Stop Wasting Your Life Reading "How To" Articles

Yeah, I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to learn stuff. You think that if you learn more, you’ll become smarter, more capable and eventually will have a greater potential to do stuff.

But you’re wrong! Your potential to achieve great things has nothing to do with how much you read. Yes, there is a small amount of learning that you must do if you are to be successful. However, the aforementioned amount can be measured in hours of instruction, not weeks, months or even years as advocated by most.

For example, did you know that Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, never finished grade school? That’s right. Forget about being college educated, this guy didn’t even get past the 5th grade! And this was in a time when having a college degree actually meant something.

Not like today!

But I digress…

The point is that you need to WANT what you want to achieve. You need to want it so bad that you think of nothing else. You need to want it so bad that you just want to work on it and it alone, to the detriment of all your other stupid hobbies. Want to be rich? THEN WORK ON BEING RICH!

Want to pick up girls. WORK ON IT!

STOP READING HOW TO ARTICLES.

I hear you saying, “But how will I know what to do unless I read about it!”

BY DOING! Just get out there and do stuff. It doesn’t matter if you’re not making any progress. The experience that you gain by trying different things out is FAR MORE VALUABLE than some random facts you’re going to forget immediately after putting down the article.

People who are successful ARE so because they put their all into whatever they want to succeed in. The amount of work they put into is probably characterized by other people as an “unhealthy obsession.”

This is the level at which you need to be if you want to achieve your dreams!

Go out there and be unhealthily obsessed!

For something completely unrelated, check out Panasonic Toaster Oven and Strawberry Shortcake Party

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How to Stay Sunny When the Sun Isn’t Shining

As my friend Renee suggested, wouldn’t it be great to keep that summer optimism going all year long? That sounds like a perfect idea to me. So not so fast, summer. I’m not quite ready to leave your enthusiastic, upbeat attitudes and replace them with chillier, more low-key thoughts. In fact, I’ve decided not to leave them at all and will instead focus on staying sunny, no matter what the weather –and the world–will bring.

You, too, can still stay sunny in mind, body, and spirit even though the weather–and attitudes of those around you–might not follow suit. Here are a few easy things to try right now.

Get into the Light. Those suffering from seasonal affective disorder know firsthand that the amount of light in your life makes a difference. In fact, many sufferers swear that using light boxes and other light therapy techniques dramatically changes their mood.

But light can come from more than just a power source. Who around you provides “the light” you need? Are you spending too much time with colleagues and friends who hang out in “the dark?”

If you’re not sure who the light sources are in your office or community, notice who other people turn to. Just like flowers, we humans typically turn and face the light. Choose to spend more time with those people, and let them shine on you.

Smile More. When I give workshops around marketing yourself and communicating your value, I’ll often remind people of a simple but often overlooked tool in their arsenal–their smile.

It’s actually scientifically proven that smiling boosts our immune system and lowers our blood pressure. The mere act of smiling tricks the body into feeling better. Plus, smiling people appear more confident, more approachable, and attract other people more easily.

As someone once said, “Your smile is a powerful weapon–you can even break ice with it.” Your best beachfront smile has a place in the October office, so use it!

Find Your Fun. Part of our summer optimism often happens because we knew somewhere along the way, fun would result. But after Labor Day hits, our mind starts watching that long stretch of work time before Thanksgiving. Who says fun needs to be reserved for vacation? Fall provides a lot of opportunities to find your fun–even if apple picking and college football is not your thing.

What would be fun for you right now? I say go do it!

Take a Leap. Want more summerlike adventure? Maybe it’s time to take a leap toward something that’s been calling you.

When we make a physical leap, our bodies first clench up in preparation, gathering energy for the move. And then, POW!–our muscles release and propel us both up and forward.

A mental leap is very similar. Your brain’s been gathering energy all summer, and now it’s time to release those muscles to push yourself ahead.

What’s the next leap you need to make? It could be as big as starting a new career–or as simple as not volunteering this year for the committee whose meetings bore you. There’s nothing better at getting the blood moving like taking a big leap. You’ll really feel alive–and isn’t that what that summertime optimism is really all about?

Coach Darcy LLC helps aspiring leaders make the leap to leadership in ways that work both for them and their organizations. We provide practical and professional coaching, mentoring, and talent development services that are customized to our clients’ needs. President and Chief Creative Officer Darcy Eikenberg is an accomplished coach, consultant, facilitator and business leader with over 20 years of experience in motivating individual, team, and organizational behavior that achieves business results. You can reach Coach Darcy LLC and Darcy Eikenberg at http://www.coachdarcy.com, or at 404.313.0278.

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Toastmasters – What is it and is it Something For You

Although the term is not prevalent in mainstream society, Toastmasters have had a very colorful and eventful history. And we mean that in the most literal sense possible. What started out as a simple task of introducing or announcing people and acts has diversified greatly and turned into an international organization that aims to get people talking (and talking well, for that matter) in any kind of setting. By setting, we mean everything to anything that might include a simple presentation in front of 3 people to handling 500 or more so people in an organized event. So the real question is: Toastmasters – what is it and is it something for you?

To simplify matters, the term Toastmaster is someone who toasts. If you were ever at a party, and someone stands up and delivers a small speech of appreciation and good wishes for another person, or about a present, past or future event, or what-have-you; then you know that an eloquent and charming speaker is someone everyone is bound to remember. On the other hand, nothing can be more grating than a person who seems ill-prepared to take the microphone, or someone who does not speak clearly, or someone who seems to have the charm and humor of a crumbling brick. A Toastmaster is therefore someone who is regarded in charge of speaking to the assembled group of people, while keeping an event moving along to the planned schedule.

He or she is sometimes referred to as the host / hostess, the master of ceremonies, the MC, the emcee or the presenter.

Despite the popular misconception, (particularly the one where anyone available or the one with the loudest voice can be pulled out of the crowd and entrusted with the microphone,) a good Toastmaster has to have a clear head, a well timed and appropriate sense of humor, and able to keep the event and the crowd in order; being extremely articulate helps greatly, as well. In very few cases, a Toastmaster is almost synonymous with an events planner because he or she also handles most of the preparatory stage leading up to the event and dictates as to what should be how the event should be plotted out in the schedule.

If you are thinking about getting into this kind of job, you might want to spruce up your people skills to the highest degree. Interacting with people prior, during and after the event is one of the most crucial elements of the job. And your clientele would include not just the proposed guests to an event, but also the organizers and the people working behind the scenes. A good Toastmaster is likely to acknowledge the fact that he or she is the visible face that would be associated with a particular gathering, and therefore a lot of pressure is set on his / her shoulders to make sure that the culmination of the event turns out on a positively memorable note.

He or she is also likely to handle all types of people in the line of duty. A clear head, a long patience meter, and a bag of appropriately timed bag of jokes and funny anecdotes should be able to help him or her scoot over possible unwanted incidences during a gathering.

On the internet, you drown in information but starve for knowledge. That’s why I created http://www.LesTout.com, the number #1 source of Daily Life Advice. Hi, I’m Dr. Barry Lycka the founder of LesTout.com – and I encourage you to come enjoy my site. Let us help you live your life to the fullest. Feel free to use this article (but please give us credit. It’s copyright protected.) And visit LesTout for up to date advice.

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The Paradox That Makes Up the World Today

We enjoy many different freedoms. One of the freedoms that we enjoy is the freedom of Choice. We all Have Choices and the choices we make are the reason that we find our selves where we are in life. We have so many choices we have created a Paradox in our world. See if you agree. Today we have bigger houses, but smaller families. We have more convenience but less time. We have more bachelors and Masters degrees but less common sense. We have more knowledge, but poor judgment. We have more experts but more problems.

More medicine but less wellness. We spend recklessly, laugh to little, drive to fast, get angry to quickly, we stay up to late and do not read enough, we watch way to much TV and we ponder on things for to little of time. We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our Value. We talk to much, love to little and LIE to often. (yes, even those supposedly “harmless” white lies). WE HAVE LEARNED TO MAKE A LIVING BUT WE FAIL TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE A “LIFE”. WE HAVE ADDED YEARS TO OUR LIVES BUT NOT LIFE TO OUR YEARS. We have taller buildings and shorter tempers, We have wider Freeways and narrower Points of view.

