Posted 1/31/2003 by Josh Hinds

Bringing Ideas to Life: Seven Principles for Pulling Together
By Rick Maurer

You're so excited you're practically bouncing off the walls. This idea-your best ever-is not only going to save the company tens of thousands of dollars this year, it's eventually going to be a moneymaker.

However, following your presentation, your three colleagues sit staring at you like 'hear no evil,' 'see no evil' and 'speak no evil.' You stare back at them in idiotic wonder: Why don't they want what you want-especially when it's so clearly the best thing for the company?

Almost everyone has this experience at one time or another, and the reason for it is simple: When you make a presentation instead of having a conversation about an idea, it's anyone's guess what's going on in the minds of your 'audience.' Do they get it? Do they like it? Do they like you?

Some idea people really don't care how they're heard. They're movers and shakers who pride themselves on being able to create and implement ideas on their own. Others care more about interpersonal relationships than ideas. For them, what's truly important is being aware of and sensitive to the needs, notions and feelings of colleagues, not bringing great ideas to life.

Being just an idea person or just a relationship person limits your effectiveness in the workplace. The way to bring an idea to life is to focus on developing the idea and enhancing your relationships with coworkers simultaneously. Go into the conference room with the intention of sharing your idea and involving others in shaping, strengthening, and implementing the concept in its final form.

By engaging others in the innovation process, you'll emerge with superior results and stronger bonds between people.

Intention is one of the seven principles for pulling together. The others are:

* Recognize resistance. People resist ideas-and those who generate them-for three reasons. Either they don't get the idea (Level 1 resistance), they don't like it the idea (Level 2 resistance), or they don't like you (Level 3 resistance).

Identify the levels of resistance you're facing and you can work through them, turning opposition into support. For example, if someone doesn't get your idea, find a different way to explain it, and offer data, examples and anecdotes to make concepts clearer. If people exhibit Level 2 or 3 resistance when you make a suggestion-"I don't like it," or "I don't like you"-their emotions are clearly involved.

You'll need to listen carefully to what they have to say and engage in conversational give and take to get at the deeper issues underlying their resistance.

* Consider the context (time + place + relationships = the success or failure of your idea).

Interpersonal and other contextual 'land mines' are scattered throughout most work environments. If you don't survey the land and step carefully, you'll set them off and you and your idea will suffer. 'Land mines' to consider include:

1) Your relationship history with colleagues and coworkers

2) The way ideas have traditionally been presented and received in your company

3) The impact your idea may have on others-for instance, it might threaten someone's job or status

4) How the idea might fly given the current economy

5) Your company's recent financial performance

Bringing Ideas to Life: Seven Principles for Pulling Together

* Avoid knee-jerk reactions. When someone cuts you off in traffic, is your impulse to speed up and let him or her know you didn't appreciate it? If so, speeding up (and possibly tailing the person with your bright lights on) is your knee-jerk reaction to the 'trigger' of being cut off.

Not only does your knee-jerk reaction not help the situation; it could cause an accident and turn what might have been a relatively minor irritation into a very big deal.

The better response? Take a few deep breaths and slow down to put some space between you and the inconsiderate driver in front of you. It's the smarter and safer way to react.

Slowing down and breathing deeply is also a smart response to triggers in the corporate conference room. When someone resists your idea by saying "I don't like it, it's stupid," you might be tempted to knee-jerk with defensiveness ("No, you're stupid."); sarcasm ("Why don't you grace us with one of your wonderfully creative ideas, then?"); force of reason, (you believe that if you explain the idea repeatedly, they'll see its wisdom and beauty and like it); or moving ahead as if the resistance-and the resister-don't exist.

The best way to avoid knee-jerking: Discover your triggers and practice stepping back, breathing, consciously relaxing your body and mind, and focusing your attention on positively reconnecting with the people resisting.

