What If You Knew You Could Not Fail?

What Would You Do?

Too often in our world, we limit ourselves, we stop ourselves from going for our dreams. But daydreaming about success and big dreams is powerful- it’s how some of our greatest inventions came about, and how software we use everyday was created.

Ask yourself this question: What would I do if I knew I could not fail? Really seriously consider it and allow yourself to visualize all the things you would do. Over time, effective leaders develop resilient leadership practices that allow them to stay clear-headed understand the opportunities of overcoming personal obstacles. Maybe you would start a foundation to help children, maybe you would create the next cure for cancer, maybe you would develop a new strategy for world peace. You will never know until you try.

Be aware that these things can limit your thinking:

• our own negative beliefs: I can’t because (I don’t have a degree, I don’t have enough money, etc etc.- all myths)
• our circle of friends is too small and too negative- whiners and complainers
• quitting on ourselves because we have made mistakes int he past

All truly successful people have failed, and failed often. That’s why they succeed.
They learn from each failure and translate it into an opportunity. They never
give up and neither should you.

Did you know?

Sandra Day O’Connor could not get a job as a lawyer when she graduated from law school in 1952. Instead, she chose to enter public service, and served as county deputy attorney before opening her own law firm. In 1981 she became the first woman Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

When Henry Ford wanted to create the V-8 engine, he was told repeatedly that it was impossible. He sent his staff back to work and told them to stay on the job until they did what he asked. After a year, there was no success. He told them to keep at it. He knew persistence would pay off. Eventually they did it and the V-8 became a huge success. It helped Ford and his motor company outstrip the competition and take the lead in the automotive market. He refused to believe “It’s impossible.”

It’s now your turn. Spend some time dreaming and visualizing what you would do. You could make a huge difference in the world!

For a free report on how to get and stay Fired Up!, go here http://firedupnow.com/top20tips/

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How To Protect Your Website

From Access to Hackers, there are dangers to your site

1. Get ftp access & admin access to your website

Nowadays, most websites are created in WordPress, although there are some sites in other formats. Whatever format your site is designed in, be sure you have full access to all content from your web designer. That means you need ftp name, user name and password and for WordPress, get admin name and password. NEVER use the word admin as your user name… that’s how many hackers access your site.

2. Always register your domaine on a separate website than where your site is hosted- again for security. So if you bought your domaine at godaddy, use a different hosting company. And make sure if you hire someone to do your site that YOU own your site name and that it is registered to you, not them. This is a problem that happens often and if you have a falling out with your web designer, you are in trouble.

3. Copyright your content and make sure others don’t use it as theirs. If you are frequent blogger, it is entirely possible someone else is using your information without giving you credit. Use copyscape.com to check and see if your blog is being used by others. I did this and found out an entire section of one of my email newsletters was lifted by a reader and used word for word in her blog- without giving me credit.

4. Same goes for webinars. If you give out worksheets or powerpoints, be sure to let others know this is copyrighted material and they do not have the right to use it without your permission.

5. Back up your site weekly, even if your hosting company does it, too. You never know when hackers may hit you or your hosting company, and you can never be too careful.

6. If you do a great deal of ecommerce and the web is a major source of income for you, hire a security specialist. Regina Smola of WP Security Lock is a good source. Check her at www.wpsecuritylock.com

For a free report on how to get and stay Fired Up!, go here http://firedupnow.com/top20tips/

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International Fired Up Month

October is International Fired Up Month!

“The real secret of success is enthusiasm.” – Walter Chrysler

Celebrated from Oct.1-31, this month focuses on motivation and enthusiasm in the workforce, where people learn what gets them Fired Up! and incorporate that into their lives. The power of enthusiasm is critical to success and this month celebrates enthusiasm. It is incredibly rare in the world. I created this month many years ago to focus on the good in our lives.

International Fired Up! month culminates with the 4th Sat. in October, International Make a Difference Day, Oct. 22, 2016, created by USA Weekend. Annually, several million people participate. The power of volunteerism has long been proven to reduce stress and increase longevity. It also improves communication, gratitude and empathy.

Here’s how to to host a Fired Up! week at work or at school or in your community. Employees, students or community members can:

• share inspirational quotes, stories and videos

• maintain a daily success list of all you accomplish- every action you take, every call you make, every thought you follow through on is a success

• share inspirational music, movies, books or stories (like Dolphin Tale, the Butler, the Blind Side)

• share about their dreams and goals and ask for help and support

• form Fired Up! Inspiration Circles™ where they support each other’s dreams and goals

• track group and individual successes on a giant Fired Up! bulletin board/ victory wall.

