I heard it said the other day that man's greatest fear is being alone; living, growing old, and/or dying alone. I believe that this fear may be a side effect of an empty life, of a love lost, or perhaps even of a life lived long after many friends have passed with age. Of course, as it has been said many times - fear is simply false evidence appearing real!
No, I believe that man's greatest fear should be that one shall not achieve true significance in the grand sense of the word. Yes, you may be a parent, a friend, a lover, or philanthropist; to me true significance is all of these and yet more - a sense of duty to the whole, to give back to those less fortunate than ourselves, to serve others in a way that has an effect that lasts a lifetime, for a generation, or perhaps something that fundamentally changes behavior and/or thinking for all time.
When I was growing up, my father always stated to me to "Do something that matters". I believe he meant that we should all actively participate in creating something - anything - that has benefit to our family our community, to our society. I believe this also includes giving glory to God by employing all the wonderful talents that each of us possess individually.
So where do we begin? Where is this found? How am I able to fulfill such a thing? Is is predestined? I believe it is a learned skill, one obtained through self discovery and perhaps prayer, It's called dreaming.
Every great thing ever created or done started with a thought, and idea, or a need for something better - a dream was born, nurtured, and acted upon. We all grew up dreaming of great things, achievements, and lifestyles, yet why are our dreams seemingly repressed and shunned as unusual, stupid, and "wasteful" by the many, yet revered by the few?
I have asked that question of myself and also of those whom I know that have achieved great things and the response is always the same - it takes guts, determination, persistance, and "thick skin" to pursue a dream - especially a dream of significance. Many dreams of significance take years, even a lifetime, to achieve but, to those who achieve them, the results are worth the effort and then some. Dreams follow a natural path that is very much alike from person to person. It is Dream - struggle - victory! It's the "struggle" part that creates the problem. Many focus on the struggle so much that they don't realize - it's not the struggle that is significant, it is who we become in the process that matters.
I encourage you to think past your next "vacation", don't get me wrong - a "dream trip" to Hawaii or a new car may be a good starting point, but it's really more of a short-term goal. (As a side note - my friend told me the other day - as many, many people have told me - "I love my job!" If this is true, why do we need "vacations" from them?)
Dream Big! Step away from the crowd and be a person of significance. I highly recommend The Magic of Thinking Big by D. Schwartz. It's a great starting point for changing your perspective on where you're headed in every aspect of your life. Great results start with great thoughts and if you find yourself asking "Is this it? Is this all there is?" I'm here to tell you that your ability to accomplish anything you want to is limitless with the right information, people, and initiative.
I know from my own personal experience that if you think about it frequently enough and keep your eyes open to possibilities, you can and will eventually find that vehicle, that person, that group, or the faith that will influence your ability to believe in yourself and inspire you to create or achieve great things.
I believe everyone has a significant purpose in life greater than themselves and/or their family; some of us have the ability to go beyond our immediate surroundings and have a tremendous impact on the lives of others. I also believe that it is up to each and every one of us to encourage, promote, and apply this - to our own lives, our childrens', our neighbors', and anyone willing to listen. There is greatness in us all, we all have signficance, and we should all learn to make the most of this thing called "life" by accepting the struggle and working through it to the benefit of us all. What will be your legacy?
Live Well - Be Well!
Stephen
Monday, November 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Rumour, Heresay, and Popular Opinion
In the Team Training system (brainwashing) we have a talk given by one of my mentors named Chris Brady. This talk is one of my favorites because in the world of direct marketing (pyrimid scam) you must have the ability to deal with these (lies) without taking it personally (self deception). Are you reading between the lines here?!
It consistently amazes me how people that I meet in pursuit of building my business, and others that I just simply talk with, have this perception of Direct Marketing and what they think they know about it. Preconceived notions about what is and what isn't fact can be very frustrating and maddening to most. This is especially true when, after a bit of simple asking of questions, I find out that my accuser has made little or no attempt to discern fact from fiction. I will tell you, if you want bad, you'll find it on the internet! To us in the business we call this opportunity, challenge, and personnally - motivation!
