Skiing lost a legend. Billy Kidd lost a close friend. The world gained an example of courage, positive attitude and a “can do” spirit.
Jimmy Heuga passed away in Boulder at the age of 66. He left a legacy for the skiing world, Olympic record books and a tender spot in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Jimmy Heuga and Billy Kidd made Olympic history as the first two American skiers to medal in the same event in the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics. Jimmy Heuga earned the bronze medal and Billy Kidd earned the silver medal. The two men have competitors and friends since their early days on the CU ski team in the early 1960s.
http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/feb/08/skiing-star-ms-champion-jimmie-heuga-dies/ displays a wonderful article of the close friendship and historic pictures. Steamboat was my home for 29 years. Billy Kidd is one of the finest, most gentle and professional men I have ever had the privilege to meet. Jimmy Heuga embodied so many wonderful character traits; no wonder these two men were such dear friends.
When we look at Lance Armstrong’s battle with cancer and his comeback to victory, we smile in tribute. Lance continues to work for a cure for cancer. Jimmy Heuga held his spirits high and continued to work to eradicate the disease of multiple sclerosis. These men set the example for all athletes and all people to follow.
“In Steamboat there is a tradition of touching the tip of your ski pole to the nose of the statue of Buddy Werner at the top of Buddy’s Run. This tribute honors a great skier and a great man. Jimmy, you touched our hearts and we salute you with our ski poles; we pay tribute to a great skier and a great man.” (Article in Wolf Creek Examiner)
In this day of economic unrest, professional athletes in trouble with the police, and whining by the citizens, this display of courage, professionalism and living out loud represents an example we can all embrace with pride.
Looking at the discipline, endurance and dedication of true gentlemen and athletic heroes such as Jimmy Heuga, Lance Armstrong and Billy Kidd bring a smile of pride to all of us. These men not only stood in the limelight but stand tall in the eyes of all as examples.
Gratitude swells in our hearts as we appreciate our wonderful country, our abundance, our health and opportunities to live and achieve. Regardless of our current circumstances, we still possess an abundance of opportunities to achieve and leave a positive legacy.
When we examine the physical and mental endurance required to live with or overcome serious disease, it dissolves any possible excuse any of us may have for whining about our minor inconveniences.
Where are you in your life, health, career and finances right now? Do you have the desire, drive and mental metal to reach deep inside yourself and overcome your circumstances the way Jimmy Heuga and Lance Armstrong did? These men were winners in every sense of the word. They won in their sport, they won in their battle with disease and they won in the battle to rise above circumstances to leave a legacy of which they can be proud.
Start by being grateful for what you do have. Form a plan to achieve everything you dream and desire. Take action to make it happen. “Everything you need is already inside you,” said Anthony Robbins. It is up to you to do something positive with those gifts.
The gauntlet is down. Jimmy Heuga and Lance Armstrong set the bar high by living out loud and setting the example. Can you reach deep inside yourself and do more with your life?
If you want assistance or inspiration, send me a comment in the “contact Elaine” section of www.Elaine4Success.com.
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Live Your Dreams
During the hustle of the holiday season, people forget to stop and be grateful for our advantages. I am firmly grounded in my faith and yet I also fail to totally appreciate what I have at my fingertips.
Water flows freely here. We think nothing of long showers, running the dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes, watering plants or even watering the lawn in summer. There are people living in many parts of the world who do not even have clean water to drink and we are wasting water on a daily basis.
Holiday parties abound. In America we celebrate with numerous baked goods, special appetizers, dinner parties and lavish cocktail parties. We purchase special beverages and salute friends and family with a cup of holiday cheer. There are people in other parts of the world and probably some right here in our own country who go to bed hungry every night.
If we disagree with the government, we are totally free to express those opinions. No one restricts the books we read, the news printed or spoken, or our own individual speech. We are free to act and speak openly, provided we are not slandering the rights of others.
I live in Colorado where the typical winter temperature requires warm coats. No problem, we have the wardrobe which is appropriate for the temperature. We heat our homes in the winter and cool them in the summer. We are so very fortunate.
