MY FRIDAY STORY SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP From My Daily Insight at As A Man Thinketh

MY FRIDAY STORY SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule "braying" or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...he should shake it off and step up! This he did blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up! It was not long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well. What seemed like would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. That's life! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness or self-pity...the adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us! Remember forgiveness-faith-prayer-praise and hope.... All are excellent ways to "shake it off and step up", out of the wells in which we find ourselves! One more thing..."never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the titanic." Author Unknown Sent to you as a courtesy of... Your friends at AsAManThinketh.net For a free eBook of James Allens classic: http://www.AsAManThinketh.net

Evaluating Your Associations by Jim Rohn

Evaluating Your Associations by Jim Rohn I’d like for us to take a look at the power of influence in our lives and how it is possible to be nudged off course a little at a time until finally, we find ourselves asking, "How did I get here?" We should ask ourselves three key questions: 1) "Who am I around?" You've got to evaluate everybody who is able to influence you in any way. 2) "What are these associations doing to me?" That's a major question to ask. “What have they got me doing, listening to, reading, thinking and feeling?” You've got to make a serious study of how others are influencing you, both negatively and positively. 3) "Is that okay?" Maybe everyone you associate with has been a positive, energizing influence. Then again, maybe there are some bad apples in the bunch. All I'm suggesting here is that you take a close and objective look. Everything is worth a second look, especially the power of influence. Both will take you somewhere, but only one will take you in the direction you need to go. Only then can we discuss three ways to handle associations or relationships that are holding you back. 1) Disassociate. This is not an easy decision, nor something you should take lightly, but in some cases it may be essential. You may just have to make the hard choice not to let certain negative influences affect you anymore. It could be a choice that preserves the quality of your life. 2) Limited association. Spend major time with major influences and minor time with minor influences. It is easy to do just the opposite, but don't fall into that trap. Take a look at your priorities and your values. We have so little time at our disposal. Wouldn't it make sense to invest it wisely? 3) Expanding your associations. This is the one I suggest you focus on the most. Find other successful people that you can spend more time with. Invite them to lunch (pick up the tab) and ask them how they have achieved so much or what makes them successful. Now, this is not just about financial success; it can be someone who you want to learn from about having a better marriage, being a better parent, having better health or a stronger spiritual life. It is called association on purpose—getting around the right people by expanding your circle of influence. And when you do that, you will naturally limit the relationships that are holding you back. Give it a try and see for yourself.

