Daily Inspiration 8-31-10

"Judgment traps you within the limitations

of your comparisons. It inhibits freedom."

-- Willie Stargell

"Life has no limitations, except the ones you make."

-- Les Brown

I have learned from a great deal of study and research that judgment is much of the time something to avoid and yet something that is unavoidable. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but to me it is not unless I think of the word judgment the way I used to, where I would always say this way is right and that was is wrong and the judgment is the conviction of the wrong and justification or support of the right. I mean, that's what I was taught at a young age and all through most of my life in listening, paying attention and observation.

Yet, I've let go of that kind of judgment. Now it is more a matter of preference. It has nothing to do with right or wrong. That doesn't even enter into the idea anymore. It is now just a choice--I'm making a judgment, or a judgment call.

The first way is as Willie Stargell says, ". . . traps you within the limitations of your comparisons. It inhibits freedom." It sure does. Then, who is right today? We can rest assured that may not be the same tomorrow. Who's on first? What's on second! If I say or believe it is wrong, though it may be the opposite, I am very much limited by my judgment.

The second way is matter-of-fact benign. We have no limitations other than what we choose to make. By only judging the choice from a preference perspective, I may limit myself or not by that choice in what I choose to do with the information. Perhaps I will choose to limit my activities because I'm kicking back for a while. But, there is no judgment from my old perspective of that's good or that is bad. It just is.

I prefer the word choice. It speaks to a better way.

It Is Always My Choice Even When It May Seem Otherwise.

Spread Some Joy Today--Change your view--just for today--to choice instead of judgment. See if you don't feel so much better in the process.

Daily Inspiration 8-30-10

"No rules exist, and examples are simply life-savers answering the

appeals of rules making vain attempts to exist."

-- Andre Breton

"We started off trying to set up a small anarchist community,

but people wouldn't obey the rules."

-- Alan Bennett

"No tendency is quite so strong in human nature

as the desire to lay down rules of conduct for other people."

-- William Howard Taft

There are rules and then there are rules . . . Think about it. Add up the number of rules that you have in your life right now. How about all the rules at work, the rules of etiquette, rules of taste and rules of conduct. Then there's the rules of law and the rules of the road and rules of right and wrong (conscience). OMG they go on forever, don't they?

How many do you break? How often? Who cares?

Breaking a rule and not getting caught is that like the sound of the tree in the forest when no one is there to hear it? Heck, I break the speed limit rules virtually every day of my life to one degree or five or six. You know, the safe zone. I've broken so many rules throughout my entire life that it would be scary to list them all.

Who cares? I know I don't care much. I suppose if I did, I would be more careful to not break them. Who made the rules, anyway? What is the meaning of all that?

The rules I break more often than any other rules is the most predominate rules on the planet: those made for my conduct by other people. I mean, really! What's with that!? Heck, I usually break those on purpose! It's like they deserve to be broken. Know what I mean? Where do they get off directing my conduct or thought?

So, my philosophy is that rules is a fluid concept. Maybe, maybe not. It depends.

Most Rules Are Meant To Be Flogged And Abused.

Spread Some Joy Today--Do you have any rules holding you back. How about any rules of your conduct written by others for your benefit? Laughable, right? Make your own rules. Heck, don't have any rules.

Daily Inspiration 8-29-10

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin--real life. 

But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be

gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served,

a debt to be paid. Then life would begin.

At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

-- Father Alfred D'Souza

We can focus on the obstacles and the fear surrounding them and what may or may not be behinds the scenes just waiting to jump out and attack us, harass us, mingle unnecessarily with us, block us or delay us. There certainly is plenty of this to look at, if we were of a mind to look at them in that way.

Then again, we could see the journey before us as an adventure with all good things coming to us, with the forest to keep the sun off of us yet let the light come through. We could see so many interesting places to stop along the way and take in the view. We could see the light ahead giving us guidance and also a path. That path is not too worn, though we can see others have travelled through as well, giving us confidence of others successful journey and indeed, there will be stories to tell, for not so many have gone this way making it a guaranteed adventure.

It is the focus on the journey that is the deciding factor, isn't it? Focus on the obstacles and they will rule you. Focus on the reward, the journey, the adventure and they will delight you.

There Will Always Be Obstacles. . . Or Delight. . .

Which Will It Be For You?

Spread Some Joy Today--Today I am expanding my appreciation even more. I am sick and tired of living a life in fear and focus on obstacles and problems. Today, I am seeing something better and I will practice this and enjoy this change from this day forward. This is my new way.

Daily Inspiration 8-28-10

"Love is the force that ignites the spirit and binds teams together."

-- Phil Jackson

This quote jumped off the page at me and it has proven so very true in my life and in all my business affairs. I look back at all the teams and how much I loved and still love all those people. A few of them I have bumped into in later situations--even working at the same facility; albeit, in a different capacity than before. I think that there just isn't anything better than working with people you love and loving the people you work with.

There are so many of these people that given the situation, I would not hesitate to hire them or work with them again. How satisfying is that? I think it is just awesome.

I wrote a book in 1990 on sales and sales management and stated in that book my theory of management by love. I tested it, proved it, used it and still stand by it as such a powerful and fulfilling method of managing people.

