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Friday, March 28, 2008
Finding and Expressing Your Voice
Each of us has a unique and significant set of traits, abilities, passions, and skills that we offer to the world. This is our voice. When we are expressing our voice we feel significant, valuable, and joyful. We seek and find a sense of meaning in our work and in our lives when we are operating at this level. When we are expressing our voice we are in alignment with who we are. I have met many people in organizations who are doing this. They love their jobs; they are passionate about what they do; they love making a contribution; they are constantly learning and growing; and they feel fulfilled doing their work. When you have an organization where everyone has found their voice, you have one great choir--harmonious and magnificent. You have people supporting one another to express greatness.
Recently I read The Eighth Habit, by Stephen Covey. The eighth habit is: "Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs." This book is a must read for all of you who see yourselves as leaders. Dr. Covey presents some disturbing statistics that demonstrate that most of us are not in the choir. He presents the following data collected in a survey of 23 thousand U.S. people employed in organizations.
37 % have clear understanding of what their organization is trying to achieve.
20 % are enthusiastic about the organization goals.
20 % see how their tasks match up with the goals.
50 % are happy with what they have accomplished by the end of the week.
15 % feel their organization enables them to accomplish goals.
17% see open communication in their workplace.
10 % believe people are held accountable.
20 % trust the organization they work for.
Dr. Covey puts it into perspective when he imagines if a soccer team had these scores:
Only four of the eleven players would know which goal was theirs.
Only two of the eleven would care.
Only two would know which position they play.
Nine of the players would in some way be competing against their own team.
Covey attributes much of this to the fact that so many people do not find meaning or joy in their work. The answer, he says, is to help each person find their voice. I recommend you read the book. The Eighth Habit, through research and logic, presents a convincing case that the "carrot and stick" method of management is not effective. It is not effective in our workplaces, nor is it effective at home or at school.
Another recent book, Unconditional Parenting, by Alfie Kohn, cites numerous research studies that authoritarian and punitive parenting is ineffective. The results of highly controlling parenting are children who are either overly compliant, or overly defiant. It seems that whether we are dealing with children or adults, the use of rewards and punishments creates more problems than it solves. The problem is that controlling people doesn't really teach them. Controlling others doesn't bring forth their best selves. It doesn't help them find their voice. As a result people are not internally motivated.
As I listen to people in various organizations, and as I read the literature from various fields, this is what I find:
People don't feel respected.
People don't feel valued.
People don't feel listened to.
Many people feel directionless and powerless.
Many people are focused on external factors such as punishments, rewards, grades, approval, disapproval, criticism, profits, and social recognition rather than internal factors such as personal responsibility, compassion for others, the desire to contribute and serve, and finding/expressing one's voice.
The thought occurs, "Somebody should do something." But who is somebody? Who will lead us? I suggest that it is you. Yes, you the reader of this article, are the leader we have been waiting for. Yes, CEO's, presidents, Executive Directors, and managers need to change, but we are all responsible. We are all responsible for looking within ourselves and finding meaning, finding our voice. It's time to eliminate the excuses, to stop blaming management; to stop blaming your parents; to stop blaming the government and ask the big question: "What can I do?" Whatever the situation is, we need to accept that it is what it is, and now we need to figure out what we can do about it. Blaming managers, blaming employees, and blaming circumstances are a waste of valuable energy and serve as excuses for not taking responsibility.
You can find your voice. You can help others to find theirs. You can realize that a paycheck is a result of doing good work, but it is not the reason you were hired or the reason you are in business. You are there to serve. And when you are serving well, you enjoy your work. And when you serve well, most often you tend to be paid well. And if your organization doesn't pay you well in spite of your incredible service, your track record and your positive energy will get you work somewhere else where you are compensated well. Or, you can utilize your tremendous skill and service orientation to create a lucrative sideline business. If your real dream is doing something else somewhere else, stop waiting, start planning, and do it.
We wait for the right CEO or the right president to come in and "turn this place around" and start treating people with respect. The person who can turn this place around is you. Here is how:
Notice how you feel at work. The thoughts you think and the emotions you have are what you are giving to employees, managers, customers, and anyone else you meet. Is what you are thinking and feeling helpful to them? If not, are you willing to imagine and become a more positive you?
Dig deep and find your passion. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.
Be honest, and compassionate with everyone, especially your boss.
Ask your manager, or whoever is above you, how you can help make the organization stronger--how you can help him/her create a more successful organization.
Eliminate "I can't because..." from your vocabulary and focus your energy on creative ways to get it done anyway. This means working smarter--not harder. Ask your employees and coworkers how you can support them -- and listen to them when they reply.
Treat each person you meet, whether they are an adult or a child, as a highly respected being. Do your best to understand their needs and concerns.
Focus your day on helping, on listening, and on being present in the moment.
Make sure that each word you speak, each action you take, contribute to the success of the people you are with and to the overall success of the organization. That means stop the gossip and stop listening to the gossip. Move beyond complaining to creative action. With your speech and your actions you are either building or destroying. Which do you prefer?
