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 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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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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April 5th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
In the more than two decades that I have been studying and later writing about personal development, worthiness is something that I have not seen discussed very often. Sure we all talk about dreams, goals, visions and the like, but whether or not you feel worthy of receiving your good will make all the difference in the world.
Perhaps it’s not discussed widely because we make assumptions, “of course I feel worthy.” Or is it that the subject itself is so complex and highly charged?
Whatever the reason, it is the one thing that can sabotage your best efforts and will, most likely, rear its ugly head at the worst possible time. In my live seminars, I often conduct a simple test using Applied Kinesiology (muscle testing). It’s a quick and accurate way to test your inner response to a statement, a food substance, or anything else. You can learn more about this in the book “Power Verses Force” by Dr. David Hawkins.
In my demonstrations, I ask the audience who would like to have a million dollars. Not surprisingly, lots of hands go up. I ask for a volunteer from the audience. When I test them for the phrase, “I would like to receive a million dollars” they typically test strong. However, when we test the phrase, “I deserve to have a million dollars,” most test weak, indicating they are not congruent with the idea.
One of the ways to remedy this is by using an energy releasing technique like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or other energy releasing techniques. You can learn more about EFT at the web site of the person who developed it, Gary Craig, at www.emofree.org
What about you?
Do you fell worthy of receiving your good? Are you open to receiving or are you pushing it away saying things like, “Money is not important.”
Of course it’s important, however, it’s only important for those things for which money is used.
No, it’s not more important than love, but with it, you can do more for your loved ones. No, it’s not more important than health, but with it, you can afford the best heath care.
No, it’s not more important than happiness, but take it from someone who’s been there, it’s a lot easier to be happy when your basic needs are met than it is when you’re struggling just to survive.
The other day I was speaking with a friend about the idea of receiving and feeling worthy. He is also a student of personal development and he shared some interesting ideas with me. When I mentioned to him that it would be great to have a larger sum of money to devote to marketing my new book, he asked me why I didn’t just ask for a benefactor.
Wow! Talk about having your comfort zone and beliefs challenged! I could not in my wildest imagination see myself doing this. It made me way to uncomfortable. I guess I haven’t master worthiness either.
What I did do however, having seen it on Steve Pavlina’s Web site, was to add a “donate” button on my web site and blog. Steve, by the way, writes some great personal development articles.
This made me so uncomfortable that it’s been more than a week and I haven’t told anyone about it until now.
Since I believe we need to do the things that we are uncomfortable doing, I am telling you. I used to have a button from a Tony Robbins seminar that read, “If I can’t, then I must.” I guess it stuck.
What about you? Do you feel worthy of receiving the good that God wants to give you? When a friend offers to buy you dinner, do you graciously accept or do you feel it necessary to say, “Let’s split the check?”
One way to get better at receiving, is to practice simply saying “thank you” when someone offers to do something for you or pays you a compliment and let them.
Remember that giving and receiving are two polarities on the same continuum and it is just as important to receive, as it is to give.
Most of us have been taught that it’s better to give than receive, maybe so but receiving is important also. One thing I learned, after writing this newsletter for more than 19 years, is that if I’m facing a personal challenge, chances are, other people are as well. Therefore, let’s all work on being better receivers of the abundance that is part of God’s Divine plan for us all.
“I have come that you should have life; and that you should have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Please post your comments below. I look forward to reading your opinion on this volatile issue that seems to affect so many people.
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March 25th, 2010 by Jim Donovan
In John 10:10 in the Bible, Jesus said, “I have come that you should have life and that you should have it abundantly.”
Notice that He did not say, “live like a pauper settling for whatever crumbs you can find.”
Nor did He say, “Work hard and maybe you’ll get ahead.”
He said that you and I are entitled to live abundantly. That means having more than enough in every area of your life, including finances. We are entitled to an abundance of love, an abundance of happiness, an abundance of health and yes, and an abundance of money.
So why are most people not experiencing this in their lives?
Well that’s a complex question and cannot be answered with a few clever quips, however, there are a couple of things that I have learned in my two decades of studying and teaching success principals.
The biggest error that I see, over and over again, is that most people spend their energy looking at the problem and lamenting about how they can’t afford this and that.
They continue to reinforce their current condition, usually what they do not want, and as a result, of the law of attraction, they continue to experience the same thing. This is an absolute law and cannot work any other way. There’s no “tricking” it or working around it.
If you want to change your current conditions, especially your finances, you must, repeat, must, stop looking at what you do not want.
Yes, ignore reality, as crazy as that may sound, unless of course, your present reality is reflecting your ideal life.
Stop talking about the problem and focus all of your attention and energy on what you do want. If it’s more income that you want, yes it’s natural to want more, look for opportunities.
While the media is busy telling us over and over how bad things are, there is more opportunity then any other time in history. It all depends on your focus.
If you are focused on and looking at problems, nodding your head in agreement with the television, you’ll miss seeing the opportunity — even if it’s right in front of your face.
Here is the way out of the present recession:
1. Decide what you want (sound familiar?)
2. Set a concrete and specific goal. “I intend that I am earning $5,000 extra each and every month.”
3. Spend time each day seeing it as though it already occurred (visualizing).
4. Let go and let God.
5. Ask yourself, what can I do next to move toward my goal, then take whatever inspired action results.
If you want to learn more ways to increase your income, check this out.
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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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