I hope that you currently work with people you love and if not, that you find that situation quickly. Life is too short to live without it.

Loving The Ones You Work With Makes Each Day A Joy--And Much More Effective Too.

Spread Some Joy Today--Let down the barriers and let the love flow. Everyone wants to feel good, don't they?!

Daily Inspiration 8-27-10

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."

-- Lao Tzu

Today was a perfect day. Walked several miles and the weather was so perfect, about 80 degrees with a breeze, beautiful scenery and throughout the walk, I'm giving praise for this day and all the beauty and how perfect the weather is and a long list of grateful thoughts.

Today, our design partner and I had a meeting with a client and then we had lunch and I thought how cool this is and how lucky I am to have people around me that are so talented. We discussed a new person who just came on board and was looking at his first project and I was blown away by it. Yet another very talented and skilled person on our team. And then, we have a new person handling another aspect of our business who brings so much value to our team.

So, today during the walk this evening, I'm giving thanks for these special people, and it kind of hit me that I didn't have much to do with finding them. They sort of came to me through my partner and through our main graphic designer. I thought: how interesting! You could say the law of attraction was in full function and I wouldn't disagree with that, yet I thought that it was so cool that they came to us and how was interesting too. I can't wait to see more of this unfold!

Then, sitting down to write this Daily Inspiration, I see this quote by Lao Tzu, and I think, how true. It applies to me personally, but also professionally. When I am willing to not have to be in charge, and allow others to bring their skills, connections, talents to the mix, wonderful things happen. And, you know what? I'm at least as joyous, maybe even more so that these discoveries came from others. It's perfect.

It reminds me of this quote from The Boss, Harry Truman:

"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."

It's very similar to getting out of the way.

Expect Good Things To Happen And Allow Others To Help Bring Them To You!

Spread Some Joy Today--Let go and let others serve you from time to time. Many of us are relunctant to let go and let them, but it is so cool to do so. Try it.

Daily Inspiration 8-26-10

"Appraisals are where you get together with your team leader and agree what an outstanding member of the team you are, how much your contribution has been valued, what massive potential you have and, in recognition of all this, would you mind having your salary halved."

-- Theodore Roosevelt

Trust me. I'll keep this positive and upbeat, and at the same time have to laugh a bit at this quote by Teddy Roosevelt which hit home with me. Having worked for over 40 years for others in various positions, I've always heard about the "annual review." What's funny to me is that I've been required to give them at several places where I was a manager, but in all of my time working, I received only one official review that I can recall (thank goodness!), which was extremely flattering--and even more interesting than that, within 35 days of the review, my salary was cut by one third to help the company through a rough spot.

When I'm on a team, I am a team player, and I accepted this with grace and as much positive spin as I could muster. That was a huge difference and it was instituted immediately. Here's the other side of that deal: four years later, it didn't come back. Sometimes the team is entirely subjective and selective.

The good news for me is that I look back on this event as the beginning of a change in thinking that has led me where I am today: self-employed. Now, I'm not necessarily recommending this as an option. It is not for the faint of heart, but it was an option that became very attractive to me and I look back in thankfulness of this event and other events that gave me encouragement.

I was also appreciative of the positive words. I always like to hear people say kind things. Who doesn't? One of the most important things I learned from those positive words is that they don't much matter in the scheme of things. Now, don't misunderstand. I'm not saying they are lies or anything like that. It's just that they are so very temporary and subject to review and change. What I am most appreciative of is how all of that helped me to say good things to myself about myself and to believe more in me as a valuable member and to believe in MY potential.

So one big difference now is this: if I must take a cut for a short period to help out the cause, when the cause is fulfilled, I will not be waiting and hoping or asking it to be well again. No. I will be rewarding myself for my team spirit and my commitment and my value.

I thank God for those events and those learning experiences. They have changed my life for the better so much and I am eternally grateful.

It's a wonderful thing!

I'm Totally In Charge Of My Own Daily Review. I Don't Allow Others That Authority.

Spread Some Joy Today--Okay. Give yourself an annual review today. Write it out and tell the truth. Say it like it is. Be sure and point out your value, your contribution, your potential. Give yourself a raise while you're at it. Go on. You can do it. Feels good!

Daily Inspiration 8-25-10

"The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor;

he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me.

The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them."

-- George Bernard Shaw

"Things do not change; we change."

-- Henry David Thoreau

One of the most wonderful things about human beings to me is that we can change almost anything we want whenever we decide we can and thereby will do so.

We used to know somebody--maybe even intimately--then, we see them 10 years later and we don't know them at all. They've changed a great deal and if we wanted to know them now rather than that memory, we would have to start all over again. Sure, some mannerisms would be the same or similar, and maybe even several other things, but you can rest assured that they have changed. Why? Because we have. We change every day and many of those changes are very small if looked at as one item, but they add up to dramatic changes over time.

I'm not a fan of high school reunions, but I went to the 20th just for kicks. It was very interesting how people had changed from what they were then. Most of the changes were very dramatic. Many didn't even look the same. There were a few who were voted least likely to succeed and they found a way to live up to it, but most went on and created something special. In reality, even the least likely changed. They just changed for the worse is all, but everyone changed--including me. I was quite different and now so much more different than then.