Stop whining! It is unbecoming of you.
Help others find their voice. It is the most rewarding thing you will ever do.
Excuses, blaming, and "reasons" are all ways in which you give away your power. Claim your power by being a possibility thinker. Look at any situation and ask: "What possibilities can I find or create?"
Refuse to be a victim. Envision what can be and start taking action toward that vision.
No one you know needs fixing. They just need to learn who they are and find the confidence to be who they are. Help them be successful.
In conclusion, Jim Collins in his book, Good to Great, tells us about the most successful companies and why they are great. His comprehensive research shows that each and every company (there were eleven who had achieved greatness) all had what he calls Level Five leaders. Four of the traits exhibited by Level Five Leaders were:
1. They were humble and did not seek personal glory.
2. They were focused and driven to succeed, not for themselves, but for their company.
3. They refused to accept mediocrity, and took creative action.
4. They found successors who were as good or better than they were. These are leaders who have found their voices and helped many others to find theirs. These are leaders who created organizations that were not codependent on them, but who were empowered to succeed on their own.
You are capable of being such a leader if it is your intention. You are a light. When you bring your greatness forth you give others permission to be great too. It is a matter of choice--your choice.
William Frank Diedrich is a speaker, executive coach, and the author of Beyond Blaming: Unleashing Power and Passion in People and Organizations. William offers keynotes and workshops on leadership and moving beyond blaming. William also offers a free online newsletter, Transformation Times. Learn more about William at http://noblaming.com.
Recently I read The Eighth Habit, by Stephen Covey. The eighth habit is: "Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs." This book is a must read for all of you who see yourselves as leaders. Dr. Covey presents some disturbing statistics that demonstrate that most of us are not in the choir. He presents the following data collected in a survey of 23 thousand U.S. people employed in organizations.
37 % have clear understanding of what their organization is trying to achieve.
20 % are enthusiastic about the organization goals.
20 % see how their tasks match up with the goals.
50 % are happy with what they have accomplished by the end of the week.
15 % feel their organization enables them to accomplish goals.
17% see open communication in their workplace.
10 % believe people are held accountable.
20 % trust the organization they work for.
Dr. Covey puts it into perspective when he imagines if a soccer team had these scores:
Only four of the eleven players would know which goal was theirs.
Only two of the eleven would care.
Only two would know which position they play.
Nine of the players would in some way be competing against their own team.
Covey attributes much of this to the fact that so many people do not find meaning or joy in their work. The answer, he says, is to help each person find their voice. I recommend you read the book. The Eighth Habit, through research and logic, presents a convincing case that the "carrot and stick" method of management is not effective. It is not effective in our workplaces, nor is it effective at home or at school.
Another recent book, Unconditional Parenting, by Alfie Kohn, cites numerous research studies that authoritarian and punitive parenting is ineffective. The results of highly controlling parenting are children who are either overly compliant, or overly defiant. It seems that whether we are dealing with children or adults, the use of rewards and punishments creates more problems than it solves. The problem is that controlling people doesn't really teach them. Controlling others doesn't bring forth their best selves. It doesn't help them find their voice. As a result people are not internally motivated.
As I listen to people in various organizations, and as I read the literature from various fields, this is what I find:
People don't feel respected.
People don't feel valued.
People don't feel listened to.
Many people feel directionless and powerless.
Many people are focused on external factors such as punishments, rewards, grades, approval, disapproval, criticism, profits, and social recognition rather than internal factors such as personal responsibility, compassion for others, the desire to contribute and serve, and finding/expressing one's voice.
The thought occurs, "Somebody should do something." But who is somebody? Who will lead us? I suggest that it is you. Yes, you the reader of this article, are the leader we have been waiting for. Yes, CEO's, presidents, Executive Directors, and managers need to change, but we are all responsible. We are all responsible for looking within ourselves and finding meaning, finding our voice. It's time to eliminate the excuses, to stop blaming management; to stop blaming your parents; to stop blaming the government and ask the big question: "What can I do?" Whatever the situation is, we need to accept that it is what it is, and now we need to figure out what we can do about it. Blaming managers, blaming employees, and blaming circumstances are a waste of valuable energy and serve as excuses for not taking responsibility.
You can find your voice. You can help others to find theirs. You can realize that a paycheck is a result of doing good work, but it is not the reason you were hired or the reason you are in business. You are there to serve. And when you are serving well, you enjoy your work. And when you serve well, most often you tend to be paid well. And if your organization doesn't pay you well in spite of your incredible service, your track record and your positive energy will get you work somewhere else where you are compensated well. Or, you can utilize your tremendous skill and service orientation to create a lucrative sideline business. If your real dream is doing something else somewhere else, stop waiting, start planning, and do it.
