Be Thankful For What You Have, Not What You Want

Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on the year so far and appreciate all that you have, all that you have accomplished, and everyone you have shared your life with. Don't get so caught up in life that you forget to enjoy the journey.


Instead of focusing on what you don't have and what may be lacking in your life, look around and take stock of what you already have. Think about what you have accomplished, where you have been, where you are now, who you have helped, and who has helped you. Make a list of everything and everyone in your life you are thankful for and carry it with you.


If you want more in and out of life, you must first appreciate what you have. It is an attitude of gratitude that will help you find balance. Carry this feeling with you throughout the year. Think of 3 things you are grateful for every day before you get out of bed.

Remember there is no time like the present to show appreciation. When someone does something that pleases or helps you, let them know immediately. Make it a habit and practice it often.


Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and a time of giving. Be a thankful giver and you will have even more to be thankful for next year!

Scott
your guide to opportunities marketing

If you're not getting better, you're getting worse!
Continuous learning and self-improvement are the keys
to a long and prosperous life. Find out more at iLearningGlobal

Simple Formula For Transformation

I was recently listening to a presentation by Bill Phillips (of "Body For Life" fame) about transformation. Bill's niche is in health and fitness, but his message applies to all aspects of life and business. He presents a simple formula for transforming your life. Notice that this is a "simple" formula, not an "easy" one! Following the formula requires discipline and the ability to acknowledge that there is something that needs to be improved (transformed).

The "Simple" Formula is to answer the following questions in order:

1. Where am I now?
2. Where do I want to be?
3. Why?
4. When do I want to be there? (and when will I start?)
5. How will I get there?

Simple, but not easy!

Where am I now? This question requires an honest assessment of whatever it is you want to change/improve/transform. Write down or otherwise document the current state. It can be a picture, a process map, an outline, or anything else that provides a clear statement of the starting point.

Where do I want to be? Once you know where you are, you need to define where you want to be. What is the outcome you desire? As Stephen Covey says, "Begin with the end in mind." You need to be clear out this. As with the present state, the future state must be clearly documented and very specific. The more specific, the greater your chances of attaining the future desired state. Think of it as if it is already true and then describe what that looks like or find a picture that clearly represents the desired outcome.

Why? This question is extremely important. You must have a compelling reason for making a transformation. This is the driving force, the motivation factor, and ultimately what will keep you going when you encounter obstacles. Look at the end state you documented and think about all the benefits that will come from arriving there. Brainstorm the tangible and intangible benefits and then develop your "why" from that list. It should create a burning desire within you to achieve the goal.

When? You must answer two questions here. When will you begin and when will you finish. There is no time like the present and ideally you should begin immediately (once you've answered the 3 questions above); but, there may be valid reasons why you can't start right now. That's OK. But, write down exactly when you plan to start the transformation process and commit to beginning on that date. Then, set a deadline. The deadline should be realistic but it should also stretch you. Compressing the timeline will require greater discipline and effort, but will result in greater success. Speed is your friend. The faster you are able to achieve your goal the sooner you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor; and the less likely you will be derailed by distractions or other obstacles that could cause you to fail.

How? Finally, it's time to take action! Once you have clearly answered the where, why, and when questions and written them down, it's time to create your plan for making it happen. Determining how to accomplish something can be a big stumbling block for many people. However, you can simplify the process by starting general and adding the specifics as you go along. Don't worry about having everything planned out on day one. The important thing is to get started towards your goal and then build on the momentum as you achieve incremental successes. Your plan (the "how") is a living document that will grow with you and become more clear after each step you take. Answering the other questions before answering how will make the process much easier. You can also think of this process as "ready, fire, aim"...which means GET STARTED and then figure it out as you go. The important thing is to take measurable action towards your desired end state every day and make corrections to your plan as needed.

I deliberately did not provide specific examples to demonstrate this process because I don't want to limit thinking and creativity. If you review each of the steps, you will see that they can apply to any goal you wish to undertake.

Use this simple, yet powerful, formula to design your future and dramatically improve your life.

Keep a positive attitude and believe that you can achieve!

Scott Thomas

your guide to opportunities marketing

And Then I Saw Something Shiny...