So why am I telling you this? Some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to meet have come from the entreprenuerial world - and believe you me, this is a very different culture. Motivated, positive thinking, well educated people are not "normal"! Imagine, there is life after TV, Sports, and Beer; and it's fantastic but obviously not for everyone!
Kiyosaki and Pilzer (just to name two of many) state in many of their books and recordings that entreprenuerial ownership in HBB, in the "B" quadrant (Cashflow Quadrant), in health products, over the internet, are THE KEYS to the most lucrative business opportunities for the 21st century. That said the #2 by-product of becoming a successsful entreprenuer (#1 being the residual income potential) is the fact that to be successful, one must develop self-mastery. In order to develop this, a variety of skills must be learned - commitment, hunger for knowledge, long-term vision, delyed gratification, guts/thick skin, etc.
In my humble opinion, anyone can be an employee but to it takes a special person with a drive to be different to want to step out of line and do something special with your life. Leadership skill is required. I used to think I knew what leadership was, but now I know that I was way off in my own perception. Sadly, my interpretation of this word & role was leadership = management. Leadership is actually influence and there is a BIG difference.
I believe the world in general would be a whole lot better off if people would simply do their homework before they speak or act out against anything or anyone. I know that when I started to research facts, read books, and associate with extremely successful people - I began to listen with my heart and understand time-tested and proven business principles instead of reacting with my previously eneducated/biased, social media-fed brain. That has made a huge difference in my life and who I have become in the process of changing the way that I think.
The leaders in this industry are right - it's the tougest experience you'll ever love and the rewards far exceed the pain required to change. When will you start your journey? If you already have, I congratulate you and hope that we are well met soon.
Live Well - Be Well!
Stephen
It consistently amazes me how people that I meet in pursuit of building my business, and others that I just simply talk with, have this perception of Direct Marketing and what they think they know about it. Preconceived notions about what is and what isn't fact can be very frustrating and maddening to most. This is especially true when, after a bit of simple asking of questions, I find out that my accuser has made little or no attempt to discern fact from fiction. I will tell you, if you want bad, you'll find it on the internet! To us in the business we call this opportunity, challenge, and personnally - motivation!
So why am I telling you this? Some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to meet have come from the entreprenuerial world - and believe you me, this is a very different culture. Motivated, positive thinking, well educated people are not "normal"! Imagine, there is life after TV, Sports, and Beer; and it's fantastic but obviously not for everyone!
Kiyosaki and Pilzer (just to name two of many) state in many of their books and recordings that entreprenuerial ownership in HBB, in the "B" quadrant (Cashflow Quadrant), in health products, over the internet, are THE KEYS to the most lucrative business opportunities for the 21st century. That said the #2 by-product of becoming a successsful entreprenuer (#1 being the residual income potential) is the fact that to be successful, one must develop self-mastery. In order to develop this, a variety of skills must be learned - commitment, hunger for knowledge, long-term vision, delyed gratification, guts/thick skin, etc.
In my humble opinion, anyone can be an employee but to it takes a special person with a drive to be different to want to step out of line and do something special with your life. Leadership skill is required. I used to think I knew what leadership was, but now I know that I was way off in my own perception. Sadly, my interpretation of this word & role was leadership = management. Leadership is actually influence and there is a BIG difference.
I believe the world in general would be a whole lot better off if people would simply do their homework before they speak or act out against anything or anyone. I know that when I started to research facts, read books, and associate with extremely successful people - I began to listen with my heart and understand time-tested and proven business principles instead of reacting with my previously eneducated/biased, social media-fed brain. That has made a huge difference in my life and who I have become in the process of changing the way that I think.
The leaders in this industry are right - it's the tougest experience you'll ever love and the rewards far exceed the pain required to change. When will you start your journey? If you already have, I congratulate you and hope that we are well met soon.