We wait for the right CEO or the right president to come in and "turn this place around" and start treating people with respect. The person who can turn this place around is you. Here is how:
Notice how you feel at work. The thoughts you think and the emotions you have are what you are giving to employees, managers, customers, and anyone else you meet. Is what you are thinking and feeling helpful to them? If not, are you willing to imagine and become a more positive you?
Dig deep and find your passion. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.
Be honest, and compassionate with everyone, especially your boss.
Ask your manager, or whoever is above you, how you can help make the organization stronger--how you can help him/her create a more successful organization.
Eliminate "I can't because..." from your vocabulary and focus your energy on creative ways to get it done anyway. This means working smarter--not harder. Ask your employees and coworkers how you can support them -- and listen to them when they reply.
Treat each person you meet, whether they are an adult or a child, as a highly respected being. Do your best to understand their needs and concerns.
Focus your day on helping, on listening, and on being present in the moment.
Make sure that each word you speak, each action you take, contribute to the success of the people you are with and to the overall success of the organization. That means stop the gossip and stop listening to the gossip. Move beyond complaining to creative action. With your speech and your actions you are either building or destroying. Which do you prefer?
Stop whining! It is unbecoming of you.
Help others find their voice. It is the most rewarding thing you will ever do.
Excuses, blaming, and "reasons" are all ways in which you give away your power. Claim your power by being a possibility thinker. Look at any situation and ask: "What possibilities can I find or create?"
Refuse to be a victim. Envision what can be and start taking action toward that vision.
No one you know needs fixing. They just need to learn who they are and find the confidence to be who they are. Help them be successful.
In conclusion, Jim Collins in his book, Good to Great, tells us about the most successful companies and why they are great. His comprehensive research shows that each and every company (there were eleven who had achieved greatness) all had what he calls Level Five leaders. Four of the traits exhibited by Level Five Leaders were:
1. They were humble and did not seek personal glory.
2. They were focused and driven to succeed, not for themselves, but for their company.
3. They refused to accept mediocrity, and took creative action.
4. They found successors who were as good or better than they were. These are leaders who have found their voices and helped many others to find theirs. These are leaders who created organizations that were not codependent on them, but who were empowered to succeed on their own.
You are capable of being such a leader if it is your intention. You are a light. When you bring your greatness forth you give others permission to be great too. It is a matter of choice--your choice.
William Frank Diedrich is a speaker, executive coach, and the author of Beyond Blaming: Unleashing Power and Passion in People and Organizations. William offers keynotes and workshops on leadership and moving beyond blaming. William also offers a free online newsletter, Transformation Times. Learn more about William at http://noblaming.com.
Make Your Wedding Favors for Cheap!
The question most brides-to-be or couples getting married have is How do I make wedding favors for cheap? Before I begin to answer this question, I want to establish one thing. When using the word cheap, it doesnt mean that youre not giving it all you have. Youve already spent a lot of money to make this day perfect. Therefore, here are some cheap or inexpensive ways to make wedding favors. Save yourself a little money, you could even use it on the honeymoon!!
Here are some really cool ideas to save money and get two things done at once:
Flower Arrangements
Make a small flower arrangement for each table setting. This can serve as both a favor for your guest and decorations for the table. You can normally find little glass containers at Wal-Mart or the Dollar Store for pretty cheap. Add some of your favorite flower(s) or a flower of your favorite color. You can even make it seasonal depending on when your wedding is. Have fun! Be creative!
Candles
I know, everybody suggests candles for wedding favors. But find your favorite shape or scent and give each of your guests a small candle. This will make it personal for your guest. It will tell your guest you wanted them there and make them feel special. Use tulle and/or ribbon to make it more festive!
Small Frames One of my favorites!
You can find small frames and make them place card holders. Each of your guest will have a frame to take home with them. If you dont want to assign seating, put a special message or quote in each frame. Your guest will have a special way of remembering you!
Wine Glass Markers
Make wine glass markers with some wire and beads. Then find a small box and wrap ribbon around it. You need one for each guest. It will also be helpful to keep each others wine glasses separate!
Personalized CD of you and your fiances favorite songs!
You can buy CDs at Office Depot, Staples, Wal-Mart, etc for cheap. Then decide on 10 or so songs to put on there. Burn them to the CD; attach a label or write on each one. You can buy print-on labels wherever you buy the CDs. Then give each guest one! Its a cool personal gift.
You can pull off your big day and save some money. Dont make it look cheap either. Make and create your wedding favors for cheap!! You can do it!! Remember to have fun and be creative!!!
Ashley Beck, President of AffordableWeddingSecrets, looks over all the resources on saving money on your wedding and shares the best with you! I want to give you a free report on How To Save Money on Wedding Favors at http://www.AffordableWeddingSecrets.com.
Here are some really cool ideas to save money and get two things done at once:
Flower Arrangements
Make a small flower arrangement for each table setting. This can serve as both a favor for your guest and decorations for the table. You can normally find little glass containers at Wal-Mart or the Dollar Store for pretty cheap. Add some of your favorite flower(s) or a flower of your favorite color. You can even make it seasonal depending on when your wedding is. Have fun! Be creative!
