Hidden Gems of Wisdom

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday December 1, 2009

Hello there everyone and welcome this first day of 2009's final month. Just think of that, 1/1oth of the 21st Century will soon be behind us. I sit here in the absolute WOW of that. We'll be chatting more on that this month.

I got today's reader passed to me as a consequence of one of last weeks readers. The subscriber sent it to me so that I may not miss the...

Hidden Gems of Wisdom
by Barbara Biziou

Many years ago I was leading a Vision workshop in Nantucket. It is one of my favorite workshops because participants have the opportunity to explore their dreams and create a wonderful vision board.

I started by having people introduce themselves and share what their intention for the weekend. As we were going around the room, we came upon a 90-year-old woman who I assumed was just there for the company.

Instead, to my surprise she stated, "I came to find out what I want to do with the rest of my life." After the workshop she told me that she was planning a trip to Europe and then "who knows!" What a gift to have provided for the group. Sheer proof that life is an unfolding journey with endless possibilities!

Life can offer many gifts if you are open to receiving them. Since experience has taught me that anyone can be a voice of spirit, I tend to pay attention to conversations with strangers. A few weeks ago, I was riding in a taxi in NYC. As we were driving, we began to discuss a large accident that had happened the day before. A crane had broken off from a construction site and crashed into a building...destroying the building and killing many people. It seemed as if the whole city went into shock.

To my surprise, my driver told me that he didn't worry about accidents anymore. Intrigued I asked him why. "I was one of twenty survivors of a plane crash that killed over two hundred people" he shared. "I prayed and asked forgiveness for having harmed anyone in my life and after that experience I know that each day is a gift. Why worry about things you cannot control." Of course, that is exactly what I tell the participants in my classes. It doesn't matter if I am teaching in Corporate America or at a yoga retreat: the message is always the same. Focus on what you can control, let go of the rest and be present to what is.

Our conversation then turned to a discussion on aging. I had just returned from Florida and my mother's 90th birthday celebration. Not only does my mother look 10-15 years younger than she is, but she swims, plays bridge, belongs to a theatre group and has a boyfriend. She is always learning something new and has many friends and interests.

The taxi driver proceeded to tell me that his grandfather, who lives in Romania, was 105 years old. I was fascinated and wanted to know everything about how he was being cared for. Well, it seems that his grandfather was very independent and actually living on his own. "My mother stops by and does all his heavy shopping," he said. Of course, my mind started calculating...his grandfather was 105 so that made his mother around 80 and she did all the heavy shopping?

I asked him about the last time he had visited his grandfather. "Oh, he said, I took my grandfather for his physical. The doctor was a bit concerned that my grandfather had high cholesterol. He warned my grandfather to watch the type of food he put in his body. Smiling, my grandfather told him that he did understand that it was important what you feed your body, but "doctor", he said, "I think it is more important how you feed your soul."

What are you doing to feed yours?

Barbara is the author of The Joy of Ritual and The Joy of Family Rituals, is an internationally acclaimed teacher of practical spirituality. A national television and radio guest, she is president of Blue Lotus Productions, a multi-media company, specializing in wellness and personal growth.

With her never-ending wealth of knowledge, warm, inviting heart, open mind, and natural gift for teaching, she brings her global travels, from Bali to South America, and personal experience to her work, enlightening everyone she meets along the way. She is on the faculty of the American Management Association (AMA), The New York Open Center and One Spirit Learning Alliance.

Barbara has been featured in Body & Soul, Harper's Bazaar, New York Magazine, and Parents Magazine. She also starred on Morgan Spurlock's hit FX show 30 Days and was the everyday ritual expert on New Morning airing on the Hallmark Channel.

Her website is: http://www.joyofritual.com

Amazement

Good day all and welcome to yet another brand shiny new week that you get to play with.

The bulk of my mail last week reflected the feelings many of you had on the subject "Being The Miracle" that you are. My sincere thanks to all who shared your very personal perspectives.

Today's contribution springs from the same vein of thought. You'll see that your really can live with...

Amazement
by Claudette Rowley

If you decided to be amazed, what would you see? Amazement, like any other state of mind, results primarily from our perspective - a cleaned up perspective that is, one that's not clogged with negativity, self-doubt and limited thinking.

What is amazement? It's the capacity to see the positive, the beautiful and the previously unseen in both the everyday and in the spectacular. Amazement requires stepping outside of ourselves, observing who and what surrounds us, and practicing the art of gratitude.

In my experience, gratitude and amazement are kissing cousins whose relationship is symbiotic - one influences the other. Marcel Proust described this well when he said, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

If you looked through the lens of amazement, what would you see? How would you define it for yourself?

When I discuss amazement with people in life, they sometimes reflect back to me that they simply don't have time to be amazed. They are too busy, too tired and too stressed. But here's the great thing about amazement: it's free, takes no time, and is a fantastic stress reliever. So what blocks our ability to be amazed?

• The usual cadre of negativity: judgment, self-doubt and limited thinking. These three limit our vision drastically and call us to focus on what's not going well, how afraid we are, and how we or other people should have done things differently or better.
• Following a rigid set of rules about how we are supposed to be. Many of us carry around a mental checklist of "rules," regulations and must dos that ratchet our stress levels up to intolerable levels. Hard to be amazed with that monkey on your back, isn't it?
• Worrying, venting or complaining without taking action. Now I can worry, vent and complain with the best of them, and sometimes venting even puts in me in a more positive frame of mind. This only works if I choose to act to improve a situation. Endless worrying, venting or complaining sends you down a circular thought path that leads to nowhere.

Even if you understand these amazement-blockers, it can still be challenging to learn how to tap into the state of amazement on a regular basis. To raise your amazement quotient, consider these tips:

• Cultivate the art of observation. Observe the curve of a child's cheek, the beauty of a flower and the eyes of someone you enjoy being around.
• Watch for something good to happen. Notice the "little things": did someone smile at you today, make your life easier in some way, or help you solve a nagging problem?
• Let yourself feel the full emotional range. Amazement is a heightened sense of joy. What's your capacity for joy? Do you allow yourself joyful moments?
• Shift your perspective. If your usual take on a situation is negative, what would change if you looked through a positive lens?

Recognize that amazement is a choice. You can choose to be amazed or not - it's up to you. Once in a great while, most of us set eyes on a sight that is so compelling, so completely life changing that it takes our breath away. But most of life isn't like that, so it's up to us to make the choice to notice what amazes us on a daily basis. To be amazed or not to be amazed - that is the question.

Claudette Rowley, coach and author, helps professionals identify and pursue their true purpose and calling in life. Contact her today for a complimentary consultation at 781-316-1923 or by email. Sign up for her free newsletter "Insights for the Savvy" atwww.metavoice.org.

