Kobus and I were drafted into the army at the age of seventeen. We became good friends during our basic training (boot camp) and then attended the Operations Intelligence training program together before being placed at an air force base. We had a lot of fun which included getting drunk, jabbing a hole into the door of an airplane with the blades of a forklift, overturning a battery-operated luggage cart and smashing the back of a staff sergeant’s car with the same forklift. I loved the army.
After the army we went our separate ways, but remained friends. We boated, camped and stayed in touch. I worked in a government department and then got a bursary for Hotel School and Kobus trained and then worked as psychiatric nurse. He got married and caught his new wife in bed with another woman three nights later. He remarried and became a medical rep. While working as a salesman, the man who tended his garden told Kobus that he could make personalized resin pen holders that Kobus could sell to the doctors he was calling on. This became a lucrative sideline until the gardener told him that he could also teach him how to make resin baths, basins and commodes. Kobus put him to work in his garage and soon had his own factory. Two years later, he was a millionaire.
I tell you this story because it’s not about education. There are many educated people around who have no money, no success, no vision. The universities and colleges make their money by promising people they’ll succeed because of education. And it’s not about ideas – many of us have great ideas that we keep in a box on a shelf somewhere. It’s all about TAKING ACTION. That is what defines the winner and the conqueror. Action is what separates the men from the boys. Talk is cheap. Kobus had the guts to take action. And to bounce back when things went wrong. Goethe said, “The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.”
Taking action means moving, getting off the coach and out of bed, doing the difficult things and taking risks. In business, even the things that don’t work, work. That’s because we learn from success as well as from failure. If you’re not failing often, you’re not taking enough action! The more failures, the closer you get to success. Stop talking and start walking. DO something. Pick up that phone, write that letter, go to that meeting. Woody Allen said that 90% pf success is showing up. You never know whom you’ll meet! You don’t stumble across opportunities watching television. You don’t meet many winners in a bar or a casino. Alfred Adler said, “Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.” Finally, we build trust by what we DO, not by what we SAY. Take action. Benjamin Disraeli said, “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.”
Friday, September 19, 2008
A Plan Of Action
You have finally made the decision that it is time to make some changes in your life. You know that the only way things are going to get better for you financially, spiritually and physically is if you sit up and take action. You know you have to put forth the effort in order to reap the rewards.
So how exactly are you going to implement these changes? You are going to have a "plan of action".
A plan of action is crucial to your success. Without a plan it is merely a thought. When you add your thoughts to paper coupled with a desire to see them become realities and proceed to do everything possible to fulfill that desire you have a template for success.
A simple equation to use when creating a plan of action from your template is: Desire + Effort = Results.
Your first step is to write down what exactly it is you desire. Albeit wealth, personal development or whatever you so strongly yearn for that you simply can no longer go without, write it down. Make your desires realistic. For example, if your desire is to lose 20 pounds, it is unrealistic to believe you can lose 20 pounds in 3 days. However, it is possible to lose 20 pounds in 3 months with a proper plan of action. It is important to note that there should be a time frame with regards to your plan. These time frames are the milestones to marking your achievements.
Now that you know what your specific desire is, list the ways in which you plan on achieving optimum results. How do I plan to lose these 20 pounds? What do I have to do each day in order to achieve my goal? What do I personally need to do to see this plan come to fruition?
Set up a schedule outlining each step that needs to be taken daily to achieve weekly goals. Be specific. Create a daily "to do" list. At the end of the week you will be able to see how much you were able to accomplish. Congratulate yourself for each accomplishment.
Make a commitment to yourself to "Work the Plan". Stay focused on the positive. List all the reasons why you will be able to achieve your objective. Utilize the strengths you possess that will help you to complete your plan.
Know your weaknesses and make a concerted effort to overcome them. Incorporate both your strengths and weakness into your plan of action. Know what you are capable of and know what your shortcomings are.
Have your own personal reward system in place. Know what each reward will be for each accomplishment that you have fulfilled throughout your plan. With every desired result you achieve there should be a reward for having done so. An incentive plan customized to your wants.
Do not let yourself get disheartened. If you have a temporary lapse or deviation from the plan acknowledge it and continue to move forward with your plan. Keep the pedal to the metal or your nose to the grindstone, just keep on taking action. Remember, this is not a race to the finish line. Your plan is your future. Take the time to nurture and understand it.
We've all heard the adage "Rome was not built in a day". Your success regarding your plan of action will not be achieved in one day either. Success is a process and the process is something you have a long-term plan for.
"You and only you can determine if the reward is worth the price you are paying for it in effort".
So how exactly are you going to implement these changes? You are going to have a "plan of action".