* Pay attention: Attempt to detect every detail. You can't influence others if you don't pick up on the positive and negative signals they send by way of body language, verbal cues, tone of voice, and so forth. Listen to their concerns with a willingness to be changed and a willingness to see your idea develop beyond your original conception; observe the interactions between you and those you're working with; and note what kinds of actions-or inactions-follow the group's decision to proceed with your idea.

The power of paying attention will guide you in your efforts to bring the idea to implementation.

* Shut up and listen: Dig deeply. Want to know what others need or want from you? Wish you knew if they understood your idea... or if they trust you? The only way to get answers to these questions is to put your goal aside temporarily and check in with the people you're working with. Then, shut up and listen to what they have to say, even when their answers make you uncomfortable.

* Connect without compromise. Make room for others to join you in developing your idea-and be ready and willing to turn it into our idea. When others see that you're eager to hear their fears and concerns, to be influenced by what they have to say, and to blend your goals with theirs, their opposition will turn into support and everyone will win.
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Rick Maurer is an Arlington, VA-based advisor to individuals and organizations on building support for change (www.beyondresistance.com). He is author of "Why Don't You Want What I Want? How to Win Support for Your Ideas without Hard Sell, Manipulation, or Power Plays," (Bard Press/2002/$16.95).

Posted 1/29/2003 by Josh Hinds

Handling Failure
By Zig Ziglar

Cal Ripken is known for breaking Ty Cobb's "unbreakable" record of playing in 2,130 consecutive professional baseball games, and for signing a five-year contract for more than $30 million in the 1990s. However, during one particular year of that contract, Cal got only about one hit for every four times at bat.

Think about it. If you had failed three times out of four in your job, how would you feel about it? What would your self-image or picture of yourself be?

Question: What do you think Cal Ripken's picture of himself is when he steps up to the plate? Do you really think that he's thinking: "Boy, what a waste of time! Chances are only one out of four I'm going to get a hit!

I don't know why I bother with this anyhow. Sure, they pay me a lot of money, but this is embarrassing and terribly discouraging to get only one hit for every four trips to the
plate. There has to be another way to make a living! I'm just a loser. I'm no good, and I don't know why I put myself through this torture so everybody else can see what I
already know."

Do you think that's his self-talk? If not, then what is his self-talk?

I believe as he steps to the plate with considerable eagerness to face the pitcher, Cal is thinking to himself, "Okay, you got me the last time, but I've got your number this time. I've been thinking it through, watching you, and I happen to know I'm one of the best athletes in the world.

I've hit that ball under every circumstance known to man. I've gotten hits off tall pitchers and short pitchers, winning pitchers and losing pitchers. I've hit in close
games and runaway games, and this time ... I'm coming after you. This is my turn!"

Cal Ripken sees himself as a winner, and he is elated to have a chance to step back up to the plate.

Message: Regardless of what happened to you the last time you stepped up to the plate, this time it's a brand new day, and at this very moment you are preparing to make it a winning one. That is motivation.

... Adapted from Zig Ziglar's best selling book, OVER THE TOP, grab your copy here.
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Zig Ziglar offers a free weekly newsletter filled with more of his inspiring stories as well as practical ideas to help you in the areas of sales, marketing, customer service, and related topics. You can subscribe to the Zig Ziglar Newsletter by going to http://www.zigziglar.com

Posted 1/27/2003 by Josh Hinds

Note from Josh => My friend, I'd like to challenge you today to look for the opportunity to brighten someone's day. I assure you, if you will simply take the time to be aware of it you're likely to be presented with several such chances throughout the course of your day. Acting on these can be extremely rewarding -- no matter how small or insignificant they might appear to you at the time. Interestingly, you stand to gain as much as the recipient of your kind deed does.

There is an old adage that I believe is right on target. It states very simply, "you can not help another without in some way helping yourself at the same time". Churn that thought around in your mind a bit,but whatever you do, don't miss the chance to offer another person your "random act of kindness"... Your friend, Josh Hinds

P.S. Have a good, make that great day!