Against All Odds

Good day there everyone and welcome to the typical weeks end. And what a week it has been!

Without going into detail, just know that I got reminded over and over again what an amazingly blessed life we each have. Oh I know, you may just be in the midst of a challenge right now, but also know this, you indeed have the solution.

Today's video offering is one we sent out ages ago in another format, and I feel inspired to offer it to you today so that you may have an opportunity over the weekend to reflect on the life and opportunity's that lie before you. I certainly know that you will indeed shine...

Against All Odds!

Jim MacLaren and Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah have what seems like an improbable story. Jim MacLaren was an All-American athlete with a future that knew no bounds. At 22, his life was changed dramatically when he was hit by a bus and lost a leg. He overcame his physical limitations and become a top Ironman triathlete.

Eight years later, Jim had another accident. Where was the meaning in all this suffering? Jim later finds this meaning in the story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah in faraway Ghana. Watch the joint story of these two remarkably courageous men and the incredible connection they share despite being continents apart.

Pursue the Means - Live The Dreams

Have an outstanding weekend.

See you all on Monday.

Take care,

~peter~

The 12 Days of Thanksgiving

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday November 26, 2009

Good day there everyone and welcome to our American friends Thanksgiving Holiday. Here in Canada it's especially delightful as we celebrated our Thanksgiving holiday in October, and we get top do the turkey thing all over again.

Here is a tongue-in-cheek Ode to the Turkey which a UK subscriber sent us, and a neat recipe that I'm sure you will love.

The 12 Days of Thanksgiving

On the First Day..... We give thanks for the fresh turkey feast and its hot trimmings.

On the Second Day..... We bless the cold turkey sandwiches, sloshy cranberry sauce, and hard rolls.

On the Third Day..... We praise the turkey pie and vintage mixed veggies.

On the Fourth Day..... We thank the pilgrims for not serving bison that first time, or we'd be celebrating Thanksgiving until April.

On the Fifth Day..... We gobble up cubed bird casserole and pray for a glimpse of a naked turkey carcass.

On the Sixth Day..... We show gratitude (sort of) to the creative cook who slings cashews at the turkey and calls it Oriental.

On the Seventh Day..... We forgive our forefathers and pass the turkey-nugget pizza.

On the Eighth! Day..... The word 'vegetarian' keeps popping into our heads.

On the Ninth Day..... We check our hair to make sure we're not beginning to sprout feathers.

On the Tenth Day..... We hope that the wing meat kabobs catch fire under the broiler.

On the Eleventh Day..... We smile over the creamed gizzard because the thigh bones are in sight.

On the Twelfth Day..... We apologize for running out of turkey leftovers. And everybody says..... AMEN

At Christmas in December, we will have the opportunity to experience another excess of turkey, so here is a scrumptious recipe from a top UK Chef, Atul Kochnar, as a more creative Day Six option!

I hope you enjoy it, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving our dear American friends and subscribers.

Turkey Biryani

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cloves

2 bay leaves

1 Star anise

1-inch piece of cinnamon

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

4 medium onions thinly sliced

Salt

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 green chilli

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garam masala

4-65 medium tomatoes, blended to a paste

1 cup coconut milk

2 pounds cooked turkey meat

1 pound freshly-cooked basmati or other long grain rice

2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves to garnish.

How to do it

Firstly, cook the rice and keep it warm.

Heat the oil in a pan, and the cloves, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon stick and cumin seeds. As the spices crackle in the heat, add the onions and pinch of salt. Saute until golden brown.

Stir in the ginger, garlic and chilli and saute for 2 minutes until cooked.

Add the turmeric, coriander, black pepper and garam masala. Saute for one minute.

Add the tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook 2-3 minutes.

Add the coconut milk, and simmer 2-3 minutes more.

Check the seasoning.

Now add the turkey meat and heat through.

Carefully stir in the warm rice.

Turn into a hot platter, garnish with the chopped coriander leaves, and serve with raita (cucumber chopped into plain yogurt) if you like it.

Serve immediately - and move on to Day Seven...!

The A-B-C's of Life's Purpose

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday November 25, 2009

Good day everyone and welcome to the midweek point.

It appears the little "miracle" reflection yesterday touched many of you. Thank you all who shared with us the "miracles" that abound in your own lives. It inspired one of our favorite readers to share...

The A-B-C's of Life's Purpose
by Hal Elrod

To Love & Create—this is the essence of life. But to be able to create the life you want, you must first be able to love the life you have. When you do, you are then able to enjoy a true sense of freedom and inspiration while engaged in the exciting process of creating the life of your dreams.

Accept Responsibility (For Everything)
From the economy to that difficult person in your life, to the speed of traffic during your daily commute—the external events and circumstances of life are often out of our control. Although we can't always control what happens to us, what we choose to think and do about it is our responsibility.

This is a profound truth, that it is not what happens to us that determines our quality of life, but it is how we choose to respond to what happens that creates our experience of life—good or bad. Even if a circumstance is not your fault, how you deal with it is always your responsibility.

The moment you Accept Responsibility for everything in your life, is the moment you have the power to create anything for your life.

Be Grateful (For Everything)
People often defend their negative attitude by claiming, "I'm not negative, I'm just realistic. Consider this: How is it any more "realistic" to focus on, think and talk about all that is wrong in your life, than it is to focus on, think, talk and Be Grateful for everything that is right in your life? Hmm...

When you choose to focus on the positive in your life and Be Grateful for everything, you have the power to create happiness at any moment of your life.

Commit To The Process (Without Being Emotionally Attached To the Results)
Every result (goal/dream/etc.) that you desire is preceded by a process. If you desire improved health, it must be preceded by a process of healthy eating and exercise. If you desire financial independence, it must be preceded by a process of accumulating, saving, and investing your money.

Most of us are emotionally attached to our results, and we base our level of commitment to each of our processes on how we feel or how things are going. Poor results usually lead to feeling discouraged or frustrated, both which hinder our desire and confidence to keep working towards our dreams.

The secret is to define the process required for each of your goals, then live everyday committed to those processes, and don't worry about your short term results. The process always eventually produces the result, you just have to stay committed and never give up!

You can learn to truly, authentically and unconditionally love the life that you have, and once you do you will find a sense of true joy and fulfillment in creating the life of your dreams. Your pursuit of a better life will no longer be out of fear of not having or being enough. You will be free from the stress and pressures that may have weighed on you in the past, so that you can begin genuinely loving the life you have while you are engaged in the exciting process of creating the life of your dreams!

Be That Miracle!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday November 24, 2009

Good day all and I bid you welcome to this very amazing Tuesday.

Today I'm celebrating miracles. Our American friends are celebrating Thanksgiving in a few days, and yesterday I got to thinking once again of all the blessings I am thankful for. As I wandered through my day, chatting on the phone from my home office with a client two thousand miles away I was struck by some awesome realities.

