August 29th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
Can you really increase your income by simply reading self-help books and listening to audio programs or is it just a bunch of hype designed by the people who write and record those books and programs?
Do these principles really work or is it just a lot of feel good, touchy feely rubbish?
Well, my friend, I can honestly tell you yes, you can! It does work and, in a moment, I will explain how and why. I can hear some of you more skeptical readers saying, sure, prove it. I will, I promise.
Napoleon Hill in his classic book, Think and Grow Rich, James Allen in As A Man Thinketh and Florence Scovel Shinn in The Game of Life all written in the 1920s, taught us we could use the power of our minds to become more successful.
Most of you, especially if you’ve been in business for a while, have probably been to a seminar on personal development. Seminars are great. I love going to them and I really love giving them since it gives me a way to share ideas with a live audience and meet new people, something I really enjoy doing.
The problem is, as I’m sure you’ve experienced, that a week or two after the seminar you are right back into your less-than-productive habits. You left the seminar all charged up and once the excitement wore off, you slipped back into your pre-seminar behavior. Reading books and listening to self-help programs is also a great practice but, like seminars, if it is not done on a regular basis it is not nearly as powerful. The operative word here is regular.
On-going Personal Development
The key is On-going Personal Development (OPD). The Japanese have a word, Kaizen, which means making small daily improvements in every area of your life. It is a principle taught to them by the late W. Edwards Demming who was sent by General Douglas MacArthur to help them rebuild their country after World War II. Since we have no word for this in English, I have chosen OPD, On-going Personal Development as a reminder to follow this formula for success.
It is not so much what you do sometimes that makes the difference, it is what you do daily. If you want to succeed, make a daily habit of reading and listening to self-help and inspirational books and audios. As little as 15-20 minutes a day can make a major difference. For one thing, you will begin your day (assuming you do this first thing in the morning) on a more positive note and secondly, you will, over time, have assimilated a lot of powerful, positive and thought provoking material.
Proof Positive
A number of years ago, my friend John came to visit me in my home office. It had been a while since I had seen him so, of course, I asked how he had been. “Great!” he replied, “My income went up over 15% in the last six months.”
Considering that John is in automobile sales and we were in the middle of the worst recession in decades, I had to learn more. I asked John how he did it and was a bit taken aback when he replied, “I went to a seminar.”
He went on to explain that the seminar leader suggested reading a self-help book for fifteen to thirty minutes a day. John, who had not read a book since school, bought the persons book and began reading every morning before going into the dealership where he worked. He would leave for work a half an hour early each day, sit outside in his car and read the book. That was the only change he made in his daily habits and his income went up by, in his case, $1,000 a month. By the way, that works out to $100 an hour for reading!
Why this works
It took me a while to fully understand what had taken place but it finally clicked one day. Imagine John, having just finished his daily ritual of reading an inspirational book, going into the showroom. He is in a positive, uplifted state and is cheerful.
The other salespeople are in the corner, whining about the recession. You’ve seen the scene, everyone stands around complaining about the situation instead of taking action to change it.
You, the buyer, enter the showroom. One one side is the group, kicking the coffee pot and looking grumpy. Across the room is John, bouncing around happy as can be. Now, let me ask you the critical question. Who do you want to buy your car from? Who are you most likely to gravitate toward? John, of course. Positive energy attracts people to it.
As a direct result of investing a little time each day on personal development (OPD), John increased his income and felt better in the process. The bonus is that this activity is cumulative. The more you do it, the better you feel.
Success leaves clues
One hundred percent of the self made millionaires (excluding people in the entertainment field) are committed to reading and listening to self help books and audios. The most successful direct sales companies have instituted a book/audio of the month program and encourage their people to participate.
How many books have you read this month? How many audios are in your car? Do you think it is a coincidence that top companies have a formal program of books and audios for their employees success?
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August 21st, 2010 by Jim Donovan
Is Suzanne Somers a doctor? No, she’s not. She’s an actress, an entertainer, an entrepreneur and an author. All you need to do is pick up a newspaper, watch a television show, or visit a website to see her being criticized for her books. After all, they say, “She’s not a doctor!”
What these bozos are leaving out however, is the simple fact that Suzanne is not making any medical claims. What she is doing, thankfully, is interviewing some of the top medical professionals in the world as well as sharing information she’s gleamed from the forefront of longevity and complementary medicine.
When she interviews someone like Dr. Russell Blaylock, a leading neurosurgeon with more than thirty years of experience and he is talking about the dangers of food additives, especially excitotoxins like MSG in soft drinks that we’re giving children, it is a medical doctor delivering the message.
