Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one.
- Baltasar Gracian
Who is your hero?
What qualities does your hero have that you admire?
Are you implementing those qualities into your life today?
Just a quick food for thought......
DrinkACT
Your Balance Guide
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Complaining is Not Problem Solving - Part One
I bet if you sat down and really thought about it. You could make a long list of the things over the last 30 days that you have complained about. It might be something as simple as the weather and the traffic all the way to the complicated such as the economy.
Some things that we complain about, we have no control over. The weather is beyond our ability to change. The most we can do to solve that problem is to move somewhere with different weather. But even the best place in the world has bad weather days. That is right, even Florida and Hawaii have their miserable days.
Some things we complain about, we have a small amount of control over. We, ourselves, have no control over traffic. We do have control over routes, times we travel and even how we travel. Examples of problem solving rough traffic would be leaving earlier, taking a different route or riding the public transportation so we can read that novel we have had no time to complete.
However, many things we whine and complain about we have complete control over. We complain about our incomes while we instead could be studying for promotion or applying for a better job. We complain about our spouses but make no attempts to take the first step to repair the relationship. If all we do is complain, we are not in solution, we are part of the problem. Negativity, especially in the workplace, spreads. I can complain about something small in the break room and soon everyone is listing all the reasons the company is horrible. If you are not doing ANYTHING to solve the problem - you have no RIGHT to complain.
My favorite Poem about this topic goes like this:
This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done
Author: Unknown
Will you be an Anybody? Or will you be Everybody and get the same results Everybody has always gotten?
Complaining is Not Problem Solving - Part Two
s
The reason it is so easy to complain rather then solve problems is that we have become a society of addicts and self-indulgent behaviors. That may sound harsh but look at the list of addictions facing our society today. (these are not in any particularity order)
* Fast and Easy: Most of us have never known true lack in our life. Since our country recovered from the last World War and the Great Depression, here in the USA we have been on the upswing until recently. We have learned to expect everything at our fingertips. Most people in the cities would have no idea how to survive if their electronics ceased to function for them and the grocery store could no longer provide for them. Our news, our money, even our food can be delivered to us with ease and no effort on our parts. This is very evident in many employees under the age of 30. Employers are finding they are quick to jump to the next employer that might offer them more. They quit when they feel they are made to work TOO hard. They quit when "their" needs are not met. It is like the employment is their right and the employer is there to provide them with something rather then the other way around. Much of the complaining in a work place environment is connected to this mentality. "My employer does not give me time to study this material and ACTUALLY expects me to learn what I need for promotion on MY time."
*Internet - This has become an addiction for many. Whether it be online games, just surfing or chat rooms - it has a severe impact. A definition of an addiction is anything done to excess that causes harm in your life. This addiction has destroyed marriages, has led to isolation from face to face relationships and has even been connected to neglect and death of children.
*Food - An addiction that is epidemic in the USA and many other countries. Like a drug addict, food has become a solace to true needs. It is used to nullify emotions, deal with stress and cover other problems. Add to this the combined problem of the changes in our food supply due to the fast and easy addiction and we meet this need with foods that are harmful, add fat and no true nutrition. This only increases the need as sugar and harmful carbs are actually craved.
*Alcohol - I have separated this from other drug addictions but let me make it clear there is no difference between the Heroin Addict under the bridge and the socialite who can not go the evening without her daily cocktails. I separated it because so many in society will say well yes I drink, but at least I am not using drugs. If jobs are lost, relationships damaged, children neglected due to alcohol use, then alcohol IS the problem. Alcohol is legal, this is true. It is still a drug. So is Oxycontin if you have a prescription, but if abused it is still an addiction. Alcohol makes it easy to scream out your woes and totally blocks most people from any true solution. Oh, they may come up with a solution and even act on it; but often it is not well thought out.
*Drugs - Many people in our society have learned to turn to pills for easy solutions. Every pain, sad thought and frantic moment is often medicated these days. Only a physician can say if this is really necessary. Unfortunately, many people have began to self medicate. They take other people's prescriptions. When that fails, they are forced to seek out street dealers. Methamphetamine is becoming a rampant problem. It started on the west coast and is spreading east. Unlike many addictive substances, one use can lead to a full blown addiction. Families destroyed, jobs lost, possessions sold till at last the addict is forced to a life of crime to meet the overpowering need. Unlike many drugs, due to how it is manufactured and what it is made up of, it's effects on the body are horrendous. It eats the teeth from the inside out. So the addict may not see the harm for sometime. It eats away at the body, sucking up the individual to a thin skeleton who ages with each passing week. It leads to often permanent mental health conditions due to damage to the brain from the drug itself and from sleep deprivation and malnutrition.
