Each year this organization of men came to the Children's Home Society Orphanage.
All the boys and girls would get two dollars each. The men would take us in groups of five to downtown Jacksonville, Florida, to do some Christmas shopping.
I remember going with this one gentleman three years in a row. He would take us shopping, then he would ask us if we wanted to go to the movies. I remember watching him closely when we got to the theater. I watched him as he pulled out his wallet to pay for our tickets. He looked over at me and just smiled with his great big smile. During the movie he bought us all the popcorn and candy that we wanted. I remember thinking how wonderful it was that someone would spend their own money on someone like us.
We all laughed at the funny movie and had a really good time. The man would laugh really hard and then he would pat me on top of the head. Then he would laugh really hard again and reach over and rustle my hair. I would just look at him, and he would just keep smiling with his great big wonderful smile.
That trip to the movies was the first time in my life that I ever felt as if someone really cared about me. It was a wonderful feeling which I have never forgotten, even to this day, decades later. I don't know if that man felt sorry for me, but I do know this: If I ever win the big lottery, that man will find out that he carried a million-dollar smile.
This is why I believe it is so important that organizations and clubs, such as the Shriners and Jaycees, continue to reach out and help the children who are less fortunate. In my particular case, it was this one man's personal act of kindness that will be remembered for years to come. Just one little simple act of kindness.
It is these little-tiny acts that will insure that when some confused child goes off the deep end one day, he or she will forever remember that small glimmer of kindness that was shown to them by someone. That little speck of hope, that little dim light of goodness that will forever be stuck somewhere in the far reaches of their confused mind.
I thank you, kind Sir, for a memory which I now share with my children and grandchildren fifty years later.
Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. Author
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
THE SEASONS OF LIFE by Jim Rohn, Part 5 of 5
This week is Part Five of our five part series on The Seasons
of Life.
In Part One of the series we discussed:
a) That life is about constant, predictable patterns of
change.
b) For all of us, the only constant factor is our feelings
and attitudes toward life.
c) We as human beings have the power of attitude and that
attitude determines choice, and choice determines results.
In Part Two of our series we discussed:
a) Life and business are like the changing seasons.
b) You cannot change the seasons, but you can change
yourself.
c) A major lesson in life to learn is how to handle the
winters.
d) Winter time allows you to get stronger, wiser, better. The
winters won't change, but you can.
In Part Three of our series we discussed:
a) Spring is the season for entering the fertile fields of
life with seed, knowledge, commitment, and a determined
effort.
b) It is the promise of spring that as we sow, so shall we
also reap, that for every disciplined human effort we will
receive a multiple reward.
c) There are just a handful of springs that have been handed
to each of us. Don't just let the seasons pass by.
In Part Four of our series we discussed:
a) Summer is a time of testing. All good will be attacked,
and every garden will be invaded.
b) All values must be defended.
c) Every garden must be tended all summer. If you don't
develop this skill, you'll never wind up with anything of
value.
Now, in our fifth and final week, we will talk about fall, the
time of harvesting the fruits of our springtime labor. Fall
also presents us with our forth major lesson to learn in life,
and that is to learn how to reap in the fall without apology
if you have done well and without complaint if you have not.
For nothing is more exciting than a bounteous crop, and
nothing more dreadful than a barren field in the fall. We must
remember that in all areas of the human existence, what we put
into this world, we get back from it. It is nature's way of
evening the score. So regardless of the results, take full
responsibility for your crop. One of the highest forms of
human maturity is accepting full responsibility for our lives.
Which brings me back to the begginning of our discussion in
week one. We must remember that life is constantly recycling
itself. Much of life is about the balancing of two opposites;
like the positive and negative charge on a battery. Life's
balancing of opposites totally surrounds our lives; man/woman,
day/night, good/evil, life/death, water/land, summer/winter,
recession/expansion, joy/sorrow, etc.
Yes, I believe we will have major changes, but I also believe
we will continue to have just one winter, spring, summer and
fall each year. Much of our success will lie in our ability
and philosophy to plant in the springtime of opportunity. To
weed and cultivate in the testing time of summer, to harvest
without apology and/or complaint in the results time of fall
and to get stronger, wiser, better in the transition and
learning times of winter.
Remember it is not what happens to you that determines your
future, it is what you do about it.
So here's to a great, faith filled and prosperous new upcoming
year.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
of Life.
In Part One of the series we discussed:
a) That life is about constant, predictable patterns of
change.
b) For all of us, the only constant factor is our feelings
and attitudes toward life.
c) We as human beings have the power of attitude and that
attitude determines choice, and choice determines results.
In Part Two of our series we discussed:
a) Life and business are like the changing seasons.
b) You cannot change the seasons, but you can change
yourself.
c) A major lesson in life to learn is how to handle the
winters.
d) Winter time allows you to get stronger, wiser, better. The
winters won't change, but you can.