Live Well - Be Well!
Stephen
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise
Is Government sponsored (controlled) Healthcare still an issue? With the oil spill in the gulf, unemployment, and the skyrocketing Federal Deficit, a lot of the media attention has shifted away from this very important issue.
For the record, I'd like to see/participate in any healthplan that promotes and rewards healthy living and proactive health initiatives. How? Well, let's start by obtaining a personal baseline and then utilize regular doctor visits to monitor BMI (Body Mass Indicators), cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. The results could be measured over time and reported to the healthcare plan provider resulting in reduction in costs for those that show improvement and sustain it!
Personally, I am a reasonably healthy person and I don't want to have to pay for mandatory healthcare that benefits those people who don't have the wherewithall to take care of themselves; under any plan. That said, is the already overstaffed, bloated, grossly inefficient government able to provide yet another "security blanket" agency for us?
Unfortunately, I also feel that sometimes it isn't entirely their own fault that many Americans have become overweight and sickly. There seems to be a large portion of the population that is uneducated about what "proper nutrition" is and an even larger portion that (usually) those in the "lower income" bracket who follow what the media "sells" them to eat and our food industry produces so much "bad" food, that is so cheap, what are people to do? Cheap burgers, fries, tacos, and pre-packaged "food" is a tough diet. This stuff barely even qualifies as "food"; I dare you to watch the movie "Food Inc."
It costs money to eat well, but it is possible - even on a slim budget. Everyone has the ability to exercise; its actually free. People should be rewarded for staying healthy and we should all educate those who don't know any better. Granted, it is so easy to go get fast food, but perhaps if there is an initiative to do better and save money, will people pay attention?
Perhaps we could all do ourselves, our country, and our Healthcare system a favor by boycotting the fast food tendencies and reduce the overall cost of healthcare by staying healthy and thereby reducing disease? I know I am a dreamer, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Start today by going for a walk, then do it again tomorrow and the next day. Instead of going out for that sub, pizza, or burger - make a sandwich, eat a lot of fruit, and cook meals at home. Keep this up for 21 days and they will become habits. Habits make us who we are; Developing habits (especially healthy ones) have excellent by-products - self mastery, less stress, better health, and heck, you just may spend some time talking with your children and spouse - you'll have to turn the TV off though...!
A diet that incorporates lots of antioxidants (fruits & vegetables) is key to long-term health and avoidance of disease. If you have never heard of such things check with the AHA or USDA. The best sources of these are the Mona-Vie blends. If you haven't heard of them, or tried them - you can read about them and/or contact me directly at my website www.the-team.biz/mv974607, I assure you, you won't be disappointed in their taste nor the results they provide.
You owe it to yourself, your family, and your country to protect your most valuable asset, your health. Without it, nothing else matters and we will all continue to suffer the consequences.
Live Well - Be Well
Stephen
For the record, I'd like to see/participate in any healthplan that promotes and rewards healthy living and proactive health initiatives. How? Well, let's start by obtaining a personal baseline and then utilize regular doctor visits to monitor BMI (Body Mass Indicators), cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. The results could be measured over time and reported to the healthcare plan provider resulting in reduction in costs for those that show improvement and sustain it!
Personally, I am a reasonably healthy person and I don't want to have to pay for mandatory healthcare that benefits those people who don't have the wherewithall to take care of themselves; under any plan. That said, is the already overstaffed, bloated, grossly inefficient government able to provide yet another "security blanket" agency for us?
Unfortunately, I also feel that sometimes it isn't entirely their own fault that many Americans have become overweight and sickly. There seems to be a large portion of the population that is uneducated about what "proper nutrition" is and an even larger portion that (usually) those in the "lower income" bracket who follow what the media "sells" them to eat and our food industry produces so much "bad" food, that is so cheap, what are people to do? Cheap burgers, fries, tacos, and pre-packaged "food" is a tough diet. This stuff barely even qualifies as "food"; I dare you to watch the movie "Food Inc."
