Jim Rohn Week
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ikjbgfdab.0.0.jddxifcab.0&p=http://www.jimrohn.com/&id=preview.
-------------------
"Don't let the learning from your own experiences take too long.
If you have been doing it wrong for the last ten years,
I would suggest that's long enough!"
"If someone is going down the wrong road,
he doesn't need motivation to speed him up.
What he needs is education to turn him around."
"Learning is the beginning of wealth.
Learning is the beginning of health.
Learning is the beginning of spirituality.
Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins."
"Everything you need for your better future and success
has already been written. And guess what? It's all available."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
There was a time when I couldn't wait to get out of school. Now, I can't wait to learn something new. One was a requirement and the other a choice. What kind of education does one get when it is a requirement? What kind does one get when it is a choice?
Learning from your own experiences is one way to go about living. Another, more efficient way is to at least add other people's experiences to the mix. A really fast way is to learn from other people's experience. Why make all the mistakes yourself just to learn when you can see all the mistakes others have made and how they fixed it? And getting several different perspectives might be a good way to go about it. There are so many people who have written about their mistakes and successes. There is so much to learn from them in order to avoid having to learn from the School of Hard Knocks.
Jim Rohn taught me much about learning and what is even better is that he taught me the desire to learn. He made it sound so delightful. He was such an encourager of reading and learning. He was a master of journaling, recording lessons learned, ideas found, inspirations received, and wisdom gained. The way he talked about this created within me more of a desire to learn.
What is more is that he taught me to learn more about philosophy. He's been called "America's Foremost Business Philosopher." Why was even more intriguing to him than what. He would ask his audience, "what is it that makes the difference from being average to fortunate? I don't know. . ." Then, he would make some suggestions for you to consider. Not edicts, but suggestions. He always left it open enough to let you come in and look for yourself and then make up your own mind.
His audiences brought notebooks and took copious notes. The audience (even several hundred at a time) would be so quiet as he spoke his bits of wisdom because they were absorbing the thought and writing it in their notebook for review later. He was absolutely a great teacher, and yet, he was a friend and mentor to them as Earl Shoaff was a mentor to him, and he was quick to give the credit to his mentor.
Here's three links to parts of a talk called How To Have Your Best Year Ever so you can see for yourself what his teaching was like and how audiences sat so quietly (don't forget to get out your notebook first and take the time):
Part 1: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ikjbgfdab.0.0.jddxifcab.0&p=http://commercialtrucksuccess.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-have-your-best-year-ever-pt-1.html&id=preview
Part 2: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ikjbgfdab.0.0.jddxifcab.0&p=http://commercialtrucksuccess.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-have-your-best-year-ever-pt-2-of.html&id=preview
Part 3: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ikjbgfdab.0.0.jddxifcab.0&p=http://commercialtrucksuccess.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-have-your-best-year-ever-pt-3-of.html&id=preview
It is the desire to learn through Jim's masterful philosophical talks that caught me and encouraged me. Every day is a new day to choose more wisely and Jim has given me the wisdom. I have taken the notes. I need to review them periodically to see where I am in the process. I am so blessed to have accepted Jim's challenges. There is always today to get back on track and do it well this time. I will rise to the occasion!
Learning Is So Exciting! I Can't Wait For What's Next!
Spread Some Joy Today--Spread the joy of learning! Share your enthusiasm! Realize the joy that your enthusiasm creates in others. It is truly contagious.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-27-09
Jim Rohn Week
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"Don't wish it was easier; wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems; wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenges; wish for more wisdom. You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills."
"Don't say, "If I could, I would." Say instead, "If I can, I will."
"Don't join an easy crowd. You won't grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
Isn't it so easy to focus on the problems, what is wrong, to want to know why it is not working out and to long for a time when these do not exist. I've been there and have thought that as well. Trouble is, it doesn't help, does it? Nothing changes. All I saw was more problems, more challenges and more frustration.
It reminds me of John Mayer's very popular song, Waiting On the World To Change. Jim Rohn knows a better way: magnify your skills and become the best you can be.
Hanging around the easy crowd is nice, but it is a pleasant passtime at best. Better to hang around people who challenge you to think, to do, to improve, to be creative, to excel. These people will be so influential in your life--and so much more fun.
Jim Rohn taught me to develop my own philosophy. I accepted that challenge in 1981 and am still in process today. It is a life-long challenge. There is always more to learn.
Wishes Are For Fishes!
Spread Some Joy Today--Smile as if you enjoy your own company and every moment of the day. People are bound to ask you about why you are so happy. What will you tell them?
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"Don't wish it was easier; wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems; wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenges; wish for more wisdom. You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills."
"Don't say, "If I could, I would." Say instead, "If I can, I will."
"Don't join an easy crowd. You won't grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
Isn't it so easy to focus on the problems, what is wrong, to want to know why it is not working out and to long for a time when these do not exist. I've been there and have thought that as well. Trouble is, it doesn't help, does it? Nothing changes. All I saw was more problems, more challenges and more frustration.
It reminds me of John Mayer's very popular song, Waiting On the World To Change. Jim Rohn knows a better way: magnify your skills and become the best you can be.
Hanging around the easy crowd is nice, but it is a pleasant passtime at best. Better to hang around people who challenge you to think, to do, to improve, to be creative, to excel. These people will be so influential in your life--and so much more fun.