When the bills arrive or the income does not quite stretch to do all of the things we desire, it is easy to complain “poor me.” Nothing could be further from reality. In comparison to other parts of the world, we are still living in luxury.
Most American families have at least one car. Instead of being grateful for that car, it is not uncommon to hear someone fuss about the price of the gasoline.
During this holiday season, my focus centers on the blessings in my life. I have plenty to eat, warm clothes to wear, a roof over my head, a nice car to drive and wonderful friends all around me. Yesterday I shoveled the drive for my Toastmasters group to arrive; I am thankful for my health and ability to shovel.
When someone around you starts complaining, gently remind them of the number of blessings we enjoy every day. Gratitude deserves expression more than once or twice a year. Start by saying thank you to your family. Taking the time and effort to genuinely thank the people close to you for all the little things they do for you every day, makes them feel appreciated and makes you happier as well.
One of my favorite quotes reads, “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you,” by Sarah Ban Breathnach ~ Simple Abundance.
I start and end every day with gratitude for the many blessings in my life. Focusing on the things for which you are grateful rather than the things you may lack, provides more peace in your soul. A grateful person continues to be a more desirable companion as well. Whiny, complaining people simply are not fun to be around. Jim Rohn, an icon in personal development, reminded us that there are people with whom you can spend an hour, but not a day. Other people whose company you may keep for a day but not a week. Associations and the attitudes of our associates does influence us. We guard the playmates of our children but neglect to use the same stringent rules for our own associations. Spend your energy being grateful for your life; associate with people who are also grateful for their lives. Gratitude is important. We have so much for which to be thankful.
For more articles and inspiration, join me at www.Elaine4Succes.com.
Water flows freely here. We think nothing of long showers, running the dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes, watering plants or even watering the lawn in summer. There are people living in many parts of the world who do not even have clean water to drink and we are wasting water on a daily basis.
Holiday parties abound. In America we celebrate with numerous baked goods, special appetizers, dinner parties and lavish cocktail parties. We purchase special beverages and salute friends and family with a cup of holiday cheer. There are people in other parts of the world and probably some right here in our own country who go to bed hungry every night.
If we disagree with the government, we are totally free to express those opinions. No one restricts the books we read, the news printed or spoken, or our own individual speech. We are free to act and speak openly, provided we are not slandering the rights of others.
I live in Colorado where the typical winter temperature requires warm coats. No problem, we have the wardrobe which is appropriate for the temperature. We heat our homes in the winter and cool them in the summer. We are so very fortunate.
When the bills arrive or the income does not quite stretch to do all of the things we desire, it is easy to complain “poor me.” Nothing could be further from reality. In comparison to other parts of the world, we are still living in luxury.
Most American families have at least one car. Instead of being grateful for that car, it is not uncommon to hear someone fuss about the price of the gasoline.
During this holiday season, my focus centers on the blessings in my life. I have plenty to eat, warm clothes to wear, a roof over my head, a nice car to drive and wonderful friends all around me. Yesterday I shoveled the drive for my Toastmasters group to arrive; I am thankful for my health and ability to shovel.
When someone around you starts complaining, gently remind them of the number of blessings we enjoy every day. Gratitude deserves expression more than once or twice a year. Start by saying thank you to your family. Taking the time and effort to genuinely thank the people close to you for all the little things they do for you every day, makes them feel appreciated and makes you happier as well.
One of my favorite quotes reads, “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you,” by Sarah Ban Breathnach ~ Simple Abundance.
I start and end every day with gratitude for the many blessings in my life. Focusing on the things for which you are grateful rather than the things you may lack, provides more peace in your soul. A grateful person continues to be a more desirable companion as well. Whiny, complaining people simply are not fun to be around. Jim Rohn, an icon in personal development, reminded us that there are people with whom you can spend an hour, but not a day. Other people whose company you may keep for a day but not a week. Associations and the attitudes of our associates does influence us. We guard the playmates of our children but neglect to use the same stringent rules for our own associations. Spend your energy being grateful for your life; associate with people who are also grateful for their lives. Gratitude is important. We have so much for which to be thankful.