It costs money to eat well, but it is possible - even on a slim budget. Everyone has the ability to exercise; its actually free. People should be rewarded for staying healthy and we should all educate those who don't know any better. Granted, it is so easy to go get fast food, but perhaps if there is an initiative to do better and save money, will people pay attention?
Perhaps we could all do ourselves, our country, and our Healthcare system a favor by boycotting the fast food tendencies and reduce the overall cost of healthcare by staying healthy and thereby reducing disease? I know I am a dreamer, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Start today by going for a walk, then do it again tomorrow and the next day. Instead of going out for that sub, pizza, or burger - make a sandwich, eat a lot of fruit, and cook meals at home. Keep this up for 21 days and they will become habits. Habits make us who we are; Developing habits (especially healthy ones) have excellent by-products - self mastery, less stress, better health, and heck, you just may spend some time talking with your children and spouse - you'll have to turn the TV off though...!
A diet that incorporates lots of antioxidants (fruits & vegetables) is key to long-term health and avoidance of disease. If you have never heard of such things check with the AHA or USDA. The best sources of these are the Mona-Vie blends. If you haven't heard of them, or tried them - you can read about them and/or contact me directly at my website www.the-team.biz/mv974607, I assure you, you won't be disappointed in their taste nor the results they provide.
You owe it to yourself, your family, and your country to protect your most valuable asset, your health. Without it, nothing else matters and we will all continue to suffer the consequences.
Live Well - Be Well
Stephen
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Life is so Special
Ah, the smell of my freshly cut, dark, emerald green grass, the blossoming apple tree, the bright red azaleas, the wonderfully pungent smell of the lilacs - my day is filled with the sights, smells and sounds of springtime and of life renewed.
I can see the robins getting their nests ready in my hedge, there is even a wonderfully cooperative skunk digging/eating all of the grubs out of my lawn! I am especially glad for him this year, he's snacking, aerating the lawn, & saving me money all at the same time!
I have friends who anxiously await the arrival of their first son - they are so excited, and I for them aswell. To me it's another sign of the blessing of spring. Isn't it great how God makes everything fit together just so?!
Speaking of which - thunder & rain is moving in - I think I will retire to the porch & watch the show!
Live well - Be well
Stephen
I can see the robins getting their nests ready in my hedge, there is even a wonderfully cooperative skunk digging/eating all of the grubs out of my lawn! I am especially glad for him this year, he's snacking, aerating the lawn, & saving me money all at the same time!
I have friends who anxiously await the arrival of their first son - they are so excited, and I for them aswell. To me it's another sign of the blessing of spring. Isn't it great how God makes everything fit together just so?!
Speaking of which - thunder & rain is moving in - I think I will retire to the porch & watch the show!
Live well - Be well
Stephen
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Loving Life
Hi - long time since we've talked! I missed you in March, but with all the rain & activity this month, I was kind of busy. I was very moved last month to explore my faith in God and others. In particular, I really wanted to find out just where I stood with my feelings as they pertain to love. Can I have the capacity to accept it when it is given to me, can I express it to others, can I live a life more full of it?
I am of the opinion now more than ever, that love is not just an emotion, it is an action that we choose to take. Do I love you when you make me mad, yes. Do I love God even though the natural disaters in Haiti & Peru have killed hundreds of thousands, yes. Do I love myself even when I don't follow through on things I know I must do, yes! Why? because I know that without choosing to act in a loving manner toward God, everything, and everyone - I will have nothing, be nothing, and I would not be able to forgive or see that every cloud has that silver lining. Without love, one is empty inside and it shows to everyone you meet and in everything that you do. I choose to act by displaying my emotions toward others with empathy and caring, for their success as well as for their plight. I choose to act through prayer. I choose to act by looking for and finding the meaning in the events of our society and world. I choose to act by failing forward in my own inability, by learning the lessons that are there for me. I choose to act by sharing the wonderful opportunity and message that I have been given to help others.
