Fanatic.  Workaholic.  Over-the-top.  Insane.  Sick.
Electrifying.  Magnetic.  Charismatic.  Enthusiastic.  Intelligent.

All of these adjectives have been used to describe someone who is passionate.

An accountant who works until 11 PM – workaholic.
A motivational speaker who gets her audience on their feet – electrifying.
A dentist with 5 times the amount of annually required CE – over-the-top.
A salesperson with customers waiting in line – magnetic.

It seems that there are some industries where it’s okay to have passion for your work, yet others where everyone assumes that if you’re in that industry, you’re there because you have to be.

The truth is, anything you do can be electrifying and profitable when it is infused with the power of passion.

Why is passion so powerful?

First of all, it makes you more informed at what you do, which typically makes you better at it.  The better you are at something, the more confident you become.  The more confident you are, the more magnetic you are, and many times, the more money you make.  So passion can mean earning more money – especially in the long run.

Secondly, having passion for a subject is a lot more fun than just tolerating it.  Imagine the cleaning woman who is enthused about her work, merrily singing and enjoying the process, compared to the one who is simply going through the motions.

Don’t be one of those people who goes through life performing only what is necessary to get through it.  Follow these 7 steps to become more passionate about your life today.

1. Imagine yourself being passionate.  Whether it’s a particular subject you want to develop, or life itself, imagine your new, passionate self.  What’s different?  Do you smile more?  Go to the gym?  Greet others with more vigor?  How does the passionate you look and feel?
2. Start with something you are already passionate about and take the time to really feel what that feels like.   I live in Kentucky where many people are passionate about our two world-renowned college basketball teams: the University of Louisville, and the University of Kentucky.  If those people could take that passion they exhibit during a big game to work on Monday morning, oh – what a world that would be!  Anything that you have fun doing will bring you that feeling that I’m talking about.  Once you’re there, try applying that feeling to whatever subject you’re wanting to develop a passion for.  Transference – in a good way!
3. Read and research your topic.  I can always get myself excited for a subject just by reading about it.  Why do you think that is?  Most writers are passionate about their subject matter.  When they’re not, it shows.  (Read – bores you to death!)
4. Develop and enhance your skills in that area.  Gardening enthusiasts can relate to this, but it applies to everyone.  Beyond just reading about the subject, get hands-on with it.  Developing your skills in an area will help you develop your passion.  Doing more with your life will help you become more enthusiastic about your life.
5. Ask, “what if?”  Once you’ve become knowledgeable and have acquired a certain level of skill, challenge the currently accepted theories in the subject area.  New inventions are created this way.
6. Share your passion – teach others.  You don’t really know something until you have to teach it.  Teaching is also selling.  When you have to stand in front of people and sell them something, you’d darn well better be passionate about it.  Just talking about the subject can ignite that little spark you need to take your passion to the next level.
7. Feed your passion by surrounding yourself with others who already have and share your zeal.  Professional organizations quite often fill the bill nicely here.  Not only are the other participants “freaks” about the topic, but these associations offer education and a chance to develop skills as well.

The most important factor in developing passion is a true desire to do so.  So being passionate about being passionate would be the first place to start!

Until next time,
Live joyfully!

Posted under Education, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Leadership, Motivation, Success

I am cleaning out my closets this week and doing my seasonal clothing change-over.  It reminds me of many of my de-cluttering rules so today I’d like to share my favorite clothing decision tip:  If you don’t love the way you feel when you wear it, toss it.  (Of course, “toss it,” can mean throw it away, donate it, or sell it.)

We all get into the habit of keeping items “just in case.”  My #1 excuse is, “Well, I could wear it while gardening,” but then I never do.  I like to look good when I’m pulling weeds and, after all, the neighbors are watching!

If you have items in your closet that you’re keeping out of guilt, whether someone gave it to you or you wish you could fit into it, or you’re afraid you’ll gain the weight back – whatever – get over it!

