How To Be Successful - A Clear Vision In 5 Steps

One reason many people struggle to become successful is because they don’t have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish. They may have vague ideas of the benefits they’d like to gain, like more money or a bigger house – but they have no idea how they’ll achieve them. They may try a few different ventures, halfheartedly working toward a greater level of success, but eventually lose interest when they don’t see much progress.

Has this been your experience too?

The problem may not be that you’re incapable of reaching the level of success you desire, but rather that you don’t have a clear enough vision of what you want to accomplish.

When Weak is Strong

"If you can meet success and failure and treat these imposters both the same, then you’ll be a man, my son." (Rudyard Kipling)

In the early 80's I was involved in counselling and working with discouraged young people. We had many irons in the fire and were constantly engaged in projects. One project in particular required a fund-raiser and I was selected to do the job.

I was sure things would go well, but weeks of writing letters, phoning and knocking on doors had barely paid for itself. One afternoon was particularly discouraging and I realized I needed a new vision so I walked to a nearby park to try and clear my head.

As I strolled along, I came upon a beautiful little lake. I could see some excitement was going on at one end so I wandered over. A small crowd had gathered laughing and pointing at something in the water. I squeezed through to see a dozen baby ducks in hot competition with each other over chunks of bread being tossed to them. Of special interest was the tiniest duckling, exceptionally cute with this fuzzy little grape-sized head. He was obviously the runt and being beat at every turn by the others.

We all did our best to help him out by chucking the bread as close to him as we could get it, but to no avail. Different strategies were suggested, but before the bread even hit the water the larger ducklings would snatch it up.

It was so touching to see "Pee-wee" stuck on the outside of that turbulent circle frantically searching for a break. We were all so caught up in this that you would have thought it was the World Series.

Then one of the daddies landed a shot smack in front of "Pee-wee"! We all gasped and held our breath. The "ball" was now clearly in his court and Pee-wee didn't miss it. With lightening speed, he snatched that bread and literally ran across the top of the water with it before the others could steal it away!

It was so hilarious to see his stubby little wings fluttering madly as he fled with his well deserved (bigger than his own head!) prize. The cheer that rose up from the crowd sounded like Babe Ruth had hit a home run. It was just that exciting.

Content at last, the crowd dispersed and I walked off encouraged and inspired. The brave example of that tiny duck brought everything into perspective for me. I felt hopeful, invigorated. "If "Pee-wee" can not give up and succeed, so can I." And thinking back on it, maybe he wasn't the weakest one after all.

L. Jan Turner

Source: http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/rainbow11/WEAK.html

Principal’s Legacy is the Imprint of Success

When Howard Lappin came to Foshay Learning Center, it was one of the worst middle schools in L.A. As he prepares to move on, it has many reasons to be proud.

Don't tell principal Howard Lappin that poor, urban minority kids can't learn. He's been known to lose his temper.

Once, a counselor told a student that Latino girls should be housewives, not go to college. Enraged, Lappin confronted the counselor, declaring such talk nonsense. "He's no angel, but we know where his heart is," said Regina Boutte, assistant principal at Foshay Learning Center in South-Central Los Angeles. "We were blessed that he had a wonderful vision."

The intense, no-nonsense 61-year-old who transformed Foshay--once considered the worst middle school in the Los Angeles Unified School District--into one of its most improved gave his final commencement speech last week. He will retire this summer. But teachers say his educational strategies will live on. "We want to make his vision continue," Boutte said. "We might surprise him and make it even [better]."

Motivational Phrases - Courage

The stories of past courage… can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul. John F. Kennedy

All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney

A man full of courage is also full of faith. Cicero

Courage is grace under pressure. Ernest Hemingway

Courage is the first of human qualities, because it is the quality which guarantees all others. Winston Churchill

Courage is resistance to fear; mastery of fear – not absence of fear. Mark Twain

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die. G. K. Chesterton

Perfect courage is to do without witnesses what one would be capable of doing before all the world. LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face … we must do that which we think we cannot. Roosevelt, Eleanor

The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can. Robert Cushing

In order to discover new lands, one must be willing to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. Anonymous

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. Muhammad Ali

You can’t test courage cautiously. Anne Dillard

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance. Aesop

I’d rather give my life than be afraid to give it. Lyndon Baines Johnson

Source: http://www.goal-setting-guide.com/motivational-phrases-courage

Success Motivation Improve Work with Passion

Passion?