Jim Rohn taught me to develop my own philosophy. I accepted that challenge in 1981 and am still in process today. It is a life-long challenge. There is always more to learn.
Wishes Are For Fishes!
Spread Some Joy Today--Smile as if you enjoy your own company and every moment of the day. People are bound to ask you about why you are so happy. What will you tell them?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-26-09
Jim Rohn Week
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"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 (1930-2009)
Excellent questions. The people around us will always have an influence. The question is what kind of influence? Of course, that question does go both ways, doesn't it?
Being around people who are always complaining, talking down about things, and just generally disagreeable has an effect on me. After a time, I start talking like them and even thinking like them, then I am them. I don't really want that though! As a result of wanting more for myself than this, I have stayed away from people who have that disposition. I want to be around uplifting, encouraging and exciting people. It is so much better! It is so much more productive as well.
When I first started out in sales at a car dealership at age 22. I used to hang out with the guys and just talk about stuff. It was pretty ugly. I learned to use the f-word in just about every sentence as an adjective, a noun, an expletive, a pronoun, virtually every way possible. Once I realized how ingrained it had become, it was a challenge to get rid of it. Now I say it less in a whole year than I used to in a paragraph. That's how powerful an effect people can have on you and not even see it immediately. You just want to be one of the guys. No problem. Choose the guys wisely.
Who do they have me reading? In the past it would have been the newspaper, and sports magazines, but certainly not books and certainly not non-fiction books. Being in sales there would be a great need to read about how to be good at that and get better. I wanted more, so I had to move away and go it alone.
What do they have me thinking? Well, you can tell by the last two paragraphs that it wasn't exactly inspiring. It was fun for a while until the jokes got too bold, but I started seeing no value in being in this group. I wanted more.
So, the most important question was, "was this okay?" It was not. I wanted more. That is really the key right there: I wanted more. When you want more, you go where you need to go and find new friends, or even go it alone for a time to get there.
People absolutely have an effect on us. Who do we want to emulate? If not them, I will be moving on to find those that I do want to emulate.
I Choose Good Questions!
Spread Some Joy Today--Make a list of great questions to periodically ask yourself. Then ask them. Here's a good one to ask your real friends: Have I told you I love you lately?
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"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 (1930-2009)
Excellent questions. The people around us will always have an influence. The question is what kind of influence? Of course, that question does go both ways, doesn't it?
Being around people who are always complaining, talking down about things, and just generally disagreeable has an effect on me. After a time, I start talking like them and even thinking like them, then I am them. I don't really want that though! As a result of wanting more for myself than this, I have stayed away from people who have that disposition. I want to be around uplifting, encouraging and exciting people. It is so much better! It is so much more productive as well.
When I first started out in sales at a car dealership at age 22. I used to hang out with the guys and just talk about stuff. It was pretty ugly. I learned to use the f-word in just about every sentence as an adjective, a noun, an expletive, a pronoun, virtually every way possible. Once I realized how ingrained it had become, it was a challenge to get rid of it. Now I say it less in a whole year than I used to in a paragraph. That's how powerful an effect people can have on you and not even see it immediately. You just want to be one of the guys. No problem. Choose the guys wisely.
Who do they have me reading? In the past it would have been the newspaper, and sports magazines, but certainly not books and certainly not non-fiction books. Being in sales there would be a great need to read about how to be good at that and get better. I wanted more, so I had to move away and go it alone.
What do they have me thinking? Well, you can tell by the last two paragraphs that it wasn't exactly inspiring. It was fun for a while until the jokes got too bold, but I started seeing no value in being in this group. I wanted more.
So, the most important question was, "was this okay?" It was not. I wanted more. That is really the key right there: I wanted more. When you want more, you go where you need to go and find new friends, or even go it alone for a time to get there.
People absolutely have an effect on us. Who do we want to emulate? If not them, I will be moving on to find those that I do want to emulate.
I Choose Good Questions!
Spread Some Joy Today--Make a list of great questions to periodically ask yourself. Then ask them. Here's a good one to ask your real friends: Have I told you I love you lately?
Friday, December 25, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-25-09
Jim Rohn Week
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at http://www.jimrohn.com/.
-------------------
"There is no better opportunity to receive more than to be thankful for what you already have. Thanksgiving opens up the windows of opportunity for ideas to flow your way."
"Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you."
"One good customer well taken care of could be more valuable than $10,000 worth of advertising."
"It is our philosophical set of the sail that determines the course of our lives. To change our current direction, we have to change our philosophy not our circumstances."
"The best motivation is self-motivation. The guy says, "I wish someone would come by and turn me on." What if they don't show up? You've got to have a better plan for your life."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
I am so thankful for Jim Rohn and all that he left for us that will benefit millions for many years to come. He has left a very powerful legacy.
"It is our philosophical set of the sail. . ." This quote sums up Jim Rohn as good as any could. He was a philosopher. The interesting thing that I've learned over the years is that it is our thinking that causes and creates. It all starts and ends there. So what he says is so true. It is also the way that change becomes permanent. When you understand what you do and why and what you can do to change and keep the change, it will always be philosophical, or your thinking and consequent beliefs. It is not a means to an end as much as a life long study that gets better with age and accumulation.