There are many other addictions out there impacting societies beside the USA, we are not unique in that aspect. The drug of choice may vary. The latest gambling idea may be different as well. But addiction is an epidemic that impacts almost all families in some way. We must as individuals learn to solve our problems without the use of a crutch. When we have done that, we can teach our families to do the same. Then our families can reach out and show our society how to face life on life's terms. Learning to solve our problems despite whether they are emotional, physical, social or spiritual is the first step in true happiness and prosperity in life.
The reason it is so easy to complain rather then solve problems is that we have become a society of addicts and self-indulgent behaviors. That may sound harsh but look at the list of addictions facing our society today. (these are not in any particularity order)
* Fast and Easy: Most of us have never known true lack in our life. Since our country recovered from the last World War and the Great Depression, here in the USA we have been on the upswing until recently. We have learned to expect everything at our fingertips. Most people in the cities would have no idea how to survive if their electronics ceased to function for them and the grocery store could no longer provide for them. Our news, our money, even our food can be delivered to us with ease and no effort on our parts. This is very evident in many employees under the age of 30. Employers are finding they are quick to jump to the next employer that might offer them more. They quit when they feel they are made to work TOO hard. They quit when "their" needs are not met. It is like the employment is their right and the employer is there to provide them with something rather then the other way around. Much of the complaining in a work place environment is connected to this mentality. "My employer does not give me time to study this material and ACTUALLY expects me to learn what I need for promotion on MY time."
*Internet - This has become an addiction for many. Whether it be online games, just surfing or chat rooms - it has a severe impact. A definition of an addiction is anything done to excess that causes harm in your life. This addiction has destroyed marriages, has led to isolation from face to face relationships and has even been connected to neglect and death of children.
*Food - An addiction that is epidemic in the USA and many other countries. Like a drug addict, food has become a solace to true needs. It is used to nullify emotions, deal with stress and cover other problems. Add to this the combined problem of the changes in our food supply due to the fast and easy addiction and we meet this need with foods that are harmful, add fat and no true nutrition. This only increases the need as sugar and harmful carbs are actually craved.
*Alcohol - I have separated this from other drug addictions but let me make it clear there is no difference between the Heroin Addict under the bridge and the socialite who can not go the evening without her daily cocktails. I separated it because so many in society will say well yes I drink, but at least I am not using drugs. If jobs are lost, relationships damaged, children neglected due to alcohol use, then alcohol IS the problem. Alcohol is legal, this is true. It is still a drug. So is Oxycontin if you have a prescription, but if abused it is still an addiction. Alcohol makes it easy to scream out your woes and totally blocks most people from any true solution. Oh, they may come up with a solution and even act on it; but often it is not well thought out.
*Drugs - Many people in our society have learned to turn to pills for easy solutions. Every pain, sad thought and frantic moment is often medicated these days. Only a physician can say if this is really necessary. Unfortunately, many people have began to self medicate. They take other people's prescriptions. When that fails, they are forced to seek out street dealers. Methamphetamine is becoming a rampant problem. It started on the west coast and is spreading east. Unlike many addictive substances, one use can lead to a full blown addiction. Families destroyed, jobs lost, possessions sold till at last the addict is forced to a life of crime to meet the overpowering need. Unlike many drugs, due to how it is manufactured and what it is made up of, it's effects on the body are horrendous. It eats the teeth from the inside out. So the addict may not see the harm for sometime. It eats away at the body, sucking up the individual to a thin skeleton who ages with each passing week. It leads to often permanent mental health conditions due to damage to the brain from the drug itself and from sleep deprivation and malnutrition.
There are many other addictions out there impacting societies beside the USA, we are not unique in that aspect. The drug of choice may vary. The latest gambling idea may be different as well. But addiction is an epidemic that impacts almost all families in some way. We must as individuals learn to solve our problems without the use of a crutch. When we have done that, we can teach our families to do the same. Then our families can reach out and show our society how to face life on life's terms. Learning to solve our problems despite whether they are emotional, physical, social or spiritual is the first step in true happiness and prosperity in life.