I live in Canada, and just being here shows that I've won life's lottery.

I was talking on a telephone that operates over the internet (VOIP).

I left home for a meeting in one of the worlds best built SUV's

I got a call on my cellular telephone and was able to resolve an issue from the front seat of my truck.

I got to hear from a potential client, who has all kinds of issues. And every single one of them can be unquestionably resolved with the powers we already had sitting around the table.

I was able to buy Joyce a lovely dinner in a Vietnamese restaurant, and pay for it with a piece of plastic.

While she went to her Toastmasters meeting I was able to work on my laptop computer in the coffee shop and connect with my Twitter friends from around the world, send electronic mail, pay some bills, and read what some contributors sent me for The Daily Reader. I could go on and on, but you get my point.

Good grief folks, it is truly a miracle life that I live, and I am truly thankful for every single moment of it.

Now, how about you? Do you see that miracle that is your experience? Are you being the miracle? Our friend Catherine might just clear the path for you to...

Be That Miracle!
by Catherine Franz

You are a human being, right? You also believe you are either male or female, right? You also have other roles you play in your life, like mother, father, brother, sister, employee, employer, boss, manager, in-law -- and the list, I'm sure, goes on. But have you ever thought of yourself as a miracle. Not in the sense of your birth. Of course, that is a miracle. In the sense of your every day life. Do you walk around all day long and see yourself as a miracle worker?

If you did, just imagine how much taller you would stand, less rushed you would be, and how much fear you would live without. Well, sit straighter right now. Because you are. You are a miracle. You are a miracle worker, if you choose to be. You have been given that choice too.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of riding in the limo with Deepak Chopra, on his way to speak at the IONS conference in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia. And this was one of the topics that morning with everyone in the car. We tossed back and forth the characteristics of a miracle and all the other angles. Although it was just one of many interesting conversations I enjoyed that week, this one instantly changed my life.

When we got closer to the hotel, the car grew quiet except for the purring of the engine. Deepak was meditating, and I joyously recorded the wisdom of our conversation and all that was churning inside of me.

In big bold letters, "If I want to have a miracle, be that miracle," flowed from my pen. I stopped, stunned. I couldn't continue writing nor look up. Tears quietly rolled down my cheek. The message was so powerful it turned into a muffled sob. My skin tingled and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment even though I wasn't sure who, if anyone, was watching me.

A hand touched my shoulder. Our eyes met. The corners of Deepak's eyes were watery too. I knew in that instant he received the same message. No words were exchanged just a nod from him. Later that day, in his stage presentation, he discussed this event incognito.

The power of joined energy is a miracle. The power of our own energy is a miracle waiting for a decision to happen. It begins with our decision. We have the power of miracles.

Miracles take action. It takes generosity. It takes selfishness. It takes a second, a minute, or ten minutes. The bottom line is:

"If you want to have a miracle, be that miracle."

Since this beautiful moment of tying energy this same message, same wording, has repeated itself in a book, and other places. Even though they weren't as powerful as that moment when our eyes locked, it still shows that we need to hear it, be reminded of it, consistently until we decide to inherent it into our daily beliefs and life.

This message doesn't just work during the holiday season. It is there for our choice every waking moment. You are the tree that lives in the forest and help the forest be a forest. It is the tree that falls hard in the forest but gently ripples into the rest of the world.

The miracles you create in the check out line at the grocery store with people in front of you, behind you, and the cashier, are miracles. don't just wish for miracles. Be that miracle, everyday, every second, and it begins with a new way of looking at yourself. Be a miracle to yourself and let it ripple out. Stand tall, walk like the miracle you are. Let it touch everyone today, tomorrow, next year, and the year after.

The world is changing because of miracles. Be that miracle.

Catherine Franz, business and writing coach, resides in Virginia and is a syndicated columnist, radio producer, International speaker, and author. Ezines and other articles: www.abundancecenter.com

The Joy of Going Too Far

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday November 23, 2009

Well hello there folks and welcome to another brand new week.

We've been having a little down time here to discuss the many things and experiences we desire to have show up for us in 2010. It's a very exciting process to first set in the foundational thoughts upon which we are planning our future, and then start to build the dream on that solid underpinning.

Yes, these times are going to be here for a while, it's a new experience for many of you, but know this, all the solutions and power you need, you already have. Now it's time to take what you have a little further. In fact, there is much to appreciate in...

The Joy of Going Too Far
by Philip Humbert

Many people have observed that the only way to have more, earn more, or do more is to first "become more." I've always had a conflicted relationship with that advice.

On the one hand, none of us will ever be one bit "more" than we are right now. We each have, and have always had all the tools, brains, creativity, drive, talent, and resources we need to be fully human. We will never be even a tiny bit "more" than we are right now. So, one part of me objects to the idea that we can "become more."

There are far too many people telling us we are somehow inadequate or less than we "should" be. I reject that! Advertisements are always telling us that to be happy or sexy or rich or powerful (or younger--I love that one!) we should buy their product, join their campaign, or learn some new skill. As an old bald guy, I especially like the ads to "re-grow" my hair so I'll be younger, more attractive and sexy. Right!

On the other hand. There is great truth in the idea that very few of us ever develop all the potential that lives within us. I've always had a dread of dying "with my music still inside me." I hate the idea that fear or laziness or being "too busy" may keep me from exploring my world and living to the full.

One of my values is to end my life by looking God in the face and being able to honestly say, "I did it all. I used all the talent, explored all the opportunities, experienced all the richness life had to offer." I've always shared Henry Thoreau's fear that he might die "and discover that I had never truly lived."

Life is to be lived! We know we're alive because we're growing, deciding, trying, learning, exploring and yes, making mistakes. We know we're fulfilling life's promise by using the talents God gave us. Imagine the insult to life, to God, of "hiding our talents" or being shy about them! Rather, I suspect we honor life and God by "showing off." We honor life by doing stuff, by reaching further, by dancing wildly, by singing (yes, even off-key) and exploring our world. There is something God-like and uniquely human about audacity. Even the "sin" of hubris, the arrogance of going much too far, has a joy that I like. Better to try too much, to reach too far, to dare the impossible than to sit quietly, waiting for death.

I'm convinced that few, if any, of us are ever fully alive, fully human, in the sense of being and doing all we are capable of. To me, that's a terrifying, sad and tragic thought.

At the same time, I understand the fear that holds us back. No one likes to fail or be embarrassed. No one enjoys the pain of trying, only to be ridiculed or laughed at if it doesn't work out as we hoped

But here's a huge secret, only those who risk going "too far" ever discover the joy of knowing how far they can go! And here's a deadly corollary: Those who laugh the quickest and loudest at our "arrogance" are those held most tightly in the grip of fear.