In this world, nothing rests. Fearing change is a hopeless endeavor since it is absolutely not possible, so it makes sense then to accept and acknowledge the changes and go with changes by conscious choice rather than circumstances. Since we're going to change, we might as well take the wheel and go for a ride!

It's Impossible To Not Change.

Spread Some Joy Today--Whatever is in your life right now that is not to your liking can be changed any time you decide that you can: 1. Change it. and 2. Change it.

Daily Inspiration 8-24-10

"Ever since I was a child, I have had this instinctive urge for

expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality

human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential."

-- Bruce Lee

"I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost

 

We learn by doing, grow by doing, expand by doing, and are fulfilled by doing when we are brave enough to do. There is just something about seeing what one can do with what we have to work with in the place we find ourselves in. It gets the juices flowing and the imagination imagining and the heartbeat beating. It's the thrill of the chase; the adventure of the journey; the method to our madness. It's risk and reward in action--and it is always a risk of one kind or another--in that we can be certain.

Robert Frost's most famous lines has us thinking about results from a decision long ago, yet every decision we make can and often does make all the difference. It can be the daily little decisions we make like what habits we might pick up, what we choose to drink and how often, people we choose to hang out with and whether that is benefiting each party, and those little daily decisions can mount up and become those that made all the difference. And, of course, it can be exactly the opposite in making great and beneficial choices that lead to this that has made all the difference.

May your travels and choices be making a very positive difference in your life.

It's All About The Choices. . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Pretend today that all the common choices you make are really important and life changing. How will your life change?

Daily Inspiration 8-23-10

"If you always live with those who are lame,

you will yourself learn to limp."

-- Latin Proverb

"You must constantly ask yourself these questions:

Who am I around? What are they doing to me?

What have they got me reading?

What have they got me saying?

Where do they have me going?

What do they have me thinking?

And most important,

What do they have me becoming?

Then ask yourself the big question:

Is that okay?

-- Jim Rohn

Who we hang with is extremely important in who we are, or who we become. It is natural and so easy to pick up habits of speech, posture, styles, mannerisms when we are around other people regularly. Many times the changes in us are subtle, but they are unmistakable.

Here's the truth: Since it is natural to have others influence us, our choices of who they are is extremely important. At the same time, it is natural for us to influence others, and our choices as to how we do that are extremely important.

Are they a positive or negative influence on us? Are we a positive or negative influence on them? Are we growing as a result of the relationship, or are we standing still? The choice is 100% our own and the results of it are also 100% our own.

I Am Under The Influence. . . Of What? By Whom?

Spread Some Joy Today--Seek people that are uplifting, encouraging and caring. Anything else is like draining the oil out of the engine and then taking a long trip.

Daily Inspiration 8-22-10

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus concerning you.."

-- 1 Thessalonians 5:18, The Bible

"I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before;

second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life;

third, because although they took my all, it was not much;

and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed."

-- Matthew Henry

It is among the easiest things in the world to complain of things that occur that we are not pleased with. We find it so easy to tell anyone who will listen of wrongdoings, misfortune, or make excuses for shortcomings, tardiness, and the list is endless. We find more than sufficient justification in the daily news, the broadcasted statistics, the general malaise of others which allows us to feel a part in an attempt to feel whole. We really do it to feel good, or feel better, but it is a hollow and unrewarding endeavor.

I have found the key to changing this and practiced for now many years and I practice it yet today and plan to do so every day from here on. This key will turn all of that last paragraph around. It is as the quotes above state: to be thankful in all things.

Now, I know that this is really easy to say and not so easy to do, yet I know that if I can do it, anyone can.

And, here's the key: be thankful in ALL things--even, and especially when they are not as you would have wanted them to be. The quote by Matthew Henry is a perfect example of an unhappy situation that he has not only come to terms with and resolved within himself, but is grateful for the experience and lists the reasons and what has been learned or received in value from the event. This is so powerful a thing to practice: to find ways to feel better through gratitude. There is nothing more releasing than being thankful.

One more key: practice! This is not something that happens overnight. It is something that will come clearer and easier, step by step, until it becomes you--the better you, the kinder, gentler you; the joyous you! Once I was aware, I would catch myself thinking or saying something that I would have in the past. It is then that I stop mid-thought, mid-sentence and put my practice to work seeking to be thankful, to find what's right about this situation, to find what is good, to drain away the events power. And, it works, as well, the more I practice it, the more and faster it works.

Once you get here, there isn't a power on earth that can hold you down again. We have so much more power than we think and we have so much more to be thankful for than we think. Even when I might find it difficult to be thankful for what is not going well, I can find plenty of things to be thankful for outside of that and this helps me stay on track.

Try it. With a bit of effort, it will be a guaranteed success!

If I Truly Believe In God, I Must Be Thankful. Think About It.

Spread Some Joy Today--Practice being thankful. It will bring joy to you and rub off on everyone you are near.

Daily Inspiration 8-21-10

"When I do good, I feel good.

When I do bad, I feel bad.