A plan of action is crucial to your success. Without a plan it is merely a thought. When you add your thoughts to paper coupled with a desire to see them become realities and proceed to do everything possible to fulfill that desire you have a template for success.
A simple equation to use when creating a plan of action from your template is: Desire + Effort = Results.
Your first step is to write down what exactly it is you desire. Albeit wealth, personal development or whatever you so strongly yearn for that you simply can no longer go without, write it down. Make your desires realistic. For example, if your desire is to lose 20 pounds, it is unrealistic to believe you can lose 20 pounds in 3 days. However, it is possible to lose 20 pounds in 3 months with a proper plan of action. It is important to note that there should be a time frame with regards to your plan. These time frames are the milestones to marking your achievements.
Now that you know what your specific desire is, list the ways in which you plan on achieving optimum results. How do I plan to lose these 20 pounds? What do I have to do each day in order to achieve my goal? What do I personally need to do to see this plan come to fruition?
Set up a schedule outlining each step that needs to be taken daily to achieve weekly goals. Be specific. Create a daily "to do" list. At the end of the week you will be able to see how much you were able to accomplish. Congratulate yourself for each accomplishment.
Make a commitment to yourself to "Work the Plan". Stay focused on the positive. List all the reasons why you will be able to achieve your objective. Utilize the strengths you possess that will help you to complete your plan.
Know your weaknesses and make a concerted effort to overcome them. Incorporate both your strengths and weakness into your plan of action. Know what you are capable of and know what your shortcomings are.
Have your own personal reward system in place. Know what each reward will be for each accomplishment that you have fulfilled throughout your plan. With every desired result you achieve there should be a reward for having done so. An incentive plan customized to your wants.
Do not let yourself get disheartened. If you have a temporary lapse or deviation from the plan acknowledge it and continue to move forward with your plan. Keep the pedal to the metal or your nose to the grindstone, just keep on taking action. Remember, this is not a race to the finish line. Your plan is your future. Take the time to nurture and understand it.
We've all heard the adage "Rome was not built in a day". Your success regarding your plan of action will not be achieved in one day either. Success is a process and the process is something you have a long-term plan for.
"You and only you can determine if the reward is worth the price you are paying for it in effort".
How To Use An Action Plan
Having a plan and executing that plan are two different things.
Planning is good but it won't get you anywhere.
Execution is good but without a plan, you won't get to where you want to be.
I find that many online business owners tend to lean toward one and not the other. Which category do you fall into?
While most people tend toward one or the other, it's the successful combination of planning and executing that will actually make a business successful. Help yourself by planning and executing brilliantly. Here's how to create a simple but effective action plan:
1. First, get a blank piece of paper and a pen.
2. Decide where you are. Pick an area that you want to focus on (for example, monthly income or number of clicks to get one sale). Be sure to identify a specific area of your business and then identify a specific number you want to work on. For example, if your current monthly income is $3000, write that at the top of your page.
3. Decide where you want to be. Using the same area of business and the same measurement (dollars or clicks or whatever you chose in step 1), write out where you want to be. If you want your monthly income in six months to be $6000 per month, write that at the bottom of the page.
4. Now connect the dots! On the space on your page between where you are and where you want to be, create steps with real, practical ideas that help move you toward your dream. If it's a simple matter of only two or three steps, that's all you need. However, more than likely, you need to fill your page with ideas to help you move from "now" to "soon." Some ideas for the example we've been looking at might include: increase prices by 10%, try upselling customers into a higher priced product, do half an hour of cold calling each morning, etc. These items should be specific action steps that you need to take, not general ideas you have. Be sure to assign due dates for each one so you have a timeframe to work in.
5. Now, take those action items, and implement them into your weekly
planner.
6. Then simply execute! Do one step at a time, each day, every day, until you've reached your time limit listed at the bottom of the page. Did you achieve your goal? Did you miss the mark? If so, how close did you come?
Once you get into the habit of doing these regularly, you'll find that you'll do them more and more often for a variety of business and personal goals.
Planning is good but it won't get you anywhere.
Execution is good but without a plan, you won't get to where you want to be.
I find that many online business owners tend to lean toward one and not the other. Which category do you fall into?
While most people tend toward one or the other, it's the successful combination of planning and executing that will actually make a business successful. Help yourself by planning and executing brilliantly. Here's how to create a simple but effective action plan:
1. First, get a blank piece of paper and a pen.
2. Decide where you are. Pick an area that you want to focus on (for example, monthly income or number of clicks to get one sale). Be sure to identify a specific area of your business and then identify a specific number you want to work on. For example, if your current monthly income is $3000, write that at the top of your page.