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Building a Referral Machine for Your Company
by Andrew Wood

Referrals are the life-blood of any successful business or service, but they work much more predictably and effectively when you develop and follow a system so that good leads don't just slip away.

Ask any good business owner how she generates most of her business and she will cite referrals, but ask her to explain her referral system to you and you are very likely to hear that referrals just happen. So does death, but it doesn't mean you should wait around for it!

Contrary to what many believe, most people actually like to give referrals, for three reasons:

1) Ego. When someone buys something new he wants his friends and neighbors to be impressed. He wants them to know what a great deal he got.

2) Most people like to feel important, the center of attention or the source of information.

3) People like their friends and neighbors to share and experience the same things they do.

Yet many people are hesitant to ask for a referral, not wanting to seem pushy or desperate. But you can make the process painless by carefully framing your request. For example, "Who else at work would you like to share this opportunity with before the prices go up?" Or, "Can I help anyone else in your organization save time by employing this service?" Or, "Who else can I help become a more productive part of your team?"

The very best time to ask for a referral is right after you have completed a sale. This is the time when excitement and anticipation are always at the highest level.

To double your referrals simply ask for them. Not sometimes, not when you feel like it, not when you are having a good day, not only if you feel the prospect likes you. Ask every single time in as many different ways as you can.
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Seven key referral groups
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1) Ask new clients to buy again. Can we sell anything else to the new client in front of us right now? A new printer to go with the computer, or lessons to go with the new golf clubs they just bought?

2) Ask new clients who else might benefit. It's almost certain that they know someone who has similar needs. Everyone is an opinion leader to some group.

3) Ask non-customers for a referral. Even when a sales presentation has not been successful, there is no reason why you should not ask for a referral. But don't ask if they know of anyone else, for that almost always brings an instant no. Ask who else they know, suggesting that there must be someone, a subtle difference that makes a huge difference in the elicited response.

4) Ask former customers. Just because a customer is an ex-customer doesn't mean they won't refer you business. Make it a point to stay in contact with ex-clients.

5) Ask business suppliers for referrals. Since you buy goods and services from others, you are a good customer to someone. That someone should be glad to give you referrals.

6) Demand more referrals! As a speaker, I actually demand referrals from my clients by including a clause in my speaking contract that includes, as partial payment, the guarantee of two referrals for a job well done.

7) Get referrals from your competitors. Competitors can often be a good source of referrals. Sometimes you get a job that you don't want. It's too small or you and the prospect simply don't hit it off! In these cases, instead of letting the prospect bounce around to three or four more people, refer them to someone who can help them at once. In return they will refer people to you!

When someone gives you a referral that results in a sale, at the very least, you should send him a "thank you" note, and make it easy for him to repeat the cycle by enclosing a reply card or fax reply form.

And, for others you know who may need sales or marketing help, please refer them to me!
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Andrew Wood, is recognized worldwide as a business, marketing, leadership, and personal development expert. He is the author of The Millionaires Library, which delivers you the essence of knowledge from over 1000 business, sales, marketing, leadership, and personal development books in a single powerful set. To learn more visit through the following link!

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Double Time
by Patrick Combs

Everyone faces a common problem in their career - too many things to do, to little time. Good news: You can accomplish many of your tasks in a lot less time than you think--but first you have to give up your assumptions about how long it oughta take.

Let's say you have a document to write. You figure it oughta take four hours because similar documents have taken that long in the past--or because other people tell you it oughta take that long. Well, guess what? You can get that task done in one hour if you think you can get it done in one hour.

Try it. Get yourself an egg-timer, set it for a short amount of time, and race the clock. (My kitchen timer is ticking away right now--17 minutes to go.)

I first learned how to "double-time" by watching my friend Leland create high-quality, professionally-done videos in a day. A good video "oughta take" at least a week, but apparently nobody had ever told that to Leland.