Neil Armstrong went "too far"--all the way to the moon and back. Lewis and Clark went "too far"--all the way to the Pacific ocean and back. Maggie Thatcher and Golda Meir went "too far"--and became the heads of their respective countries. Amelia Earhart regularly went "too far"--and in the end she died, but what a life she lived!

Whatever else you do with your life, be sure to stretch your wings. Regularly, go "too far." Live until you die. Try stuff. Push the limits, take risks, express your opinions and show the world your true colors. The world is not hungering for "average" or "safe!" We need all the greatness we can get! Show us what you can do.

If you wish, start small. Here are some suggestions:

• Read more. In particular, read something you would normally ignore or something you're sure you'll disagree with. Read history or a comic book, science or one of the great novels. Just read. Learn something new.
• Watch better television. Anyone can watch silly comedies or cop shows. But why bother?! Rent a documentary or something controversial. Watch a cooking show, or history, or science or some "talking heads" arguing politics. Let them make you mad. Let them make you think. And above all, argue back!
• Eat something strange. Try a new restaurant you're sure you "won't like." Or, how about worshiping with a friend who practices a different faith? How about learning a new language or attending a cultural festival? You won't die, and you might discover something about yourself.
• Be a beginner. Try a hobby or sport you've never tried. Sign up for a class on a topic you've never considered and see what happens. Try sky-diving or square dancing or take that computer class. I double-dare you!
• Do lunch. Invite someone you've never met to lunch, preferably someone who's very successful in a field you know nothing about. Ask questions, then listen. What's it going to cost? A few bucks? And you were going to have lunch anyway, so see what you can learn. You might gain a friend, or even a new career!

Happiness is partly about becoming all we can be. Happiness and joy are connected to discovery, exploration and daring. If you can, buy a ticket on the space shuttle, but if you prefer to start smaller, start smaller. But start. And keep on going.

Dr Humbert is a Success Strategist, author and popular speaker. Imagine what's possible! To inquire about having him speak to your group or organization, or to schedule an initial consultation, contact him or visit his site at Philip Humbert.com.

Unlimited Possibility

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday November 19, 2009

Hello there good folks and welcome to Thursday.

Quick Update: A few weeks ago we ran a series on "Social Media" and we received a bunch of delightful feedback, and one now rose above them all.

Yesterday I heard from two of our subscribers here at The Daily Reader who took advice and somewhat nervously opened Twitter accounts.

These two subscribers had been friends over 25 years ago and lost contact after one had moved. Then viola, within a week of opening their Twitter accounts and using their old nicknames as handles they re-discovered each other. And, get this, they are getting together next week for the American Thanksgiving holiday. Isn't that just grand?

Now, on with today's mission as Gail really highlights a world of...

Unlimited Possibility
by Gail Lynne Goodwin

We live the majority of our lives trying to fit into boxes that our society has created. We base our education, our friendships, our careers and the vast majority of our decisions on what is “expected”. What we believe may be possible gets pushed aside by what we believe is probable.

But what if you didn’t know any better? What if you believed in unlimited possibility?

What if you were an alien that just beamed onto Earth and you didn’t know the rules? What if you didn’t know the way things were done and you were free to create a solution to any problem or expand any opportunity? Chances are, you’d tap into your reservoir of creativity and create brand new solutions and possibilities.

This past week I had the incredible honor of interviewing Sir Richard Branson at his home on Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands- because I believed it was possible. Richard is the quintessential example of someone who lives his life believing anything is possible.

His company the Virgin Group, is one of the world’s most successful companies and is one of the most recognized global brands. He’s the only person in the world to have built eight different billion-dollar companies from scratch in eight different sectors.

He is the ultimate entrepreneur, an amazing success story, a mentor to millions and is using his success for the betterment of the planet not only through philanthropy but as a direct part of his everyday business.

He has been one of my personal heroes for quite some time. This meeting was something that was on my vision board for more than a year. Many thought that I was crazy to think that I could arrange this interview, but I was determined to make it happen. I believe anything is possible if we tap into our own creativity and determination.

If we give a child a heavy bucket of water and ask them to move it across the room one of several things may happen. Depending upon the child, some may try to lift the full bucket and spill it across the floor. Others will unsuccessfully try to lift it and give up. Some will just splash and play in the water and completely forget the task at hand.

But a select few will find another toy that holds water and scoop, walk and dump the water from one bucket to the next, until the bucket is light enough to move. One child may use a sponge to soak up the water and squeeze it out into the bucket across the room. Children will think of things that our logical mind might not even dream of- because they’re too naive to know that what they’re trying to do won’t work- and it does.

As Sir Richard says, ” What everyone tells you never to do, may just work- once.”

The next time you’re faced with a problem or an opportunity, I invite you to forget what you already know. Instead of simply listening to a so called “expert”, tap into you own inner wisdom and don’t automatically dismiss your idea as too crazy to work. Pretend that you don’t know any better and approach the problem with an open mind. Let go of all of your inner chatter that tells you why something won’t work.

- Look at the problem or opportunity and seek to understand it.

- Think of the obvious solutions-and throw them all away.

- Dig for the secret solution that’s hiding that you would normally dismiss as “too crazy” or “that will never work”, because there’s a good chance that it just might work (at least once).

Experience shows that when we let go of the pre-conceived thoughts and beliefs that we bring to the table, a world of opportunity opens unto us. The interesting thing is, that that world was there all along- and will open up when we choose to see it as viable.

So I invite you to cast off any limiting beliefs and sail with me into the world of unlimited possibility. I think you’ll find it’s a pretty cool place to play.

Gail Goodwin is a evolving as a significant contributor to those folks who are dedicated to living larger lives. You can get to know her much better at Inspire Me Today You'll be happy you did.

17 Principles of Personal Achievement

Good day all and welcome to the midweek point.

As we continue to journey further into the theme of "meaning" we are caused to be more and more aware on the need for personal disciplines. As you are undoubtedly aware, no significant personal achievement is attained with some solid principles to guide us.

One of the personal development movements most significant contributors clearly knew this when he penned the...

17 Principles of Personal Achievement
by Napoleon Hill

Lesson 1: Definiteness of Purpose
Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement.

Without a purpose and a plan, people drift aimlessly through life.

Lesson 2: Mastermind Alliance

The Mastermind principle consists of an alliance of two or more minds working in perfect harmony for the attainment of a common definite objective. Success does not come without the cooperation of others.

Lesson 3: Applied Faith

Faith is a state of mind through which your aims, desires, plans and purposes may be translated into their physical or financial equivalent.

Lesson 4: Going the Extra Mile

Going the extra mile is the action of rendering more and better service than that for which you are presently paid. When you go the extra mile, the Law of Compensation comes into play.