We spend more and have less, buy more things and enjoy them less. We have been to the moon and back but we find it hard to walk across the street to meet the neighbor. We have conquered outer space but we have not conquered “inner space”. We have split the atom but we fail to split our prejudices. Write more, Learn less. Plan more Accomplish less. We have learned to rush but we have not learned to wait. We have higher income but lower morals. We build more computers to hold more information to produce copies but have less communication. We are long on quantity and short on quality. We are in the times of fast food and slow digestion, tall people with short character. More leisure, less fun.

More kinds of food with less nutrition. Two incomes and more divorce. Fancier houses, more broken homes. Today I propose to you that you save NOTHING for a “Special Occasion” because every day that you are ALIVE is a special occasion. Search for knowledge, read more. Sit on the front porch and admire the view from there without paying attention to the time. Spend more time with the people that you care about, tell them that you love them. Eat your favorite foods and visit the places you love. TODAY IS A GIFT, FOR IT IS THE PRESENT.

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Overcome Fear of Driving Without Delay

Many people have strong fear for driving and therefore refuse to take up such challenge. This implies the only alternative left for you is either public transport or some private transport of a kind.

In fact, the fear of driving cuts across the sexes even though women suffer predominantly. The inconveniencies and the risks one goes through having to rely on public transport can be enormous.

The situation becomes worse and more dangerous in odd times like nights which render the person vulnerable to the hands of criminals.

The good news is that this information contains useful tips and tricks one can apply in order to overcome fear of driving.

First and foremost, your personal willingness can be a powerful weapon to help you win this battle.

You are required to develop a “can do” spirit and never be quick to give up. You should follow one step after the other. The moment you give up, count yourself defeated. Do not let the fear get over you. You can start with short distance practice in your neighborhood.

You will do yourself a lot of good if you drive at your own convenient and comfortable times. In other words you should be under no pressure or tension whiles driving.

One useful ways to do this is to try and listen to soothing music of your interest. This can help reduce boredom and tension.

Another strategy to overcome fear of driving is to identify a conductive place that is devoid of other vehicles as well as many pedestrians. Bear places allow you to freely practice without having to worry about crashing with another vehicle.

If possible get the assistant of a qualified driver to provide support when needed. The idea that someone is ready to assist can help raise your morale to overcome fear of driving.

Remember however that this person is only there to assist temporarily. You will not have to over rely on him as this has the tendency to make you feel unsecured if the person is not with you.

You may also have to try what is known as Visualization exercises. This is the practice where you close your eyes and try to imagine driving round the streets in the highways with pedestrians all over.

Try and enjoy the strategy by feeling you are able to maneuver your ways across traffic lights and the high streets.

Enjoy the feeling of being in control and be comfortable with the driving. With determination, willpower and practice you will surely overcome fear of driving.

If you want to learn how to overcome fear of driving, i highly recommend the driving fear guide by Rich Presta. Check out my in depth driving fear review and learn how to get rid of the fear of driving.

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Time to Start Climbing That Mountain

There is an old saying that states something along the lines of, “A mountain has only one peak, but many paths that lead up to it.” It’s a phrase well worth taking heed of.

When you sit down and define what it is you want from life you must have an ultimate outcome and it should be based upon how you really want to feel inside. So, for instance, your ultimate emotional goal may be to be happy, healthy, and financially free. Achieving that will be like climbing to the top of your own particular mountain but what path will you take to get there? It would make sense for the journey to be enjoyable wouldn’t it?

A few years back I had a family holiday in North Wales with my sons and my elderly parents. Whilst there we decided we would like to visit Mount Snowdon (one of the highest peaks in the UK) and get to the top. There are a number of routes up, with paths varying in their degree of difficulty, but with young children and elderly grand-parents the easiest route was chosen – the mountain railway.