Candles
I know, everybody suggests candles for wedding favors. But find your favorite shape or scent and give each of your guests a small candle. This will make it personal for your guest. It will tell your guest you wanted them there and make them feel special. Use tulle and/or ribbon to make it more festive!
Small Frames One of my favorites!
You can find small frames and make them place card holders. Each of your guest will have a frame to take home with them. If you dont want to assign seating, put a special message or quote in each frame. Your guest will have a special way of remembering you!
Wine Glass Markers
Make wine glass markers with some wire and beads. Then find a small box and wrap ribbon around it. You need one for each guest. It will also be helpful to keep each others wine glasses separate!
Personalized CD of you and your fiances favorite songs!
You can buy CDs at Office Depot, Staples, Wal-Mart, etc for cheap. Then decide on 10 or so songs to put on there. Burn them to the CD; attach a label or write on each one. You can buy print-on labels wherever you buy the CDs. Then give each guest one! Its a cool personal gift.
You can pull off your big day and save some money. Dont make it look cheap either. Make and create your wedding favors for cheap!! You can do it!! Remember to have fun and be creative!!!
Ashley Beck, President of AffordableWeddingSecrets, looks over all the resources on saving money on your wedding and shares the best with you! I want to give you a free report on How To Save Money on Wedding Favors at http://www.AffordableWeddingSecrets.com.
Ultimate Wealth Package. Make Money on the Internet? ....A Review
Ultimate Wealth Package.Make Money on the Internet? ....A Review
What is Ultimate Wealth Package all about?
If making money online sounds good to you, the Ultimate Wealth Package guides you step-by-step. The Ultimate Wealth Package tells you how and where to start so you wont waste precious time and money.
Does Ultimate Wealth Package work?
The Ultimate Wealth Package is a guide that has been put together by a young man named Mark Warren who has made a fortune on the internet. With his best-selling Unlimited Wealth Package you will learn as you go---how to build cheap websites and start making money online. If you follow the foundation laid out in Ultimate Wealth Package, with a little perseverance and practice you will soon be growing your own home business.
How does Ultimate Wealth Package compare with other programs?
There are numerous money making programs for sale on the internet. The Ultimate Wealth Package covers every form of making money online that I have heard of and then some. Ultimate Wealth Package is written in a very direct fashion with no fluff---just solid instructions that you can follow to make money on the internet.
Do you recommend Ultimate Wealth Package?
There is a learning curve involved with Ultimate Wealth Package. How quickly you will begin making money online is up to you and the amount of time and energy you invest. The Ultimate Wealth Package is very easy to follow and understand. The time invested will pay dividends for life. So, yes, I definitely recommend Ultimate Wealth Package.
To check out Ultimate Wealth Package click here:
http://www.sweetincome4u.com
Robert Henie has spent the past 24 years researching and analyzing home based businesses.
What is Ultimate Wealth Package all about?
If making money online sounds good to you, the Ultimate Wealth Package guides you step-by-step. The Ultimate Wealth Package tells you how and where to start so you wont waste precious time and money.
Does Ultimate Wealth Package work?
The Ultimate Wealth Package is a guide that has been put together by a young man named Mark Warren who has made a fortune on the internet. With his best-selling Unlimited Wealth Package you will learn as you go---how to build cheap websites and start making money online. If you follow the foundation laid out in Ultimate Wealth Package, with a little perseverance and practice you will soon be growing your own home business.
How does Ultimate Wealth Package compare with other programs?
There are numerous money making programs for sale on the internet. The Ultimate Wealth Package covers every form of making money online that I have heard of and then some. Ultimate Wealth Package is written in a very direct fashion with no fluff---just solid instructions that you can follow to make money on the internet.
Do you recommend Ultimate Wealth Package?
There is a learning curve involved with Ultimate Wealth Package. How quickly you will begin making money online is up to you and the amount of time and energy you invest. The Ultimate Wealth Package is very easy to follow and understand. The time invested will pay dividends for life. So, yes, I definitely recommend Ultimate Wealth Package.
To check out Ultimate Wealth Package click here:
http://www.sweetincome4u.com
Robert Henie has spent the past 24 years researching and analyzing home based businesses.
Choosing a Personal Fitness and Nutrition Trainer
A personal fitness and nutrition trainer can help you enter a race where there's no engraved cup or money award at the finish line. Unlike the Thoroughbreds racing at the local park, you will be running for your very life instead. Fitness and nutrition are the keys to a quality long life.
Racing for Fitness
Almost 60% of people in the United States are overweight or obese. The consequences of having too much fat on your body can be severe. Obesity is a major cause of many serious illnesses including Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and even certain forms of cancer.
It's hard to maintain a fitness routine on your own. On top of that you are bombarded with advertisements selling unhealthy food and gadgets and inventions that actually result in less physical activity. The perfect examples are kids playing electronic games for hours instead of baseball or soccer. There are bigger and better computers and TVs promoting lifestyles with little exercise time included.
