Never Judge, Learn More

There are those that go about life in such an un-assuming manner. They lead ordinary lives and at first glance, do not leave an immediate impression of any greatness. It is commonly referred to as 'judging a book by its cover'.

In life we miss so much by doing just that, judging someone by first looks. When we fail to look beyond the surface, we do not find that which lay within. The greatness of talent or the fullness of knowledge that such a person could impart to you goes unseen.

Take the story of Paul Potts from Britain, a person lacking self confidence and working in a cell phone store. But during all of this, many people were unaware of his singing talents until he auditioned for a TV program in Britain.

The following two videos will give you an excellent idea of what so many were missing by 'first look'.



And as you guessed it, the winner;

Never A Blue Monday

Today, January 21nd (2008) is termed by Cliff Arnall as Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year. It is described as the unhappiest day in the entire year, which takes into account six factors: weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action.

There may be type of truth to this statistical day which is claimed to have the highest percentage of potential suicides of any given day of the year. But any day can bring doom or depression. It is a matter of how badly the tough times weigh upon your mental state or heart.

My belief is that you always need to try and find some level of goodness to pull your self through. Many times we fail to see even the slightest amount of goodness that does exist in our lives. We will focus so heavily upon the negative as it takes so much less energy to do, yet it exerts the most damage to our lives.

There are of course clinical reasons for depression and many great professionals that can help one through these times. My purpose is to offer any small glimpse of hope that there is that light, the hope of a better life. I have experienced the lows of depression and have had a close relative take the option of suicide. If I could have offered that bit of light, maybe things would be different.

So when you dip into this downturn in life, hold onto any bit of light that may exist. The smallest of things are a building block to something better. For the rest of us, that smile you give, the small gesture of kindness can have an impact on someone that may be walking through a dark point in life.

Search for the light of good that exists in your life, do not dwell upon the negative. Also, be the light for someone else and know that it can be a life changing gesture to others.

Turning Dreams Into Goals

“Our life is composed greatly from dreams, from the unconscious, and they must be brought into connection with action. They must be woven together.” -Anais Nin

Your dreams are now ready to be converted into goals. Conversion of dreams into goals creates a more tangible or physical realization of them. Goals are the first steps to realizing the dream.

By setting goals you can:

- Achieve more in your lifetime
- Improve your overall performances in life
- Increase your motivation to achieve the most out of life
- Increase your pride and satisfaction in your achievements
- Improve your self-confidence
- Plan to eliminate attitudes that hold you back and cause unhappiness

People who use goal-setting effectively:

- Suffer less from stress and anxiety
- Concentrate and focus better
- Show more self-confidence
- Perform better in all areas of life
- Are happier and more satisfied with life

Attitude In Words

In the next month or two, I hope to have published my first book. It has been a long time coming and the recent push was inspired by a friend of mine, Dean Baker. Dean is one of those guys that says, "come on, let's do this thing." He gave me that one last push without me asking for it. It showed me that people are paying attention.

So we are in the editing stage, the cover is being designed and then the publishing will start. I will certainly give you information on how to order the book. Then I will be interested in your comments.

Stay tuned...

Something Small Impacts Big

Today I'm sharing a video update from my friend Paul O'Connell with Open Road Missions and his work down in Peru, South America.

Build Towards Your Dreams

Building a bridge to your dreams, building a bridge to a greater life; this bridge you are building will be one that takes you to a higher place. The Brooklyn Bridge was a dream of John Roebling in which he encountered many obstacles to getting built. But the dream was fulfilled and there have been millions of people whom have benefited from that dream.

Your own efforts to seek out your vision or dream will be filled with the naysayers and obstacles to success. But persevere and you will succeed. Build a bridge to your future.

Begin To Step

I want to encourage each of you to change your attitude. I want for you a great attitude, a great life and great success in your dreams. Throughout this new year, I will write often and encourage often.

You can read these words that are meant to keep you on your path. The path you take should be one towards your dreams. But remember that when we talk about change, you have to understand that change in itself is only the first step. Accepting the first step means you are going to 'change' your life.

Life though remains the same around you. It remains the same where you live and work. The real work will be to change your environment, change the aspects of your life which are keeping you from achieving your dreams. It is a hard process and can be discouraging at times.

So join me as begin our walk across the bridge. I'll take you as far as I can but much of the work is yours. Let's get started and take the first steps together.

The Bridge To Your Dream

“This bridge will only take you halfway there, to those mysterious lands you long to see. Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fair, and moonlit woods where unicorns run free. So come and walk awhile with me and share the twisting trails and wonderous worlds Ive known. But this bridge will only take you halfway there. The last few steps you have to take alone.” -Shel Silverstein

Begin To Make It Happen

“You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” -Diana Ross

Begin The Reality Of Your Dreams

Then indecision brings its own delays,
And days are lost lamenting o'er lost days.
Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute;
What you can do, or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe