For many years I thought I had an understanding of the world, people, relationships, work and where I was going in life. Then back in 2002 I was introduced to a man named Bern Moses. He is not a motivational speaker or self help seminar speaker. He is a well known speaker that has assisted thousands of people to become successful, improve their marriage, enhance family life and re-prepare you for the life you want to have. Because most of us have been de-prepared by loving parents and friends that mean well but are really hindering our future.
My family and I started to build a close relationship with Bern after my Father started working with him. Our lives changed in a positive direction and have been better ever since because of Bern. We now pass on this knowledge to our kids to better prepare them for life.
Needless to say my wife and I would not be here today if it were not for Bern's knowledge and coaching. We would not have three beautiful kids and a happy marriage if it were not for Bern's tools.
So I thought that I would share something that Bern had sent out in his email newsletter years ago that has always motivated me, and helped me to stay focused and committed to success in life. I can only hope that you feel what I feel everytime I read it.
The Real Deal
by Bern Moses
What are the earmarks of achievement? To many, it represents inconvenience. It seems to be made up of fruitlessness, frustration and intermittent failures. It is reputedly crafted from consistent problems that are complicated and difficult to overcome. It requires risks that don't seem necessary in order to make a living or get by. Tedious effort, long hours, sacrifice and problematic Circumstances abound. Sometimes, we even credit someone else's success to connections, good fortune or just plain luck that just doesn't seem to be our lot.
These people, most people, shy away from these things they perceive as deterrents to achievement. They consider them unpleasant, or too much trouble. Thankfully, there are others with a different perspective. There are those who realize that the greatest risk is to not take one. They somehow know that achievement is worth the inconvenience, worth the effort, worth the challenge. In fact, they come to realize that overcoming, getting past or going through these obstacles is where the joy is, where the strength comes from and the rewards are found.
Is it possible that you are avoiding the pursuit of achievement because of what it entails? Then you're not seeing the whole picture. You're focusing only on the price, and not fully appreciating the value of the prize or the cost of not participating.
Of course these factors exist. However, you must acknowledge and celebrate the fact that you have all the capacities necessary to achieve anything you desire, within the laws of nature and man. Those capacities exercised will reveal abilities, and those abilities practiced will develop the requisite skills. The challenges become honing stones whenever you decide to achieve something. You are not equipped to handle all the things that can confront you, but you will be as you continue. That's the wonderful way it works.
So think about it! Granted, it's easier said than done, but it doesn't get done until it is said. If you have the potential for success, and you do, you have the responsibility to succeed. You must know that there are many in the world who need your best. Let your mind do what it was intended to do. Imagine. Conceive. Envision. Believe. Plan. Practice. Execute. Go for those spectacular moments of accomplishment that, accumulated, inevitably lead to achievement. Your time and energy, your life, is being expended, and you are in command of the direction it takes. Fill your moments with the richness of predetermined, purposeful contribution. What you get out of it will be worth a whole lot more than what you put in. Get excited about paying the price for achievement, and you'll discover that it's a real deal.
___________________
If you're curious about Bern he does have a website: http://command.homestead.com/
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Success In 2008
When the ball dropped and the clocks turned to the new year it felt right. Not like the previous years. It felt like this year is going to be great and prosperous. It felt as though some of my big goals were going to be achieved this year.
Then I finally asked myself. What is it going to take to make 2008 the year that changed my life?, and my answer was simple. Focus and commitment.
In the past I have tried to focus on more than one business at a time, which if you do this you end up not devoting 100% of your time to anything your doing, and everything your doing suffers. Its like trying to listen to 2 or 3 conversations, or watch a picture in picture on your tv, it can be done, but not as good as if your focus was on one of those things and your mind and heart is committed to succeeding in that one venture.
This last year has been a real self-evaluating year. I really looked inward and recognized a lot of faults that IM going to change in 2008, and things that have held me back in the past will now be relinquished in the new year. Commitment issues, abandonment, fears of loss or failure, or fear of not achieving are no longer with me in 2008.
Most fears in my opinion come from not taking enough action. Action diminishes fear, and when fear is not present success can flourish.
How do you eliminate fear? Here is the formula I use which I learned from a friend Bern Moses. I first ask myself what I am afraid of, then ask if IM going to die right now, the answer will be no, so then I say OK well what can I do to contribute to my situation, improve it, how can I respond instead of react and what is the most productive thing I can do right now? Then I do it. Take action.