The meaning of passion is an energy that makes you motivated to do something with a happy heart, without coercion even volunteered to do it without expecting the slightest reward. Usually it appears, because you really love your work.

Now the question, “what you already involves passion in every job you?” You need to know that the passion, you can increase work motivation. People who work with passion, will perform all tasks with enthusiasm, powerful, until the job is complete. Because, they work with sincere heart without feeling forced at all. They also do all the tasks with all its potential, so that people who use passion to get used to obtain the best results.

What Is Success?

What is success, really? What does the word success bring to your mind?

I am sure many would answer along the lines of lots of money, big house, new car, designer clothes, five star restaurants and all that. And sure enough, those are signs of success on the material level. Nothing wrong in reaching for those - as long as you feel joy in the process. 

It has been interesting to see how my own idea of success has evolved through the years. When I was young, I was eagerly reaching for material success. I chose my jobs accordingly and so of course ended up in sales. And sure enough I did earn some pretty good pay checks.

But then a nagging feeling started to grow. I began to realize selling was not what I wanted to do all my life. After all I was often forced to sell products I knew did not really fit the customer. You know how sales meetings go: all that matters is the amount of money you made. The values were hard. Eventually I became very unhappy.

Enthusiasm

The Basic Practice

The word enthusiasm is derived from the roots en — in or within — and theos — God. It means having God within or being one with God. People with this gift carry a special kind of energy. They bring warmth and feeling to their relationships and vigor and freshness to their activities.

To practice enthusiasm, make others aware when you are excited about something. Throw yourself into your projects. Be known for your eagerness, your curiosity, your willingness to give it all you've got. Proclaim your passions. Hold nothing back. Sing your heart out.

Why This Practice May Be For You

Enthusiasm is invigorating. It helps you get up and go. It is a good prescription, then, when you are feeling lethargic and listless, when your energy seems frozen.

Enthusiasm counterbalances apathy and boredom, two common blocks to an engaged spiritual life. A sluggish spirit just doesn't care about anything. The world isn't interesting enough; there's a dreary sameness to all your activities.

When fatigue or another of these conditions has you dragging through your days, when you find that you've replaced wonder with whatever, go for enthusiasm. If you can't muster it from within, surround yourself with enthusiastic people.

Source: http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/practices/practices.php?id=7

How To Develop a Winning Attitude

Your attitude can make or break you. It's virtually indisputable that your attitude determines how far you'll go in life and a positive mental outlook can help you achieve optimal success.

Having a positive mental attitude helps you cope with challenges. When you're put to the test, you're more likely to find your inner strengths to overcome adversity, and that strength just might be your winning attitude. Whether or not you have the tools, skills, knowledge, or resources, your attitude can get you through tough times and come out on top.

On the other hand, an attitude filled with negative overtones makes everything much harder. You can't win when you go into the contest prepared to lose! If you expect to do well, your attitude will create positive, winning thoughts that help you succeed.

The 6 Winning Habits of Successful Business Entrepreneur

Habits are crucial to achieving success these days. If you are doing your own business, you need to cultivate six winning habits that we believe are the SECRETS to entrepreneurial success. This article will discuss these winning habits and provide tips to help you develop them.

What is a Habit?

A habit is basically a regular routine or activity that is done over and over again day in and day out. After a while it forms a pattern and becomes a habit. Once this has been embedded in our daily routine, it is very difficult to remove. There are good and bad habits, therefore it is important that you develop and cultivate the good and positive habits instead of the bad ones.

Are You a Leader or a Dealer?

Close your eyes for a while. Think of the face of the person who has/had a great impact and influence in you. He may be your 4th grade teacher. She may be your supervisor in the office. He may be your pastor in the Church. He may be your dad. She may be a leader in your organization. That person may be anyone who touched your heart.

