The Difference

I'm reminded of a motivational seminar I attended last year. One of the speakers was a gentleman named Krish Dhanam, from the Zig Ziglar Corporation. Here are some winning points he mentioned that I still remember:

'Raise your hand up in the air as high as it can go.
Now raise it a little bit higher.
Why didn't you raise it that much higher in the first place? I said "as high as it can go."
That's the difference - the EDGE - of winners with motivated excellence.

Stop participating in meaningless banter; get past frivolous communications.
[are you listening all you Tweeters out there?]

YOU = IQ (intellectual) + EQ (emotional) + SQ (spiritual)
[have a holistic approach to your life and your well-being]

Make a difference!

Success and Money

From the June 2009 issue of In Touch magazine, the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley (www.intouch.org):

' Luke 12:15 >> "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

The belief that wealth equals success is a common misconception. True success means becoming who God wants you to be and doing the work He has prepared for you to accomplish....

An idolatrous attitude about money is revealed by an insatiable desire for more. Materialism affects rich and poor alike....

Worrying about finances is actually a warning sign of misplaced priorities and displays a lack of trust in God.

Money is a vital part of our lives, but it should never come to have a higher place than the Lord intends. Everything belongs to God. We are merely stewards of all that He entrusts to us, and one day we'll give an account to Him of how we have used what He gave us to oversee. Our goal is not to become wealthy but to be found faithful....

If you hunger more for worldly riches than for the treasures of knowing God, then you're climbing the wrong ladder of success....

Make Christ your top priority and chief joy, and you will experience true prosperity.'

How God Makes Fishermen

The following is from Today God Is First [Volume 1] - Daily Workplace Inspiration by Os Hillman.

It's a great daily e-mail devotional that you can request be sent directly to your e-mailbox; visit www.TodayGodIsFirst.com for details:

' "'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'" - Matthew 4:19

Our calling has three distinct stages...to become mature fishers of men who greatly impact God's Kingdom.

First, there is the gestation period. This is the development stage of our lives. It may involve years of normal work experiences. You may be a Christian during this time, or you may be following after worldly success as a non-Christian....

Next is the crisis stage. Sooner or later, God calls you into relationship with Him...Some people are more difficult than others to reach and so require this level of crisis. This is a time when God requires major changes so taht you follow Him fully. It can be a time in which God harnesses years of experience for a new life purpose....

Last is the fruit-bearing stage. In it, God's power is manifested in your life like never before. God takes all your experiences and uses them to build His Kingdom in and through your life. Your obedience to this final call results in fruitfulness you could never imagine without the long preparation process....

What does God want to achieve through your life? God has a plan that is so incredible you cannot comprehend it. It requires only that you love Him and follow Him. Then you will become fishers of men like the world has never known.'

Winners are fishers of men.

R*E*S*T >> A Spiritual Response to Crisis

From the May 2009 issue of In Touch magazine, the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley (www.intouch.org):

'Remember - remember that God's faithful hands have guided you

Entrust - entrust God with your life; ask Him to help you see your adversity through spiritual eyes, and to provide strength so you can respond accordingly

Stand - meditate regularly on the infallible Word of God; stand firm against each of the Enemy's accusations; as Christians, we have the wonderful opportunity to reap eternal benefits from patiently endured difficulties (James 1:2-4)

Take - to discern the Holy Spirit's direction, remain obedient and resist the pressure to bypass the process of change; ask God for insight about your experience

"R*E*S*T" is more than a helpful memory trigger for the emergency plan described above. It's also a good spiritual response to crisis - when you feel as if chaos is erupting on all sides, remember to rest in the peace and assurance of our heavenly Father. You don't have to sink under the weight of uncertainty and self-doubt. You can stand confidently, holding onto the truth that, through hardships, the Lord makes us stronger, wiser, and more mature in our faith.'

I really love the life-application focus of Dr. Stanley's teachings. Blessings to you!

More Winning Quotes

More winning quotes for this week:

'To conquer without risk is to triumph without victory.'

'Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.'
- Stephen Covey

'Honesty brings out the best in everyone. In other words, integrity is not just a noble idea, it's a tool for personal and corporate success.'

'When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it.'

'Listeners who pretend interest don't fool us for long - even though they sometimes fool themselves...Real listeners don't charm, flatter, provoke, or interrupt...They suspend the self and listen.'

'Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.'

Winning Quotes

Here are more winning quotes to reflect upon and put to use:

'Our beliefs about what we are and what we can be precisely determine what we will be.'
- Anthony Robbins

'If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.'

'It's better to be boldly decisive and risk being wrong than to agonize at length and be right too late.'

'Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.'

'Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.'
- Mark Twain

'The best thing you have to offer the world is yourself. You don't have to copy anyone else. If you do, you're second best. To achieve success is to be first, and that's being yourself.'

Winning Quotes - Monday

This week I thought I'd share a trio of inspirational quotes each day, to help you to introspect and win:

• 'Technology is like a steamroller. If you are not on the steamroller, then you are destined to become part of the road.'
• 'Pay less attention to what people say; just watch what they do.'
• 'A competitive world has two possibilities for you. You can lose. Or, if you want to win, you can change.'

Pressing on Toward the Goal

This morning I was reading Philippians 3:12-16 >>

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained."

Here are some study note points:

• We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal - knowing Christ. With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians.
• Because our hope is in Christ we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become. Don't dwell on the past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with Him now. Realize that you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ.
• Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that you have already received. We can always make excuses that we still have so much to learn. The instruction for us is to live up to what we already know and live out what we have already learned. We do not have to be sidetracked by an unending search for truth.

What kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she imitated you? Would they be a winner?

Winners Have a Vision

Whether it's for the job that they're doing or any part of their lives, winners have a vision. Ken Blanchard and Jesse Stoner talk about this in their book "Full Steam Ahead!" Some of the key points >>

'Purpose: a reason for existence; explains not only the 'what' but also the 'why' and if possible inspires excitement and commitment

Values: guidelines on how to proceed as the purpose is being pursued

Picture of the Future: a clear visualization of the end result

Vision defined: Vision is knowing who you are, where you're going, and what will guide your journey

For vision to become a reality, what's important is: how it's created, how it's communicated (and this is ongoing, keep talking about it), and how it's lived.'

I come across so many people and organizations who have no clear vision; it really impedes their productivity and success.

Chase the Lion!

I honestly can't remember where I read this, but I was looking through a binder of devotionals that I keep and I'd like to share excerpts from this piece that I had taken notes from (my apologies for not being able to give proper credit where due):

"Your biggest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you did not chase >> the risks you didn't take, the opportunities you didn't seize, the dreams you didn't pursue.

One of the most under-appreciated dimensions of spiritual maturity is good old-fashioned guts. Gutsiness is a big part of following Christ. It's challenging the status quo. Daring to be different. Refusing to play things safe. No guts, no glory.

Faithfulness has nothing to do with maintaining the status quo or holding the fort. Jesus made it clear that His church was not so much meant to be on the defense against the Enemy's attacks as to be on the offensive. Faithfulness is about actively making way for His kingdom and storming the gates of the Enemy.

Most of us stop creatively forging our way into the future and start reliving and repeating the past. We stop acting on the dreams of our God-given imagination and start reacting to our narrowly-focused memory. We stop chasing lions and start running from them.

What lion is God calling you to chase?

• I encourage all of us to go after the dreams that God's given us, that's 'God-sized' enough for us to fail without Him
• I encourage all of us to step out of our comfort zone and value every experience - even the difficult ones
• Go chase the lion!

Might? Power? No, Spirit!

I was reading Zechariah 4:6 today:

"...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."

The study note further clarifies >>

Many people believe that to survive in this world a person must be tough, strong, unbending, and harsh. But God says, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit." The key words are 'by my Spirit.' It is only through God's Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities. Instead, depend on God and work in the power of His Spirit!

God truly is a fortress, and source of peace, for the soul.

Potpourri of Inspiration

Here is a small potpourri of inspiration and encouragement for winners:

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
- Nobel poet T.S. Eliot

"We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success."
- philosopher Henry David Thoreau

"Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly."
- Julie Andrews

"When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this - you haven't."
- inventor (over 1,000 patents) Thomas Edison

"If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade."
- Tom Peters

Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over. Be Vital!

Do not be afraid. Act Boldly!

Do You Believe Everything You Hear?

I find it so interesting what it says in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 >>

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

Wow. It seems like that time is upon us. Look at how media 'spins' information to suit the interest groups that they are catering to; this is just one example. Since what we believe shapes our character and decisions, it's important that we guard against automatically believing everything we hear.