When she talks with someone like Eric Braverman, another world-class doctor, it is he, not Suzanne, who is the source of the information.
Throughout her books, particularly “Breakthrough” my personal favorite, Ms. Somers delivers life saving ideas and preventative health information from the top independent medical experts of our time.
The one and only reason that she is attacked is because this information in the hands of masses, will greatly improve the health or our rapidly deteriorating population.
While this seems to you and me to be a good thing, it’s a huge threat to a pharmaceutical industry whose business model is to keep as many people as possible, taking as many drugs as possible. No, Suzanne Somers is not a doctor, but thankfully she’s a writer and she’s not afraid to step out and take the heat to ensure people hear the truth about maintaining their health and not succumbing debilitating disease.
However, don’t take Suzanne’s word for it, nor mine for that matter, find out for yourself. If you want to know more about ways to remain healthy, take responsibility for the state of your health and learn what you need to know to stay as healthy and vibrant as you possibly can. In my book, Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body, I devoted an entire chapter to this subject and in the back of the book as well as here on my Web site, I list contact information for some of the leading independent sources of health information.
By taking responsibility you’re putting your health back in your own hands where it belongs. By all means visit your doctor regularly, however expecting she or he to “fix” your problems without assistance from you is simply ludicrous.
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August 15th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
In case you missed it, here’s the replay from the July 22nd interview call I did with host, Larry Steinhouse, organizer of the “Get Rich and Happy” event in Philadelphia, November 5, 6, 7th.
Larry Steinhouse interviews Jim Donovan on Allowing Abundance
You can see the speaker line-up and learn more about this great event here:
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August 10th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
Most people, especially online and in Social Media circles, know me as an author. This makes sense since I’ve written seven books, several of which have been translated into eight languages and are sold in 22 countries.
I’ve been very fortunate and have had the thrill of touching the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in a positive way. I still get goosebumps every time I receive an email someone who’s life has been changed by what they read in one of my books.
However, what a lot of people may not know is that I also deliver seminars and workshops. As a matter of fact, I started doing seminars before I published my first book.
I’ve delivered programs to businesses, associations, schools, and government agencies. And I’ve held a number of public seminars like the one I’m part of in Philadelphia in November (see below).
My talks have been for a variety of gatherings including motivational seminars for college students and at-risk youth, performance enhancement programs for corporate employees, and productivity workshops for senior management and sales forces.
I’ve delivered half and full day training sessions for association meetings to help members in their personal and business lives as well as people in mid-life who want to reinvent themselves and create a more rewarding future.
Speaking and training is something I’d like to do more of so, if you or your company, association, school or agency have an upcoming event or would like an inspiring, affordable speaker, contact me.
Incidentally, if you can refer me to someone who engages me for a paid event you will be compensated.
You can learn more about my programs here.
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July 29th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
The other day I posted a question on the social media sites about going through a period of big shifts and change, since I’ve noticed over the years that whenever I’m personally going through something, chances are many others are too. This reinforces the idea, referred to in all spiritual teachings, that we are all connected.
For me, this has meant taking a close look at my business and life’s work and refocusing on the core of who I am and what I do.
It resulted in my taking down a Web site or two and redesigning my main, www.JimDonovan.com, Web site.
I’m also eliminating one of my Facebook pages since it was a distraction. My official “Fan” page is here at Jim Donovan and it will remain so.
So, what’s been happening with you? I’d love to hear your comments and recent experiences. You can post them here.
If you are, like me and so many others, going through a business “reinvention,” you may want to ask yourself what I consider to be one of the most powerful questions you can ask.
This was asked of me back in 1997 when I was just starting out as an author and speaker by my, then, coach Beth Meininger, one of the best coaches I know.
I was going through a rough spot and trying to offer whatever services I thought would produce income for me. I’ve always been good at figuring out what service people want and finding a way to provide it, however, at this point in my business, this was not the best route for me to take.
Beth looked at me and asked, in her best coach tone, “Jim, what are you willing to let go of to make room for what you want?”
Let go? You must be kidding. As I wrote in a story in my first book, Handbook to a Happier Life, “The last thing I let go of had claw marks on it.”
My nature as an Entrepreneur is not to let go but rather, to hang on to as many things as possible. The problem is this will not get me, or you, where we want to go.
Over the years I’ve noticed a lot of solo business owners, particularly people in network marketing, trying to do several businesses at once. All this does is dilute your efforts and scatter your energies.
For me this means going back to those actions and activities that are what I consider to be my life’s purpose.