3. Decide where you want to be. Using the same area of business and the same measurement (dollars or clicks or whatever you chose in step 1), write out where you want to be. If you want your monthly income in six months to be $6000 per month, write that at the bottom of the page.
4. Now connect the dots! On the space on your page between where you are and where you want to be, create steps with real, practical ideas that help move you toward your dream. If it's a simple matter of only two or three steps, that's all you need. However, more than likely, you need to fill your page with ideas to help you move from "now" to "soon." Some ideas for the example we've been looking at might include: increase prices by 10%, try upselling customers into a higher priced product, do half an hour of cold calling each morning, etc. These items should be specific action steps that you need to take, not general ideas you have. Be sure to assign due dates for each one so you have a timeframe to work in.
5. Now, take those action items, and implement them into your weekly
planner.
6. Then simply execute! Do one step at a time, each day, every day, until you've reached your time limit listed at the bottom of the page. Did you achieve your goal? Did you miss the mark? If so, how close did you come?
Once you get into the habit of doing these regularly, you'll find that you'll do them more and more often for a variety of business and personal goals.
How To Get Clients To Take Immediate Action
Are you tired of excuses? Looking for a persuasion technique to get people to take immediate action? Are prospects saying things to you like: "I'll think it over and get back to you?" "I need to talk it over with my wife." "Call me next week and we'll set up an appointment." Then create a sense of urgency and get your clients to want what you have now!
The first step in getting people to take immediate action is for them to perceive your product or service as being in demand or in limited supply. People want what is "hot" right now! Psychologists have proven, people find more value in things they have a difficult time obtaining. If you're told you can't have something, you want it even more.
Infomercials tell you that if you call now they will give you another one free or knock $20 of the original price. Shopping networks use a time limit or tell you they only have so many left. Marketers know how to create a sense of urgency.
Have you noticed when you are starving for new business you have an attitude that you would do anything to get business. You make promises you normally wouldn't make. You're practically on your knees begging them to do business with you. You can feel it and so can your customers. They see the look in your eyes and hear the tone of your voice and will do anything to get rid of you. People figure if you're desperate for business then you must not be any good, because if you were you would be in high demand. People want to do business with successful people.
How do you put this persuasion technique in action and create a sense of urgency?
First, don't be so accessible. Make it difficult for people to get an appointment with you. What I mean is, don't say I can do it any day this week. Instead use a more persuasive technique by saying, I'm very busy this week, however, I might be able to squeeze you in. Give them a deadline. If people think they have unlimited time to make a decision about your product or service they will stall and procrastinate. Set a time limit for your offer and stick to it.
Be selective about who you work with. Set standards for the type of client you are willing to work with. You will give people the impression that you are busy and that you don't work with just any one. Some people will even go out of their way to conform to your standards to work with you.
Use the persuasive technique of "take away selling". What I mean is say something like, I'm not sure that our product is right for you. Or maybe our service isn't the right match for your company. Remember, people want what they can't have. By taking it away from them they will search for reasons why they want it now.
Creating a sense of urgency in sales is a win - win for both you and the client. For the client it helps to move them to make a decision to buy something they wanted anyway. For you, it means more sales and the sense of accomplishment for moving people to make a decision that will benefit them.
The first step in getting people to take immediate action is for them to perceive your product or service as being in demand or in limited supply. People want what is "hot" right now! Psychologists have proven, people find more value in things they have a difficult time obtaining. If you're told you can't have something, you want it even more.
Infomercials tell you that if you call now they will give you another one free or knock $20 of the original price. Shopping networks use a time limit or tell you they only have so many left. Marketers know how to create a sense of urgency.
Have you noticed when you are starving for new business you have an attitude that you would do anything to get business. You make promises you normally wouldn't make. You're practically on your knees begging them to do business with you. You can feel it and so can your customers. They see the look in your eyes and hear the tone of your voice and will do anything to get rid of you. People figure if you're desperate for business then you must not be any good, because if you were you would be in high demand. People want to do business with successful people.
How do you put this persuasion technique in action and create a sense of urgency?
First, don't be so accessible. Make it difficult for people to get an appointment with you. What I mean is, don't say I can do it any day this week. Instead use a more persuasive technique by saying, I'm very busy this week, however, I might be able to squeeze you in. Give them a deadline. If people think they have unlimited time to make a decision about your product or service they will stall and procrastinate. Set a time limit for your offer and stick to it.
Be selective about who you work with. Set standards for the type of client you are willing to work with. You will give people the impression that you are busy and that you don't work with just any one. Some people will even go out of their way to conform to your standards to work with you.