Complaining is Not Problem Solving - Part Three
If you are complaining and yet doing nothing, then you have NO right to complain. Only when you have done everything you can on your part, have you earned the right to voice your displeasure. Even then, it should be voiced to those who can take the next step. So how do you problem solve.
1. Define the problem: What are all the aspects of the problem. Brainstorm all elements of it. Look at what contributes to it, what those contributions cause and what the end result is. Circle everything that you can impact or make a change to. Pick one or two that you can begin to work on today.
2. Set Goals: Turn what you have circled into goals. Work out everything you need to do to achieve the goals. It might be only one thing. It might take several steps. By breaking it into small parts, you can then begin to break it down. Get ideas from others. Show them what you are working on. Two, three or even more minds are better then one. If it is a company problem, give it to everyone to send in ideas.
3. ACT: It can not be stressed enough that without action, a goal is just a dream. Part of the addiction - Fast and Easy - leads to procrastination. We will put off today whatever we can in hopes someone else will fix it. Remember the poem in part one. You must choose to act and do so. You have destination - You have a map. Start the car and go.
4. Learn: As you move down the path to the goal, learn from what works and what does not. The light bulb was not invented in the first try, not even the 500th try so do not expect your first solution to necessarily solve the problem. If it does not, look it over. What did you do that was working. What did you do that was not. Go back to step two and start over. It might even require you to go back to step one. Maybe the problem was not what you thought as you began to work on it.
A body in motion stays in motion. It is a scientific fact. It is no different for our brain. Once we truly commit to solving a problem, (notice I said truly and not half heartedly) our brain even while we sleep will be attempting to solve it. Ever wake up with an idea? That is why.
Think about the title of this article. Are you a problem solver or a complainer. Problem solvers find solutions and then find success and happiness. Complainers find more problems to complain about. Misery loves company so do not let these termites of your organizations and companies bring you to their level. Solve problems and take action. Only then will life around you change in the manner that will bring you peace and comfort.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Why DrinkACT for Extra Income?
I have been asked multiple times why I choose DrinkACT with all the opportunities out there for my primary business. I thought I would spend a short time today and answer that question.
* First, I wanted a business with an online presence that could also be done offline. DrinkACT Gave me that.
* Second, I wanted a reputable company. DrinkACT is publically held. It's stock is ETEV. A company strong enough to go public with a residual income was exactly what I was looking for.
* Third, Low expenses: DrinkACT did not charge me for this state of the art website: http://drinkact.tv/cherylmatthynssens The monthly requirement for my residual check was the lowest I have ever seen. There was no start up fee. This meant I could invest in product and not a ton of other fees that had nothing to do with the business other then the company making money.
* Fourth - A Good Product Line at a Great Price. The main product is an energy drink along the lines with Monster, Red Bull or 5 hour energy. The product was competitive by price. If I get it in powder to add to water, it is only 1.00 a drink.
Added to that, I have a highly supportive upline, I am losing weight on the product line and I am HAVING TO NOT garage qualify. (order more then I can use to get my check) Truth is, I would use ACT even if I was not a Dealer for them.
Another aspect that has kept me going is that my downline can do business any way they want. Ebay, Street Vending, Wholesale to Retail, MLM or any other avenue as long as it does not involve false product claims. We have people doing trade shows and fundraisers even.
If you add all this up together with the fact that the only thing I pay to do business is my product I use to sample. Who would NOT get a free website. At the very least, they could get their energy drinks for wholesale prices?
DrinkACT Energy Drink!
Here is the reasons I love this drink:
The Crystal Clear Energy of A.C.T. - The World's First Healthy Energy Drink
The crystal clear energy of A.C.T. healthy energy drinks just may be the Solution for the human energy crisis!
A.C.T. energy drinks work with your own body's metabolism to promote healthy energy and boost energy levels.
The Secret of A.C.T. is the Synergy of Our Proprietary Energy Blend!
No artificial sweeteners or preservatives are used in A.C.T. And with only 4 grams of fruit sugars per serving, they have a low glycemic index!
This Unique and Exciting Energy Drink Concept has Mass Appeal
The health and wellness industry is predicted to be the next trillion dollar industry by noted economist Paul Zane Pilsner. And with 90 million energy drinks served per day, the A.C.T. Healthy Energy Drinks are positioned perfectly to provide a healthy alternative to the leading brands that are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.