In Part Three of our series we discussed:
a) Spring is the season for entering the fertile fields of
life with seed, knowledge, commitment, and a determined
effort.
b) It is the promise of spring that as we sow, so shall we
also reap, that for every disciplined human effort we will
receive a multiple reward.
c) There are just a handful of springs that have been handed
to each of us. Don't just let the seasons pass by.
In Part Four of our series we discussed:
a) Summer is a time of testing. All good will be attacked,
and every garden will be invaded.
b) All values must be defended.
c) Every garden must be tended all summer. If you don't
develop this skill, you'll never wind up with anything of
value.
Now, in our fifth and final week, we will talk about fall, the
time of harvesting the fruits of our springtime labor. Fall
also presents us with our forth major lesson to learn in life,
and that is to learn how to reap in the fall without apology
if you have done well and without complaint if you have not.
For nothing is more exciting than a bounteous crop, and
nothing more dreadful than a barren field in the fall. We must
remember that in all areas of the human existence, what we put
into this world, we get back from it. It is nature's way of
evening the score. So regardless of the results, take full
responsibility for your crop. One of the highest forms of
human maturity is accepting full responsibility for our lives.
Which brings me back to the begginning of our discussion in
week one. We must remember that life is constantly recycling
itself. Much of life is about the balancing of two opposites;
like the positive and negative charge on a battery. Life's
balancing of opposites totally surrounds our lives; man/woman,
day/night, good/evil, life/death, water/land, summer/winter,
recession/expansion, joy/sorrow, etc.
Yes, I believe we will have major changes, but I also believe
we will continue to have just one winter, spring, summer and
fall each year. Much of our success will lie in our ability
and philosophy to plant in the springtime of opportunity. To
weed and cultivate in the testing time of summer, to harvest
without apology and/or complaint in the results time of fall
and to get stronger, wiser, better in the transition and
learning times of winter.
Remember it is not what happens to you that determines your
future, it is what you do about it.
So here's to a great, faith filled and prosperous new upcoming
year.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
THE SEASONS OF LIFE by Jim Rohn, Part 4 of 5
This week is Part Four of our five part series on The Season's
of Life.
In Part One of the series we discussed:
a) That life is about constant, predictable patterns
of change.
b) For all of us, the only constant factor is our feelings
and attitudes toward life.
c) We as human beings have the power of attitude and that
attitude determines choice, and choice determines
results.
In Part Two of our series we discussed:
a) Life and business are like the changing seasons.
b) You cannot change the seasons, but you can change
yourself.
c) A major lesson in life to learn is how to handle
the winters.
d) Winter time allows you to get stronger, wiser, better.
The winters won't change, but you can.
In Part Three of our series we discussed:
a) Spring is the season for entering the fertile fields
of life with seed, knowledge, commitment, and a
determined effort.
b) It is the promise of spring that as we sow, so shall
we also reap, that for every disciplined human effort
we will receive a multiple reward.
c) There are just a handful of springs that have been
handed to each of us. Don't just let the seasons
pass by.
This week we will talk about the third major lesson in life to
learn; how to nourish and protect your crops all summer. Sure
enough, as soon as you've planted, the busy bugs and noxious
weeds are out to take things over. Here is the next bit of
truth: they will take it, unless you prevent it.
There are two key phrases to consider with the third major
lesson. The first is "all good will be attacked." Don't press
me for a reason. I was not in on some of the early decisions,
so I don't know why. I just know that it's true. Let reality
be your best beginning. Every garden will be invaded.
The second phrase is "all values must be defended." Social
values, political values, friendship values, business values -
all must be defended. Every garden must be tended all summer.
If you don't develop this skill, you'll never wind up with
anything of value.
But for those who make diligent efforts to plant, protect, and
preserve there are not enough birds, bugs, or other obstacles
to destroy all the efforts of last spring.
(Next week we will talk about fall, the time of harvesting the
fruits from our springtime labor.)
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
of Life.
In Part One of the series we discussed:
a) That life is about constant, predictable patterns
of change.
b) For all of us, the only constant factor is our feelings
and attitudes toward life.
c) We as human beings have the power of attitude and that
attitude determines choice, and choice determines
results.
In Part Two of our series we discussed:
a) Life and business are like the changing seasons.
b) You cannot change the seasons, but you can change
yourself.
c) A major lesson in life to learn is how to handle
the winters.
d) Winter time allows you to get stronger, wiser, better.
The winters won't change, but you can.
In Part Three of our series we discussed:
a) Spring is the season for entering the fertile fields
of life with seed, knowledge, commitment, and a
determined effort.
b) It is the promise of spring that as we sow, so shall
we also reap, that for every disciplined human effort
we will receive a multiple reward.
c) There are just a handful of springs that have been
handed to each of us. Don't just let the seasons
pass by.
This week we will talk about the third major lesson in life to
learn; how to nourish and protect your crops all summer. Sure
enough, as soon as you've planted, the busy bugs and noxious
weeds are out to take things over. Here is the next bit of
truth: they will take it, unless you prevent it.
There are two key phrases to consider with the third major
lesson. The first is "all good will be attacked." Don't press
me for a reason. I was not in on some of the early decisions,
so I don't know why. I just know that it's true. Let reality
be your best beginning. Every garden will be invaded.
