Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
(www.PSLinstitute.com/workshop.pdf)
BECOMING
(Check out our free personal development & career workbook -- www.PSLinstitute.com/workbook.pdf)
2013 Personal Success & Leadership Institute
The best way to achieve any goal is to BECOME the person that goal belongs to.
p. 2
3. Dreams-Goals-Interests-Possibilities (W)
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8. Focus#
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Workshop Notes
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Workshop Follow-up
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# Purpose of Workshop: (1) Decide on Your Focus, (2) Sharpen Your Focus
* Using the workshop online (www.PSLinstitute.com/workshop.html) will allow you to access
additional information via links and to also access the free ONet Career Interest Assessment!
www.PSLinstitute.com/workbook.pdf
www.PSLinstitute.com/workbook.pdf
GOAL/ROLE:
Affirmation:
TARGET
Hr Min
TARGET
GOAL/ROLE: SINGER
[Singing Stirs My Soul]
[EXAMPLE]
Affirmation: I sing with such power and enthusiasm songs and hymns I have memorized that all who
listen are moved by the Spirit to thank God for His countless blessings.
TARGET
DEC 2013
DEC 2012
JUN 2013
JUL 2012
2
A
B
C
3
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
www.PSLinstitute.com/workbook.pdf
Hr Min
TARGET
DEC 2012
1-1-12
S
1-1-12
1 30
30
S
15
0
8 0
2 30
JUN 2013
1-1-12
1-1-12
1-1-12
AUG 2012
1-15-12
1-30-12
S
2-1-12
6-1-12
6-15-12
S
7-1-12
7-31-12
7-31-12
GOAL/ROLE AFFIRMATIONS*
[Examples]
Typically, the shorter version is the one youd repeat during the weekly Imprinting Process.
(See step # 9 of A Simple Summary of the Process, in the front of the workbook)
10
www.PSLinstitute.com/workbook.pdf
The article on FOCUS discusses the overall purpose of the workshop understanding
the need for and developing the ability to focus on those things most important in
your life. What we focus on we move toward. The better we focus, the quicker we
progress!
Having been involved in the Boy Scouts of America for years, weve found that their
merit badge program is an excellent introduction to a variety of careers, skills and
hobbies. Let this list prick your imagination as to what you might include in your list
of Dreams, Goals, Interests, Possibilities! (see # 2, below) For a virtually complete
listing of possible careers, check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook via the link
at the bottom of the merit badge list.
The hard copy of the workshop gives you the opportunity to think about what well
be discussing and working on to get the wheels of your mind turning so you will
be in gear when we start the first session.
Choosing a Career gives great information you need to consider when making the
important decision of what you will be devoting much of your life to. The ONet
Career Interest Assessment is a wonderful tool to help you decide on a career, based
on the type of work you are most interested in doing. You will actually be doing this
assessment online as part of the second session of the workshop!
(2) On the worksheet provided, start a list of Dreams, Goals, Interests, Possibilities that
you feel youd like to focus on and accomplish in your life and bring it with you to
the first session of the workshop. This is the starting point of all success in life, knowing
what you want and where you want to go. Writing it all down [1] compels you to think
more deeply about what you really want out of life, and [2] provides a document you can
(and need to) read/review regularly (doing so focuses your thoughts on where you are
going and how you are getting there indeed, thoughts lead to actions, which lead to
habits, which lead to results, which make you the person you become; but thoughts tend
to wander unless routinely focused)! One effective tool is a vision board, consisting of
pictures of your dreams/goals after all, your mind actually thinks in pictures. You
look at the pictures and, with a mere glance your mind is instantly refocused in the
direction you decided you want to go (your dreams/goals)!
There is an article in the Workshop Follow-up Handout explaining principles and ideas*
that will be discussed in the workshop. This will provide a great overview and reminder
of some of the most significant points covered, and will assist you in using/applying them!
* One principle/idea is the power of knowing why we are doing something having good reasons for
doing a particular task and striving for a particular dream/goal. Ever wondered why children are constantly
asking their parents, Why? theyre just looking for the reason/motivation they need for doing what
you are asking them to do! Sure, there are times when, for safetys sake, you need immediate obedience;
however, more often than not, you can and should explain things to your children so they will know the
why without having to ask. The last thing you want to do is stifle a childs curiosity.
MY COMFORT ZONE
I used to have a Comfort Zone
Where I knew I couldnt fail.
The same four walls of busy work
Were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things
Id never done before,
But I stayed inside my Comfort Zone
And paced the same old floor.
I claimed to be so busy
With the things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for
Something special of my own.
I couldnt let my life go by,
Just watching others win.
I held my breath and stepped outside
And let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength
Id never felt before,
I kissed my Comfort Zone goodbye
And closed and locked the door.