Winners know how to separate fact from fiction.

Winners Know What They Believe

Good devotional today from the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley (www.intouch.org). The focus is on 1 Peter 3:15 >>

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,...."

Our belief system actually matters tremendously, because it is the foundation for our character, conduct, and decision.

For instance, a person who concludes that there is no God and no eternity will live selfishly for the moment. On the other hand, someone who trusts in the Lord and His promise of heaven will have a completely different lifestyle and purpose. Obedience, faith, and responsibility will characterize him as he lives to please his heavenly Father.

The study note for that verse also enlightens further:

'Some Christians believe that faith is a personal matter that should be kept to oneself. It is true that we shouldn't be boisterous or obnoxious in sharing our faith, but we should always be ready to give an answer, gently and respectfully, when asked about our faith, our life-style, or our Christian perspective. Can others see your hope in Christ? Are you prepared to tell them what Christ has done in your life?'

Here's hoping that you will take the time to know what you believe.

Thirst for God!

I heard a great sermon this weekend at my church about thirsting for God.
[thirst = an insistent desire; craving]

Some of the highlight points:

• Most people are not conscious of their thirst for God
• Even atheists are thirsty for God, even though they don't know it
• This desire was placed within all of us by our Creator
• Thirsting for God is a good thing!
• Use times of failure & trials to get closer to Jesus; it's when the heart is broken that God can come in; those are Kingdom moments
• Don't be self-reliant, be God-reliant

Psalm 42:1-2a >> "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."

Psalm 63:1 >> "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you..."

And it is interesting that Psalm 42:5 is identical to Psalm 43:5 >>

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

I've come to appreciate that Scripture phrases appearing more than once in the Bible are purposeful. Here's what my Study Bible note says about that verse:

'Depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. One antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness to His people. This will take your mind off the present situation and give hope that it will improve. It will focus your thoughts on God's ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself. When you feel depressed, take advantage of this psalm's antidepressant. Read the Bible's accounts of God's goodness, and meditate on them.'

Make sure you have enough Jesus in your tank!

Jay Leno is a Winner

As the 2nd week of the baton-passing of the Tonight Show hosting ends, I must say that I really miss Jay Leno. Besides just offering better entertainment value during his shows he really cares for this country and its citizens. I'm reminded of a touching serious monologue he gave back in 2007, reacting to a Newsweek poll that had just come out stating that 67 percent of Americans were unhappy. Here are two snippets:

"Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."

I was able to attend one of his stand-up comedy shows last year in Las Vegas. Mr. Leno is a class act and a winner.

Having personally visited quite a few other countries I can also attest to the fact that we truly do have it better here in the USA than the overwhelming majority of the rest of the world - even during these tough economic times. I hope we can all reflect on our blessings.

I can't wait for Mr. Leno to return in the fall...

Look In, Look Up, Look Out!

I recently read a book that I highly recommend - 'Look In, Look Up, Look Out!' by Joyce Vedral. It was about becoming the person you were meant to be, and it identified eight key principles:

The Eight Golden Power Keys

Key #1: The Power of Your Inner Voice >> Know and trust yourself

Key #2: The Power of Self-Esteem >> Respect, value, and love yourself

Key #3: The Power of Letting Go of the Past and Moving On >> Liberate and free yourself

Key #4: The Power of Admitting it >> Owning up and taking responsibility; mature yourself

Key #5: The Power of Your Will >> Strengthen yourself

Key #6: The Power of Doing, Being Alone >> Autonomize yourself

Key #7: The Power of Getting Yourself to Do What You Want >> Motivate yourself

Key #8: The Power of Spirituality and Prayer >> Inspire yourself

FORGE the self you were meant to be!

I obviously cannot do full justice to the entire book by just stating the 8 main bullet points, so why not check out the book yourself.

Waiting

Sharing this great devotional from Dr. Charles Stanley (In Touch magazine, May issue, www.intouch.org):

Read Psalm 27:14

'Our culture is an "instant" society. Because of inventions like the computer and the microwave, we're used to quick results. A fast pace isn't necessarily bad, but we should guard against becoming so set on immediate fulfillment that we can't wait for God's timing.