Sedentary lifestyles are not good for the body, and neither is junk food. But everyone lives extremely busy lives and fitness and nutrition often take a low priority. A personal fitness and nutrition trainer can help you rearrange your priorities so you place your health top of the list.
When you are young, it's easy to believe good health is forever. But as you age, the truth is slowly revealed. Metabolisms slow naturally. Fat accumulates after years of eating meals with little nutritional value.
Free radicals form unimpeded because the diet has consistently lack antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Other diseases eventually take root. For example, lack of exercise increases the chances of developing osteoporosis.
Finding Your Stride
A personal fitness and nutrition trainer can assist you in a number of ways beginning with an assessment of your current fitness level. A personal trainer will work with to establish mutual goals including measures of progress such as weight loss or inches loss.
Personal fitness and nutrition includes the following:
Evaluating current dietary habits and making necessary changes
Calculating the body mass index (BMI)
Establishing an exercise routine that fits your lifestyle
Develop a strength training program
Tracking progress and making necessary adjustments as you progress
Using a personal fitness and nutrition trainer can help you stay motivated as you begin the race for your life. The quality of your life in your senior years is directly related to the level of fitness you maintain in your younger years. It becomes clearer with each medical study that problems associated with aging are as much a consequence of poor nutrition as they are of the aging process itself.
Utilizing the services of a personal fitness and nutrition trainer only makes sense if you're ready to get serious about your health. Racing for the grand prize of good health means finding your "fitness stride".
You don't have to work out 8 hours a day to stay fit and healthy. You do have to exercise regularly and watch what you eat. A personal fitness and nutrition trainer can be the key to your success.
Hut Allred is the President of New Wave Fitness. Inc. located in Dallas, TX. His company provides in home personal fitness coaching throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His website is http://www.bestdallaspersonaltrainer.com
Racing for Fitness
Almost 60% of people in the United States are overweight or obese. The consequences of having too much fat on your body can be severe. Obesity is a major cause of many serious illnesses including Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and even certain forms of cancer.
It's hard to maintain a fitness routine on your own. On top of that you are bombarded with advertisements selling unhealthy food and gadgets and inventions that actually result in less physical activity. The perfect examples are kids playing electronic games for hours instead of baseball or soccer. There are bigger and better computers and TVs promoting lifestyles with little exercise time included.
Sedentary lifestyles are not good for the body, and neither is junk food. But everyone lives extremely busy lives and fitness and nutrition often take a low priority. A personal fitness and nutrition trainer can help you rearrange your priorities so you place your health top of the list.
When you are young, it's easy to believe good health is forever. But as you age, the truth is slowly revealed. Metabolisms slow naturally. Fat accumulates after years of eating meals with little nutritional value.
Free radicals form unimpeded because the diet has consistently lack antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Other diseases eventually take root. For example, lack of exercise increases the chances of developing osteoporosis.
Finding Your Stride
A personal fitness and nutrition trainer can assist you in a number of ways beginning with an assessment of your current fitness level. A personal trainer will work with to establish mutual goals including measures of progress such as weight loss or inches loss.
Personal fitness and nutrition includes the following:
Evaluating current dietary habits and making necessary changes
Calculating the body mass index (BMI)
Establishing an exercise routine that fits your lifestyle
Develop a strength training program
Tracking progress and making necessary adjustments as you progress
Using a personal fitness and nutrition trainer can help you stay motivated as you begin the race for your life. The quality of your life in your senior years is directly related to the level of fitness you maintain in your younger years. It becomes clearer with each medical study that problems associated with aging are as much a consequence of poor nutrition as they are of the aging process itself.
Utilizing the services of a personal fitness and nutrition trainer only makes sense if you're ready to get serious about your health. Racing for the grand prize of good health means finding your "fitness stride".
You don't have to work out 8 hours a day to stay fit and healthy. You do have to exercise regularly and watch what you eat. A personal fitness and nutrition trainer can be the key to your success.
Hut Allred is the President of New Wave Fitness. Inc. located in Dallas, TX. His company provides in home personal fitness coaching throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His website is http://www.bestdallaspersonaltrainer.com
Christmas How to Get Your Money Back on Track and Alleviate Money Stresses!
In today's world we know that tremendous personal, relationship and business stress can be related back to money stresses. We also know that Christmas can be a time where added money stresses can be a real problem for many families. However, with these 6 great money tips put into practice you can start to alleviate money stress and move towards a healthier and happier financial position and a happier life generally!
Tip 1. - Develop a money' awareness. You need to focus on the money that comes into your life and that flows out of your life. This means writing down and tracking every single cent that you spend. Get a note pad and for 2 weeks write down the date, time, what you spent, what you spent it on, why you spent it, how you felt once you spent it, whether you need it plus write what money came in and what you put into a savings account.
