If you showed someone your plan for 2010, would they say, “Wow, that’s genius!”? If not, why not? – Robin Sharma

Clear future goals create precise daily behaviors – Robin Sharma

Robin Sharma explained  ”10 Rituals for Radiant Living” in his book “The Monk Who Sold Ferrari”, while explaining the concept of Self Discipline .  He suggests us to practice all these 10 principles everyday to have a disciplined life. In this blog  post  I’m presenting  my understanding on those principles.

1)The Ritual of Solitude: Ensure that you have a mandatory period of peace everyday. Spend some time for yourself. Learn to enjoy the beauty of solitude.  Spending some time in solitude helps you to energize yourself. However, Solitude should not be confused with loneliness.

2)The Ritual of Physicality: Taking caring of the body is as much important as taking care of mind. Nourish your body by exercising regularly at least for half an hour.  Breathe fresh air and breathe effectively.

3)The Ritual of Live Nourishment: It is important to have proper food. You need to nourish yourself with fresh vegetables, fruits and grains. Eat the things which give you energy and which keep you healthy. Make a habit of eating food on proper time. Skipping the food for the sake of work or study spoils your health and lifestyle.  Don’t try to eat food in the late nights. Have proper time gap between dinner and the time you sleep.

4)The Ritual of Abundant Knowledge: Learning is a life long process. It helps you to expand your knowledge horizons. Make it a habit to learn something new everyday. You can learn something new by interacting with people, observing people,  by reading books, reading news papers or anything which helps you in learning.

5) The Ritual of Personal Reflection: Take some time , at least 5 minutes for a day to think about you and your life. Get into the regular habit of personal introspection. While doing this don’t bother to have any distractions like music or browsing or TV. Be bold enough to talk to your own self.

6)The Ritual of Early Awakening: Make it a habit to rise early morning. Initially, this might be little bit boring job , however when you make it a habit life becomes sweeter. When you wake up early all the works of the day will be properly done as you get quality time to plan them effectively. Isn’t it fun to watch nature in early morning

7)The Ritual of Music: We should never underestimate the power of music. Hear serene music in the day to make your day better. However , make sure that you hear proper music to start your day better. If you start your day with blues or some tanhayee types of songs..finish..your day is going to perish. Hear some soothing music early morning.

8.) The Ritual of Spoken Word: Holy books, Scriptures say that uttering prayers help you to keep focussed , strong and calm. May be this is the reason why people suggest you to chant prayers everyday.

9)The Ritual of Congruent Character: Daily make an effort to develop your character. Have basic manners, be good to your folks. Be thankful to the people in your life.  May be these sort of small things make you a better person.

10)The Ritual of Simplicity: This ritual requires you to lead a simple life. Maintain a simple lifestyle. Adopt simplicity as much as possible.

However, you need not allot 10 hours of the day to follow all these rituals religiously. You need be conscious of these rituals and allocate time for each ritual according to the time you have.

Cheers,

Prasanna Rayaprolu

‘The Monk who sold his Ferrari’ one of the best books I have ever read in my life. If I say this post is a review about this book, then it will be a blasphemy.

PLOT\ SYNOPSIS
Well the books tell the story of a professionally successful lawyer (Julian), who was a failure in his personal life. In search of the true happiness, he moves to Himalayas and there he meets legendary saints and they teach him art of living and how to live life fullest. The story is told from the point of view of Julian’s colleague John. The story progresses by, Julian sharing the secret behind his new vigor to john. The story is explained in seven ‘virtues’ like Master your mind, Follow your purpose, practice kaizen, live with discipline, respect your time, selflessly serve others, and embrace the present.

My take
It is good to read motivating books occasionally. That will create some positive energy in our lives. The book is a must read(and must have) for all the professionals, youngsters,(2 say recommend to everyone.) .This book teach us how to live the life fullest and also deals with work-life pressure, self realization, self improvement, spirituality ,charity , time management etc .It is not a book for casual read. Take your time to read it and benefit it.

Interviews with Experts™
People sharing knowledge and ideas

I meet a lot of interesting people both on-line and real-time in daily life, and I’d like to share their stories with you. Interviews with Experts™ features people sharing their thoughts and expertise, from all around the world.

This interview describes how one busy professional maintains a positive work – life balance

Are you becoming a slave to your Blackberry?

Can’t resist taking a ‘quick look’ at emails in the evening?

Do you consistently take on more responsibilties than humanely possible?

How to find a balance?

If we are not working, it seems like we’re thinking about work. This mentality has traditionally been associated with business success. But all work and no play has its downsides: physical and mental stress, lack of time with family and friends, little time to relax, exercise, or just to enjoy a full life.

Let’s meet someone who has found her own work-life balance and is not only succeeding – but living life to the maximum, in her own way and on her own terms.

Today’s featured expert: Dr. Nilgun Birgoren

Her expertise: International Trade & Development – Internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Dr. Birgoren’s strategic consultancy focuses on international / intercultural relations for businesses and governments, socio-economic-political issues, geopolitics, Memorandums of Understandings between governments (MoUs) and free-trade agreements (FTAs). Her consulting expertise includes human resources, international organizations and institutions, environment, renewable / alternative energy, sustainable development and energy efficiency.

In addition to consulting, Dr. Birgoren is also a respected lecturer and public speaker. Her professional affiliations include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Africa and the Middle East, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO – involving private companies in energy, environment and sustainable development), United Nations World Food Programme (WFP – mainly for Asia) CDP – Carbon Disclosure Project, Terre des Hommes, REDD – Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, to name just a few.

A true globetrotter, Dr. Birgoren travels extensively and is fluent in English, French, Italian, Turkish and Arabic. She divides her time between residences in Istanbul, Turkey – La Jolla, California – and Napoli, Italy.

A confident extrovert who enjoys people, sports, good food and conversation, Dr. Birgoren also makes time for her other passions in life – painting and tennis. Her paintings reflect the beauty of color, light, textures and mood; they have been exhibited in cities around the world.  See a selection of her paintings at these links:
Video tour: http://www.nilgunbirgoren.com/video/nil-web.mov
Web site: http://www.NilgunBirgoren.com

Education: Dr. Birgoren (Dr in Economics) attended the University of California San Diego, USA (Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude, Master of Science) and also holds a B.A. in International and Intercultural Studies, M.S. in Management and Organizational Development.

Q: Dr. Birgoren, I find it interesting that you have created a satisfying balance in your life as a successful businesswoman, an accomplished artist who exhibits her work internationally, and also a non-stop tennis player. What’s your secret?

Dr. Birgoren: As a businesswoman, I am into macro-economics and geopolitics; my consulting mainly focuses on renewable energy and sustainable development. For example, I have just become a consultant for Desertec Industrial, a recently launched energy project that that will tap the power of the sun in the Sahara, via a massive installation of solar panels, to potentially satisfy all of Europe’s energy needs. A fantastic project!

Manage your time, or it will manage you!

But my consulting is almost like a hobby for me, because I love my work – otherwise I would not do it. My motivation is a passion for what I do. I guess I am…I don’t want to say a ‘lucky’ person, because I believe that we create luck with our positivism…let’s say an intelligent person who knows exactly what I want to do with my life and with my time.

Time management is a critical success factor to a balanced life. That’s how I can love my work yet also find time to express myself through art and sports.

Q: What is your artistic inspiration?

Dr. Birgoren: When I express myself with my paintings, I draw my creative inspiration from many sources, like colors, nature and fresh air.  I’m equally inspired by the ocean and the desert. I find some find desert landscapes to be harsh and alienating, but I also see a kind of raw, invigorating purity like I see in the endless energy of the ocean.