One of my favorite books by Jim Rohn is Leading An Inspired Life. I can also highly recommend another favorite of mine, The Seasons Of Life. Both are available in softcover for a few bucks. Both of these are so inspiring and uplifting and that is what Jim Rohn does so well.
Of all that I have heard from Jim Rohn, one idea stands out above all others. I don't remember what tape set it was, but I'm thinking it was Take Charge of Your Life. He said something like this: "There's two ways to have the tallest building: One is to become known as a builder and the other is to be known as a destroyer by tearing everyone else's building down. You might tear a few down, and then they'll be out on the street saying, 'I've heard of you!'"
That thought has really helped me beyond measure to stop messing with other people's lives or how I think they should be and concentrate on being the best I can be. But, it is even better than this. It has really helped me see that there is really no such thing as competition. If there is no competition, there is no need to worry about what others are doing.
Another so powerful idea that I have totally accepted is being self-motivated. What if no one shows up is right. That's a big problem. When I accept the challenge myself, I am empowered to live fully. I can't succeed alone. I need other people and other people's ideas, but I cannot wait for them to move me to action, or even to fill me with knowledge or skill. I rely on myself for all of that. Thank goodness.
Being grateful is a piece of magic. There is nothing so powerful as gratitude and it costs nothing, yet pays so well. The best thing is how it multiplies and expands without any coaxing. The more it is practiced, the more it expands. There is an unending supply of it to give away and unending joy in return. What a gift for this Christmas day.
Thank you! I appreciate you!
I Am So Thankful For Every Little Thing!
Spread Some Joy Today--See how many times you can show gratitude to someone today. Count all of your blessings and watch them grow!
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at http://www.jimrohn.com/.
-------------------
"There is no better opportunity to receive more than to be thankful for what you already have. Thanksgiving opens up the windows of opportunity for ideas to flow your way."
"Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you."
"One good customer well taken care of could be more valuable than $10,000 worth of advertising."
"It is our philosophical set of the sail that determines the course of our lives. To change our current direction, we have to change our philosophy not our circumstances."
"The best motivation is self-motivation. The guy says, "I wish someone would come by and turn me on." What if they don't show up? You've got to have a better plan for your life."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
I am so thankful for Jim Rohn and all that he left for us that will benefit millions for many years to come. He has left a very powerful legacy.
"It is our philosophical set of the sail. . ." This quote sums up Jim Rohn as good as any could. He was a philosopher. The interesting thing that I've learned over the years is that it is our thinking that causes and creates. It all starts and ends there. So what he says is so true. It is also the way that change becomes permanent. When you understand what you do and why and what you can do to change and keep the change, it will always be philosophical, or your thinking and consequent beliefs. It is not a means to an end as much as a life long study that gets better with age and accumulation.
One of my favorite books by Jim Rohn is Leading An Inspired Life. I can also highly recommend another favorite of mine, The Seasons Of Life. Both are available in softcover for a few bucks. Both of these are so inspiring and uplifting and that is what Jim Rohn does so well.
Of all that I have heard from Jim Rohn, one idea stands out above all others. I don't remember what tape set it was, but I'm thinking it was Take Charge of Your Life. He said something like this: "There's two ways to have the tallest building: One is to become known as a builder and the other is to be known as a destroyer by tearing everyone else's building down. You might tear a few down, and then they'll be out on the street saying, 'I've heard of you!'"
That thought has really helped me beyond measure to stop messing with other people's lives or how I think they should be and concentrate on being the best I can be. But, it is even better than this. It has really helped me see that there is really no such thing as competition. If there is no competition, there is no need to worry about what others are doing.
Another so powerful idea that I have totally accepted is being self-motivated. What if no one shows up is right. That's a big problem. When I accept the challenge myself, I am empowered to live fully. I can't succeed alone. I need other people and other people's ideas, but I cannot wait for them to move me to action, or even to fill me with knowledge or skill. I rely on myself for all of that. Thank goodness.
Being grateful is a piece of magic. There is nothing so powerful as gratitude and it costs nothing, yet pays so well. The best thing is how it multiplies and expands without any coaxing. The more it is practiced, the more it expands. There is an unending supply of it to give away and unending joy in return. What a gift for this Christmas day.
Thank you! I appreciate you!
I Am So Thankful For Every Little Thing!
Spread Some Joy Today--See how many times you can show gratitude to someone today. Count all of your blessings and watch them grow!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-24-09
Jim Rohn Week
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"Disgust and resolve are two of the great emotions that lead to change."
"If you don't like where you are, change it! You're not a tree."
"One of the reasons many people don't have what they want is neglect. Neglect starts out as an infection and then develops into a disease."
"Humility is a virtue; timidity is a disease."
"We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things than we can to spend minor time on major things."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
Jim Rohn was many things in one grand package. Of those many things, one great one is that he wasn't just an encourager and full of wit and wisdom, but he also had a bit of an edge in an attempt to move you from learning more knowledge to moving into action. Sometimes he might say, "you know enough, now is the time to move." The 'disgust and resolve' quote is like that. It's like he's saying, "which would you rather have?"
