Archive for August, 2006

The Keys to Building Self Confidence

Wednesday, August 30th, 2006

Many of us know that we would benefit from increased self-confidence; after all, a lack of it is easy enough to identify! If you lack self-confidence, you are more likely to let people treat you badly or take advantage of you. You might also have a tendency to fall short of your real potential at work or school, or in your interpersonal relationships. If any of these descriptions sound like you, chances are, you need to work on your self-confidence. But actually building self-confidence can be a long road - it isn’t as simple as it sounds. Here are some tips for building self-confidence to get you on your way.

First, the key to self confidence is to love yourself, and this can be difficult if you weren’t raised with a sense of unconditional love or support. That doesn’t mean that your parents didn’t love you - but some may have had trouble showing it, or they may have been so anxious for you to grow up ‘right’ that some disapproving messages were sent out. As children, we pick these up unconsciously, and grow to beleive them. To build self-confidence, it’s time to let go of self-critical thinking. Wherever you are at the moment is a fine starting point. There is no need to criticise or berate yourself for what you percieve as your deficiencies.

Second, identify what you are really good at and enjoy, and perfect that skill. The better you are at what you do, and the more positive feedback you recieve, the higher your self-confidence will be. Many of us have the perception that we don’t enjoy working hard - this usually isn’t the case if the work you are doing is right for you. Once that happpens, you will likely feel confident, skilled and productive.

Finally, a great way of building your self-confidence is to occasionally challenge yourself, maybe even doing things that scare you a little now and then. Start small - do something you haven’t done before, but that doesn’t take you too far out of your personal comfort zone. Then, build on that. As you start taking more chances and becoming more adventurous, your sense of self will expand. If you really enjoy life and the work you are doing, building self-confidence should be a natural by-product. It becomes something that evolves on its own rather than something you work on, and the rewards will be great in all aspects of your life!

Get 2 free chapters of of the new confidence building ebook: Boost Your Confidence

For the latest confidence articles, visit: Building self confidence

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365Articles.com

Ever wonder what it takes to make money online? Learn how to turn pennies into dollars! Make Money On The Internet

32 Words That Can Change Your Life

Friday, August 25th, 2006

We all have ways of testing opportunities that enter our
lives. Some of us just dive right in based on feeling,
others walk straight into what they know is right by a gut
feeling or intuition. And if it’s not gut feelings or
emotions that are the tests of opportunities, it is the
logical mind persuading us to ignore those feelings and
emotions and test it with our reality of reason.

Most of us do not have a predetermined strategy for testing
opportunities, or even more generally to test the actions
we take and the choices we make in our lives.

There is an easier way to determine if our choices we make
and the opportunities we receive ‘pass the test’. This
simple 32 word statement of business ethics was first
created in the 1930s and used to turn around a failing
company. These four questions were applied by each
employee to each and to every minute detail of the
company’s workings. This little list of four questions
from Rotary International, a humanitarian business
organization, is the most widely printed, translated and
reproduced piece of business ethics today:

“Of the things we say, think or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

If we built businesses and our lives based on these very
simple 4 questions we would be coming from a place
completely the opposite of the competitive mind and the
lack mentality. As you can see, these questions prompt you
to choose what is true, fair, and good, making choices that
can build friendships and goodwill. It helps us to see how
the choices we make can be beneficial to all concerned.

Because of our societal influences, we most often are
inclined to make choices and act based on a competitive
mind. This comes from the perspective of lack, scarcity,
and ultimately greed.

Any opportunity based on the model of competition and lack
will simply not pass the test. Competition promotes
strife. It embodies winning one spot, taking it away from
all the other people who want it. It misleads people to
believing there is only one chance for success, when in
reality there is plenty for all.

The competitive model encourages people to rely on a source
outside of themselves to give them what they need. This
denies the power of their own ability to create what they
want. This narrow focus shows they are choosing to ignore
the possibility of creating this opportunity in their own
lives, instead of trying to win the spot from millions of
others.

This simple testing technique takes us completely out of
the competitive mind of greed, scarcity and lack. It turns
our thoughts and choices toward the positive, realizing
there are opportunities we can take that can provide
increase for all concerned.

I invite you to use these questions to test your actions
and opportunities in your life. If you are seeking
opportunity, these questions may help you see things in a
different way. In doing this, perhaps you might find an
opportunity in your life which truly allows you to benefit
the world, while at the same time reaching whatever your
dreams, goals, and desires are.