That's my religion."

-- Abraham Lincoln

It's more about choosing to feel good all the time than we think. So. . .

If it feels good, do it!

Feel Good. . . Feel Bad. . . Feel Good. . . Feel Bad. . .

Hmmmm. . . Feel Good. . . Feel Bad. . .Tough Choice!

Spread Some Joy Today--Think today how you can cause things that in the past did not feel good to actually feel better until they feel good. The process used regularly will release you.

Daily Inspiration 8-20-10

"Always render more and better service than is expected

of you, no matter what your task may be."

-- Og Mandino

This advice is as old as time with humans and it is still something that needs to be learned, relearned and remembered. And--the good news is that it is also among the best advice on the planet yesterday, today and tomorrow. . . IF, and only IF we seek no immediate reward for doing so. Doing it with your heart and not your mind makes all the difference--no matter the task.

I'm At Your Service!

Spread Some Joy Today--For just one day. Try doing everything you do whether anyone else notices or not to the best of your ability and add some joy in there to lubricate the wheels. At the end of the day, look back and see what you think. You may be on to something!

Daily Inspiration 8-19-10

"It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom.

It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest

might weaken and the wisest might err."

-- Mahatma Gandhi

What wisdom?

I was just passing through on my way to Australia. . .

Mind Like Parachute. . . Function Only When Open!

Spread Some Joy Today--Practice the music. . . there's your way and my way and their way, there is no way, just your way and my way and their way, there ain't no way, there's your way and my way and their way. . .

Daily Inspiration 8-18-10

"The entrepreneur in us sees opportunities everywhere we look,

but many people see only problems everywhere they look.

The entrepreneur in us is more concerned with discriminating between opportunities than he or she is with failing to see the opportunities."

-- Michael Gerber

"I was just pursuing what I enjoyed doing.

I mean, I was pursuing my passion."

-- Pierre Omidyar

I love these two quotes together. Michael Gerber, one of the world's foremost business entrepreneur leaders and Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay.

Like Pierre says. . . I was just hangin' out and doing what I love to do. . . discriminate between all the opportunities I see around me. Yes. Indeed, there are opportunities everywhere when you believe that and of course there are none when you believe that, so everyone gets what they believe.

It reminds me of that crazy patent guy who before the year 1900 said that every invention has been invented. . . Oops! I'm sorry, you picked the wrong number. . . your opportunities are over and someone else got them . . . or NOT!

Truth is, as I see it, of course, is that opportunities are a constant--having my eyes, and ears, and mind open is not. Although, I have to admit that in my later years, where many are saying it's just about over, I feel more optimistic than I have ever felt in my life and the opportunities I didn't see in other times, are now so numerous that it just amazes me. I totally get Michael Gerber's statement as well as Pierre Omidyar's.

Here's to your opportunities being visible and doing what you love while you take full advantage of them!

Where Did All These Opportunities Come From?

Spread Some Joy Today--Stop. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Maybe another and another. Now. . . let go of all your worries and cares. Pretend they've been lifted away from you and now you're free! Now, open your eyes. Casually look around. . . see those little and medium sized opportunities over there behind that huge one. There you go. . . take a good look. You've got time. Pick the one that feels the best to you. No worries. It's all good. . .

Daily Inspiration 8-17-10

"Network continually -- 85 percent of all jobs

are filled through contacts and personal references."

-- Brian Tracy

I made a resume a couple of times but have never really made use of one. I don't think they are of much value, really. They are little more than a listing of what jobs a person has had and I think they are mainly used by potential employers to weed out those they don't want more than anything.

I say this from an employee point of view and I say it from an employer point of view. I have had the opportunity to work for a good number of companies in my time. Not one job ever came from the use of a resume. Matter of fact, I never even filled out an application until after I had the job except for one I recall when I was still in my teens through an employment agency.

As an employer, if I received a resume in the mail, it generally went in file 13. I learned to never run an ad in the newspaper unless you wanted a career in interviewing. Most people I hired came through referrals, my own prospecting, or the bold and aggressive that would find a way to get my attention. It is interesting that I remember two candidates that I wasn't really interested in that persisted in getting me to really listen to them and they both turned out to be very good at the job they wanted.

It's all relationships. If there isn't one now, create it. Best way in? If you don't already know the person you need to know, find someone you know who knows someone who knows them. Get introduced. Seek a referral.

Or, send out your resume and hope. . .

There Are Opportunities Everywhere!

Spread Some Joy Today--You have so much more control than you think you do. Never ask--just go make it happen.

Daily Inspiration 8-16-10

"He that can have patience can have what he will."

-- Benjamin Franklin

I've always thought of the word patience as waiting; not being in a rush; calm. And today, for the first time, I had a different thought about patience that to me, at least, is very important. Here it is: patience implies confidence.

Now, this thought about patience changes my whole outlook on patience.

Interesting, don't you think?

How We Define Things Matters.

Spread Some Joy Today--Have some patience with the world . . . and work. . . and your family. . . and yourself!

Daily Inspiration 8-15-10

"Wherever we look upon this earth,

the opportunities take shape within the problems."