Lesson 5: Pleasing Personality

Personality is the sum total of one’s mental, spiritual and physical traits and habits that distinguish one from all others. It is the factor that determines whether one is liked or disliked by others.

Lesson 6: Personal Initiative

Personal initiative is the power that inspires the completion of that which one begins. It is the power that starts all action. No person is free until he learns to do his own thinking and gains the courage to act on his own.

Lesson 7: Positive Mental Attitude

Positive mental attitude is the right mental attitude in all circumstances. Success attracts more success while failure attracts more failure.

Lesson 8: Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is faith in action. It is the intense emotion known as burning desire. It comes from within, although it radiates outwardly in the expression of one’s voice and countenance.

Lesson 9: Self-Discipline

Self-discipline begins with the mastery of thought. If you do not control your thoughts, you cannot control your needs. Self-discipline calls for a balancing of the emotions of your heart with the reasoning faculty of your head.

Lesson 10: Accurate Thinking

The power of thought is the most dangerous or the most beneficial power available to man, depending on how it is used.

Lesson 11: Controlled Attention

Controlled attention leads to mastery in any type of human endeavor, because it enables one to focus the powers of his mind upon the attainment of a definite objective and to keep it so directed at will.

Lesson 12: Teamwork

Teamwork is harmonious cooperation that is willing, voluntary and free. Whenever the spirit of teamwork is the dominating influence in business or industry, success is inevitable. Harmonious cooperation is a priceless asset that you can acquire in proportion to your giving.

Lesson 13: Adversity & Defeat

Individual success usually is in exact proportion of the scope of the defeat the individual has experienced and mastered. Many so-called failures represent only a temporary defeat that may prove to be a blessing in disguise.

Lesson 14: Creative Vision

Creative vision is developed by the free and fearless use of one’s imagination. It is not a miraculous quality with which one is gifted or is not gifted at birth.

Lesson 15: Health

Sound health begins with a sound health consciousness, just as financial success begins with a prosperity consciousness.

Lesson 16: Budgeting Time & Money

Time and money are precious resources, and few people striving for success ever believe they possess either one in excess.

Lesson 17: Habits

Developing and establishing positive habits leads to peace of mind, health and financial security. You are where you are because of your established habits and thoughts and deeds.

It's Showtime!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday November 17, 2009

Good day all and welcome to this very fine Tuesday.

We continue this weeks theme of "meaning" with the clear understanding that we are each 100% responsible for our entire life experience.

It is said that "victory often goes to those who simply show up". However the quality of the experience is determined by what we "do" once we show up.

Our friend Rob gets this big time as he declares...

It's Showtime!
by Rob McBride

There comes a time when we need to say, "It's Showtime!" We are all actors in life. William Shakespeare expressed it like this:

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts...

As we head out into the world each day, we are like actors making our entrance onto the stage. While each of our roles are different, we are all on stage performing. Some of us are salesman, others are doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers or a myriad of other professions and occupations. While it is healthy and wise to be in harmony with what we feel and say, the "world" really doesn't care how we feel. All that matters is our performance in the theater of life.

Let's look at an example. When a patient goes in for surgery, he or she really doesn't care if the surgeon had a fight with their spouse, has economic difficulties or has an upset stomach. What's most important is for the surgeon to do their job well! While the doctor's performance will change depending on the circumstances, it's critical to get off the emotional roller coaster of life and perform.

Regardless of what we do, we are all in a similar situation. While our closest friends and family can be of tremendous support when we are facing difficulties, the backdrop of our emotional challenges isn't important to the rest of the world. Imagine the following situation. A client walks into a car dealership and asks the salesperson, "How are you doing?" Imagine the salesperson replying, "My teenager is about to get kicked out of school, they haven't paid my commissions from last month, my landlord is asking for my house and I am depressed." Would we really want such a detailed explanation?

While this is obviously an exaggeration, we frequently demonstrate these same sentiments without ever speaking. Our body language and attitude towards life explains the entire script. It is not necessary to ask someone, "How are you feeling?" Most of the time it's apparent from their behavior and demeanor how they feel. In fact, for those we know best, we know in an instant how they feel.

Like most, I have learned a great deal from my parents. My mother, "The Beautiful Lady," passed in peace on October 18th. As a result of her passing, I have thought a lot about all I have learned from her. While there have been so many different things, the most important is regardless of how we feel, we have to get up and say, "It's Showtime!" With our best foot forward, it's crucial we go out on stage with courage and confidence.

We are all actors in life. We will not always feel great and not everything in life is wonderful and beautiful. It's not realistic to think we will always be energetic and motivated. Nevertheless, those who are able to shake themselves off and go out on stage with an excellent attitude are those who will achieve greatness. Let's be superstars as we go out on stage in a constant effort to give our best performance in this wonderful theater we call life.

Copyright © 2009 Rob McBride. All Rights Reserved
Rob McBride is an author and speaker who motivates, inspires and trains people. His keynotes, seminars and workshops enhance effectiveness and increase corporate productivity with concrete, dynamic tools which enable people to take control of their professional direction and destiny. He writes the Lunar Lettermonthly with each full moon. His books include: A Special Gift andLittle by Little We Go Far.

The Search for Meaning

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday November 16, 2009

Good day all and welcome to a brand shiny new week.

My thanks to all who shared your reflections about Remembrance Week. You richly inspired me.

This week we are going to adjust our focus as we start to take aim at the year's end, and the beginning of 2010 planning.

Much of the communication we've been getting lately clearly has been addressing the "meaning" of our individual lives and experiences. It is a subject that is filled with rich and delicious understandings.

To get us launched in a fine manner, our contributor today clearly reflects...

The Search for Meaning
by Dr. Linda Sapadin

The last time many people took the time to ponder philosophical questions, such as: "What's the meaning of life?" "What values do I cherish?" "What shall I do with my life?", it's likely they were with their college buddies, high on pot, contemplating the meaning of life, love, sex, truth, peace and more.

What a luxury it now seems to have that leisure to sit around to contemplate the meaning of life. For once one becomes immersed in the business of life - earning a living, raising a family, maintaining a residence - it's easy to shy away from reflecting on your philosophy of life. The typical consequence: a feeling of emptiness, alienation, purposelessness - despite being constantly busy and rushing around doing things.

A philosophy of life provides a compass, a direction, a guide to help us make our way through life. Knowing what you believe in not only creates a sense of purpose but also is a guide to practical matters such as how to make a difficult decision, how to develop a sense of personal organization, how to be resilient - even in the most straining times.

Traditionally people turned to religion or principles of morality to provide meaning to their lives. Some still do. But others, despite religion, morality, education and wealth, feel little spirituality in their lives. Their deepest questions about why they are here on earth remain unanswered, typically resulting in feelings of loneliness, depression and reduced interest in anything except the pleasure of the moment.