Q: You told me that you’re an avid tennis player. When I was growing up in the U.S., kids were required to be active in some kind of sport. I enjoyed track and tennis. Based on my own experience, I think that athletics can build a sense of self-confidence that extends to other areas of life as well. Do you agree?

Dr. Birgoren: Yes, sports help a lot with a person’s self-discipline. Tennis is my passion and I adore being out in the fresh air. I play it almost everyday when I am not traveling. Otherwise, I take my racket and shoes with me so I can play, if possible, everywhere I go. In Napoli, I am a member and official sponsor of a tennis club.

Q: What personal qualities have helped to define you as a successful and happy person?

Dr. Birgoren, taking time to smile, and smell the roses

Dr. Birgoren: Business, art, sports…all these activities, put together, enable me to just be myself – a charismatic person who is very sure of herself.  At my recent art inauguration, I was quite happy in a smart Dior outfit. But I would be just as comfortable walking along Rodeo Drive in my tennis shorts, or wearing them under an abaya in Riyadh! If I was in a meeting, I could draw exactly where the solar panels should be installed, if I couldn’t make myself understood. No problem!

But most importantly, I strive to be a good person.  I respect other people and their culture, religion and point of view. There is both sadness and joy in life but I hardly ever complain and I listen a lot. I also smile!  I smile when I am in a meeting with what-ever-head-of-state, I smile while I paint, I smile at my daughter. I even smile to the grocery man when I buy eggplants!  The only time I don’t smile is when I am playing tennis and serving the ball – I might lose my concentration!  <smile>

Thank you, Dr. Birgoren, for sharing your time, your thoughts and sending all of us a virtual smile today.

A final thought from Robin Sharma, LL.B., LL.M., an expert on leadership and personal development.

Live Fully Now

“Too many human beings postpone living. We say that we will live our best lives when we have more time or when we finish the pressing projects that are consuming us. We tell those around us that we will be more loving and passionate when things slow down. We promise ourselves that we will get into world-class physical condition and eat healthier food when we have a little bit more time. Yet, deep within us, each one of us knows that there will never be a better time to live our biggest life than now. And if not today, then when?”

http://www.robinsharmaarticles.com/

Your performance will expand to the size of your dreams – Robin Sharma

Dabar aš kalbu, vadinasi tai ką turiu pasakyti yra geriau už šį mėnesį čia tvyrojusią tylą. Savaitgalį perskaičiau Robin Sharma knygą “Vienuolis, kuris pardavė ferrarį”, tai 1997 metų pasaulinis bestseleris, pateikiantis savotišką formulę padėsiančią žmonėms įgyvendinti savo svajones ir atrasti tikrąjį gyvenimo džiaugsmą. Tiesa, turbūt yra “gyvas galas” tokių motyvacinių knygų, vistik ši man pasirodė itin lengvai skaitoma. Kišeninis formatas, kelios valandos ir į jūsų mintis sugula Rytų išmintis ir Vakarų sekmės mosklo pradmenys. Man patiko! Knygos pagrindas Sivanos išminčių sakmė, simboliais pasakojanti apie septynias dorybes, teikiančias gyvenimui ramybę, džiaugsmą ir dvasines dovanas. Įsivaizduokite tokį reginį:

Sėdite nuostabiame, vešliame žaliame sode. Sodas pilnas gražiausių gėlių, kokias kadanors esi matęs. Aplinkui be galo ramu ir tylu. Mėgaukitės maloniais pojūčiais, įsivaizduokite, kad šiuo gamtos kampeliu galėsite grožėtis visą gyvenimą. Paskui apsižvalgykite – pačiame stebūklingo sodo viduryje stovi raudonas šešiaaukštis švyturys. Staiga sodo tylą sudrumsčia garsus atsiveriančių švyturio durų girgždesys. Laukan iškėblina devynių pėdų aukščio, devynis šimtus svarų sveriantis japonas sumo imtynininkas ir abejingai ima slampinėti po soda. Japonas sumo imtyninkas beveik nuogas. Tik raudona virvė vos dengia jo intymias vietas. Pradėjęs vaikščioti po sodą , sumo imtynininkas randa blizgantį auksinį laikmatį, kūrį kažin kas paliko čia prieš daugelį metų. Imtynininkas ant jo paslysta, trenksmingai griūva žemėn ir netenka sąmonės. Rodos imtynininkas išleido paskutinį kvapą, tik štai jis atsigauna – galbūt jį pažadino netoliese žydinčių geltonų rožių aromatas. Staiga įgavęs energijos, jis žvaliai pašoka ant kojų ir nesąmoningai grįžteli kairėn. Jį pribloškia atsivėręs reginys: pro krūmus pačiame sodo gale jis pamato ilgą vingiuotą kelią, kuris nusėtas milijonų spindinčių deimantų. Vidinis balsas liepia imtynininkui eiti šiuo keliu, ir jis paklūsta. Kelias nuveda jį į amžiną džiaugmą ir palaimą.

Niekad nenuvertinkite paprastumo galios, apeliuoja autorius, tuoj pat supažindindamas skaitytoją su sakmės simbolika:

- Nepaprastas sodas sakmėje – tai žmogaus proto galia, kuri turi būti suvaldyta ir apsaugota neįsileidžiant blogų minčių (piktžolių).
- Švyturys akcentuoja iššūkio, tikslo ir jo siekimo svarbą mūsų gyvenime.
- Sumo imtynininkas ragina žmones praktikuoti kaizen, t.y. nestovėti vietoje, nuolat tobulėti.
- Raudona virvė – tai drausmingo gyvenimo simbolis. Taigi, būtina skirti laiko valios ugdymui, taip bus daug lengviau suvaldyti savo protą ir nukreipti jo galią tikslams pasiekti.
- Auksinis laikmatis primena laiko svarbą ir ribotumą. Tai vienintelis neatsinaujinantis žmogaus išteklius.
- Kvapnios rožės – tai nesavanaudiška tarnystė kitiems.
- Deimantų kelias simbolizuoja dabartį, sugebėjimą džiaugtis šia diena nesidairant atgal.

Paprasta išmintis ir ji iš tiesų naudinga kiekvienam bandant geriau pažinti save.
P.S. Aš kol kas dar nesiruošiu parduoti savo mašinos

“Kırdım” diyorsun zincirlerini. Evet. Köpek de çeker
koparır zincirini, kaçar o da…
Ama halkalarını boynunda taşıyarak !
Persius

“Çoğu insan nasıl yaşanacağını, ancak ölme vakti geldiğinde öğrenir, çok yazık. Çoğu insan ömrünün en güzel yıllarını, bir apartman dairesinin odasında, televizyon seyrederek geçirir. Çoğu insan yirmi yaşında ölür ve seksen yaşında da gömülür. Bunun, sizin başınıza da gelmesine lütfen izin vermeyin.”

Robin Sharma, “Koza Kelebeği Bilmez”
GOA basım Yayın

by Wendy Mejía

 El Monje que Vendio su Ferrari es  una inspirada fábula espiritual, en la línea de Paulo Coelho y Robert Fisher, que nos enseña a perseguir nuestros sueños y encontrar el sentido de la vida. A raíz de un infarto, un prominente abogado  norteamericano que lo tenía todo en la vida (o al menos eso creía él) de nombre Julián Mantle, tras un infarto que lo puso al borde de la muerte, tomó la decisión de vender todas sus posesiones materiales e irse a la India en busca de iluminación.