The second phrase is "all values must be defended." Social
values, political values, friendship values, business values -
all must be defended. Every garden must be tended all summer.
If you don't develop this skill, you'll never wind up with
anything of value.
But for those who make diligent efforts to plant, protect, and
preserve there are not enough birds, bugs, or other obstacles
to destroy all the efforts of last spring.
(Next week we will talk about fall, the time of harvesting the
fruits from our springtime labor.)
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Monday, November 12, 2007
Mark Victor Hansen
I've told people thousands of times that they've just go to ask for
what they want. And I find that most people only have one problem
with this directive...They don't KNOW what they want!
You can't ask for what you want unless you know what it is!
In this exercise, I'm going to start you on a wonderful path of
painting your dreams into reality. I'm going to teach you the secrets
behind setting – and achieving – your greatest ambitions.
Before we set off on this path together, let me make one thing very
clear: The word "goals" can be intimidating – it can feel so
overbearing that it keeps people from even beginning the process. So,
let's instead think of goals as a "To Do List With Deadlines."
Do the deadlines have to be tomorrow? Next week? Of course not. This
is your To Do List for the rest of your life. Goals can be added to,
subtracted from and – most importantly – scratched off the list – as
you move through your life.
Here's a checklist to ensure you're using a successful framework to
set your To Do List:
Your most important goals must be yours. Not your spouse's. Not your
child's. Not your employer's. Yours. When you let other people
determine your definition of success, you're sabotaging your own
future.
Your goals must mean something to you. When you write your goals, you
must ask yourself, "What's really important to me?" "What am I
prepared to give up to make this happen?" Your reasons for charting a
new course of action give you the drive and energy to get up every
morning.
Your goals must be specific and measurable. Vague generalizations and
wishy-washy statements aren't good enough. Be very specific!
Your goals must be flexible. A flexible plan keeps you from feeling
suffocated and allows you to take advantage of genuine opportunities
that walk in your future door.
Your goals must be challenging, exciting. Force yourself to jump out
of your comfort zone to acquire that energy and edge.
Your goals must be in alignment with your values. Pay attention to
your intuition, your gut. When you set a goal that contradicts your
values, something inside will twinge. Pay attention.
Your goals must be well-balanced. Make sure you include areas that
allow time to relax, have fun and enjoy people in your closest
circle.
Your goals must be realistic. Be expansive but don't be ridiculous. If
you're four feet tall, you will probably never play in the NBA. Also,
be sure to allow yourself time to get there.
Your goals must include contribution. Unfortunately, many people get
so wrapped up in pursuing their goals that they don't have time in
their lives to give something back to society. Build this into your
goals program.
Your goals need to be supported. Either selectivity share a few of
your dreams with a number of people, or share all of your dreams with
a select few people. In either case, you're creating a web of support
and accountability for yourself.
Go For the Gusto – 101 Goals!
It's time to get started on your master plan. Give yourself some quiet
time, put on some relaxing music...and write down 101 goals.
Open your mind to ALL the possibilities. Start each goal with "I am"
or "I will." Don't even THINK about restricting yourself! To help you
with this process, here are some key questions to ask yourself:
What do I want to do?
What do I want to have?
Where do I want to go?
What contribution do I want to make?
What do I want to learn?
Who do I want to meet and spend my time with?
How much do I want to earn, save and invest?
What will I do for fun and optimum health?
This process may take two hours. It may take two weeks. Don't stop
until you have 101 goals. Remember, you're building your better life
here – it's the only life you have.
_____
Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series,
has for more than 25 years, uniquely focused on the vital elements of
human behavior that most affect our personal and professional lives
and has influenced society's top leaders and the general public on a
global scale.
what they want. And I find that most people only have one problem
with this directive...They don't KNOW what they want!
You can't ask for what you want unless you know what it is!
In this exercise, I'm going to start you on a wonderful path of
painting your dreams into reality. I'm going to teach you the secrets
behind setting – and achieving – your greatest ambitions.
Before we set off on this path together, let me make one thing very
clear: The word "goals" can be intimidating – it can feel so
overbearing that it keeps people from even beginning the process. So,
let's instead think of goals as a "To Do List With Deadlines."
Do the deadlines have to be tomorrow? Next week? Of course not. This
is your To Do List for the rest of your life. Goals can be added to,
subtracted from and – most importantly – scratched off the list – as
you move through your life.
Here's a checklist to ensure you're using a successful framework to
set your To Do List:
Your most important goals must be yours. Not your spouse's. Not your
child's. Not your employer's. Yours. When you let other people
determine your definition of success, you're sabotaging your own
future.
Your goals must mean something to you. When you write your goals, you
must ask yourself, "What's really important to me?" "What am I
prepared to give up to make this happen?" Your reasons for charting a
new course of action give you the drive and energy to get up every
morning.
Your goals must be specific and measurable. Vague generalizations and
wishy-washy statements aren't good enough. Be very specific!