2008 will not be my best year ever, there are so many years ahead, but it will be the year that changed the course my life takes, and my families lives as well. Our lifestyle and place in this world will be 180 degrees different than it was in 2007, and it will continue to be better every year.
Here is to a great 2008!
Then I finally asked myself. What is it going to take to make 2008 the year that changed my life?, and my answer was simple. Focus and commitment.
In the past I have tried to focus on more than one business at a time, which if you do this you end up not devoting 100% of your time to anything your doing, and everything your doing suffers. Its like trying to listen to 2 or 3 conversations, or watch a picture in picture on your tv, it can be done, but not as good as if your focus was on one of those things and your mind and heart is committed to succeeding in that one venture.
This last year has been a real self-evaluating year. I really looked inward and recognized a lot of faults that IM going to change in 2008, and things that have held me back in the past will now be relinquished in the new year. Commitment issues, abandonment, fears of loss or failure, or fear of not achieving are no longer with me in 2008.
Most fears in my opinion come from not taking enough action. Action diminishes fear, and when fear is not present success can flourish.
How do you eliminate fear? Here is the formula I use which I learned from a friend Bern Moses. I first ask myself what I am afraid of, then ask if IM going to die right now, the answer will be no, so then I say OK well what can I do to contribute to my situation, improve it, how can I respond instead of react and what is the most productive thing I can do right now? Then I do it. Take action.
2008 will not be my best year ever, there are so many years ahead, but it will be the year that changed the course my life takes, and my families lives as well. Our lifestyle and place in this world will be 180 degrees different than it was in 2007, and it will continue to be better every year.
Here is to a great 2008!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Design Talk
I have heard graphic design described in many different ways. Most people get it confused with Graphic Arts which is different than design. Its one of those occupations that acts behind the scenes of most businesses, and its something that very few individuals know about, and even fewer understand. Even graphic designers themselves think they understand what it is...but they really dont.
In todays business environment an independent (freelance) designer is expected to know both print and web design, flash, html, css, php and other forms of programming, marketing, advertising, copywriting and more. Since we usually deal directly with the business owners they usually like to only have to worry about outsourcing to one individual, instead of using 3 or 4 different professionals to complete their tasks.
Their is a huge drawback to these expectations which unfortunately the client ends up paying for. An independent graphic designer cannot be effective at all of the tasks they are expected to do. Although most say they can do it all, what quality is the customer actually getting? What is being sacrificed?
That is why the Graphic Designers of today, and the future, need to be asking themselves how they can build a team of professionals that specialize in the tasks that most clients need. Versus taking it all on themselves.
This is not a new concept, but its is rarely practiced. Most independent designers do not practice buidling a team because we are worried about giving too much away, or making less. When in reality we would make more while providing a better service.
Its a win win for all parties involved. We as graphic designers can focus on what tasks we are best at, while filling the gaps of knowledge and experience with other professionals. The client gets what they want by not dealing with 3 or 4 different vendors, and we provide them with a better product than we could have if we were working alone.
When you provide your client with a better product, at a fair price and always practice integrity...your business will flourish. Trust and loyalty will be developed, your clients will value your services and you will become a business partner.
In todays business environment an independent (freelance) designer is expected to know both print and web design, flash, html, css, php and other forms of programming, marketing, advertising, copywriting and more. Since we usually deal directly with the business owners they usually like to only have to worry about outsourcing to one individual, instead of using 3 or 4 different professionals to complete their tasks.
Their is a huge drawback to these expectations which unfortunately the client ends up paying for. An independent graphic designer cannot be effective at all of the tasks they are expected to do. Although most say they can do it all, what quality is the customer actually getting? What is being sacrificed?
That is why the Graphic Designers of today, and the future, need to be asking themselves how they can build a team of professionals that specialize in the tasks that most clients need. Versus taking it all on themselves.
This is not a new concept, but its is rarely practiced. Most independent designers do not practice buidling a team because we are worried about giving too much away, or making less. When in reality we would make more while providing a better service.
Its a win win for all parties involved. We as graphic designers can focus on what tasks we are best at, while filling the gaps of knowledge and experience with other professionals. The client gets what they want by not dealing with 3 or 4 different vendors, and we provide them with a better product than we could have if we were working alone.
When you provide your client with a better product, at a fair price and always practice integrity...your business will flourish. Trust and loyalty will be developed, your clients will value your services and you will become a business partner.
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