A.C.T. Healthy Energy Drinks are Supported by Science
...And backed by health professionals as well as athletes from around the world. With healthy, natural, and exciting ingredients such as natural fruit extracts, Green Tea, Vitamin C, B Vitamin Complex, Amino Acids, Ginseng, Guarana, and soluble fiber.
The Crystal Clear Energy of A.C.T. Drinks Works in Minutes and Lasts for Hours.
DRINKACT - START TODAY!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Live cautiously, but Live Fully!
It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.
- Marcus Aurelius
Caution is such a two edged sword. We teach our children to be cautious with strangers; to be careful crossing streets. We have traffic lights, signs and symbols for caution. It makes sense to forecast possible danger in the world and then step carefully. So can one be too cautious? Yes!
When you always wait for tomorrow because today is too risky, then you miss on ever taking action. When caution turns into inaction for fear of consequences; life ceases to have any true meaning. Sometimes, one has to weigh all the possibilities and then take a step hoping for the best case scenario and not the worst.
Caution can turn into looking for every possible catastrophe that could possibly occur. Instead of moving with a wary step, the individual become frozen to a state of immobility with a fear of acting. Life is to short to spend it fearful of every possible bad result.
We must live for today, just for today. We must take each day and live it to its fullest. Be aware of the possibilities both good and bad then step forward. Make sure that you are prepared for the worst, but expect the best.
Only when we expect the best can we truly have a hope of achieving the best. The brain always works to achieve what it hears in our thoughts the most. If we expect the worst, chances our we will only see the possibilities and confirmation of the worst. If we expect the best, the same applies, we will see the best possible results.
So use caution as it was meant to be used, to take your time and make good and well thought decisions. Do not fret and worry to a state where you cannot take an action. Only by embracing each day for all it can bring us can we truly hope to enjoy life. Such principles are time honored as evident by today's quote. Wisdom does not change even in the face of progress. Live cautiously, but Live Fully!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Revenge - A Dish Best NOT Served!
The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.
- Marcus Aurelius
In life and business, we cannot get sucked into the concept of revenge. If we turn our focus away from our own personal success and fullfillment, we lose the balance that is necessary to maintain it. Revenge requires a great deal of wasted energy on the emotions behind it, the plotting and coniving that goes with it. If you want revenge, then get it through the very thing you desire most, success in your life.
Most people who cause us hurt or injury are usually jealous of us anyway. So rather then wasting that energy, just keep getting better and better. Then not only can you smile at the frustration of the one who was jealous, but you can do so with a clean conscience and without hours of wasted fretting and fuming.
It is strange how for centuries, great poets, prophets and political leaders have been telling us the keys to happiness and success, yet we continue to beat our heads against the stone wall next to the door. Go back to the old quotes, the old knowledge. The human experience has not changed. Jealousy and hatred has existed since man first had something that another did not.
True happiness is being okay within your own skin. Living each day the best you can and going to bed knowing it was your best. It is not caring what others think but being open minded enough to hear their feedback in case you missed something or cannot see it due to lack of knowledge or bad habit. Let the little people in life waste away on hatred and jealousy. Let them spend energy on revenge. That is just that much less competition you have in seeking out success in your own life.
- Marcus Aurelius
In life and business, we cannot get sucked into the concept of revenge. If we turn our focus away from our own personal success and fullfillment, we lose the balance that is necessary to maintain it. Revenge requires a great deal of wasted energy on the emotions behind it, the plotting and coniving that goes with it. If you want revenge, then get it through the very thing you desire most, success in your life.
Most people who cause us hurt or injury are usually jealous of us anyway. So rather then wasting that energy, just keep getting better and better. Then not only can you smile at the frustration of the one who was jealous, but you can do so with a clean conscience and without hours of wasted fretting and fuming.
It is strange how for centuries, great poets, prophets and political leaders have been telling us the keys to happiness and success, yet we continue to beat our heads against the stone wall next to the door. Go back to the old quotes, the old knowledge. The human experience has not changed. Jealousy and hatred has existed since man first had something that another did not.
True happiness is being okay within your own skin. Living each day the best you can and going to bed knowing it was your best. It is not caring what others think but being open minded enough to hear their feedback in case you missed something or cannot see it due to lack of knowledge or bad habit. Let the little people in life waste away on hatred and jealousy. Let them spend energy on revenge. That is just that much less competition you have in seeking out success in your own life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