And before you buy anything else, consider the cost of acquisition.  Not only does having a lot of clothing require storage space, there’s also the factor of shopping and caring for needless items, and always having to decide what to do with them.

I use a similar rule when I shop – if I don’t love it, I don’t buy it.  A piece of clothing should make me feel good, not just look good on me.

The bottom line is that it is better to have a few items/outfits that you love and feel great when you wear them, than to have hundreds that weigh you down.

If you’re wondering if this method would work for you, just get rid of half the stuff you don’t like anymore and see if you don’t feel better.  I know you’ll be glad you did, and you’ll be inspired to get rid of the rest!

Until next time,
Live Joyfully!

I’ve added a special value to one of my upcoming presentations: everyone who signs up for my “Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life” webinar through TheSelfHelpSchool.com will receive a free copy of the e-book. Use the ad below and register today!

Posted under Motivation

I talk a lot about changing your perspective in order to maintain a positive attitude.  Today, I have a fresh perspective and even better reason for facing adversity head on.

When you face a challenge, whether it’s a financial crisis, relationship issue, or anything that causes upset, you grow in a way that means you will never face that same challenge exactly that way again.  It’s not just that dealing with issues openly makes you stronger, it gives you experience that makes you exponentially stronger than someone who has not dealt with that issue.  Let me give you an example.

This week my husband alerted me to an issue with an employee.  She has made a $1,600.00 mistake on another employee’s account.  I could fire her and/or the other employees involved.  I could scold everyone sternly and threaten them within an inch of their lives, (don’t think it hasn’t occurred to me!), but when I researched the issue with her calmly, I discovered that there was a flaw in her thinking and in her training, for which I am partly responsible.

The ultimate result will be a change in our office policy on how employee’s accounts are handled, and, rest assured, this employee will not make this mistake again.  She is a more valuable employee to me now because she will be more successful in the future.  I am a better employer because I corrected an overlooked flaw in my policy.

Every adversity is setting you up for future success.  No matter what it is.  Bo Bennett says,

“Think of success as a game of chance in which you have control over the odds. As you begin to master concepts in personal achievement, you are increasing your odds of achieving success.”

Adversity is often the greatest fuel to personal achievement.  Stack the cards in your favor and face your challenges head on.

Until next time,
Live joyfully!

I’ve added a special value to one of my upcoming presentations: everyone who signs up for my “Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life” webinar through TheSelfHelpSchool.com will receive a free copy of the e-book. Use the ad below and register today!

Posted under Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Success

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”

–Dale Carnegie

I want you to sit and think for just a few seconds about the people in your life who are the most fearful.  Also think about the most fearful times in your own life.  How active are fearful people?  From my perspective, not very.

Now, I know that most of the people who read this blog are pretty astute spiritually and mentally.  You come here for tips and the latest in personal development techniques.  But fear is something we must keep constantly in check.  Especially when the media is constantly warning us about things we should be fearful of.  Just remember to keep busy.  Afraid you’re going to lose your job? Get another one.  Do something about the situation.  So what if you have to take a job outside of your current field – it might be a blessing in disguise, in fact, it probably is!  You could land on a position that brings your passion out of you.  (I am still perplexed at the fact that we have rising unemployment rates, yet I see “Help Wanted” signs everywhere I go, and my husband is looking for 2 full-time employees in his dental practice.)

Fear serves no purpose except to give “reporters” a job and politicians something to debate about.  Maybe that’s a noble enough cause, but I prefer to keep my nose to the grindstone, my hand to the plough, and to let my light shine.  The only time I’ve ever been fearful is when I stop working and start worrying.  The best cycle is to work, rest, and be happy (think positive thoughts) as you work and rest.  Don’t worry about tomorrow; just take care of right now. In any given moment, you should be in one of two action modes:  work or rest.  At all times, strive to be in the state of joy, and things will seem to magically fall into place for you.  Control your perspective, maintain your joy, and either work or rest according to how you feel.