PICK UP YOUR OAR AND START ROWING By Michael T. Smith

MY FRIDAY STORY PICK UP YOUR OAR AND START ROWING By Michael T. Smith My boss, two co-workers and I stood behind the hard plastic seats. We were in the front section, on the first-base line at Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets. We were so close to the infield, there was a protective net over our heads. I was new to the New York City area and had never been to Shea Stadium. These were dream seats. My heart pounded with excitement. We stood with our umbrellas held high. The rain beat down on everything around us. It bounced off the seats and quickly formed deep puddles on the cover protecting the field. "Steve," I asked my boss, "How did you get such great seats?" "They came from Ed at the office. His dad is a blind sports writer and has a long- standing relationship with the Mets and Yankees." The game was called due to rain. We left the stadium disappointed. On the long subway ride back to Jersey City, I wondered about the man behind the seats. How could a man be blind and be a sports writer? Years have passed since that rainy night. Old friends back in Canada often ask me, "Mike, have gone to a baseball game in New York yet?" I say to them, "I've been to a few, but let me tell you about the best seats I ever had but couldn't use." Whenever this happens, the memory of that night comes flashing back. I wonder about the blind sports writer. What was his story? It had to be special. I sat at my computer one night. An email popped into my in-box. I didn't recognize the return address. The subject line said, "Inspirational SI article about my dad, Ed Lucas." I was curious. I opened the email. It was from a gentleman sending me a clip of a story written by Steve Rushin for Sports Illustrated. It was a wonderful read about a special man. Through the article and the man who sent it to me, I learned the full story. The following is a synopsis: Twelve-year-old Ed Lucas ran home from his school in Jersey City. It was October 3, 1951. He arrived in time to see Bobby Thomson win the pennant for his favorite team, the New York Giants. After the game, Ed ran out to play ball with his friends. During the game, Ed was hit between the eyes by a line drive. The force of the blow detached both retinas, leaving Ed permanently blind. Ed became depressed. His mother, Rosanna, took matters into her own hands and took Ed to a Newark, New Jersey men's store. There, she introduced him to Phil Rizzuto, a part-time employee of the store and a Yankee star. Phil befriended Ed. Rosanna wasn't done yet. She wrote the Giants Manager, Leo Durocher, about her son. Leo asked her to bring Ed to, what was then called, the Polo Grounds. On June 14, 1952, young Ed sat in the clubhouse with the members of the Giants. It was the beginning of a special relationship. Ed enrolled in St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City. The nuns were demanding. Ed learned to make his bed and match his clothes. If he whined about being blind and not being able to do what other kids could, Sister Anthony Marie was quoted saying, "Isn't that a shame? We're all in the same boat here, Ed. Pick up your oar and start rowing." Ed enrolled in university to study communication arts. He worked hard. He knew no other way. The nuns had made sure of that. He graduated in 1962 and became a regular in the Shea and Yankee Stadium press boxes, where he interviewed the players. Years later, a young Mets rookie, Ron Swoboda, took Ed by the hand. Together they walked the warning track around the field. Ed traced his fingers along the outfield wall. His fingers, sensitive to reading Braille, seemed to read the history of the park. Every dent, scratch and chip he touched meant something to him. Later that year, Ed married. He and his wife had two sons - Eddie and Chris. Sadly, at a very young age, their mother left forever. Ed had to raise his two sons alone. With the strength he learned years ago at St. Joseph's, Ed took on the task. He taught his sons to be strong. It was not uncommon for the two young boys to see Billy Martin in their home. "Huge stars like Mickey Mantle would tell me my dad was their hero," Chris was quoted as saying. Years later, a friend came to Ed and told him about a nurse, Allison Pfeifle, whose detached retina left her legally blind and unable to continue her profession. He asked Ed to speak to her. Ed and Allison talked on the phone for many years before meeting in person. They were baseball fanatics and spent their first date at Shea Stadium. On March 10, 2006, at Yankee Stadium, Allison walked from the dugout to home plate and became Ed's new bride. With his two sons at his side, Ed started a new life, at the place he holds so dear, and with the woman who captured his heart. Ed, now 68, was quoted saying, "Baseball took my sight, but it also gave me my life." *********************** I sat in shock. Could it be? I mailed Chris back and told him about the seats we couldn't use that rainy night. He confirmed, his father was the man who provided those unused seats. Chris told me later, "They are the first couple in the 80 year history of the stadium to have the honor of marrying there." I finally knew the story. It was sure worth waiting for. Michael T Smith ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael lives in Caldwell, Idaho with his wonderful wife Ginny. He writes in his spare time and is completing a collection of his stories to be called, “From My Heart to Yours.” Michael writes inspirational stories in his spare time. To read more of Michael's stories or to contact him, go to http://ourecho.com/biography-353-Michael-Timothy-Smith.shtml#stories Sent to you as a courtesy of... Your friends at AsAManThinketh.net For a free eBook of James Allens classic: http://www.AsAManThinketh.net

The Seven Deadly Roadblocks to Success by Chris Widener

The Seven Deadly Roadblocks to Success by Chris Widener

When traveling down the road it is always good to beware of roadblocks! You don't want to crash and burn do you? The same is true in our journey toward success. We need to beware of those things that will keep us from our destination!

