If you don't know what you want, don't say you are being held back. I often see that the people who complain the loudest about never having an opportunity in life can't really describe what success would look like for them. They have excuses for their unfortunate circumstances and are quick to blame the company, the government or God for their lack of opportunity. Successful people, on the other hand, are not excuse-makers. They accept responsibility for their actions and where they are in life. If they want different results, they set goals and a clear plan of action. Where others see despair, they see unusual possibilities. They respond to unexpected change with hope and enthusiasm, confident that success is always within reach. Don't say you've never had a chance.
We are just about ready to release more information about the event we are planning for February of next year. As we're still working on details I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet. But don't make any other plans for February 20-25, 2010. If you've got one of those ideas you know could change your life - refine it and keep it handy. Expect to kick-start your success in February.
***************************** “Any man can work when every stroke of his hands brings down the fruit rattling from the tree ... but to labor in season and out of season, under every discouragement... that requires a heroism which is transcendent.” - Henry Ward Beecher
Recently I installed three new poles and decorative lights on the driveway approach to our house. Although I enjoy being a handy man, electrical work always makes me nervous. I rented a trencher, dug a narrow ditch and carefully laid the line in the trench. I then proceeded to install the outlets and run the line up each pole before completing the power attachment at our house. Twice in this process I recoiled with the stinging shock of electric power surging through my arms - but wait - there was no power yet attached. I hadn't connected the line to the power source. Just the “anticipation” of power convinced me I had already “felt” a serious shock.
I find I'm not alone in this mysterious happening. Commonly known as the Pygmalion Effect, scientists say this phenomenon occurs when “a false definition of the situation evokes a new behavior which makes the original false conception come true.” In other words, once an expectation is set, we tend to act in ways that are consistent with that expectation, even when it's not true.
Whoa - what about expecting a bad performance review, getting fired, being rejected by a friend, believing that all good jobs are going overseas, expecting bad “luck,” or “knowing” your business is going down the tubes. Could the false anticipation make that event become a reality?
***************************** “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 2 Scene 2
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Could you reverse the phenomenon? Do you think you could “expect” good things and have more good things happen? Read the current statistics on jobs and business in America - you can find unprecedented growth of new ideas and small business or the worst employment situation in 30 years.
Yes, I did complete the final hook-up and am now enjoying seeing the actual power surge through the lines to shine in the darkness. I get a little extra enjoyment knowing that I overcame my fear in completing the task. Those lights are a daily reminder that sometimes when I feel a “shock” it's not reality but just a false expectation - that I can overcome.
***************************** “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” Job 3: 25-26 (NIV)
No matter how it happens, a job loss is painful. Maybe you were caught up in a corporate downsizing, and it's nothing personal. Maybe it was personal; your boss was an insensitive jerk who didn't recognize your talent. Either way, it's easy to start questioning your self-worth at such a time. You may wonder if you'll end up homeless, never to contribute in a meaningful way to civilization again. In 30 days, your savings will be depleted. Are your old office workers laughing behind your back? Are your neighbors looking at “the loser” when they see you at home on a weekday?
Well, don't get caught up in the negatives. This will only sabotage your immediate future. Here are some tips for moving forward:
Release Your Anger It's OK to be angry at the unfairness of the boss, the company or the world. But don't stay there. While you may have been treated unfairly, sharing that will only make potential new employers uneasy and prevent them from wanting you on their team.
Evaluate Your Life Take advantage of these transitions to take a fresh look at your life. What is unique about you? How important is time flexibility? What income do you want? See this as a time to move up and forward; not down.
Network Constantly Start each day with an action plan. Get out there and meet people. Talk to anyone you can who might offer suggestions on how to improve your job search. Don't be embarrassed to let people know you are looking for work. You are selling a product, and that product is YOU.
Don't Make Excuses You are not too old, too short or missing a degree. Excuses tend to become self-fulfilling after a while, and mentally you can become your own worst enemy in the job-search process.