Your goals must be flexible. A flexible plan keeps you from feeling
suffocated and allows you to take advantage of genuine opportunities
that walk in your future door.
Your goals must be challenging, exciting. Force yourself to jump out
of your comfort zone to acquire that energy and edge.
Your goals must be in alignment with your values. Pay attention to
your intuition, your gut. When you set a goal that contradicts your
values, something inside will twinge. Pay attention.
Your goals must be well-balanced. Make sure you include areas that
allow time to relax, have fun and enjoy people in your closest
circle.
Your goals must be realistic. Be expansive but don't be ridiculous. If
you're four feet tall, you will probably never play in the NBA. Also,
be sure to allow yourself time to get there.
Your goals must include contribution. Unfortunately, many people get
so wrapped up in pursuing their goals that they don't have time in
their lives to give something back to society. Build this into your
goals program.
Your goals need to be supported. Either selectivity share a few of
your dreams with a number of people, or share all of your dreams with
a select few people. In either case, you're creating a web of support
and accountability for yourself.
Go For the Gusto – 101 Goals!
It's time to get started on your master plan. Give yourself some quiet
time, put on some relaxing music...and write down 101 goals.
Open your mind to ALL the possibilities. Start each goal with "I am"
or "I will." Don't even THINK about restricting yourself! To help you
with this process, here are some key questions to ask yourself:
What do I want to do?
What do I want to have?
Where do I want to go?
What contribution do I want to make?
What do I want to learn?
Who do I want to meet and spend my time with?
How much do I want to earn, save and invest?
What will I do for fun and optimum health?
This process may take two hours. It may take two weeks. Don't stop
until you have 101 goals. Remember, you're building your better life
here – it's the only life you have.
_____
Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series,
has for more than 25 years, uniquely focused on the vital elements of
human behavior that most affect our personal and professional lives
and has influenced society's top leaders and the general public on a
global scale.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
THE SEASONS OF LIFE by Jim Rohn, Part 3 of 5
This week is part three of our five part series on The
Season's of Life.
In Part One of the series, I stated:
a) That life is about constant, predictable patterns
of change.
b) For all of us, the only constant factor is our feelings
and attitudes toward life.
c) We as human beings have the power of attitude and that
attitude determines choice, and choice determines
results.
In Part Two of our series, I stated:
a) Life and business are like the changing seasons.
b) You cannot change the seasons, but you can change
yourself.
c) A major lesson in life to learn is how to handle
the winters.
d) Winter time allows you to get stronger, wiser, better.
The winters won't change, but you can.
This week we talk about spring. Fortunately, following the
turbulence of winter comes the season of activity and
opportunity called springtime. It is the season for entering
the fertile fields of life with seed, knowledge, commitment,
and a determined effort.
However, the mere arrival of spring is no sign that things are
going to look good in the fall. You must do something with
the spring. In fact, everyone has to get good at one of two
things: planting in the spring or begging in the fall. Take
advantage of the day and the opportunities that spring can
bring.
It is the promise of spring that as we sow, so shall we also
reap. Faith further provides to us an irrevocable law decreed
in heaven which assures that for every disciplined human
effort we will receive a multiple reward. For each cup
planted, a bushel reaped, for every good idea given to
another, many shall be given to us in return. For every
demonstrated act of faith, a multiplicity of the rewards, and
for every act of love given, a life of love in return.
Just remember it is a natural characteristic of springtime to
present itself ever so briefly, or to lull us into inactivity
with its bounteous beauty. Do not pause too long to soak in
the aroma of the blossoming flowers, lest you awaken to find
springtime gone with your seed still in your sack.
With the intelligence, wisdom, and freedom of choice given to
us as humans exercise the discipline to plant in spite of the
rocks, weeds, or other obstacles before us. The rocks, weeds,
and thorns of the world cannot destroy all your seeds if you
plant massively enough and intelligently enough. My
suggestion is to choose action, not rest. Choose truth, not
fantasy. Choose a smile, not a frown. Choose love, not
animosity. Choose the good in life in all things, and choose
the opportunity as well as the chance to work when springtime
smiles on your life.
Spring shows us that life is truly a constant beginning, a
constant opportunity, a constant springtime. We need only to
learn to look once again at life as we did as children,
letting fascination and curiosity give us welcome cause to
look for the miraculous hidden among the common.
Get busy quickly on your springs, your opportunities. There
are just a handful of springs that have been handed to each of
us. Life is brief, even at its longest. Whatever you are
going to do with your life, get at it. Don't just let the
seasons pass by.
(Next week we will talk about Summer, the time of testing.)
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Season's of Life.
In Part One of the series, I stated:
a) That life is about constant, predictable patterns
of change.
b) For all of us, the only constant factor is our feelings
and attitudes toward life.
c) We as human beings have the power of attitude and that
attitude determines choice, and choice determines
results.
In Part Two of our series, I stated:
a) Life and business are like the changing seasons.
b) You cannot change the seasons, but you can change
yourself.
c) A major lesson in life to learn is how to handle
the winters.
d) Winter time allows you to get stronger, wiser, better.