All cylinders were firing, I was motivated, I knew what needed to be done, I was working effectively and efficiently...and then...I saw something shiny!!!

Does that sound familiar...diligently working away, making great progress, and then getting distracted? It happens to everyone and it brings productivity to a grinding halt. It doesn't matter what the actual distraction is, the impact is still the same. Once distracted it can take several minutes just to get back to where you were; if you are able to get back at all.

While it is nearly impossible to eliminate all distractions (or shiny objects!), you can greatly reduce them by taking a few disciplined actions:

• Plan your day either the evening before or first thing in the morning.


• Don't over plan! Be sure your plan is realistic and leave room for the unexpected.


• Plan to work on your most difficult task or project when you are typically most alert (whatever time of day that happens to be for you).


• Do Not multi-task...focus all your attention on one thing at a time. You are more effective and your mind will be less prone to wandering.


• Turn off the phone(s). If you are working on a computer, turn off any popups and instant messages.


• Give yourself a specific amount of time to work on a task, then set a timer/alarm.


• Take a break. Don't go more than 2 hours without taking a short break to keep your mind alert. Stretch. Take a walk. Go outside.


• Clean up your workspace so that the only thing that is in front of you is what you are working on (this includes closing extra programs/windows on your computer). You need to remove any of those shiny things that are trying to capture your attention!


• Listen to classical music in the background. For some reason the brain really likes classical music.


• Limiting people distractions could be the most difficult depending on your situation. If you have an office, close the door. If you work in an open area, use headphones or ear plugs to block out background noise.

To be successful, taking action is not enough...you must take FOCUSED ACTION! Eliminating potential distractions before you start will allow you to focus, be more effective, and get more done.

Finally, when the work is over don't forget to leave time to play!!

Scott
your guide to opportunities marketing

Continuous Learning and Continous Earning...A Winning Combination!!

If you are committed to personal development and continuous learning you will understand the value of iLearningGlobal. iLearningGlobal is a new online learning site utilizing an amazing new video technology (in Hi Def full screen) with content from some of the tops speakers, trainers, and authors worldwide.

iLearningGlobal provides direct 24/7 access to the most valuable training and learning content available today. It provides training videos, audio programs, and ebooks so you have multiple ways to learn. Fresh new content is added to the site weekly so the information is always fresh and you never run out of resources for continuous learning.

In addition to the learning content, iLearningGlobal allows you to earn a residual income by promoting the site and providing the opportunity for others to join and become a member of this worldwide learning community. The company goal is to create one million new millionaires by the year 2020.

The Chief Learning Officer is Brian Tracy and the faculty already consists of Mark Victor Hansen, Tony Alessandra, Don Hutson, Jay Abraham, Patricia Fripp, Bob Proctor, Debbie Allen, John Gray, and many more.

The official global launch of iLearningGlobal will be in March 2009. iLearningGlobal is a community that is NOT influenced by advertising and sponsorships like search engines and most websites. The advertising is solely based on “word of mouth” and “direct referral” by iLG Independent Marketers. This means now is the perfect time to join and have access to hundreds of hours of quality learning and the potential to make ongoing residual income.

Go to http://www.ilearningglobal.biz/AchieversLife for more information and to watch the introduction video. Start on your path to continuous learning today and build a network of other success minded people to ensure continuous earning in the future for all of you!

Wishing you great success and continuous achievement,

Scott
your guide to opportunities marketing

Thought Starters For Goal Setting

The end of the year is approaching rapidly and it's time to start thinking about setting goals for 2009. Planning for the year ahead and identifying your goals can be a daunting task. You probably know you should set SMART goals -- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time based. But how do you get started? If you are setting business goals, ask yourself the following questions to gain clarity:

• Who are my customers?
• What value do I provide for my customers?
• How do I (can I) measure that value?
• Am I providing the right services/products to the right people?
• How can I improve my product/service?
• Am I providing self-service where I should be providing full-service?
• Am I providing full-service where I should be providing self-service?
• What should I be doing a little more of?
• What should I be doing a little less of?
• What can I do that will have the greatest positive impact?

These questions are meant to invoke thought and generate ideas. They may generate additional questions. Use them to guide a brainstorming session with a free flow of ideas. Then clarify those ideas and formulate your SMART goals.