What are the most common? Here they are:

1. Fear. Fear is one of the worst enemies of success. When fear wraps its tentacles around you and keeps you in bondage, you will never be able to reach for your dreams. We must confront our fears, see them for what they are, toss them to the side, and pursue our dreams with relentless passion. Conquering fear and stepping forward to reach new lands and new ideas is what makes success possible. What are you afraid of today? What fear must you conquer to be able to achieve your dream? When you realize what it is, take an action that is diametrically opposed to that which you fear. This will confront and conquer the fear by giving you the first step in the right direction.

2. Lethargy. Quite frankly, what keeps most people from success is that they simply don't have the energy, or make the energy, to do what it takes to move to the next level. They get to a point that is comfortable and then they settle in for a nice, lifelong nap! Don't get lethargic; get going! Force yourself to wake up from the slumber and move!

3. Lack of perseverance. Oftentimes the race is lost because the race is not finished. Success is often just around the sharpest corner or the steepest hill. Persevere. Keep going. One more hill. One more corner! In real estate they say the three most important things are "location, location, location." In success the three most important things are "perseverance, perseverance, perseverance."

4. Pessimism. The saying is that you can achieve what you believe. Ask yourself what kinds of beliefs you hold. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? If you don't believe that you can achieve then you won't. Your pessimism will prove yourself right every time. You will find that you subconsciously undermine yourself. Develop your optimism. Look for ways to believe that you can achieve success.

5. Not taking responsibility. I am the chaplain for the local police department. The other day I went with an officer as he took two prisoners to court. Time after time the prisoners made excuses as to why they hadn't yet done what the judge had ordered (she didn't buy it, by the way). After dropping the prisoners off, I said to the officer that unsuccessful people and prisoners have the same bad habit—they won't accept responsibility for their lives. You are responsible. When you accept that, you are on the road to success.

6. Picking the wrong people to hang out with. We can easily become products of our environment. This is why it is essential to hang around people who will spur you on, not hold you back! What about the people you have surrounded yourself with? Are they quality people who will encourage you and strengthen you in your quest for success? If not, move on!

7. No vision. Those who succeed always see their success months and years before they live it. They have the ability to look ahead, see the future, imagine the good that can and will come from their lives, families and work. To not have vision is a tremendous roadblock. Sit down and work on seeing the future—and make it good!

Accepting Responsibility — A Story of Bill Russell by Jim Rohn

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Accepting Responsibility — A Story of Bill Russell by Jim Rohn

Most people dread accepting responsibility. That’s just a fact of life, and we can see it in operation every day. Yes, we can see avoidance of responsibility all the time in both our personal and professional lives. And here’s something else we can see just as often: we can see that most people aren’t as successful as they wish they were. Do you see there is a connection between these two very common phenomena?

It’s in your best interest to take responsibility for everything you do. But that’s only the beginning. Many times it’s even best to take responsibility for the mistakes of others, especially when you’re in a managerial or leadership role.

During the years when professional basketball was just beginning to become really popular, Bill Russell, who played center for the Boston Celtics, was one of the greatest players in the pro league. He was especially known for his rebounding and defensive skills.

But like a lot of very tall centers, Russell was never much of a free throw shooter. His free throw percentage was quite a bit below average in fact. But this low percentage didn't really give a clear picture of Russell's ability as an athlete. And in one game he gave a very convincing demonstration of this.

It was the final game of a championship series between Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers. With about twelve seconds left to play, the Lakers were behind by one point and Boston had the ball. It was obvious that the Lakers would have to foul one of Boston’s players in order to get the ball back, and they chose to foul Bill Russell.

This was a perfectly logical choice since statistically Russell was the worst free throw shooter on the court at that moment. If he missed the shot, the Lakers would probably get the ball back and they’d still have enough time to try to win the game. But if Russell made his first free throw, the Lakers’ chances would be seriously diminished. And if he made both shots, the game would essentially be over.

Bill Russell had a very peculiar style of shooting free throws. Today, no self-respecting basketball player anywhere in America would attempt it. Aside from the question of whether it’s an effective way to shoot a basket, it just looked too ridiculous. Whenever he had to shoot a free throw, the six-foot-eleven Russell would start off holding the ball in both hands about waist high, then he’d squat down and as he straightened up he’d let go of the ball. It looked like he was trying to throw a bucket of dirt over a wall.