For more articles and inspiration, join me at www.Elaine4Succes.com.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Gratitude for my Life
During the hustle of the holiday season, people forget to stop and be grateful for our advantages. I am firmly grounded in my faith and yet I also fail to totally appreciate what I have at my fingertips.
Water flows freely here. We think nothing of long showers, running the dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes, watering plants or even watering the lawn in summer. There are people living in many parts of the world who do not even have clean water to drink and we are wasting water on a daily basis.
Holiday parties abound. In America we celebrate with numerous baked goods, special appetizers, dinner parties and lavish cocktail parties. We purchase special beverages and salute friends and family with a cup of holiday cheer. There are people in other parts of the world and probably some right here in our own country who go to bed hungry every night.
If we disagree with the government, we are totally free to express those opinions. No one restricts the books we read, the news printed or spoken, or our own individual speech. We are free to act and speak openly, provided we are not slandering the rights of others.
I live in Colorado where the typical winter temperature requires warm coats. No problem, we have the wardrobe which is appropriate for the temperature. We heat our homes in the winter and cool them in the summer. We are so very fortunate.
When the bills arrive or the income does not quite stretch to do all of the things we desire, it is easy to complain “poor me.” Nothing could be further from reality. In comparison to other parts of the world, we are still living in luxury.
Most American families have at least one car. Instead of being grateful for that car, it is not uncommon to hear someone fuss about the price of the gasoline.
During this holiday season, my focus centers on the blessings in my life. I have plenty to eat, warm clothes to wear, a roof over my head, a nice car to drive and wonderful friends all around me. Yesterday I shoveled the drive for my Toastmasters group to arrive; I am thankful for my health and ability to shovel.
When someone around you starts complaining, gently remind them of the number of blessings we enjoy every day. Gratitude deserves expression more than once or twice a year. Start by saying thank you to your family. Taking the time and effort to genuinely thank the people close to you for all the little things they do for you every day, makes them feel appreciated and makes you happier as well.
One of my favorite quotes reads, “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you,” by Sarah Ban Breathnach ~ Simple Abundance.
I start and end every day with gratitude for the many blessings in my life. Focusing on the things for which you are grateful rather than the things you may lack, provides more peace in your soul. A grateful person continues to be a more desirable companion as well. Whiny, complaining people simply are not fun to be around. Jim Rohn, an icon in personal development, reminded us that there are people with whom you can spend an hour, but not a day. Other people whose company you may keep for a day but not a week. Associations and the attitudes of our associates does influence us. We guard the playmates of our children but neglect to use the same stringent rules for our own associations. Spend your energy being grateful for your life; associate with people who are also grateful for their lives. Gratitude is important. We have so much for which to be thankful.
For more articles and inspiration, join me at www.Elaine4Succes.com.
Water flows freely here. We think nothing of long showers, running the dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes, watering plants or even watering the lawn in summer. There are people living in many parts of the world who do not even have clean water to drink and we are wasting water on a daily basis.
Holiday parties abound. In America we celebrate with numerous baked goods, special appetizers, dinner parties and lavish cocktail parties. We purchase special beverages and salute friends and family with a cup of holiday cheer. There are people in other parts of the world and probably some right here in our own country who go to bed hungry every night.
If we disagree with the government, we are totally free to express those opinions. No one restricts the books we read, the news printed or spoken, or our own individual speech. We are free to act and speak openly, provided we are not slandering the rights of others.
I live in Colorado where the typical winter temperature requires warm coats. No problem, we have the wardrobe which is appropriate for the temperature. We heat our homes in the winter and cool them in the summer. We are so very fortunate.
When the bills arrive or the income does not quite stretch to do all of the things we desire, it is easy to complain “poor me.” Nothing could be further from reality. In comparison to other parts of the world, we are still living in luxury.
Most American families have at least one car. Instead of being grateful for that car, it is not uncommon to hear someone fuss about the price of the gasoline.
