From Famished To Famous - A Great Goals Success Story

Here's a great article submitted by The Fire Flies For The Heart
Organization. Enjoy

She's On Her Way!

Eilleen was born in the tiny town of Timmons, Ontario in Canada.
She grew up used to bitter cold and a gnawing stomach. There
were days on end when bread and milk was the entire diet for her
and her 3 younger siblings. She learned to hide her poverty and
hunger from friends at school but it didn't ease the suffering.

About the only thing that could do that was her music. When life
was more than she could handle she would retreat to her bedroom
with her guitar, singing and writing until her fingers ached. The
music fed her soul even while her stomach was growling.

Her talent was recognized early and this little tomboy was shuttled
all over to perform in clubs, bars, and anywhere else they could
get her booked to make some extra money. Yet Eilleen never
really thought music was her future.

When she could no longer stand the poverty she managed to
convince her mother to leave their father and head for Toronto.
The shelter they stayed in for a long time provided the first regular
meals she had ever experienced.

Eilleen got her first job when she was 14, working at a McDonalds.
Later, she spent summers working as the foreman of a dozen-man
reforestation crew in the Canadian bush, where she learned to
wield an axe and handle a chain saw as well as any man. She was
tough because she had to be tough.

Then things got tougher. Both parents were killed in an auto
wreck and suddenly she was the parent to her siblings. She
managed to survive by getting a job singing at a local resort. The
experience was invaluable - giving her exposure to every aspect of
theatrical performance. It prepared her for what was to come.
In 1990, her siblings were grown and 23 year old Eillen was on her
own. The first thing she did was change her first name to an
Ojibway Indian name meaning "I'm on my way".

Shania Twain was indeed on her way. She has turned the world of
Country/Pop music upside down, winning many awards along the
way. Unless you live on another planet, you have probably heard
of her!

One of her songs really sums it up. She has this to say about the
irresistible I'm Gonna Getcha Good! "There is a typical Shania
attitude in the lyric, a definite female confidence. It's all about a
girl who knows what she wants, she not only knows how to get it,
but she's going to get it good."

All of us make a choice everyday how we are going to live our
lives. No one would have been surprised if little Eilleen had simply
become another person sunk in poverty - trapped by the reality of
a hard life.

Shania Twain, however, saw her future differently. She was not
content to stay where she was - determined to pay whatever price
necessary to achieve her dreams. Each hard thing did nothing but
strengthen her resolve and determination, teaching her how to
press through to success!

She learned to do the hard things. She learned how to spot
opportunity in every situation. She learned how to ask for what
she wanted - and just keep asking until she got where she
wanted to be. She learned how to fail, then pick herself back up
and do it again.

As Shania has now shown you the way to success...and now as
you create your own success, remember that you will succeed if
you choose to keep on trying!
______________________________

Beyond their magical beauty fireflies have a great lesson for us. Does the energy you expend radiate through the world, lighting the way to all you want in life? Fireflies for the Heart was created to teach you how to glow like the Firefly.

Your New Year's Resolutions - How Are You Doing With Them?

Cover of Go For It!New Year’s Resolutions – Resolving to Make Things Happen

Every January 1st, millions of individuals make a pledge to themselves to make specific changes in their lives. By February, most people's goals have begun to languish, if not altogether dissolved. They pledged but didn't commit.

What makes New Year's resolutions so very hard to keep?

Why does it become so difficult to keep the momentum going?

Oftentimes, the problem is simply that our goals are too lofty, too unrealistic, too out of reach. We set ourselves up for failure by setting goals that are very difficult to achieve. Sometimes we go too big without preparation and good planning.

So how can you beat the odds and keep your New Year's resolutions? The best way to succeed in keeping your New Year's resolutions is to come up with a personal plan. Construct a strategy for success.

Here's how to make things happen. Resolutions are just goals. The only difference is the "vocabulary" you use.

Spend some time contemplating your goals before acting. Many individuals tend to operate out of a vague sense of dissatisfaction with the way things are going in their lives.

Achieving your goals often demands that you take a time out from your life to seriously examine your life trajectory.

Be honest about what you want. What do you really want? When answering these questions, you will have to put aside the needs of your family members, friends, and personal relationships. You must be honest with yourself.

Also ask yourself, "What has kept me from achieving my goals"? What are you most afraid of? This period of contemplation is paramount to realizing your goals.

If you simply act before thinking, chances are you will begin the process of realizing your goals unprepared. You will run into obstacles and abandon your goals when the going gets tough.

By contemplating your desires and motivation beforehand, you are more likely to be prepared to encounter the obstacles and challenges you will probably face.

