Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."

Zig Ziglar

The Secret To Success: Be Nice

The other night I was watching a Ron White comedy special called "You can't fix stupid." The guy's hilarious. And, in addition to being right, he's also a jerk.

I don't mean that in a bad way; I've always sort of admired that in people. After all, I'm a pretty big jerk myself. But recently, through a strange course of events, I've come to see the error in my ways. I've come to realize that "You can't beat nice."

How To Detect And Avoid Work-From-Home Scams

Working from home is something that many people are interested in doing these days, and it's not limited to those who are out of work. The U.S. Labor Bureau reports that in 2010, "multiple jobholders were nearly twice as likely to work at home as were single jobholders." With almost everyone looking for a way to cash in at home, it's important to be able to identify common job scam scenarios and learn to protect yourself from unscrupulous individuals offering work-at-home riches.

5 Mistakes You May Be Making On Your Resume

Resumes are marketing documents, so you want yours to portray you in the best light possible. Of course you read it, re-read it, ask your friends and former college roommate, the English major, to read it over. You tweak the format until it's just perfect. But you're still probably making some -- if not all -- of these errors.

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"LOVE is the key to SUCCESS. Passion and Love of what we do or who we're with defines HAPPINESS, and HAPPINESS is SUCCESS."

Chris Zapata Viado

Customer Testimonials: Turn Your Biggest Fans Into Salespeople

Use these 4 smart tricks to create and share customer testimonials. Nothing sells your product or service better than a passionate customer. Strong customer testimonials break the ice with prospects on the fence.

Fearlessly Take Risks To Grow Your Firm

Go ahead. Don't look back. Enlist a rookie employee to solve procedural problems, or launch an audacious product line.

How To Build Great Collaborations

The power of cooperation and comedy to make useful products. As much as we may love the romantic idea of creativity as a solo, heroic activity, the truth more often is that innovation requires collaboration. We need other people to refine, develop, and test our ideas; that's one of the reasons we do so much work in teams.

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."

Martha Washington

FREE For All Tuesday

What's on your mind? Let's talk about it! Post your hearts out! =)

Daily Inspirational Quotes

"If you wish to find, you must search. Rarely does a good idea interrupt you."

Jim Rohn

Have a great week everyone and stay positive!

Motivational Tips 8

Create A Future Accomplishment Collage Or Scrapbook

Gather visual images and/or photographs of what you want out of life. Or, gather images and/or photographs of what you want to achieve.

For example, if your goal is to obtain a college degree, take a picture of yourself in a graduation cap and gown.

The important thing is to keep your images and photographs in a place you can refer to them often. When motivating yourself is difficult, view your images.

Another option in today's technological world is to simply download your images into your cellular phone where you can refer to them often. Or; how about getting a digital photo frame where you can rotate between several enticing images?

Self motivation tips such as this one helps keep you focused. Remember, your why is what will fuel your motivation.

Fuel Your Passion

Spend 20 minutes each day learning or reading about a topic you are passionate about.

Use Your Mobile Device As A Tool For Motivation

Set up Your device to receive email and then sign up to receive motivational quotes via emai. You'll have instant motivation whenever you need it.

Understand The Success Cycle

There is a saying that "we reap what we sow." It's simply the order of things. You get out of something what you put into it. So give it your all. Isn't your future worth it?

Motivational Tips 7

Have you ever been around a person who was highly motivated and excited about a project, task, or subject? If you are around that person long enough, you cannot help but pick up on the enthusiasm. Find someone with like goals and hang around them!

One of the seven habits of highly effective people is associating with people who have achieved what they desire. It is known as the saw sharpening saw. Motivation is only limited by your creativity. Give this one a try. Find a support group of highly motivated people who want to make progress in life and spend time with them. My guess is you will be inspired to action. These people may even teach you a thing or two.

Research Someone Who Has Already Achieved Your Goals

Use his or her blueprint for success and learn from his or her mistakes. Speeding up success is a great motivator.

Kick Your Own Ass

Look yourself in the mirror, straight in the eye, and tell yourself off. Tell yourself of for the delayed opportunities and rewards you are missing. It's a great way to shake off procrastination.

Take Advantage Of Electronic Devices

Many mobile devices come with tape recording capabilities. Tape record self reminders and favorite quotes and play them back to yourself as needed.