But as good as Leland was with "double-time," I recently found an even greater example in a Brazilian novelist, Ryoki Inoue. Before I tell you his story, think about how long you think it "oughta take" to write a 200-page novel.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Ryoki Inoue has just written his 1,039th novel since he took up the craft ten years ago. For the benefit of the reporter, Inoue started the book around 10 p.m., and by 5:30 a.m. had put the finishing touches on a 195-page story of drug traffickers and corrupt cops.

I read about Inoue the other day and thought, ìIf he can write a novel in six hours, I'm sure I can write a column in 30 minutes. (Normally a column takes me three to four
hours.) According to my egg-timer I've got twelve minutes to go.

Not everyone knows this, but the new film "George of the Jungle" started out as a Saturday-morning cartoon over fifteen years ago. One day, as the show was being developed, two professional songwriters got a call from the studio. "We need theme songs for 'George of the Jungle' and two other cartoons," they were told. And we need them fast."

"How fast?"

"Four hours from now."

The songwriters said okay and went to work. The clock ticked. Four hours later they had banged out all three songs.

And guess what? The studio not only liked them and used them, but the song for "George of the Jungle" turned out to be one of the most memorable and successful things they ever wrote. (The very same song is used in the movie version.)

So get away from your own and other people's assumptions about how long a task is supposed to take. Get it done much more quickly.

Want to make an independent film? Get it done in a week.

Want to create a web site? Get it done in a day.

Want to write a speech? Get it done in two hours.

Take all the tasks on your list and get them done in one-third the time they "oughta take."

Time flies and so can you. Double-time!

Hmmm.... according to my timer, I've still got four minutes to spare.
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Patrick Combs is the author of Major in Success: Make College Easier, Fire Up Your Dreams & Get A Very Cool Job -- an excellent read for anyone wanting to succeed at their greatest passion. Tons more of his writing is available free at http://www.goodthink.com. Patrick Combs is also a popular keynote speaker. To receive his email tips about greatness.

Posted 1/24/2003 by Josh Hinds

Be "You-nique"!
by Bryan Hall

One thing to always remember: "Bad association spoils useful habits."

In other words, surround yourself with positive-minded, caring, loving, and giving people, whether in your friendships, love relationships, or family. The more you surround yourself with the energies of love and positive-thinking people, the more you enhance your own spirit, thoughts - energies - and the more you draw to your life what you are meant to be, do, and have.

Focusing on your spiritual growth is one of the most incredibly life-affecting things you can do in your life. If all you do is follow everyone else, you'll end up LIKE everyone else. Learn to trust in your self - your Divine, inner, intuitive guidance - always giving of yourself - your love, your time, your compassion - from that space deep within.

Be "you-nique".

By simply trying to do what everyone else is doing, following what everyone else is following, you become stagnant in your personal and spiritual growth. Put YOU into whatever you do, from business to personal relationships to ... anything and everything!

Find peace and the life-force of love by taking the time to go within, listen to Divine guidance - your intuition - and act upon it. Follow your intuition as much as possible in your life. Learn to ask for what you want, and - more importantly - focus your time and energies on giving of yourself, from your heart, to anyone you can possibly touch in this lifetime.

The "secrets" to a most successful life are already within you. All you have to do is extend your hand, and go within yourself as deeply as you can, and learn how to ask for what you want from the overflowing abundance of the Universe. Find clarity in what you truly desire - know precisely what you want, why you want it, and how it would FEEL to have it, be it, do it.

No matter what is going on in your life at any given moment, when someone needs your love and positive energy, take the time - right now - to give it to them ... unconditionally. And do so without ever expecting anything from them in return. The Universe - your Higher Power - WILL return that loving and giving to you. At the same time, you set yourself apart from the crowd ... you show others how much you care. Who do you know that doesn't want or need that - right?

Love with all your might, and give with all your strength to anyone you touch, to anyone along your path in life ... at any cost. As the Universe provides an endless, eternal abundance of prosperity, peace, love, and light in our lives, you can always be at peace and rest assured that what you give WILL be given back as you need it and exactly (only) when you need it.