I'll never forget on a tape he was talking about getting going and he said something to the effect of this: "Pick up a rock and drop it on the ground. That is where you start. The next person that comes along, tell him, 'Sir, you're the first person after the rock.' That will get the conversation moving!" Or, he would say, "I can do anything for about 30 days. Work 12-15 hours a day? No problem. For 30 days, I can be endure much to get the goal."
One of my all time favorites is him saying that "learning, learning and not doing is not good. That would be like a construction site to build a tall building and then every day you're bringing material to the site. Day after day, you bring more material, but you don't build anything. They'll come and take you away!"
From doing a little bit of prodding, Jim was a master at simplifying things to make them seem so easy and make common sense. He would have you saying to yourself, "of course, that's a perfect way to look at it. It makes so much sense." Here's an example of encouraging you through his characteristically simple method:
"Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day, while failure is simply a few errors in judgement, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgements that leads us to either fortune or failure."
Another very famous line was "Discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons." And, don't we all know it as being 100% true. Yet another is "don't major in minor things" idea. That makes perfect sense. Why don't they teach this stuff in school? Of course, it's true, we all know it.
Yet, at the same time of using such common sense and encouragement to action, he encourages you from where you are right now with things like this: "Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals." Don't we all know that we all have the capacity to do that. A hard working stiff gets that just as readily as a upper level business executive.
Thank you, Jim! You take a thing that it is natural for us to make complicated in our head and find a way to simplify it so a child can get it, yet never once talk down to us. That is not easy, yet extremely valuable.
I Am Called To Action! I Know I Can. I Will. I Do.
Spread Some Joy Today--See everyone you meet today as your mirror. What can you do to see what you want to see?
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"Disgust and resolve are two of the great emotions that lead to change."
"If you don't like where you are, change it! You're not a tree."
"One of the reasons many people don't have what they want is neglect. Neglect starts out as an infection and then develops into a disease."
"Humility is a virtue; timidity is a disease."
"We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things than we can to spend minor time on major things."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
Jim Rohn was many things in one grand package. Of those many things, one great one is that he wasn't just an encourager and full of wit and wisdom, but he also had a bit of an edge in an attempt to move you from learning more knowledge to moving into action. Sometimes he might say, "you know enough, now is the time to move." The 'disgust and resolve' quote is like that. It's like he's saying, "which would you rather have?"
I'll never forget on a tape he was talking about getting going and he said something to the effect of this: "Pick up a rock and drop it on the ground. That is where you start. The next person that comes along, tell him, 'Sir, you're the first person after the rock.' That will get the conversation moving!" Or, he would say, "I can do anything for about 30 days. Work 12-15 hours a day? No problem. For 30 days, I can be endure much to get the goal."
One of my all time favorites is him saying that "learning, learning and not doing is not good. That would be like a construction site to build a tall building and then every day you're bringing material to the site. Day after day, you bring more material, but you don't build anything. They'll come and take you away!"
From doing a little bit of prodding, Jim was a master at simplifying things to make them seem so easy and make common sense. He would have you saying to yourself, "of course, that's a perfect way to look at it. It makes so much sense." Here's an example of encouraging you through his characteristically simple method:
"Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day, while failure is simply a few errors in judgement, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgements that leads us to either fortune or failure."
Another very famous line was "Discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons." And, don't we all know it as being 100% true. Yet another is "don't major in minor things" idea. That makes perfect sense. Why don't they teach this stuff in school? Of course, it's true, we all know it.
Yet, at the same time of using such common sense and encouragement to action, he encourages you from where you are right now with things like this: "Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals." Don't we all know that we all have the capacity to do that. A hard working stiff gets that just as readily as a upper level business executive.
Thank you, Jim! You take a thing that it is natural for us to make complicated in our head and find a way to simplify it so a child can get it, yet never once talk down to us. That is not easy, yet extremely valuable.
I Am Called To Action! I Know I Can. I Will. I Do.
Spread Some Joy Today--See everyone you meet today as your mirror. What can you do to see what you want to see?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-23-09
Jim Rohn Week
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"Leaders must learn to discipline their disappointments. It is not what happens to us, it is what we choose to do about what happens that makes the difference in how our lives turn out."
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude. Be kind, but not weak. Be bold, but not a bully. Be thoughtful, but not lazy. Be humble, but not timid. Be proud, but not arrogant. Have humor, but without folly."
"Learn to help people with more than just their jobs; help them with their lives."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
You must learn to discipline your disappointments. I have said that so many times and until I found this quote again, I had forgotten where it came from. It is so true. This was a big learning experience to really understand that it isn't what happens but how we think about what happens that makes the difference in how we feel and how we either react or respond. Ultimately, it directs our lives--one way or the other.
Jim was such a powerful leader and I think it is better said that he was a "world mentor." I considered him my first real strong mentor and I studied what he had to say. Sure he was a leader, but a mentor is so much more to me. I think of a leader as the President of the United States or some company, but I think of a mentor as someone much more personal to you though you may never have met in person. I forget the human part of them and consider the message as transcending all of that because it is so useful to me in becoming more, living more and loving more.
Jim's quote on the challenge of leadership is so good. I have met so many so-called leaders in my past that could not be classified here. I will have to call them 'managers' instead of leaders. Leaders are all these qualities: strong, not rude; kind not weak; bold, not a bully; thoughtful and not lazy; humble, yet not timid; proud, not arrogant and have humor without folly. It doesn't come from a magnetic personality but from experience, dedication and constant learning.