You should concentrate on one resolution at a time. Many people tend to make numerous resolutions, or lump several resolutions into one large category.

Be specific about what you want.

Write it all down.

The power of articulating and putting down in print your resolutions can be surprisingly powerful. It is very important that you be as specific as possible.

Don't make a promise to spend more time with your family or become a more healthy person.

Instead, pledge to spend two more hours a week with your family. If weight loss if your goal, resolve to lose two pounds a week. Be specific and realistic.

Set up a system of accountability designed to keep you on track. Many people abandon their New Year's resolutions because they simply forget the pledge they made at the start of the year.

Setting up a system of personal accountability ensures that you keep your goal at the front of your mind. Create a nurturing support system made up of friends and family members.

Research shows that people who are successful at realizing their goals feel a sense of responsibility to keep going. They made a pledge to themselves and others, and feel more pressure to keep their resolution.

Communicate your intentions to friends and family. Tell them about your New Year's resolutions. Explain what you are trying to accomplish, and why. Enlist their support. Encourage them to help keep you on task.

Also, you should not be afraid of exposing vulnerabilities or perceived weaknesses. Rather, you will find that most people will admire you for preparing to achieve your goals.

But remember that ultimately, success lies in your hands.

Make it as easy as possible to begin.

Another important consideration in working towards your New Year's resolutions is that you may need to start off small. Expect the process to be difficult, but still achievable.

Start by making small changes. If you are trying to lose weight, begin by integrating short exercise routines into your schedule.

The smaller you start, the better the chances that you will keep going. This will allow you to cultivate a sense of change in your life.

Drastic or massive changes in your life will be too difficult to keep going for a sustained period of time. Start off small, and keep going.

Be Passionate. Almost all individuals who successfully achieve their New Year's resolutions have chosen goals that they are passionate about. In order to be successful, you need to cultivate a sense of passion about your resolution.

If you are not passionate about achieving your resolution, you will be more likely to abandon it.

Passion creates determination. Determination creates persistence.

And persistence will almost always bring you to your goal.

After all you did make a "Resolution" didn't you? Didn't you resolve to accomplish your task?

Commit to it's execution and Go For It! (For more goal setting information check out our new Free Self Help Library section)

Remembrance Day - Lest We Forget

Image by ViaMoi via FlickrThis morning I watched "We Were Soldiers" with Mel Gibson and a whole host of great actors. Watching this movie deeply reminds me of the sacrifices made by all of the men and women of the armed forces on my behalf during the many wars waged.

Even the act of tapping on these computer keys has been made significant. I can choose what I do with my life and it is because of people who have risen to the occasion and went to war to defend our way of life.

I am deeply moved each year on this day and any other day that I watch such great movies as this.

Thank you to the men and women of the armed forces who have given sometimes the ultimate sacrifice for protection of the very freedoms we enjoy each day. Thank you.

I will always remember. I will always remember. I treasure this freedom that has been paid for so dearly by so many.

Al

Goal Setting Persistence Will Pay Off Big Time

Just before we get to the article, I wanted to let you know that there is another free report available from Stephen Pierce. It's called Stephen's Goal Get'Em Report. It's a short 13 pages of goal setting strategy, but it packs a punch. Go ahead and read it.

Now to today's article on Persistence . . .

We are used to living in a fast-paced world. You can have just about anything you want and have it just about when you want it. Food can be delivered to your door in 20 minutes or less. Information about anything is just a mouse click away via the Internet.

Everything has become about speed. In such a fast-paced society, persistence has been forgotten. Commercials scream that they have found the latest quick fix.

People set goals and then days later become discouraged when nothing happens. How many New Year’s resolutions are broken before the party is even over?

Stop for a minute and think – what is it that you really want? How much time have you really invested in it?

An Olympic athlete does not become an instant success overnight – he or she has spent hours of practice and training to hone their abilities. A concert pianist cannot pound out a difficult song with just minutes of practice – without hours of exercises she would sound like a two-year-old beating on the keys. Rome was not built in a day.

Why should any goals that you have be any different?

Calvin Coolidge once said, "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

Do you have the persistence it takes to press on? Dennis Waitley says, “Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.”

Those who have persistence are the ones that meet their goals. They are the ones that are successful in what they do. They are the ones that the world looks up to and admires.

What is persistence? According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, it is “continuing, especially in the face of opposition.”

It is that ability to get out of bed and say that you are going to do something for one more day – and to do that every morning.

It is being like the tortoise in the immortal story of the tortoise and the hare that realizes that "slow and steady wins the race.”

It is holding onto that dream you have with such bulldog tenacity that you will let nothing and no one rip it from you.