But regardless of how he looked, as soon as Bill Russell was fouled, he knew the Celtics were going to win the game. He was absolutely certain of it because, in a situation like this, statistics and percentages mean nothing. There was a much more important factor at work, something that no one has found a way to express in numbers and decimal points.

Simply put, Bill Russell was a player who wanted to take responsibility for the success or failure of his team. He wanted the weight on his shoulders in a situation like this. No possibility for excuses. No possibility of blaming anyone else if the game was lost. No second guessing. Bill Russell wanted the ball in his own hands and nobody else’s. And, like magic, even if he’d missed every free throw he’d ever shot in his life before this, he knew he was going to make this one. And that is exactly what happened.

That is what virtually always happens when a man or woman accepts responsibility eagerly and with confidence. I’ve always felt that accepting responsibility is one of the highest forms of human maturity. A willingness to be accountable, to put yourself on the line, is really the defining characteristic of adulthood.

Define Your Success So You Know What It Looks Like!

Whats Your Definition? It's a Good thing for you to know.
#1. So you know what it looks like and feels like!
#2. So you don't get frustrated.
#3. You want to experience small successes, medium successes and major successes!
How? By setti...ng Short, Medium and Long Term Goals!

Jim Rohn used to say, "I set alot of small goals so I can check them off every day!"

"People say its good to know what you are willing to do for your success, its also important to know what you won't do, that way you will not spend time worrying about not doing it." - Jim Rohn

"You must be able to ask yourself, how did I do? So if you fell short you can adjust and make corrections so you can do better next time, learn from your mistakes your failures your short comings." - Jim Rohn

"Work Harder on Yourself than you do on your job." - Jim Rohn

"Profits are Better than wages, once I realized that it changed everything for me." - Jim Rohn

The Wisdom of Jim Rohn Is Timeless, Take it with you this week and Have a Fired Up Successful Productive Week!!!

Give The World Your Best Smile and The World Will Smile Back!

How are You, How are You Doing? Whats Your Response? It Matters!

It's very important how you respond when someone ask you how are you, how you doing. It happens so often and we don't think about it and usually we give the same response over and over. Can you guess what I have been saying for almost 2 years now? Thats right, I'm Fired UP!!! And guess what I AM, why do you think that is? Repitition of affirmation. You are affirming to someone else how you are whether you conciously know it or not. Can you see the difference in, I'm Fired Up and oh I'm alright, I'm Ok of here's a good one for Texans , I'm fair to midland, really is that all?How bout this one, couldn't get any worse, really I bet it can if you keep up with that response. Zig Ziglar has trained people for years to say, I'm Super Good But I'll Get Better! Think about it come up with your own positive affirming catchy response and use it every time and just watch peoples faces or listen to their response to what you say. My friend Charlie Vogele says,"I'm Super Fantastic! My Friend and Mentor John Ramsey says,"I'm Excellent." Many of my friends now say I'm Fired Up!When people send me a chat on facebook and they start off by asking how you doing or how are you, my response is always the same, I'm Fired Up!, guess what their next questions is? What are you Fired Up about? So come up with your own word or phrase that you feel really discribes you or how you want to feel. Here are some examples to get your creativity juices flowing: I'm Blessed, I'm Great, I'm Awesome, I'm Incredible, I'm Rich and Getting Richer, I'm Amazing, I'm Wonderful, I'm Excited, I'm Beautiful, I'm Magnificient, I'm Focused, I'm Determined, I'm Full of Abundance, I'll end with this one, I'm Loved! When you come up with yours message me I would Love to see it hear and affirm it with you, to you and for you!

Stay Focused & Stay Fired Up!!!