Tip 2. Develop a savings plan. You need a savings plan. Preferably have an amount automatically debited from your account to a specially set up savings account each pay day. The idea is to save a minimum of 10% of what comes in. Open a savings account where you need 24 hours before they will allow you to withdraw from it. This will help you to stay on track. The idea is to use this money for investments such as purchasing shares or for a deposit for a property. You will be amazed at how you will not miss this money and you will learn how to budget on the rest of your money. Read "The Richest Man in Babylon" which is a timeless classic about money skills. It has changed countless lives! You can even read this little book to your children and they too will learn an abundance of life lessons.
Tip 3. Learn how to budget. This may sound simple yet it is profound. Learning how to budget and tricks to keep you on track with your budget can literally change your life for the better on many fronts. This is a learnt skill. A good idea is to find someone who can mentor you with a budget. Find someone who you feel comfortable to share your financial situation with and who is skillful with money. Don't learn from someone who is not financially abundant. Learn from someone who is successful and can show you what not to do as well as what to do. I highly recommend you book in a session with a good accountant who can help you plan a start-up budget, help you monitor and assess as you go. Having someone to be accountable to will help you in the early days to keep on track.
Tip 4 Develop a positive attitude towards money. You have heard this saying money doesn't grow on trees' or money is the root of all evil'. Well it's time to change the negative self talk. It does not serve you. This type of thinking will hold you back and sabotage you. You need to focus on the positive aspects of money such as money supports' a happy, healthy life. You need to prevent self sabotage so you will not go off on a tangent and spend your money and not stick to a budget. I highly recommend that you get yourself a copy of Michele Blood's Success' cd from www.musivation.com and play it in your car, when going for a walk or have it on in the background at home. Michele has put positive words to music. Her music will help to change your self sabotage by helping to change your thoughts to more positive supportive ones. She has a money' song that you'll want to play every day and reap the benefits! Her music goes straight into your subconscious and that is the area of your mind you need to effect. So do yourself a favor and buy yourself her cd as a Christmas present for yourself and start developing a positive money mindset today!
Tip 5. addressing your fear of money remember that money is really nothing more than energy that you can harness or let it run by you. Do you ignore your money? You do this by not knowing where it goes and thus you loose its power. Often when we have been ignoring our money we end up in a mind-set of thinking of and being fearful of not having enough money. Once you start to pay attention to your money your fears will start to drop off. You will know where it comes from and where it goes. Then you learn how you can leverage it. You will, once you learn the skills and put them into practice, find that you have more money than you thought possible. Your fears are coming from a lack of knowledge and understanding of how to harness the energy of money. This is a skill you can learn. Researchers today tell us that it is crucial to avoid being fearful about any lack of money because what we focus on builds stronger neural circuits in your brain. What you focus on expands. You don't want more stress built up because of a focus on the fear of money. Remember that fear stands for false evidence appearing real'. So focus on learning how to harness the energy of money and your fears will drop away.
Tip 6 Develop an investment strategy. This is a skill that needs to be learnt. You can go to a local college or find a group who can teach you. Find a strategy that you like then focus on learning everything you can about that one strategy. You will build confidence and know how to develop a good investment strategy in that area for your future. Don't think that handing over your hard earned money to someone else to invest it for you is the answer. You need to know the basics at the very least so you can make an informed decision. Again knowledge will give you confidence to make supportive decisions for the growth of your investments.
Start putting the above tips into practice and you will find that your world will start to change. It takes courage and commitment to make positive changes in your life. You can do it. Make a decision today to start. Find people who can support you and guide you and your future days and future festive days will be less stressful and merrier!
Bernadette Dimitrov
Tip 1. - Develop a money' awareness. You need to focus on the money that comes into your life and that flows out of your life. This means writing down and tracking every single cent that you spend. Get a note pad and for 2 weeks write down the date, time, what you spent, what you spent it on, why you spent it, how you felt once you spent it, whether you need it plus write what money came in and what you put into a savings account.
Tip 2. Develop a savings plan. You need a savings plan. Preferably have an amount automatically debited from your account to a specially set up savings account each pay day. The idea is to save a minimum of 10% of what comes in. Open a savings account where you need 24 hours before they will allow you to withdraw from it. This will help you to stay on track. The idea is to use this money for investments such as purchasing shares or for a deposit for a property. You will be amazed at how you will not miss this money and you will learn how to budget on the rest of your money. Read "The Richest Man in Babylon" which is a timeless classic about money skills. It has changed countless lives! You can even read this little book to your children and they too will learn an abundance of life lessons.
Tip 3. Learn how to budget. This may sound simple yet it is profound. Learning how to budget and tricks to keep you on track with your budget can literally change your life for the better on many fronts. This is a learnt skill. A good idea is to find someone who can mentor you with a budget. Find someone who you feel comfortable to share your financial situation with and who is skillful with money. Don't learn from someone who is not financially abundant. Learn from someone who is successful and can show you what not to do as well as what to do. I highly recommend you book in a session with a good accountant who can help you plan a start-up budget, help you monitor and assess as you go. Having someone to be accountable to will help you in the early days to keep on track.