The winters won't change, but you can.
This week we talk about spring. Fortunately, following the
turbulence of winter comes the season of activity and
opportunity called springtime. It is the season for entering
the fertile fields of life with seed, knowledge, commitment,
and a determined effort.
However, the mere arrival of spring is no sign that things are
going to look good in the fall. You must do something with
the spring. In fact, everyone has to get good at one of two
things: planting in the spring or begging in the fall. Take
advantage of the day and the opportunities that spring can
bring.
It is the promise of spring that as we sow, so shall we also
reap. Faith further provides to us an irrevocable law decreed
in heaven which assures that for every disciplined human
effort we will receive a multiple reward. For each cup
planted, a bushel reaped, for every good idea given to
another, many shall be given to us in return. For every
demonstrated act of faith, a multiplicity of the rewards, and
for every act of love given, a life of love in return.
Just remember it is a natural characteristic of springtime to
present itself ever so briefly, or to lull us into inactivity
with its bounteous beauty. Do not pause too long to soak in
the aroma of the blossoming flowers, lest you awaken to find
springtime gone with your seed still in your sack.
With the intelligence, wisdom, and freedom of choice given to
us as humans exercise the discipline to plant in spite of the
rocks, weeds, or other obstacles before us. The rocks, weeds,
and thorns of the world cannot destroy all your seeds if you
plant massively enough and intelligently enough. My
suggestion is to choose action, not rest. Choose truth, not
fantasy. Choose a smile, not a frown. Choose love, not
animosity. Choose the good in life in all things, and choose
the opportunity as well as the chance to work when springtime
smiles on your life.
Spring shows us that life is truly a constant beginning, a
constant opportunity, a constant springtime. We need only to
learn to look once again at life as we did as children,
letting fascination and curiosity give us welcome cause to
look for the miraculous hidden among the common.
Get busy quickly on your springs, your opportunities. There
are just a handful of springs that have been handed to each of
us. Life is brief, even at its longest. Whatever you are
going to do with your life, get at it. Don't just let the
seasons pass by.
(Next week we will talk about Summer, the time of testing.)
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
The Seasons of Life by Jim Rohn, Part 2 of 5
Yesterday we started a five part series on The Seasons of
Life.
At that time I stated that I believe there are overriding
principles that we should follow and be led by. That life is
about constant, predictable patterns of change. And that as
we approach the future; for all of us, the only constant
factor will be our feelings and attitudes toward life.
Secondly, we as human beings have the power of attitude and
that attitude determines choice, and choice determines
results. All that we are and all that we can become has
indeed been left unto us to decide and interpret through our
attitude and choices.
This week we will begin our discussion of the four seasons.
I'll start by making two comments. First, life and business
are like the changing seasons. That's one of the best ways to
illustrate life: it's like the seasons that change. Second,
you cannot change the seasons, but you can change yourself.
Now with those two key phrases in mind, let's look at what I
consider to be the first major lesson in life to learn, and
that is how to handle the winters. They come regularly, right
after autumn. Some are long, some are short, some are
difficult, some are easy, but they always come right after
autumn. That is never going to change.
There are all kinds of winters - the "winter" when you can't
figure it out, the "winter" when everything seems to go
haywire. There are economic winters, social winters and
personal winters.
Wintertime can bring disappointment, and disappointment is
common to all of us. So you must learn how to handle the
winters. You must learn how to handle difficulty; it always
comes after opportunity. You must learn to handle recessions;
they come right after expansions. That isn't going to change.
The big question is what do you do about winters? You can't
get rid of January simply by tearing it off the calendar. But
here is what you can do: you can get stronger; you can get
wiser; and you can get better. Remember that trio of words:
stronger, wiser, better. The winters won't change, but you
can.
Before I understood this, I used to wish it were summer when
it was winter. When things were difficult, I used to wish
they were easy. I didn't know any better. Then Mr. Shoaff
gave me the answer from a part of his very unique philosophy
when he said, "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were
better. Don't wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills.
Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom."
(Next week we will talk about the second major lesson in life:
learning how to take advantage of the spring. Spring is
opportunity. Fortunately, spring always follows winter.)
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Life.
At that time I stated that I believe there are overriding
principles that we should follow and be led by. That life is
about constant, predictable patterns of change. And that as
we approach the future; for all of us, the only constant
factor will be our feelings and attitudes toward life.
Secondly, we as human beings have the power of attitude and
that attitude determines choice, and choice determines
results. All that we are and all that we can become has
indeed been left unto us to decide and interpret through our
attitude and choices.
This week we will begin our discussion of the four seasons.
I'll start by making two comments. First, life and business
are like the changing seasons. That's one of the best ways to
illustrate life: it's like the seasons that change. Second,
you cannot change the seasons, but you can change yourself.
Now with those two key phrases in mind, let's look at what I
consider to be the first major lesson in life to learn, and
that is how to handle the winters. They come regularly, right
after autumn. Some are long, some are short, some are
difficult, some are easy, but they always come right after
autumn. That is never going to change.
