Being action oriented is the best way to make up for the times in life when things don’t work out the first time around.

Make no mistake, you have the ability to change your lot in life, provided you are willing to do what’s required. It all begins with a willingness to let go of the idea that others are responsible for whatever has kept you from the vision you have for your life.

Friend, I’m the first to admit that it can be a hard pill to swallow, accepting that you are ultimately responsible for your own life — but when you get it, you become like a painter with an infinite canvas upon which to craft a masterpiece.

It’s your life, LIVE BIG!
Josh Hinds

PS. if you enjoyed the message above you’ll love Josh’s Motivational CD, ‘Why Perfect Timing is a Myth’.

Starting today commit to giving your absolute  best to every task which comes your way. Rather than seeing things as a burden or menial tasks remind yourself that each is preparing you for the eventual larger opportunities which lay in store for you.

To paraphrase business philosopher, author, and lecturer Jim Rohn, you can’t just start at the top, it’s as though life is making sure you can handle the smaller tasks that are required of you, before you’re given the responsibility of having to deal with the bigger ones.

Prove you can work through the smaller things that are asked of you and before you know it, you’ll attract greater opportunity, along with the greater life rewards that come with being able to work through them.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Order your copy of my Success Package – Why perfect Timing is a Myth! – it’s full of tips you can use for staying motivated & inspired to achieve your dreams!

It’s been said that on average a happy customer or client will share their experience with three other people, while a negative experience will be retold upwards of 6 to 7 times.

I readily admit I don’t have the scientific numbers to prove whether the above claim is true or not, but I can tell you that if there’s even the slightest smidgen of truth in it I don’t want to find out for sure! Do you? No, of course you don’t.

Maybe it’s because I speak and coach clients on how to build strong relationships with their customers, and as a result make more sales & greater profits in their businesses, but as you might expect I hear more than my fair share of customer service stories (The good, the bad, and at times the downright ugly).

The following story illustrates not only how important it is to take seriously the way we treat our past customers, but it also shows just how easy it is to blow what could otherwise be a lasting win, win situation for everyone involved.

A friend shared the following story with me.

About 3 months ago my friend went into a local car dealership in our local area and purchased a car, he was absolutely delighted with every aspect of the purchase.

The salesperson was perfect, the car was to his liking, all it seemed was wonderful. Except for one tiny detail, which as you will see shouldn’t have ever been allowed to develop into a problem in the first place — but I’m jumping ahead of the story.

It turns out during the car transaction the salesperson mentioned that my buddy would get his first oil change at no charge. All he would need to do is to call her (the salesperson) when the first oil change was due.

Three months passed, and all the while my friend had been happily sharing the positive experience he had from buying the car.

Then the customer no-service nightmare begins (and I might add, whatever positive relationship had been in place up to that point went kaput!). My friend called the salesperson, he said he reminded her that he had bought a vehicle from her a few months back and just as she’d asked him to do he was calling to get the initial oil change scheduled. The one that was promised as a reward for buying the car from the dealership.

First challenge… not only does she not remember his name, she doesn’t even act as though she has any clue who he is.

Second challenge… rather than offering to take care of scheduling the oil change herself — she says, “I don’t really handle that, but here’s the number of the service department person to ask for, he can take care of you”.

My friend is surprised, but isn’t really bothered by it at this point. He calls the service department and a young lady answers. He explains the situation, and she says that the person whose name he was given was at lunch, and that she “doesn’t know anything about that” — that being a free first oil change when you purchase a car from the dealership.

Instead of offering to take his name she informs him that she would be happy to schedule something if he would like. Unfortunately the “something” wasn’t the as promised free first time oil change.

At this point my friend explains to her that he’s not interested in having their company handle any service work for him. While nice, he also explains that because of the lack of service — from the sales department to their service center he will not only not take advantage of their service department, he will also never purchase another vehicle from the dealership.

His reasoning was solid in my opinion, he said, “Josh, if I can’t count on this company to fulfill a simple oil change, how can I count on them to stand behind a vehicle which costs say, $30,000.00 to $60,000.00. Like I said, his reasoning was sound.

Unfortunately, for the dealership, that was just the beginning of their misfortune — literally in the form of missed referrals and the numerous retellings of this customer no-service story that my friend received.