Carina MacInnes is an author and entrepreneur, currently
offering a free in-depth e-course on wealth building
secrets by her favorite mentor, get it here:
milliondollarsecret@robotreply.com She also offers a
powerful opportunity to increase health, wealth and
vitality in your own life. Visit her site here:
http://imagineacai.com

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365Articles.com

Ever wonder what it takes to make money online? Learn how to turn pennies into dollars! Make Money On The Internet

You Can Improve Your Relatonships

Sunday, August 20th, 2006

Is there magic to what makes some relationships last longer than others? Maybe. Do some people just sit back and sulk, while others seem to let life go by right over their heads and problems? It sure seems so. Or maybe it’s just that some people learn secrets of success from their grandparents or other relatives or friends. And since the latter is probably more accurate, here are some tried and true tips from people who have enjoyed long, happy relationships.

1. REFRESH – Take time to look back, refresh your memories and share what brought you together. Especially when times are difficult, lean back and rely on these old memories as your foundation and glue yourselves back together with them (not literally, of course!)

2. DATES – Keep dating each other. Even if life seems too busy, meet at the end of the evening for something light and easy, like viewing your favorite sitcom (record it if necessary) together or playing a game of Euchre.

3. FUN – Couple tend to have fun on dates, then get married and too serious. Lighten up. Head to Yahoo Games (off Yahoo.com main site) and join in any number of card or other games. Or head to a local rental shop and rent an Xbox or other game player and some games.

4. FORGET – No need to “always” remember the bad things that happened during an argument. Actively “forget” sometimes. Be the first to apologize and make up. Go for it!

5. SPACE – Give each other some space. Either you trust or you don’t. Get on with life, though. People need time alone and time with their mates and other friends. Be sure to give and take your fair share of space.

6. DISAGREE – Agree that it’s okay to disagree on some issues, and leave it at that. No need to create a new religion or political movement just to appease both of you. You don’t HAVE to agree on everything. And you won’t. And that’s okay.

7. MEMORIES – Make some together. Enjoy special moments, special anniversary dates and events. No need to be elaborate. For example, maybe you enjoyed watching a hot air balloon race one spring day. The next year, you might schedule time to watch it again. Make it an annual event. Collect postcards with balloons on the, playing cards, toss pillows…over time it becomes a theme.

So don’t just sit back and sulk. Take short steps to improve your relationships and let life’s problems magically pass by while you hold on to your relationship.

Dr. Deepak Dutta is the creator of SemanticBay.com - an interactive social network website based on user shared text and picture contents on any topics. Website creators, publishers, and maintainers can promote their website at SemanticBay.com using website articles. Users can join for free, invite friends, maintain buddy lists, rate contents, comments on contents and earn points.

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365Articles.com

Discover the 9 Hidden Success Barriers that prevent you from succeeding in life and business. Overcome Success Barriers

How I Got Rid of the green-eyed Monster called Jealousy.

Tuesday, August 15th, 2006

I am ashamed to admit this but I used to have the green-eyed monster tailing me wherever I went. It was my shadow and my other half.

Of course jealousy justified its presence and suspicions. It was there to protect me. Jealousy kept telling me what I should be doing and feeling. It even told me what my partner was up to and how he should be behaving and feeling toward me.

Did I believe jealousy? You bet I did. That went on for years until I learnt a few painful lessons and decided that it should go and leave me alone for good. That happened too late though.

My suspicions when jealousy set in cost me broken relationships, distress and a deep plunge in my self-esteem and worthiness.

Having gone through what I did, I have a few points here to assist you from allowing jealousy to ruin your life.

The first thing to do is to simply make a decision to get rid of that feeling. That means telling yourself that you have had it with the attitude of being suspicious, distrusting and possessive.

Next start saying different things to yourself. Jealousy is going to remind you that if you focus on other things, your partner may abandon you. Tell it firmly that you are in control and you want to choose your own thoughts.

Have respect for yourself. If your partner abandons you, put your hurt behind and start life over. If he actually cheats on you, he is not worth your time and effort. Your life will continue to evolve no matter what happens, if you decide to make it so.

Learn how to trust and expect good things to happen. One of the reasons why we suffer is because we unconsciously expect bad things to happen. Develop faith and confidence in your relationships. It promotes better understanding, avoids stress and gives you a peace of mind.

Learn how to communicate effectively. One great tip, don’t nag. Here’s another, don’t bring out old issues and mistakes. Both irritate and put a stop for further constructive conversations.

Learn to listen without interrupting, judging and probing. Allow him to talk and finish his sentences. If you must ask, do it with the intent to seek understanding. He can tell from your words, gestures and body language if you are sincere.

Now the last but most important thing is to learn to love everyone including yourself unconditionally. No strings, no bargains and no threats.

