Hint - Use the Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin to Become Famous by Morning By Mark A. Lewis

Benjamin Franklin was one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, but to call him just a scientist would not do him justice.

He was a noted author, satirist, civic activist, inventor, statesman and diplomat.

Franklin is credited as being foundational to the roots of American values and character, a marriage of the practical and democratic values of thrift, hard work, education and community spirit.

Also famous for a number of quotes, let’s use the Benjamin Franklin ethics of hard work and persistence to help you forge ahead in your efforts of business and self promotion:

Planning
“Never leave that till to-morrow which you can do to-day.”

I have heard this put in another, more direct, way by Carnegie and Schwab: “Eat the frog first”. That is, whatever is your most unpleasant task, get it out of the way first! Then everything after that will seem easy.

Teamwork
“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Whether you work alone or in a group, at some stage reliance on others can be necessary and better still, extremely useful to fulfilling your needs.

“Many hands make light work”, so lighten your load both mentally and physically when you can.

Achievement
“Little strokes fell great oaks.”

Many people are daunted by the enormity of a project or promotion. Breaking it down into manageable tasks and defining the ‘critical path’ can have you speeding to a successful outcome.

Success
“A little neglect may breed mischief: for want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost.”

Don’t forget to do the groundwork for a project. Enormous structures are only as stable and strong as the foundations they sit upon.

“Idleness and pride tax with a heavier hand than kings and parliaments. If we can get rid of the former, we may easily bear the latter.”

What measure of satisfaction can a person get for not pursuing a path or dream? Pride in one’s achievement is acceptable and expected after a comparable effort has been made in pursuit of the task.

“God helps them that help themselves.”

This is another of the universal laws. With the correct mindset and effort, you “reap what you sow”.

Money
“Remember that time is money.”

Making one million dollars is not the same if it was done over 3 years compared to 30 years. So don’t delay another minute and forge ahead!

“A man may, if he knows not how to save as he gets, keep his nose to the grindstone.”

If you desire to be wealthy and successful then educating yourself in ways to maintain and grow such wealth is an important skill to learn.

Time
“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”

Learn to ‘live in the now’. Don’t put off things until tomorrow, don’t dwell on past failures or achievements just as you shouldn’t fear or get too excited over future events. The only things you can do and influence are happening right now.

So live for the moment and become Famous By Morning!

Mark Lewis is the owner of KMS Productions and webmaster at http://www.famousbymorning.com - A site for quality online videos that value the essence of the story… and loves a challenge!

Sponsored by: http://www.Indiainfotech.co.in

Book Mar This

Reflection - One of Four Powerful Ingredients in the Recipe For Personal Growth By Clive A Wilson

The cycle of human consciousness I promote as a simple formulae for a fulfilling life is as follows:

Connection: taking time out to be alone at one with ourselves and the universe allows us to connect and live our life with presence.

Presence: being fully conscious and grounded in all we do, being there in the moment for everyone we meet.
Right action: resulting from being fully present, at other times we react in reflex and unconscious manner.
Reflection: allowing us to learn from what worked and what didn’t. Looking back we can see very clearly when we acted with presence and whether our time in connection helped.

In this article, I’d like to spend some time considering the last step of the cycle, reflection.

cycles of reflection

Let’s take stock of the times when we have reflected. Our reflection often goes in cycles. It is often unnoticed. The more we are aware of our reflection, the more powerful it becomes.

daily cycles

We naturally reflect on a daily basis, sometimes at the end of the day, maybe sitting by the fire, perhaps as we lie in bed before we drift off to sleep. Sometimes it even happens first thing in the morning, especially if the night before was hectic or even wild. If we are wise, perhaps we take time out at lunchtime to be alone or to share thoughts of the morning with our colleagues and friends.

weekly cycles

Then, there are the weekly cycles. In most faiths there is a weekly opportunity to give thanks and also to confess wrongdoings. But even if we do not belong to a particular denomination, we might still have a special day of the week for reflection and appreciation. Perhaps we simply sit down with our family and friends for a special weekly meal. In my home, Sunday lunch is very special and there is both reflection on the week gone by as well as sharing plans for the one to come.

monthly cycles

Monthly reflection happens too. Perhaps we give ourselves structure by formally making a monthly report or even something as mundane as an expenses return. Maybe as we’re claiming expenses for a journey, we will pause to reflect whether it was indeed a good journey. Or perhaps we plan our diaries on a monthly basis, taking tasks from our list and putting them into real time slots.

annual or seasonal cycles

Then of course there are the annual or seasonal cycles. I find that during summer holidays I often find a quiet spot in an inspiring place and just reflect on my life in general. What’s working and what isn’t? Similarly in the winter at the end of one year and in anticipation of the one to come. Was that a good year? What will I build on? What will I do more of? What must I stop doing?

opportunistic times

And then there are other more ad-hoc or fluid times such as on journeys. Over the years, I have probably reflected more on trains and in airport lounges than anywhere else.