Whatever it is that you are fearful of, go out and do something about it right now.  Just taking action, whether anything comes from it or not, will help you to feel better, and how you feel is everything.

Until next time,
Live joyfully!

Remember - I’ve added a special value to one of my upcoming presentations: everyone who signs up for my “Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life” webinar through TheSelfHelpSchool.com will receive a free copy of the e-book. Use the ad below and register today!

Posted under Motivation

While everyone is screaming about the economy, I prefer to help people find ways of feeling better.  Interestingly, I do this all the time, it’s just that now that “times are tough,” I seem to have a larger audience.  Here are 21 ways to enjoy your time this weekend that won’t cost anything.

1. Sleep late, and enjoy it (instead of feeling guilty.)
2. Meditate.
3. Give each pet, child, spouse, sibling, parent, and other significant persons in your life one hour of your complete, undivided attention.  Play with them; ask them about their day/life, and really listen.
4. Read a motivational book.
5. Read something just for fun – your favorite prose.  Or catch up on that pile of magazines.  Enjoy the time, realizing that it is your intent to spend this time this way.
6. Create a list of things you love.  (The way you feel afterward will explain why I’ve included it here.)
7. Take a nice, long, warm bath or shower.
8. Dance to your favorite music for one hour – pretend it’s a marathon.
9. Work on or create your Personal Strategic Plan.
10. Think about something in your life you would like to change, trusting that there is an answer.  Now take a nap and let your subconscious work on a solution.
11. Pretend that for now you work for yourself - you are self-employed.  You have complete control over your time, effort and energy.  What do you want to create right this minute?
12. De-clutter.
13. Organize an area of your home.
14. Plan your meals for the next week.  Perhaps there is a certain diet you’d like to try, or you’d like to start cooking more from scratch.  You have all those cookbooks and diet plans – put them to use!
15. Create a list of all the good things in your life right now.
16. Catch up on all your laundry and ironing.
17. Give the house a good cleaning and airing out.
18. Spend time getting to know one of your neighbors.
19. Visualize your life as you would like it to be.  Write it out.
20. Work out.  You don’t have to join a gym.  Go for a vigorous walk, jog, play a game of basketball, dance, whatever you love to do – just give your body the motion it craves.
21. Rest.  Work hard, play hard, and you will rest well.  Get organized and in control and you will have peace of mind that will allow your mind to rest as well.  Try it; you’ll be glad you did!

Until next time,
Live joyfully!

Remember - I’ve added a special value to one of my upcoming presentations: everyone who signs up for my “Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life” webinar through TheSelfHelpSchool.com will receive a free copy of the e-book. Use the ad below and register today!

Posted under Inspiration, Motivation, Weight Loss

Your ability to focus and change your perspective is the two most important skill you can develop to succeed in your career and in your life. When a crisis hits, your ability to quickly move to a solution-oriented mindset will directly affect the longevity of the perceived problem.  Today I want to discuss ways to do just that.

A Systematic Process
The key to effective problem solving and decision-making is to go through the process systematically.  Whether you prefer to work through issues by yourself, or brainstorm with other people, these 5 steps will get you started on the right track.

