?

The idea is that you need to be 'congruent' - meaning that what you are aiming for now should be consistent with where you want to be.

Think about it.

Are you building foundations for a future that you don't really want?

I've just been listening to

I've just been listening to an Internet marketing audio, and I heard the following piece of advice -

"Find the market before you produce your product."

Now...this is a very true statement that most people ignore when they are attempting to get online.

But what has it got to do with success? I bet you're wondering.

EVERYTHING!

It's the same where success is concerned!

Unless you don't know where you want to go, and how you intend to get there...it's pointless trying to 'create' targets for yourself.

Most people are too busy looking for the 'quick fix' that they forget that must KNOW what they are trying to achieve overall!

So you want to be your company's CEO? Are you prepared to put in the necessary hours of extra work - and perhaps years of study for an MBA?
Do you want to start your own business? Are you prepared to work evenings for a couple of years to build up your business to the point that you can leave your 9-5?

The idea is that you need to be 'congruent' - meaning that what you are aiming for now should be consistent with where you want to be.

Think about it.

Are you building foundations for a future that you don't really want?

Why You Should Focus On What You CAN Do...And Not What You Can't

"It's not who you think you are that holds you back...but what you think you're not."

Apologies to the author of this quote - but I can't remember where I read it recently.

This quote is going to be my 'mantra' for 2003.

Every time I think that I can't do something because.....then I will remind myself of this quote.

YOU have the power.
YOU have the ability.
YOU have control.

All YOU need is to challenge yourself into pushing your boundaries...and expanding your world.

I KNOW that it's not easy...but I know that it's certainly worth it.

Last month I stepped outside of my comfort zone for a few hours. And made $500!

But...more important than the money was the experience...the experience of KNOWING that I can now do something that I feared.

Also - when my mind next tries to put a block on me doing more of the same...it will have a lot less power over me.

So...focus on what you CAN do...and not what you can't. Believe me - it's well worth it!

"It's not who you

"It's not who you think you are that holds you back...but what you think you're not."

Apologies to the author of this quote - but I can't remember where I read it recently.

This quote is going to be my 'mantra' for 2003.

Every time I think that I can't do something because.....then I will remind myself of this quote.

YOU have the power.
YOU have the ability.
YOU have control.

All YOU need is to challenge yourself into pushing your boundaries...and expanding your world.

I KNOW that it's not easy...but I know that it's certainly worth it.

Last month I stepped outside of my comfort zone for a few hours. And made $500!

But...more important than the money was the experience...the experience of KNOWING that I can now do something that I feared.

Also - when my mind next tries to put a block on me doing more of the same...it will have a lot less power over me.

So...focus on what you CAN do...and not what you can't. Believe me - it's well worth it!

Is Tithing The Secret To Success?

There was a big headline in the newspapers today...

Apparently, the British 'rock/pop' group - Coldplay, have set up a scheme to automatically take 10% off of ALL of their earnings...before they even see it!

Why?

For investments in stocks? For property? For their families?

Nope.

They are setting up a fund to allocate this 10% of their earnings to their favorite CHARITIES. Based on last year's earnings - that could well be in the region of £500,000 ($800,000).

Now...isn't this another fantastic example of how successful people are TITHING their way to success?

That's now two completely different examples in less than a week.

Makes you think, doesn't it? Perhaps they know something that we don't?

There was a big headline

There was a big headline in the newspapers today...

Apparently, the British 'rock/pop' group - Coldplay, have set up a scheme to automatically take 10% off of ALL of their earnings...before they even see it!

Why?

For investments in stocks? For property? For their families?

Nope.

They are setting up a fund to allocate this 10% of their earnings to their favorite CHARITIES. Based on last year's earnings - that could well be in the region of £500,000 ($800,000).

Now...isn't this another fantastic example of how successful people are TITHING their way to success?

That's now two completly different examples in less than a week.

Makes you think, doesn't it? Perhaps they know something that we don't?

The Rewarding Way To Motivate Yourself

Do you reward yourself when you achieve something?

I never used to...but I did today.

I've learned that we spend so much time on the actual completion of a task that we forget to reward ourselves for the effort we put in to make it happen.

Well...I've been working for the last two months on a huge 'manual' task for a new ebook of mine...and today, I finally 'cracked it'!

So - I rewarded myself with a pizza!

It may not seem like much - but it was something that I really fancied having that I probably wouldn't have done...and, if anything, getting it was a symbolic gesture to reward myself for all the effort that I had put in.

