March 30th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
One of my secrets for keeping myself in a positive and resourceful state of mind, even in the face of challenges, is my habit of regularly reading and listening to positive, uplifting ideas and information, typically from books and audio programs.
With all the negative stories circulating in the media this is more important than ever.
We know from neuropsychology that it is virtually impossible to access a resourceful mental state if you are negative. You literally do not have access to the mental faculties that can help you solve your problem. This, in addition to it not being much fun, is a good reason to remain positive.
While, like most people, I have my favorite authors, I also make a point of reading a variety of books, articles and magazines as well as listening to a myriad of audio programs that feed my mind a steady diet of healthy ideas.
My latest addition, one I am thrilled to be able to share with you, is the brand new digital magazine, No Limits.
No Limits is the latest motivational resource from my friend, Greg Willson, at Inkstone Press, who also happens to be the publisher of my books in Australia.
This is truly a valuable resource and is available to you at no cost, with no strings attached. By the way, keep an eye out for articles by or about me in future issues and please let your fiends know about this amazing new magazine.
Not only is it packed with great ideas and information to help you live a happier life but it is beautifully designed for the digital medium. Kudos to the design team for producing this great looking product.
With everything going on in the world today, No Limits is a much needed and appreciated breadth of fresh air.
You can see and download the premier issues here.
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March 23rd, 2009 by Jim Donovan
The end of the month was quickly approaching, and like many self-employed people, we were experiencing a cash flow challenge. It was, in all honesty, one of the greatest tests of faith I had experienced in a very long time.
Interestingly enough, I stayed positive throughout, knowing that somehow it would all work out for the best. During the last part of the month my resolve was tested several times. Using everything I have learned about using the power of my mind to produce the results I desire, I managed to stay in a positive state of mind.
The tricky part, and where I believe many people get tripped up, is holding your attention on what you want, while ignoring the “reality” of what is, and being careful not to notice what has not yet happened. Let me explain.
When facing challenging times, a drop in revenue for example, most people devote a lot of time and energy noticing the lack of revenue. This is generally the opposite of what they want. Remember we attract more of that which we focus on.
The subtlety here is that if we are noticing the lack of revenue, we will attract that. In other words, we will attract more lack. The challenge, and I believe the real test of one’s faith, is to ignore reality and only focus on what we want. We then let go and trust that it will appear in the perfect way, in the perfect time.
During my challenge, I knew deep within my being that everything would work out. I went about my business, taking appropriate actions, holding my attention on what I wanted, being appreciative for everything I already have (counting my blessings), and yes, ignoring reality.
A few days before the end of the month, in the middle of a phone call with a friend, I went online to check my bank balance and see what was happening, to see what checks had cleared and what had not yet cleared.
When I looked at the screen I almost fell over, because what I saw there was a very large deposit in my business account. I rejoiced in what could only be described as a miracle. I realized right then and there that all of our positive focus and refusal to accept lack had, in fact, produced a positive result.
If I had ever questioned the validity of the teachings about the power of our minds, and the law that we attract everything in our lives, that moment ended it.
Action steps – Become clear about what you want. In your journal complete the steps below.
Step 1 Know what you don’t want and write it down.
Step 2 Know what you do want and write it down. Then, here’s the “secret,” spend some time each day getting into the feeling of already having what you desire.
For example, if what you want is more money, you probably don’t want little pieces of paper. You probably want a feeling that you associate with having money.
Maybe it’s joy, freedom, security or some other good feeling. Focus on this feeling and recreate it in your body. Imagine you already have the money and are feeling the feelings it brings.
Experience all of the good feelings that will come with your desires. Give no attention to the fact that you do not yet have it. Ignore reality during this “Feel good” time. Do this simple exercise for a few minutes each day and you will soon begin to see wonderful results.
For more ideas like this, read my book, Handbook to a Happier Life.
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March 19th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
As the title of one of my books points out, “This is your life, not a dress rehearsal.” You deserve the best life has to offer.
This means having a life where you feel safe in your own home. A life where you are treated well and respected by others. A life that is free from the things you do not wish to experience.
In the filed of professional coaching, there is something called Tolerations. These are the things that, for whatever reason, you tolerate in your life. Sometimes, they’re minor inconveniences like a friend who’s always late for appointments.
Sometimes, people tolerate serious things like physical or emotional abuse. You do not have to tolerate that which you do not want or have in your life.
Take some time to look at your life as it is right now. What are you tolerating that you’d rather be rid of? Do you tolerate friends who constantly put you down? Why? Why not surround yourself with people who will support you in your endeavors, whatever they may be. After all, it’s your life, isn’t it?