You Are Unique!

Think what a remarkable, unduplicatable, and miraculous thing it is to be you! Of all the people who have come and gone on the earth, since the beginning of time, not ONE of them is like YOU!

The Week In Review; Lessons Learned

This week has been an interesting one for me. I had a mix of ups and downs. As usual, I always try to learn from my experiences whether they're good or bad and this week was definitely not short of lessons learned.

What transpired was definitely not the first time. However, it still taught me a lot about family, friends, money, and spirituality. It once again reminded me of what's important and what really matters most in my life.

I'm so grateful to God that what happened did happen because it certainly opened my eyes and definitely toughened me up. Here are the lessons I've learned:

* Family - having a loving and very supportive partner and mother is such a huge blessing. It's so comforting to know that they're always by my side in good times but most especially in bad and they never stop believing in me.

* Friends - "Good friends are like Stars, you don't always see them, but you know they are always there."

* Money - "Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants."
Benjamin Franklin

* Spirituality - "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."

The most important lesson though that I've learned is that I am responsible for my own life and my own actions. I should not, cannot, and will not wait for other people to make things happen for me.

That said, I would like to invite you to watch the three short videos below from Oprah's Life Class Show. It is very inspiring and motivating and I could definitely relate to the videos, most especially with what happened to me this week.

Have a great and safe weekend everyone!

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"Everybody wants change. Change is a great thing. But how can change happen if every person can't even take responsibilities for their own life and their own actions?"

Chris Zapata Viado

What Oprah Knows About Taking Responsibility For Your Life

It's a powerful lesson that Oprah says she learned as a young girl: If you want to move forward in life, you have to make it happen for yourself. Watch Oprah share her story.

Paula Deen's Dream For Herself

How did Paula Deen turn a $200 bag lunch business into a $20-million empire? Working like a "damn dog." Look back at Paula's inspirational road to success. Then, find out why Oprah says Paula is the perfect example of taking responsibility for a dream and turning it into reality.

How Oprah Took Back Her Personal Power

Oprah says she was a lost soul when she was in her 20s. Watch to find out how she took responsibility for her life and stopped giving power over to other people.

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"There is no achievement without goals."

Robert J. McKaine

9 Ways Students Can Use Social Media to Boost Their Careers

If you’re a Generation X-er or older, you likely use social media to cut it in the real world. You may also use social networks for personal reasons, but it’s always with the understanding that you’re a professional.

But newer generations of college graduates began their social media experience as a very personal one. And the shift to using social media for career development may seem optional. But it’s a necessary evil at the very least, and can actually be quite beneficial to your future at the very best.

Here are a few things students should consider when starting to use social media professionally.

7 Signs You Work For A Dysfunctional Company

COMMENTARY I was just reading about how Barack Obama and George W. Bush are the most polarizing presidents of the past 50 years, meaning they had the largest gap in approval ratings between democrats and republicans.

Some think there's a chicken and egg aspect to the question of which came first, our divisive leaders or our divided nation, but I think it's entirely a function of leadership. If Obama and Bush were effective leaders, the nation wouldn't be so divided.

6 Things You Should Never Share On Facebook

The whole social networking phenomenon has millions of Americans sharing their photos, favorite songs and details about their class reunions on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and dozens of similar sites. But there are a handful of personal details that you should never say if you don't want criminals -- cyber or otherwise -- to rob you blind, according to Beth Givens, executive director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you've got."

Anonymous

Look To Weaknesses To Find Your Leadership Strengths

Steve Jobs, General Patton, and Mother Teresa. They were leaders who broke the mold, using their uniqueness to do what no one else could do. What they had in common was that they were unique.

You have unique potential as a leader, and finding it is the key to doing remarkable things. There are situations that are crafted for you to lead. If you're able identify them and sell other people on you as the person to lead, you will command a premium -- in money, prestige and future opportunities.

Sell More Stuff By Giving It Away

We're all in business to sell something, but sometimes one of the best ways to do that is to give it away. For some owners, that tactic's anathema -- "I'm in business to sell, not to give" -- but their attitude is short-sighted.

10 Companies With Insanely Bad Marketing

David Packard, the iconic cofounder of HP (HPQ), once said, "Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department."