Give special attention to it and make it a sincere effort. Let others know you value them and encourage their positive attitude. This works especially well with salespeople- they love to see their great results posted. Employees and students who know they are valued as human beings are more loyal and productive.

For a free report on how to get and stay Fired Up!, go here http://firedupnow.com/top20tips/

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Ignite your sales

Fire Up! Your Sales with These Quick Tips

Never push a prospect- add value.
Never force or manipulate- demonstrate listening and caring.

1.Truly listen to your customers
We recently used a discount coupon for more ballroom dance lessons. Afterwards, it’s customary for teachers to do an upsell to commit you to a longer program. I told our teacher EXACTLY what I wanted. To my astonishment, when we sat down at the studio, he had written word for word what I had said. And they gave it to us, along with flowers for me. WOW- kudos to Markus Thiesen and Ester Dittert of A Social Affair- outstanding service. And of course we signed up!

2. Use stories and customer testimonials – . Give examples of real people who have had a problem you solved. Tell the truth. And use customer testimonials to back up your stories. Always get written permission.

3. Overcome objections by raising them yourself.
You know what people object to and what the issues are. Overcome them by demonstrating why the objection is not valid, or how you have resolved it. Show you think like they do.

4. Have genuine enthusiasm for your products or service. Genuine enthusiasm- is rare and contagious. Get Fired Up! about what you are sharing and keep that top of mind. Your Fire will spread and ignite theirs.

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Purpose=Happiness

Do You Know Your Life Purpose?

In many studies done over the past decade, the research has shown that those people who are happiest have a deep sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, whether from their work, their volunteerism, family or culture.

Purpose can be a tough concept for some. For others, it is easy. Here’s a quick exercise from my book Fired Up! that originated with Jack Canfield. I have his permission to share it with you.

Your Life Purpose Worksheet

Step 1 List your best and most unique qualities.
Which two qualities truly reflect who you are and for which you’d most like to be remembered? Underline these two.

Step 2 List several ways you enjoy expressing or sharing those two qualities. Use action verbs with “ing” endings. Underline your two favorite forms of expression.

Step 3 Describe your version of an ideal world.

Step 4 Combine the three steps above into one sentence that summarizes your life purpose.

Ex. I am empowering and inspiring others with my love and joy so that everyone contributes for the greatest benefit of all in a peaceful world.

Ex. I am choreographing and dancing with grace and beauty inspiring others to appreciate their health and the health of the world.

Try this exercise yourself and find ways to live your purpose more often. You’ll definitely be happier.

If you would like to learn more ways to be happy, check out my free webinar NEXT WEEK Sept 24 Find Your Happiness and Grow Your Profits http://firedupnow.com/happyclass/

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Get Happy in the Dirt

Gardening Increases Your Happiness

We’ve long known that being outside in nature lifts your spirits. But a study from the University of Bristol, England, shows that actually getting your hands in the soil, gardening and breathing the dirt may be another way to lift your spirits. A bacteria commonly found in soil produces effects similar to antidepressant drugs.

The harmless bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, helps release serotonin in the brain. Serotonin deficiencies cause depression.

Gardeners Are Among the Happiest with their Work

Interestingly, in a related study, more than 80% of florists and gardeners feel their work is useful and worthwhile, and they feel appreciated for what they do. They are among those happiest with their careers, according to a survey by City and Guilds.

Spending time in nature to restore mood and mental clarity supports leadership resilience, helping people manage stress and sustain emotional balance over time. So plant some bulbs, remove some weeds, and spend a little time in your garden, and you feel happier. Who knew?

If you would like to learn more ways to be happy, check out my free webinar Sept 24
Find Your Happiness and Grow Your Profits http://firedupnow.com/happyclass/

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Can You Really Feel Better By Helping Someone?

Relieve Your Stress and Depression through Volunteering

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia

One of the last things you might think of doing when you are very stressed is to take the time to help someone else, volunteering. But it can truly be the best thing you can do. I know this from my own personal experience.

Not too long ago, I was tired, frustrated and upset over a business issue, not sure what to do about it. I was very stressed. Heading home with my husband that night, we turned down our street. He said, “There’s a girl sitting on the corner crying.” We immediately stopped the car and I got out to talk to her. Turns out, she was working for one of those magazine sales companies where they drop off youths and pick them up at the end of the day. She had no phone and no money; her ride was two hours late. So we called her manager and he said a ride was on its way. She waited in the car with us, shared her tragic life story, and when no ride arrived after 45 minutes, we turned around and drove her the half hour distance to her motel. When we arrived, I spoke to the manager about taking better care of this young woman (she was 20,) gave her some money and hugged her goodbye with some encouraging words. As we drove home again, all thoughts about my problems had completely vanished. My concerns were for her and how I could help others like her in the future. I realized my problems were far less pressing. There are those who are struggling to get by every day on the streets. It gave me a whole new appreciation of how fortunate I am.