While he’s not a vindictive person at all, he has told well over 8 to 9 people I know of (myself included) about this unbelievable experience. Think about that for a moment. Consider how many people will now give serious pause to doing business with this company. Even assuming that not one of those people recounted the story (which you know I have just shared it with many people here in this writing, not to mention how many people will hear it when I am speaking from the stage or coaching one of my clients on the right way to build winning customer relationships).

There are many lessons we can gain from the story above, not the least of which is this…

If you make a promise, do your dead level best to live up to it. That’s not to say that you aren’t going to fall short at times, try as we might, we all have our moments where we fall short. Still, if you want to stand out above those in the marketplace when you fall short, do your best to rectify the situation. Be honest about it, admit you fell short and if possible do your best to make up for it.

You don’t have to be perfect, and chances are, you can’t be 100% of the time no matter how hard you try, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a target worth aiming for. Aim for it, and you will find that far more often than not you will be way ahead of the game professionally and personally.

People not only want to be able to believe in and trust those they do business with — they will actively seek out those they can feel that way about. Strive to be that person and you will attract more than your share of opportunity — and make a whole lot more sales in the process!

* Josh Hinds is a motivational speaker and coach, as well as the the author of the Why Perfect Timing is a Myth Success Package!

One thing is for certain, when you go the extra mile there’s always someone, somewhere who takes notice. The challenge is that it may appear that no one sees the extra effort you’re putting in, and in turn there’s a tendency to give up in frustration — which unfortunately undoes any good will you’ve built up to that point.

Admittedly, it’s not easy to stand your ground and keep on piling on the value — especially when it seems that there’s not a living soul who is taking notice.

If you can distinguish yourself from the people who give up, and stick to it you’ll reap the rewards of those who give their best no matter what — and in turn achieve results which are available only to those who can hang on through the challenge.

Always remember that you’ve got greatness in you — and that someone (whether you choose to believe it or not) is always taking notice!

One helpful idea is to track your own daily successes along the way. Doing so will allow you to see first hand that you’re making a real difference, and that you’re contributing in a big way.

It’s perfectly acceptable that until others step in and do so — that you create your own source of validation. Tracking your daily accomplishments will allow you to do just that.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

Btw. You can learn more about the speaking, training, and coaching I do at www.JoshHinds.com

Being forward thinking, and on focus with regards to the goals you have set for yourself, and the direction you want your life to move in is important — no doubt about it.

However, it’s also important to give ample time to the successes you’ve experienced along the way. And we’re not just talking about the monumental wins either. Even the smallest of right actions all add up. They all count, and are important!

The reason taking the time to  recount your past achievements is so important is because in doing so you’ll find it to be a terrific motivator for helping to move you forward on your goals.

When you feel good about the place and path you’re on, and the progress you’re making (and have made in the past) you will find it to be that much easier to stay the course and dedicate the necessary time to accomplishing what needs to be done to get you to the eventual outcome you’ve planned for.

Recounting your past achievements will become a welcome
reminder and source of validation that you’re making things
happen in your life!

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG!

Josh Hinds

As you move through your day remain open to those things which give you a sense of joy and fulfillment. Write them down as you experience them, realizing that they may very well be worthy of more of your time.

When you spend time in pursuit of the things you are passionate about life moves more easily than when you are working on things which don’t give you this same sense of fulfillment. While it’s vital to seek out and dedicate time to your passions be sure to give your absolute best in whatever task you find yourself in.

When you become a person who is known to give your best in any & every undertaking it never goes unnoticed. Opportunity seeks to find that special breed of person who treats even the most seemingly menial things with the same enthusiasm they would more monumental undertakings.

Whether we realize it or not those with opportunities to share always exist and they’re always actively looking for people who give their best in all they do. Strive to be that person and you will be the beneficiary of many incredible rewards.

Keep clearly in mind that how you treat the little things often determines how many chances you will get to do the bigger things which in turn leads to greater rewards in life.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Get details on having me inspire your group by visiting JoshHinds.com.

Whether or not we choose to believe it, for the most part you and I have a clean slate with each new sun rise. Whatever happened yesterday, good or bad is now rooted in the past.

In the moment in which we now find ourselves, we have the ability to focus in on and do the things which will serve us for the better, or we can give our attention to those things which will re-ignite whatever thoughts were causing us to remain stuck.

We have a choice, and fortunately, it isn’t all that difficult to set the tone early on in your day. Does that mean you’re guaranteed not to meet with a challenge early on that will knock you off course or throw you for a loop? Of course not, but in the event that something (or someone) shows up with such an agenda you’ll find yourself a lot more prepared to deal with it and be able to adjust course accordingly.