Fatimah Musa provides information, tips and quotes to help people become aware that any future success starts with their personal growth. You can visit Fatimah at http://www.about-personal-growth.com or read more articles at http://www.about-personal-growth.com/personal-growth-articles.html

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365Articles.com

Ever wonder what it takes to make money online? Learn how to turn pennies into dollars! Make Money On The Internet

Why Write an eBook?

Thursday, August 10th, 2006

Why Write an eBook?

It’s not true that everything that has been said has
already been written. Since that unfortunate axiom
came into use, the whole universe has changed.

Technology has changed, ideas have changed, and the
mindsets of entire nations have changed.

The fact is that this is the perfect time to write an
ebook. What the publishing industry needs are people
who can tap into the world as it is today - innovative
thinkers who can make the leap into the new millennium
and figure out how to solve old problems in a new way.

Ebooks are a new and powerful tool for original
thinkers with fresh ideas to disseminate information
to the millions of people who are struggling to figure
out how to do a plethora of different things.

Let’s say you already have a brilliant idea, and the
knowledge to back it up that will enable you to write
an exceptional ebook. You may be sitting at your
computer staring at a blank screen wondering, “Why?

Why should I go through all the trouble of writing my
ebook when it’s so impossible to get anything
published these days?

Well, let me assure you that publishing an ebook is
entirely different than publishing a book in print.

Let’s look at the specifics of how the print and cyber
publishing industry differ, and the many reasons why
you should take the plunge and get your fingers
tapping across those keyboards!

Submitting a print book to conventional publishing
houses or to agents is similar to wearing a hair shirt
24/7. No matter how good your book actually is, or how
many critique services and mentor writers have told
you that “you’ve got what it takes,” your submitted
manuscript keeps coming back to you as if it is a
boomerang instead of a valuable mine of information.

Perhaps, in desperation, you’ve checked out
self-publishing and found out just how expensive a
venture it can be. Most “vanity presses” require
minimal print runs of at least 500 copies, and even
that amount will cost you thousands of dollars. Some
presses’ minimal run starts at 1,000 to 2,000 copies.

And that’s just for the printing and binding. Add in
distribution, shipping, and promotional costs and -
well, you do the math. Even if you wanted to go this
route, you may not have that kind of money to risk.

Let’s say you already have an Internet business with a
quality website and a quality product. An ebook is one
of the most powerful ways to promote your business
while educating people with the knowledge you already
possess as a business owner of a specific product or
service.

For example, let’s say that you’ve spent the last
twenty-five years growing and training bonsai trees,
and now you’re ready to share your knowledge and
experience. An ebook is the perfect way to reach the
largest audience of bonsai enthusiasts.

Ebooks will not only promote your business - they will
help you make a name for yourself and your company,
and establish you as an expert in your field. You may
even find that you have enough to say to warrant a
series of ebooks. Specific businesses are complicated
and often require the different aspects to be divided
in order for the reader to get the full story.

Perhaps your goals are more finely tuned in terms of
the ebook scene. You may want to build a whole
business around writing and publishing ebooks.

Essentially, you want to start an e-business. You are
thinking of setting up a website to promote and market
your ebooks. Maybe you’re even thinking of producing
an ezine.

One of the most prevalent reasons people read ebooks
is to find information about how to turn their
Internet businesses into a profit-making machine. And
these people are looking to the writers of ebooks to
provide them with new ideas and strategies because
writers of ebooks are usually people who understand
the new cyberspace world we now live in.

Ebook writers
are experts in Internet marketing campaigns and the
strategies of promoting and distributing ebooks. The
cyberspace community needs its ebooks to be successful
so that more and more ebooks will be written.

You may want to create affiliate programs that will
also market your ebook. Affiliates can be people or
businesses worldwide that will all be working to sell
your ebooks. Think about this? Do you see a formula
for success here?

Figure out what your subject matter is, and then
narrow it down. Your goal is to aim for specificity.

Research what’s out there already, and try to find a
void that your ebook might fill.

What about an ebook about a wedding cake business? Or
an ebook about caring for elderly pets? How about the
fine points of collecting ancient pottery?

You don’t have to have three masters degrees to write
about your subject. People need advice that is easy to
read and easily understood. Parents need advice for
dealing with their teenagers. College students need to
learn good study skills - quickly. The possibilities
are endless.

After you’ve written your ebook

Getting your ebook out is going to be your focus once
you’ve finished writing it, just as it is with print
books. People will hesitate to buy any book from an
author they’ve never heard of. Wouldn’t you?

The answer is simple: give it away! You will see
profits in the form of promoting your own business and
getting your name out. You will find affiliates who
will ask you to place their links within your ebook,
and these affiliates will in turn go out and make your
name known. Almost every single famous ebook author
has started out this way.