big reflections

Finally there are what I call the “big reflections”. Just before passing my job as MD at Primeast to my friend and colleague, Russell, I spent a few days in the mountains at Chiang Mai in Thailand. I meditated, which of course is more about connection than reflection. But I also reflected on a phase of my life that was ending. What had worked that I could celebrate? What could I have done differently? Was I even doing the right thing by moving on?

helping each other to reflect

We can help each other reflect by sincerely asking things like, “How’s your day been?” Or, if we haven’t seen someone for a while, perhaps we ask about their year or their summer and so on. Sometimes our questions are more context based, asking about the person’s job or family.
When we engage with people in this way, the manner of our engagement is really important. Usually when we ask how someone’s day has been, we do so simply as a matter of courtesy. Are we aware that the same question asked in sincerity and with a follow-up question or comment can really help them to take stock and perhaps celebrate something they’ve achieved? Try it. Just on your own, rehearse a simple question like, “How’s the job going?” Feel the difference between the throw-away comment and the sincere expression if interest.

providing structure

If we’re in a position to do so, we can provide structure for ourselves and for those around us for more reflection time. I’ve done a bit of this, such as encouraging shared meals at work and at home. I’m even a fan of monthly reporting at work because it keeps us focussed and doing the right things. For me, I consciously make the most of journeys as described above.

doing more

But even writing this article has grown my awareness. I hope it’s done the same for you. What more can we do to consciously create opportunities for ourselves and others?

Here are the thoughts that are emerging for me:

I will enjoy even more the opportunities I can provide for family, friends and colleagues to eat and share reflective time together
I will encourage reflection through my work on the Sacred Space project (see below)
I will take time to be alone in the countryside and in meditation
When I reflect I will capture the ideas that emerge and act on them
I will recognise reflective time for what it is and appreciate it a whole lot more

keep in touch

Book Mar This

Overcome Your Blocks to More Success By Judith K Sherven

When you think of people who are living a fabulous life who comes to mind? Bill Gates? Meryl Streep? Some prince, princess, or high dignitary? Bill Gates is the richest man in the world and he is deeply involved in helping people around the world. That’s not only fabulous, that’s almost fabled.

But if you knew someone who was going about their life without fame, wealth, and public adulation, would you say that that person is living a fabulous life? For most people the answer would be “No.”

And that makes the lives of 99%-plus of the people alive at any time unfabulous. Are fame, wealth, and public adulation the only criteria for a fabulous life?

We think not.

What about:

** Being true to your deepest desire.
** Standing apart from the crowd. .
** Putting yourself on the line, which means you take big risks.
** Speaking your truth.

Anyone who can live according to those standards is truly living a fabulous life.

But we all know that, no matter our intentions, most people (including those who are successful) are confronted, almost daily, with obstacles to their own fulfillment.

Yes, there are external obstacles. But the obstacles that really matter, that are actually far more powerful, are the unconscious blocks and resistances that dictate what you can and cannot do and who you can be - no matter what you tell yourself consciously.

Those unconscious limits take many forms and dictate what you have internal permission to pursue and what is forbidden to you.

But there is one limit-maker that applies to everyone, no matter their status in the world, which can seriously prevent you from living your fabulous life. And that is your willingness and capacity, or not, to advance beyond your station..

By “station” we mean the extent to which you can envision yourself out in the world. Because when that vision is limited, then to that extent you impose your own restrictions on how far you can go toward self-discovery, self-acknowledgment, self-expression, and self-satisfaction.
You are not divine but human. You are not infinite nor eternal. So there will always be some measure of limitation to which you can envision yourself out in the world.

And, right now, what’s the extent to which your vision propels you forward toward a larger life? And, how is your vision currently limiting the way you are presently living?

To live a fabulous life is to step out beyond the extent to which you can envision yourself at any moment. Because when you do, you are in a moment of discovery, of daring, of hearty imagination as you realize and bring to life the rich gifts that exist within you.

No, you don’t have to be fabled to be fabulous. But you do have to be willing to step out. And step out again, and again. When you do, a truly fabulous life awaits you.

To help you overcome the unconscious blocks that have been holding you back, take advantage of these 7 tipshttp://www.fearofbeingfabulous.com

Judith Sherven (along with her husband) is a best-selling author of 5 book, clinical psychologist, and the creator of “Overcoming the Fear of Being Fabulous” and related programs.

Sponsored by: http://www.Indiainfotech.co.in

Book Mar This

How to Create a Success Team For Your Life By Laura C. Ege

I’ve heard it said that we are the composite of the five people we spend the most time with. There is probably some truth in that idea. The people in our inner circle have tremendous influence in our lives, whether we like it that way or not.

How many times have you excitedly shared an idea or dream or activity with someone only to be laughed at, ignored, trivialized, or told all the reasons it wasn’t going to work? Maybe this doesn’t bother you, but if you’re like most of us, this kind of negativity wears you down. Before you know it, the idea or dream slips away, the life in it painfully snuffed out. Your life floats away on the whims of the people in your life, keeping you stuck in the status quo or trapped in circumstances.

Trust me, embarking on a life adventure is tough enough without being surrounded by people who drag you down. You need people who see the best in you and believe the best of you always. You need people who can hold the vision for you when you’re losing your way in the midst of life’s frustrations. You need people who bring out the best in you and encourage you always to reach just a little higher and farther with your dreams.