Here are some simple, but effective ideas you can use to start your day out on a positive note.

Upon waking up, name at least ten people you’re thankful for – recount those in your life who’ve had a positive impact on you. Think of those who have in some way helped to make you the unique person you are. Don’t sell yourself short here.

No matter what place you may find yourself in now, you’re still an amazing person, with unique gifts and talents. You don’t have to believe it, but it’s still the absolute truth! Practicing gratitude is a powerful thing that helps to reconnect us with our inner power, and the abilities which make up who we are.

Give thanks for your talents and skills – each of us has been blessed with special skills and talents. You may not feel as though you’ve completely developed all of yours up to this point in your life, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’ve got them.

Think through those things that others compliment you on, those are talents. Don’t underestimate all the amazing bits and pieces that go into making you the person you are. As you identify and give thanks for the talents that were bestowed upon you commit to develop them and become more proficient in their use.

Write down your days most important action steps the night before – The simple act of writing down the following days most important tasks will give you a plan to move on the next day. Keep in mind that you can get the most productive mileage if you’ll put your “super tasks” at the top, where you’ll complete them first.

For the purpose of this article consider Super Tasks as those things which upon their completion will give you the absolute most bang for your buck. Consider the difference between a “super task” and say one of lesser importance. A super task might be: Calling on a prospective client, while one that doesn’t quite hold such importance in the grand scheme of things might be: cut the grass.

While both are important, and you want to get both done, the simple fact is the first example is going to lead towards a greater reward then the latter. You see, it’s more a matter of separating items which fall into the category of “busy work” versus those which can move us forward at a maximum pace. Another such “super task” might be to spend time studying your industry or chosen profession.

Review the actions steps you wrote down the night before – As you are looking over the items you wrote down, close your eyes and see yourself completing them and experiencing the wonderful sense of accomplishment for having done so. After you have visualized yourself finishing the items on your daily action list take a deep breath and begin your day working on and completing them.

Keep in mind that each new day is just that — an opportunity to turn the page, and implement daily actions that can steer your life in the direction you wish it to go. You can sail your ship, or choose to remain mired in inaction and float aimlessly, dependent upon whatever life may throw your way. My sincere hope for you is that you will choose the first option.

And remember…

It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

-I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the ideas shared above.

PS. Join our free motivational newsletter!

Make a point to introduce a little laughter into your day. Much like taking a vitamin, it’ll do wonders for promoting more joy and happiness in your life.

Instead of just waiting to laugh, be proactive about it — partake in things that will actually cause you to smile more, or even burst out in laughter. A few ideas might include: watch or listen to a comedy. Think back on a humorous event that makes you smile.

The point is, take a moment to just experience a bit of laughter. It has the power to literally change your current state or outlook.

Don’t believe me? The next time you’re feeling down, see for yourself how impossible it is to stay in a sad state when you’re experiencing something that truly takes your mind off what’s bothering you and makes you laugh. It might not be a permanent fix, but often all you need is relief in the current moment.

And that’s worth considering isn’t it?

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. If you enjoyed the ideas above be sure to join our free motivation newsletter — Let’s talk Motivation!

To achieve more, be a person of action. Throughout your day keep in mind the old saying, “all else fails without action”. As you put forth effort on the things you deem to be most worthwhile, you will find that your inner belief system grows.

The beliefs you hold about yourself determine the goals you are able to manifest in your life. Dream big, for when you do, truly you will see that your life becomes one filled with rich life experiences.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Be sure to join our FREE motivation newsletter – Let’s Talk Motivation!

Here’s a positive affirmation you can use when you find yourself needing a bit of inspiration…

“Through ongoing commitment to my own personal and professional development I am becoming the type of person other seek out and wish to do business with.

At the end of each day I reflect on my progress to make sure I did the little things — those items which when performed show that I go above and beyond simply what’s expected.

Anyone can do what’s expected, but those who are serious about getting ahead look for opportunities to serve others at a greater level. Doing the latter are the things that make me stand out favorably among others in the marketplace. Every day I am moving closer towards the goals I have set.

I am as worthy as anyone of achieving success. With each step forward I am moving confidently in the directions of my dreams and attracting those into my life who can help me get there.”

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

* Josh is the author of Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated Day in and Day out! Grab your copy at http://www.getmotivation.com/successpack/