Do you tolerate a boss who treats you poorly? No one should have to put up with disrespect. Maybe you should have a talk with this person and let them know how you feel. Perhaps, it’s time to look for another position or a career change.
Do you tolerate an abusive parent, spouse or child? Don’t! Go and get some help before it’s too late.
What about your home? Are you tolerating a dirty, cluttered environment when what you really want is a clean, uncluttered one? Change it! Do you tolerate an automobile that runs poorly or is unsafe? Have it fixed!.
What are you tolerating in your health? Do you tolerate being overweight and in poor health when you’d really rather be healthy & fit? You’re in control you know. It’s your life and it’s up to you to make it what you want it to be. Tolerate nothing. You are in control. This is your life, not a dress rehearsal.
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March 17th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
“Eighty-five percent of life is showing up”
Woody Allen
When was the last time you actually “stopped and smelled the roses?” When was it that you stopped what you were doing long enough to see the magic of a sunset? How much of the magnificence of the world around you do you notice each day?
If you’re like most people, you get caught up in your daily routines and don’t always take the time to appreciate this glorious experience we call life.
We all do it. We get in a rut of doing our daily tasks and busily going about our day, not even noticing the world around us. Arapid paced society is robbing us of the very stuff life is made of.
Life is not about a destination, arriving, or making it. It’s about the journey. It’s the process of living. Once, when I was living in southern California, a place of incredible beauty, I had become so complacent, so jaded, that I even began not to notice the majestic sunsets and beautiful sunny days. My attitude had become more like “oh yes, the sun is setting in the ocean, I saw that last week.” Can you imagine taking life so much for granted?
We are born and we will die. These are absolutes. There’s no way around it. We cannot change or control that fact. We can, however, make the time between these two events, whether it is a long or short time, exciting and wonderful, or we can live a life of quiet desperation. The choice is ours.
Make a habit of appreciating the world around you. Take time from your hectic schedule to see what’s right in front of you. Watch children playing, birds singing, flowers blooming, and yes, the sun setting into the ocean, if you are so fortunate.
There is magic all around us. All we need do is stop and take notice. There is no charge for admission. You don’t need any special equipment. The good Lord provides us with this incredible spectacle each day. All we have to do is show up for it.
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March 15th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
How many times have you said, “All I want is to be happy?” So many of us get caught up in looking outside of ourselves for happiness when, in fact, happiness is something that you can choose at any time. The old saying “Happiness is an inside job” does not refer to working indoors. It means that it is we who choose whether or not we are happy.
Our society has, in the past, been obsessed with using “things” in a never ending attempt to find happiness only to realize that it does not work.
Most of us just want to be happy. A Course In Miracles, says that not only should you be happy but that you should make yourself happy.
In any given situation, you can choose how you represent what is taking place. You can give away your power and let outside circumstances take away your happiness or you can claim your God given birthright to be happy and at peace, regardless of what is going on around you.
Think about it. How many times have you become unhappy because of something completely out of your control? How many times have you let other people’s opinions of you control how you feel?
There was a time in my life when I thought that if I just bought enough “stuff”, I would be happy. I thought a new car or a better stereo or bigger house would make me happy. I used to look to other people to provide the happiness that was lacking in my life.
When all of that did not work and I was still not happy with myself, I was devastated. I now realize that all the material things in the world and all the other people in the world cannot, of themselves, make me happy. Only I can do that and the good part is that it does not take anything outside of myself.
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March 11th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
A reporter once asked Mother Teresa about her response to one of his questions. “Several months ago,” he stated, “you said ‘such and such’ and now you are saying something completely different. How do you explain the change in your position?”
The saintly woman looked kindly at the man, smiled, and said simply “I changed my mind. I did not know then what I know now.”
What a simple concept! How many of us carry around beliefs and opinions that no longer fit with who we are, because we have always believed them? How many times have you held onto a limiting belief because “that’s the way I have always felt?”
We have been taught that being consistent and unchanging is a character attribute whereas, changing our mind is a shortcoming. We have all heard someone “stable or rock–solid” described with respect while the term “wishy washy” is used to describe one who changes their opinion.
I am challenging this concept. Sure, consistency is a character trait worth developing in certain aspects of our lives. Trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, and dependability are all attributes worth striving for, however, it makes absolutely no sense to hold on to beliefs and opinions that do not serve us in the present just because they were true for us in the past.