-- Nelson Rockefeller

This is funny to me and as I think about it, I just smile. I am really beginning to see problems as fun, interesting and exciting. I know that sounds odd, because I would have thought that was crazy not so long ago.

Here's something even more odd: I now believe that there would be no opportunities without problems! Way out there, right? I think every problem contains many opportunities, so the thing to do naturally as a result of that thinking is to GET EXCITED ABOUT PROBLEMS!

How about this as a reaction to a problem: Wow! Isn't that fascinating! Look at all the things I'm going to learn from this! How exciting is that?

That might be too much too soon. Try this: Very interesting. I wonder what I could learn from this?

Still too much? Maybe this: This is stupid. What is going on here? I'm tired of these problems always happening to me. It's just my luck.

Or maybe that's too much still. . . What the f&%$ is the matter? This stupid economy is killing us and all our hard work. I just can't get a break! This country is going to the dogs and those money grubbing . . .

Well, we could choose one of those. . . which one will serve us best?

It's All About How We Choose To Look And Feel.

Spread Some Joy Today--May the joy of the problem be with you!

Daily Inspiration 8-14-10

"When I was a child, I talked like a child,

I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."

-- 1 Corinthians 13:11 The Bible NIV

"A mind once stretched by a new idea

never regains its original dimensions."

-- Oliver Wendell Holmes

The world was flat, then it became round. The Sun rotated around the earth, then the earth rotated around the Sun. There was one universe, now there are so many universes (galaxies) that they haven't been counted fully and may never be.

As our perception or awareness changes, our own world changes and what was cannot be again. We laugh at the thinking that the world is flat. We laugh at the idea of the earth as the center of the universe. We laugh at what we used to believe the universe looked like. And, though we laugh, deep down we know that what we now know is still not all, but there is more to learn, and more awareness to come and old beliefs to go.

Before, I couldn't ______, but now I not only do it, I wonder how I could have lived without doing it. Before I changed my thinking, I couldn't imagine achieving _______, and now I have achieved more than I could have possibly imagined. These and many other things come from being open to a changed thought--by just changing our thinking. That's all a belief is anyway: a thought we keep thinking.

When we become flexible enough to be a student, the teacher appears and we expand our thinking, our awareness, our perceptions, our lives.

It's a great time to be alive!

My Mind Is As Elastic As I Will Allow It To Be.

Spread Some Joy Today--Let go of a little more resistance today. Each bit of resistance gone is joy earned.

Daily Inspiration 8-13-10

"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently

that which should not be done at all."

-- Peter Drucker

I'm realizing more each day that it is not just what I do that matters, but what I choose to no longer do. I know I must have a list of things that I do, perhaps even well, but that achieve nothing of value.

It's so hard to let go, isn't it? Yet, it is like a burden that we bear and sometimes even being a martyr about it too. Like a business that it not working. We think it will turn around soon, so we keep working, pouring money into it and hoping.

I think about a Warren Buffett quote I saw recently, "Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks." Now, here's a guy people listen to and of course, anyone with a brain would have to agree that it makes a bit of sense.

It's not just about business, is it? How many things do we do in our everyday work life, or personal life that we might be better off not doing any more? How about storing things we think we will use again, yet never do. I know there are things in storage that I haven't even seen or touched in years, and the rent keeps getting paid each month.

Change. It's about doing things, doing things differently, doing different things--and, it's about no longer doing things that we don't need to do. The last one is the hardest, isn't it? Yet, it might be good to take an 8.5"x11" sheet of paper and print in big letters, "What can I let go of that I no longer use or need today?" That might be a good reminder to remember that aspect of change. . . or not. . .

It's All In The Willingness To Change. . .

Where Is My Cheese, Anyway? I Know I Left It Around Here Somewhere!

Spread Some Joy Today--There is absolutely nothing like decisions to move the needle. Is that your final answer? Saying, "yes!" will bring you joy today!

Daily Inspiration 8-12-10

"If you work just for the money, you'll never make it,

but if you love what you're doing and you always

put the customer first, success will be yours."

-- Ray Kroc

Tell me, have you ever learned something and then find yourself saying those things you learned to others and feeling like you really understand the subject, and then sometime later, perhaps even years later, you realize you didn't really get it until now?

Having started into a sales career at age 22, I had heard this quote by Ray Kroc expressed by others in a very similar manner, though the exact words were somewhat different. Each of the quotes were on the subject of "chasing money." I learned it, or so I thought, then taught it, then heard it repeated back to me by those I taught. All the time, it made sense, but I didn't really get it. I still chased the money.

Of course, I know now that this created and perpetuated the chase and this became the role I played. There were goals set and monitored and it was still a chase and some months the chase got more intense. Though progress was made from time to time, the chase was the predominate theme.

Yesterday's Daily Inspiration stated that to be of service to the most people is the powerful and effective success strategy. Sure, money is necessary. Who doesn't get that? But, that doesn't mean that focusing on that aspect will create success. It hasn't all my life, why should it now? No. It is being of service to the many. The money comes as a matter of course.