1. Define the Problem Clearly
   At the onset, ask the question, “What exactly is the problem?” Clarity of definition will resolve 50% of the issues before they go any further.  Sometimes problems aren’t what they seem on the surface.  Many times, it is our perception that has us in a tizzy.  Look for the real issue, and try to find the positive aspects, even if it’s just that this is a lesson to be learned.  You might be surprised at how many times the issue isn’t as big as what you’re making of it.
2. Focus on the Future
   When discussing a problem, be sure to focus on the future rather than the past. Ask the question, “Where do we go from here?” “What are our options?” Too many problem-solving discussions/meetings end up focusing all of the attention of all the people present on what happened in the past and who is to blame. The effective business owner or manager focuses on where the company and the individuals are going, and what can happen in the future - the only part of the equation over which anyone has any control anyway.
3. Think and Talk About the Solutions
   Whenever the issue comes to your mind, change your focus to the solution, or the desired result.  When someone asks you about the problem, talk about the solution.  Continuing to think or talk about the problem will only serve to prevent you from finding and realizing the solution.
4. Increase Creativity
   The discussion of solutions is inherently positive, uplifting, and has a tendency to release creativity amongst a group. A discussion of problems is inherently negative, de-motivating, and tends to inhibit creativity.  So when you’re discussing your situation, be sure to do so from an “I’m looking for solutions, here,” perspective, not a “listen to my woes,” attitude.  Be careful not to discuss your problems with people you know can’t or won’t help you.
5. Think Positive
   You can become a positive thinker simply by becoming a solution-oriented person rather than a problem-oriented person. If you get everyone in your organization thinking and talking in terms of solutions, you will be astonished at the quality and quantity of ideas that will emerge.

Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to become a better problem solver and decision maker.

1. Take some time to be absolutely clear about the problem that is under discussion. Give some thought to what an ideal decision or solution would accomplish. Instead of focusing on the situation as it is, talk about the situation as you would like it to be.
2. Keep the conversation focused on solutions, on what can be done in the future. The more you think and talk about solutions, the more positive and creative everyone will be and the better ideas you will come up with.

Until next time,
Live joyfully!

Remember - I’ve added a special value to one of my upcoming presentations: everyone who signs up for my “Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life” webinar through TheSelfHelpSchool.com will receive a free copy of the e-book. Use the ad below and register today!

Posted under Motivation

I just finished reading Steve Pavlina’s book, Personal Development for Smart People.  My overall summary?  This is one book that you can definitely judge by its cover! Okay, I’ll explain.

First, “personal development” is just that – personal - development – read each word separately.   Personal development is not motivation:  this book will not, in and of itself, motivate you.  Steve is not a cheerleader.  I’m not saying this to be negative, I just know that a lot of people buy “personal development” books because they want to be motivated, uplifted, inspired to take action, etc.  This is not one of those books.

Did I grow on a personal level?  Yes.  Was I motivated to take action while reading this book?  No.  Has this book changed my life?  Absolutely.   (I can hear a collective **sigh** coming from you, so let me explain further.)

Secondly, the book is titled, “Personal Development for Smart People.”  As a business educator for over 18 years, I have had to personally change my writing style for the sake of communicating with the common public many times.  On my last corporate project, I was told to write on a seventh-grade level.  (Talk about the dumbing down of America – but that’s another post!)  I could not help but wonder if Steve was told the same, because the writing style itself reminded me of how we were forced to write when we were in the seventh grade – you know – state your point and then back it up with an average of seven paragraphs!  It just seemed strange to me that a book for “smart people” would be so daunting to read.

On the other hand, my husband, who’s a dentist, loved the writing style as he is used to that manner, and he would certainly qualify as a smart person.  Perhaps I have become too accustomed to entertainment in the books (and blogs) I read.  I’ll spend some time reflecting on that and let you know!  Maybe I just missed the witty, unpredictable style I’ve grown accustomed to in Steve’s blog.  Or maybe after 22 years of reading and writing in the personal development industry, there were just a lot of topics I was already familiar with and had to “wade through.”

With that being said, I did have two major breakthroughs, one professional, and the other personal, while reading this book.

The first one, more professional in nature, came on page 53.  I write and speak a great deal about the importance of goal setting, but many times I feel as if most people in the audience miss the point; they either grab onto it with the wrong intentions, or they reject the concept because they don’t want to become a “control freak.”   Steve explains the basic paradigm behind goal setting very well here:

“The purpose of goal setting isn’t to control the future. . . The point of goal setting is to improve the quality of your present-moment reality.  Setting goals can give you greater clarity and focus right now.”  (The underscore is my doing.)