"You cannot get enough of what you don't really need," declared philosopher Eric Hoffer. But if you don't really know what you need, you've got to make it up as you go along. And what most people do is to accentuate the amorphous concept of "more." More money, more sex, more work, more drugs, more food, more clothes, more tech gizmos, more travel, more parties, more friends, more activities. And yet, despite having more than you ever dreamed of, you may still find less meaning in life.

So what should you do if you're not finding much meaning in life? Keep busy, keep active, keep moving, we are told. At times, these suggestions are helpful. But more often, we are busy enough. What we need, we don't even deem worthwhile. Qualities like acceptance, simplicity, solitude, tranquility, stillness. If you devalue these qualities, it's likely you'll create little or no time for them. Indeed, you may be critical of yourself for "wasting time", instead of feeling pleased that you allowed yourself space for quiet and solitude.

Let's return full circle to our original questions: "What's the meaning of life?" "What values do I cherish?" "What shall I do with my life?" With the wisdom of experience, it's a good chance you'll respond to these questions in a more enlightened way. I hope you give yourself the time to revisit these questions and reflect on your answers.

Linda is a psychologist and personal coach in private practice who specializes in helping people enrich their lives, enhance their relationships and overcome self-defeating patterns of behavior. For more information about her work, contact her by email or visit her website at PsychWisdom.

Charter for Compassion

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday November 13, 2009

Hello there all and welcome to the end of this Remembrance Week. It has been especially poignant this week as we have grand people in our subscriber base who have friends and relatives currently deployed in some of the conflicts that prevail today. Our hearts go out to them.

I got to thinking this week with the launch of The Charter for Compassion that here at The Wealthy Attitude we'll be a stand for the principles so lovingly created. You decide for yourself if this touches you, and then take a bold action to support.

The Charter for Compassion

A call to bring the world together…

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.

We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.

Have a wonder-full and contemplative weekend.

See you on Monday,

Take care,

~peter~

The Day for Remembering

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday November 11, 2009

Good day there all and my heartiest welcome to you on this Remembrance Day.

If you have been around here for any time you know that I have some very strong opinions on the whole subject of war, and state sponsored violence. My views have not mellowed with the passing of many decades.

That being said, my views about the grand folks who have paid the ultimate price has not ever changed either. These brave souls had their lives shortened, and who knows what kind of contribution they could have impacted on this spinning orb had they lived their lives to its fullest compliment.

As has been our tradition for many years, we'll take this day to spend in reflection, appreciation, and silence in honor of the millions of incredible people who have served us all.

Take the time you need today to reflect for yourself in what is indeed...

A Pittance of Time.

On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a drug store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the stores PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.

Terry was impressed with the stores leadership role in adopting the Legions two minutes of silence initiative. He felt that the stores contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.

When eleven oclock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the two minutes of silence to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.

Terrys anger towards the father for trying to engage the stores clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, A Pittance of Time. Terry later recorded A Pittance of Time and included it on his full-length music CD, The Power of the Dream.

It will touch you.



Take time today to appreciate.

Blessings,

~peter~

What We Give Out, We Get Back

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday November 10, 2009

Hello there all and welcome to Tuesday. My thanks to all who sent your responses about yesterday's reader. You are an insightful bunch indeed.

We're continuing the theme somewhat today with one of our very favorite ladies. Louise certainly does know all about...

What We Give Out, We Get Back
by Louise Hay

What we think about ourselves becomes the truth for us. I believe that everyone, myself included, is responsible for everything in our lives, the best and the worst. Every thought we think is creating our future. Each one of us creates our experiences by our thoughts and our feelings. The thoughts we think and the words we speak create our experiences.

We create the situations, and then we give our power away by blaming the other person for our frustration. No person, no place, and no thing has any power over us, for “we” are the only thinkers in it. When we create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, we will find it in our lives.

Which of these statements sounds like you?
“People are out to get me.”
“Everyone is always helpful.”
Each one of these beliefs will create quite different experiences.

What we believe about ourselves and about life becomes true for us.

The Universe Totally Supports Us in Every Thought We Choose to Think and Believe

Put another way, our subconscious mind accepts whatever we choose to believe. They both mean that what I believe about myself and about life becomes true for me. What you choose to think about yourself and about life becomes true for you. And we have unlimited choices about what we can think. When we know this, then it makes sense to choose “Everyone is always helpful,” rather than “People are out to get me.”

The Point of Power Is Always in the Present Moment

All the events you have experienced in your lifetime up to this moment have been created by your thoughts and beliefs you have held in the past. They were created by the thoughts and words you used yesterday, last week, last month, last year, 10, 20, 30, 40, or more years ago, depending on how old you are.

However, that is your past. It is over and done with. What is important in this moment is what you are choosing to think and believe and say right now. For these thoughts and words will create your future. Your point of power is in the present moment and is forming the experience of tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and so on.

You might notice what thought you are thinking at this moment. Is it negative or positive? Do you want this thought to be creating your future? Just notice and be aware.

The Only Thing We Are Ever Dealing With Is a Thought, and a Thought Can Be Changed

No matter what the problem is, our experiences are just outer effects of inner thoughts. Even self-hatred is only hating a thought you have about yourself. You have a thought that says, “I’m a bad person.” This thought produces a feeling, and you buy into the feeling. However, if you don’t have the thought, you won’t have the feeling. And thoughts can be changed. Change the thought, and the feeling must go.

This is only to show us where we get many of our beliefs. But let’s not use this information as an excuse to stay stuck in our pain. The past has no power over us. It doesn’t matter how long we have had a negative pattern. The point of power is in the present moment. What a wonderful thing to realize! We can begin to be free in this moment!


The above is an excerpt from You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay (with kind permission of Hay House)

Visit Louise Hay's website: http://www.louisehay.com

One of the Deadliest Sentences You Can Say

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday November 9, 2009

Good day all and welcome to a brand new week, and boy what a week it is destined to be.

This is "Remembrance Week" and we'll be honoring our hero's in appropriate fashion on Wednesday.

There is also another reason that we may indeed be remembering this week. The World's economic engines are about to take on somewhat of a "sputtering" sound as the strain of the recent adjustments really start to show their true effect. It is going to be a time when folks like you and I are going to have to marshal all of our ingenuity to ensure that our futures will be secure. Much more to come on this one shortly.

Today we are bringing to your attention something that we have trumpeted here for years, and that is: "What you allow out of your mouth, you end up living". Our dear friend Brad shares with us the impact of...

One of the Deadliest Sentences You Can Say
by Brad Swift

I heard it again last week. In fact, as a professional life coach I've heard it way too often. Most recently I heard it from a friend of one of my family members. I believe it's one of deadliest sentence you can say is: "That's just the way I am, I can't help it."