What is the best way to be of service? I think it is in loving what you do and sharing that, expressing that, expanding that, becoming that every day. It's the kind of attitude that you would do it for free just because you love it so much. The joy of that is so powerful, and it attracts more of the same. It reminds me of my favorite quote of all time by William Shakespeare:

"There is a tide in the affairs of men,

when taken at the flood, leads on to fortune."

Even By Serving Someone For Free, It Leads You In The Right Direction. Think Investment! Think Practice! Think Joy!

Spread Some Joy Today--Is there joy in service to others? Does a bear do it in the woods?

Daily Inspiration 8-11-10

"If you can dream it, you can do it.

Always remember that this whole thing

was started with a dream and a mouse."

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible!"

-- Walt Disney

Some of the most inspiring things to read for me are business leaders and successful entrepreneurs. What I find most interesting is how many times many of them started over, got thrown out, turned down, lost their financing, and a long list of obstacles that would tame most very quickly, yet these special people just kept on going. If you're not aware of Walt Disney's story, you can get a short version by looking up his name in Wikipedia.

Another thing that inspires me is that so many of these people, though extremely successful, built companies and enterprises that in today's world dwarf what the founder built. I love that aspect of each story.

Many years ago, I was taught by mentors in books that if you want to be really successful, find a way to be of service to the most people. It is interesting that I learned that so long ago, but it is only now becoming crystal clear to me what that means.

When I think about how many people Walt Disney and his creations and his team's creations has served, the number is astronomical. Think about how many people have been to a Disney theme park since the first venture of Disneyland opening in 1955. Think about how many people have seen Disney movies, cartoon and otherwise. Those numbers are most likely in the billions by now. What about the TV shows. I grew up with The Mickey Mouse Club and had such a crush on Darlene back in the early 60s. Put all of their product and service influences together and the number of people served is mind boggling.

All of that inspires me to keep going and to be an influence; to be of service. It's working, more so than at any other time in my entire life, and I have barely scratched the surface. This is a path I want to be on, am proud to be on, and am committed to success on: to be of service to a very large number of people. I may never be Walt Disney, but I'm certainly inspired by him, the organization he created, and mostly, the vision of service. I'm grateful for the example.

Find An Example And Emulate. Let It Inspire You!

Spread Some Joy Today--Surround yourself with people who have done well and come through. They may have been dead a hundred years, but are so alive yet in how they can inspire you and uplift you. There is a wealth of great mentors available to everyone that desires it.

Daily Inspiration 8-10-10

"It's easy to make a buck.

It's a lot tougher to make a difference."

-- Tom Brokaw

Food for the day. . .

I Want To Make A Difference. Because I Can.

Spread Some Joy Today--What do you do that makes a difference? This is a good list to write out. Make your list and expand on it.

Daily Inspiration 8-9-10

"Set your sights high, the higher the better.

Expect the most wonderful things to happen,

not in the future but right now.

Realize that nothing is too good.

Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you

or hold you up in any way.

-- Eileen Caddy

"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared

believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances."

-- Bruce Barton

Yesterday, I mentioned how naysayers and devil's advocates must be avoided. Sometimes, we don't realize that we are those to ourselves too. We have to kick them all out for the benefit of a better life.

Having a big goal, something so much larger than ourselves can be very helpful to keep our mind focused and the side benefit is that we get excited and blow off the naysayers more easily.

Another thing that is most helpful is becoming an expecter; expecting good things to come right now and in the future. No need to wait until the goal has been achieved. That is really only a visual--the real stuff is what is happening on the way to the big, hairy, audacious goal. It's the fun, the excitement, the learning--yes, there is much learning, isn't there? That part is life. The goal is just the horizon. By the time you get to the goal, you most likely will have several more. It's all good.

There is nothing whatsoever to stop us except. . . ourselves. We can try to blame others, but in the end, we know deep down that is a cover up. We are the only ones who can stop us. . . and. . . the most awesome news is this: We are the only ones who can start us!

It it is to be, it is up to me. . .

Why Not? Why Not Me? Why Not Now? Let's Go!

Spread Some Joy Today--It's those pesky decisions that get those juices flowing. Make some today!

Daily Inspiration 8-8-10

"Surround yourself with people who believe in you."

-- Brian Koslow

Believing in yourself is necessary and wonderful. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you is just as necessary and wonderful. Encouragement is pure positive energy. This is the fastest and best way to turn your potential into reality.

The Devil's Advocate Has Left The Building. . .

SEE YA!

Spread Some Joy Today--The difference between a lost soul and a super star? A hundred levels of belief. You can always find more belief and grow even more.

Daily Inspiration 8-7-10

"Your problem is you're . . .

too busy holding onto your unworthiness."

-- Ram Dass

I think this is an important and enlightening quote from Ram Dass. I've known a number of people who held onto their unworthiness, and one of those people was me.

Unworthiness can be a particularly tough challenge to overcome because it has a tendency to sort of take over a person's life and begins affecting so many decisions, or more likely, lack of decisions. Opportunities are missed without notice, and if they are pointed out by others, it only reinforces the unworthy feeling. There's this whole encompassing attitude of "that's not me."

