9-30-04

"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong."- -- Abraham Lincoln (one of my many heroes)

Motivator: Powerful positive influence begins with understanding. The most successful people in business r those who best understand their customers. The most admired and influential leaders r those who most fully understand the people they lead. The most effective parents r the 1's who best understand their children. 1 of the most reliable strategies 4 success in any endeavor is 2 imagine urself in another person's shoes. U'r already quite familiar with ur own perspective. When u take the time and trouble 2 also understand the other person, the combined perspective u gain can b of tremendous value. Put YOURSELF in a powerful position by making the effort 2 understand.

9-29-04

"He can do more for others who has done most with himself."

In Lieu of the Motivator: An elder Apache was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said 2 them, "A fight is going on inside me; it's a terrible fight between 2 wolves. 1 represents anger, fear, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false, pride, competition, superiority, and ego. The other stands 4 joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going inside of u, and others, too" One child asked, "which would win?" 2 which he replied, "The 1 u feed." Which one do you feed most often?

9-28-04

"The greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising up every time we fall."

Motivator: Success is not an accident. It does not happen by chance. It requires more than good intentions. It requires thoughtful, detailed planning. We're sometimes averse 2 planning because we fear that it will somehow detract from the spontaneity and creativity of achievement. But planning is ultimately liberating, not confining. Without adequate planning u eventually run in2 impossible limitations. Certainly it is valuable 2 b creative and spontaneous. And thoughtful planning frees u 2 get more done and 2 b more creative. 4 the vast majority of those who achieve it, success does not come as a surprise. It results from devising a plan and then doing whatever is necessary 2 follow that plan through 2 completion. Marco

9-27-04

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody."

Motivator: It is tempting 2 think that u can have something for nothing. It is tempting 2 think that u can take shortcuts. When we're tempted 2 do what we know we should not, it is a deception. We see the reward, obsess over it, and mentally build it up bigger than life, completely out of proportion 2 reality. At the same time we fail 2 c the significantly bigger downside. Being positive does not mean ignoring the negative consequences of our actions. Living positively comes from avoiding the negative consequences by refraining from the destructive behavior which surely leads 2 them. The next time u r tempted 2 act against ur own good judgment, remember that it is a lie, a deception 4 which YOU will ultimately and unavoidably suffer.

9-26-04

"That's what it takes to be a hero, a little gem of innocence inside you that makes you want to believe that there still exists a right and wrong, that decency will somehow triumph in the end."- --Lise Hand, describing Irish journalist Veronica Guerin, who was killed as a result of her investigations of Irish organized crime.

Motivator: There is no virtue in being resigned 2 a life that's anything less than the very best u can envision. Living ur dream means being responsible 2 the best that u have 2 offer. It is unfortunate that we so often equate happiness with destructive behavior such as revenge, substance abuse or idleness. Lasting happiness and joy result from creative, productive, disciplined actions. Being happy, joyful and fulfilled means being the best u can b. The things u seek, with the moments, thoughts and actions which make up ur days, u will have. u cannot avoid them. They r YOURS. So make them the best that they can b.

9-24-04

"Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure that there is one less scoundrel in the world."

Motivator: Success is an acquired taste. Those who learn 2 enjoy the activities which lead 2 success and achievement r the ones who attain that success. The best players genuinely enjoy the game. The most successful entrepreneurs r the ones who truly love their work. Many people dream of the ideal job in which they could do what they already love, and make money at it. That is an admirable and worthy aspiration, yet sometimes it is just not realistic. But there's another way 2 arrive at the same result -- if u can't find a way 2 do what u love, then find a way 2 love what u do. One way or another, when u acquire a taste 4 success YOU"LL feast on the positive results it brings.

9-23-04

"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"

Motivator: Just because there's someone 2 blame 4 ur troubles does not mean that u can end ur troubles by hurting that other person. No matter who is 2 blame 4 ur problems, u r responsible 4 them. Revenge may b entirely justified, but it will rarely solve the problem. The energy u put in2 blaming others 4 ur misery takes away from the energy u have available 2 effectively address those problems. Don't let the desire 2 assign blame detract u from making things right. U cannot move backwards, so put YOUR energy into moving forward.

9-22-04

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many--not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."