And, guess what...it was THE best pizza I had tasted in a very long time!

It's easy to just carry on to the next task when you finish the current one - like a hamster on a wheel...and then wonder why you get fed up a couple of weeks down the line when you start to feel burned out.

So - you have my permission...when you complete the next reasonable size task or challenge - make sure that you give yourself a little reward!

You deserve it!

Do you reward yourself when

Do you reward yourself when you achieve something?

I never used to...but I did today.

I've learned that we spend so much time on the actual completion of a task that we forget to reward ourselves for the effort we put in to make it happen.

Well...I've been working for the last two months on a huge 'manual' task for a new ebook of mine...and today, I finally 'cracked it'!

So - I rewarded myself with a pizza!

It may not seem like much - but it was something that I really fancied having that I probably wouldn't have done...and, if anything, getting it was a symbolic gesture to reward myself for all the effort that I had put in.

And, guess what...it was THE best pizza I had tasted in a very long time!

It's easy to just carry on to the next task when you finish the current one - like a hamster on a wheel...and then wonder why you get fed up a couple of weeks down the line when you start to feel burned out.

So - you have my permission...when you complete the next reasonable size task or challenge - make sure that you give yourself a little reward!

You deserve it!

Hey...You May Be A Cynic...But This Stuff Works!

As I mentioned a couple of days ago...I am 'practicing' positive thinking.

Over the last few months I have been taking on board a lot of stuff about how what you think about becomes real.

Something today went a little way towards that fact in my eyes.

Here's what happened...

Our washing machine 'dial' has broken off...and Lesley has to hold it back on every time she needs to turn to whatever program she needs to wash on.

The machine works fine apart from this very simple (but very annoying) task that needs doing every time.

So...usually this dial just lays around somewhere near the machine.

Over Christmas and the New Year washing clothes obviously takes a back seat...so it wasn't until this morning that Lesley wanted catch up.

The dial was missing! It was nowhere to be found...Lesley searched 'high and low' for it (even our dustbins) - and the doubts began to set in.

Perhaps it had been thrown away during a busy Christmas? Perhaps we'd better look at buying a new machine?

So...I did what any man would do...I went out to buy my newspaper! lol

But...on the way there and on the way back I said quietly to myself...

"Thank you for showing me where the washing machine dial is."

I returned and it still wasn't found. So...I thought that I might as well make a cup of tea in the meantime!

Well...whilst I was in the kitchen...I thought to look in a cupboard for myself...knowing full well that Lesley had already done so.

On the top shelf of one was a little plastic box without a lid where Katie's hair clips and bands are piled up. Without looking...I put my hand in and rummaged around a bit...and found the washing machine dial! And...within less than 30 seconds of walking through the front door!

How it got in there is a mystery...but how I found it isn't a mystery to ME.

You may think that it was just lucky...but I KNOW otherwise!

As I mentioned a couple

As I mentioned a couple of days ago...I am 'practicing' positive thinking.

Over the last few months I have been taking on board a lot of stuff about how what you think about becomes real.

Something today went a little way towards that fact in my eyes.

Here's what happened...

Our washing machine 'dial' has broken off...and Lesley has to hold it back on every time she needs to turn to whatever program she needs to wash on.

The machine works fine apart from this very simple (but very annoying) task that needs doing every time.

So...usually this dial just lays around somewhere near the machine.

Over Christmas and the New Year washing clothes obviously takes a back seat...so it wasn't until this morning that Lesley wanted catch up.

The dial was missing! It was nowhere to be found...Lesley searched 'high and low' for it (even our dustbins) - and the doubts began to set in.

Perhaps it had been thrown away during a busy Christmas? Perhaps we'd better look at buying a new machine?

So...I did what any man would do...I went out to buy my newspaper! lol

But...on the way there and on the way back I said quietly to myself...

"Thank you for showing me where the washing machine dial is."

I returned and it still wasn't found. So...I thought that I might as well make a cup of tea in the meantime!

Well...whilst I was in the kitchen...I thought to look in a cupboard for myself...knowing full well that Lesley had already done so.

On the top shelf of one was a little plastic box without a lid where Katie's hair clips and bands are piled up. Without looking...I put my hand in and rummaged around a bit...and found the washing machine dial! And...within less than 30 seconds of walking through the front door!

How it got in there is a mystery...but how I found it isn't a mystery to ME.

You may think that it was just lucky...but I KNOW otherwise!