This problem existed long before the computer age. In Genesis 15:4-5, God revealed to Abraham that though he and his wife Sarah were too old to have children, a great nation would come from him. Abraham believed God but soon decided to handle matters himself. He took Sarah's servant Hagar as his wife so that she could bear the promised son.

Abraham probably rationalized his decision, figuring that the Lord wanted him to have a son - and since it seemed impossible any other way, surely this must be what God wanted him to do! But it wasn't. Abraham had to deal with the consequences of his actions, including jealousy and resentment between Sarah and Hagar. These problems in turn created further difficulties, both in the short term and throughout history.

The Lord was faithful, though - 14 years later, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. Yet the consequences of Abraham's decision to step out of God's plan are still with us. The two boys grew to become the fathers of nations which are in conflict to this very day.

Like Abraham, we might believe God's promises but prefer immediate results. Or we may just want things done our way. Instead, ask the Lord to lead you. Then wait for Him. His way may not be what you think you want, but it is always best.'

Unwavering confidence in God is our antidote for fear and loneliness.

Understanding God

I've always been intrigued by how some people easily follow God and how others have difficulty even believing that God exists. I recently re-read 1 Corinthians 2:11,14 >>

"For who among men knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God....The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."

My Study Bible study note clarifies further: 'Non-Christians cannot understand God, and they cannot grasp the concept that God's Spirit lives in believers. Don't expect most people to approve of or understand your decision to follow Christ. It all seems so silly to them. Just as a tone-deaf person cannot appreciate fine music, the person who rejects God cannot understand God's beautiful message. With the lines of communication broken, he or she won't be able to hear what God is saying to him or her. An intimate relationship with Christ comes only from spending time consistently in His presence and in His Word.'

Winners spend time with God. I firmly believe that we are all spiritual beings having earthly experiences (as opposed to earthly beings looking for spiritual experiences).

Overcoming Anxiety

Yesterday's and today's daily devotionals from In Touch: the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley (www.intouch.org) speak effectively about overcoming anxiety:

"Fear is a powerful emotion. It shows up without warning, tends to dominate our thoughts, and does not depart quickly....When anxiety strikes, key truths can help us stand firm. First, remember that God is sovereign over all circumstances and people....We may not understand why certain things happen, but we can know for sure that our Lord is still in control.

Next, keep in mind the promise that He causes all things to work for the good of those who love Him....Looking at difficulties from a human perspective can make us panic. It may be ill health, a financial crisis, or a broken relationship that causes our hearts to tremble. But God calls us to view life with eyes of faith....

We may be in the midst of hard times and wondering where the good is. Do not lose hope. God is sovereign and true to every one of His promises."

How to Succeed in Business and Life

I recently read 'You're Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life' by Bill Rancic. He's the guy that won one of the seasons of The Apprentice with Donald Trump show; the book is an interesting and fun read. Highlighting just a few of the points mentioned:

* Your credibility is your greatest asset
* Where there is no risk, there is no reward
* Start where you want to finish; visualize yourself at the top of whatever mountain you're hoping to scale
* Get a good night's sleep!
* Celebrate your achievements
* Build relationships
* Trust your instincts
* Strive >> Push, Reach, Hustle
* Think outside the box
* Nothing is impossible
* If you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big
* If you've run through all the goals and challenges in one arena, look to another; reload
* If you fall in lockstep with everyone else, you'll never get ahead. Break from the pack!

And the three I like best:

* Pursue your passion!

* Develop a contrarian view >> if you think like most people, then you probably ARE like most people!

* Think smarter, work harder, want it more!

Zig Ziglar

One of the great motivational speakers I grew up with is Zig Ziglar (www.zigziglar.com). Not only listening to his inspirational tapes and reading his books, I also had the chance to see/hear him live at a couple of success seminars over the years. Here are just 3 of the many great tips he's shared about winners:

• Be honest in every area of your life; integrity is key to long-term success

• Continue working; the Bible says nothing about 'retirement' - do what you love to do!

• You can have anything you want in life if you just help enough others to get what they want in life

Enjoy the weekend!

5 Essential Steps to Reaching Your Goals

Sharing this great devotional from Dr. Charles Stanley that talks about not being overwhelmed by what we see or experience, and making informed & wise decisions. It's from the January 2009 issue of the In Touch monthly publication (www.intouch.org):

"...The world has a slanted view of God's plan and involvement in our lives. That's why it is so important for us to maintain a close, intimate relationship with the Savior. One of Satan's primary tactics is to entice us to become so wrapped up in what's going on around us that we fail to map out a clear course to follow for the future....