Eliminate the concepts and attention to emotions of fear, failure, and lack from your life by transforming yourself through spirit and shifting your perspectives. Realize, simply, that everything happens for a reason at the right time and for the right reasons ... and there is no need for fear.

There is no need for "mistakes" when simply seeing the other side of the coin will show you the positive lessons in your experiences. Learn to turn that coin over to the other side and realize the lessons in whatever you experience.

What you allow yourself to focus on, amplifies. What you act upon ripples out and affects far more people than you may ever imagine. What you think about creates your reality. And what you "send out", you receive back ... ten-fold ... the "good", and the "bad".

Learn, also, that everything in life involves, gets down to, affects, has to do with, and provides an opportunity to grow in LOVE. And, there are two very important aspects to consider about Love: 1) The more you give, the more you get, and 2) Everyone you know, everyone you don't know, every one of us on this path we know as "life" wants and needs that Love. It IS the life-force energy connecting us all as one.

Seek for the answers you need from that calm, quiet place deep within, and share those answers - that love and enrichment in your life - with those who want and accept it for their own benefits. Allow your life to flow with the life-force energy of Love, for Love is eternal and all-encompassing.

Live, give, and love from the depths of your eternal soul. Be "you-nique"!

A Few Exercises to Practice ...

In order to actually LIVE these ideas, beliefs, and philosophies - and to succeed in your life by doing so - you MUST put the ball in motion. And you have to be willing to take that single, small, incredibly-impacting step of allowing your life to flow as it's meant to ... in peace. In order to do that, you have to learn to uncover and awaken to who you truly - "YOU-niquely" - are.

So, how do you do that?

1) Meditate or pray daily. It is vitally important, in my opinion, to take time on a daily basis, to align yourself spiritually, and to give thanks for the blessings you have in your life, as well as to be thankful for the blessings which lie ahead on your path.

I write about this more in-depth in my ebook, but, a perfect time to engage in "quiet time" is during your daily bathing. Although, prayer or meditation - aligning with and "allowing in" that incredible energy and abundance from the Divine, with complete, relaxed focus - is something you can do almost any time, anywhere.

Try simple breathing exercises as you say a few thankful, love-filled words in prayer, devoting those breaths as the very breath of life itself, entering you, filling you, and flowing from you, as well, and you will find greater balance within yourself.

2) Pay attention to your thoughts, your body language, and the words you speak more often. Are you thinking something positive, or something negative? Does your body reflect compassion, love, positive mental attitude, and peacefulness ... or distraught, depression, anger, FEAR, etc?

The more you pay conscious attention to what you're thinking, saying, and projecting to the world around you, the greater control you gain over those things, and the more you can affect them in positive ways. You can virtually transform your life by changing your thoughts, physiology, and the words you speak.

What are you thinking? Is it loving and positive? Is it kind and compassionate? Is it serving a positive purpose for those around you? Think about it, change it, and watch your life transform.

3) Get absolutely clear about what it is you want to be, do, and have. Write it down. Write down what you DON'T want in your life, and write down what you DO want in your life. You might even keep a daily journal, recording your thoughts, desires, and dreams. And remember to write down how thankful you are for what you already have.

"What if you don't think you have much," you ask?

You're breathing, aren't you? Your heart is beating, isn't it? Most likely, you have far more than you realize in the "blessings" department. Be thankful for those blessings; they are gifts of pure Love from your Higher Power.

As you find clarity about what you want to do, be, or have, pray or meditate upon it. Allow your self to feel - REALLY FEEL - and experience having it, doing it, being it. Trust, with complete faith and confidence, that whatever it is, it's already yours ... bring it into your reality, with ZERO doubts or questions that it IS coming to you.

Then, let it go. Don't worry about it. Just follow your intuition - that "still, small voice within" - and KNOW that what you want to be, do, or have will be brought to you ... as it will be, by the will of God ("Higher Power", "Universe", etc).

Seek for the answers you need from that calm, quiet place deep within, and share those answers - that love and enrichment in your life - with those who want and accept it for their own benefits. Allow your life to flow with the life-force energy of Love, for Love is eternal and all-encompassing.