 Fue entonces cuando conoció a los Sabios de Sivana en una remota comunidad perdida en los Himalayas. Julián Mantle estudió junto a estos durante varios años y así consiguió lo que estaba buscando: las siete virtudes eternas de la vida esclarecida.

Rejuvenecido y en plena forma, regresa a casa y explica a su ex ayudante los siete pasos que conducen a la plenitud personal. La clave del mensaje radica en que la felicidad está en nosotros.

Esta amena historia constituye una fuente de sabiduría práctica y espiritual que puede ser aprovechada por cualquiera, y en especial, por gerentes y profesionales.

Alcanzar esa forma de vida que siempre hemos anhelado es el desafío que nos propone el ex ejecutivo que se desprendió de toda posesión material para alcanzar la paz interior.

 Este libro cuenta con trece capítulos en donde a partir del séptimo “Un jardín Extraordinario“, en donde se reseña la primera virtud: dominar la mente se desarrollan las siguiente virtudes trabajadas en cada capítulo.

8: “Enciende el fuego interior”, perseguir el propósito (el propósito de la vida es una vida con propósito), 9: “El viejo arte del liderazgo, practicar el Kaizen”, es decir, mejorar constantemente, debemos mejorar nuestro mundo interno: el éxito empieza por dentro; 10: “El poder de la disciplina”, vivir con disciplina, 11:” La más preciada mercancía”, respetar el tiempo. El tiempo es un recurso no renovable, 12: “El propósito fundamental de la vida”,  servir desinteresadamente a los demás y, el último capítulo, el  13: “El secreto de  la felicidad de por vida”, abrazar el presente. Sólo se vive una vida gratificante cuando logramos “vivir el ahora”: la felicidad es un viaje, no un destino.

by Suz Amaro

Soy de las que creen que existen momentos extraordinarios y queda registrado como uno de ellos el haber conocido hoy al gurú de liderazgo Robin Sharma.

Al principio hay expectativas pues cuando crees en liderazgo como yo quieres ver más personas que vibran pensando en dar amor, excelencia y ser el mejor que tu puedas en tu vida.

Al conocerlo recibir una persona simple, autentica y ordinaria fue lo mejor que pudo pasar, una persona atenta y simpática, un ser humano conociendo a otros. NO juicios, todo lo contrario veía un alto grado de curiosidad y atención en todo lo que decía, como buscando algo más que mis palabras, buscando conectar.

Me llamó la atención que habló de cómo las empresas en tiempo de turbulencia deben enfocar y apostar a la creatividad para sacar lo mejor, la innovación, sacarle wao a tus clientes y crear un equipo de personas que estén dispuestos  a dar lo mejor de si cada día.

Habló también del amor y de la muerte, que todos al final del dia somos amor, que trabajamos por amor, que las empresas exitosas aman a su marca sus productos y su gente al final es la energía que hacer vibrar el mundo.

Habló también de los miedos!! El mayor paralizador de los logros de la gente es dejarte frisar por ILUSIONES. Definió los miedos como ilusiones que nos arrebatan la acción de nuestros sueños.

El jueves 12 de noviembre fue un día ESPECTACULAR!! Un dia cargado de energía positiva, un día de liderazgo..Ya les contare la semana que viene en detalle ,,, Espero que hayan podido asistir y cultivar su mayor tesoro, su mente.

Excellence lies in the follow through, not in the brilliant idea – Robin Sharma

by Suz Amaro

Corto pero cuanta sabiduría… Algo que los lideres debemos de estar consientes – El significado del éxito, las herramientas necesarias para lograrlo y cómo ensenar a los demás lo que es, al final todos deseamos éxito, aunque para cada quien el significado varia, el  camino es el mismo. Vuelvo y repito- el camino más que el resultado es el mismo. Ahora, ¿cuanto tiempo hemos invertido en conocer y estudiar este fenómeno que al igual que la felicidad esta en un lugar lejano???

Aquí les dejo con las impresiones de Robin al respecto. No dejen de asistir a su extraordinaria charla el próximo 12 de noviembre- Hotel Jaragua de 9 a 1:30- nos vemos allá.

Demasiadas personas creen que hay algo mal con el objetivo de tener éxito. He oído mucho en estos días, la sugerencia de que si te esfuerzas para lograr el éxito, no te preocupa hacer una diferencia o hacer algo significativo. Es casi como si ser un busca vidas es incompatible con ser compasivo, tener conciencia social y hacer el bien.

Bueno, aquí mi opinión sobre el éxito y su significado: una vida extraordinaria la contiene. Sin éxito, tengo la sensación de que la mejor parte de ustedes se sienten un poco hueco. Parte de lo que nos hace humanos es el anhelo de hacer realidad nuestras más grandes regalos y vivir la vida plenamente. Fuimos construidos para brillar. Y sin importancia, creo que nos sentimos que hemos recorrido el planeta en vano.

No hay nada malo con ser un artista de elite y de tomar los pasos necesarios para convertirse en un éxito notable en este mundo. El éxito es en realidad una búsqueda creativa y un reflejo de una autoestima saludable. Y mientras te das cuenta de éxito, os invito a permanecer dedicados a elevar la vida de la gente que tocas y sal a construir un mundo mejor de como lo encontraste. Esa es la pieza clave. Con ambos, usted descubrirá su mejor vida.

“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars or sailed to an uncharted land or opened up a new heaven to the human spirit,” observed Helen Keller. In this change-crazed world we live in, a healthy dose of optimism will help us deal with life’s daily challenges and stay inspired in the face of difficulties. But the habit of positive thinking is not enough. To truly thrive on the inevitable obstacles that will appear on your path, you must learn specific strategies for managing setbacks and transforming your struggles into strengths. The following 5 points will keep you motivated, inspired and focused as you deal with adversity:

1. Search for the Opportunity. The great motivational thinker Napoleon Hill once said that every difficulty contains the seed of an equivalent opportunity. The person of true character has the courage to find it and then seize it in order to move on to a whole new level of success. Problems are a part of life. The only people on the planet who are problem-free are resting six feet under the ground. When faced with an apparent failure or rejection, ask yourself the simple question: “what can I learn from this?” Then use the experience to grow more effective at what you do. Remember, failure is the highway to success. As J.P. Guildford noted: “To live is to have problems and to solve problems is to grow intellectually.”

2. Envision a Better Day. One of the most powerful ways to stay focused and strong in the face of a setback is to simply close your eyes and picture a time when things will be much better. Visualize things going the way you want them to go. Vividly see things unfolding ideally and emotionally connect to how good you will feel once they do. Jonas Salk said: “I’ve had dreams and I’ve had nightmares. I’ve overcome my nightmares because of my dreams.” By staying anchored to a positive vision of your future, you will remain motivated no matter how tough your current circumstances may be.

3. Connect to the Truth. There are certain “Success Truths” or natural laws of achievement that have endured throughout the ages. Unfortunately, with the frenzied pace at which most of us work and live at, we often lose sight of these truths that have stood the test of time, truths such as “just before a great victory one often faces great adversity” or “we learn and grow most from our biggest failures” or “nothing can stop a person who simply refuses to be stopped.” The simply daily discipline of reading an inspirational book or a great text of wisdom from a life philosopher such as Seneca or Thoreau first thing in the morning will reconnect you to the success truths that govern the way we live. Their knowledge will then infuse and inspire every remaining minute of your day and your problems will not seem so big.

4. Select, Reflect and Correct. Reflection is one of the most powerful yet underused business skills. The French scientist Blaise Pascal mused that “All man’s miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone.” The habit of going to a quiet place on a regular basis and reflecting on the causes, solutions and ultimate benefits of a problem you might be experiencing is one that will profoundly improve the level of your personal and professional effectiveness. Thinking deeply about the way you are doing the things you do increases self-awareness which, in turn, prevents future mistakes. Let your past failures serve you. Transform your stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Unless you reflect – then correct – the mistakes of your past, you are doomed to repeat them.

