They say that circumstances will simply reveal more of what we already are. So if a person is stingy and then inherits a windfall, that person will still be stingy. And if a person is generous, having more will accelerate their generosity. But what if you are a person who is generous but now are struggling to keep food on the table yourself? You may think a person like that will hang on to what little they have - but a phenomenon happening right now seems to indicate otherwise. Americans who are out of work, having their pocketbook and self-image threatened as never before, are volunteering in record numbers. There are organizations that have stopped recruiting because they cannot train and supervise all the volunteers responding.
Organizations like Create the Good can link you with a worthy cause.
Those who are struggling see volunteering as a way to hone new skills, add to resumes, network - and to be reminded of the inherent value of helping others with no thought of being paid. And what a great reminder this is of the intrinsic human goodness of most people everywhere. I trust that your circumstances, whatever they may be, are revealing things you will want to be remembered for.
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Recently I did a phone and web simulcast titled Outta Work but Finding Myself. We've had a lot of requests for that 48-munute replay. Here's the link - just click and listen: Outta Work but Finding Myself.
********************************* The people and circumstances around me do not make me what I am, they reveal who I am." - Laura Schlessinger
There is a PBS special running right now on the music of David Foster (Hit Man - David Foster and Friends). As the hosts asked him about his early years in music, one response jumped out at me. David said he loved music as a child and his parents allowed him to take lessons in classical music. But David said: "I was good, but not great." He went on to explain that if he had been a better musician he would likely have ended up as an anonymous face in some orchestra. Not being great forced him to look for other ways to be involved in music. So he writes and produces for other musicians. It has been said that Foster's songs have made "many famous singers into superstars." Many of his songs have become well known through the voices of Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Micheal Buble, and Boz Scaggs. And his own fame and fortune has far surpassed what he could have possibly hoped for as a "great" musician.
In The Millionaire Mind author Thomas Stanley looks at the common characteristics of people who have ended up extremely wealthy. Their average GPA is 2.7. Why isn't it that all 4.0 students become wildly successful? Maybe their "greatness" came too easily and they missed the benefits of the struggle.
If "greatness" has not come easily for you have you given up the pursuit and settled for mediocrity? Or have you looked for alternative approaches for success anyway?
Maybe "greatness" that comes too easily is itself an obstacle. We've all seen athletes, musicians, writers, and speakers who were so naturally great they never had to exercise the discipline to survive the hard times - and quickly faded into oblivion.
Maybe not being "great" is your biggest hidden asset.
Book recommendation: I've been a fan of Jay Abraham for a long time. He's one of the old masters of what it takes to be successful in business. Several years ago I adopted his "risk reversal" concept for our 48 Days products. Success magazine called him "possibly the greatest marketing mind alive today."
So when Jay's son Troy contacted me about promoting Jay's new book, I readily agreed. The principles I have used for success in business have come from books like this that I've read and the seminars I've attended.
I don't normally promote books with a lot of hype and extra "bonuses." But I am recommending this one if you are serious about growing any kind of business. You can get the book on Amazon for only $17.13 and still get the bonuses - including a six-week reading room with Jay himself answering your questions.
Just click on the book title here and you get the book - and instant access to some other helpful information for success in your business:
Each week I read though the questions submitted to select a few to respond to in this recorded podcast.
I enjoy listening to your podcasts and have purchased 48 Days and No More Mondays. I have also enjoyed many of the books on your reading list. I did not see any books on time management. Do you have a book recommendation on how to manage one's time?
I am an offshore Engineer. I make 130K with 100% matching 401K and 750.00 vehicle allowance and am in the top 10% of my company. BUT I am tired of working offshore (14 years)and constantly uprooting from my family church and community. What is your advice about exploring a Chick-Fil-A franchise? I'm 37 with a stay at home wife and two small babies.
I have recently found an opportunity to buy out a photography business that has been growing the last 10 years and brings the current owner a six-figure income. Purchasing this company would require a loan of nearly $200,000 but the six-figure income would suggest I could pay it off in 3-4 years. Is it right for me to take out a loan to grow my already existing photography business?
I've been an owner operator in the building and remodeling business now for over ten years. I have been given many opportunities for very lucrative large scale jobs but always seem to come out in the red. As of right now I am over $250,000 in debt due to poor estimates and bad business practices. Should I just quit and go to work for another builder, which I hate the thought of, or try something new? I feel I'm running out of time. It is my passion and I'm very good at it. So how is it I've managed to burn so many bridges?
I've really enjoyed your latest book, "No More Mondays." I live in Nashville, TN and I was curious as to what one-on-one counseling you still provide at your local offices? After reading your book I almost have more questions than answers concerning what would be an appropriate avenue for me to pursue in a future career.
I would like to translate and do audio recording of books from authors like you, Dave Ramsey, Zig Ziglar and others and sell them. I plan to start by picking up something from the public domain as an experiment before getting into the technical part of dealing with publishers.
4 Questions.
1- What do you think about this idea? (I believe in this)
2- What kind of sound recording equipment should I be looking for?
3- If I hire someone else to read and record for me how should I pay?
4- When ready for copyright material where do I start?
********************************* 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.
Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Feel like all you're doing is failing? Maybe I or one of our coaches can help you see some new ways of moving forward. Give us some brief information and I'll make a recommendation: Coaching with Dan
********************************* 48Days.net
By now most of you know about 48Days.net. This is different than 48Days.com. At 48Days.net you'll see lots of other excited people who have ideas - and they're willing to share those with you to help your business grow and profit. 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 helpful people and resources.
********************************* Win a trip to Walt Disney World
If you are a parent or grandparent you could win a 5-day family trip to Disney World. Just write a 350-word essay describing a dream adventure-travel excursion. Whatever you dream, you may be an inspiration to other parents and grandparents. This contest ends June 30th - Adventure Travel Contest
********************************* Over 45 and Unemployed?
Unemployment rates for workers 45 and older are at the highest level in recorded history. Many were in traditional industries that have been hit hard with slowdowns and closures. Microsoft has donated $100,000 to the AARP WorkSearch program to help address the gap in technology skills among many of these older workers. Check out the resources here: AARP WorkSearch
********************************* What "fits" you?
How do my parts fit together?
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. Before you begin seeking a better job or self-employment, you need to be sure you are pursuing opportunities that match your personality style and will fulfill and reward you for a lifetime!
"Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but the instruments of the wise." - Samuel Lover
"Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances." -- Thomas Jefferson
"Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances." -- Mohandas Gandhi
"To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness." -- Confucius
"Character, not circumstances, makes the man." -- Booker T. Washington
"No change of circumstances can repair a defect of character." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can't find them, make them." -- George Bernard Shaw
"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." -- Nido Qubein
How do my parts fit together?