Our actions speak volumes about our character and our integrity. I feel that part of my purpose here is to learn to become a person that can act on a basis of love for others. I can only hope that through my actions, people will know and see that I am and will continue to develop my love for all that I have been given in this life.
My friends, my business partners, and my future all depend on my ability to DO my best to act with love.
How will you act?
Live Well - Be Well
Stephen
I am of the opinion now more than ever, that love is not just an emotion, it is an action that we choose to take. Do I love you when you make me mad, yes. Do I love God even though the natural disaters in Haiti & Peru have killed hundreds of thousands, yes. Do I love myself even when I don't follow through on things I know I must do, yes! Why? because I know that without choosing to act in a loving manner toward God, everything, and everyone - I will have nothing, be nothing, and I would not be able to forgive or see that every cloud has that silver lining. Without love, one is empty inside and it shows to everyone you meet and in everything that you do. I choose to act by displaying my emotions toward others with empathy and caring, for their success as well as for their plight. I choose to act through prayer. I choose to act by looking for and finding the meaning in the events of our society and world. I choose to act by failing forward in my own inability, by learning the lessons that are there for me. I choose to act by sharing the wonderful opportunity and message that I have been given to help others.
Our actions speak volumes about our character and our integrity. I feel that part of my purpose here is to learn to become a person that can act on a basis of love for others. I can only hope that through my actions, people will know and see that I am and will continue to develop my love for all that I have been given in this life.
My friends, my business partners, and my future all depend on my ability to DO my best to act with love.
How will you act?
Live Well - Be Well
Stephen
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Self Talk - What are you saying to yourself?
Did you ever stop & think about what you are saying to yourself on a daily basis? Have you ever really listened to what that voice in the back of your head is saying to you? I dare you to grab a small notepad, actually pay attention for one whole day, and count the number of positive and negative things that you say to yourself - better yet, do it for a week if you can take it!
I tried this experiment once upon a time and was amazed at what was being said in there! I was having a great day running errands & being my busy ol' self and (wow!) the bad to good ration was almost 100% (and the bad was BAD). I didn't understand then what I now know, and it was an eye-opening experience. Let me just say this right here & now - You can not expend enough focus on positive self-talk.
My theme this month is my experiences with Love - it is my opinion that like most successes in life, love is an inside job. How can you possibly love someone else, or let someone love you, if you don't love who you are as a person? My past relationships are a prime example of this for sure. I used to think, well, I'm just unlucky in love, I picked the wrong woman, I was younger then, etc...wrong!! I wasn't happy with who I was and it showed. It took me years to figure this out and probably wouldn't ever have noticed if someone on my Team hadn't suggested I start learning some new "people skills" through reading books (I thought, they write books on this stuff that aren't just gossip, opinion, & heresay?!).
YES! Through reading, one can experience different relationship issues at a distance and then think about how that experience is like or unlike those of your own. There are some really great books out there on the subject such as "The Five Love Languages" and "Personality Plus" and even "How to Win Friends & Influence People" just to name a few.
I suggest that one of the keys to love is getting to know yourself and how you interact with others. Don't be afraid, self knowledge leads to self-acceptance. Improvement in your ability to accept, approve, and appreciate who you are, inside and out certainly will improve how you interact with others & vice versa. Focus on why you are a good person and why you will succeed, learn to use your strengths to counteract the negative. It is difficult, it's a constant battle, and I believe a life-long one.
You are a good person, you have strengths and a purpose that nobody else has. I'd love for you to share it with us all and help make the world a better place.
Live Well - Be Well
Stephen
I tried this experiment once upon a time and was amazed at what was being said in there! I was having a great day running errands & being my busy ol' self and (wow!) the bad to good ration was almost 100% (and the bad was BAD). I didn't understand then what I now know, and it was an eye-opening experience. Let me just say this right here & now - You can not expend enough focus on positive self-talk.