Thanks, Steve, for hitting that nail on the head for me.  I will likely quote this passage in future presentations.  (I feel another blog post coming on, too, so stay tuned !)

My personal revelation came on page 67 and it felt as if my spirit was speaking directly to me through the pages of this book:

“You aren’t here to be weak and passive.  You’re here to shine.”

I modified my mission statement after reading that.  Need I say more?

Overall I say the book is a must-read if you’re into personal development and one you will definitely want to add to your library.  It is chock full of good ideas, in fact, never before have I found so many examples and honest methods for self-development in one book.   If you’re new to personal development, expect to be camping out with this book for a few months, and it will serve as a good reference for several years.

If you’re truly a smart person, you’ll be able to skip past the superfluous material and hone in on the gems that will truly help you grow.

Now, isn’t that what Personal Development for Smart People should be about?

Until next time,
Live joyfully!

P.S. – I’ve just added a special value to one of my upcoming presentations – everyone who signs up for my “Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life” webinar through TheSelfHelpSchool.com will receive a free copy of the e-book.  Use the ad below and register today!

Posted under Motivation

I am proud to announce my new affiliation with TheSelfHelpSchool.com.  This project has been a work in progress for some time now and I’m happy to see it come to fruition.

As most of you know, I’ve been offering my Wake Up and Create the Life You Want seminar in several formats, including the classic printed book version.  I anticipate this new format via webinar will allow me to reach thousands of people all over the world.  It is my sincere desire to help people live more consciously and purposefully, creating the life of their dreams.

I have two upcoming courses:

1. Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life, based on my book with the same title, and
2. Wake Up and Create the Life You Want.

If you’d like to be more organized and get control of the clutter in all areas of your life, my Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life webinar will definitely inspire you to take action.

If you’d like some coaching on how to take control of the circumstances in your life and make life-transforming changes, sign up now for my Wake Up and Create the Life You Want virtual seminar.

Full course descriptions, times, and registration details can be found by clicking the links below.

Until next time,

Live Joyfully!

Posted under Education, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Leadership, Motivation, Success

Every salesperson who’s had even an inkling of training has heard the phrase, “enthusiasm sells.”  It’s true.  We’ve all been sold something by an enthusiastic salesperson and we want the people we buy from to be enthused about their product or service.  But there’s another caveat to “enthusiasm sells,” it sells you.

Enthusiasm for your life, the direction you believe you are headed, and the general activities you perform on a daily basis greatly enhances your life experience.  But I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.

The trick is keeping your enthusiasm at a level that keeps you motivated to stay in action and achieve your goals.  Enthusiastic people are happy people.  Here are my top 10 ways of increasing enthusiasm.

1. Get around like-minded people.  Whatever the subject is, there is likely someone out there who is already very passionate about that topic.  For example, when I want to get excited about designing my websites, I find an online forum of geeks who honestly believe, “code is poetry.”  After reading just a few entries, I’m excited about it, too.
2. Read a book about the subject.  When I want to get excited about a gardening project, I get out one of my books, or buy a new one, on that particular project.  Authors are very passionate people.
3. Visualize yourself being enthusiastic.  When I need to “make” myself exercise, I prefer to be “in the mood” to exercise – I just find it more fun.  So to become enthusiastic about it, while preparing for the event, I envision myself performing the activity, enjoying myself, having a good time, smiling, and being enthusiastic about my walk, hike, tennis game, etc.
4. Research the subject.  Collect facts about the topic wherever you can – books, magazine articles, Internet sources, professional groups, etc.  Who would have information about the subject you want to gain enthusiasm about?  In sales we teach this concept as “know your product inside and out,” but that idea can be applied to nearly any subject.
5. Answer this question:  “Why?” Why do you want to be enthusiastic about this particular subject?  I used to want to become an early riser – you know – someone who gets up every morning at 5 AM and goes for a jog.  I bought into the paradigm that I could get more done before 8 AM than other people get done in a full day.  I tried it for a while and it is true, but I could just never get fully enthused about the idea long enough to keep it up.  Then one day I asked myself, “Why?  Why do I want to get more done?  I accomplish more between Noon and 6 PM than most people do in a full day.  Why do I want to get up at 5 AM?”  If you can’t answer the question, perhaps you would be better served to focus your enthusiasm on some other subject.
6. Create a list of 20 positive aspects about the subject. Enthusiasm needs something solid behind it.  Sure, you can fake enthusiasm for a while, but genuine belief is much better and longer lasting.
7. Remember past successes. If you’ve been enthusiastic about this topic before, remember when and why.  If this subject is new for you, remember a similar topic that you were enthusiastic about and how it turned out.  How can you apply the same thinking and achieve a similar result?