5. Maintain Your Perspective. Stephen Hawking, one of the world’s greatest scientific thinkers, has noted that we live on a minor planet of a very average star located within the outer limits of one of a hundred thousand million galaxies. In light of this finding, can your problems really be that significant? While, in the heat of the moment our challenges seem to be major calamities, over time we are able to see them in a new light. All top performers have developed this ability of keeping their setbacks in a proper perspective, learning from them and then advancing confidently in the direction of their dreams. Never lose sight of the fact that the work you and your team is doing impacts on people’s lives and you can make a difference. That’s what’s most important. As the poet Rumi once said: “When you are dead, seek for your resting place, not in the earth, but in the hearts of men.” Wise words from a wise man.
About Robin Sharma:

Robin is one of the world’s top leadership experts and the author of 10 International bestsellers on Leadership and personal success. He is the CEO of Sharma Leadership International Inc. (SLI), a global learning firm focused on helping people Lead Without Title. Robin holds 2 law degrees including a Masters of Law. His work has helped millions of people in over 50 countries show leadership in their work and personal lives. SLI clients include many of the best known organizations including FedEx, GE, BP, IBM, Castrol, Unilever, Microsoft, Yale University and NASA.

About Mentors Channel

The Mentors Channel is a resource of growth, empowerment & Inspiration. It is the place in which you can find the world’s most famous mentors offering you interactive guided coaching programs, based on their world-wide bestselling books. Each of these programs is designed to support and guide you by learning and practicing the wisdom from their best sellers in your life. Our mentors will guide you towards a great change in your life, one that you have been dreaming of but were never sure how to obtain. Learn More:

Additional Mentors
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Byron Katie’s: The Work on the Web is based on The Work process of Byron Katie and her bestselling books. This program helps people stop suffering, reduce stress, eliminate fear and guides them on a journey to reach happiness and peace. Learn More:

Dr. Deepak Chopra and David Simon’s: The Seven Laws of Success online program, based on the bestselling books: “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” and “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga.” This program reveals how to reach success and create a happier reality. Learn More

More from Mentors Channel
Explore Sharma’s guided online program.
How to attain a happier reality during these hard times.
How to save your job.
How to eliminate your biggest fears.
Deepak Chopra, Byron Katie, & Robin Sharma -
Let the world’s leading mentors guide you.

by Suz Amaro

Y seguimos con Robin Sharma quien nos ha dado el privilegio de enviarnos varios artículos de liderazgo, debajo una comparación de cómo una gran banda de Rock, KISS, ha sido una banda que por su liderazgo ha perdurado en el tiempo. Disfrútenlo tanto como yo. Suz

Les guste esta banda de rock o no, la banda de rock KISS ha sido capaz de permanecer en el juego durante más de 35 años. Ojo, yo era un gran fan de KISS cuando tenía unos 10 años de edad. Sí, los carteles en las paredes de mi dormitorio, los registros en el piso e incluso el maquillaje en el rostro. Los vi en acción recientemente como parte de la Kiss Alive 35 Tour. Y se sacudió la casa.

Es el poder de permanencia de KISS que más me interesa en estos días. En el mundo del comercio en este momento veces, estos son bastante salvajes. Mercados de cambio sin previo aviso. La competencia es feroz y viene hacia ti desde todos los frentes. Y los clientes son más sofisticados, exigentes y conocedores que nunca antes. Entonces, ¿cómo una organización como KISS (sí, son una organización), siendo relevante y en la pantalla del radar de la mente de los consumidores de este tiempo? Aquí están los 4 cosas que KISS hace para impulsar su capacidad de permanencia en el mercado (aplicable a su empresa y estará alrededor de 35 años a partir de ahora también):

1. Se destacan. Sí, KISS ha sido modelado / copiados e imitados por otros grupos con los años. Pero tenían la ventaja de ser los primeros porque fueron los primeros en hacer lo que hicieron. Ser el primero en ir al mercado con algo nuevo, por lo general le da una ventaja sobre la competencia de por vida (que Coca-Cola contra Pepsi / ketchup Heinz v. Hunt). Cuando  llegaron a escena, no había nadie como ellos. Ellos  sorprendieron a todos. Con sus caras pintadas. Con sus zapatos de plataforma de gran tamaño. Con su pirotecnia (muy por delante de cualquier otra banda de rock). Y con Gene Simmons ‘respiración de fuego y escupir sangre. Se destacaron. Así que todos tenían que tomar nota.

2. Ellos construyeron Comunidad. Uno de los más inteligentes se mueve KISS hizo fue poner en marcha el Ejército de KISS desde el principio. Todavía me acuerdo de compras del KISS Alive 2 y recibir una insignia de KISS Army, los tatuajes temporales y un documento que confirme mi membresía. Cada uno de nosotros tiene una profunda necesidad psicológica de pertenecer. Es un rasgo que nos ha permitido sobrevivir con una tribu. KISS aprovechó e hizo que cada uno de sus fans se sientan especiales. Y parte de algo mayor que ellos.

3. Trabajaron LA MARCA. Aunque Peter Criss y Ace Frehley, dos de los miembros originales que quedan debido a problemas de presunto abuso de sustancias y problemas de dinero, Paul Stanley y Gene Simmons han mantenido la mística original de KISS va por todos estos años. Gran parte de los que ha hecho tan perdurable es la forma en que estos dos (Simmons, en particular) han gestionado y protegido de la marca. Lo hicieron con los medios de comunicación, asistieron a las conferencias fan de KISS, que trabajaban en la red y que hicieron todo lo necesario para mantener KISS vivo en los corazones y las mentes de sus fans.

4. Dieron mas de lo que esperaban de ellos. Una de las maneras más sencillas y potentes para aumentar la capacidad de resistencia de su negocio es ofrecer más valor de lo que prometen. Sacarles un wow a sus clientes por lo mucho que das. Y si el producto / servicio en sí mismo es bueno, que van a volver por más. 35 años después.

En liderazgo,

Robin

]]> http://dvdpembelajaran.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/new-movie-audio-in-mid-oct/ Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:26:37 +0000 dvdpembelajaran http://dvdpembelajaran.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/new-movie-audio-in-mid-oct/

Welcome member…

Kami mempunyai koleksi terbaru dari Gerald Kein yang hanya bisa ditemukan disini.

1. Depression (Movie)

This video is about depression, what causes it and how to remove it. Hypnosis techniques are very powerful in dealing with this serious problem that sometimes leads to suicide. Jerry has mastered depression:

* Different depression types
* Depression causes (a lot of things can cause depression!)
* The stems technique
* How to approach a client with depression
* Regression to cause
* Two types of depression from the hypnotic point of view
* Step by step instructions for handling the both types

It’s amazing how Jerry makes solving difficult problems such as depression very easy. It’s simple, powerful, step by step, and works every time.

2. Hypnodontics (Dental) – Movie

- Learn Step By Step Techniques To Prepare The Patient For A Stress Free Dental Visit
- Gain The Knowledge To Teach Patients How To Create Deep Anesthesia
- Discover How To Eliminate The Gagging Reflex
- Learn How To Control Salivation
- Learn To Control Bleeding

In this long overdue workshop, Jerry offers to the dentist and the hypnotherapist the most modern techniques for preparing the patient for a pleasant, stress free dental visit.
Step by step instructions are given enabling you to teach the patient to easily eliminate the stress associated with the dental visit and how to create deep anesthesia; thus, eliminating the fear of injections, drilling and surgical procedures.
In addition, you will be shown how to eliminate the gagging reflex, control salivation, bleeding; plus, much more.