Another powerful tool to attract people to your ebook
is to make it interactive. Invent something for them
to do within the book rather than just producing pages
that contain static text. Let your readers fill out
questionnaires, forms, even crossword puzzles geared
to testing their knowledge on a particular subject.

Have your readers hit a link that will allow them to
recommend your book to their friends and associates.
Or include an actual order form so at the end of their
reading journey, they can eagerly buy your product.

When people interact with books, they become a part of
the world of that book. The fact is just as true for
books in print as it is for ebooks.

That’s why ebooks are so essential. Not only do they
provide a forum for people to learn and make sense of
their own thoughts, but they can also serve to promote
your business at the same time.

=====

Article reprinted with permission from Strategic Services. All rights reserved.
Helene Malmsio has been a successful business entrepreneur for nearly 30 years
and has been operating Strategic Services group of Companies since 1987.

For more information on how to write and publish your own ebook, and to get your own copy of our free self publishing ebook, go to
http://www.buybooks-online.com

Article reprint requirements:
. You may reprint this article, electronically in free-only publications in it’s entirety in an Ezine, blog or web site.
. You may not use this article in Unsolicited Commercial Email.
. Whenever this article is used, it must include the authors byline with an active link back to our web site.

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365Articles.com

Ever wonder what it takes to make money online? Learn how to turn pennies into dollars! Make Money On The Internet

Discover your passion

Saturday, August 5th, 2006

What are you passionate about? We didn’t ask if you are passionate. But what are you passionate about? What stirs your emotions? What is it you can’t stop talking about whenever someone asks: “What are you passionate about?” What’s the fire in your belly? What really turns you on? What do you love doing most?

What is it that you love doing so much that you forget time? You forget others. You are so focussed that you don’t hear anything. What is it that gets your creative juices going? What is it that you love more than anything else?

Graham is passionate about books. He loves them. He just loves books. They are all placed in their respective homes on the shelves. Each has a neighbour. He fondles them. Cares for them. Places book marks in them, never folds the corner of their page.

A bookshop is like a magnet to him. He will spend hours with his head tilted to one side as he scours the shelves for works that interest him. He loves books that have a different angle on coaching and developing people. He loves reading unusual biographies. He loves books where people have beaten the odds to survive. It doesn’t matter whether they are fiction or non fiction. They have to be about improving self.

At least that’s what it appears to the outsider. But, you see, books aren’t really his passion. It just looks like it. He loves books yes of course he does. But really the books are a vehicle. A method of giving him what he truly craves for…..

And that is learning. Graham has a passion for learning about the human spirit. How to get the most out of it. How to tap into it. How to push it to new heights. How to get to its potential. How to climb out of the feelings of mediocrity. How to, excel at what ever he does.

His Passion is for the human spirit.

Often, that which appears as a passion, at first, is just the vehicle for the real deep down passion that lights you up.

Florence Nightingale is known for her nursing in the Crimean War. And most people know that Nursing was her passion. But it wasn’t.

Believe it or not Florence Nightingale’s passion was……statistics. Yes good old fashioned Statistics. She was so good at it, in1858 she was the first female elected member of the Statistical Society of the UK and an honorary member of the American Statistical Association.

When you think about it you can see the connection. Because she was passionate about Statistics she was able to see and prove that disease was killing more troops than battle and then do something about it.

What about you? What is the deep down passion that lights your life up. What is it that you love doing and being beyond all else.

Michael Jordan’s passion is basketball. But most are unaware that his passion was such that he had written into his contract that he could play “pickup” games whenever he wanted. (For us non Americans this is playing with whoever is available on public sites) He just wanted to play basketball whenever he felt like it. There is no doubt that it was his passion that made him so brilliant, so extraordinary.

Go on….. you can tell yourself. There is no need to tell others. Just have a go and tell yourself.

What is that love that stirs you up - that love that others may not be interested in but is so important to you. What is it that makes you forget time? What is it that you love doing?

We all have it. We all have at least one thing that we are passionate about.

What’s yours?

The bottom line is; passion is motivating. Passion is more motivating that money.
Passion energises and transforms you. When you are passionate about something then you enter that ‘flow’ state where time stands still. You are so focussed. You are really in tune with yourself.

Go on try it.

Good Luck

Graham and Julie
www.desktop-meditation.com

If you want to improve and enhance the quality of your life go to:
www.desktop-meditation.com It’s free.

Source: High Quality Article Database - 365Articles.com

Ever wonder what it takes to make money online? Learn how to turn pennies into dollars! Make Money On The Internet