Enthusiasm sells, and is worth definitely worth cultivating.

Until next time,
Live Joyfully!

Related articles:
The Value of Enthusiasm
20 Ways to Raise Your Vibration
How I Raise My Vibes

Posted under Motivation

Like most of you I’ve been receiving too many political emails lately.  So far I’ve yet to receive anything that is for their candidate; everything is against their candidate’s opponent.  Interesting, huh?  (Remember, what you resist, persists.)

I’m not convinced that anyone really knows why he or she likes their candidate; they just know why they hate “the other one.”

I also find it interesting that my negative, TV-watching, “the evening news determines my views” friends are the only ones facing financial hardships right now.  The rest of us (we positive thinkers) are doing fine; thriving, keeping our noses to the grindstone, minding our own business, focusing on the good in the world, finding new business, and enjoying the journey.  It’s a great way to live!

Just last night my husband was telling me about something positive that’s coming out of this latest economic debacle.

But the reason I wanted to address this topic today in a blog post is because many of you have been asking where I stand on these issues.  Who am I voting for come November; why do I prefer a particular candidate; should we pull out of Iraq; what should Congress or the President do about the economy; is the media blowing things out of proportion; is the media too negatively biased – yes – seriously – someone actually asked me that one.

I have decided whom I’m voting for in November, but it’s none of your business; you need to make your own decision and not worry about mine.  And you are not going to change my mind no matter how many negative emails you send me.  FYI – I delete anything and everything negative as soon as it arrives in my inbox and I’ve discerned that it is negative.  I am very careful about what gets filtered into my vibration; I don’t like to be brought down and protect my positive outlook at all costs.  Lately I’ve been deleting emails from close friends.  I don’t like to do that, but it’s better than being bummed out for the rest of the day.  The best way to control your mood, which is critical to your success, is to control what you read, listen to, and put confidence in (believe) throughout the day.

I am likewise very careful about what I believe on the news programs.  I watch just enough to keep abreast of what is going on in the world, but then I question everything I hear, always saying to myself, “I wonder if that’s the whole story.”

Napoleon Hill wrote a passage over four decades ago, before I was even born, that perfectly sums up how I feel about all of these issues, and all of the useless emails.

“It is a major indictment against our civilization that the vast majority of people keep most of their thought power centered on their fears, rather than on conceptions and deep beliefs which can bring them what they want – not that of which they are afraid.”

I will be voting on November 4th.  I have chosen my selection by focusing on the positive aspects of both candidates, and thinking about what I want.  I am not afraid of what will happen “if the other guy gets it,” because the outcome of the presidency on November 4, 2008 will not affect my happiness.  My happiness, my prosperity, and my well-being are all within my control.  God gave me the power to create my life as I see fit – not whomever is elected president of the United States of America.

Exercising my right to vote for the leadership of the country in which I reside is my right as an American citizen.  I take it very seriously.  But the outcome will not affect my joyful journey through this life experience; I won’t allow it.

I invite you now to join me in my joy-filled journey through life.  You can start from wherever you are.  Simply let go of the negativity.  Let go of being against anything.  Focus on what you want, and not that of which you are afraid.

Until next time,
Live Joyfully!

Posted under Motivation