While these questions are geared towards business goals, they can be modified slightly to help you develop personal goals.

I believe you will achieve more and go farther if you look at goal setting as a creative process instead of a logical process. Look at it as an opportunity to break out of what you have always done and focus on doing the right things (being effective, not just efficient).

Scott
your guide to opportunities marketing

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Stephen Pierce's Goal Get 'Em Report

"Good is the enemy of Great and Great is the enemy of what's possible" -- Stephen Pierce

Stephen Pierce has released a report on with 7 steps on how to ACHIEVE your goals, not just set them. The 7 steps are:

1. Find an accountability partner
2. Find out if you are stuck
3. Create a weekly/monthly pulse for your company
4. Create an issues list
5. Get clear about your objectives and focus your resources
6. Be consistent in your actions and recommit every day
7. Celebrate your progress

You can get a copy of the report at http://www.achieverslife.com/StephenPiercesGoalGetEmReport.pdf

Take some time to read this 14 page report and become a Goal Achiever today!

Scott

your guide to opportunities marketing

Learning from the experience of others...

Stephen Pierce recently spent a week touring the U.S. and interviewing several successful Internet Marketers along the way. He is now releasing the videos of those interviews on his blog at dtalpha.com/talkback.

In the latest release he spoke with Anik Singal (who recently launched the very successful PPC Classroom 2.0). The interview is really fantastic. Anik is genuine, passionate, and displays great integrity. His story is inspiring and he speaks from the heart.

There were so many great lessons presented; both in leadership and success. The points that I immediately picked up on are:

• Money or time - the choice is yours. You have the resources you need to start your own online business (everyone has 168 hours per week).
• We all have the opportunity to thrive independent of the general economy; believe in yourself and your abilities.
• Be persistent; never, never give up! As Anik put it, "Stoppin' is not an option!"
• Be accountable and take responsibility.
• Focus on solutions, not blame.
• Learn from your mistakes and don't repeat them.
• Have faith in people and show appreciation.
• Invest in yourself; get educated. Jim Rohn says, "Formal education will make you a living; but, self education will make you a fortune!"
• It's OK to "freak out" if things go wrong, but not for long! Allow yourself a specific amount of time, whether it's 5 seconds or 5 minutes, and then start moving towards the solution.

Take some time to watch the interview. It will be time well spent and much better than anything currently on TV!

Scott
your guide to opportunities marketing

Patient, Consistent, Persistent

If you want to succeed in any large endeavor, you must be patient, consistent, and persistent. Being patient helps you maintain your focus and stick to your plan (you have a plan, right?). If you don't have a plan, take the time to develop one. Consistency means following the plan and taking action every day. Finally, persistence means staying with it until the end. The following steps can help lead you down your own path to success:

• Have a plan or goal...be sure to write it down
• Create a clear vision of the end state -- what you expect to achieve
• Stick to the plan and/or follow a proven system (McDonald's didn't become a global success by allowing each franchise owner to do their own thing...they have a system)
• Don't give up...never, never, never give up
• Learn what works and what doesn't; then do more of what works
• Focus on doing things right, not fast
• Get started!!!
• Do something every day to move you closer to your goal
• Celebrate little victories
• Help others first (Zig Ziglar says you can get everything in life you want if you help enough people get what they want)
• Believe in yourself

If you don't see results immediately, don't give up. Stick with your plan and keep a positive attitude. Review your plan and tweak it as needed. Learn from any mistakes and apply those lessons. Don't just do something once and expect Earth shattering results. You must be consistent and keep moving forward with purpose and a clear sense of purpose. Make a promise to yourself that you will never give up and you will see your plan through to the end. You never know when your big breakthrough is about to happen.

Be patient, consistent, persistent, and have absolute integrity in everything you do. Keep your focus and see obstacles as challenges. If your desire is strong enough, nothing can stop you from reaching your goal. If you have a setback, remind yourself WHY you are doing what you do and keep pushing forward. If failure is not an option, there is nothing left but success. Failure only exists when you don't learn from your past experience.

Scott Thomas

your guide to Opportunities Marketing