During this holiday season, my focus centers on the blessings in my life. I have plenty to eat, warm clothes to wear, a roof over my head, a nice car to drive and wonderful friends all around me. Yesterday I shoveled the drive for my Toastmasters group to arrive; I am thankful for my health and ability to shovel.
When someone around you starts complaining, gently remind them of the number of blessings we enjoy every day. Gratitude deserves expression more than once or twice a year. Start by saying thank you to your family. Taking the time and effort to genuinely thank the people close to you for all the little things they do for you every day, makes them feel appreciated and makes you happier as well.
One of my favorite quotes reads, “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you,” by Sarah Ban Breathnach ~ Simple Abundance.
I start and end every day with gratitude for the many blessings in my life. Focusing on the things for which you are grateful rather than the things you may lack, provides more peace in your soul. A grateful person continues to be a more desirable companion as well. Whiny, complaining people simply are not fun to be around. Jim Rohn, an icon in personal development, reminded us that there are people with whom you can spend an hour, but not a day. Other people whose company you may keep for a day but not a week. Associations and the attitudes of our associates does influence us. We guard the playmates of our children but neglect to use the same stringent rules for our own associations. Spend your energy being grateful for your life; associate with people who are also grateful for their lives. Gratitude is important. We have so much for which to be thankful.
For more articles and inspiration, join me at www.Elaine4Succes.com.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Gratitude Journal
Regardless of whether we like the President, the economy or anything else in our current lives, we still have so much to be grateful for every day.
We live in a great country. We enjoy tremendous freedom. We are totally free to worship as we choose. Gratitude for our health or the medical professionals who are available to assist us in restoring that health must never be taken for granted.
A roof over our head presents another opportunity for gratitude. When I hiked the Inca trail with my 60# backpack in 1999, I had the opportunity to meet so many locals. They were warm, welcoming and happy even though many lived in “lean-to” homes which appeared to be fragile enough to blow down with a stiff breeze. When we look around us, we are so fortunate and yet we hear complaints.
Happiness is a state of mind, a way of thinking. Our circumstances do not determine our attitude. Over 90 per cent of our emotional reaction to an event is determined by our attitude toward it. Yesterday I wrote about my computer challenges changing over to a new operating system. I ended that article with the statement, “. I’m also grateful for an inquiring mind and desire to learn.” The bottom line of the situation still revolves around an attitude. First of all, I am grateful that I have a computer. Second, I’m grateful I can pick up the phone and call people with more technical expertise than mine to assist me in resolving the issue. Third, the technicians were patient, knowledgeable and persistent until we solved the situation. Fourth, I took responsibility that I chose to change operating systems; neither the technicians nor the company nor the software were responsible for the issue. It was my issue and they were helping solve it.
I am grateful technicians were available. I knew when I installed a new operating system which has not been officially released, that a few challenges would likely occur. To expect all technicians to be totally familiar with a “not yet released” operating system would be unrealistic. Once again, it was my choice to upgrade. I am responsible.
Life happens. Challenges occur. Not everything goes perfect 100 per cent of the time. That is simply a fact of life. How you choose, and yes it is a choice, to respond to life little dilemmas is totally within your control. You can choose to be Oscar the grouch from Sesame Street or view it as an opportunity to learn or exercise patience. You can be grateful for the good things in the situation or find something about which to complain and whine. The choice is yours.
The technicians will be far more inclined to persist in helping you when you maintain an attitude of appreciation rather than being cranky. Bottom line remains that it is in your best interest personally and professionally to adopt a positive attitude. If you choose to be grouchy, the technician may choose to hang up on you. That certainly will not solve your issue. The technician may not persist as willingly when you are not appreciative. Your blood pressure may go up when you choose to get all upset and angry. None of these factors will help anyone and your problem may not become resolved.
Keep a gratitude journal every day. Record the big and small attitudes, events or opportunities which present themselves in your day. Write at least 10 items in your gratitude journal every day. Look them over from time to time when you hit a snag in your schedule. A gratitude journal helps you focus on the positives in your day.