There are all kinds of winters - the "winter" when you can't
figure it out, the "winter" when everything seems to go
haywire. There are economic winters, social winters and
personal winters.
Wintertime can bring disappointment, and disappointment is
common to all of us. So you must learn how to handle the
winters. You must learn how to handle difficulty; it always
comes after opportunity. You must learn to handle recessions;
they come right after expansions. That isn't going to change.
The big question is what do you do about winters? You can't
get rid of January simply by tearing it off the calendar. But
here is what you can do: you can get stronger; you can get
wiser; and you can get better. Remember that trio of words:
stronger, wiser, better. The winters won't change, but you
can.
Before I understood this, I used to wish it were summer when
it was winter. When things were difficult, I used to wish
they were easy. I didn't know any better. Then Mr. Shoaff
gave me the answer from a part of his very unique philosophy
when he said, "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were
better. Don't wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills.
Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom."
(Next week we will talk about the second major lesson in life:
learning how to take advantage of the spring. Spring is
opportunity. Fortunately, spring always follows winter.)
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Sunday, November 4, 2007
General Colin Powell's Rules to Live By
1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your
position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let
someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your
position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let
someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
The Seasons of Life by Jim Rohn, Part 1 of 5
Life is about constant, predictable patterns of change. For
the six thousand years of recorded history, as humans have
entered this world, received parental instruction, classroom
instruction, and gathered the experience of life; many have
set for themselves ambitious goals, and dreamed lofty dreams.
As the wheel of life continues its constant turning, all human
emotions appear, disappear, and appear once again.
A major challenge faced by us all is that we must learn to
experience the changing of life's cycles without being changed
by them; to make a constant and conscious effort to improve
ourselves in the face of changing circumstances.
That is why I believe in the power and value of attitude. As I
read, ponder and speculate about people, their deeds and their
destiny, I become more deeply convinced that it is our natural
destiny to grow, to succeed, to prosper, and to find happiness
while we are here.
By our attitude, we decide to read, or not to read. By our
attitude, we decide to try or give up. By our attitude, we
blame ourselves for our failure, or we blame others. Our
attitude determines whether we tell the truth or lie, act or
procrastinate, advance or recede, and by our own attitude we
and we alone actually decide whether to succeed or fail.
How incredibly unique that a God who would create the complex
and immense universe would create the human race and give to
those humans the free choice that would permit them to select
their own achievement or their own destruction.
This strange, but all-knowing God gave to us a delicately
balanced sphere called earth. On it, he placed the
intelligent human who would either develop it or destroy it.
How terribly fascinating that a God would leave both
projects - earth as well as humans - unfinished! Across the
rivers and streams he built no bridges; he left the pictures
unpainted, the songs unsung, the books unwritten, and space
unexplored. For the accomplishment of those things, God
created the unfinished human who, within his heart and mind,
had the capacity to do all these things and more, depending
upon his own choice.
Attitude determines choice, and choice determines results. All
that we are, and all that we can become has indeed been left
unto us. For as long as you continue to draw breath, you have
the chance to complete the work in and for the earth and for
yourself that God has begun for you. In the cycles and
seasons of life, attitude is everything!
(Next week we will look at both winter and spring as we
continue our review of the Seasons of Life)
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
the six thousand years of recorded history, as humans have
entered this world, received parental instruction, classroom
instruction, and gathered the experience of life; many have
set for themselves ambitious goals, and dreamed lofty dreams.
As the wheel of life continues its constant turning, all human
emotions appear, disappear, and appear once again.
A major challenge faced by us all is that we must learn to
experience the changing of life's cycles without being changed
by them; to make a constant and conscious effort to improve
ourselves in the face of changing circumstances.
That is why I believe in the power and value of attitude. As I
read, ponder and speculate about people, their deeds and their
destiny, I become more deeply convinced that it is our natural
destiny to grow, to succeed, to prosper, and to find happiness
while we are here.
By our attitude, we decide to read, or not to read. By our
attitude, we decide to try or give up. By our attitude, we
blame ourselves for our failure, or we blame others. Our
attitude determines whether we tell the truth or lie, act or
procrastinate, advance or recede, and by our own attitude we
and we alone actually decide whether to succeed or fail.
How incredibly unique that a God who would create the complex
and immense universe would create the human race and give to
those humans the free choice that would permit them to select
their own achievement or their own destruction.
This strange, but all-knowing God gave to us a delicately
balanced sphere called earth. On it, he placed the
intelligent human who would either develop it or destroy it.
How terribly fascinating that a God would leave both
projects - earth as well as humans - unfinished! Across the
rivers and streams he built no bridges; he left the pictures
unpainted, the songs unsung, the books unwritten, and space
unexplored. For the accomplishment of those things, God
created the unfinished human who, within his heart and mind,
had the capacity to do all these things and more, depending
upon his own choice.