My experience is that much, if not all of this comes from lack of encouragement, especially at a young age. It is a learning experience and when someone hears over and over again, how they have failed, how they can't do this or that, how they're not old enough, smart enough, good enough, pretty enough, just not enough, that builds into a wall made of steel reinforced concrete.

The good news is that it can be changed. The bad news is that you have to change. The good news is you can do it. The only question is will you? So, here's the formula:

1. Decide you want to change.

2. Pretend in your mind and in your words and on paper that you are worthy, smart, good looking, successful, important, and resourceful. Pretend you're an actor playing the role of the confident, successful, joyful person that you know you can be.

3. Get around people who inspire, uplift, and humor you. Get around as many as you can. At the same time, let go of the naysayers. Walk away and don't bother with them. You need people who see your talent and value.

4. Enjoy your new life. Enjoy the process. Build on each success. Become the actor permanently.

You are worthy. There is no question about it. You don't need approval.

God loves us the way we are. Remember that.

I'm Worthy. I'm Worthy. I'm Worthy.

Spread Some Joy Today--Sometimes, just a small shift in confidence is all that is needed to overcome doubt and despair. Don't turn the dark switch on. Turn the light switch on.

Daily Inspiration 8-6-10

"Exhilaration is that feeling you get just after a great idea

hits you, and just before you realize what's wrong with it."

-- Joe Moore

You may be like me in that I have done this so many hundreds of times in my life: had a great idea, was all enthusiastic about the possibilities and then just as quickly picked it apart until it was completely obliterated. Or, maybe I would "allow" someone else to do that last part for me and then I just had to agree with their impeccable logic and insight into the reality of facts, figures, and proper choices.

Nonetheless, the exhilaration was still there. And though it may have been ever so brief, at least I experienced that moment or two of doing anything I wanted to do and being successful and excellent at it. Now, just think what might happen if, even though we may talk ourselves out of it, we had these glorious exhilarating experiences many times each day. Heck, we might even start to believe them instead of scoff at them. We might even relish the joy and damn the reality. We might even ignore reality. . .

What?????? Ignore reality? Ignore what is? Ignore the facts? Ignore the numbers? Ignore the past experiences of others? Ignore the wisdom of the ages (or so it may be expressed)? Ignore such great advice and the opinion of those who might love me? Ignore all of that?

YES!

Yes. It can be done and it is even a good thing to be done, because though they mean well, they do harm. Though they act like they want to help, they are pulling the rope in the opposite direction, so they are fighting me. I do enough of that with myself (although, so little any more. . .), that I surely don't need anyone else to help.

Yes!

Let the exhilaration begin! . . .and thrive!

Some Might Say That It's Not About Feeling Good. I Say Let Them Have Their Way. . . With Themselves, Alone. As For Me, I Choose Feeling Good!

Spread Some Joy Today--You will find that if you practice it just a while that learning how to feel good as much of the time as possible--indeed, all the time if possible--will guide you so well that you will wonder why it took so long to learn it. It's AWESOME!

Daily Inspiration 8-5-10

"If you don't like something change it;

if you can't change it, change the way you think about it."

-- Mary Engelbreit

"When we are no longer able to change a situation,

we are challenged to change ourselves."

-- Victor Frankl

I've heard these sentiments expressed in many ways and each of them instructional. One way that I recently heard it was enlightening and equally empowering. It is this:

We are on two concurrent journeys at the same time. One, is our physical journey of what is now. This is reality. It is what it is. It is the facts of the way things are. And, two, is our emotional journey. That is how we choose to feel, though ofttimes, we don't feel that we actually have choice, but is a default response.

So, the reality is the reality. It is what it is. We can think and feel how we want to about it and if we continually focus on the reality in front of us, we will respond and react to that reality and our thinking and feeling will keep us tied to this reality as being tied to a pole in the ground. The more we talk about reality, feel the reality, share the reality, the more the reality has a hold on us.

In most cases, it is near impossible to change the reality by focusing on the reality. Generally, the only way and also the best and most effective way to change the reality, is to begin changing the emotional journey about the reality. In other words, have you feel better and better by changing your thinking and feeling about what is.

Part of this is considering what you want it to be rather than what it is. You can't focus on being broke and not having enough money to pay the bills and have that situation change for the better. But, it can and will change for the better by focusing on what and where you want it to be, living in that fantasy as if it were your reality and it will become your reality. The other part is feeling better and better about where you are right now. It is so powerful to look for the positive aspects in every situation. It empowers one to see their current reality in a softer light. It is still reality, but now softer and more acceptable while you focus on what you want next and where you want to go.

Some of this I was taught as a child. I learned things like, "there is always a silver lining. . . things will work out for the best if you let them. . . and I haven't forgotten them, but now have a much more powerful and clear way to change where I am when I am not where I want to be. I change the emotional journey: my thinking and how I feel about my situation, my life, my current reality. Then, I focus my energy on imagining it the way I want it to be. Used together, these two strategies are incredible.

First Step: Lighten Up!! It's Only As Good Or Bad As You Think It And Feel That It Is. Find The Relief Valve And Open It Up.

Spread Some Joy Today--Now that you know an effective way to change, test it and see for yourself, then share it with others. The joy of empowerment is awesome!