The friend was sharing how hard it is to open up to people and to share his feelings. He's had a rough early life and it's left emotional scars. I'm sure you know of others who have had difficult times especially in their childhood years that may take years to heal and much effort as well.

But here's why I consider "That's just the way I am, I can't help it," to be one of the deadliest sentences you can say -- because it 'sentences' the person to a life of the same way of being that hasn't worked for them up to that point.

Sure, up to this point I can get and really empathize with this young person that his challenging past has made it hard for him to open his heart and share himself...but please let's not condemn ourselves to a lifetime sentence of such a condition. Relating to yourself in this way cuts out all possibility for you to grow, develop and transform.

How an Introverted Vet Became a Coach, Writer and Public Speaker
If any of you had known me during many of my years as a veterinarian, you would have sworn that I was doomed to be a reclusive, introverted, struggling practitioner for the rest of my life.

I was scared -- not of the animals, my patients -- I loved them and could totally relate to them. No, I was terrified of the Homo Sapiens at the other end of the leashes -- my clients -- you know the ones with the check books and credit cards who paid the vet bills. No wonder I struggled to make payroll many weeks.

If someone had told me back then that I would eventually be speaking to hundred of people at a time about life purpose, or coaching highly successful people in how to overcome burnout and overwhelm, or be on dozens of radio talk shows and television programs sharing about living a more purposeful and meaningful life... well, I would have laughed and known they were crazy.

But that's the power of the transformation that's available when people tap into the passion that comes with knowing their life purpose with crystal clarity. It has the power to reshape your life in very positive and purposeful ways.

Oh, it's not that the fear and lack (as in "I'm not good enough" type lack) doesn't rise up up again sometimes to invite me back to being an introvert. Even as I write this I can hear it say, "How dare you set yourself up as an example like this. People will think you're bragging on yourself." Okay, think what you think. It's just the example that came to me and it's all true, so there.

Declare a Mis-Trial and Give Yourself a New Sentence
You aren't stuck with any self-limiting belief like this. Sure, you may have found it hard, difficult, or even impossible to open up your heart and share yourself... in the past, but remember we live in the NOW. At any given moment we can make a new choice. Small baby steps lead to larger adult steps.

It could start by reframing the 'deadly sentence' to something like this: "I know in the past I've not been able or willing to share my thoughts or feelings with others, and having realized that, I am now asking for your support in helping me to become more open and available."

As unique sparks of the Divine, we're meant to grow, develop and transform throughout our lives. Don't sentence yourself to anything less than a life on purpose.

Dr. W. Bradford Swift is Founder of the Life On Purpose Institute, and author of Life On Purpose: 6 Passages to an Inspired Life. The Institute's vision is: a world on purpose, with people living lives of purposeful, passionate and playful service, of mindful abundance balanced with simplicity, and spiritual serenity.

Extraordinary Musical Instrument

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday November 6, 2009

Good day all and welcome to the weeks end.

We've had an awesome week here with getting to really understand the power of "social media" and how it impacts our lives. All grand stuff to be sure.

To wrap up the week in our usual video fashion I thought we'd do something a tad different and celebrate ingenuity in a musical fashion.

This incredible machine was built as a collaborative effort between the Robert M. Trammell Music Conservatory and the Sharon Wick School of Engineering at the University of Iowa. Amazingly, 97% of the machines components came from John Deere Industries and Irrigation Equipment of Bancroft, Iowa. Yes, farm equipment.

It took the team a combined 13,029 hours of set-up, alignment, calibration, and tuning before filming this video but as you can see, it was WELL worth the effort. It is now on display in the Matthew Gerhard Alumni Hall at the University and is already slated to be donated to the Smithsonian.

This is almost unbelievable. See how all of the balls wind up in catcher cones.

Have a wonder-full weekend.

See you on Monday.

Take care,

~peter~

The Ultimate Social Media Etiquette Handbook

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday November 5, 2009

Hi there all and please accept my apologies for the not having the reader you were expecting. We were notified earlier that we did not have the appropriate permissions to bring you the article in our format.

Tamar has given permission to read it on this site. You'll love the piece and you'll find it here.

The Ultimate Social Media Etiquette Handbook

I like this writer and feel she's worth you following.

Take care all.

~peter~

David & Goliath and Social Media Marketing

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday November 4, 2009

Good day there all and welcome to the midweek point.

I must confess, the whole issue of "social media" got me hugely confused at the outset. I like to consider myself as an open-minded, adventurist gut of fellow, but this entire thing got me a tad irritated.

It took me a little while to work out that it was my feeling of "smallness" that was causing the irritation. I felt that my little initiative here at The Wealthy Attitude was minuscule compared to what I was seeing going on in the Internet.

It was then that I realized, hold on Peter boy, the Internet really is a level playing field. That was the turning point and I then saw "social media" in a whole new light. Now I understood the concept of...

David & Goliath and Social Media Marketing
by Daniel D.

The epic tale of the ultimate upset is playing out online with countless small businesses leveraging the marketing power of social media. How are entrepreneurs doing this? Well, the challenge with social media lies in quantifying return on investment. Here, the investment is primarily time and effort since the bulk of social networking applications are free. The following outlines the factors that support how small businesses can exploit online media to gain a competitive advantage over large companies.

Personality - The voice of the company that filters through to social media is all too often devoid of personality. Research shows that people connect people, not gray text.

Censorship - There virtually is no censorship when it comes to social media. Small business owners don't have to worry about being tied up through layers of social media compliance. Larger companies, by contrast, can be subject to legal approval concerning every blog post or tweet, making it harder to facilitate real-time conversations.

Local Connection - Small businesses can tap into local events, traditions and communities much more easily due to their shared experience with the people. Once again, people would rather bond with an actual person present at relevant local events.

Implementation - Online resources today allow for the quickest implementation when breaking news occurs. Situations like these calls necessitate quick action when timing is everything. The saying "the early bird gets the worm" holds solid validation as many in the general public desire the fastest reporting of news. This advantage will convert more followers into customers.

Audience - The small business owner only needs to connect with hundreds or perhaps thousands, not hundreds OF thousands or millions. Doing this yeah yield significant productivity for the small business who often seeking to zero in on a more focused target market.

As a small business entrepreneur you no longer have to remain puzzled about social media's distinct value for the small guy out there. You potentially have the huge advantage to trump larger corporations in reaching your desired customers.

Daniel D. is an avid writer on various internet marketing topics and is the founder of the Doctor DubLi Team. He creates innovative marketing tools for novice and aspiring networkers worldwide from his office in Suburban Detroit. Learn more about his business and how his team is seeing success by integrating social media and DubLi marketing

The Uniqueness of Social Media

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday November 3, 2009

Good day all and Happy Tuesday to you.