Besides being true, Packard's insightful statement points out the greatest challenge of marketers everywhere. Everybody has an opinion, everybody wants to have a say and everybody thinks their "focus group of one" is more important than the actual target audience.

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"When you know what you want, and you want it badly enough, you'll find a way to get it ."

Jim Rohn

Have a great week everyone and stay positive!

Motivational Tips 6

Are you in a rut that seems too deep to climb out of? Do you need a force of energy to get you moving again? Your solution is simple - ask yourself the right questions. Our mind is one of the most powerful instruments we have. Like anything, use it accurately and obtain great results. So here goes, restate the above questions as follows:

* How can I get out neutral and get moving?
* What is the best way to climb out of this rut?
* Where can I find the energy to get moving again?

The funny thing is your brain will start to process the questions and seek viable options for you to consider. You shift to constructive thinking mode which provides a better chance of finding results. It is alright if the answers do not quickly follow. Just keep asking. The ultimate question is to you want to use your mind constructively or destructively. The choice is yours.

Generate An Excuse List

List all the reasons you have for not moving into action, then counter each excuse, in writing, why you should.

Create A Distraction Box

Whenever you think of obstacles/thoughts that split your attention, remove them by writing it down on paper. Then, place the paper in a box and forget about it. Focus on the tasks at hand. This is a very easy way to remove unnecessary clutter and distractions from your mind.

Laugh!

Indulge in a good old fashion belly laugh. Why? Often times, lack of motivation or reduce motivation results from stress. Laughter helps alleviate body tension. It will help you lighten up. Rely on whatever you find humorous. Watch a funny movie and laugh till it hurts, or listen to funny audio,or read a funny book. Go visit a comedy club. Whatever approach works for you - do it.

Motivational Tips 5

Take Action On Purpose

If you are one of those folks who do not make your bed in the morning start there. Why? Because you start your day with immediate action and feel a sense of accomplishment that you can carry throughout the rest of your day. If you make your bed, pick another easy task to complete. It's a great strategy that will give you an immediate motivating boost.

Take No As Not Yet

Remember that you're on a journey. If you so desire, that journey doesn't end until your last breath. Therefore, do not become discouraged by failure or a no response. It's just one more step along the path to your success. If you keep at it, and make adjustments as needed, one day you will achieve the success you desire.

Recharge With A Nap

When you're feeling drained or burned out, a nap may help to refresh you.

Take a Power Shower

Sometimes the invigoration of water splashing across your skin as you scrub clean is just what the doctor ordered to provide a motivational spark.

A Man Must Constantly Exceed His Level!

This inspiring story is about Bruce Lee, a legendary martial art master.

“Bruce had me up to three miles a day, really at a good pace. We’d run the three miles in twenty-one or twenty-two minutes. Just under eight minutes a mile [Note: when running on his own in 1968, Lee would get his time down to six-and-a half minutes per mile].

My Tribute To Whitney Houston

I'm sure by now that most of you have already heard the shocking and sad news of the untimely passing of Whitney Houston. Just like most people in the world, I've been very emotional about this tragic incident.

I grew up in the 80's and 90's era and have come to known only 3 artists then who I admired and idolized because of their great talents. The three of them are Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Whitney Houston.

Whitney was very special to me. Her songs not only inspired me but MOVED me. Every time I hear a Whitney song, it would always make me feel better about myself or whatever situation I'm in or dealing with. The lyrics of her songs combined with her powerful voice touched me in ways that NO OTHER artist can. Listening to her songs always gave me a feeling of "Don't worry about it. Everything is gonna be fine." It's like having a best friend at home giving you advice on your challenges and hardships in life and telling you to be strong and stay positive.

Whitney's songs played a big part in my life growing up and doing this tribute right now is very difficult for me emotionally. So, as my tribute to her, I would like to share with you three of my "all time" favorite music videos of Whitney which I have posted here in my blog and will stay up for the entire week.

May you rest in peace Whitney. Thank you for being part of my life. "I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU" and you'll be dearly missed.

Whitney Houston - Miracle

Whitney Houston - Greatest Love Of All

Whitney Houston - All The Man I Need

Jeannette Walls Lets Go Of Her Shame

In 2005, the entertainment reporter and Park Avenue socialite came clean on The Oprah Show about a shameful secret she was keeping: Her parents were homeless. Watch part of her interview with Oprah and find out how, when she let go of her secret, she was able to let go of her shame and live to her fullest potential.