It was an enjoyable ride, with great views and opportunities for taking photographs all the way up. And on reaching the end of the line it was just a short walk up to the actual peak. It was well worth it with fantastic views for miles around. Our little goal was achieved and we had had a great time getting there.

(I actually set myself another goal that day of going back and walking up the mountain. One of my sons said he would like to do it too and so now he’s almost reached adulthood it may be time to get it done!)

But back to topic and how achieving your major goal in life will actually be like climbing a mountain. To get there you must consider a few points.

- You must know where and how to start your journey.

- You must consider all the options for reaching your destination.

- You must decide what equipment or resources you need to help you along the way.

- You must consider who else might need to go on the journey with you or who will be affected by it.

- You should ensure that you know how long the journey will take and what events will happen during it.

- You must ensure that you enjoy the route to your goal and that you have realistic plans to get to where you want to be.

- When you get there what is it that you truly want to achieve?

Mount Snowdon is part of the Snowdonia range and when you set off at the bottom you cannot actually see its peak. But we knew that getting up there would be an experience that would never be forgotten and we could visualize clearly the sort of spectacular views we would see and how it would make us feel.

When you set off on the journey to reaching your goals the end may seem a long way off, but by knowing clearly what you want and how you want to feel, and by planning every step carefully, you will get there.

So find your mountain, select your path, and start climbing.

This article was written by Tony Hall who runs his own business dedicated to helping individuals develop their personal and business skills. You can learn more about how to develop your own life skills and get your complimentary copy of “The Process of Success” by signing up for his weekly newsletter at:
http://www.selfimprovementskills.com/newsletter.html

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Just Because You’re Screwed Up, Don’t Blame Christmas

How many times do we hear during the holiday season about how stressful the holidays are. “Christmas just drives me crazy.” This all comes from our distorted belief that “stress” is somehow “out there” in the world and not a result of our thinking processes. Stress has gone from a physiological state to this nebulous force out there in the world. We are “under stress” and “coping with stress” and dealing with “stressful jobs” and “stressful holidays.”

Stress isn’t out there. All that is out there are situations. They might be situations we like or don’t like, but whether we have this adverse “stressful” physiological reaction happening in us depends on how we think about those situations. Now I know you’ve heard this before. There are a lot of writers and speakers who sort of talk the talk – that we must be responsible for our lives etc. But when push comes to shove they still talk the talk of victims. “How did that make you feel?” is a favorite question of parents and counselors. They think they are really doing a good job of getting to your feelings. The only problem is that the question implies that the event totally controlled your reaction. Wrong. Or here’s one, “Stress is part of life.

The only people who don’t have stress are dead people.” The first time I heard that 30 plus years ago I thought, “There’s a hell of a choice. Stress or dead.” It’s a stupid statement.

I have worked with people in all types of tragic circumstances including people who have had their children murdered. Some people stay angry and hateful and bitter, and others choose not to go in that direction. One person told me and a group of survivors I was talking to that it finally dawned on him after waking up every day for ten years and hating the person who killed his daughter that she deserved better than that from him. He said that she hadn’t lived all those years just for him to hate someone.

Power is about choices. If you don’t see the choices you don’t see the power.

If you are going crazy around the holidays, the odds are you are trying to meet some type of expectations either from others or from yourself. But don’t get me wrong. If you start defying those expectations you will get some flack. Count on it. However if you don’t make changes you will eventually be a reflection of B.B. King’s song, “The Thrill Is Gone.”

I guarantee you though, that if you keep blaming the holidays or your boss or your car as stressful you will be stuck until you die. However if you start to accept some responsibility for your inner life, you will begin to see that the way you think is triggering most of your stress response.

I realize that changing the way you think is very difficult. When I speak about this I sometimes have people say, “Easier said than done.” Well, duh! But difficult is not impossible. It’s just difficult.

If you are tired of your holidays being a mess, make different choices. Just because you’re screwed up don’t blame Christmas. Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t Dr. Phil just saying “Get over it.” This is hard to do. The first time you do this your holiday or your marriage or your life in general still might not be great, but you will start to feel a certain sense of power coming back. Take back your holidays. Take back your life.