3. Hypnosleep (Movie – Quality Low, Sound Good)

Hypnosleep is hypnosis induced from sleep.
It is deep somnambulism with some benefits not found in the regular deep state. Regressions are instantaneous – hypnoanalysis is fast and precise. The conscious mind is very “silent” which makes hypnotherapeutic work easy.
Jerry’s techniques are simple and powerful. With hypnosleep they are even more impacting.
Like in all of his lectures he demonstrates everything!

4. Hypnosis Tutorial – Correcting Male Impontence (Video)

5. Kevin Hogan – A Course of Metaphors (Audio)

Metaphors are what you use to create new maps in other people’s minds. Metaphors allow you to lay down new neural pathways, new ways of looking at the world. Unlike what everyone else is teaching out there, with this program you will learn how to get into the other person’s brain, find the metaphors they have, and cause change.

6. Jay Abraham – Mastermind Marketing System (Audio)
This CD will let us know about Money-making power principles for your business success!

So, tunggu apalagi… Mau mencari film lama atau baru…?
Disini tempatnya !

Terima kasih & salam sukses untuk orang LUAR BIASA seperti Anda.

List selengkapnya bisa di download di Daftar baru CD per Oct 2009

by Suz Amaro

Como les mencione la semana pasada, tendremos el honor de recibir a uno de los gurus mas importantes de liderazgo del mundo, Robin Sharma.

Robin Sharma

 Creo que es una inversión que todo emprendedor debe hacer, ya que debemos de comprender cada día más que el liderazgo es la estrategia única del futuro que hará que las empresas sobrevivan o que hará que su vida sea el éxito que usted desea que sea

Le pedimos al mismísimo Robin Sharma nos enviara su visión de liderazgo y por eso les dejo con su punto de vista de lo que es liderazgo. Disfrútenlo.

Nos vemos el 12 de noviembre en este evento!!!

¿Qué es el liderazgo?

 El liderazgo no tiene nada que ver con el título en su tarjeta de visita o el tamaño de su oficina. El liderazgo no es acerca de cuánto dinero usted hace o la ropa que usa. El liderazgo es una filosofía. Es una actitud. Es un estado de ánimo. Y está disponible a cada uno de nosotros.

He aquí un ejemplo. Dedico mucho de mi vida en los aviones y viajar, así que mi equipaje es muy importante. El mango en mi equipaje de mano se rompió después de mi gira por Rusia hace unos meses (tiene que poner una visita a San Petersburgo en su lista de lugares a visitar antes de morir). Llevé la pieza a Evex, un distribuidor en Toronto. El joven en el mostrador me trato maravillosamente y dentro de unos días, se fijó el mango.

 Mientras en Nueva York hace una semana, el mango se rompió de nuevo. Supuse que tendría que pagar la reparación, cuando volví a Evex. La mayoría de empresas hacen pasar a sus clientes a través muchos obstáculos: si no ha guardado el recibo, si usted no sabe quién hizo la reparación inicial, no podemos ayudarle, etc. etc. Bueno, Evex es diferente. Ellos entienden lo que es liderazgo. Ellos entienden que, sin tratar bien a sus clientes, no hay negocio.

Cuando le expliqué que el mango se rompió de nuevo, la joven en el mostrador – sin un momento de duda – se disculpó por el problema que enfrentan. Ella les dijo: “Le prometo que usted tendrá su equipaje de mano en perfecto orden dentro de 3 días. Y, por supuesto, señor, no habrá cargo alguno”. Ninguna burocracia en torno a la necesidad de la recepción de la reparación anterior. Sin problemas. No hay ningún problema. Sólo un gran servicio, con una sonrisa gigante.

Esta mujer mostró liderazgo. Rápidamente se diagnostica el problema, asumió la responsabilidad personal y tomó la decisión correcta. Y se asombró de su cliente en el proceso. ¿Qué vas a hacer para ser el líder que está destinado a ser, hoy en día?

“Decir que no tienes tiempo para mejorar tus pensamientos

es como decir  que  no tienes tiempo para echar gasolina

porque estás demasiado ocupado conduciendo”

Robin Sharma, autor de El monje que vendió su ferrari 

Decía Einstein que la creatividad está más allá del pensamiento, que el conocimiento es limitado, que la mente racional es un fiel sirviente y, el verdadero regalo es la intuición y la imaginación.

Pero no sólo es importante en el mundo científico, si hay alguna cualidad indispensable para los empresarios y empresas, esa es la creatividad. La capacidad de generar ideas, susceptibles de convertirse en oportunidades puede ser la diferencia entre el éxito y el fracaso empresarial. 

Lo mismo sucede en nuestra vida privada, en nuestras relaciones de pareja, con amigos, con nuestros hijos… todos sabemos la importancia de ser creativos. Pero, ¿cómo se consigue?, ¿cómo ir más allá de nuestro pensamiento?

Uno de los caminos posibles es a través de la contemplación de las cosas bellas, de la quietud y el silencio que la observación nos brinda. Esto es lo que en la cultura asiática se entiende como meditación y Ellen Langer, una sociopsicóloga de Harvard, llama “cultura de la atención”:

“Deternerse en el día a día, a mirar, escuchar, sentir, oler, saborear con detenmiento y de forma consciente. Hay que tomarse el tiempo necesario para ver como las nubes cambian de forma. Cerrar los ojos y percibir uno tras otro, los mil sonidos que se pueden escuchar… Meterse en la boca un trozo de chocolate y no tragarlo de golpe, sino dejar que se deshaga lentamente, captando los matices del sabor… ¡La atención es el arte de captar las diferencias más pequeñas!”

Para aquellos que querais conocer con mayor profundidad este tema, os invitamos a asistir a la Conferencia que Jorge Lomar impartirá en Espacio OCTO, asimismo os facilitamos enlaces directos a los artículos que hemos publicado (acceder es sencillo, pulsando encima de cada título). Si vuestro interés es más intenso y quereis aprender la práctica, podréis asistir a los Talleres de Trabajo que Jorge Lomar impartirá en Espacio OCTO.  

La felicidad

La intuición

La disciplina

La meditación 

Tomando café…

Pintar mandalas

Los niños nos imitan 

El hombre más feliz de la tierra

Física cuántica: creando la realidad

Entrevista a Eckhart Tolle: Vivir el Ahora,  Asociación Conciencia

¿Para qué cambiar?, Jorge Lomar

What’s the thing every woman wants and every man wants to be?

You got it. A hero.

And that’s what Bill Clinton proved himself to be today. Just heard on CNN that he sweet talked Kim Jong-il into releasing Euna Lee and Laura Ling, two reporters arrested in March for supposedly “hostile” acts against the state and sentenced to 12 years hard labour.

At the time of this entry I have no idea what Clinton said (or promised) to secure the pardon, but all I can tell you is I felt a deep down visceral pleasure in that news.

You know, with the coming release of GI Joe and the just released Harry Potter installment, we’re saturated with the notion that heroes have to be preternaturally strong, possess magical abilities or have access to the most unique weaponry devised by man or Hollywood.

Even Clinton, white-haired devil that he is, has “super powers” that most of us can’t even imagine laying claim to, such as…..Hillary, world’s second most powerful wife, music played when he entered a room.

But the average joe? Not so much.