Thanks to all who shared your "reactions" to our Halloween picture yesterday. :-))

We continue today with our theme of understanding social media. Like it or not folks, social media is here to stay, and today you'll learn a bit more about...

The Uniqueness of Social Media
by Frank F. Morgan

Wow the social media sites today have proven to be not only social but viral business. With the right strategies these sites can bring about enormous success for you, the user. However, if used wrong they will be nothing more than a dead end. We have all heard of these sites: Facebook, MySpace and Twitter (there are many more and more cropping up all the time), but collectively we use these sites to brand ourselves in that it allows us to socialize with people who for the most part think like we do.

To be most effective in your efforts to socialize you have to find like minded people for example twitter has a branch called twellow, this can be a tool that you use to find like minded people. So just starting out, as opposed to just trying to flood the market with useless garbage,redefine yourself. Meaning make yourself more presentable. Have objectives,provide resources especially if using these media sites for promotion of your marketing agenda. Let the community know that you have something valuable to offer.

Don't be afraid to share information,share ideas offer suggestions that may have worked for you. If you actually have some expertise in a certain area use that to stimulate a conversation with the masses. Do this enough and you will start to acquire a following,which is ultimately what you are after. Again this must be done consistently and often, we all know a one hit wonder does not last long. As my son told me once "slow and steady wins the race".

Contrary to what so many people think, these social sites are not the place for selling products,information or services. Almost daily I delete from my e-mail hordes of social hits trying to sell me something. Each time I say to myself, wow guys think about what you are doing, let me decide how and when I wish to venture off to a particular site or product. Yes I am watching my sites reading what things are posted,saving those that are interesting and really following those that seem to really have their act together. These that I follow with utmost reverence are those that are not trying to sell me anything. Ironically, although they are not trying to, they have indeed perked my interest enough to see exactly what they are doing.

Remember the social sites will only get more used as time progresses. A true entrepreneur will capitalize on the one true statement "you can catch more flies with honey",this person will be online filling the social sites with value,entertainment,stimulating content, not sales messages. Good luck to all.

Social Media Will Change Your Business

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday November 2, 2009

Good day everyone and welcome to a shiny brand new week.

I do sincerely hope that you had a hot of a Halloween weekend. Here in this corner of wonderland we had a valley full of ghouls and goblins making their merry way through an entire myriad of fantasy lands.

We had the fun of attending a couple of totally outrageous events that clearly brought out the imaginative side of people. Here's what we looked like as Hagatha and Swampy. Oh, I'm the "Pretty One". :-))

Needless to say, the weekend was a ton of fun.

Now dear friends, on with the subject of the week. Social Media.

Like it or not, Social Media is here to stay, and it certainly does impact you, and your business.

This week we're going to bring forward some highly informative readers on the subject, and we feel strongly that you'll want to participate in the dialogue. We certainly believe that you'll want to know how...

Social Media Will Change Your Business
by Stephen Baker and Heather Green

It's time for a frank talk. And no, it can't wait. We know, we know: Most of you are sick to death of blogs. Don't even want to hear about these millions of online journals that link together into a vast network. And yes, there's plenty out there not to like. Self-obsession, politics of hate, and the same hunger for fame that has people lining up to trade punches on The Jerry Springer Show. Name just about anything that's sick in our society today, and it's on parade in the blogs. On lots of them, even the writing stinks.

Go ahead and bellyache about blogs. But you cannot afford to close your eyes to them, because they're simply the most explosive outbreak in the information world since the Internet itself. And they're going to shake up just about every business—including yours. It doesn't matter whether you're shipping paper clips, pork bellies, or videos of Britney in a bikini, blogs are a phenomenon that you cannot ignore, postpone, or delegate. Given the changes barreling down upon us, blogs are not a business elective. They're a prerequisite. (And yes, that goes for us, too.)

There's a little problem, though. Many of you don't visit blogs—or haven't since blogs became a sensation in last year's Presidential race. According to a Pew Research Center Survey, only 27% Some newer numbers: According to Forrester, 11.2% of online adults in the U.S. publish a blog at least once a month. Of the same group, 24.8% read a blog and 13.7% comment on a blog at least once a month. The numbers are higher for youths. Of online youths, 20.8% publish a blog, 36.6% read a blog, and 26.4% comment on a blog at least once a month. But I suspect the numbers are unreliable because many mainstream sites with millions of readers—celebrity site TMZ and gadget sites like Gizmodo—are actually blogs. But are all the readers aware of this? I doubt it. This is the blurring of the blog/mainstream divide, a theme we'll see again and again in these revisions. of Internet users in America now bother to read them. So we're going to take you into the world of blogs by delivering this story—call it Blogs 101 for businesses—in the style of a blog. We're even sprinkling it with links. These are underlined words that, when clicked, carry readers of this story's online version to another Web page. This all may make for a strange experience, but it's the closest we can come to reaching out from the page, grabbing you by the collar, and shaking you into action.

First, a few numbers. There are some 9 million blogs out there, Yes, there were 9 million, but how many of them were active? Probably only a fraction. In early 2008, says Technorati Chairman David Sifry, the search company indexes 112 million blogs, with 120,000 new ones popping up each day. But only 11% of these blogs, he says, have posted within the past two months. That means the active universe is closer to 13 million blogs. Kevin Burton, CEO of FeedBlog, argues that the number should be lower, from 2 million to 4 million blogs. with 40,000 new ones popping up each day. Some discuss poetry, others constitutional law. And, yes, many are plain silly. "Mommy tells me it may rain today. Oh Yucky Dee Doo," reads only one April Posting. Let's assume that 99.9% are equally off point. What we didn't see in early 2005 was the advent of the spam blog. These blogs, produced automatically, are designed to show up in search results and to attract Google advertisements known as Adsense. Sifry estimates that fully 99% of the blog posts reaching search engines are spam. So what? That leaves some 40 new ones every day that could be talking about your business, engaging your employees, or leaking those merger discussions you thought were hush-hush.

Give the paranoids their due. The overwhelming majority of the information the world spews out every day is digital—photos from camera phones, PowerPoint presentations, government filings, billions and billions of e-mails, even digital phone messages. With a couple of clicks, every one of these items can be broadcast into the blogosphere by anyone with an Internet hookup—or even a cell phone. If it's scandalous, a poisonous e-mail from a CEO, for example, or torture pictures from a prison camp, others link to it in a flash. And here's the killer: Blog posts linger on the Web forever.

Yet not all the news is scary. Ideas circulate as fast as scandal. Potential customers are out there, sniffing around for deals and partners. While you may be putting it off, you can bet that your competitors are exploring ways to harvest new ideas from blogs, sprinkle ads into them, and yes, find out what you and other competitors are up to.

More tomorrow.