Everyone has known persistence once. How many times have you watched a young child struggle to crawl or walk? They reach and they stretch and they fall down and they get back up.

If you did not have persistence you would never have gotten this far in life – you would still be helpless infants in your mother’s arms.

According to Napoleon Hill, “Persistence is to the character of man as carbon is to steel.” You just have to learn how to find that persistence again.

Life in the world is very competitive, and we have to learn not to fear obstacles but to embrace them. Otherwise we will be trampled by those who can.

What do you have to lose? If you do not change what you are doing, you will continue on at the status quo.

According to Ted W. Engstrom, "The rewards for those who persevere far exceed the pain that must precede the victory.” Everything comes with a cost. The price is persistence.

With persistence you can achieve anything. It might not be instantaneous, but a little bit every day over a long time can add up. With each brick a house is built higher. With each shovel full a hole is dug deeper. With each note a musician improves. Over time the tiny steps can build into magnificent results.

The main thing behind persistence is to focus on the positives. "Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weaknesses . . . on your powers, instead of your problems, says Paul J. Meyer.

No one can move a mountain with one push, but everyone can move a single stone. Over time, stone by stone, that mountain will be moved. Start small and build!

Al

Related articles by Zemanta

• The man who does more than he is paid for will soon be paid for more than he does.
• Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.
• Think & Grow Rich Review

Success Character Traits Of Successful People

Image via WikipediaDo successful people have the genius of supreme achievement by an accident of birth, a favorable environment or from their own individual effort?

Whatever the reasons, superstars really are a different breed. They must succeed and they will succeed. They have an amazing capacity to dream big, strive even bigger and come through against all the odds. They seem to will themselves to do whatever it takes.

Can we learn to become better achievers by looking inside the minds of the big-time peak performers? Successful people do not wait for something to happen; they take action to achieve their goals.

Successful people seem to have a "make it happen" way of thinking. They take it for granted that they will succeed. They act as if it's a done deal that they will win. They are infectious in their enthusiasm for a project and enlist others easily to make it become a reality. They are bursting with positive expectancy that everything will be a smashing success.

A successful person’s motto is, “I will get it done.”

Successful people take action. They start acting on an idea or plan quickly and make room in their schedule for tangible, concrete objectives that take them closer to their goals. They spend time reflectively, but take action when action is required. They don't waste time over-planning. They get right down to it.

Successful people are often not one hundred percent happy with their performances. They are not negative about them, but they are realistic and demanding of themselves and often of those around them.

They continually seek improvement in even the tiniest areas of their performance and regularly raise the bar as each new ability level is surmounted. They hold their best all-time performances as the ideal and seek to rise to that level always.

Successful people typically have superb organizational skills. Successful individuals know how to break projects down into manageable sizes. They know that many details placed together in proper order lead to something big. They spend time planning and keeping records to show progress and to stay on time projections. They are in a hurry to succeed, but never seem to rush.

Successful people are decisive. This is a critical characteristic of all successful people. They gather information and quickly decide to act on it and later make changes based on new information. They take advantage of the windows of opportunities that arise and go for it.

They have confidence that they made the right decision and the confidence that if they do not they can successfully change gear and recover for a positive outcome. They have disciplined themselves to take action from their proactive first creation.

They do not deviate from their chosen course of action. They have highly developed goals, and they have in front of them always, their detailed written plans for the creation of their Goals and Dreams, and they enjoy scoring themselves at the end of the day. It's all good.

Successful people know how to sacrifice to make something happen. They know they often can't have it all and that they must have singular focus to succeed. They are good at getting into a zone where they can block out all distractions and rapidly advance past their objectives.

They will deny themselves those things that do not contribute to making them successful. Again, they know how to be self-disciplined and stay on track.

Successful people love the battle. They love the process. They love the climb up the ladder. This is what it is all about for many of them. They are excited to pursue their goals and they take extreme pleasure in the big challenge, to see what impossible obstacles they can leap on their way to success. They want stories to tell, bragging rights as part of the success trophy.

Achieving is a passion for the successful individual. Meeting objectives and reaching goals is energizing to top achievers. They can't wait to get to work and see the results of their efforts.

They boost their self-esteem and self-confidence as they finish a project or task that is highly satisfying. They pour their entire passion into what they love to do and complete it with all their energies and enthusiasm.

Some people look at successful people and think that they could never do what they do. They get discouraged at the gap between what is and what could be.

Other people look to the superstars and are inspired. They use the superstars as a template or benchmark and use them as models for what they would like to achieve. They view them as the best practices and measure themselves against the successful.

Rather than feel discouraged when you see a successful person let it inspire you to be the same!