My theme this month is my experiences with Love - it is my opinion that like most successes in life, love is an inside job. How can you possibly love someone else, or let someone love you, if you don't love who you are as a person? My past relationships are a prime example of this for sure. I used to think, well, I'm just unlucky in love, I picked the wrong woman, I was younger then, etc...wrong!! I wasn't happy with who I was and it showed. It took me years to figure this out and probably wouldn't ever have noticed if someone on my Team hadn't suggested I start learning some new "people skills" through reading books (I thought, they write books on this stuff that aren't just gossip, opinion, & heresay?!).
YES! Through reading, one can experience different relationship issues at a distance and then think about how that experience is like or unlike those of your own. There are some really great books out there on the subject such as "The Five Love Languages" and "Personality Plus" and even "How to Win Friends & Influence People" just to name a few.
I suggest that one of the keys to love is getting to know yourself and how you interact with others. Don't be afraid, self knowledge leads to self-acceptance. Improvement in your ability to accept, approve, and appreciate who you are, inside and out certainly will improve how you interact with others & vice versa. Focus on why you are a good person and why you will succeed, learn to use your strengths to counteract the negative. It is difficult, it's a constant battle, and I believe a life-long one.
You are a good person, you have strengths and a purpose that nobody else has. I'd love for you to share it with us all and help make the world a better place.
Live Well - Be Well
Stephen
Thursday, January 28, 2010
What is Love?
One of my mentors states,, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." This really hit me yesterday after I posted an article on why I think a lot of people just seem to get caught up in life's "busy" routine (inspired by yet another person telling me that they were "too busy" to improve their current situation).
I got to thinking about it this morning and it bothers me that I feel people don't understand what I'm doing or why, for that matter. I have decided that this month (February) will be the month that I learn & expand my understanding of Love. Love in all aspects; in and of all people & things.
Let me explain. I used to say all the time that people just suck. Harsh, but true. As I have grown a bit older & a bit more perceptive, it occurred to me that it wasn't "people", it was me! I was rough, abusive, argumentative, excessive, (add your own comment here), and just plain not very concerned with anyone but me. I have come to realize that the person I was is exactly the type of person I didn't want to be - I was my own worst enemy, and it was getting me nowhere fast.
Since becoming involved with my current group of peers and undertaking my current endeavors, I have learned much about myself (and others - we'll get to that in a second) that I needed to change. I am applying what I've learned & my life is changing for the better, at least I think so.
I've accepted that - How I perceive my relationships with others is not necessarily how they view me. It was very strange to me that when I started in the field of networking - everyone ran from me & a number of my "closest friends" now treat me as persona-non-grata. I think a majority of them felt threatened by my sudden interest in others, my apparent character shift, and my excitement at joining a large group of highly successful individuals who brought with them new opportunity. One word - change! It probably didn't help that I felt (and still do) that I have found the best thing that ever happened to me outside of having children and I want to share it with everyone!
Being "in the business" for a year or so, I think I now understand much more about people in general. Many of the networking "professionals" that I have been exposed to (online) simply come across as it's all about the money. They state that it's about you, but mostly it's about websites, autoresponders, "training", and (most importantly) products! Another of my mentors states, "there is nothing more common than a network marketer that jumps from company to company to company extolling the virtues of the next great thing." I don't want to be that person and with the Lord's blessing, I won't! But, people can't tell this about me (you) until they know, and they don't care....you get my drift? Don't get me wrong, my product is exceptional, as is the opportunity to make a lot of money, BUT, our community is our key to successful business. For me/us, it truely is about the people and our influence on our society as a learning organization. That is a hard pill to swallow for most people. Because trust is low and talk is cheap.
SO, I will focus this month on love; why I care, how I care. What caring about to me is accepting and sharing my love for all that I have been blessed with. Sure I can act real tough at times, but what I am inside is someone who does care for the beauty of all things and for the relationships that I try to build with others so that we can share our lives. Lennon wrote, "all we need is love" and lately there seems to be a shortage of it to go around. I aspire to change that, as do my peers at the-team.biz
Keep in touch as I explore this month & I hope that someday soon, we shall meet and you will know that I do have love in my heart for you and for all.