Now, the same exercise will be done. Close your eyes. At this time, picture in your mind the face of the person who does/did not have any impact and influence in your life….. I will give you one minute…. Are you done? One more minute…… Are you through? 5 more minutes…. I hope that you have thought of that person now. Why did you have difficulty thinking of the person? The answer is simple. The person may not have any impact and significance in your life. The person does not have a special place in your mind, in your heart and in your life. We don’t waste time thinking and remembering people who are not significant. We don’t care about them because they don’t care about us.

Why are some of your experiences and encounters with selected people still fresh in your mind even though they happened long time ago? Because these people are true leaders. They are leaders in their own way and in their own field. Leaders are those who guide, assist, motivate, encourage and inspire you. They lead you to the level or goal where you ought to be. They bring out the best in you. They push you to the limits. They maximize your potentials. They help you reach your goals and fulfill your dreams.

However, these tasks and responsibilities cannot be done by a dealer, but can only be handled by a leader. A person should possess and exhibit leadership qualities, and not dealership skills.

Dealership is founded on position, Leadership is founded on influence. Dealership is based on fear, Leadership is based on respect. A Dealer manipulates people, a Leader influences people. A Dealer commands, a Leader serves. A Dealer thinks of what he can get, a Leader thinks of what he can share. A Dealer enforces, a Leader motivates. A Dealer intimidates, a Leader inspires. A Dealer is inconsiderate, a Leader is caring. A Dealer is selfish, a Leader is selfless. A Dealer drains, a Leader nourishes.

Pause and ask yourself these important questions.

To your kids, are you a leader or a dealer?

To your spouse, are you a leader or a dealer?

To your students, are you a leader or a dealer?

To your parents, are you a leader or a dealer?

To your co-workers, are you a leader or a dealer?

To your friends, are you a leader or a dealer?

To your family and relatives, are you a leader or a dealer?

To the people around you, are you a leader or a dealer?

It’s time to evaluate and improve our relational and leadership skills if you want to make a different in the people’s lives. The words LEADER and DEALER don’t simply differ in the arrangement of letters, but also in the order of values.

Source:  http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/15159/are-you-a-leader/

The Story of the Butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.

One day a small opening appeared.

He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours

as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole.

Then it stopped, as if it couldn't go further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly.

He took a pair of scissors and

snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon.

The butterfly emerged easily but

it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

How to improve your soul

Your soul is what defines your personality, the way you act, and how you feel, among other things.

Enriching and improving your soul can make your life more fulfilling. If you want to work on improving your soul, consider the following tips:

Focus on the things that matter.

Spending too much of your time and attention on material possessions, money, and career can cause you to lose sight of the things in life that really matter. You can improve your soul by stepping back and thinking about the things in life that really matter to you. This can be your family, friends, beliefs, and anything you do that makes life worth living. Take a look at where you have your priorities now, and if they don't include the things you consider to be most important, then you can improve your soul by focusing on those things in life that matter.

Just Do It!

“If you only do what you know you can do- you never do very much.”  (Tom Krause)

Source: http://thinkexist.com/quotation/if-you-only-do-what-you-know-you-can-do-you-never/763337.html

HOW MUCH DOES A PRAYER WEIGH

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work. They had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store. Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can." John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

Do You Think of Success or Failure?

Is Your Home Business On the Success Or Failure Path?

Over the seven years I have been online doing business from eBay, Amazon, Websites and blogs I discovered something about all the people I have helped start their own home businesses, they are always thinking of failure. They go around the web reading what the fear mongers are spreading instead of focusing on their success.

Do you have the willpower it takes to withstand everything that comes with a business? You have to put your foot down and reach a decision to NEVER think about failure but to concentrate on success. What you concentrate on happens faster so if you are thinking of failure everyday you will fail faster but when you focus on success ALL THE TIME you will be successful.

Always learn from your mistakes and move forward. Remember you can never change what happened yesterday but you can change what happens today. Eliminate the fear of failure by looking at it as a blessing rather than a handicap. Learning from your failures will propel you to success more than anything else.

7 Ways To Maintain A Positive Attitude

In today’s life when one is thronged with worries and tensions all around, it is very difficult to maintain a positive attitude. And often the more you try and be positive, the more it seems the negative energy around you gains strength. So here are 7 ways to change our modus operandi, be positive and work towards a healthier lifestyle.

Do Not Wait for Happiness.

Do not wait for good things to happen to you. You need to work towards happiness. You need to create a happy environment around you today to remain happy tomorrow. This is called an attitude. If you adopt a positive attitude, life becomes a rewarding game instead of a challenge to ‘get through.’

Clarify and Prioritize

Learn to know what you want. If you know what you expect from yourself, your future becomes clear and your goals become attainable

How to Start Enjoying Life Again

No matter how perfect everything can feel and how awesome life can seem at times, things rarely stay that way. Let's face it, now and then we all experience the low points, and for some people, those low points can last a lot longer than anything else. You can tell just by looking at statistics which show that tens of thousands of people commit suicide each year around the world; for some people these low points just become unbearable.

I think there are some key aspects which can help people start to really enjoy life again, and make the most of the opportunities on this planet. In this post I want to look at what I think those aspects are and how you can incorporate them into your life.

Become Aware of Your Mortality

I know that point heading doesn't sound very positive, but let me pan things out a bit. It's no secret that one day we are all going to die. Some of you may think we will be reincarnated, some may think we will go to heaven and some of you think we are spiritual beings in human form, and that's fine. However, all of us know that our current form won't last forever.

I've always been aware that I'm going to die someday, but I don't think I have ever really appreciated life. It wasn't until I became very sick last year and spent a week in hospital that the things which matter to me really became apparent, my health being one of them.

S.T.O.P. – 4 Steps for Enjoying your Life

Enjoying your life is simply a matter of the way that you feel. There is a common belief that happiness comes about as a result of having certain things (money, material goods, relationships, etc.), but in all actuality, whether or not you are enjoying your life has always boiled down to the simple question of how you feel about your life.

No amount of of money will help you to enjoy life if you are miserable on the inside. No relationship will define or complete you when a relationship – by definition – involves two or more people. No cache of toys and treasures will make you happy if you believe that you must have toys and treasures to be happy.

“Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.”

In order to provide a simple formula that people can use on a daily basis to enjoy their lives rather than constantly focusing on the future, I have used the acronym S.T.O.P.

S – Stop

There is a simple truth of the human existence, and that is that most people simply do not take the time to STOP and think about all of the things that they have in their lives to be grateful for, and they also do not pat themselves on the back for having those things as a result of their own efforts.

I will never give up

I will never give up

No matter what the odds are

No matter what people say

No matter how far

I will never give up

If I throw it away time after time

If I am one step behind try after try

If I miss dime after dime

I will never give up

Even when it seems all over

Even when no one else believes

Even when it seems I can go no further

I will never give up

For I know I have strength within

For I know I can persevere

For I know that I can win

I will never give up

The Swing Set

Mr. Jones wanted to build his son a swing set. He slaved away each evening and grew tired and irritable causing concern for his wife.

“You’re working so hard,” she said. “Wasn’t our neighbor, Mr. Williams, a carpenter when he was young? Couldn’t you ask him for help?”

“But Mr. Williams has done enough work in his life. I wouldn’t want to bother him.”

So Mr. Jones kept working, until finally the swing set was finished, and he set it up in the backyard.

A few days later, Mr. Jones went outside and found Mr. Williams gazing at the swing set.

“Hi, Mr. Williams. How do you like the new swing set?”

“Oh, it’s wonderful. I built  something like that for my son many years ago.” His eyes looked sad, and Mr. Jones remembered that Mr. Williams’ son had moved far away for a job.

“I wish you had told me you were building it,” Mr. Williams said. “Your son is a good boy. I would have loved to help you do something nice for him.”

They chatted for another minute, and Mr. Jones went inside, realizing for the first time that Mr. Williams was lonely.

MORAL: Don’t be afraid to ask the people around you for help. An act of kindness is a joy to both the giver and the receiver.

Source: http://www.ryseup.com/download/stories/The-Swing-Set-Fable.pdf