...Our future is in Jesus Christ - not the world's economy. We don't ever have to worry about what will happen next, because we have a loving, omnipotent Savior who has promised to guide us at every step....

...The first step is to see the promise of the Lord's provision from His standpoint....When you view life from a limited perspective, you will not go very far. God sees the big picture, and He knows exactly what must take place in order for you to reach your goals and your full potential.

Second, be confident...While God may not lay out His entire plan all at once, He will provide the insight you need to reach your goals at the right time. So trust Him with every dream and plan you have.

Third, maintain a consuming desire to see your dreams come true....(God) has a specific plan for each one of us...earmarked with countless blessings and extreme hope....we live in a fallen world. Problems are going to come. Disappointments will happen. And yet God wants us to have faith, regardless of our circumstances....when God places a dream or goal within your heart, you can trust Him to work out all the details....

The fourth step is to have a course of action. Reaching your goals requires much more than passion and desire. It calls for a plan, and usually that plan is one that you have taken the time to develop with God's help through prayer and study....He knows what it takes to position you to reach your maximum potential.

Step five is to set up a calendar of events....The most important thing to remember about setting goals is this: Set objectives according to God's ability and not your own....Make sure that some of your goals can be accomplished only with His divine intervention....

DREAM BIG!!!

...trusting God to deliver on His promise. The Father assumes full responsibility for your goals. He is the one who equips you and provides the resources needed to accomplish the tasks He assigns....

...When you set goals according to the Father's ways and make a commitment to live by faith in Him, you will gain a mighty victory."

Free Doughnut Day!

Winners take advantage of free promotions - especially during these tough economic times!

The Sonic drive-in locations had their free root beer float promo last night. All Krispy Kreme locations (no purchase necessary) and all Dunkin' Donuts locations (beverage purchase required) will offer a free doughnut per person on Friday, June 5th, as it is National Doughnut Day.

These promotions are not only fun give-backs to the community but also great marketing tactics from companies trying their best to start-up the economy again in their own special ways. Obviously they are hoping that the freebies will stimulate your interest in continuing your patronage with future paid business.

So have a free doughnut tomorrow and join in!

Good one! :)

Since I just posted the earlier entry today I couldn't resist posting this one that I just heard from one of Conan O'Brien's skits this evening:

YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook will combine to become - YouTwitFace!

Hilarious!

Think Before You Tweet!

I just read an interesting article in the June 1st issue of Business Week called 'Managing the Tweets.' It discussed how companies are scrambling to silence errant messages found in sites like Twitter and Facebook while desiring to exploit those very same social networks.

Winners think before they tweet:

* Be personally responsible for what you publish online

* Take a breath before you hit the send/enter button; preview/read-thru what you're about to publish

* Keep in mind that what you publish could be public for a long time; remember, everyone (present/future employers/clients/customers/etc.) will be able to access what you publish

* You're building your social reputation, so don't be frivolous or uninteresting (nobody wants to know that you just went for a walk, for example); ADD VALUE!

* Is there something better you could be doing with your time? My father always taught me to 'Do the important things first!' I can think of many more important things to do other than online social networking. Quite often it's an unbelievable waste of time.

I like how Jay Leno puts it - if he wants to communicate with someone, he just talks to them!

The Need for Struggling

If you were to help a butterfly remove itself from its caterpillar cocoon, the butterfly would not be strong enough to survive. It is the struggle that prepares the wings to be strong enough to fly. The Lord prepares us in similar ways.

Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.

Resilience (the ability to bounce back, to see in hardship the seeds of opportunity) is developed by repeatedly exposing yourself to a range of difficult circumstances and then overcoming them.

Are you on LinkedIn?

To win in today's job market, I highly recommend having a LinkedIn profile. (www.linkedin.com)

* There are over 40-million professionals on LinkedIn

* In a recent study 85% of recruiters say their firms use internet search engines to uncover information about potential candidates

* 45% of recruiters use LinkedIn exclusively to source candidates

* LinkedIn profiles with more than 20 legitimate connections are 34 times(!) more likely to be approached with a job opportunity than those with less than 5 connections

So, often it is WHO you know that counts, and thus the importance of networking and never burning your bridges...