My name is Dr. Scott Sheperd

I have a BA in Music (I am a jazz pianist) an MA in Mass Communication and a M.Ed and PhD in Counseling/Psychology. I have worked for over 30 years with people in tough situations ranging from high pressure jobs to terminal illnesses. I have worked in substance abuse and with people who have had children and other loved ones die. I have worked with people dealing with cancer and AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

I have spoken across the country to people in business, health care and education. I have had six books published and did a six part series for Public Television.

My website is http://www.rekindleyourheart.com

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7 Ways to Get More Energy, Get More Done & Make More Money

Today, more than ever, people ask me how they can boost their energy levels safely. Lack of energy seems to be somewhat of a plague. Why is that? Your energy levels are actually affected by more than you realize. When you have no energy, nothing gets done, no one is?happy, and the money train can come to a halt. Let’s see what we can do to remedy that, but first let me remind you that these recommendations in no way constitute medical advice. Ready?

1.Be mindful of your mindset: Many of us live in a state of constant overwhelm. When your mind is in overdrive just trying to keep up with the unending list you give it minute by minute, it is bound to wear out. This will most certainly show up in a physical manifestation of no energy. Just as you must give your body the downtime after a physical workout, you must do the same for your mind. How do you turn around the constant barrage of tasks and unrealistic expectations of the mind?

• Meditate, pray, sit in silence, reflect daily

2. Make lists of what needs to get done daily

• Make lists of weekly goals o Make these goals visual o Focus only on the items on your daily goals and mark them off one by one – this naturally overflows to your weekly goals

Even crossing off just one “to do” is a big “to do.” And you feel it.

3. If this is a challenge for you, try adding this herbal companion: gota kola – Helps memory and brain fatigue. This herb improves focus and when combined with cayenne & ginseng makes an excellent energy tonic. Gota kola contains vitamin K to help reduce signs of aging (like mental fatigue contributes to aging?!) and many of the B vitamins which are crucial to our ability to handle stress.

4. Turn depression around. Depression is another thief of energy. But please, seek medical advice if you are feeling the symptoms of serious depression. Today, I’m talking about mild depression or lack of motivation. Often this is turned around by a small success. Build a toolbox that includes all the great songs, movies, books, pictures, and quotes that lift you up and whip it out! If that doesn’t help, try ginkgo biloba. This mighty herb can improve circulation to the brain and help ease mild depression.

5. Avoid certain music and even news/television. Turn off the tube! The news is rarely helpful in boosting one’s mindset, so don’t engage in it. If you need specific news facts, they are easily found in the newspaper or on the internet. Better yet, ask the next person that walks by – they are sure to know what is going on. Become aware of how different kinds of music affect you and avoid the ones that stir aggression on those days when you are feeling down.

6. Deal with your stress! We are facing more stress than we have as a society in a long time. Nourish the parts of your body that enable you to deal with stress. Your adrenal glands are meant to delegate stress in the body and also get you through menopause or andropause. Many of us have exhausted these glands by the time we reach this phase. If a woman has healthy adrenal glands, she should not experience menopause symptoms at all! Really. Decrease foods and beverages that tax the adrenals: caffeine, sugar, alcohol, etc.

7. Add in herbs that help support and nourish your adrenals. Try ginseng, rhodiola rosea, or schizandra berries. Siberian Ginseng (not panax – this is different) is an amazing herb that helps support your adrenals by acting as a sort of buffer. Siberian Ginseng can also:

• Boost energy o Work as an antiviral
• Strengthen the immune system
• Improve physical and mental performance
• Shorten recovery time after physical stress or mental stress
• Improve sexual function
• Buffers?the adrenal glands, increasing stress resistance

Rhodiola rosea helps regulate adrenal glands if they are not producing enough cortisol, such as in the case with Fibromyalgia. Rhodiola rosea supports a healthy response to mental, physical, and emotional stress.