We live in a great country. We enjoy tremendous freedom. We are totally free to worship as we choose. Gratitude for our health or the medical professionals who are available to assist us in restoring that health must never be taken for granted.
A roof over our head presents another opportunity for gratitude. When I hiked the Inca trail with my 60# backpack in 1999, I had the opportunity to meet so many locals. They were warm, welcoming and happy even though many lived in “lean-to” homes which appeared to be fragile enough to blow down with a stiff breeze. When we look around us, we are so fortunate and yet we hear complaints.
Happiness is a state of mind, a way of thinking. Our circumstances do not determine our attitude. Over 90 per cent of our emotional reaction to an event is determined by our attitude toward it. Yesterday I wrote about my computer challenges changing over to a new operating system. I ended that article with the statement, “. I’m also grateful for an inquiring mind and desire to learn.” The bottom line of the situation still revolves around an attitude. First of all, I am grateful that I have a computer. Second, I’m grateful I can pick up the phone and call people with more technical expertise than mine to assist me in resolving the issue. Third, the technicians were patient, knowledgeable and persistent until we solved the situation. Fourth, I took responsibility that I chose to change operating systems; neither the technicians nor the company nor the software were responsible for the issue. It was my issue and they were helping solve it.
I am grateful technicians were available. I knew when I installed a new operating system which has not been officially released, that a few challenges would likely occur. To expect all technicians to be totally familiar with a “not yet released” operating system would be unrealistic. Once again, it was my choice to upgrade. I am responsible.
Life happens. Challenges occur. Not everything goes perfect 100 per cent of the time. That is simply a fact of life. How you choose, and yes it is a choice, to respond to life little dilemmas is totally within your control. You can choose to be Oscar the grouch from Sesame Street or view it as an opportunity to learn or exercise patience. You can be grateful for the good things in the situation or find something about which to complain and whine. The choice is yours.
The technicians will be far more inclined to persist in helping you when you maintain an attitude of appreciation rather than being cranky. Bottom line remains that it is in your best interest personally and professionally to adopt a positive attitude. If you choose to be grouchy, the technician may choose to hang up on you. That certainly will not solve your issue. The technician may not persist as willingly when you are not appreciative. Your blood pressure may go up when you choose to get all upset and angry. None of these factors will help anyone and your problem may not become resolved.
Keep a gratitude journal every day. Record the big and small attitudes, events or opportunities which present themselves in your day. Write at least 10 items in your gratitude journal every day. Look them over from time to time when you hit a snag in your schedule. A gratitude journal helps you focus on the positives in your day.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Dream Stealers
Martin Luther King had a dream. A dream he expressed very passionately to everyone. What is your dream? What lights your heart, soul and mind on fire with excitement? What inspires you to bound out of bed in the morning with joy and purpose – truly anxious to take action? Deep in the very fiber of your being a fire, or maybe at this point just an ember, burns waiting for you to fan the flame. Or have you allowed someone or something to steal that dream away from you? What threatens your dreams? Low self-esteem, day to day circumstances, the people in your circle of influence, or your own lack of dedication to your dream? Focus on that vision and imagine it as a reality at this very moment. How does it feel? Savor that feeling of accomplishment and joy. Napoleon Hill reminds us “Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Explore, dream, question, and discover that special desire. Once you absolutely identify your dream, it is easier to determine how badly you want it and exactly what you are willing to do to achieve it. If you absolutely knew you could have anything you wanted, what would it be? Visualize yourself already possessing that goal. Most people hesitate about reaching for their dreams because they don’t know how they are going to achieve those lofty goals. Don’t settle for what you think is possible or what other people tell you that you can or should expect. Go for what you truly want. Do you believe you deserve to have it? If so, why or why not? Explore your feelings and you will determine your level of self-esteem. Your self-esteem is closely tied to your feelings of deserving to receive your dreams. Don’t give up on yourself and smother your own dreams?