Live well - Be well!
Stephen
I got to thinking about it this morning and it bothers me that I feel people don't understand what I'm doing or why, for that matter. I have decided that this month (February) will be the month that I learn & expand my understanding of Love. Love in all aspects; in and of all people & things.
Let me explain. I used to say all the time that people just suck. Harsh, but true. As I have grown a bit older & a bit more perceptive, it occurred to me that it wasn't "people", it was me! I was rough, abusive, argumentative, excessive, (add your own comment here), and just plain not very concerned with anyone but me. I have come to realize that the person I was is exactly the type of person I didn't want to be - I was my own worst enemy, and it was getting me nowhere fast.
Since becoming involved with my current group of peers and undertaking my current endeavors, I have learned much about myself (and others - we'll get to that in a second) that I needed to change. I am applying what I've learned & my life is changing for the better, at least I think so.
I've accepted that - How I perceive my relationships with others is not necessarily how they view me. It was very strange to me that when I started in the field of networking - everyone ran from me & a number of my "closest friends" now treat me as persona-non-grata. I think a majority of them felt threatened by my sudden interest in others, my apparent character shift, and my excitement at joining a large group of highly successful individuals who brought with them new opportunity. One word - change! It probably didn't help that I felt (and still do) that I have found the best thing that ever happened to me outside of having children and I want to share it with everyone!
Being "in the business" for a year or so, I think I now understand much more about people in general. Many of the networking "professionals" that I have been exposed to (online) simply come across as it's all about the money. They state that it's about you, but mostly it's about websites, autoresponders, "training", and (most importantly) products! Another of my mentors states, "there is nothing more common than a network marketer that jumps from company to company to company extolling the virtues of the next great thing." I don't want to be that person and with the Lord's blessing, I won't! But, people can't tell this about me (you) until they know, and they don't care....you get my drift? Don't get me wrong, my product is exceptional, as is the opportunity to make a lot of money, BUT, our community is our key to successful business. For me/us, it truely is about the people and our influence on our society as a learning organization. That is a hard pill to swallow for most people. Because trust is low and talk is cheap.
SO, I will focus this month on love; why I care, how I care. What caring about to me is accepting and sharing my love for all that I have been blessed with. Sure I can act real tough at times, but what I am inside is someone who does care for the beauty of all things and for the relationships that I try to build with others so that we can share our lives. Lennon wrote, "all we need is love" and lately there seems to be a shortage of it to go around. I aspire to change that, as do my peers at the-team.biz
Keep in touch as I explore this month & I hope that someday soon, we shall meet and you will know that I do have love in my heart for you and for all.
Live well - Be well!
Stephen
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Today is the day.
I was thinking today that it might be a good day to get some stuff done. Just then it occurred to me, every day is a good day to get stuff done, isn't it? Why is it so hard for some people (most?) to just get up & get going - you know, the "honey-do" or the "bucket" or whatever-you-want-to-call-it list? When I read my favorite bloggers & their blogs, they consistently post comments on this very subject, and I'm talking consistently! Is our whole society just stuck, waiting for the windfall to come, or for the time to be perfect, or for the stars to align? I looked at a post from a friend on FB yesterday & it said "Been through the Welcome-to-my-world-phase and I'm glad I moved on from it"; my sentiments exactly! What is the hold-up?
You are who you are & are where you are from the things that you have learned & the people with whom you associate. If you get advice (like I used to) from people who are in the same boat as you, how can you possibly expect better results than they have? One of my mentors told me - if you want to change some things, you've got to change some things. He then said that he'd rather do nothing, than be busy doing nothing. I thought that was very ironic, as I was very busy doing nothing; but the truth of the matter became abundantly clear once I decided and committed to myself that I would take ownership for my current results, and for my future. Being busy or having the pretense of being busy is not enough. We all have 24 hrs in the day - why do some people get so much done & always have time, while others never have either?