Daily Inspiration 8-4-10

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap,

but by the seeds you plant."

-- Robert Louis Stevenson

What a special quote this is. What a great and wonderful way to look at each and every day. To think about what you brought or what you can bring compared to what you take or what you get. It reminds me of the JFK quote, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

When I think about that on the level of the country, I get one feeling and when I bring it home to this day, this hour, this minute, I get an entirely different feeling, but it is the same advice. So, how about this: Ask not what this day will bring to you, but what you can bring to the day. Ask not what the company you work for can do for you, but what you can bring to enhance the company. Ask not what your spouse can do for you, but what you can do for your spouse.

They say it is better to give than receive. It's okay to want and like both, yet something tells me the giving part will be the one you remember.

Be A Farmer: Plant Some Seeds!

Spread Some Joy Today--Think about what you can bring to the day, the hour, the minute, right now. Now do it. The rewards will be obvious.

Daily Inspiration 8-3-10

"Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars."

-- Les Brown

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high

and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

-- Michelangelo

Goals are funny things sometimes. They are especially funny when I hear people tell me that my goals are too high or that I'm thinking too big, that I should make smaller goals so that I can achieve them. I was just told the other day that I should have a goal to increase my business by 10%-15%, or maybe 20% rather than the 200% I was shooting for. I think that is funny. Lower my goals? Why? That's not the goal that I want. Isn't the purpose of a goal that it is something I WANT to shoot for? I really don't care that much if I miss it, the improvement that naturally will come from such an endeavor is reward enough.

A goal is not the same thing as a business forecast. A business forecast is based more on the past than anything else. It is a guess; albeit, an attempt at an "educated" guess, called a forecast, but not a goal. A goal would have driving power. A forecast is a minimum expectation. It has no driving power at all. I've always taken these things lightly for they are much like mission statements to me. Gag me. At best, they are both ineffective and unduly time consuming.

A goal though is different. It is where I WANT to go and by setting a goal of WHERE I want to go, I am encouraged to put that picture into a time frame. Just for the heck of it. Just to take it out for a spin and see what I can do with it. This is where the magic happens. The decision of what I WANT, and WHERE I want to go, and approximately WHEN I would like to arrive is really the whole story, don't you think?

But what about the rules? You know, the punishment of defeat and the thrill of victory and all that. Well, everyone gets to play with that as they will. They can laugh at my goal if they want and I am not impressed. It is my goal, not theirs. If I fail to achieve the objective in the time frame desired, I am not defeated or discouraged. It is my goal. If I still want it passionately, I just reset the clock and keep going.

So, the moral of the story is this: Take ownership of your own goals. Accept responsibility for your own what, when, and where. Don't laugh at anyone else's goals and don't allow it to affect you if someone laughs at yours. Consider them ignorant of your power.

You can do anything you want to do if you want to do it enough.

By the way, I'm already almost halfway to the goal. . .

How High Can You Fly? You're The Pilot!

Spread Some Joy Today--Get excited about your own desires. Set your own goals about them and you don't need to share that with anyone unless you want to. If you share them, you may need to have more chutzpah!

Daily Inspiration 8-2-10

"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change."

-- Earl Nightingale

"I dreamed a thousand new paths. . . I woke and walked my old one."

-- Chinese Proverb

It is the law of attraction at work and it is highly visible, isn't it?

It all starts with what we think and ends in what we do or don't.

Attitude Is What You Think And How You Feel About What You Think.

Spread Some Joy Today--Here's a great universal question: How's it workin' for ya? Good answer.

Daily Inspiration 8-1-10

"Without inspiration, the best powers of the mind remain dormant,

there is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks."

-- Johann Gottfried von Herder

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing.

Action always generates inspiration.

Inspiration seldom generates action."

-- Frank Tibolt

Inspiration to me is like a magic potion. It is so powerful that it is fully renewing. Enthusiasm is a natural offspring, and the light at the end of the tunnel is illuminating. It helps put the past into proper past perspective, and at the same time brightens the realm of possibility and probability in today and tomorrow both. I want to roll around in it, bathe in its glow, pour it all over myself and others too. It really is magic.

I want it every day of my life until I tire of it, but I never do, and that is good.

I have also found that waiting for inspiration to come is very ineffective. I have found myself waiting for days, weeks, months and even years. So waiting for it is not the answer. I would never get anything done this way. But. . .

. . . I have found the answer for me. It's partly like Frank Tibolt says, "action generates inspiration." It does seem to appear when I am in motion, so I agree with that. And, here is the biggest part of successful inspirational attraction for me: expect it. I don't just want it or need it, I expect it and I expect it daily.

Another thing that inspires me daily is daily inspirations and devotions such as this. Frankly, this is the reason I publish this every day because I get several of these from various authors daily and I am inspired by them, so I share that and my interest in it with as many as might enjoy them.

So, there you go. I expect it, I attract it, I share it. It's perfect.

There Is Nothing So Sweet and Joyous As Leading An Inspired Life.

Spread Some Joy Today--Expect inspiration today, tomorrow and the next day too. Do what you love to do and do it with your best ability--be the best you can be for this moment. Relish the inspirations that you attract and share them with others.