Revive that fire of passion. Live that dream even if only in your imagination. Now what are you willing to do about it? Nothing great arrives without some time, effort and sacrifice. Fried chicken does not fly in the window. Dreams do not arrive fully achieved. They start with an idea, a bud, and develop into a full petaled flower. What price are you willing to pay to realize that dream? Are you willing to water and nurture and weed and tend that dream? When will you awake that goal and decide to do whatever it takes to bring it forth into reality? Start living your dream. Wayne Dyer talks about thinking from the end – seeing and feeling that dream as if it is already in existence.
We each have a special desire deep within us. Sometimes, far too often, we allow day to day circumstances to dictate mediocrity and mundane existence. Yes, we allow, our time and our days to slip by without setting aside any time to work on our dream. Set aside some golden time – time just for you. The people around us squelch our dreams by telling us we can’t have or don’t deserve or can’t afford. Remember this is not about what they want for us or for themselves. They have their own path. You have yours. Live your own life. Dream your own dreams. You are what you think. You are what you decide. Make the vision on the inside become the reality on the outside. No, not “I’ll try.” Trying is failing with honor. Don’t try – decide and achieve.
Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise,
Risking more than others think is safe,
Dreaming more than others think is practical, and
Expecting more than others think is possible.
Start and end your day with positive thoughts, gratitude and affirmations. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams and your future. You have a responsibility to yourself. Letting circumstances or someone outside of you to steal your dreams hurts you and everyone who truly cares about you. Feel that dream. Experience how it will feel to accomplish it. Enjoy the moment in your imagination when it really comes true. Reach up on the shelf of your dream storage closet; dust off the hopes and plans you have stored away for so long. It is your dream.
Allowing something or someone outside to steal your dream is criminal but the worst tragedy is when we give up on ourselves and our dreams.
Find that ember deep inside your soul, fan the flame and bring it to a roaring inferno.
Ok, so there will be times when someone tries to pour water on your dream or there will be spring showers that dampen your dream. Stay focused on your progress and little victories along the way. Each step moves you closer to your goal. Hold that dream tenderly and protectively. Decide to keep it alive and glowing. Shelter it from the wind of daily events. Use that wind to fan the flame, not put out the fire.
It is your dream. No one has a right to steal it – not anyone around you and certainly not yourself. Don’t steal your own dream. Instead find a way to make it glow and burn for all to see. The secret of the law of attraction states that your current work is not the way to reach your largest dream. Thinking consistently and positively about them coming true; that is how dreams come true. You deserve to realize and live the fulfillment of your dream.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Always Be Grateful
Today is my 65th birthday and I still feel young in spirit. I am as excited today for my present and my future as I was in my 20s. Part of that is gratitude. I am so grateful for my life. Blessings and challenges abound every day. Opportunities to grow into the person I choose for my friends, children and grandchildren to remember present themselves every day.
When I was a little 20 year old college senior, one of my professors said, “Elaine, you can have 10 years experience or one year’s experience 10 times.” Few statements in my lifetime have struck me with the force of this one. Ebino Topsy affirmed that, “those who do not learn from history are doomed to relive it.” How many people have you known who keep repeating the same types of errors? Bring it closer to home, how many times have we repeated our own mistakes?
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. There is nothing wrong with making a mistake. It has been said that if you want to double your rate of success, then double your rate of failure. That is true, IF you learn from each one of those failures and determine how to achieve a better result next time.
I’ve failed many times in my life, but in each case I chose to learn from my mistakes. I am grateful for all of my experiences because they each taught me a valuable lesson. If I did not learn the lesson completely, I inevitably had to dig a bit deeper for the lesson and solution. I learned 2 very important lessons from failure: learn from your mistakes and keep striving for better results.
David Foster, acclaimed as the “Hit Man” because of the number of hits he has produced in the music industry, is a 15 time Grammy winner. In David’s article in Success magazine, September 2009, he openly admits that he also has failures. He has written 1,000 songs and has 100 hits.
Giving up or deciding that something does not work or does not work for you just because you had a tough day or two goes again the laws of success. Most people in the network marketing industry will tell you that they had a learning curve before they achieved success. I know I did. My success came because I chose a company with integrity, the right products for the time, the right compensation plan and the right system to market.