Attitude determines choice, and choice determines results. All
that we are, and all that we can become has indeed been left
unto us. For as long as you continue to draw breath, you have
the chance to complete the work in and for the earth and for
yourself that God has begun for you. In the cycles and
seasons of life, attitude is everything!
(Next week we will look at both winter and spring as we
continue our review of the Seasons of Life)
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
NINE THINGS MORE IMPORTANT THAN CAPITAL
When starting any enterprise or business, whether it is
full-time or part-time, we all know the value of having plenty
of capital (money). But I bet we both know or at least have
heard of people who started with no capital who went on to
make fortunes. How?, you may ask.
Well, I believe there are actually some things that are more
valuable than capital that can lead to your entrepreneurial
success. Let me give you the list.
1. Time
Time is more valuable than capital. The time you set aside
not to be wasted, not to be given away. Time you set aside to
be invested in an enterprise that brings value to the
marketplace with the hope of making a profit. Now we have
capital time.
How valuable is time? Time properly invested is worth a
fortune. Time wasted can be devastation. Time invested can
perform miracles, so you invest your time.
2. Desperation
I have a friend Lydia, whose first major investment in her new
enterprise was desperation. She said, "My kids are hungry, I
gotta make this work. If this doesn't work, what will I do?"
So she invested $1 in her enterprise selling a product she
believed in. The $1 was to buy a few fliers so she could make
a sale at retail, collect the money and then buy the product
wholesale to deliver back to the customer.
My friend Bill Bailey went to Chicago as a teenager after he
got out of high school. And the first job he got was as a
night janitor. Someone said, "Bill, why would you settle for
night janitor?" He said, "Malnutrition." You work at
whatever you can possibly get when you get hungry. You go to
work somewhere -- night janitor, it doesn't matter where it
is. Years later, now Bill is a recipient of the Horatio Alger
award, rich and powerful and one of the great examples of
lifestyle that I know. But, his first job - night janitor.
Desperation can be a powerful incentive. When you say - I
must.
3. Determination
Determination says I will. First Lydia said, "I must find a
customer." Desperation. Second, she said, "I will find
someone before this first day is over." Sure enough, she
found someone. She said, "If it works once, it will work
again." But then the next person said, "No." Now what must
you invest?
4. Courage
Courage is more valuable than capital. If you've only got $1
and a lot of courage, I'm telling you, you've got a good
future ahead of you. Courage in spite of the circumstances.
Humans can do the most incredible things no matter what
happens. Haven't we heard the stories? There are some recent
ones from Kosovo that are some of the most classic,
unbelievable stories of being in the depths of hell and
finally making it out. It's humans. You can't sell humans
short. Courage in spite of, not because of, but in spite of.
Now once Lydia has made 3 or 4 sales and gotten going, here's
what now takes over.
5. Ambition
"Wow! If I can sell 3, I can sell 33. If I can sell 33, I can
sell 103." Wow. Lydia is now dazzled by her own dreams of
the future.
6. Faith
Now she begins to believe she's got a good product. This is
probably a good company. And she then starts to believe in
herself. Lydia, single mother, 2 kids, no job. "My gosh, I'm
going to pull it off!" Her self-esteem starts to soar. These
are investments that are unmatched. Money can't touch it.
What if you had a million dollars and no faith? You'd be
poor. You wouldn't be rich. Now here is the next one, the
reason why she's a millionaire today.
7. Ingenuity
Putting your brains to work. Probably up until now, you've
put about 1/10 of your brainpower to work. What if you
employed the other 9/10? You can't believe what can happen.
Humans can come up with the most intriguing things to do.
Ingenuity. What's ingenuity worth? A fortune. It is more
valuable than money. All you need is a $1 and plenty of
ingenuity. Figuring out a way to make it work, make it work,
make it work.
8. Heart and Soul
What is a substitute for heart and soul? It's not money.
Money can't buy heart and soul. Heart and soul is more
valuable than a million dollars. A million dollars without
heart and soul, you have no life. You are ineffective. But,
heart and soul is like the unseen magic that moves people,
moves people to buy, moves people to make decisions, moves
people to act, moves people to respond.
9. Personality
You've just got to spruce up and sharpen up your own
personality. You've got plenty of personality. Just get it
developed to where it is effective every day, it's effective
no matter who you talk to - whether it is a child or whether
it is a business person - whether it is a rich person or a
poor person. A unique personality that is at home anywhere.
My mentor Bill Bailey taught me, "You've got to learn to be
just as comfortable, Mr. Rohn, whether it is in a little shack
in Kentucky having a beer and watching the fights with
Winfred, my old friend or in a Georgian mansion in Washington,
DC as the Senator's guest." Move with ease whether it is with
the rich or whether it is with the poor. And it makes no
difference to you who is rich or who is poor. A chance to
have a unique relationship with whomever. The kind of
personality that's comfortable. The kind of personality that's
not bent out of shape.
And lastly, let's not forget charisma and sophistication.
Charisma with a touch of humility. This entire list is more
valuable than money. With one dollar and the list I just gave
you, the world is yours. It belongs to you, whatever piece of
it you desire, whatever development you wish for your life.