Motivator: Some of the greatest achievements come from the biggest frustrations. In frustration there is an enormous amount of energy. 2 often, that energy is directed and focused in negative ways, but it certainly does not have 2 b. Some people use frustration as an excuse 2 destroy. While that may b completely understandable, it doesn't do anything 2 improve the situation. The gratification of any "revenge" is quickly replaced by an even bigger and more desperate frustration. The real challenge is 2 make a positive difference. The energy of frustration is a powerful resource which can propel u 2 new heights. Don't waste it by trying 2 bring someone else down 2 ur level. U've paid dearly 4 that frustration, so funnel it in a positive direction and make the very most of it!

9-21-04

"Some day, in years to come, you will be wrestling with the great temptation, or trembling under the great sorrow of your life. But the real struggle is here, now, in these quiet weeks. Now it is being decided whether, in the day of your supreme sorrow or temptation, you shall miserably fail or gloriously conquer. Character cannot be made except by a steady, long continued process."

Motivator: Learn 2 b master of the little things without letting the little things run ur life. It is useful 2 pay attention 2 details but it is dangerous b ruled by them. There is a big difference between being disciplined, careful and attentive and being obsessive. The difference is in clearly focusing on the purpose of ur efforts. Look at everything in terms of the big picture. 2 the extent that the details enhance and promote ur overall purpose, give them ur time and energy. 2 the extent that the details detract from, and even replace the original purpose, let them go. Nothing is more wasteful than worrying over trivial details that don't even matter.Keep ur purpose clearly in mind, and make the details ur servant rather than YOUR master.

9-1-04

"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead."

Motivator: When was the last time anxiety knocked at ur front door? Have u ever met stress walking down the street? Things such as stress, anxiety and anger do not exist in real, tangible form. They exist only in u and only with ur cooperation. They r not grown in a field or manufactured in a factory. They r created in ur head. And as such, there is no need for u 2 "deal" with them or "resolve" them. U have it in ur power 2 simply eliminate them or, better yet, 2 avoid giving birth 2 them in the first place. Do not let ur anxieties control YOU. It takes a lot of energy 2 create and 2 maintain stress, anxiety and fear. Redirect that energy toward something positive and creative.

9-17-04

"We each have all the time there is; our mental and moral status is determined by what we do with it."

Motivator: If u r quick 2 take offense, then u'll b under the control of those whom u find offensive. If u r easily angered, then ur actions will b dictated by those who anger u. If u r obsessed by what other people think, then u will b imprisoned by their thoughts. If u yearn 4 easy answers and quick solutions, u'll fall prey 2 people who offer nothing but promises. If u find the truth 2 difficult 2 bear, u'll be enslaved 2 those who tell u what u want 2 hear. When u have the courage 2 think 4 yourself, the strength 2 accept what is, the commitment and discipline 2 make a difference, then u r free. U r truly free 2 live with purpose, joy and fulfillment. Let ur life be defined not by ur reactions 2 what others do, say or think, but rather by YOUR own unique vision.

9-16-04

"Courage is the greatest of all the virtues. Because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others." Do you have the Valor it takes to get ahead today? Warm Thursday Wishes!

Motivator: What do u expect of urself? What do u expect of others? Expectations r often a self-fulfilling prophecy. So it makes sense 2 expect the very best. Is that reasonable when past experience proves otherwise? Yes, because people can change. U can change, and the beginning of that change is often a change in expectations. No matter how disappointed u've been in the past, with urself or with someone else, the way 2 start getting positive results is with positive expectations. Expect the best. Proceed under the assumption that u'll get the best, from urself and others, and YOU'r well on ur way 2 getting it...the perfect time not 2 expect anything though, is when meeting someone 4 the 1st time! ie internet; blind date; etc.

9-15-04

"The hero is the one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. The wise is the man who walks through the dark paths of the world, himself a light."

Motivator: Enjoyment comes from ur attitude toward a particular situation, not the situation itself. Too many people search in vain 4 enjoyable activities, enjoyable relationships, enjoyable environments, enjoyable entertainment. A much more successful strategy would b 2 stop searching and start enjoying. The enjoyment is not in the activity. The enjoyment is in u. Wherever u r, whatever u'r doing, find a way 2 enjoy it. Sure, it's great when u aspire 2 bigger and better things. But don't fool yourself in2 thinking that they'll come pre-packaged with their own enjoyment. Perhaps u didn't choose 2 b where u are, and it's great that u'r committed 2 getting somewhere else. Yet while YOU'r here, accept it and enjoy it.