Tip 4 Develop a positive attitude towards money. You have heard this saying money doesn't grow on trees' or money is the root of all evil'. Well it's time to change the negative self talk. It does not serve you. This type of thinking will hold you back and sabotage you. You need to focus on the positive aspects of money such as money supports' a happy, healthy life. You need to prevent self sabotage so you will not go off on a tangent and spend your money and not stick to a budget. I highly recommend that you get yourself a copy of Michele Blood's Success' cd from www.musivation.com and play it in your car, when going for a walk or have it on in the background at home. Michele has put positive words to music. Her music will help to change your self sabotage by helping to change your thoughts to more positive supportive ones. She has a money' song that you'll want to play every day and reap the benefits! Her music goes straight into your subconscious and that is the area of your mind you need to effect. So do yourself a favor and buy yourself her cd as a Christmas present for yourself and start developing a positive money mindset today!
Tip 5. addressing your fear of money remember that money is really nothing more than energy that you can harness or let it run by you. Do you ignore your money? You do this by not knowing where it goes and thus you loose its power. Often when we have been ignoring our money we end up in a mind-set of thinking of and being fearful of not having enough money. Once you start to pay attention to your money your fears will start to drop off. You will know where it comes from and where it goes. Then you learn how you can leverage it. You will, once you learn the skills and put them into practice, find that you have more money than you thought possible. Your fears are coming from a lack of knowledge and understanding of how to harness the energy of money. This is a skill you can learn. Researchers today tell us that it is crucial to avoid being fearful about any lack of money because what we focus on builds stronger neural circuits in your brain. What you focus on expands. You don't want more stress built up because of a focus on the fear of money. Remember that fear stands for false evidence appearing real'. So focus on learning how to harness the energy of money and your fears will drop away.
Tip 6 Develop an investment strategy. This is a skill that needs to be learnt. You can go to a local college or find a group who can teach you. Find a strategy that you like then focus on learning everything you can about that one strategy. You will build confidence and know how to develop a good investment strategy in that area for your future. Don't think that handing over your hard earned money to someone else to invest it for you is the answer. You need to know the basics at the very least so you can make an informed decision. Again knowledge will give you confidence to make supportive decisions for the growth of your investments.
Start putting the above tips into practice and you will find that your world will start to change. It takes courage and commitment to make positive changes in your life. You can do it. Make a decision today to start. Find people who can support you and guide you and your future days and future festive days will be less stressful and merrier!
Bernadette Dimitrov
Puppy-Proof Your Home Before Your Shih Tzu Arrives
Ah, Shih Tzu puppies.so adorable, filled with boundless energy and curious about any-and-everything around them. Taking the appropriate steps to puppy-proof your home will go a long way in protecting these little ones from harm. Your precautions will also safeguard your belongings from possible damage.
Try to imagine life from a Shih Tzu puppys point of view. You might be saying, well how can I do that? Go to each room of your house. Get down on your hands and knees. Take a good look at what your Shih Tzu puppy might be enticed by. Remember, they are new to your home. Shih Tzu puppies are somewhat like toddlers. Shih Tzu puppies will eventually explore their surroundings. Some Shih Tzu puppies will start right away investigating this new place. Other Shih Tzu puppies may take awhile to settle in. Eventually all Shih Tzu puppies will be exploring their new home. They will roam around like a toddler putting things in their mouth and poling around in nooks and crannies. It is your responsibility to check out what there may be in your home that could possibly harm the new Shih Tzu puppy. You are also looking around for those items of yours you do not want the new Shih Tzu puppy to explore.
Cabinets
Watch out for cleaning supplies and personal care items that are stored in low storage areas like kitchen and under-sink bathroom cabinets. The ingredients in these products are extremely harmful and can even cause death. If the cabinet doors can be easily opened by the mouths and paws of Shih Tzu puppies, try to store these items in some other place. Another option is to purchase plastic child-proof cabinet locks that can be temporarily attached to the handles or knobs. These safety locks can usually be found online or in local pet supply (or baby) stores.
Electrical Cords
How tantalizing is an electrical cord especially when it's looping down from a table or desk? "I can jump at it, pull on it, wrestle with it and even gnaw on it. Shih Tzu puppies will most likely perform all these tasks with an electrical cord. The dangers here are obvious: a falling lamp or electrocution can cause serious injury or worse. Wrap up loose hanging electrical cords or at least block access to them. And for cords that need to run across the floor, use rubber or plastic cord/cable runners that can be purchased at an office supply outlet or home improvement store. If you dont mind plastering a nail in the wall, you can also do this, and hang the cord up out of Shih Tzu puppys eyesight.