The good news is this can be an intentional strategy for success in your life. You can handpick your inner team and purposefully design an alliance with each of these people that will radically support you in following your dreams.

Here are some things to consider as you begin to look at creating a success team for your life:
Purpose: What do you need from your success team? Are they advisors, coaches, cheerleaders, or partners in your adventure? Do they help you refine your vision and create an action plan? Do they keep you on track with your plan? Do they bring unique skills to the table that fit well as actual partners in your mission?

Qualities: What traits do you want the people on your team to possess? Do they have certain personality traits? Are they men? Women? Both? Do they bring specific experience, education, or skill sets?

Structure: Do you want to meet together as a team or with each person individually? How often will you meet? By phone or in-person or online? Will you meet for a set length of time (like six months) or is it open-ended?

Now you may be thinking, “oh, I could never ask anyone to do something like this!” Maybe it seems selfish or like an imposition. Newsflash…people (especially people who love and believe in you) really do want to help! Think of someone you really care about. Don’t you want to see them reach their dreams, and wouldn’t it be an honor if they asked you to help them get there? Give these people in your life the same chance.

Identify those people who will help you get where you want to go…whether as advisors, partners, or cheerleaders in the journey. Clarify how you would like to be supported by each person. You might also want to consider how you can give back to these people. And then design an alliance with each one that addresses what you both need from the relationship. Don’t be afraid to redesign the alliance as you go too if something isn’t fitting quite right for either of you.

Once you have your success team in place, cherish these people, respect them, lean into them, and grow with them. Your success could well depend on it!

Life coach Laura Ege helps women dust off their “forgotten dreams” and turn them into successful next life adventures filled with passion, purpose, inspiration, and impact in the world. To find out if you’re ready for your next life adventure, visit http://www.NextLifeAdventure.com and take the free assessment.

Sponsored by: http://www.Indiainfotech.co.in

Book Mar This

Success at Making Changes - Put the Large Rocks in the Jar First By Helene Desruisseaux

You probably heard the story of the Zen master who showed his students a jar full of sand and assorted sized rocks and asked them how to add a few larger rocks to the jar without throwing out any of its contents.

They of course answered that it couldn’t be done; there was no more room.

Isn’t that how you feel about your latest personal change project?

There is no more room, so no wonder part of you sabotages the personal improvement or profit making project that you say you want to institute.

Your mind is full, your time is taken, and part of you rebels. No matter how important a big rock is, it can’t go into your jar.

Yes it can

Your jar can hold more than it appears; the trick is to put the bigger rocks in first, then the smaller and smaller ones, finishing with the sand. There is room for everything because the smaller particles just filter through whatever small space is available.

Try it for yourself one time; seeing it is a lot more powerful than reading about it.

What are your big rocks?

Mine this week was starting to exercise daily (I know, so predictable a New Year’s resolution), and I followed the typical pattern when it comes to change:

Day 1: Did great

Day 2: Didn’t do any. I got busy and told myself I’d do it later when I wasn’t as mentally productive, and then ran out of willingness later in the day. How embarrassing since I teach people how to make changes in their lives!

Why didn’t I put my big rock in first? I didn’t think I needed to; I thought for sure I would exercise later. After all, until recently I was used to frequent workouts and didn’t have to struggle to do it. I certainly didn’t feel any internal resistance and was looking forward to it.

But in the last 4 months, I have been spending most of my time sitting in front of the computer and let my gym membership lapse (sound familiar?). I had left myself get out of the exercise habit, at an age where it takes a little more effort to get my body motivated.

Day 3: I put the rock in first and started the day with exercise.

Now putting the rock in first doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do it first thing in the morning. It just happens to be a good idea for many people especially when it comes to exercising. Your past behavior will tell you what you need to do to make your big rock a priority before other things.

The most frequent strategic mistake

I still find myself going down that road; see if it’s familiar thinking: “I’ll get all the small easy stuff out of the way to clear the decks, and then I’ll be freer to get started on my priority.”

So I’ll check e-mails…and still be piddling about an hour later. Twitter and Facebook are two other great ones to procrastinate with.

Yes, e-mails and Social Media may be essential to your business, but they are quite distracting and can be done in small increments. They are the sand rather than the big rock.

Big Rocks are usually either:

Changes of habits
Things we might resist but need to do
Goals that might bring up fear of failure or rejection
Creative projects needing concentration
And requiring sustained effort
Clearing the decks first opens the door to your internal resistance distracting you from ever starting on the more important, and scarier, stuff.

If you want access to more information on how to be more purposeful, attractive, profitable and less stressed as a business owner, check out http://www.WhereBusinessMeetsSpirit.com

It is created by Helene Desruisseaux (Helene D.), who combines years of upper corporate management with research in the fields of personal growth, energy psychology, and mind/body/soul integration. She helps entrepreneurs design their businesses around their purpose and unique personalities, so that they can have both success and a high quality of life. Yes, even in this economy.

Sponsored by: http://www.Indiainfotech.co.in

Book Mar This