Don’t Wait for Something to Happen. Take Action and Achieve your Goals starting right now! If you don't feel successful today, then act like successful people would, and practice one of the above traits every day. Pretty soon your successes will mount up and you will be living the life of your dreams.

And . . . you will be tremendously successful in your own right.

See you next time.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Focus on What Truly Matters . . . Just Do It
• How To Get Motivated To Achieve Your Goals
• Boost Your Productivity

Work On My Passion Or Take A Day Off?

Usually I am working pest control six days a week in the summer because this is peak season for me. All the little critters seem to come out of the wood work and people need to call in a professional.

I said that this is usually the case, but I didn't book any service for today, even though there was plenty of contract business to schedule in.

But it wasn't like I had a day off instead . . . my passion is to build a large internet based information distribution business. Since I am just growing some of my sites there is always something to be done. In fact, I stayed up half the night last night working out a traffic strategy for my business.

Today I was so engrossed in my sites that the day just flew by, and I haven't even thought of what paperwork I needed to do today for my other company MPC. I will schedule what needs to be done tomorrow before the end of today.

Pretty much anyone who knows me, knows that I work a lot. But I have things to do, people to see, you know the drill. My goals drive me and my wife is tremendously supportive of what I am doing for the family. I am so lucky to have her in my life. This year is our 28th year together this October.

I am getting done what I planned to get done this day and that makes me feel great! I would hope that everyone had as much satisfaction out of their days as I do.

So, no day off from my goals . . . and I wouldn't have it any other way. By the way, I do schedule "personal time" with my family, just not today.

See you next time.

Al

Productivity Laws - Consistency and Smart Purposeful Action

I noticed a couple of great posts on Life Hacker this morning and just had to share them with you.

One reveals how Jerry Seinfeld has used The Law Of Consistency in his long outstanding career and the other shows you how to use The Laws Of Productivity to increase your goal results exponentially.

By the way Life Hacker is one of my favorites, subscribe to their feed for regular updates. Check them out, they are awesome posts!

Jerry Seinfeld's Productivity Secret

6 Rules To Work Less And Get More Accomplished

A Simple Goal Setting Strategy - Keep Your Fingers On The Pulse Of Your Life

Well, September is here already and the first eight months of 2007 are now history.

How is your history reading? How are your goals coming for this year? Are you where you wanted to be by this time? At the end of September, nine months into this year, three quarters of 2007 in the past, how will you be doing?

It is time again to analyze what you've done and what you haven't, to see where you need to adjust your strategies to win your prize. There is still plenty of time to pack in some concentrated effort to get you where you want to be by the end of this year.

Some of my goals are right on track and some are not. After taking a hard look at what I want, I will not pursue the ones which no longer make sense to me. At the same time, I will recommit and intensify my efforts to those that are. And I have added some to my list.

It is the same every year. Once you start on the path, and you are actually in the fight, there are some things that stand out as incongruent with your higher purpose. I do not beat myself up over it. I just adjust and move onward to more of the right things.

This is simple goal setting strategy at work. Plan, organize, execute, followup and adjust as necessary to happily achieve what's important and fulfilling to you. Always moving inexorably towards your major focus. Follow your life's purpose at all times and you will joyfully travel your challenge strewn path through life.

Embrace the challenges. They will make up some of your best memories and give you some of the best stories to tell after you successfully negotiate them. This I know to be absolutely true.

I hope that you are getting the results that you want. You never know how close you are to the prize until you look up and see it right in front of you.

Recommit to those goals that are still important to you, and redouble your efforts. Discard those goals that don't make sense anymore and focus on where you want to be at the end of this year. We don't want to get emotional over what we need to get rid of in order to clear and concentrate our energies.

As always, Go For It!

Al

A Tough Morning . . .

A Tough Morning This Morning

. . . and It probably won't be the last . . .

WOW! I had a hard time powering up this morning. Usually I can spring right up and get going, you know, attack the day sort of thing. Well . . . this particular morning was a little different. I felt tired and didn't want to start the day. I thought . . . just let me sleep another hour. Yeah, right!

I have been burning the candle at both ends, maybe I just needed that extra hour. Maybe that was all that it was. I think it more likely that with all the decisions I have been making lately, I have started to move deeper into uncharted territory.

I have commited to literally changing the whole direction of my life. A life that has been pretty safe and secure for quite a few years I might add.

Am I having some second thoughts about whether I can succeed at it or not? After all, I have never attempted this before. What makes me think that I can succeed, where many people fail? It got me wondering. And it was affecting my state. Shaking my confidence. Definitely not good, not good.

Me, MR. Positive. LOL! Has that ever happened to you? I can almost guarantee that if you have ever made a decision to step out of the old comfort zone, that you have felt this way a few times. Only natural.