If you are in a Comfort Zone,
Afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were
At one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise,
Can make your dreams come true.
Greet your future with a smile,
Success is there for you!
(Author: Unknown)
READY, FIRE, AIM! (from the book The Success Principles, by Jack Canfield)
Most people are familiar with the phrase Ready, aim, fire! The problem is that too many people spend their
whole life aiming and never firing. They are always getting ready, getting it perfect. The quickest way to hit a
target is to fire, see where the bullet landed, and then adjust your aim accordingly. If the hit was 2 inches above
the target, lower your aim a little. Fire again. See where it is now. Keep firing and keep readjusting. Soon you
are hitting the bulls-eye. The same is true for anything. [www.PSLinstitute.com]
12
FOCUS
Ever say to yourself, "Im just not motivated." What you really mean is that youre not
motivated to do, at the moment, what you know you should be doing. Everyone is
motivated every action we perform is motivated motivation is a "given" it is everpresent. Perhaps a definition is in order. What IS motivation? It is that which incites action.
It is a present condition, circumstance, occurrence, or thought which impels one to take a
particular action. The action one takes can be either beneficial or detrimental. So, the
question is not IF we are motivated, but what DIRECTION is the present, existing
motivation taking us in the direction we WANT to go or in the OPPOSITE
direction?!
Now comes the "clincher." Since no action is taken without forethought, what we are
presently THINKING "governs" our actions! In other words, that which we FOCUS our
THOUGHTS upon dictates our actions at the present time!
All too often we are not focusing our thoughts on any particular thing that is were
not DIRECTING our thoughts proactively in the overall direction we desire. So, by
"default," our thoughts typically dwell upon whatever gives us an immediate, and all-toooften, temporary pleasure. (i.e. "The idle mind is the devils workshop.") HOWEVER, if
we have decided AHEAD of time, what we most want in life, and have made step-by-step
plans on how we will get "there," we have something worthwhile to focus our thoughts on.
The difficulty so many encounter is that we put our goals/plans aside after weve made
them (or, perhaps, we have not made them in the first place), not realizing that we need to
"refocus" our thoughts upon them EACH AND EVERY day! This is why it is so important
to START the day "right" through prayer, scripture study, and reviewing our plans/desires
for that day deciding (or having already decided the day/week before) exactly what we
want/need to accomplish today. Indeed, today is the only day we really have. Yesterday is
gone and our goals/plans give us a vision of what tomorrow can/will be, but the only "way"
to get there is by the ACTIONS we take TODAY! Today and each and every day, as
they arrive. The point being is that today is the only time within which any action can be
taken. So, therefore, it is incumbent upon us, if we want to reach our ultimate goals, if we
want to live life to the fullest, that we take the steps necessary, one-day-at-a-time that will
eventually get us there!
Decide what you really want out of life. Decide on a few worthwhile goals. Plan, step-bystep HOW you will get there (i.e. the "path" you need to/will take). In those things that
involve someone else, like your family, be sure to involve them in this process. Put it all in
writing (so you can refer to it at any time). Then focus your thoughts at the beginning of
each day on what youve decided you need/want to do that day. If you do this, you will find
yourself, at the end of the day, that much closer to your dreams/ desires/ goals and by
this means, along with your family & friends, find joy each day of your lives. ("This is the
day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24)
Ultimately, what you accomplish in your life is a result of what you accomplish in a
normal day. (Jimmy Calano & Jeff Salzman, founders of Career Track)
(www.PSLinstitute.com)
13
Possible Careers/Interests/Hobbies *
American Business
American Cultures
American Heritage
American Labor
Animal Science
Archaeology
Archery
Architecture
Art
Astronomy
Athletics
Auto Mechanics
Aviation
Backpacking
Basketry
Bird Study
Bugling
Camping
Canoeing
Chemistry
Cinematography
Citizenship in
the Community
Citizenship in
the Nation
Citizenship in
the World
Climbing
Coin Collecting
Collections
Communications
Composite Materials
Computers
Cooking
Crime Prevention
Cycling
Dentistry
Disabilities
Awareness
Dog Care
Drafting
Electricity
Electronics
Emergency
Preparedness
Energy
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Environmental
Science
Family Life
Farm Mechanics
Fingerprinting
Fire Safety
First Aid
Fish and Wildlife
Management
Fishing
Fly-Fishing
Forestry
Gardening
Genealogy
Geology
Golf
Graphic Arts
Hiking
Home Repairs
Horsemanship
Indian Lore
Insect Study
Journalism
Landscape
Architecture
Law
Leatherwork
Lifesaving
Mammal Study
Medicine
Metalwork
Model Design
and Building
Motorboating
Music
Nature
Nuclear Science
Oceanography
Orienteering
Painting
Personal Fitness
Personal
Management
14
Pets
Photography
Pioneering
Plant Science
Plumbing
Pottery
Public Health
Public Speaking
Pulp and Paper
Radio
Railroading
Reading
Reptile and
Amphibian Study
Rifle Shooting
Rowing
Safety
Salesmanship
Scholarship
Sculpture
Shotgun Shooting
Skating
Small-Boat Sailing
Snow Sports
Soil and Water
Conservation
Space Exploration
Sports
Stamp Collecting
Surveying
Swimming
Textile
Theater
Traffic Safety
Truck
Transportation
Veterinary
Medicine
Waterskiing
Weather
Whitewater
Wilderness
Survival
Wood Carving
Woodwork
This workshop is one of the most powerful/effective programs of its kind. Years of research and experimentation
have culminated in what you are about to get your hands into. Dont let its simplicity fool you USE these
principles and discover your unlimited potential! Study Learn Apply -- & Succeed !