Personal Quote: Flattering Is Rather Much Worthy 2 B Remembered In Mind Than Creating an Effigy-Will U Do that 4 Me?

9-14-04

"The life that conquers is the life that moves with a steady resolution and persistence toward a predetermined goal. Those who succeed are those who have thoroughly learned the immense importance of plan in life, and the tragic brevity of time."

Motivator: Right now is the time 2 make the first step, 2 get started. Don't wait any longer. If u intend 2 do something, prove it with ur actions today. Make a true commitment. Go beyond "thinking about it." Thinking is a great way 2 start. Now u must take action. U must ask urself if u'r ready 2 stop wasting ur energy on excuses and start putting that energy 2 work with ur actions. Choose to go forward today. Commit 2 the future with YOUR positive action!

9-13-04

"Decide on what you think is right, and stick to it."

Motivator: The most intelligent people r not those who pretend 2 know it all. The most intelligent people r those who have a realistic awareness of what they know and, just as importantly, what they don't know. Some people foolishly pretend 2 know things when in fact they don't. It sometimes serves their pride, yet in the end such behavior is completely self defeating. Admitting u don't know something is the first step in learning it. No one can possibly know everything. There is no shame in not knowing. It is far better 2 admit u don't know, than 2 proceed with missing or incomplete knowledge. Have the courage to say "I don't know" and then make the commitment 2 find out.

9-12-04

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."

Motivator: If u lack confidence, then do something about it -- literally. Do something. Take action. No matter how little confidence u may have, still there is something u can bring urself 2 do, some action u can take. Take that first step. Keep doing it until u develop the confidence 2 take the next step. Confidence is something u build with ur actions. No one can give it 2 u or sell it 2 u. Ur confidence must come from u. Make the effort. Build ur confidence, and it will serve YOU well.

9-11-04

"Aspire, break bounds. Endeavor to be good, and better still, best."

Motivator: What if everything u could ever want were sitting right in front of u, ready 4 u 2 make it urs, and u didn't even realize it was there? What if u were so accustomed 2 thinking in terms of lack and limitation that u were unable 2 see the magnificent abundance that was all around u? What if every day was beautiful and u did not realize it? What if every problem u encountered, gave u the strength and determination needed 2 turn it in2 an opportunity. What if today were 2 end before YOU decided to make the very most of it? Don't let that happen!

9-10-04

"The most important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative, and the second disastrous."

Motivator: What do u expect 2 gain from reading this message? Ur expectations largely define ur outcomes. U rarely ever do much better than u expect 2 do, and u rarely ever do much worse. Most often, u get just about exactly what u expect. Even when circumstances change, u adjust ur actions so that ur expectations continue 2 b met. Whatever u expect of urself will happen, because u'll do anything necessary 2 make it happen, right? Ur mind is a powerful goal-seeking device. The more consistently u keep ur mind on ur positive expectations, the faster they will become a reality. In ur expectations there is great power. U can expect whatever u choose 2 expect. So expect the best. And that's what YOU'll get. (Great Expectations....such a nice book)

9-9-04

"Waste your money and you're only out of money, but waste your time and you've lost part of your life."

Motivator: The beauty and the joy of life come in living it through. Skipping ahead or jumping back will serve only 2 cheat u out of the magnificent now. Live life as it comes. Really live, each moment at a time. String them together, one after the other. Listen 2 the whole symphony from beginning 2 end, and savor each passage. Watch the shadows change as the sun rises in the east and works its way across the sky each day. Feel the wind against ur face as it grows cooler and then warm. Take the time 2 listen, 2 know, 2 love those around u. What a beautiful gift is all of creation and the awareness that YOU have of it. Drink in every particle. (and I don't mean alcohol LOL)

9-19-04

"Shallow men believe in luck, believe in circumstances -- it was somebody's name, or he happened to be there at the time, or it was so then, and another day would have been otherwise. Strong men believe in cause and effect"

Motivator: When was the last time anxiety knocked at ur front door? Have u ever met stress walking down the street? Things such as stress, anxiety and anger do not exist in real, tangible form. They exist only in u and only with ur cooperation. They r not grown in a field or manufactured in a factory. They r created in ur head. And as such, there is no need for u 2 "deal" with them or "resolve" them. U have it in ur power 2 simply eliminate them or, better yet, 2 avoid giving birth 2 them in the first place. Do not let ur anxieties control YOU. It takes a lot of energy 2 create and 2 maintain stress, anxiety and fear. Redirect that energy toward something positive and creative.

