Posted by: drronahart on: June 5, 2009
If you ever feel overwhelmed, pause for a moment and look around you. More than likely, there’s clutter in your physical (outer) space, which means there’s clutter in your inner space.
A funny thing happens when you get rid of clutter in your physical space: you see your life. You lighten up in more ways than one.
Years back, I worked at a job with a hectic pace and loads of paperwork. We moved our office to a new location, and I was given zero time to organize. In fact, I had to hire two temps to unpack everything. Two years later, the director hired a clutter coach, which pleased me to no end. I insisted a temp be hired to do what I was expected to do so I could help organize. It took two weeks. When all was said and done, I sat at my neat desk and realized I needed to leave that job and make a career change. You never know what you’ll find hiding beneath the clutter in your life.
Recently, I’ve entered de-clutter mode, even though I pride myself on being organized. However, stuff can accumulate while you’re focused elsewhere. I’m a reader and I like to keep certain books for different reasons; but I was surprised when I brought eight bags of books to the basement for our in-house book exchange. My VCR stopped working over a year ago and all those videos were taking up space. They’ve gone to new homes where VCRs work. I’m taking a room at a time and asking myself good questions every time I touch anything. This is one of those times when less feels really good. Going light shifts the energy.
What other forms of clutter do we allow into our lives?
What about activities that are busywork instead of actions that produce our desired outcomes? Many people confuse activity with productivity.
What about bouncing back and forth between what you’re working on and checking emails or IMs? This is an interruption you have some control over. Do you know that every time you’re interrupted when you’re focused, it can take up to twenty minutes to get back into full focus? You can lose hours of quality productive time every day just by checking emails while you work. If you dedicate an hour or two of uninterrupted focus on a project, you’ll quickly see the difference it makes. Unless you’re waiting for a specific email, decide to check emails at a certain time each hour or whatever works for you. What other activities clutter your productive time? Remember, though, you need quality break-times when you work so you can recharge. Not taking these or skipping lunch is a good way to clutter your mind and energy.
How does lack of proper rest and recreation clutter your life? What about poor food choices? What about not delegating when you can?
Then, there’s holding grudges. Anything from the past we carry with us is like a boulder or a bag of rocks we drag behind us through life. This is probably not the first time you read this, but forgiveness isn’t saying what happened is okay; it’s setting yourself free from replaying old tapes or films that just make you feel lousy and clutter moments and energy you could use more productively. It’s like saying, “FOR goodness sake, GIVE your self something else, something better, to focus on.”
And here’s another twist about forgiveness: Charles Fillmore said the first step to becoming debt-free is to release everyone from debts to us, especially the emotional debts known as resentments.
I’m not going to tell you letting go of resentments is easy. It can be, but it usually isn’t because we feel so right (self-righteous) about holding onto them. When I revisited this the other day, I took the spiritual, metaphysical approach and reminded myself that as I eventually look for the gift in even moments I perceive as unpleasant or painful, holding a grudge towards someone who gave me a “gift” doesn’t serve me. It impedes me. There’s a lot I choose to do with my life. If my energy is directed on resentments from the past, I’m cluttering my energy. No one can shift this but me.
One thing I’ve noticed after working this way for years is that even if you start to de-clutter at the inner level, it does make a difference if you simultaneously de-clutter your physical space. It’s practically impossible to clear your physical space and not experience inner clearing at the same time.
What are you hanging onto long past its usefulness to you? Clutter of any kind depletes your energy. Spring is a time of renewal. There’s a reason spring cleaning has been popular for generations.
What about your life are you ready to renew? What are you ready to let go of so something even better can come to you once you create the space?
Author’s Bio
Joyce Shafer, LEC and author (jls1422@yahoo.com), offers the 8-week online Reinvent Yourself: Refuse to Settle for Less in Life and Business coaching system where You Decide What You Pay to Participate. Real methods, real results. PRE-REGISTER for the April 17 program TODAY. Want the system, but not the coaching? New Release! Reinvent Yourself eCourse program available at www.lulu.com (see her other books/e-books there). Program details, eCourse discount, and free newsletter at coach4lifebalance. Email for more informat
Posted by: drronahart on: May 20, 2009
Dear Friends
I am delighted to invite you to join one of the most exciting business networks in London: MEET&LINK
MEET&LINK is a new business networking group that operates in North West London.
MEET&LINK has developed a new model of networking which enables members to establish personal relationships, and gain exposure and access to members’ networks through referrals. Additionally, members of the group share knowledge and expertise in various areas and enjoy each others’ advise and support.
Here are the essential details:
Structure of meetings:
Meetings are designed in a way that would offer the highest return for participants:
MEET&LINK offers its members opportunities to open doors and increase exposure and access to their businesses, through personal contact and acquaintance. The collaborations and partnerships formed through MEET&LINK are documented to enable the evaluation of the benefits of MEET&LINK membership.
MEET&LINK is a proof that even in our digital-virtual networking world – nothing can replace the power and effectiveness of personal contact.
Networking definitely works!
The next event will take place on Tuesday 2nd June at 7.30pm.
Venue: North West London – the exact location will be given upon registration
Price: £5
To register and book your place at the next event visit: http://www.meetnlink.com/default.aspx
Posted by: drronahart on: May 7, 2009
“Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out the mundane.” Chris Widener
Can achievement be broken down into steps? Well, it isn’t always that clean and easy, but I do know that those who achieve great things usually go through much of the same process, with many of the items listed below as part of that process. So if you have been struggling with achievement, look through the following and internalize the thoughts presented. Then begin to apply them. You will be on the road to achieving your dream!
Reproduced with permission from Chris Widener’s Weekly Ezine. Chris Widener is an Internationally recognized speaker, author and radio host. Chris is the author of five books and 30 audio programs as well as over 350 success articles. In addition to being a featured contributing editor to the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan, Chris was the host emcee and guest speaker for the 2004 Jim Rohn Weekend Leadership Event held in Anaheim, CA – he received rave reviews not only from Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley and Brian Tracy, but also all the attendees! Chris demonstrates a style that is engaging and versatile while providing life-changing principles of leadership, motivation and success. If you would like to order Chris’ products, including his Newest Release, The Angel Inside as well as Live the Life You Always Dreamed Of, The Secrets of Influence or his CD series, The Extraordinary Leaders Seminar, or to book him to speak at your next event, go to http://www.chriswidener.com or send an email to speaker@chriswidener.com or call 800-929-0434. Also – to subscribe to Chris’s free Weekly Ezine, send a blank email to subscribe@chriswidener.com
Posted by: drronahart on: April 23, 2009
Ben Franklin once wrote, “I would rather have it said ‘he lived usefully’ than ‘he died rich.’” More than just words, it was the way Franklin lived his life. One example of his useful nature was the invention of the Franklin stove. Instead of patenting it and keeping it to himself, Ben Franklin decided to share his invention with the world.
According to Dr. John C. Van Horne, Library Company of Philadelphia: “Franklin’s philanthropy was of a collective nature. His sense of benevolence came by aiding his fellow human beings and by doing good to society. In fact, in one sense, Franklin’s philanthropy, his sense of benevolence, was his religion. Doing good to mankind was, in his understanding, divine.” Even his position as a printer fit this philosophical bent. He did not hoard his ideas, but shared them, and everyone benefited. He had an “abundance mentality.”
Instead of seeing the world in terms of how much money he could make, Franklin saw the world in terms of how many people he could help. To Benjamin Franklin, being useful was its own reward.
As I age, I gain perspective on the illusion of wealth and status as forms of fulfillment. I don’t want my life to be measured by dollars and cents, or the number of books I’ve authored. Rather, I want to be remembered by the lives that I’ve touched. I want to live a life that counts. With each day that passes, I feel a greater sense of urgency to make sure my time and energy are invested in developing leaders.
A Life That Counts Is Determined By:
1. The Relationships That I Form
Relationships help us to define who we are and what we can become. In my own life, I can see how relationships have shaped my character, values, and interest. I consider relationships to be my greatest treasures in life and an immense source of joy.
Most people can trace their failures or successes to pivotal relationships. That’s because all relationships involve transference. When we interact with others we exchange energy, emotions, ideas, and values. Some relationships reinforce our values and uplift us; while others undercut our convictions and drain us. While we cannot choose every relationship in our lives, on the whole, we get to select those who are closest to us.
Relationship Rules
- Get along with yourself
The one relationship you will have until you die is yourself.
- Value people
You cannot make another person feel important if you secretly feel that he or she is a nobody.
- Make the effort to form relationships
The result of a person who has never served others? Loneliness.
- Understand the Reciprocity Rule
Over time, people come to share reciprocal, similar attitudes toward each other.
- Follow the Golden Rule
The timeless principle: treat others the way you want to be treated.
2. The Decisions That I Make
Good decisions sometimes reap dividends years into the future, while bad decisions have a way of haunting us. Consider diverging decisions made by Johnson & Johnson and Phillip Morris.
In 1982, Johnson & Johnson faced a dilemma when seven people died from cyanide poison placed inside of Tylenol bottles. Johnson & Johnson’s reaction? The company pulled its product from the shelves, invested in tamper-proof bottling, and emerged as a paragon of corporate responsibility. To this day, Johnson & Johnson remains one of America’s most admired companies.