The last quote is something I have tried to do well since I first became a manager at 25 years of age--to help people with their lives not just their job. I've never been just an employer, but a friend. It isn't a personal thing so much as being an encourager and uplifter. I try to inspire as I am inspired. To me, there is nothing so special and so welcome as words of encouragement, whether verbally or in writing. I know how special it feels to me, so I want to give that same feeling back to everyone I can. It is far more valuable than money and lasts forever. I can remember encouraging words way back and I endeavor to forget and erase any and all discouraging mentions.
Here's another Jim Rohn quote about working:
"The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask is "What am I becoming?"
I want to help people become more, because that is what I want for myself. Let's call it the Golden Rule of leadership: Lead others the way you want to be led.
Leadership Is An Art. Jim Rohn Is A Masterpiece!
Spread Some Joy Today--Begin becoming an encourager: Start encouraging someone this very day.
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"Leaders must learn to discipline their disappointments. It is not what happens to us, it is what we choose to do about what happens that makes the difference in how our lives turn out."
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude. Be kind, but not weak. Be bold, but not a bully. Be thoughtful, but not lazy. Be humble, but not timid. Be proud, but not arrogant. Have humor, but without folly."
"Learn to help people with more than just their jobs; help them with their lives."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
You must learn to discipline your disappointments. I have said that so many times and until I found this quote again, I had forgotten where it came from. It is so true. This was a big learning experience to really understand that it isn't what happens but how we think about what happens that makes the difference in how we feel and how we either react or respond. Ultimately, it directs our lives--one way or the other.
Jim was such a powerful leader and I think it is better said that he was a "world mentor." I considered him my first real strong mentor and I studied what he had to say. Sure he was a leader, but a mentor is so much more to me. I think of a leader as the President of the United States or some company, but I think of a mentor as someone much more personal to you though you may never have met in person. I forget the human part of them and consider the message as transcending all of that because it is so useful to me in becoming more, living more and loving more.
Jim's quote on the challenge of leadership is so good. I have met so many so-called leaders in my past that could not be classified here. I will have to call them 'managers' instead of leaders. Leaders are all these qualities: strong, not rude; kind not weak; bold, not a bully; thoughtful and not lazy; humble, yet not timid; proud, not arrogant and have humor without folly. It doesn't come from a magnetic personality but from experience, dedication and constant learning.
The last quote is something I have tried to do well since I first became a manager at 25 years of age--to help people with their lives not just their job. I've never been just an employer, but a friend. It isn't a personal thing so much as being an encourager and uplifter. I try to inspire as I am inspired. To me, there is nothing so special and so welcome as words of encouragement, whether verbally or in writing. I know how special it feels to me, so I want to give that same feeling back to everyone I can. It is far more valuable than money and lasts forever. I can remember encouraging words way back and I endeavor to forget and erase any and all discouraging mentions.
Here's another Jim Rohn quote about working:
"The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask is "What am I becoming?"
I want to help people become more, because that is what I want for myself. Let's call it the Golden Rule of leadership: Lead others the way you want to be led.
Leadership Is An Art. Jim Rohn Is A Masterpiece!
Spread Some Joy Today--Begin becoming an encourager: Start encouraging someone this very day.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-22-09
Jim Rohn Week
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"The greatest gift you can give to somebody is your own personal development. I used to say, "If you will take care of me, I will take care of you." Now I say, "I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me."
"Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you wish for.
Happiness is something you design."
"Learn to be happy with what you have
while you pursue all that you want."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
These three quotes are all so much a part of my life now and at one time I thought very differently. Personal development is so critical in my life that I find it hard to imagine not studying it well and thoroughly. It is logical: the more I am, the more I have to share. It's also personal responsibility in making the decision and moving down that path. It's also deductive reasoning: I can't change anyone except myself. Let me tell you that this was the hardest lesson I have ever learned and it took me a very long time to really accept it fully. Not that it was hard, but my resistance was like granite!
Then I've found that happiness is not something that is really attached to anything. It is not an exterior event, but an internal design. If it were accidental, it would be a really tough world. Fortunately, it is as easy as choosing it moment by moment and any moment will do just fine. Then, expand it by designing more ways to enjoy it.
Learning to be happy with what I have in pursuit of what I want has been a tough one to accept as well. The reason it was tough was because I used to always focus on what was wrong and how to change it; what was missing and try to find it, and last a general association that more things equals more success, which equals more comfort, which equals more happiness.
What is interesting now is that I am in the pursuit of more than I have ever even dreamed of before, but the big difference is that I am completely happy with what I have now, where I am now and who I am now. The pursuit is not a need, but a desire. There is a world of difference.
Of all the things I have learned from Jim Rohn, it can be summed up here from a couple more of Jim's quotes:
"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person we become."
"We can have more than we've got because we can become more than we are."
I Can Become More . . . And I Am!
Spread Some Joy Today--If you get a chance, get a copy of Jim Rohn's Challenge To Succeed tape sets. You can get it new on Amazon or many other places including www.jimrohn.com. It is an awesome teaching and among his most popular.
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
-------------------
"The greatest gift you can give to somebody is your own personal development. I used to say, "If you will take care of me, I will take care of you." Now I say, "I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me."
"Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you wish for.
Happiness is something you design."
"Learn to be happy with what you have
while you pursue all that you want."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
These three quotes are all so much a part of my life now and at one time I thought very differently. Personal development is so critical in my life that I find it hard to imagine not studying it well and thoroughly. It is logical: the more I am, the more I have to share. It's also personal responsibility in making the decision and moving down that path. It's also deductive reasoning: I can't change anyone except myself. Let me tell you that this was the hardest lesson I have ever learned and it took me a very long time to really accept it fully. Not that it was hard, but my resistance was like granite!
Then I've found that happiness is not something that is really attached to anything. It is not an exterior event, but an internal design. If it were accidental, it would be a really tough world. Fortunately, it is as easy as choosing it moment by moment and any moment will do just fine. Then, expand it by designing more ways to enjoy it.
Learning to be happy with what I have in pursuit of what I want has been a tough one to accept as well. The reason it was tough was because I used to always focus on what was wrong and how to change it; what was missing and try to find it, and last a general association that more things equals more success, which equals more comfort, which equals more happiness.
What is interesting now is that I am in the pursuit of more than I have ever even dreamed of before, but the big difference is that I am completely happy with what I have now, where I am now and who I am now. The pursuit is not a need, but a desire. There is a world of difference.
Of all the things I have learned from Jim Rohn, it can be summed up here from a couple more of Jim's quotes:
"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person we become."
"We can have more than we've got because we can become more than we are."
I Can Become More . . . And I Am!
Spread Some Joy Today--If you get a chance, get a copy of Jim Rohn's Challenge To Succeed tape sets. You can get it new on Amazon or many other places including www.jimrohn.com. It is an awesome teaching and among his most popular.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-21-09
Jim Rohn Week
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
--------------------------------
"It isn't what the book costs; it's what it will cost if you don't read it."
"Miss a meal if you have to, but don't miss a book."
"Most homes valued at over $750,000 have a library.
That should tell us something."
"Formal education will make you a living;
self-education will make you a fortune."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
My real learning began by reading books starting at age 22. When I was first heard a Jim Rohn tape at age 30, he kicked that desire for knowledge up dramatically. His words from tapes and his books are with me today so much that he is a part of me. My actions on those words haven't always been focused, but his wisdom and guidance remain faithful. The rest has always been up to me.
One of the powerful things Jim taught me was to read well, create my own library and to be self-eductated. This I have done. Prior to starting a book business in 2004, I had about 2,000 books in my personal library (I recommend you don't move very often. . .). Adding the cost of that is a sizeable number; however, they were acquired over a long period of time, and besides, the value is hundreds of times the cost anyway!
Share them. I have given away several hundred over the years to special people I wanted to encourage. What goes around, comes around. I've been blessed, so I pass it on in many ways.
If you haven't already, I encourage you to build a great library of books that move you and instruct you and inspire you. 100 would be a good number. I have a partial list to get you started on our blog: http://commercialtrucksuccess.blogspot.com on the right side.
I Don't Need A Library Card. I Have My Own Library!
Spread Some Joy Today--Share a great book with someone. It will be a great joy for you afterward. A cheap thrill and a lasting benefit. Way cool.
To honor the passing of Jim Rohn on December 5th, 2009, I will be sharing some of my favorite quotes throughout the week. Jim Rohn was a powerful influence in my thinking beginning with my introduction to his teaching in early 1981. See more about Jim Rohn at www.jimrohn.com.
--------------------------------
"It isn't what the book costs; it's what it will cost if you don't read it."
"Miss a meal if you have to, but don't miss a book."
"Most homes valued at over $750,000 have a library.
That should tell us something."
"Formal education will make you a living;
self-education will make you a fortune."
-- Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
My real learning began by reading books starting at age 22. When I was first heard a Jim Rohn tape at age 30, he kicked that desire for knowledge up dramatically. His words from tapes and his books are with me today so much that he is a part of me. My actions on those words haven't always been focused, but his wisdom and guidance remain faithful. The rest has always been up to me.
One of the powerful things Jim taught me was to read well, create my own library and to be self-eductated. This I have done. Prior to starting a book business in 2004, I had about 2,000 books in my personal library (I recommend you don't move very often. . .). Adding the cost of that is a sizeable number; however, they were acquired over a long period of time, and besides, the value is hundreds of times the cost anyway!
Share them. I have given away several hundred over the years to special people I wanted to encourage. What goes around, comes around. I've been blessed, so I pass it on in many ways.
If you haven't already, I encourage you to build a great library of books that move you and instruct you and inspire you. 100 would be a good number. I have a partial list to get you started on our blog: http://commercialtrucksuccess.blogspot.com on the right side.
I Don't Need A Library Card. I Have My Own Library!
Spread Some Joy Today--Share a great book with someone. It will be a great joy for you afterward. A cheap thrill and a lasting benefit. Way cool.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-20-09
"You can be either a hunter or a fisher. In terms of influence, most people try to hunt. They're going to come at you, they're going to influence, they're going to persuade. What does an animal do when it's being hunted? It runs! Many salespeople say, 'I just can't close the deal.' Stop hunting! What happens when you fish? You put out attractive bait, and then the animal comes to you."
-- Chris Widener
Isn't this like dating? Or job hunting?