9-8-04

"What a man is contributes much more to his happiness than what he has, or how he is regarded by others. You can find on the outside only what you posess on the inside."

Motivator: Diamonds have numerous practical applications in drills and other cutting tools, but that is not what makes diamonds so valuable. Authentic diamonds r valuable because they r so rare and difficult 2 come by. That's useful 2 remember when u r faced with limitations. Those limitations give value 2 whatever u'r working 2 accomplish. The more difficult the achievement, the more valuable it is. The things that come easy, with little or no effort, have little or no value. 2 create something of great value, u generally must overcome a challenge of great magnitude. R YOU digging for diamonds, or just shoveling dirt? Seek out the challenges. They r what bring value.

9-7-04

"The beauty of a friendship lies not in enjoying the similarities, but respecting the differences."

Motivator: The value of ur accomplishment increases with every difficulty u encounter on the way to it. And u must persist in order 2 realize that value. Whatever it takes, keep going. Every moment u persist builds equity in ur dream. The glory, the joy, the fulfillment of life come from persistence through the troubles, the frustrations and the obstacles. U already know that. U've experienced it before. And now, today, is yet another opportunity 2 keep going, 2 persist through whatever may come. It's the best opportunity u could possibly imagine. So make the most of it. Keep going. Persist in ur efforts. And fulfill YOUR own incredible possibilities.

9-6-04

"When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another. It's time to start living the life you've imagined."

Motivator: Whatever u practice, u will become skilled at doing. Winning athletes practice day after day, month after month, to hone their skills. So do the best musicians, actors, salespeople, airline pilots, preachers, photographers, designers -- the list goes on and on. What do you practice every day? Do u practice positive, success-oriented skills and actions? Or do u practice such skills as making excuses, getting angry, complaining, assigning blame, and procrastinating. The more u practice anything, the more it becomes a part of u. So be aware of what u practice each day, each moment. Make sure that what u practice, is what YOU want 2 become.

9-3-04

"Give so much time for the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others."

Motivator: Creativity does not get used up. In fact, the more u exercise ur creativity, the more u have of it. Creativity feeds upon itself. A magnificent painting begins with a single brush stroke, creatively applied. One creative act leads 2 another, and soon u have a masterpiece. We often imagine creativity as being on a grand scale, and yet it is in the grainy texture of life that true creativity occurs. Anyone, anywhere can be creative. It's just a matter of opening the mind, stepping outside the comfortable box of ur limitations, then putting in2 form and action the original thoughts which come to YOU.

Personal Quote: Should U Ever Arbitrate Beween Love & Mind, Opt to Intuition Backed Up With Logic!

9-2-04

"If we are more afraid of failure than we are eager for success, if we are more afraid of pain than eager to seek pleasure, if we are more afraid of embarrassment than willing to take chances on new experiences, then the blandishments of fear will suit a timorous personality. But if we replace fear with eagerness then all the amazing things in our life that beckon us forward will happen."

Motivator: Remember as u go through the day that u r more than just a # in someone's computer, more than just a dispensable part of the system. U r a living, breathing person, completely unique in all of history. U can think & reason. U can make intelligent decisions.U can create. U can explore. U can seek the truth & find joy in the beauty around u. U can give ur love & compassion 2 others. U can change things that anger or frustrate u. U can make a difference in ur life & the lives of others. U r alive with possibilities, no matter what has happened 2 u in the past, no matter what other people think or say about u, no matter what ur situation. There is something u can do today that will continue 2 fulfill the special, priceless bundle of possibilities that is YOU!

9-1-04

"It is a glorious achievement to master one's own temper."

In lieu of the Motivator, I will relate good news instead. Now there is a better solution to chronic depression than popping pills. (I am serious too): Implanting a pacemaker-like device that will send mild electronic pulses to the vagus nerve in the neck to lift mood. The FDA approved this device made by Cyberonics this last Tuesday. This is great news at least to 20 Million adults in the US who suffer from depression each year. Then you wouldn't need to read anymore motivators! HAHAHAH