He’s got a 9-5 job that takes up most of his energy; bills to pay from a salary containing a lot fewer zero’s than a presidential paycheque. He’s got a lawn to mow, kids to ferry around and then when he’s got a few minutes for himself guess who wants a piece of that?

I suggest ladies, and I urge you guys to think about meeting each other’s expectations somewhere in the middle. I think when I was young I heard some claptrap about women never having to accept compromise as a solution to anything. You were supposed to go after what you want from a guy and never settle for anything less. Without the numbers at hand, I can’t say for sure, but I’d be willing to bet that that strategy works, oh, 2 times out of ten.

Guys don’t like to be “told” and women don’t like the word “no.”
So where does that leave us?

With compromise. I am now a convert. Ahhhh. I say the word, and I feel like I’m in a commercial where the soft wind is blowing freshly washed sheets on a line and the sweet scent is bathing me in yummy goodness.

Compromise is an act of respect. Simple as that. Every time I think of the word, I get a picture in my mind’s eye of a man and women standing facing each other, hands clasped near their heart centre’s and looking into each other’s eyes. Hmm. Remind you of something? The day you got married perhaps? When you promised a whole bunch of things. Or if you’re not espoused, then the simple act of being in unison before you tear up the sheets

If you haven’t got it in you to give it all, then be a hero and give what you can. Small acts of loving kindness, bestowing attention and
making an effort go a long way in a woman’s eyes and heart.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Speaking of heroes, I picked up a neat little trick years ago from Barbara Sher. She wrote “Live the Life You Love.” And it in there was an exercise in which you picked your “allies”. Sure they could be your parents, your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, friends, etc….but Sher also suggests that you choose allies from your childhood; from history; from fiction. Living or dead or non-existent your very own band of super companions to lift you up when you’re struggling, or cheer you on when you get a bright idea.

I remember doing the exercise with a grin on my face. I put Gandhi in the corner by the window next to Elizabeth the first. Sherlock Holmes lounged in a chair while Winston Churchill stood behind him. My room got very crowded.

Then a couple of years ago I took it one step further. I created a sort of “wish” book; things I wanted to do, see and be.
Being Queen, CEO and Chief Poohbah of Linda Kaban-dom, I realized I needed a Board of Directors, so I made a “portrait” of me and my gang and pasted it into my book.

I’m in the middle surrounded by 12 over-achievers from the worlds of politics, TV, world peace, motivation, science and spirituality. Starting at the top right: Robin Sharma, Canada’s premier leadership coach; followed by Mark Burnett, author of “Dare to Succeed” and creator of Survivor and The Apprentice. Winston Churchill is next; you know this guy…the saviour of the free world and the one who said, “Never, never, never, never give up.”

After him is the dude I would give my right arm to meet, The Dalai Lama. My beloved Deepak Chopra is next. Followed by Einstein, Gandhi, Wayne Dyer; and the lady who gave me my mantra, Eleanor Roosevelt. She said, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

Another great lady, Helen Keller who said, “The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate pushes of each honest worker (or husband, wife, lover, friend [my words] ), rounds out the female contingent on my Board.

And last but never least, Richard Carlson and Henry David Thoreau.

With these advisors behind me, I feel like I can do anything; because their greatest gift was to come before me and show me how.

You might want to give this exercise a chance. We all need allies and heroes in our lives.

I remember an episode of the original Star Trek. The captain and some crew beamed down to a planet where the people were being subjugated by a machine that caused them to act like placid, beneficent sheep during the day and wild hellions after sundown.

I only mention this because last week I had one of those moments that was bigger than an aha; bigger than an epiphany really. I was eagerly awaiting the beginning of Wayne Dyer’s new PBS special based on his book “Excuses Begone.” I love this guy. My iPOD is loaded with his programs and I credit him, among others for opening my eyes to new ways of thinking.

BUT…as they were showing snippets of the show to come, I sat bolt upright on my couch and my jaw flopped agape. I watched the pictures of Dyer moving across the stage, but it was the audience that really captivated me. In some shots I could see a few of them crying, and ALL of them were transfixed by the man who was about to speak.

What caused my momentary trip into that world of pure awareness was the realization that I was watching the birth of a new religion.

In the old tradition people were made to fear and venerate a god that was the bringer of pain and pleasure.
In the new, people are being made to fear and venerate their own enlightenment; which if not attained by conscious application of right ways of living, speaking and thinking will cause immense mental and emotional pain.

In the old tradition, people were taught to follow the word of Christ and that to fall off the path of righteousness would be a sin.
In the new tradition, people are being taught by wisdom writers and speakers to follow their own hearts, their dharma, their bliss and to fall off the path would be a sin unto yourself.

Since I quit Sunday School at twelve and told my mother I would never go back, it’s safe to say that even at that young age, I knew that I needed to follow a different path. But that was before Dyer and Chopra hit the world stage. I needed to find my own way and create my own code of conduct. I needed to establish my own set of core values of which kindness and generosity of spirit were high on the list.

And judging from the ages of the people in that theatre, I would say that more than a few of my peers had faced their own struggle along the way.

I’ve heard Wayne Dyer joke about being a prophet. You know what? Excellent!! If one man, or a hundred men and women like him can ease the way of just one soul in turmoil then I say kudos. Whether the new wisdom teachers will be remembered as the prophets of this “new age” only time will tell. But here we are now in the midst of this uprising of consciousness and it’s fascinating to watch. These are PEOPLE helping people. Not incorporeal figments of a collective human consciousness that arose two thousand years ago, but people who are flawed and who just have the gift of dispensing wisdom with flair and conviction.

And I like what is happening to the average joe/jane.

I like that I receive emails from people who add a dash of genuine human regard to their signatures. I had one today from a woman who commented on my blog at shedarestodream.com . She ended the email with her name and “In Joy with Myself.”

And you know, being a child of the 70’s I wouldn’t be too sad if the common greeting reverted back to “peace”. hahaha. Groovy.

I like that people are thinking more before they act now. They think about the repercussions to their own psyche and soul, and to the person with whom they’re interacting.

I like that people are stepping out of their own fears to achieve life long dreams; not just the adventurers and go-getters of the world, but people like the single mom who has the temerity to start a home grown business because she can.

The only caution I would advise is to take everything you read or hear with a grain of salt. Leadership guru Robin Sharma says, “Do not take personal development books as gospel. Read them and take whatever useful ideas that you need. Some people feel they must do everything suggested and take the techniques to extremes. Every book has at least one tool or strategy of benefit. Take what you need and what works for you and discard what doesn’t suit you.”

The new “tradition” is a wonderful advancement in the evolution of the human spirit and species.

Just retain enough of your own spice and chutzpah, so that enlightenment doesn’t choke your natural inclinations.

The Law of Attraction is only as good as the effort you put into your desires.

The virtues of kindness and understanding don’t mean having blind acceptance of thoughtless behaviour.
Remembering to adhere to all of the adjectives, nouns and verbs like…abundance, prosperity, intent, dharma, coincidence, synchronicity, wisdom, joy, happiness, success, aspirations, inspiration, peace, silence….is a lot of work. Work worth committing yourself to, but re-create yourself slowly. Be patient with the process and don’t let your expectations get the better of you when they’re not being met in a timely manner.

Don’t end up like those characters in Star Trek whose beatific smiles suppress the wild child within. Find your balance, trust your gut, and subjectively listen objectively.

I used to work for a woman who is devoutly Christian. We butted heads more times than I can remember. I was too much of a free spirit for her sensibilities. And because of that she made my life miserable. I wasn’t a “god-fearing believer”; I stood up for the underdogs that she was too afraid to protect and alternately bullied, and spoke my mind when in her eyes I should have just put up and shut up.