Use the persuasive technique of "take away selling". What I mean is say something like, I'm not sure that our product is right for you. Or maybe our service isn't the right match for your company. Remember, people want what they can't have. By taking it away from them they will search for reasons why they want it now.
Creating a sense of urgency in sales is a win - win for both you and the client. For the client it helps to move them to make a decision to buy something they wanted anyway. For you, it means more sales and the sense of accomplishment for moving people to make a decision that will benefit them.
A Call To Action
Because of a recent boom in business, my company needed to update our office phone system. We had a very nice system in place already, but our business had tripled within a matter of months. Since we rely on phone orders for the vast majority of our sales, we needed to upgrade in order to handle the increase in call volume. We were lucky to have a great relationship with our telephone equipment provider, as within days we were able to have a new system ready to put in place.
It's not often that businesses find themselves in situations like this, but when they do come up, it's important to know that the companies you have chosen to do business with are capable of meeting your needs in a timely manner. Prior to this happening, we had a trunk study performed, after which we were told that we were losing business as a result of not having a new phone system in place.
Anyone who has ever run a business knows that losing money because you are ill equipped to handle your customer's needs is the worst way to lose money. Being able to make a phone call and knowing it would be taken care of quickly and efficiently was a great relief to me. I knew that with every passing day, thousands of dollars were being lost and that's something I couldn't afford to let happen.
The whole situation made me think about the importance of knowing qualified vendors who can get you the products you need, when you need them. I soon began looking into other areas where we were dependent upon other companies for goods and services to see if we were utilizing vendors who could facilitate the changes our growing business was experiencing. After a long, hard look, we decided to switch shipping companies and to switch to a new overnight call center operator.
It's not that our needs weren't being met at the time, but that if things continued to grow, we would likely outpace our current vendor's ability to provide service. Being proactive in your business relationships is just as important as being proactive about your business. After all, most companies depend on other companies to make their operations run smoothly. I encourage all business owners to seek out the service providers and vendors that can handle your needs both now and in the future. When your business grows, you'll be happy you did.
It's not often that businesses find themselves in situations like this, but when they do come up, it's important to know that the companies you have chosen to do business with are capable of meeting your needs in a timely manner. Prior to this happening, we had a trunk study performed, after which we were told that we were losing business as a result of not having a new phone system in place.
Anyone who has ever run a business knows that losing money because you are ill equipped to handle your customer's needs is the worst way to lose money. Being able to make a phone call and knowing it would be taken care of quickly and efficiently was a great relief to me. I knew that with every passing day, thousands of dollars were being lost and that's something I couldn't afford to let happen.
The whole situation made me think about the importance of knowing qualified vendors who can get you the products you need, when you need them. I soon began looking into other areas where we were dependent upon other companies for goods and services to see if we were utilizing vendors who could facilitate the changes our growing business was experiencing. After a long, hard look, we decided to switch shipping companies and to switch to a new overnight call center operator.
It's not that our needs weren't being met at the time, but that if things continued to grow, we would likely outpace our current vendor's ability to provide service. Being proactive in your business relationships is just as important as being proactive about your business. After all, most companies depend on other companies to make their operations run smoothly. I encourage all business owners to seek out the service providers and vendors that can handle your needs both now and in the future. When your business grows, you'll be happy you did.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Walking Meditation Is Meditation In Action
It isn’t always necessary to sit in silence with crossed legs in order to meditate or benefit from the meditation. Walking meditation is an excellent example of this. Walking meditation requires the use of focus much in the same way as other types of meditation. The difference is that the focus is placed upon the walking experience.
With walking meditation therefore, we are mindful of the experience of walking; the movement of our legs, the movement of our arms. We focus upon the rhythmic motions of walking. Walking meditation also differs from traditional meditation in that we are aware of and participating in our surroundings. Whereas with the usual types of meditation, one withdraws into silence and closes the eyes. Obviously we can’t do that with walking meditation because we need the eyes open to see where we are going and to watch for dangers and obstacles. So while we are focusing on the rhythm of our walking movement, we are also aware of the sights, sounds, and sensations around us.
It is actually easier for many people to focus and meditate in this environment, and therefore are more successful with walking meditation than with the more traditional sitting forms of meditation. It is easier to be aware of and focus upon your body while it is in motion; the experience can be powerful and a source of deep enjoyment.
A few different types of walking meditation have evolved; however walking outdoors is the most common. To give walking meditation a try, find an open space like a park or empty parking lot where you can walk safely for about 20 minutes without the worry of encountering traffic or crossing busy streets.