I've given you the secret. Capital. The kind of capital that
is more valuable than money and that can secure your future
and fortune. Remember that you lack not the resources.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
full-time or part-time, we all know the value of having plenty
of capital (money). But I bet we both know or at least have
heard of people who started with no capital who went on to
make fortunes. How?, you may ask.
Well, I believe there are actually some things that are more
valuable than capital that can lead to your entrepreneurial
success. Let me give you the list.
1. Time
Time is more valuable than capital. The time you set aside
not to be wasted, not to be given away. Time you set aside to
be invested in an enterprise that brings value to the
marketplace with the hope of making a profit. Now we have
capital time.
How valuable is time? Time properly invested is worth a
fortune. Time wasted can be devastation. Time invested can
perform miracles, so you invest your time.
2. Desperation
I have a friend Lydia, whose first major investment in her new
enterprise was desperation. She said, "My kids are hungry, I
gotta make this work. If this doesn't work, what will I do?"
So she invested $1 in her enterprise selling a product she
believed in. The $1 was to buy a few fliers so she could make
a sale at retail, collect the money and then buy the product
wholesale to deliver back to the customer.
My friend Bill Bailey went to Chicago as a teenager after he
got out of high school. And the first job he got was as a
night janitor. Someone said, "Bill, why would you settle for
night janitor?" He said, "Malnutrition." You work at
whatever you can possibly get when you get hungry. You go to
work somewhere -- night janitor, it doesn't matter where it
is. Years later, now Bill is a recipient of the Horatio Alger
award, rich and powerful and one of the great examples of
lifestyle that I know. But, his first job - night janitor.
Desperation can be a powerful incentive. When you say - I
must.
3. Determination
Determination says I will. First Lydia said, "I must find a
customer." Desperation. Second, she said, "I will find
someone before this first day is over." Sure enough, she
found someone. She said, "If it works once, it will work
again." But then the next person said, "No." Now what must
you invest?
4. Courage
Courage is more valuable than capital. If you've only got $1
and a lot of courage, I'm telling you, you've got a good
future ahead of you. Courage in spite of the circumstances.
Humans can do the most incredible things no matter what
happens. Haven't we heard the stories? There are some recent
ones from Kosovo that are some of the most classic,
unbelievable stories of being in the depths of hell and
finally making it out. It's humans. You can't sell humans
short. Courage in spite of, not because of, but in spite of.
Now once Lydia has made 3 or 4 sales and gotten going, here's
what now takes over.
5. Ambition
"Wow! If I can sell 3, I can sell 33. If I can sell 33, I can
sell 103." Wow. Lydia is now dazzled by her own dreams of
the future.
6. Faith
Now she begins to believe she's got a good product. This is
probably a good company. And she then starts to believe in
herself. Lydia, single mother, 2 kids, no job. "My gosh, I'm
going to pull it off!" Her self-esteem starts to soar. These
are investments that are unmatched. Money can't touch it.
What if you had a million dollars and no faith? You'd be
poor. You wouldn't be rich. Now here is the next one, the
reason why she's a millionaire today.
7. Ingenuity
Putting your brains to work. Probably up until now, you've
put about 1/10 of your brainpower to work. What if you
employed the other 9/10? You can't believe what can happen.
Humans can come up with the most intriguing things to do.
Ingenuity. What's ingenuity worth? A fortune. It is more
valuable than money. All you need is a $1 and plenty of
ingenuity. Figuring out a way to make it work, make it work,
make it work.
8. Heart and Soul
What is a substitute for heart and soul? It's not money.
Money can't buy heart and soul. Heart and soul is more
valuable than a million dollars. A million dollars without
heart and soul, you have no life. You are ineffective. But,
heart and soul is like the unseen magic that moves people,
moves people to buy, moves people to make decisions, moves
people to act, moves people to respond.
9. Personality
You've just got to spruce up and sharpen up your own
personality. You've got plenty of personality. Just get it
developed to where it is effective every day, it's effective
no matter who you talk to - whether it is a child or whether
it is a business person - whether it is a rich person or a
poor person. A unique personality that is at home anywhere.
My mentor Bill Bailey taught me, "You've got to learn to be
just as comfortable, Mr. Rohn, whether it is in a little shack
in Kentucky having a beer and watching the fights with
Winfred, my old friend or in a Georgian mansion in Washington,
DC as the Senator's guest." Move with ease whether it is with
the rich or whether it is with the poor. And it makes no
difference to you who is rich or who is poor. A chance to
have a unique relationship with whomever. The kind of
personality that's comfortable. The kind of personality that's
not bent out of shape.
And lastly, let's not forget charisma and sophistication.
Charisma with a touch of humility. This entire list is more
valuable than money. With one dollar and the list I just gave
you, the world is yours. It belongs to you, whatever piece of
it you desire, whatever development you wish for your life.
I've given you the secret. Capital. The kind of capital that
is more valuable than money and that can secure your future
and fortune. Remember that you lack not the resources.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
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