Interesting. . .
I Would Rather Fish!
Spread Some Joy Today--Try this different approach this week and see what results you might achieve.
-- Chris Widener
Isn't this like dating? Or job hunting?
Interesting. . .
I Would Rather Fish!
Spread Some Joy Today--Try this different approach this week and see what results you might achieve.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-19-09
"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand."
-- President Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States
Isn't that so much better than this: "Go to school, get good grades, mind your elders, get a good job, work hard, get married, have a family, plan for retirement, retire."
A larger purpose makes all the difference, doesn't it?
I Choose A Larger Purpose!
Spread Some Joy Today--Think of all the exciting things you can do to help someone else. Ain't it fun? Now do some of it today!
-- President Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States
Isn't that so much better than this: "Go to school, get good grades, mind your elders, get a good job, work hard, get married, have a family, plan for retirement, retire."
A larger purpose makes all the difference, doesn't it?
I Choose A Larger Purpose!
Spread Some Joy Today--Think of all the exciting things you can do to help someone else. Ain't it fun? Now do some of it today!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-18-09
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. . . it does."
-- William James
It's easy for us to think what we do is just a job and that it isn't important. If you have ever felt that way, go out and rent the Australian movie, Kenny, starring Shane Jacobson. Kenny is a guy who delivers and cleans portable toilets for a living and he is quite good at it and really takes pride in his work. It is funny and heartwarming and educational. Great movie.
Whatever you do, it probably isn't nearly so challenging as what Kenny does. He really makes you feel that he gives 100% every day, regular or overtime, rain or shine, through challenging days and easier days. What a different world it would be if everyone gave the service with the great attitude that Kenny has.
What Kenny does for a living makes a difference. If you're at an event needing a toilet and wanting it to be clean and ready, it makes a huge difference. What you do makes a difference and how well you do it makes a huge difference.
Maybe you sell cars for a living. That is a worthy task and in my experience, that job has a lot of levels of expertise and knowledge. Let's say you went out to buy a car and you weren't exactly sure what vehicle you wanted and you go to the car lot. How would you like to be treated? What kind of sales person would you love to get? How good of a car sales person you are will matter a great deal to the potential customer and if won over and taken good care of, that could lead to a very long and profitable relationship.
Maybe you work in an office doing something with papers and computers. All we have to do is picture all that being done extremely poorly and we can imagine that having talent at doing these things matters. Frankly, I dislike filing and consequently, my desk is a disaster. I need someone who excels in this area!
Whatever you do, there is obviously a need for it or you wouldn't be doing it. That means that you make a difference! And, if you happen to have a great attitude and do what you do well, you make a heck of a difference.
Thank you for what you do and how well you do it!
I Make A Difference!
Spread Some Joy Today--Give yourself a little private reward today for making such a difference in what you do. You're special, and it's time to appreciate that more. Have a private party! Thank you!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-17-09
"The better a man is, the more mistakes he will make, for the more new things he will try. I would never promote to a top-level job a man who was not making mistakes. . . otherwise he is sure to be mediocre."
-- Peter Drucker
Peter Drucker is widely known as the management guru of the 20th century. To read this statement from him is awesome. So many employers are looking for people who don't make mistakes (as if they really exist. . .). They want people who make the right decisions all the time. Consequently, they are disappointed and change people often looking for the 'super star.'
I've made a lot of mistakes over the years, but I rarely worry about them. I feel like it is best to give it your best shot with the best intentions and then learn from that experience however it turns out. The good news is that I have made a lot of successes as well. Indeed, some of the so-called failures were movements toward eventual success.
Then, who is the judge of the failure or success? They say that a spaceship fails its way to the moon with many mid-course corrections and in those, it succeeds on hitting the target. Without those little 'failures,' it would not arrive at the destination. That's a fair way to look at our own lives and actions, don't you think? We can 'fail' our way all the way through life as long as we learn from the experience and we have a destination in mind. This might give a whole new definition of succeeding.
So, the morale of this story: Get out there and make some mistakes! Give it your best shot. Learn from the data. Keep on keeping on. It's all good!
Here's to your success at failing!
I Fail, Yet I Succeed! Kind Of Like Babe Ruth!
Spread Some Joy Today--Is there something you've been holding off doing for fear of not getting it right? Today is a good day. Go for it!
-- Peter Drucker
Peter Drucker is widely known as the management guru of the 20th century. To read this statement from him is awesome. So many employers are looking for people who don't make mistakes (as if they really exist. . .). They want people who make the right decisions all the time. Consequently, they are disappointed and change people often looking for the 'super star.'
I've made a lot of mistakes over the years, but I rarely worry about them. I feel like it is best to give it your best shot with the best intentions and then learn from that experience however it turns out. The good news is that I have made a lot of successes as well. Indeed, some of the so-called failures were movements toward eventual success.
Then, who is the judge of the failure or success? They say that a spaceship fails its way to the moon with many mid-course corrections and in those, it succeeds on hitting the target. Without those little 'failures,' it would not arrive at the destination. That's a fair way to look at our own lives and actions, don't you think? We can 'fail' our way all the way through life as long as we learn from the experience and we have a destination in mind. This might give a whole new definition of succeeding.