In 1999, Phillip Morris, in an attempt to counter antismoking measures in the Czech Republic, commissioned an economic analysis to look into the “indirect positive effects” of premature deaths to smokers. The purported “benefits” to Czech society included savings on health care, pensions, welfare, and housing costs for the elderly. After word of the study began to circulate, public opinion forced Phillip Morris to issue a sheepish apology. In light of clear evidence showing the health detriments of smoking, Phillip Morris’ decision to justify cigarette sales has contributed to the “Big Tobacco” image as an object of consumer scorn.
My friend, legendary basketball coach John Wooden, encourages leaders to, “Make every day your masterpiece.” Two ingredients are necessary for each day to be a masterpiece: decisions and discipline. I like to think of decisions as goal-setting and discipline as goal-getting. Decisions and discipline cannot be separated because one is worthless without the other.
Good Decisions – Daily Discipline = A Plan without Payoff
Daily Discipline – Good Decisions = Regimentation without Reward
Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Success
3. The Experiences That I Encounter
In addition to relationships and decisions, our lives are shaped by pivotal experiences. Whether triumphs or tragedies, our lives are molded by a shortlist of prominent experiences. Perhaps we receive a long-awaited promotion or we’re suddenly let go from a job. Perhaps a loved one passes away, or a newborn baby enters our lives. These experiences immerse us in emotions and challenge our convictions. They may even reveal our purpose in life.
Oftentimes, we’re defined not so much in the moment of experience itself as in our response to the experience. Do we quit or rebound? Do we harbor bitterness or choose to forgive? Do we blame or improve? Whatever the case, the experiences in our lives profoundly touch us.
The life experiences we encounter are broad and varied, but here are a few brief pointers on gaining the most from them.
- Evaluate experience
Experience isn’t the best teacher. Evaluated experience is the best teacher. Learn from mistakes and victories alike. Draw upon experiences to grow and gain wisdom.
- Manage the emotional aspects of experience
Pivotal moments come with a flood of emotions – at times positive, and at times negative. Teach yourself to counteract negative feelings and learn to harness the momentum of positive emotions.
- Share them through storytelling
Experiences are my richest repositories of teaching material. Make a habit of sharing the lessons learned from the experiences that have shaped your life and your leadership.
REVIEW
Living a Life That Counts Is Determined By…
1. The Relationships That I Form
2. The Decisions That I Make
3. The Experiences That I Encounter
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re not doing something with your life, then it doesn’t matter how long you live. If you’re doing something with your life, then it doesn’t matter how short your life may be. A life is not measured by years lived, but by its usefulness. If you are giving, loving, serving, helping, encouraging, and adding value to others, then you’re living a life that counts!
Article source:http://www.YourSuccessStore.com
Posted by: drronahart on: April 19, 2009
Dear Friends,
Please see below information on Christopher Howard’s Breakthrough to Success weekend. If you would like to experience a breakthrough in any area of your life, then attending this weekend could transform your life forever.
It certainly transformed mine!
Just one year ago I was employed in a job that offered security but very little satisfaction or inspiration. I was dreaming about operating my own business for many years but didn’t have the courage to do it on my own. I was worried what the financial implications might be and I did not have the confidence that I have what it takes to succeed.
Christopher Howard one weekend workshop changed my life forever! I was able to see my fears for what they were, and how they were holding me back from doing what I want, and I came out with exciting plans for my new business, a new career and new life! A week later I handed my resignation and left a job that nearly killed my spirit, and I have never looked back!
I now run my own business which offers training and mentoring programmes. I get to do what I love and enjoy. I am inspired and excited about my new career, and I am already earning more than I did as an employee!
If you like to experience similar changes in your life – then accept my gift: two tickets to Christopher Howard’s Breakthrough to Success weekend.
Two tickets to this event are normally £1,790, but you can attend completely complimentary as my guest – this is my gift to you.
Read on for more information and dates:
Christopher Howard Breakthrough to Success Weekend
Then click any of the “Enrol Now” buttons or the link below to book yourself in. Repeat if you’d like to enrol a guest to attend with you.
If you have any trouble linking to the site then copy and paste the following link into your web browser: http://champions.christopherhoward.co.uk/ukbts.asp?cli=CLA1015447.
“90% of success begins with just showing up”
- Donald Trump
I’m sure you’ll enjoy this fun and exciting event. I hope you decide to accept my gift and take a step towards creating the life of your dreams.