We are allowed to change our minds!
As a matter of fact, if we are not changing, we are in for a real struggle. Perhaps one of the leading causes of frustration is the fact that, while we are led to believe that it is good to be consistent, the world we live in is in a state of constant change.
Every part of our lives, our planet, our bodies for that matter, are in a constant state of flux. Human beings, by nature, tend to resist change.
Herein lies the problem! We resist change in an ever–changing world. Resisting change in the face of a constantly changing environment has to be the height of insanity.
How then can we learn to accept, even welcome, change in our lives? One way is to look back over our lives and see that, for the most part, every change in our past has led to something better. If you do this I think you will agree that change has, in fact, been a positive force in your life. You can then give yourself permission to change.
Re–evaluate your beliefs and opinions and see if they are still true for you at this period in your growth. Considering the pace at which the world is changing, it is important to learn to embrace change in our lives.
Remember the old adage: “when one door closes, another one opens.” If you look back, I’m sure you will find this has been true throughout your life.
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March 6th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, Linkedin, Plaxo, the list goes on and on. Chances are, if you are over the age of 25, you think these social networking sites are places young people go to get a date and post pictures of their most recent party. Well they are, however, they’re also the hottest business building opportunity to come along; especially for a small business.
As a matter of fact, according to almost every expert source, if you are ignoring these platforms, you are setting yourself up to experience real pain in the future. The reason for this is really quite simple, your customers are already there, and chances are, they are already talking about your business, your industry, and your competitors. You just don’t know it.
It’s no coincidence that Hewlett-Packard has fifty of its executive’s blogging. Smart companies, of every size, are using these new technologies to promote their brand, solidify their relationship with their customers, test market new products, solicit ideas, and gain valuable customer feedback. Small businesses are gaining a competitive advantage by taking their message, for virtually no cost, directly to their customer on these sites as well as on video sharing sites like Youtube.com and Ecorptv.com.
Their “Tweeting” away on Twitter to keep a buzz going, while developing loyal new followers and fans on places like Facebook and MySpace. Sites like Linkedin are enabling savvy sales and marketing people to use their networks to connect with prospective customers and penetrate new markets.
What was once six degrees of separation is now more like three.
The question is, where do you start?
Step one, get a blog- If you don’t already have a blog, set one up. You can do this quickly and easily at blogger.com (owned by Goggle) or use the Wordpress platform. I prefer Wordpress for several reasons. For starters, it’s hosted on your own server so your blog address is something like http://www.jimdonovan.com/blog. It also presents a more professional image. For links to a no cost Wordpress system, complete with all the necessary plugins, visit http://www.jimdonovan.com/resources.html
Next, create a personal profile or page on Facebook- If you are an individual, like an author, speaker, coach, or consultant, a personal Facebook profile will suffice. If you are a traditional business you can use the Facebook “Page” feature to accomplish the same thing.
Once you are set-up on Facebook, you can join groups that relate to your industry or your interest. You can upload photos, videos, audios, post notes and so on and begin inviting friends to “connect with you.”
Start by connecting with people you know or people who belong to the groups you’ve joined. Make a habit of posting items of interest and make every effort to be helpful.
Do not start promoting or hyping your products and services- This is a death rattle in social media. It’s called “social media” for a reason. Network and get to know people and let them get to know you. Be real and be helpful. Make friends. Share ideas and get involved in the conversation. The business side of things will take care of itself. Remember the old adage, “Givers get.”
Depending on your customer demographic, you may want to have a presence on MySpace. The community there tends to be younger so if your targeting a young audience it’s an important place to be.
Twitter is next- It’s been said that it’s almost impossible for someone over the age of 25 to explain Twitter. It’s essentially a “micro-blogging” platform that asks, “What are you doing?”
To get started, sign up for a Twitter account and start following people. They can be people you know or admire, people who are well known in your industry and/or your friends.
What makes Twitter so popular is that “tweets” (Twitter posts) are limited to 140 characters so it forces people to be concise. Like Facebook and MySpace, you can share ideas, tips, links to interesting sites and more. There are several books and ebooks that will help you learn more about Twitter and other social media sites. And, of course, there are consultants to guide you service businesses who will handle all the details for you.
What’s important is that you do not let this opportunity pass you by. Start using these Web 2.0 tools to grow your business and enjoy the process.
Jim’s newest business, River Run Consulting, is an ecommerce company that helps small businesses in Bucks County and Montgomery County, PA and Hunterdon County, NJ, tap into the power of Web 2.0 technology to produce measurable results.
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