Back in 1992 I wrote that my purpose is,
“To create and communicate information which will have a positive effect on people’s lives, empowering and helping them reach their full potential as human beings.”
The essence of this has not changed. At this point in my life, it’s writing books and delivering seminars and trainings. Of course, this includes audio and video programs, tele-classes and whatever new media comes along to facilitate this mission in the future.
Are all your activities in alignment with who you are and what your mission is?
If so, great. If not, what will you change in order to live your true purpose at the highest level?
Please comment and post below.
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July 13th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions Albert Einstein
I recently posted this quotation from Einstein on Facebook. In thinking about it afterward I realized that, though Mr. Einstein was one of the smartest people in recent history, he neglected to caution people that it works both ways.
While imagining your ideal life is not only a good idea but a major component in creating the life you want, too many people spend their time doing the opposite. They imagine all sorts of horrible things that could happen.
“What if I lose my job,” so many are asking right now. “What if I get sick?” we worry. “What if I go for my goals but don’t succeed,” “What if I start my own business and fail?” And on and on.
The people I just described are using their imaginations but they’re using them against themselves. They’re using their imagination backwards. If you stop and think about this, I think that you’ll agree that it’s crazy to imagine what we don’t want. Isn’t it?
Consider that what you’re imagining (something that is not yet real) is pure fantasy. This being the case, why would anyone want to fantasize what they do not want?
If, when we imagine things, we’re making it all up anyway, why not make up great things? Why not see our most amazing life? Why not see (imagine) everything working out perfectly?
Doesn’t this make more sense? Of course it does, yet much of the time we do the opposite. We imagine everything that can go wrong. “For better or for worse” the wedding vows caution us. Why not rewrite them to be “For better and for better”
Our imagination, as Einstein was trying to teach us, is the most powerful tool we have for creating our life. therefore, it is important to use it wisely.
The next time you’re worried, which is just another word for imagining what you don’t want, do something to interrupt your thoughts long enough to replace them with something you do want.
As the late Lynn Grabhorn wrote in her wonderful book, Excuse Me, You’re Life is Waiting, learn to “flip switch” your attention to something you desire.
When you catch yourself imagining the worst, say to yourself “Cancel and clear” and then shift your attention to your ideal life.
Live Seminar in Philadelphia
I’m pleased to be part of an amazing lineup of speakers at the Get Rich and Happy event in Philadelphia, November 5th, 6th and 7th. You can see a partial listing of the speakers and reserve your seat here. This is sure to be a filled event so please reserve your seat now.
More resources to help you make 2010 your best year ever
Are you ready to start living the life you’ve always wanted?
This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal Workshop
Create your own economic recovery plan
Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck book and ebook — Learn how you can create immediate income now. Click here to learn more
A lot of our readers have used the 20 Ways to Make $100 per Day Online ebook to help them get new ideas and add income. If you missed the earlier information about this simple, yet powerful product, Click here to learn more
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June 11th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
It’s “game day” as I sit, waiting to start sending messages for my Amazon campaign launch for Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body. Since it’s also my birthday, I thought it appropriate to start today.
A lot of work has gone into this and I am grateful to all the partners who have been gracious enough to provide valuable bonus products for the people who do order the book during the campaign.
They are, in no particular order:
Peggy McColl, Gina Mollicone Long, Dr. Joe Rubino, Michelle Casto. Peter Fogel, Kathleen Gage, Sally Shields, Tracy Ecclesine Ivie, Michelle Cimino, Chaney Weiner, Jackie Jones, Terri Levine , Kevin Boyle, Shel Horowitz, Arupa Tesolin, Helene Rothschild, Millie Grenough
And special thanks to all my friends and social media colleagues who have stepped up and offered to help spread the word.
Here’s what my, usually neat and clean, desk looks like at the moment. 
Yesterday, I shot a short video about the idea of living an ageless and amazing life. I trust you will enjoy it. And, if you want to order the book and receive more than $785 in bonus gifts, follow this link
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May 19th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
“Most men die with their music still in them”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Whose life are you living? Are you living your dream or someone else’s?
How much of your life is being decided by someone else? Are you in a profession you dislike because it is expected of you? Do you engage in activities you would rather skip, simply because it is part of your “role” as a spouse or mother?
What about you?
Doesn’t your opinion count? It is not only reasonable but mentally healthy for you to direct your own life.
If you find yourself in a profession you do not especially like, try asking yourself the following question: If I were starting over in my career, what would I chose to do?
Some people retire and, because they can do whatever they want, begin a second career. This time, they do what they love and, many times, become highly successful.