However this morning, habit took hold of me, and got me to the sink where I splashed ice cold water all over my face and that was the end of my indecision. I was mobile. I started to say to myself "I feel happy, I feel healthy, I feel TERRIFIC! . . . again, and again.

The insecurity was replaced with energy and enthusiasm, and I went on with my day. Three things got me through this rough wake up. Habit, Physiology, and Belief.

What gets you through your tough mornings?

I will complete my plans for a new life, and succeed in any undertaking I commit to. How do I know this?

I believe it deep down in my core that I am worthy and that I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Have you installed that belief pattern in yourself yet?

If not, do it now! You absolutely can not know the feeling I am talking about until you have.

Al Smith

---

The Motivated Mind
Discover the Secrets to Getting and Staying Motivated
to Change Your Life and Achieve Your Dreams.
The Motivated Mind is a new, step-by-step guide
that will teach you how to get everything you want in life.
The secrets can now be yours.
The Motivated Mind

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Ezine
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.
--------------------

What Do They Have That You Haven't Got? -- Attitude!

Never Give Up On Your Goals!

What thoughts or emotions came over you as you read that? Never give up! Billionaire Philanthropist and Presidential Candidate H. Ross Perot said, “Most people stop digging three feet from the goldmine.” This is the wrong approach. There has to be certain aspects in place, such as goals, plans, visions, etc.

However, for the most part, when these components are intact, success will come to you sooner or later.

Many people don't like the whole later possibility aspect, yet it can't be ignored. The important thing is that your dreams and goals will come to pass if you do not give up along the way. If you stop pursuit, you lose.

Yet, if you adopt the attitude that I will not be denied, you really won’t be denied. I'm not an expert on this, but I believe obstacles show up to help us become more resilient.

Where you greatly desire to go, you can't be a wimp. You must be able to chew nails and breathe fire (figuratively speaking). Les Brown says it best. "You must trade in who you've been for who you must become."

Wow! What a profound statement. Think about it. Look into the future and be brutally honest with yourself. What type of person must you be in the future in order to truly BE who you greatly desire to be?

What qualities and characteristics does that person possess that you do not currently possess? What do you particularly like about that person? Are they friendlier, healthier, more confident, a better leader?

Thoroughly diagnose the ultimate you and the current you. When placed side by side, what changes must you make to become the ultimate you? Completing this exercise is very eye-opening.

One important thing that you will discover is the confident, resilient attitude that you really won’t be denied. You are that warrior that chews nails and breathes fire, and love’s every minute of it. Success requires a different mindset.

A big part of that mindset is developing a never give up mentality. It is possible for you to complete each task you begin with that mentality. Giving up robs you of the joy that’s sure to come as you check off tasks that you’ve completed on route to your goal.

Remember the words of Jack Canfield: “You deserve to have your life exactly the way you want it.” I believe that quote with everything within me.

The challenge is to believe the quote and realize that it may take a year, or two, or three for your life to be exactly as planned. The question is do you give up along the way? I have confidence in you that you will make it through to the end.

By Demond Jackson

Demond is the owner of Self Empowerment Network where visitors can get an accurate Personal Mission Statement. After the mission statement, please visit our Self Empowerment Goals section to develop your dream life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Demond_Jackson

---

Audio Motivation

Listen to exclusive interviews with the greatest names in personal development. Walk, jog or exercise to Audios with Success Teachers. They are great to download onto your MP3 players so you can take your motivation with you.

Tap into the same power that today's movers and shakers use, and keep yourself at the top of your Game with dynamic, exciting audio motivation messages. Find out more today at AudioMotivation.com.

Read testimonials from people already using them. I joined so I can listen to them too. It is an extraordinary value and a great investment in your future. Do you want the edge? Get motivated with AudioMotivation.com.

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Ezine
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.

Make Good Choices, Commit To Your Decisions

Before we get to today's article, I'd like to announce that the Current Realgoalgetter Ezine is now online. Enjoy!

Why And How To Make Making Choices That Are In Your Best Interest A Daily Occurrence

The dictionary defines choice as “the act of choosing; selection; the power, right, or liberty to choose; option; an alternative”. We sometimes hear ourselves or others say, “I have no choice,” when really what we mean is “I feel obligated.” There is always a choice.

Sometimes one must choose between two unattractive alternatives and often times making the choice that is best for you carries with it repercussions from friends or coworkers, but that isn’t the same as actually having no choice at all. I encourage and challenge you not to confuse hard choices with no choices.

Of course, before making your best choice, it’s necessary to know what is important to you so you can make choices that honor your values. Think of your values as the essence of who you are. They are the principles that you hold dear.