Whats Missing: Leadership, The Next Great Profession By Richard Brooke

Subject: Leadership: The Next Great Profession
Date: Tue, Apr 10, 2012 12:03 pm




[1]Leadership: The Next Great Profession
Posted on Apr 10, 2012 01:00 am By Richard Brooke

_Leadership in our business is everything._

First it was a farmer. Then it was accountants and engineers. Then it was
doctors and teachers. And for a while it was the MBA. Now it is lawyers.
(There are more lawyers in law school in the United States than there are
lawyers in the rest of the world.) Throughout the short history of our
country, certain professions have been held in the highest regard and
pursued as the Holy Grail of careers. Each had its own contribution to
moving our society forward.

The contribution of farming and engineering in crafting this great country
is clear. And certainly accountants, doctors and MBAs have created their own
breakthroughs in modern day living. And yet as we look at the state of
business, politics, and education – even sports and religion – there is one
huge missing. A missing that is the source of the parts of our society for
which we are ashamed.

_Business._
It used to be that the biggest failure of business was its disregard for the
environment or its workers. Today, it has expanded to the public at large,
and especially the investors. There seems to be no bounds over which
business will cross for profits – especially personal profits for the top
executives.

_Education._
Certainly we have the best system for the elite. Yet something is missing if
most high school graduates are not able to read or write at an acceptable
enough level to be employed by a responsible business. (I know this from the
hundreds of people we have interviewed for our businesses that lack the most
basic skills).

_Religion._
Some of our biggest scandals continue to come from organized religion.

_Sports._
Our national pastime… where we have made winning so important that we will
tolerate cheating, drugging and all-out riots.

_Politics._
Suffice to ask: In the last presidential election, how did you feel about
the two candidate choices we had to lead the most important country in the
world? Did you feel like we had our best feet forward, or were they in
someone’s mouths?

_Enough cynicism. What is missing?_

Leadership is missing. A new paradigm that is born in service, contribution

Facing the Enemies Within by Jim Rohn

Facing the Enemies Within by Jim Rohn

We are not born with courage, but neither are we born with fear. Maybe some of our fears are brought on by your own experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you've read in the papers. Some fears are valid, like walking alone in a bad part of town at two o'clock in the morning. But once you learn to avoid that situation, you won't need to live in fear of it.

Fears, even the most basic ones, can totally destroy our ambitions. Fear can destroy fortunes. Fear can destroy relationships. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our lives. Fear is one of the many enemies lurking inside us.

Let me tell you about five of the other enemies we face from within. The first enemy that you've got to destroy before it destroys you is indifference. What a tragic disease this is. "Ho-hum, let it slide. I'll just drift along." Here's one problem with drifting: you can't drift your way to the top of the mountain.

The second enemy we face is indecision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity and enterprise. It will steal your chances for a better future. Take a sword to this enemy.

The third enemy inside is doubt. Sure, there's room for healthy skepticism. You can't believe everything. But you also can't let doubt take over. Many people doubt the past, doubt the future, doubt each other, doubt the government, doubt the possibilities and doubt the opportunities. Worst of all, they doubt themselves. I'm telling you, doubt will destroy your life and your chances of success. It will empty both your bank account and your heart. Doubt is an enemy. Go after it. Get rid of it.

The fourth enemy within is worry. We've all got to worry some. Just don't let it conquer you. Instead, let it alarm you. Worry can be useful. If you step off the curb in New York City and a taxi is coming, you've got to worry. But you can't let worry loose like a mad dog that drives you into a small corner. Here's what you've got to do with your worries: drive them into a small corner. Whatever is out to get you, you've got to get it. Whatever is pushing on you, you've got to push back.

The fifth interior enemy is over-caution. It is the timid approach to life. Timidity is not a virtue; it's an illness. If you let it go, it'll conquer you. Timid people don't get promoted. They don't advance and grow and become powerful in the marketplace. You've got to avoid over-caution.

Do battle with the enemy. Do battle with your fears. Build your courage to fight what's holding you back, what's keeping you from your goals and dreams. Be courageous in your life and in your pursuit of the things you want and the person you want to become.