She came into the office one morning and told me she had stood in the shower and gave her day into god’s hands. Glory be!!!
I remember cocking my head and thankfully not saying, just thinking, “But what are YOU going to put into this day?” She wouldn’t have understood my question. Like all fanatics who blindly acquiesce she could not understand the concept of free will; or responsibility, or compassion or even loving kindness. She explained away every rotten word and action as “god’s will.”

I thought about her today because I’m reading a great little book compiled by Louise Hay entitled, “Everyday Positive Thinking.” She and a group of fellow pundits, like Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Brian Weiss, etc, composed delicious little bites of affirmative actions we can take to bump up our chances of living a more equanimous existence.

But there was one passage that stuck in my throat. Couldn’t swallow it no matter how much thought I gave to it. Author and broadcaster Tavis Smiley wrote, “When life presents more challenges than you can handle, delegate to God. He not only has the answer; he is the answer.”

Well. If I had only known that, I could have saved myself years of suffering trying to make my life better, fighting against all odds. I should have just sat back on my couch and said, “It’s all yours lord. Take it away. I’ll be here waiting for the good stuff when you finish fighting my battles for me.”

If we’re to ascribe to this theory, then in that spirit I would ask, “Who do you think sent the challenges in the first place?”

See this is why I love philosophy. There’s no greater brain tease.

When you add to the mix people for the other side of the argument, like me, and Robin Sharma who believe that by taking responsibility, committing to a lot of hard work and harbouring faith that YOU will be able to overcome any adversity that darkens your path; life is less of a lazy, whiny afternoon on the couch and more fulfilling than giving over any portion of it to some white-bearded dude who supposedly hands out pain and pleasure just for the fun of seeing you scramble.

If I were like Tavis, I’d still be stuck in a marriage that was slowly killing my spirit. According to his theory, god would make my ex-husband stop being destructive if I waited long enough. I have a feeling though that I’d still be crying in the closet like I used to do every night, afraid to make noise, afraid to have an opinion, afraid to be glorious.

No. I choose free will. I choose to believe in a universe that is a neutral source of energy from which we can all draw to achieve wonders.
We can choose to be a better person. We can choose to stop ugly words before they come out of our mouths. We can choose to be advocates for people who haven’t yet learned to stand up for themselves. We can choose to take a challenge and creatively manipulate a closed door into a open window of opportunity. We can choose to stop letting fear rule our lives and our loves.

Before you send out the Inquisition to throw a hood over my head and drag me away to be sentenced for heresy, read John, chapter 10, verse 18, “No one takes my life away from me. I give it up of my own free will.”
Or to paraphrase that venerable prophet, “No person, living, dead or incorporeally ensconced in a throne has the right to throw challenges my way and not expect a valiant fight to overcome them or gets to take the credit when I get it right.”
Amen.

Joined Twitter the other night.
Figured to use it as a business tool. A way to connect, promote and tweet pithy little blurbs of wisdom.

So I picked up a few people to follow….a few of my mentor teachers, like Deepak Chopra, Cheryl Richardson and Robin Sharma. Looks like they had the idea before me. So now I’m watching a whole lot of people; philosophers, coaches and leadership experts trying to out-pithy each other.

It’s hard when you only have 140 characters to use. So I wondered how you condense “meaningful” into 140 letters and spaces.

• I love you. You mean the world to me and I want to make you happy. (way less than 140, but it contains EVERYTHING in it. Also, suggestion….. don’t tweet it, say it. Or even better, show it, do it, prove it….love is not just a noun; it’s a verb)
• The first sip of coffee in the morning is always as delicious as the day before’s. Never take your coffee or ANYONE for granted. (twittered that this morning)
• Objectivity enables you to view any person or situation with compassion. (Deepak Chopra)
• Twice a year I give clothes to the poor box. No matter how much you think you don’t have, you still have enough to give away something. (me, yesterday…and I did gather 3 big bags of clothes)
• All this microblogging has me thinking. Shouldn’t we also be microwinning and microexercising and microleading? And microwaving…. (Robin Sharma)
• Seems to be so many life changes up for people. Sending out a universal prayer of healing and care for us all… (Cheryl Richardson)
• “Happiness is only real when shared.” Fantastic quote from INTO THE WILD movie. (twittered by motivatorman, Emmanuel Lopez)
• Never, never, never give up. (what Winston Churchill would have twittered)

I’m wondering if the Buddha would have twittered?  He had nothing to do all those long years sitting beneath his tree. Since his wisdom is all hearsay anyway (same with Jesus), wouldn’t it have been cool if he could have given us the what’s what as it became clear to him?

I’m still trying to justify Twitter and it’s meaning for me, but if I look at it as a way to give someone, ANYONE, a little pick-me-up, a smile, an opportunity to learn, or a new way of looking at something, then that’s good enough reason to tweet for now.

Phil Keoghan is the host of that “amazing” reality series, “The Amazing Race.”
The native New Zealander more than walks his talk. In his book “NOW-No Opportunity Wasted”, he let’s us visit his notion that none of us have to live SMALL lives.

He’s a bungee jumping, mountain climbing, parasailing, termite/slug eating, cobra blood drinking, iron man triathlon participant, husband, father and dreamer.

It all started the way most wake up calls come….when you’re about to lose something; in his case, his life. He was 19, scuba diving, cut off from his crew and running out of air. Imagine!!! 19 years old with all of it ahead of you and moments from death. Whatever deal he made with the devil or whatever solemn vow he made to God worked because he lived to see another day. And boy has he lived.

Ok. Not all of us are Phil Keoghans. Most of us don’t get the opportunity to kiss death on the cheek well before “our time” in our 70’s or 80’s. Not all of us take even the threat of loss to shake us up. What? You’re losing someone you care about? To inattention or indifference….or most heart breakingly, to death. So what? There’s always someone else to fill the void. Isn’t there?

I’ve talked about our “throw away” world before and at first glance it seems that someone like Phil and other extreme adventure seekers are jumping from thrill to thrill in an effort to “escape”….because what they’ve got isn’t satisfying enough….because they can’t hang on to an experience long enough to savour the richness of it. People like this can come across as flaky and scattered. I don’t believe it for a minute. In the acknowledgement portion of his book, Keoghan first and foremost thanks Louise, his “best friend, fellow adventurer, business partner and wife.” He thanked his “beautiful and fearless daughter” for inspiring him every day.

This is not a man running away from life and responsibilities. This is a man INVOLVING himself in life in every way. From the heart opening adventures of committed love to life embracing adventures all over the planet.

I’m drawn to people like this amazing man. I’ve never done a bungee jump or sat down with a tribe of natives in the rainforest or eaten piranha soup (teeth and all), but I’d like to think I’m not afraid of the possibilities of attempting my own version of life enhancing adventures.

I want to take a long motorcycle trip through the mountains, never knowing what’s around the next bend in the road, until I gasp with the pleasure of seeing it.
Although skydiving’s never off the table, a hot air balloon ride would satisfy my immediate need to float high above the earth.
I’m not a runner but I want to compete in a walking marathon.
I want to perform “Patricia the Stripper” from Chris De Burgh’s Spanish Train album on stage, in front of a very large audience.
I’m not into sharks but would love to swim with dolphins.
I want to back pack across Tibet.
I want to give a speech on the same stage as my heroes, Deepak Chopra and Robin Sharma.
I want to go zip lining through the Costa Rican rain forest.
I want to go to the Adult Space Academy in Alabama.

Those are just a few. None of them death defying. I don’t need that to FEEL alive.