So, the morale of this story: Get out there and make some mistakes! Give it your best shot. Learn from the data. Keep on keeping on. It's all good!
Here's to your success at failing!
I Fail, Yet I Succeed! Kind Of Like Babe Ruth!
Spread Some Joy Today--Is there something you've been holding off doing for fear of not getting it right? Today is a good day. Go for it!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-16-09
"Abundance is not something we acquire.
It is something we tune into."
-- Dr. Wayne W Dyer
There is abundance all around us and most of us focus on the lack instead. We are so easy to see what is missing, rather than what is there. It is only after we 'tune into' abundance being there that we begin to see it and have it enter our lives in a way that has never been before.
Let's make a list.
There is an abundance of air to breathe. There is not only an abundance for you, there is enough for over 4 billion and counting. If we get it dirty, we can clean it, but it is there and we are breathing it and there is an abundance--virtually an unending supply of it and it is constantly being made.
There is an abundance of opportunity. There is opportunity all around us and until we open ourselves to that possibility, we believe in the lack of opportunity. Change your thoughts about that and opportunity is virtually everywhere in unlimited supply.
There is an abundance of water, sand and soil. That is, after all, the surface of this entire planet. We could never get around to using it all.
There is an abundance of love. You have an infinite supply available to you. It will never run out. You can choose to withhold it, but the source is unlimited. The same would be true of hate. It is a choice.
There is an abundance of ideas. Just when you think that everything that can be invented has already been, there are millions of them waiting outside for you to open the door and let them in.
Kind thoughts. Uplifting thoughts. Encouraging thoughts and words. There is an abundance of these available for immediate use. You don't need to stand in line and wait your turn, just push the button and there they are.
Truth is, there is abundance everywhere and all we need do is think that is true and it is. As the eyes are opened, they can see and there is an abundance to see.
So cool.
I Am Abundance!
Spread Some Joy Today--Since you have so much, why not give some away today. It will be replaced in an instant. How cool is that?
It is something we tune into."
-- Dr. Wayne W Dyer
There is abundance all around us and most of us focus on the lack instead. We are so easy to see what is missing, rather than what is there. It is only after we 'tune into' abundance being there that we begin to see it and have it enter our lives in a way that has never been before.
Let's make a list.
There is an abundance of air to breathe. There is not only an abundance for you, there is enough for over 4 billion and counting. If we get it dirty, we can clean it, but it is there and we are breathing it and there is an abundance--virtually an unending supply of it and it is constantly being made.
There is an abundance of opportunity. There is opportunity all around us and until we open ourselves to that possibility, we believe in the lack of opportunity. Change your thoughts about that and opportunity is virtually everywhere in unlimited supply.
There is an abundance of water, sand and soil. That is, after all, the surface of this entire planet. We could never get around to using it all.
There is an abundance of love. You have an infinite supply available to you. It will never run out. You can choose to withhold it, but the source is unlimited. The same would be true of hate. It is a choice.
There is an abundance of ideas. Just when you think that everything that can be invented has already been, there are millions of them waiting outside for you to open the door and let them in.
Kind thoughts. Uplifting thoughts. Encouraging thoughts and words. There is an abundance of these available for immediate use. You don't need to stand in line and wait your turn, just push the button and there they are.
Truth is, there is abundance everywhere and all we need do is think that is true and it is. As the eyes are opened, they can see and there is an abundance to see.
So cool.
I Am Abundance!
Spread Some Joy Today--Since you have so much, why not give some away today. It will be replaced in an instant. How cool is that?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Daily Inspiration 12-15-09
"A man may fail many times,
but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else."
-- John Burroughs
Blame is justification, isn't it? Whether we blame a person or a situation or an event is all the same. I've been a failure several times in my past, but I have rewritten history now and I am not a failure, though I have failed many times. The difference is who I pin it on.
I used to pin it on the economy, the lack of capital, the conservative lenders, the list goes on and on. Now that history is rewritten, I don't blame anyone or anything in particular. It is just what happened. The key to that is to learn from what happened to see if there is anything worth learning and benefiting from. The key to that is that there is always something to learn and there is always a benefit.
Once we get to this point in our enlightenment, there are no failures at all. Each event is purely a learning experience. Doesn't that make sense?
Based on that, there is nothing but success!
How cool is that?
I Am A Success! I Learn Continually.
Spread Some Joy Today--It might be time to rewrite some of your history. You didn't know you could do it before, but now you know. Write it so it suits you!
but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else."
-- John Burroughs
Blame is justification, isn't it? Whether we blame a person or a situation or an event is all the same. I've been a failure several times in my past, but I have rewritten history now and I am not a failure, though I have failed many times. The difference is who I pin it on.
I used to pin it on the economy, the lack of capital, the conservative lenders, the list goes on and on. Now that history is rewritten, I don't blame anyone or anything in particular. It is just what happened. The key to that is to learn from what happened to see if there is anything worth learning and benefiting from. The key to that is that there is always something to learn and there is always a benefit.
Once we get to this point in our enlightenment, there are no failures at all. Each event is purely a learning experience. Doesn't that make sense?
Based on that, there is nothing but success!
How cool is that?
I Am A Success! I Learn Continually.
Spread Some Joy Today--It might be time to rewrite some of your history. You didn't know you could do it before, but now you know. Write it so it suits you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)