Live, give, and love from the depths of your eternal soul. Be "you-nique"!
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Bryan Hall is a Success Coach, motivational expert, author, and networker whose coaching and writing is based on his "Peak Performance ... Peak LIFE!" philosophies and practices, as found in his new ebook by that name. To find out more about Bryan, his book, his coaching, forums, and more, please visit http://BryanHall.net

Posted 1/09/2003 by Josh Hinds

Take Action on Your Goals!
by Gary Ryan Blair

The odds that you'll succeed without taking action are about the same as winning the lottery without buying a ticket!

For those times when you feel trapped, stressed, or in a prison of your own making, take purposeful action. It's your Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card!

In real estate, it's location, location, location. In goal-setting its action, action, action! You can't just stick out your thumb and hitchhike your way to success. You've got to roll up your sleeves and do the work that needs to be done. The acid test of goal setting is purposeful action.

Be seduced by the attractiveness of your goal. Inaction leads to impotence. Taking purposeful action immunizes you from "Goal Parkinson's," a long, slow goodbye to your dreams.

A quality life is accomplished when thoughtful attention, goal setting, and purposeful action click into position.

Whether your dream is to be or not to be is largely dependent upon your actions! The cure for the ills of procrastination is a heavy prescription of action, until
the day arrives when your dreams and their achievement are one in the same. Until you cannot tell them apart! And when that day arrives, dream bigger dreams and take more action.

A good plan will almost always get you in the door, but it is action that seals the deal. So you want a guarantee? Well here it is: Without purposeful action, the only guarantee is failure and mediocrity!

Don't tiptoe toward your goal, walk confidently...before it waltz's off into the arms of neglect.

Dreams become reality through one simple mode of transportation: purposeful action. The continuation of bad habits, such as procrastination, is like having an addiction to weapons of mass destruction.

It is tragically un-hip to procrastinate. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people never display their true potential; it never has an opening night... never makes a debut. The bulk of potential resides deep within each individual just waiting to come out. And it stays there because people are afraid.

The mechanics of achieving a goal make it easy for people to relate to the necessity of action. But when action is not purposeful, it can be an Achilles heel.

When we operate without planning, we remain forever scattered and confused. You're always busy, but not much gets accomplished. Without a deeper appreciation and application of planning, the most you can expect is marginal improvement.

Intimidate your fears through purposeful goal-directed activity. Since when is being the underdog any reason for not pursuing your dreams?

Remember -- it's not the size of the dog in the fight... it's the size of the fight in the dog!

Don't just pursue your goal... inhabit it! Wear it, act it, live it, taste it! Get committed -- take action. Life is not a scratch-and-sniff test!

When you set a goal, there's distance between your current reality and desired reality.

Procrastination increases the distance and minimizes the chances of achievement.

Procrastination is the mother of regret. It postpones the future, aborts liftoff at the last minute. Unless you take action to achieve your goals, life becomes a constant series of postponements, cancellations, and missed opportunities.

You will never attain your goals simply by thinking and talking about them. You must take action!

Everything Counts!
Gary Ryan Blair
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Written by Gary Ryan Blair - The GoalsGuy is your online goal setting and personal leadership coach. Check-out My Personal Strategic Plan and learn how to achieve more in the next year than most people do in a lifetime. See why best selling author Brian Tracy said, "This is the most remarkable, simple, and practical guide for ANYONE who wants to create the ideal life!" To learn more click here!

Posted 1/06/2003 by Josh Hinds

Three Keys To Personal Power
by Brian Tracy

There are three personality powers that top leaders use to increase their personal power and influence.

Your Emotions Are Contagious - The first power you can develop is enthusiasm. The more excited you are about accomplishing something that is important to you, the more excited others will be about helping you to do it. The fact is that emotions are contagious.

The more passion you have for your life and your activities, the more charisma you will possess, and the more cooperation you will gain from others. Every great man or woman has been totally committed to a noble cause and, as a result, has attracted the support and encouragement of others, in many cases, thousands or millions of others.