With walking meditation therefore, we are mindful of the experience of walking; the movement of our legs, the movement of our arms. We focus upon the rhythmic motions of walking. Walking meditation also differs from traditional meditation in that we are aware of and participating in our surroundings. Whereas with the usual types of meditation, one withdraws into silence and closes the eyes. Obviously we can’t do that with walking meditation because we need the eyes open to see where we are going and to watch for dangers and obstacles. So while we are focusing on the rhythm of our walking movement, we are also aware of the sights, sounds, and sensations around us.
It is actually easier for many people to focus and meditate in this environment, and therefore are more successful with walking meditation than with the more traditional sitting forms of meditation. It is easier to be aware of and focus upon your body while it is in motion; the experience can be powerful and a source of deep enjoyment.
A few different types of walking meditation have evolved; however walking outdoors is the most common. To give walking meditation a try, find an open space like a park or empty parking lot where you can walk safely for about 20 minutes without the worry of encountering traffic or crossing busy streets.
Steps To Successful Action
The following steps help in bringing the Law of Attraction into your life. They build off the issues presented in the movie “The Secret”.
I have used them for good success in my life and internet business. I recommend that for you to get the most out of them, they should be printed out, laminated and place where you can refer to them. If you are into affirmations they can be part of your affirmation steps each day.
Step 1. Have passion –
“Be passionate!” It’s at the core or successful thinking. Exactly what is passion?, “Enthusiasm on a big scale.”
Step 2. Be tenacious-
Don’t be someone who lets them self or anyone in their organization, give up on any project until every possibility of success has been explored. Consider the fact that Donald Trump bought the land for Trump Place in Manhattan way back in 1974 - and it is now nearing completion. That’s tenacity.
Step 3. Think big –
We all have to start with small steps on any project, but urge yourself and those people around you to take the biggest steps they are capable of. “Thinking big can get you to the top. Assure yourself, “it’s not lonely up here!” because you bring others with you
Step 4. Be a sponge for new information and ideas –
There’s really no such thing as knowing too much about what you’re doing. Despite your packed schedule, you must read everything you can and strive to get information you can use from everyone you meet. There should always be a book or magazine on your desk, and I find that inspiring.
Step 5. Take action –
When you know what you need to know about a project or idea, you need to move decisively. Yet also have a flexible philosophy and be willing to take a step back and start again - tenaciously - if the time is not right to move forward. So it is a matter of taking risks, but considered risks. It has been said, “A lot of people are afraid to fail, so they don’t try. They talk, but they don’t do. That’s the perfect formula for failure.”
Step 6. Learn to negotiate –
“Learning to negotiate is invaluable if you hope to connect in any way with other people.”
Step 7. Enjoy competition –
Your competitors are there to help you perform better in the world and they certainly – drive you to achieve more success than they have. “Competition forces you to outdo yourself,” You should affirm through affirmations. “I love competition because, ultimately, it makes me a bigger and better person.”
I have used them for good success in my life and internet business. I recommend that for you to get the most out of them, they should be printed out, laminated and place where you can refer to them. If you are into affirmations they can be part of your affirmation steps each day.
Step 1. Have passion –
“Be passionate!” It’s at the core or successful thinking. Exactly what is passion?, “Enthusiasm on a big scale.”
Step 2. Be tenacious-
Don’t be someone who lets them self or anyone in their organization, give up on any project until every possibility of success has been explored. Consider the fact that Donald Trump bought the land for Trump Place in Manhattan way back in 1974 - and it is now nearing completion. That’s tenacity.
Step 3. Think big –
We all have to start with small steps on any project, but urge yourself and those people around you to take the biggest steps they are capable of. “Thinking big can get you to the top. Assure yourself, “it’s not lonely up here!” because you bring others with you
Step 4. Be a sponge for new information and ideas –
There’s really no such thing as knowing too much about what you’re doing. Despite your packed schedule, you must read everything you can and strive to get information you can use from everyone you meet. There should always be a book or magazine on your desk, and I find that inspiring.
Step 5. Take action –
When you know what you need to know about a project or idea, you need to move decisively. Yet also have a flexible philosophy and be willing to take a step back and start again - tenaciously - if the time is not right to move forward. So it is a matter of taking risks, but considered risks. It has been said, “A lot of people are afraid to fail, so they don’t try. They talk, but they don’t do. That’s the perfect formula for failure.”
Step 6. Learn to negotiate –
“Learning to negotiate is invaluable if you hope to connect in any way with other people.”
Step 7. Enjoy competition –
Your competitors are there to help you perform better in the world and they certainly – drive you to achieve more success than they have. “Competition forces you to outdo yourself,” You should affirm through affirmations. “I love competition because, ultimately, it makes me a bigger and better person.”
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