Yours with Love,
Rona
Posted by: drronahart on: April 16, 2009
As we enter into this New Year we all tend to have a heightened sense of the opportunities and possibilities that 2009 can bring. The need for goal-setting becomes more obvious and clear. And the great thing about goal-setting is you can keep it as simple or get as elaborate as you would like. In fact, we have dedicated one month in the One-Year Success Plan solely to the subject of goal-setting and have over 125-pages in the One-Year Plan workbook of exercises on this subject. Space and time won’t allow that here, but below are some abbreviated points on goal-setting for the New Year.
I’ve often said the major reason for setting a goal is for what it makes of you to accomplish it. What it makes of you will always be the far greater value than what you get. That is why goals are so powerful – they are part of the fabric that makes up our lives. And goal-setting is where we create our goals.
Goal-setting is powerful, partly because it provides focus. It shapes our dreams. It gives us the ability to hone in on the exact actions we need to perform to achieve everything we desire in life. Goals are GREAT because they cause us to stretch and grow in ways that we never have before. In order to reach our goals we must become better. We must change and grow.
Also, goals provide long-term vision in our lives. We all need lots of powerful, long-range goals to help us get past short-term obstacles. Life is designed in such a way that we look long-term and live short-term. We dream for the future and live in the present. Unfortunately, the present can produce many difficult obstacles. But fortunately, the more powerful our goals (because they are inspiring and believable) the more we will be able to act on them in the short-term and guarantee that they will actually come to pass!
So, let’s take a closer look at the topic of goal-setting and see how we can make it forceful as well as practical. What are the key aspects to learn and remember when studying and writing our goals?
click here to read on: http://www.positivepsychology.drronahart.com/articles/issue17.html
Posted by: drronahart on: April 15, 2009
There are several different aspects of courage. Perhaps the most important is the courage to endure, to persist, to “hang in there’ in the face of doubt, uncertainty and criticism from others.
Practice Patience in Adversity
This is called “courageous patience,’ the willingness and the ability to “stay the course’ in the face of uncertainty, doubt and often criticism from many quarters.Stay the Course
In my experience, there is a critical time period between the launching of a new venture and the results that come from that venture. During this hiatus, this waiting period, many people lose their nerve. They cannot stand the suspense of not knowing, of possible failure. They break and run in battle, they quake and quit in business.The True Leader
But the true leader is the person who can stand firm, who refuses to consider the possibility of failure. The turning points of many key moments in human history have been the resolution, or lack thereof, of one person. Courageous patience is the acid test of leadership.To encourage others, to instill confidence in them, to help them to perform at their best requires first of all that you lead by example.
Allow Honest Mistakes
The second thing you can do to help alleviate the fears of failure and rejection in others is to encourage them to take calculated risks and allow honest mistakes.Build People Up
Give the people who look up to you regular praise and approval. Celebrate good tries as well as success, large and small. Create a psychological climate where people feel safe from censure, blame or criticism of any kind. Then do things that make people feel terrific about themselves.Become Unstoppable
Courage comes from acting courageously on a day-to-day basis. Your personal development goal should be to practice the behaviors of a totally fearless person until you become, in your own mind, unstoppable.Action Exercises
Here are two ways for you to develop courageous patience.First, prepare yourself in advance for the inevitable disappointments and setbacks you will experience on the way to your goal. Don’t be surprised when they occur.
Second, resolve in advance that you will bounce rather than break and continually encourage others to think and act the same way.
http://www.positivepsychology.drronahart.com/
Posted by: drronahart on: April 14, 2009
This tool was designed by Prof Julie K. Norem.
Defensive pessimism is a strategy used by anxious people to help them manage their anxiety so they can work productively. Defensive pessimists lower their expectations to help prepare themselves for the worst.
Strategic optimism is typically used by people who aren’t anxious. Individuals using this strategy set high expectations, and then actively avoid thinking much about what might happen.
Click here to read on and learn how to apply these strategies
Posted by: drronahart on: April 13, 2009
The 7-step process to defining and achieving your personal goals with absolute clarity and conviction.
Posted by: drronahart on: April 10, 2009
Here is a great article by John Gray titled: Taking Time for Yourself in a Relationship
We have all heard this advice before. No matter how wonderful togetherness feels in a relationship, it is still crucial for partners to take time for themselves. There is simply no way that a man or a woman can fulfill all of their partner’s needs; it’s just impossible to do. Too often people will give up a favorite hobby, sport or pastime in the beginning of a relationship in order to devote more time and energy to making the relationship work. But, what happens down the road when one or both partners realize that they are terribly out of balance and not taking time for themselves? Relationship stress, miscommunication, or worse: resentment and emotional pain can result…..
Click here to continue to read on http://www.positivepsychology.drronahart.com/articles/issue13.html
Article source: http://www.YourSuccessStore.com/McClendon
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