loved ones

Recently, the news of Lucas the young boy who unfortunately drowned while in his grandparents care

has been a topic of discussion throughout the country. As I have been reflecting on what his family is

experiencing, I have been thinking of how I treat my loved ones. Am I truly making the most of the time

I have with them? or, am I too busy filling my day and weeks with ‘must do’s’, or am I making time to

enjoy those people who are special to me?

We never know how long we have with these significant people in our lives. Therefore, this month take

some time to think about the important people in your lives and what you can do to show you care, no

matter how big or small.

To realise the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realise the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realise the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realise the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realise the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the bus.

To realise the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realise the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special

in your life.

Remember, time waits for no-one.

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift. That's why it is called ‘the present’.

Fraser Stirling (fraser.stirling@gmail.com Life Coach)

Same old same old

Just like I commneted yesterday about the AB's going on to win the game. The same is true if thye had arrived with the same game plan that they used last time. If we keep doing the same thing we will get the same results. It isn't always about huge changes. If we simply modify one thing in our order, who knows what may happen. Its about doing one thing different.
Why always walk to work on the same side of the road? Why always drive the same way?
Why always go to the same coffee shop?
Its about planning to be different.

Start doing different things with the same set of circumstances—the ones we've always had and cannot change—and see what miracles occur. If we start the miracle process and change ourselves, then everything changes. And here's what is interesting: the difference between success and failure is so subtle. Let me explain by giving you my definitions of failure and success. Here it is: Failure is a few errors in judgment repeated every day. The man says, "Well I didn't walk around the block today and it didn't kill me, so it must be okay." No, no, it is that kind of error in judgment that after six years has him out of breath and panting as he walks from his car to his office. You can't make those kinds of mistakes; it will end up costing you.

Now, here is my definition of success: A few simple disciplines practiced every day. Do you see the distinction? A few disciplines. Here's a little phrase we've all heard: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." And my question to you is, "What if that's true?" How simple and easy is that plan?

The fact is, when you look at successful people, you will almost always discover a plan behind their success. They know what they want, they work out a plan that will get them where they want to go, and they work their plan. It is the foundation for success. We as humans have the unique ability to effect change in our lives; it is through our own conscious choice when we engage in the miracle process of personal development that we are able to transform our nature and our lives.

So, what are some good ideas on developing a plan that will work well and take you to the finish line powerfully and in style? Here are some major points to keep in mind:

Remember its ok to be different...till next time.

I've done all I can....

What a lesson to be learnt from the All Blacks last night. They looked all gone and dusted. However when it seemed like they had given it all they dug deeper and gave a bit more. This reminded me of the Japanese word Kazian. It means continious improvement.

I want to introduce you to something I call "The Principle of 1 Percent." Simply stated, any endeavor to which you apply yourself, you can improve your abilities in that area 100% in 100 days by simply becoming 1% better every day.

Now, the principle of 1 percent is best applied to one area of your life at a time. It is also very important to write down your actions for the next 100 days, otherwise you will find yourself trying to get 7% better in a single day at the end of the week, and that simply does not work. We are targeting very small improvements on a daily basis here, so keep that in mind as you create your action plan.

Let's say you are a sales person, and thus have chosen to improve your sales skill 100% in 100 days. You would start by defining your "Why." It is important that you know exactly why you want this improvement, not why others want it. This why will drive you to follow through on a daily 1% improvement.

After you have determined your why, you must prepare your action plan. First you would visit the book store and get books and CDs on the subject of selling. You need to get enough to last at least the first 30 days of the program. You can go restock after that, but 30 days is enough to firmly establish a good habit. These books and CDs will replace TV when you are at home, and the radio when you are driving. Over the 100 days, your time will be used effectively, and it is important to remove these other distractions.

Now that you have your books and CDs, choose a successful person in your organization. Write that person an email and ask if it is ok to call for some tips and tricks. If they say no (which almost never happens) find another one. On the phone call, also establish a relationship that will allow you to be in contact with this person on a regular basis, either face to face or over the phone. Maintain this relationship throughout the 100 days and beyond.

Additional activities you may schedule yourself could include some visits to Toastmasters, a chamber of commerce event, a local professionals event, or a seminar or workshop, just to name a few.

This is just a preliminary outline, but think of how much can be accomplished in 100 days! One of the easiest ways to stay on track the whole time is to start the day, right when you wake up reading something positive. You don't need to read much, just 2-4 pages, but it will start you off great (you can find suggested reading in several of my blog entries). Follow that up with reading something in your field, then review your schedule for the day.

By writing out your plan, and having a great "Why" to drive it, you are well on your way to having and incredible experience in only 100 days. Whatever you choose to improve, you will be thankful you did. If anyone tries this out, and has great success, please email me your story.

Its not just the All Blacks that have pressed on when they thought it was all done....so too do you.

Be one percent better every day and watch your life be transformed day by day.

THINK AND GROW RICH-NAPOLEON HILL

Every 3 months I read the Classic Book-Think and Grow Rich.
What amazes me is that no matter how many times I read and reread the book I glean ideas and tips that help me move further ahead. Each time I read it is like I have opened it for the first time. The book has writings in the margin and dates as I glean ideas and thoughts of where I am when I read it at that time.
It shows you that no matter how well we know something that we always have things to learn.
Its exciting to learn and glean new insights as I reread. This lastest read has highlighted the importance of action. Nothing happens unless we act on the hunches and insights we get. We can cultivate the imagination and build our desire till we are burning hot with desire:

The method by which the desire for riches can be transmuted into actual riches consists of six steps:

1.Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. It is insufficient merely to say, “I want plenty of money”.

2.Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. “Something for nothing” is a misconception.

3.Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money.

4.Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.

5.Write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, name the time limit for its acquisition, state what you intend to give in return for the money, and describe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it.

6.Read your written statement aloud, twice daily, once just before retiring at night and once after arising in the morning. You must believe that you are already in possession of that money.

If you have got an idea and or a hunch to do something....act on it and you will find that you can think and grow rich....

Habits are the key to success

All too often Habits are seen as bad things that must be broken. However lets explore what they are and how they can be useful.
If you were look and ask every successful person you will find somewhere in the conversation the word Habit would appear. Through doing the same thing day in and day day out has helped people attain greatness. Until recently a great example would be Tiger Woods. What about Compound Interest. By havling little sums added often helps generate the increases of compound interest.
Our thoughts and and feelings are driven by our values and beliefs. These cause us to do what we do. It is an important thing to explore what we value and what we believe.
It is time to stop blamming failure on this and or that. Rather than look at theings and say I wish....turn it AROUND and ask what would that look like if I were doing it now.
Then simply start doing the small things that are needed....Habit
Habits and powerful whent hey are the ones we want and need.
Make it a great day