You already have your values, now you need to identify them so that you can orient you life, by making choices that are appropriate for you, around them. To that end, the following exercise will help you identify your top four values.

IDENTIFYING YOUR TOP 4 VALUES

Take some time and find yourself a quiet corner where you can concentrate. Read through the list below. Choose twenty words that resonate with you, that either thrill you or make you cringe. Feel free to add your own words to the list before making your choices.

Look over your list of twenty and narrow it to ten words. If you have difficulty choosing between two, look for one word that encompasses the meaning of those two. Then narrow the ten words to the four words that you feel fully represent your top four life values.

Print these four on index or note cards and put them in conspicuous places around your home and/or office as a reminder of what is most important to you. Refer to the list when you are making decisions so that you can be sure to make decisions that honor your values.

Abundance, Achievement, Adventure, Ambition, Authenticity, Beauty, Challenge, Charity, Creativity, Dignity, Enjoyment, Equality, Excellence, Expertness, Faith, Family, Freedom, Friendship, Fun, Health, Honesty, Honor, Hope, Humility, Humor, Independence, Inner harmony, Integrity, Joy, Justice, Kindness, Leadership, Learning, Legacy, Love, Loyalty, Nurture, Organization, Power, Recognition, Relationships, Religion, Respect, Respite, Risk, Safety, Security, Service, Sharing, Simplicity, Spirituality, Success, Tradition, Tranquility, Trust, Truth, Wealth.

If you don’t get that “aha” feeling that you’ve chosen exactly the right top four values, revisit this exercise in a day or two and then a week later to be sure of your choices. Knowing what you value most in life is the first step toward choosing what you want to add to or eliminate from your life in order to create your perfect life.

Three Tips for Making Good Decisions:

1. Make a list of the pros and cons of each choice and choose based on the quantity and quality of those elements.

2. Ask yourself just before you fall asleep what is the best choice to make and see what you are thinking in the morning.

3. Listen to your body. When you think of which choice you want to make in your head, how does your body react: are you excited, feeling woozy or sick, fearful? Your body often knows the right choice long before your mind does.

By Ruth Hegarty

Ruth Hegarty is a confidence coach who helps people increase their personal and professional confidence for greater self-esteem, happiness, and success.

http://www.ruthhegarty.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

--------------------
Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Ezine
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.

Don't Quit! Recommit . . .

Re-Commit

Any time we start something new it is exciting and we are very motivated and committed. As time goes by, however, the burst of enthusiasm can wane as the reality of how much work is going to be involved kicks in.

When you find yourself slacking a little and not being as enthused about the new change or goal you are working towards, that isn't a sign to quit. It is a sign that it is time to re-commit.

I am in the fourth month of my "New Program" of eating right and exercise. The first three months I was excited, enthused and rearing to go. However, I have found that the last month has been a tad more challenging and I have begun to slip a bit in my new exercise and eating habits. As I waned so did my results, which made me think it wasn't working.

Closer examination revealed that it wasn't the system that wasn't working; any system will work if you work it. But, it isn't magic. It takes effort and, most of all, commitment.

When I realized that my commitment had slipped I recommitted and got back on track. This is all part of the process and I don't see my temporary slide in commitment as a failure. I see it as an opportunity to strengthen my resolve and continue on the journey.

The more you renew your commitment the stronger it will be. Commitment isn't a magic pill, take it once and you've got it. Commitment is something that needs to be tended to, adjusted and strengthened.

I have begun to renew my commitment every day, which helps to remind me how much I really want to make this change work and stick.

You might not have to renew your commitment as often, but it does pay to check in and see where you are on the commitment scale.

If you notice that you are not where you want to be with your goals it might just be that it is time to renew your commitment.

By Rachelle Disbennett-Lee

Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD, is a Certified Master Coach specializing in working with business owners and professionals in being more profitable and productive while staying sane and balanced. Coach Lee is the publisher of the award winning e-zine, 365 Days of Coaching. Her first book, 365 Days of Coaching – Because Life Happens Every Day (Universal Publisher, 2004) was named a finalist for Best Book 2004 by Publish.com and has a five star rating on Amazon.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachelle_Disbennett-Lee

---

Audio Motivation

Listen to exclusive interviews with the greatest names in personal development. Walk, jog or exercise to Audios with Success Teachers. They are great to download onto your MP3 players so you can take your motivation with you.

Tap into the same power that today's movers and shakers use, and keep yourself at the top of your Game with dynamic, exciting audio motivation messages. Find out more today at AudioMotivation.com.

