With A Little Help From My Friends

One of my favourite books is Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" in which he stresses the fact that whatever you want in life, another human being has to give it to you. To be successful in any area of your life; in family, business, sales or socially, understanding how to make other people want to work with you to achieve what you want is one of the keys. Armed with this insight, how can you further apply this principle in your life?

Success Is 80% Psychological

How we think about ourselves and the world is of uttermost importance, particularly in the context of success achievement. The "law of correspondence" suggests that our outer world is merely a reflection of our inner world. If you start thinking like the most successful people think, you will get what the most successful people get. If you like to see different results, think different thoughts about yourself and the world around you. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

Overcome Procrastination; Just Get Started

When we have too much to do or a big task in front of us and feel overwhelmed, we sometimes give in to procrastination. There are many tricks you can play to overcome it, like breaking the task down into smaller pieces, or deciding to start with a particular part of it. The point is; you don't have to get it right, you just have to get it started! You can always come back and refine it later.

Serendipity And Discovery

There is an old Persian fairy tale about the Princes of Serendip; three men who were on a mission but always found things they were not looking for. They discovered them by good fortune. Today we are often so stressed for time and so focused that we develop "tunnel vision" and only see things we are tuned into and miss everything else. You don't always know what you are looking for; so it is best to keep your eyes open and stay attuned to new ideas.

The Fun Flow

You hardly get kids to do anything, unless they think it is a game. Convince them it is, and they will play it for what it's worth! The same is true with you! Chances are that you are good at the things you enjoy doing. It is very likely you too will be of most service others and create the highest value when you are involved with things you think are fun. Try to get to do those things more often. Follow the fun! If possible, seek ways to make your hobby into your career.

Ask The Right Questions

Often we get stuck in a rut when we ask the wrong questions over and over again. It is so much easier when we learn to re-frame the questions and start asking the relevant ones. Ask ‘why' only when you are deciding if you should do something. Ask ‘how' you should do it when you are solving your next problem. Ask the right questions, quit the blame and take responsibility for your life.

Mind Your Mind

Your mind is your most precious asset where all your future value generating resources reside. You better take good care of it and exercise it regularly. A study conducted on senior citizens in New York a few years ago, called The Einstein Aging Study, came to the conclusion that individuals who played chess and maintained regular reading habits, stayed mentally alert and fit longer than others. Train your brain! Get on an exercise program starting today!