Stay Balanced Our success tends to spiral up or down together. Career success leads to financial success, more social and family success, etc. The opposite is also true. Don't allow a job loss to turn you into a couch potato. Stay sharp physically and mentally. Keep developing your important relationships.
Welcome to 48 Days radio where each week I look through the submitted questions and then blast through as many as possible right here to give you the unique tools for your own success.
This week's podcast is brought to you by Audible.com. The internet's leading provider of spoken word entertainment. Get a FREE Audiobook download of your choice when you sign up today. Logon to audiblepodcast.com/work today for details. 15 minutes into the podcast I have a personal recommendation for the book to download.
My cynicism is getting the best of me. I'm interested, in fact, desperately interested in finding my passion, my talent, and a purpose for my life. Is there a short cut to making the transition from employee to self employed? Inside I really think I'm just destined to eek out a living paycheck to paycheck. I can't seem to identify anything that might be a talent or passion that could pay the bills.
Could I write an ebook for new artists and show them how to set up an inexpensive art show to sell their work? I have done this for 5 years in a row but I can only produce enough quality work to do one show a year. I thought that if I could market my ebook and teach other new artists how to accomplish this, I could use that as a new stream of income. What do you think?????
How can I go about turning my podcast into a full time job? Podcasting is my passion and it has been for over 3 years; it's one of the things that adds a "balance" to being in a "wrong fit" j.o.b. and it's something I love.
I struggle with knowing how much I should take as a salary for myself from my business. Since I own the company, obviously I can take from the proceeds, but what would you recommend I base my salary on as the company grows more and more and there is more and more profit?
I am a school counselor and have written several stories that incorporate good character building examples through imaginary stories and characters. I would like to publish the stories but have been unable to find a publisher who is interested in them. I would be willing to publish them myself but have been unable to find someone to illustrate the stories. Recently, I decided to let children in the classroom add pictures after reading the story to them. I think this turned out very well but I am unsure if I could self publish the books if they were illustrated by children.
***************************** If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week's broadcast immediately - no downloading - no wait.
Living, Loving & Working Symposium Join Dan & Joanne for this intense 2-day event here at the Sanctuary in Franklin, TN on Sept. 11-12, 2009. We'll be covering issues like:
Is it still possible to find - or create - the work you love?
How can you make your house a peaceful place even with the challenges of work and business?
Is it still possible to find - or create - the work you love
How can you survive the hard times while maintaining family strength and vitality?
What should we be teaching our children about work and careers?
How do you support your spouse when things are uncertain?
Can you really enjoy the different “seasons” of life?
***************************** Can't you get a “real” job?“My mother has always been unhappy with what I do. She would much rather I do something nicer, like be a bricklayer.” Mick Jagger
***************************** Be a neighbor“The impersonal hand of the government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.” Hubert H. Humphrey
***************************** Be a readerA Stanford University study has indicated that if you read 30-60 minutes each day in your field of interest, in 4-5 years you will be a national authority. All Leaders are Readers. A Harvard study shows that those who are readers are more positive, optimistic and excited. Those who are not readers are more negative, pessimistic and doubtful about their future. Two books read by virtually all successful people: (1) “Think and Grow Rich,” by Napoleon Hill, and (2) “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie.
***************************** Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Feel like you've taken too much time to get to the success you want? This is a common issue with the physicians, dentists, attorneys and pastors who let us know they're looking for more. Give us some brief information and I'll recommend one of my coaching packages: Coaching with Dan
***************************** 48Days.net
At 48Days.net you'll see over 3600 other excited people who have ideas - and plans for their accomplishment. If you want your life to be different this year, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost - just lots of people who are committed to helping each other succeed.
***************************** Are you ready for change?
Do you know how to take advantage of change?"?
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. What's the best environment for you to live out your "calling?" You can find out here.
Do you know how to take advantage of change?"?