Read testimonials from people already using them. I joined so I can listen to them too. It is an extraordinary value and a great investment in your future. Do you want the edge? Get motivated with AudioMotivation.com.

---

Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Ezine
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.

Once You Decide On A Goal And A Course Of Action, Do You give 100%?

In general, how commited are you to the results you want? When you decide what your goal is, and how you are going to get it, how commited are you to it's completion?

Here is a good article explaining why you must be 100% on board with your own plans. Commit to your goals 100%, and don't allow any conflicting emotions to surface. One Focus To Success!

100%

There is a certain way in which you can eliminate all of your internal self debate. I don’t care what you want, by using this method you’ll eliminate your internal debate every time. There will be no more thinking it over, compromise, doubt, coulda, shoulda or if I’d only’s.

When you put this into practice the decision is made, and you no longer have to waste energy making up your mind.

What can you do in order for this to happen?

Give 100%

I’m not talking about working hard, or giving everything you have for something. I’m talking about making up your mind 100%. If you only decide 99% you’ve left room for debate, by writing the decision as made with 100% certainty you’ve eliminated your need to debate.

Take marriage for example. If you decide 100% that you will not stray from your spouse you do not need to think about it. No matter what situation you find yourself in, no matter what ‘opportunities’ you are presented with, you will remain faithful every time. The decision was made and it’s no longer up for debate.

However, if you’ve only decided 99% then you have problems. With each new temptation comes a new debate. With every chance you’re given to make a poor decision, you must decide that time whether or not to ask.

That 1% difference is huge.

Imagine if 99% of flights were safe. Imagine if 99% of the time surgeons do a good job. Imagine if 99% of the time you took your kids to the park they weren’t kidnapped.

The results of those scenarios are disastrous. If you want to protect your life, and your children’s lives you’d want to make sure that each of those above scenarios are perfect 100% of the time.

Missing 1% may seem small, but if it was you that had a botched surgery, a crashed flight, or your kids were taken from you–that 1 % ruined your life.

If you’re losing weight, make it a 100% commitment. Turning down cake after dinner is easy if you’ve already made your mind up.

Want to make more money? Turning off the tv and working toward your goal is easy, no matter what’s on if you’ve determined that no matter what you’re going to do it.

Improving yourself? Check.

Being a better parent? Check.

Being a better spouse? Check.

Being a better person? Check.


Decide today what you want, and make your mind up 100% that you’re going to have that.

By eliminating that self debate you’ve had in the past, you’ve freed up a ton of energy to focus in on what you actually want!

by Josh Bickford

Josh Bickford has found his purpose, and it's YOU! He has written a book just for you--and it's FREE! Be sure to claim your copy at: http://magnificenceblog.com/free-stuff/setting-your-goals-so-you-reach-for-magnificence

Never settle, always reach for magnificence!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Bickford

Discipline Your Mind For Success, Improve Your Focus

I was reading my usual blogs today and found a particularly interesting post by Steve Pavlina on his Personal Development Blog. I thought that you might like to head on over there if you aren't already following along. It is a huge post so take a little time and settle in for a good read and take some notes.

The whole post can be read at: Disciplining Your Mind to Become Better at Manifesting. Here are a couple of thoughts he touches on but he goes into great detail on the "How To's" in his original post.

"When our mind is cluttered and we attempt to introduce new intentions, it’s like throwing pebbles into a stormy sea. The ripples will still occur, but they’ll just be absorbed. The calmer we can make our background thoughts, the cleaner will be our intentions’ ripples, and the more readily they’ll manifest."

"How can you hold a thought of financial abundance without succumbing to worries about paying the bills? How can you focus on attracting a new relationship when you still harbor thoughts of being alone? How can you manifest health when you keep thinking about your ailments?" . . .

"I think a good solution to these problems is to build your mental discipline, your ability to stay focused on whatever it is you consciously decide to think about.

"We spend a lot of time thinking, but how much effort do we put into consciously managing our thoughts? How skilled are you at choosing your thoughts?"

"I’ve come up with a number of practices that have been very helpful in keeping my thoughts focused on what I want and away from what I don’t want . . . Read his entire posting

Passion, Determination, Resilience, Confidence = Winner Mindset

The Definition of WIN!

When you look into the eyes of a winner, what do you see? Perhaps you notice a fire of passion, determination, resilience, and a sense of self confidence that screams, “I can do it! Nothing can stop me from winning!”

We’ve all seen winners in our personal and professional lives. They are the determined ones with a strong resolve and unwavering sense of purpose in everything they do. Always able to face challenge and adapt to change, they see adversity and defeat as minor and temporary setbacks, recovering with an even stronger, more steadfast desire to win.

They never wallow on the path of self pity and consistently manage to stay focused on their ultimate objective. Winners are leaders with a mission, and they epitomize success in everything they do.

As I've worked with winners in the military and in business, I've noted an important similarity: whether the winners realize it or not, their success comes from their innate ability to "Work It Now!"

That’s right! That is how winners define Win. They have a ‘work it now’ attitude about life, and approach every challenge with a resolute commitment to excellence. Winners undoubtedly recognize that it takes work to win, and they don’t put it off until tomorrow. They do what is necessary to win today!

The foundation of a winner’s state of mind is the realization that nothing in life worth fighting for comes easy. Sacrifice, effort, and sweat are synonymous with success.

If you look around your organization, see what the winners are doing, and observe how ‘easy’ they make it seem! It only appears easy because of all the time and energy they took developing their skills and sharpening the sword of success.

Winners are the ones who consistently:

1. Arrive early and stay late until the job gets done.

2. Volunteer for the tough projects when no-one else will.

3. Take pride in their work and enjoy the daily journey towards success.

4. Take advantage of training seminars, ask questions, and read books to expand their knowledge base and expertise.

The same holds true for the top salespersons that repeatedly practice their presentations, the best pro golfers who perfect their swing, and the experienced surgeons who study the latest surgical equipment, drugs, and procedures.

In addition, winners not only work hard in their personal development, but also on developing trusting and productive relationships with their co-workers, friends, and families. These relationships are based on a solid foundation of integrity and accountability.

They appreciate that to truly be successful you often need the assistance of those trusted and reliable partners in your life to accomplish your objectives.

Fighter pilots call these trusted and reliable partners wingmen, as they fly on each other’s wing in formation. Wingmen are used to back each other up, monitor safety, and successfully accomplish very dangerous and complicated missions.

The wingmen mentality of mutual support also applies to business and life, as we all need each other to help us overcome our daily challenges.

While winners may not necessarily possess the inherent ability to ‘do it all,’ their success often stems from the fact that they know who to go to for help in getting the job done. Moreover, they are easy to get along with and have an innate ability to connect with people. They possess what Daniel Goleman coined in the early 90’s - Emotional Intelligence.

As a former Air Force fighter pilot, my fellow wingmen and I lived by the credo – “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war!” In order to defeat the enemy and stay ahead of the threat, we needed to spend countless hours studying tactics, technology, and war fighting doctrine.

We trained together relentlessly in various environments in order to maximize our ability to survive in hazardous and volatile conditions. There was no room for error. If we failed, our lives and the lives of our wingmen were at stake.

Finally, we planned, briefed, and debriefed our missions as a unified, cohesive team, understanding that we could never fly a successful mission solo. We always had to fly with wingmen to achieve our objectives…and win!

In addition to a ‘work mindset,’ winners operate on a ‘now timeline.’ In essence, they never put off until tomorrow what should be done today! There is no room for procrastination in a winner’s daily regimen. Furthermore, they don’t make excuses.

In the stress and challenges of everyday life, it’s so easy to become overwhelmed by the countless responsibilities we face. Quite often, we become strangled by these pressures and challenges. Rather than take the necessary action to face them head on, we may find ourselves immobilized and fearful.

How ‘easy’ it is to give in to the pressure and wait until tomorrow to face today’s challenges! Unfortunately, many tomorrows pass us by and the issues never get resolved. We remain uninspired and stagnant, and fail to grow in our personal and professional lives.

Winners, on the other hand, take action now! They possess a ‘make it happen’ approach to life, and “sweat now” in order to prevent “bleeding tomorrow.” They tackle the toughest challenges first while maintaining their integrity, and while their sacrifice may, at times, be burdensome, their ultimate reward is personal growth and the inherent satisfaction of a job well done.

The path to victory doesn’t come easy. It is often strewn with defeat and frustration. Winning is a bi-product of relentless self discipline, consistent training, passionate leadership, and a positive attitude. This takes time, patience and perseverance to develop.

In life, you often have to stumble or take a step back in order to make a great leap forward. For hidden in every failure is a victory waiting to emerge.

Never give up in your quest to be the best. Work it Now…and WIN!

By Waldo Waldman

Waldo Waldman builds team unity within organizations as a high energy inspirational speaker and leadership consultant. A former combat-decorated fighter pilot with corporate sales experience, he brings an exciting and valuable message to companies by using fighter pilot strategies as building blocks for peak performance, teamwork, leadership, and trust.

His clients include New York Life, Honeywell, and Panasonic. To book Waldo for your next meeting or to register for his newsletter,” The Wingman," visit http://www.yourwingman.com or call him at 1-866-WALDO-16 (925-3616).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Waldo_Waldman