Givers Gain

I belong to BNI, the worlds largest networking group with over 130,000 members globally. The BNI ethos is 'Givers Gain' and we work to provide referrals to BNI members in order to grow our respective businesses.

Last night I attended their new members training and it really got me thinking about the two different approaches people typically have to life:-

1. They focus on what other people can do for them; or
   
2. They focus on what they can do for others

This ties nicely in with the coaching model of 'Cause vs Effect' - do you look to blame others for the results you're getting or do you choose to be at cause and take responsibility yourself?

Once you start to put yourself at cause and spend time looking at how you can contribute to those around you rather than waiting to see what others can do for you, that's when you'll start seeing massive results. As BNI say "Givers Gain" and I guess that's also called karma!

What are you going to do today to help someone else?

Bad Day at the Office

This is one of the most amusing video's I have seen in a long time and a prime reason why coaching exists! If you're having another bad day a the office isn't it time you did something about it? Career Coaching - it's cheaper than buying a new computer!

read more | digg story

Rich Dad Lessons: The Quick Reference Guide To Wealth

As most of you know I'm an advocate of Robert Kiyosaki's work and have been recommending you read 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' for quite some time so I love this article which summarises very nicely the different strategies between the majority who are broke, the middle class who are 'successful' and of course the rich.

Check out the links in this blog for more on "what the rich teach their kids about money - that the poor and middle class do not!". Can you afford to miss out on this valuable information?

read more | digg story

So what's it gonna be today?

When you get up in the morning do you decide what your purpose is for the day OR do you travel through the day just doing what comes up and ending it thinking you're part-way through the week which in itself is an achievement?

It's all well and good having a relaxed attitude however really successful people don't just drift through life - they plan, orchestrate, and devise how they're going to get to where they want to be. And the key here is that they don't just have one huge goal - they break it down into manageable, bite-sized pieces and play out each day appropriately to get to the end result.

Have a purpose!

What has this got to do with intension's for the day? Well if you want to be successful you need to live each day purposefully - stop drifting and start driving. Your purpose for the day doesn't have to be cold and to-the-point, it can be as warm and fluffy as you like, just make sure you have a purpose! Some ideas are for you: -

• To complete a project/article/job/task
• To communicate effectively with my manager/team/partner
• To do something for someone else with no self-gain
• To go for a run/cycle/swim
  
• To go to bed earlier so that I can get up earlier
• To phone someone I haven't spoken to in a long time
• To compliment someone on a job well done
• To devise an exercise and weight-loss plan

This is NOT a To-Do list - just decide on one intention that works for you (no more, no less - just one!) and commit to carrying it out today. And then start again tomorrow. If you live everyday with an intension you'll be amazed at how much you achieve!

Your 2008 Perky Plan

As featured in January 2008 Fitness First Members Magazine

If you're like most, your 2008 New Year's resolutions probably involve creating a 'new you'. Perhaps you want to lose weight, stop smoking, find a new partner, or carve out an exciting new career for yourself. They're all great goals, and highly achievable with the right level of motivation and conviction. However, have you ever actually planned to be happy? Follow this five-step 'Perky Plan' and you'll inject some happiness into your life. It's quick, it's easy, it's fun, and it work! Happy New Year, new you!

STEP 1 - BECOME CLEAR AND IN CONTROL

I'm willing to bet you probably spend more time planning your weekends that you do planning to be happy! If you stumble through life with no clear goals in place it's easy to get lost in the daily grind. So sit down today and get creative; design the life you want to leave, organise how you're going to do it, and enjoy being in control of your future. Aside from having clarity and direction, you'll find life's a lot more fun when you know where you're going!

STEP 2 - GET HEALTHY

Now this isn't rocket science but given the obesity levels in Australia and general lack of wellbeing I think the obvious needs to be said: if you're run-down, sick, tired and sluggish you're going to find it hard to be perky. Time and time again scientific evidence proves that healthy living can increase your levels of happiness, so stop putting time and effort into excuses and, instead, choose to invest in your wellbeing today.

STEP 3 - GET A BRIGHT OUTLOOK

Optimistic and positive people live longer, get sick less, are more successful, have better relationships, and are more likely to succeed in their careers. Those are all proven facts. Do you really need any more reasons to start being positive? Decide how you want to see the world, stop looking for the negative and practice having a perky perspective today. There are millions of people in the world worse off than you, so write a list today of five things you could feel positive about.

STEP 4 - COME TOGETHER

Good quality relationships, both personally and professionally, help reduce stress and depression, and increase your sense of wellbeing. Make a concerted effort to seek out positive, perky people and surround yourself with them everyday. Call your most fun friend now and make arrangements to see them this week, or join a new networking group to expand your social and professional circles.

STEP 5 - BECOME PERKY NOW!

Stop saying 'when' and start living 'now'! Are there any reasons why you would postpone being happy until tomorrow? No one else can live your life for you, or make you happy, so put your Perky Plan in place today, start living in the moment and put mediocre behind you for good. Remember, being upbeat won't kill you; but being glum just might!