Ellen DeGeneres Stands In Her Truth

After keeping her sexuality a secret for years, comedian Ellen DeGeneres publicly came out as a lesbian in 1997. Watch part of the interview she did with Oprah at that time and find out why Oprah says Ellen is a prime example of what good can come from stepping out of the lie of your life.

What Oprah Knows For Sure About Living Your Truth

Are you pretending to be something you are not? Watch as Oprah remembers a time she was trying to be someone else, and find out how becoming comfortable with herself allowed her to live the life she was meant to live.

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier."

Anonymous

Have a great week everyone and stay positive!

Motivational Tips 4

View the attainment of your dreams and goals from the perspective of what you will lose if you do not accomplish them, instead of what you will gain. Why? It's been proven that we are usually more motivated when there is something to lose. So, if you want to give up the chance to live a happier more fulfilling life doing the things you love and deserve, that's your choice.

Begin This New Nightly Habit Today

Set aside time each evening to review your day and plan for the next. It's motivating and exciting when you see progress you've made. This habit also allows you to plan and stay focused for the next day. This is a very easy, but powerful strategy to implement.

Challenge Yourself

Raise the bar on what you expect from yourself. If you know you can easily complete three tasks per day, the expect four. It'll make you better and accelerate your results.

Don't Fall Victim to the Status Quo

If you have an idea or thought that is out-of-the-box, explore it. Remember, 99% of people settle and go with the flow. Not you. You're aiming to be in the elite group who knew something could be done and did it.

Motivational Tips 3

Tap Into Your Emotions

Fire yourself up the way athletes do. With enthusiasm, chant to yourself out loud.You can do it! You can do it! You can do it! This technique may take you outside of your comfort zone, but its fun once you get started. Granted, if you do this around family and friends I can guarantee a few strange looks. On the other hand, talk them into participating with you.

Set Goals

You cannot get where you are going unless you know where you want to go. Goals help provide a destination; an aim; a focus.

Create a Journey Map

Chart your starting point and your desired end point. Every time you make progress, chart it on your map.

Do one thing each day towards the achievement of your goals. Take one step, one day, at a time.

Never Quit (like Abraham Lincoln)

Abraham Lincoln never quits.

Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown.

He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the United States history.

Click here to see the sketch of Lincoln’s road to the White House:

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open."

Thomas Dewar

What Oprah Knows For Sure About Getting What You Want

Oprah knows for sure that you don't always become what you want, and most times in life, you don't get what you want. Watch Oprah explain how no matter what obstacles get in your way, a little bit of faith—sometimes as small as a mustard seed—can get you through.

What Oprah Learned From Jim Carrey

Every person around you is a teacher—even comedian and actor Jim Carrey. Look back at a past Oprah Show interview with Jim where he describes how visualization led to great success. Plus, find out how a $10 million check he wrote to himself eventually paid off.

Oprah On Believing In Yourself

Oprah says many people are held back from becoming who they were meant to be by shadow beliefs and feelings of unworthiness. Watch as she encourages you to find your true purpose in the world.

Inspirational Quote Of The Day

"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change."

Earl Nightingale

How To Organize Your Crazy Schedule

You can plan your work pipeline as carefully as possible. Still, it happens to all of us. Sometimes you get absolutely slammed with projects that are all due at the exact same time. So how do you cope?

Why To-Do Lists Set You Up For Failure

You've probably seen advice about why it's a great idea to maintain a rolling to-do list of projects -- big and small -- that you need to get done. Some efficiency experts recommend writing a to-do list each morning, in which you meticulously transfer incomplete to-dos from the old list to the new one every day. You might have noticed that this system doesn't work very well, and you probably just assumed that it's your own fault. But according to the Harvard Business Review, it's not you. In a nutshell, the entire system is flawed, and simply sets you up for failure.

How Much Time Are You Really Wasting?

"Sorry, I've just been so busy."

"I've been too swamped to get around to it."

"I don't even have a minute to breathe."

"There's just not enough time in the day."

We hear -- and most of us use -- exasperated claims like this every day. But in general, it's a fiction. Most of us are not "too busy"; few of us have the "full plate" we think or say we have. These are excuses we make either because we genuinely have ourselves convinced that we don't have time or we simply don't want to do something.