Schizandra is yet another combatant of energy thievery. These berries help protect the adrenals from being over stimulated. This herb is especially helpful for those who are over stressed and have inadequate sleep That wouldn’t be you would it?

Now you have 7 whopping ways to naturally increase your energy and combat those sneaky energy thieves. Think of this as your energy entourage. Boosting your energy means more gets done with power and focus – boosting your bucks! Here’s one more suggestion – my Bonus Booster: Blend the following herbs in equal parts and make into iced tea. Make a large enough quantity to last for a few days. Add agave nectar if you like, a few slices of fresh fruit and you’ve got it!

Michelle’s Iced Energy Elixir…sure to rev your engines.

1 part red raspberry leaf
1 part ginkgo biloba
1 part gota kola
1 part Siberian ginseng
1 part peppermint

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Personal Development – 3 Simple Self Help Tips to a More Powerful You

For some influential people, the biggest changes in their lives came from the smallest steps. Whether that’s a change to their work routine, a shift in confidence from a newly mastered skill or a simple change in thinking that prompted deep reflection, the results from these micro-changes are often immeasurably gigantic.

How can you foster this kind of thinking and development for yourself? It all starts with making those same changes and alterations to your thinking, behavior and settings.

These three self help tips are designed to do just that – push you towards bigger challenges – and are all applicable right now.

Self Help Tip #1: Change your work routine.
Want to become a more resourceful and hardworking person?

Start by altering your work routine. Forget what you know already, start working towards a new set of goals, and bring new assumptions and rules into your thinking as you go.

You’ll come out fresh, relaxed, and ready to produce something remarkable.

Self Help Tip #2: Turn your weaknesses into strengths.

We’ve all had moments where we’ve felt uncomfortable. For some of us, these moments linger in our mind for years, reminding us of when we’ve failed or come up short of our goals.

There are two ways to deal with these failures. The first is to let them linger in your mind and poison your future.

The second is to recognize and acknowledge them, and use them as building blocks for self improvement and success.

Self Help Tip #3: Try on someone else’s shoes.

This self help tip is a little unusual, but can produce great results. Spend some time researching a public figure that you admire, and adopt some of their work habits for your own routine.

Spend a week in their shoes, working using their guidelines and habits, and watch as your confidence and abilities improve.

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Does Knowledge Equal Power?

We were told from an early age that acquired knowledge equals power and the wisest of us will rule the world. However, how much of this statement is actually true??

We do get a?feeling of empowerment?whenever we learn something new.? This is?especially true?when our new found knowledge provides a solution to our problems.?

However, at what moment do we take a step back and visualize the world around us? If we do, we will realize that everything is the same as we left it. Nothing has changed and our world remained the same.?

Maybe something did change. This might be the light bulb hanging over our heads which previously did nothing to light our way when we are faced with blindly darkness on our path to success. Suddenly this?bulb is as bright as the sun on a summer day.?

However, how do we keep this light on? This is done through ACTION.?

If we do not act on what we have just learnt then our new found light becomes a flickering candle light standing next to an open window. What happens when the wind blows??

Do not let life challenges turn out your light. Act on what you have learnt and keep that fire burning.?

When?I look at people?I meet at all these networking events or workshops, they are all full of enthusiasm and praises. You find outside the event discussing how the event has changed their lives for the better and now riches upon riches?will come their way.?

Although I quietly nod with a smile on my face, I know deep down that 80 percent of these people will?fall back to their daily routines.?You know what they say ”old habits die hard”?but a sharp mind can slice through anything.??

The only way to keep your mind sharp is through constant ”ACTION”, Even when you are unsure?of the outcome, still?take the necessary steps and learn as time goes.?

”Acquired” knowledge is empowering but it is?”Applied” knowledge that will set you free. The wisest of us are those people who carry the scares of success. They constantly apply what they learn each and every day and never give up even if things are not going their way. They carry the scares from mistakes made along the way.? We stare at the marks of those deep wounds in amazement. We?call these people are business coaches or mentors.?

Emulate what they do and learn from their mistakes. Remember that ‘the only way to eat an elephant is; one bite at a time”.?

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