To me, critical thinking and clear evaluation of actions and results are the key thing that changed my ability to get things done and it seems to me that more of us would benefit from similar thinking.
I urge each & every one of you (yes, all two of you that are reading this) to evaluate what it is that you really want your life to look like and write it down. Where are you really? Is your life everything you expected it to be? If not, what can you DO today to move you forward? Is your "to do" list in line with moving you toward what you really want & where you really want to be, or is it simply a list of stuff to do because you really haven't actually sat down and considered what is really important for you and your family?
I really believe that everyone has the ability to be great and do great things. Good is simply just not good enough when great is attainable. WE live in the best place on the planet for those who desire excellence. What drives you, what inspires you? How can all of us improve? These questions may not be so important when you are young and everything is peaches & cream, but know this - the day will come when you must ask yourself, Who am I & where am I going?
It is time that we must be like generations of the past where this question is asked at a much younger age, and we hold ourselves personally responsible for the results that we get in life. My choice was clear once I understood where I was headed. I knew that my "to do" list and the people I was taking advice from were not leading me to the lifestyle and level of influence that I wanted for me and for my family.
I believe the future of our country is being held in our hands right now. It is truly up to us to decide in which direction we shall go. Get around people that have a common vision for themselves and learn from those who have what you want. The US Army slogan used to say, Be all that you can be - I think these are wise words indeed. Get up - get moving - start today to improve your life, stop whining and making excuses for why you can't have what you want. You can do it, it all starts with a defined path and the gathering of the knowledge of others that have passed that way before you and succeeded in their seach for greatness.
Live well - Be Well
Stephen
You are who you are & are where you are from the things that you have learned & the people with whom you associate. If you get advice (like I used to) from people who are in the same boat as you, how can you possibly expect better results than they have? One of my mentors told me - if you want to change some things, you've got to change some things. He then said that he'd rather do nothing, than be busy doing nothing. I thought that was very ironic, as I was very busy doing nothing; but the truth of the matter became abundantly clear once I decided and committed to myself that I would take ownership for my current results, and for my future. Being busy or having the pretense of being busy is not enough. We all have 24 hrs in the day - why do some people get so much done & always have time, while others never have either?
To me, critical thinking and clear evaluation of actions and results are the key thing that changed my ability to get things done and it seems to me that more of us would benefit from similar thinking.
I urge each & every one of you (yes, all two of you that are reading this) to evaluate what it is that you really want your life to look like and write it down. Where are you really? Is your life everything you expected it to be? If not, what can you DO today to move you forward? Is your "to do" list in line with moving you toward what you really want & where you really want to be, or is it simply a list of stuff to do because you really haven't actually sat down and considered what is really important for you and your family?
I really believe that everyone has the ability to be great and do great things. Good is simply just not good enough when great is attainable. WE live in the best place on the planet for those who desire excellence. What drives you, what inspires you? How can all of us improve? These questions may not be so important when you are young and everything is peaches & cream, but know this - the day will come when you must ask yourself, Who am I & where am I going?
It is time that we must be like generations of the past where this question is asked at a much younger age, and we hold ourselves personally responsible for the results that we get in life. My choice was clear once I understood where I was headed. I knew that my "to do" list and the people I was taking advice from were not leading me to the lifestyle and level of influence that I wanted for me and for my family.
I believe the future of our country is being held in our hands right now. It is truly up to us to decide in which direction we shall go. Get around people that have a common vision for themselves and learn from those who have what you want. The US Army slogan used to say, Be all that you can be - I think these are wise words indeed. Get up - get moving - start today to improve your life, stop whining and making excuses for why you can't have what you want. You can do it, it all starts with a defined path and the gathering of the knowledge of others that have passed that way before you and succeeded in their seach for greatness.
Live well - Be Well
Stephen
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