What I do to honour my life is to always have my foot hovering to take that LEAP OF FAITH. Because that’s what adventure and love need. You never know what’s going to happen if you take that leap; but you never know what’s going to happen if you don’t.

I’m a dyed in the wool, hard core Robin Sharma fan. You know that. But the great man gave me pause this morning when I read his blog. Traveling throughout South Africa, he noted certain “truths” and offered them up in metaphors. I gave a nod of agreement when he said, “….the best way to survive a lion attack, our guide told us, is to run directly towards it. It then thinks you are a predator. Works the same way with your fears: run away from them and they’ll get you. Run to them and they’ll leave you alone.”

I’m all for that. A young entrepreneur who is a fan of my website called me last week to promote her line of inspirational greeting cards. It was a nice surprise to find a thoughtful sample in the mail, personalized inside with a representation of my home page on one side and a nice note on the other. On the front though, it was the quote that made me smile. A fierce one. It said, “The fearless are merely fearless. People who act in spite of their fear are truly brave.”

I liked that because I’ve mentioned before I admire courage above all.

But Robin’s next metaphor had me shaking my head in disagreement. In Africa he found, “….one guide had been bitten by snakes 25 times. So much immunity had been built up that now all he suffers is a headache if bitten. Adversity is like that too, I think. The more we get knocked down, the stronger and more immune we get.”

I held up my hand and went whoa Robin, back up there a bit.

In the past 10 months I have faced homelessness; penury and illness….but more tragically….abandonment; verbal, emotional and mental abuse; lying; and cruelness, all from people who supposedly love me or to whom I’m important.

I’m stronger for sure, but immune? I don’t think so. Every single assault on my good nature, patience and love hurts me fresh every time. And why should I become immune? The reason we have pain receptors in our bodies is to alert us to something that’s “wrong”. If I fell onto cement and never felt the pain, how would I know to go to the hospital when my brain started to swell with internal bleeding?

We have to remain open to the pain people hand us. Only then will we know what we’re willing to accept and what to exorcise from our lives.

I say let your defenses down people.

Or else how will you know what’s real and who to trust?

I had two girlfriends. Both no longer women I want to call my friend.
One I had known for 28 years; the other for about 5. The first abandoned me because my current trials and tribulations are outside of her comfort zone and by disassociating herself from me, her safe life can’t be compromised. As if I was an infection to be avoided. The second woman wants true friendship with all her heart, but her own experiences with abandonment and cruelty have wounded her to the point that she cannot trust that it exists. She sabotages friendship before it hurts her.

The pain of their betrayal is the kind that doubles you over with grief. But by being open to this pain I made the decision to let them go. When I fight the good fight I only want people who have my back; who will stand beside me, protecting me, fighting with me. If they can’t rise above themselves to be with me through the bad times, they don’t deserve to celebrate life with me when the good times return.

If I was immune to that type of disgraceful behaviour, I would simply put up with it and continue to be let down by these girls. But I refuse to accept that kind of nonsense anymore. I have around me a solid core of friends who would do anything for me; as I would for them, because their courage for sticking with me deserves to be honoured and appreciated.

It’s the same with love.
We’ve all been hurt. But how do you know your first love was real love anyway? Was it your gonads or your heart strings that were being pulled? Was it the primal call to procreate or would you have walked on hot coals for your beloved? Were they your beloved? What’s the benchmark? Were they kind to you? Did they stick by your side through thick or thin? Did they demean you? Did they disrespect you? And so now, by making yourself immune to this type of soul pain, you’ve shut yourself off from all hope? What if a woman came into your life who DID stick by you no matter what; who IS endlessly kind to you; who NEVER demeans you; who ALWAYS respects you; so what then? How would you recognize her because you’re going to treat her with the same distrust, disregard and disrespect that your first wife forced you to learn as a means of protection? Not only are you going to lose her, you’ve condemned yourself to a very lonely life based on the actions of a cruel person who didn’t deserve you in the first place.

So your everlasting, parting gift from behind door number one is a coldness that a thousand suns can’t warm. But you’re safe now; you’re immune. Love can’t hurt you anymore….but people, the other side of the coin is joy. You’ve cut yourself off from joy as well.

All I’m saying is, when the snake bites you, instead of building defenses, walk bravely with an open heart….and carry a machete.

I’m reading Robin Sharma’s book, “The Greatness Guide.” I keep returning to the chapter entitled, “Who Made Success a Dirty Word?” 

He said, “Too many people believe that there’s something wrong with aiming to be really successful. Too many people put down productive achievement. Too many people snicker at go-getters who set their goals and then devote themselves to realizing them. I’ve heard it a lot these days, the suggestion that if you strive for success, you must not be all that concerned with making a difference and being significant. It’s almost as if being a go-getter is incompatible with being compassionate and a good person. Nonsense.” 

I think those are really important words. I’ve struggled over this issue myself. Can I be Oprah Winfrey AND Mother Teresa at the same time? Is my craving for a “nice” life inconsistent with my desire to do good? 

I was speaking to a friend of mine, a business owner, about this very issue. Now by all standards he is a successful man. He’s well-traveled, can afford the luxury of travel; his daughter is attending a private school; he’s not Donald Trump wealthy, but he’s doing ok. His belief is that the abundance of the universe is ours to share. All of us. By conducting his business thoughtfully, with an eye to providing his clients the most excellent service possible, he has no problem reaping the rewards of his endeavours. He believes he deserves it. I remember standing in his office cringing slightly, wondering if the karma fairies were going to strike him where he sat. I mean who says that out loud? But then I thought about it. Here is a man who, in his middle-age, built a business from the ground up; whose personal and professional code of conduct is thoughtfully measured and monitored; and a man for whom his employees have great respect and admiration.  If that weren’t enough, he gave me the money to attend the course I need to complete my training as a Life Coach. Just out of the blue, one sunny day, out of the goodness of his heart, he gave me this opportunity. 

In his case and in the case of so many other good folks I have the opportunity to call friends, success, whether personal or professional, has been the catalyst to uncovering their “goodness”. 

The chapter continues, “Here’s my take on the “success versus significance” issue: An extraordinary life contains both. The essence of life is balance. Without success, I have a sense that the best part of you will feel a little hollow. Part of what makes us human is the hunger to realize our greatest gifts and to live life fully. We were built to be great.”  

For myself, I know what makes me “feel” successful. I love to give; of myself. I love to touch lives and leave them better. It doesn’t matter that I live simply, without the outward trappings of success. Would I like to earn/have enough money to ward off the worry and stress of not being able to meet my financial obligations as a good citizen? Absolutely. Will it make me happy to have more money? Only from the standpoint that it will give me a more secure base from which to conduct my calling as a teacher and mentor. If I’m not worried or preoccupied, then my clients/students will benefit from my undivided attention.

Sometimes, when I’m feeling a little whimsical, I think how neat it would be to pack it all in like Harrison Ford’s character in the movie 6 Days, 7 Nights. He was a pilot and lived in a shack on an island in the South Seas. He lived from day to day, working when he needed to and absolving himself from all responsibility to the world around him. 

I could build a hut in the Ganaraska Forest, bill myself as the “witch woman” of Campbellcroft, Ontario. I could ply my “coaching” trade from the sawed off stump next to the camp fire and sell corn husk dollies to keep me in gruel. 

Or maybe not. My love is here. My passion is here. My students await. Whether or not I become “successful” according to the world’s standards doesn’t matter to me. I can’t take it with me, but I can give all I have now. Success is a matter of perception and degree. Significance though, brings rewards beyond measure. And the only way you can spend those rewards is to give them back again. Neat system and really, that makes me a very wealthy woman indeed.