Plants
Household plants are attractive to most Shih Tzu puppies. A lot of household plants are poison to Shih Tzu and dogs in general. Ingesting a bite or two can cause nausea, vomiting and in some cases death. It is probably an excellent idea to re-position your plants so that they are out of reach. You dont want your Shih Tzu poisoned or made ill by your beautiful plants. Neither do you want your beautiful plants destroyed by the curiosity of a Shih Tzu puppy.
Small Objects Around the House
Be alert to small items around the house that can be swallowed. Items in this category would be coins, jewelry, sewing supplies, batteries, medication and miniature knick-knacks left on low surfaces. Sometimes worse than swallowing these small items is that the Shih Tzu puppy may choke to death. Don't forget to block access to trash receptacles in the kitchen, your home office and even the bathroom. Shih Tzu puppies love pushing on a trash can until it falls over and then wow all that is inside is within reach. This is so amusing to a Shih Tzu puppy; however, it is a disaster to the Shih Tzu puppys owner. Take heed now before you bring home your adorable little Shih Tzu puppy and block access to trash bins.
Toilet
To an adventurous Shih Tzu puppy, the challenge of climbing up, up and over the rim of your toilet is a tail-wagging delight. Unfortunately, falling head first into this big, slippery bowl of water is not so delightful especially for a smaller-sized pup. Simple solution: make it a house rule to keep the bathroom door closed at all times.
Puppy-proofing your home before your wonderful little Shih Tzu buddy arrives may seem like a hassle, but providing the safest environment possible is a necessity. After all, your lovable, four-legged bundle of joy is worth it.
Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies. Please visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Sign up for our FREE newsletter.
Try to imagine life from a Shih Tzu puppys point of view. You might be saying, well how can I do that? Go to each room of your house. Get down on your hands and knees. Take a good look at what your Shih Tzu puppy might be enticed by. Remember, they are new to your home. Shih Tzu puppies are somewhat like toddlers. Shih Tzu puppies will eventually explore their surroundings. Some Shih Tzu puppies will start right away investigating this new place. Other Shih Tzu puppies may take awhile to settle in. Eventually all Shih Tzu puppies will be exploring their new home. They will roam around like a toddler putting things in their mouth and poling around in nooks and crannies. It is your responsibility to check out what there may be in your home that could possibly harm the new Shih Tzu puppy. You are also looking around for those items of yours you do not want the new Shih Tzu puppy to explore.
Cabinets
Watch out for cleaning supplies and personal care items that are stored in low storage areas like kitchen and under-sink bathroom cabinets. The ingredients in these products are extremely harmful and can even cause death. If the cabinet doors can be easily opened by the mouths and paws of Shih Tzu puppies, try to store these items in some other place. Another option is to purchase plastic child-proof cabinet locks that can be temporarily attached to the handles or knobs. These safety locks can usually be found online or in local pet supply (or baby) stores.
Electrical Cords
How tantalizing is an electrical cord especially when it's looping down from a table or desk? "I can jump at it, pull on it, wrestle with it and even gnaw on it. Shih Tzu puppies will most likely perform all these tasks with an electrical cord. The dangers here are obvious: a falling lamp or electrocution can cause serious injury or worse. Wrap up loose hanging electrical cords or at least block access to them. And for cords that need to run across the floor, use rubber or plastic cord/cable runners that can be purchased at an office supply outlet or home improvement store. If you dont mind plastering a nail in the wall, you can also do this, and hang the cord up out of Shih Tzu puppys eyesight.
Plants
Household plants are attractive to most Shih Tzu puppies. A lot of household plants are poison to Shih Tzu and dogs in general. Ingesting a bite or two can cause nausea, vomiting and in some cases death. It is probably an excellent idea to re-position your plants so that they are out of reach. You dont want your Shih Tzu poisoned or made ill by your beautiful plants. Neither do you want your beautiful plants destroyed by the curiosity of a Shih Tzu puppy.
Small Objects Around the House
Be alert to small items around the house that can be swallowed. Items in this category would be coins, jewelry, sewing supplies, batteries, medication and miniature knick-knacks left on low surfaces. Sometimes worse than swallowing these small items is that the Shih Tzu puppy may choke to death. Don't forget to block access to trash receptacles in the kitchen, your home office and even the bathroom. Shih Tzu puppies love pushing on a trash can until it falls over and then wow all that is inside is within reach. This is so amusing to a Shih Tzu puppy; however, it is a disaster to the Shih Tzu puppys owner. Take heed now before you bring home your adorable little Shih Tzu puppy and block access to trash bins.
Toilet
To an adventurous Shih Tzu puppy, the challenge of climbing up, up and over the rim of your toilet is a tail-wagging delight. Unfortunately, falling head first into this big, slippery bowl of water is not so delightful especially for a smaller-sized pup. Simple solution: make it a house rule to keep the bathroom door closed at all times.
Puppy-proofing your home before your wonderful little Shih Tzu buddy arrives may seem like a hassle, but providing the safest environment possible is a necessity. After all, your lovable, four-legged bundle of joy is worth it.
Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies. Please visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com Sign up for our FREE newsletter.
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