The Key To Charisma - The second personality power that you can develop is expertise, or competence. The more knowledgeable you are perceived to be in your field, the more charisma you will have among those who respect and admire that knowledge because of the impact it can have on their lives.

This is also the power of excellence, of being recognized by others as an outstanding performer in your field. Men and women who do their jobs extremely well and who are recognized for the quality of their work are those who naturally attract the help and support of others. They have charisma.

Prepare Thoroughly For Every Event - The third power of personality that gives you charisma in the eyes of others is thorough preparation, detailed preparation, prior to undertaking any significant task.Whether you are calling on a prospect, meeting with your boss, giving a public talk or making any other kind of presentation, when you are well prepared, it becomes clear to everyone.

The careers of many young people are put onto the fast track as a result of their coming to an important meeting after having done all their homework.

Get On Top Of Your Subject - Whether it takes you hours or even days, if an upcoming meeting or interaction is important, take the time to get on top of your subject. Be so thoroughly prepared that nothing can faze you.

Think through and consider every possibility and every ramification. Often, this effort to be fully prepared will do more to generate the respect of others than anything else you can do.

Keep Good Notes - Remember that the power is always on the side of the person who has done the most preparation and has the best notes. Everything counts. Leave nothing to chance. When you do something related to your work or career, take the time to do it right the first time.

You are a work in progress. You are always growing and improving. Your job is to become the very best leader you can be, and you can - with regular and persistent practice of these personality powers.

Action Exercises - Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.

First, get excited about your goals and your work if you want others to be excited. Express your belief and commitment to others at every opportunity.

Second, dedicate yourself to a lifelong process of getting better and better at what you do. Prepare thoroughly for every event. Set an example in everything you do.
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Brian Tracy is one of the world's leading authorities on personal and business success. His fast-moving talks and seminars are loaded with powerful, proven ideas and strategies that you can apply immediately to get better results in every area. Visit Brian's web site and take advantage of his FREE audio program offer - 21 Success Secrets Of Self Made Millionaires, or 21 Great Ways To Manage Your Time And Double Your Productivity.

Posted 1/02/2003 by Josh Hinds

Plussing Your Goals For Outrageous Results
by Mark Victor Hansen

Setting goals is one of the most important things you can do to guarantee your personal, professional and financial success. Goals are like a road map to your target destination. Each goal accomplished is another mile behind you on the way to where you want to be.

Most of us set goals in one form or another. But most of the time we don't ask for enough. We say, 'I want to have a great job. I want my marriage to be successful. I want to have a million dollars.' These are goals for people who dip their toe into what they really want, but they're afraid to go for it.

It's time to stop tiptoeing around the pool and jump into the deep end, head first. It's time to think big, want more and achieve it all!

One of my favorite life-changing assignments to have people do is to write down 101 goals for themselves. This helps to create a solid list of what they want to do and to have in their lifetime. Then, after that initial list has been written, I ask them to create 10 outrageous goals by plussing, or adding to, their initial goals. These are things so extraordinary that 10 goals are all they need.

Why should people have 10 crazy goals? In order to come up with 10 outrageous goals you must thinking outrageously. You must expand your mind and your realm of what's possible.

The bigger you think, the bigger your world becomes. You begin to think outside of yourself. The more you think outside of yourself, the more you begin to think and do for others. The more you do for others, the more rewards and benefits come back to you. It's a cycle that works for the betterment of both you and the world.

'Big goals get big results. No goals get no results or somebody else's results.'

Mark Victor Hansen
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Article submitted by Mark Victor Hansen - Co-Author of the Chicken Soup For The Soul series of books. For over 26 years, Mark Victor Hansen has focused solely on helping people in all walks of life reshape their personal vision of what's possible for themselves. Visit his web site for resources, secure shopping and web-only product specials, speaking schedule and current projects. Mark is also the co-author of "The One Minute Millionaire" book, details here.