A new study by Dr. Suzanne Richards and the University of Exeter Medical School, UK, confirms what other studies have said in the past: volunteering is associated with lower depression, increased well-being, and a 22 % reduction in dying.

There are infinite ways to volunteer:
• mentor a child • help a neighbor repair their home
• organize a fundraiser for the arts
• work at a soup kitchen
• help at a homeless shelter
• participate in a “clean up your park” project
• volunteer at an animal shelter
• read to seniors at a senior center or hospital
• collect diapers for newborn centers
• help out at elementary schools
• collect books for literacy programs and then read for them

Try it. No matter how upset you are about your life, you will experience an instant turn-around. Always come from your heart and volunteer for something that matters to you. And just like that, your problems will seem insignificant.

For a free report on how to get and stay Fired Up!, go here http://firedupnow.com/top20tips/ This will also subscribe you to Kindlings, my weekly email newsletter.

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Cut Your Stress with Tunes

Great Ways to Relieve Stress Through Music

A 2006 Journal of Advanced Nursing study showed that listening to music one hour a day for a week reduced symptoms of depression by 25%. Music, especially classical music, can also serve as a powerful stress-relief tool.

Music therapy can also elevate mood, improve immune system function, reduce fatigue and improve self-acceptance in people. Music helps cancer patients, multiple sclerosis patients, and surgical patients.

I use music in two ways- to Fire me up! when I need energy and motivation and to calm my nerves and soothe me when I am driving or stressed. I create my own mp3 playlist of motivation tunes and soothing tunes and turn those on when I need them.

For 12 ways to reduce your stress with music, go here:

http://earthtones.org/2013/08/12-ways-to-reduce-stress-with-music/

For a free report on how to get and stay Fired Up!, go here http://firedupnow.com/top20tips/

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Don’t Let Email Run Your Life

Manage Your Email Time and Reduce Stress

Say No — You don’t have to look at your email all the time….

I’ve heard so many professionals tell me in my speeches that they get hooked by their email and get stressed out. Some even have an alarm that rings or chimes every time a new email comes in. Turn that OFF! No wonder your stress levels are skyrocketing through the roof! Setting intentional boundaries around email protects focus and energy, which are critical components of leadership resilience in high-demand environments. Here are some simple ways to destress your email.

1. Remember Snail Mail? You know, you go to your mailbox, pull out the letters, flyers and junk mail and trash about half of it before you even get home? Do that with email. Organize it into folders: important action, read later, associations,etc. and trash the rest.

2. Only check email 3-4 times a day– Do your HIGHEST PRIORITY money making tasks first always every day. Then check email at lunch, when you take breaks. No alarms or flashes when you get a new one. It’s probably spam anyway.

3. Use a SPAM FILTER. One of my many email addresses (yes I get hundreds of emails every day) has no spam filter. And now in addition to the Viagra ads, I get Asian character emails which I cannot read. I keep that email only because I want to make it easy for people to reach me, but I have spam filters on all the others.

4. Have No -Email times every day. Sunday, my husband and I went to the beach. Ahh- glorious sunshine, surf, quiet and peace. No email. None- just focused time on my family. Take time like that everyday. Don’t make your children resent your phone. It can wait.

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4. Have email-free times everyday. We were at the beach on Sunday, and even though I have a smartphone, I did not read my email at all until late in the day. It was wonderful to have that freedom. It lowers your stress and frees you to appreciate the people around you.

Chronic Stress Could Be Killing You

Stress Could Literally Be The Death of You

Everyone knows that stress is bad for you. Tense muscles, ulcers, snarky attitudes- all of those are obvious results of stress. But did you know that stress can lead to much more serious problems?

Stress-related claims cost US companies 10% of their annual earnings. A typical employee with stress, back pain and depression is out of work nine weeks a year and can cost more than $5900 per employee in lost productivity.

The American Psychological Association says stress costs industry $300 billion a year in absences, medical costs, lost productivity, turnover etc. One third of Americans say they are living with extreme stress.

Chronic Stress and Your Body

Nearly 80% of all doctor visits are stress-related 43% of all adults have ill health because of stress. Chronic stress is linked to the six major causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung disease, accidents, cirrhosis, and suicide.

For more information about the physical impact of stress

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