Even more than all of that, I chose to be the constant diligent student and learn my lessons from successful people before me. Learning is fun to me. I’m grateful for all of my experiences. Each and every one of them has taught me something valuable.
I am grateful I have the ability and willingness to step out of my comfort zone and learn. I am grateful I have the opportunity to learn. I am also grateful that I am willing to stick with a task until I do learn and prosper. How about you? Are you ready to learn and grow?
When I was a little 20 year old college senior, one of my professors said, “Elaine, you can have 10 years experience or one year’s experience 10 times.” Few statements in my lifetime have struck me with the force of this one. Ebino Topsy affirmed that, “those who do not learn from history are doomed to relive it.” How many people have you known who keep repeating the same types of errors? Bring it closer to home, how many times have we repeated our own mistakes?
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. There is nothing wrong with making a mistake. It has been said that if you want to double your rate of success, then double your rate of failure. That is true, IF you learn from each one of those failures and determine how to achieve a better result next time.
I’ve failed many times in my life, but in each case I chose to learn from my mistakes. I am grateful for all of my experiences because they each taught me a valuable lesson. If I did not learn the lesson completely, I inevitably had to dig a bit deeper for the lesson and solution. I learned 2 very important lessons from failure: learn from your mistakes and keep striving for better results.
David Foster, acclaimed as the “Hit Man” because of the number of hits he has produced in the music industry, is a 15 time Grammy winner. In David’s article in Success magazine, September 2009, he openly admits that he also has failures. He has written 1,000 songs and has 100 hits.
Giving up or deciding that something does not work or does not work for you just because you had a tough day or two goes again the laws of success. Most people in the network marketing industry will tell you that they had a learning curve before they achieved success. I know I did. My success came because I chose a company with integrity, the right products for the time, the right compensation plan and the right system to market.
Even more than all of that, I chose to be the constant diligent student and learn my lessons from successful people before me. Learning is fun to me. I’m grateful for all of my experiences. Each and every one of them has taught me something valuable.
I am grateful I have the ability and willingness to step out of my comfort zone and learn. I am grateful I have the opportunity to learn. I am also grateful that I am willing to stick with a task until I do learn and prosper. How about you? Are you ready to learn and grow?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Always Be Grateful – Fear Holds Back Prosperity
Fear is false expectations appearing real. We all deal with fear on some level at various times in our lives. To say that you have never ever been afraid of anything means you are either one in ten million or perhaps not totally honest with yourself.
We all experience fear. An interesting statistic is that most people fear public speaking even more than death. Since joining Toastmasters, I find that I absolutely love public speaking. For me, that is not a fear.
Whether it is a fear of not being loved, or not being successful or any of a myriad of other things, every one has fears. In this economy, it is the fear of not having enough money to pay the bills for over 80% of Americans. That is a very real fear for far too many people right now.
The problem is that focusing on the negative and the fear only brings more of the negative. You will always get more of whatever you give your time, energy and focus. Shift your thoughts and feelings to concentrate on your desired outcome. Is it difficult? At first it may be; however, what do you truly desire? If you want more lack and desperation, then go ahead and focus on that. I believe you want and deserve prosperity.
I do not believe for a moment that a small child says, “I want to grow up to be poor and never have enough to eat.” Of course not. That thought starts slipping into our conscious mind as an adult. Then we focus on the lack of money to pay the bills and the lack expands.
Am I saying that all we have to do is think about money flowing in and it will flow into our bank accounts? No. Thinking positive thoughts about abundance and being grateful for what we do have will trigger our subconscious mind to create ways we can either earn more money or make wiser use of the money we do have.
Fear is never a positive reaction unless you are being chased by a tiger or some such valid experience. Concentrate on the positive things you desire to have in your life and be open to receiving them. Open your mind to receiving solutions rather than focusing totally on the problem.
Ok skeptics; is it at least worth consideration? Stuff the fear in a corner and tell it to shut up and go away so you can put all of your mental energy into positive solutions.
Sarah Ban Breathnach ~ Simple Abundance
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