Famous the second time around
You may not remember that Caroll O’Connor, the actor who created the role of Archie Bunker in “All In The Family” and later played the burly police chief in “In The Heat of the Night,” was a high school teacher until he was in his forties. While teaching is surely a noble profession, his greatest gifts to humanity were clearly to come from his acting talents. Fortunately, for those of us entertained by his talents, he followed his bliss and became an actor.
Another example of the second career is the comedian Phyliss Diller. She was a cleaning lady until she was 37. Incidentally, she was inspired by reading and acting on a self-help book, “The Magic of Believing,” by Claude Bristol. Interestingly enough, Liberace, the great pianist, attributed the strategies in this same book to his huge success and enormous wealth.
Take charge of your life
You owe it to yourself to run your own life. I am not suggesting that you go out and change everything overnight, however, you can begin to direct your life where you would like it to go.
For example, if you have always wanted to be an actress or actor, but have financial responsibilities which require you to work a “real job,” you could satisfy your need to act by joining a local theater group. Many a community theater performer works happily at a nine to five job Monday through Friday, knowing they have an outlet for their creative selves on the weekend.
If most of your time is being taken up in the role of wife and mother, you could begin to set aside time for yourself. Time to pursue your other dreams. You could arrange for your spouse or another person to care for your children while you take care of your own needs.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish. The Bible say we should love our neighbor as ourselves. It does not say instead of or more than. Begin to set aside time doing some of the things you want.
If you are in a job you strongly dislike, start devising a plan which will allow you to make a change. Perhaps you need to go for re-training in another profession. I know of several nurses who, when they realized they were spending more time filling out paperwork than caring for patients, began new careers as massage therapists. There, they were able to have the satisfaction of working directly with the people they wanted to help.
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April 21st, 2010 by Jim Donovan
The lights dimmed and the crowd roared as Leon Russell took to the stage of the theater in Sellersville, PA.
One could not help but notice the frailty of the, now 68 year old. Clearly his life and lifestyle had taken their toll on his physical health but the moment he stood at the keyboards, such a familiar site, he was that 28 year old performer once again.
The audience was transported back to a time when he shared the stage with the likes of George Harrison, John Lennon and Eric Clapton at Madison Square Garden’s Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.
The man playing music at the Sellersville theater, while a much smaller venue, was the same man who played the big rooms so many years ago.
How is this possible? How is it that, while the body of Leon Russell has aged and taken on physical ailments and limitations, the musician remains that young, vibrant singer songwriter of times past?
Passion is one of the key components to living a fulfilling life and Russell has as much passion for what he is doing as a man half his age. Clearly he is living his dream, whether it’s in front of 40,000 people at Madison Square Garden or 400 at the theater in rural Pennsylvania. He is doing something that matters to him and its’ apparent listening to his music.
He has passion, he has a dream and he’s living his life to the fullest. These are some of the keys to a living vibrantly as outlined in my new book, “Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body.”
Challenging the myths of aging - with stories of role models in their 80′s and beyond who are living vibrant, productive lives
Igniting your passion – exercises for exploring your gifts and redefining your purpose
Creating your vision – experiencing your dream life in full technicolor
Changing your beliefs - overcoming limiting beliefs with positive affirmations
Reclaiming your power – improving your life spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically
Learn more about the “Ageless Living Method” and find out how you can use it to help you find passion in your life and create a future that excites you.
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April 20th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
Twenty four years ago today, I woke up looking at a smiley face on a slipper, attached to the end of my foot. Looking around it started to come back to me. Oh, yea, the birthday party and all that tequila. Ouch!
Scanning the room I remembered being admitted to the detox ward of the hospital, late the night before. I was at the bottom. I was sure my life was over – friendless, homeless, jobless, flat broke, with ailing health. I was spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially bankrupt.
Today, all I feel is gratitude. A tremendous gratitude for the life I have.
Jim Donovan's Books Around the World
Today I am having a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world. My books are read worldwide and I have a magical life.
Having changed my life one day at a time, with the help of God and a lot of caring people, I have a wonderful wife who loves me and takes care of me, live in a comfortable home on pristine property in a quiet area, within easy reach of New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC.
I have the privilege of doing work that matters, am having a positive effect on people’s lives and am well compensated for it. I drive a luxury car and have all the material things I need.
I am truly blessed and totally appreciate every facet of my life.
If you want to know the exact step-by-step process I used to change my old life and create one that is beyond my wildest expectations, go here
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A number of years ago, my friend John came to visit me in my home office. It had been a while since I had seen him so, of course, I asked how he had been. “Great!” he replied, “My income went up over 15% in the last six months.”
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