ATTENTION: Any organization, educational or otherwise, is welcome to use this presentation (free) as long as it is
left intact, as is, including this statement of permission and it is given to the participants without charge (except to
cover minor, incidental costs). An excellent book you might consider making available to your students, as an additional
resource, is How To Succeed in Life, Ideas and Principles They Don't Teach In School, by Ned Grossman.
For discounts, send the publisher, Diamond Publishing, an email -- admin@grossmanconsulting.com
(Copyright 2004 Personal Success & Leadership Institute)
16
Career choices may well be more difficult today than at any time in history, for three reasons: there is infinitely more to choose from;
career definitions are more fluid and changing; and the levels of expectation are rising. Most men and women entering the workforce
today can expect to change careers three or more times during their working lives. Here are ten steps that will help ensure that your
choices are good ones.
1. Begin with your values. What's really important to you? What turns you on? What do you like to do so much that you would
almost feel guilty getting paid to do it? These questions are designed to help you get at one of the key elements in career choice:
values. Your values are the emotional anchor of all that you do. Satisfying careers are built upon the notion of a high correspondence
between one's personal values and the work they will be doing. Begin your career search by sorting out your values and writing them
down as clearly and succinctly as you can.
2. Identify your skills and talents. A skill is something you've learned to do. A talent is something you've been born with, or at
least that you seem naturally qualified to do. It's important to recognize the difference between the two. You may be skilled at
something and still not find it interesting. Chances are, however, if you are naturally talented at something, there will be a
correspondence between that particular talent and your values. Put another way: you are more apt to enjoy doing what you do well
naturally than what you have simply been taught to do.
3. Identify your preferences. From early on, we approach the world with certain personal preferences--how we perceive others,
how we think and make decisions, whether we prefer concepts over people or vice versa, and the extent to which we are comfortable
with uncertainty in our lives. For many, these preferences operate at a subconscious level, but they strongly influence the way we
function with others. Some questions may help: Do you regard yourself as highly intuitive? Are you outgoing or reserved? When
faced with a decision, do you rely primarily on facts or feelings? Your answers to these questions can tell you much about the kinds
of work you will find interesting and challenging. One way of sorting this all out is by taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator a selfassessing instrument that helps clarify these issues. If you haven't taken it in the past year, or at all, I strongly recommend that you
take it and include your results in your career deliberations. [Also recommend taking the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory]
4. Experiment. There's no substitute for experience, the more the better. It's probably safe to say that nearly every career looks
vastly different from the outside than from within. If you're new to the job market or if you are considering a career change, get out
and talk to people who are actually doing it. Take a job in the field or industry and see for yourself if it's really all you thought it
would be. And don't rely on a single authority or work experience. Within the bounds of the area you've picked, try to get as much
and as varied experience as you can. If you're committed to finding out about a certain career, you may want to consider volunteering
in order to gain work experience. That way, you'll be able to test out whether it fits your values and preferences. If you aren't getting
paid to do it, chances are you won't stay with it unless you like it.
5. Become broadly literate. In this high tech information world, there is an incredible pressure to specialize, to know more and
more about less and less. That's dangerous, because it increases your chances of being obsolescent immensely. Many people lose
their jobs and scuttle their careers because they have gradually developed tunnel vision about who and what they are and what their
capabilities are. The old debate over specialist versus generalist is being tempered by a new term: the generalist/specialist. That's the
individual who has been able to grasp the large picture while, at the same time, becoming expert on several of its parts. That's what
becoming broadly literate is all about. Learn as much as you can about what interests you and about the jobs and careers youre
considering--not just what those involved are currently doing, but about where the industry or profession is heading.
6. In your first job, opt for experience first, money second. If you're at the top of your class graduating summa cum laude, you
may be able to combine both in a single package, but for most new entrants into the workforce, it's a matter of priorities. A good way
of sizing up several opportunities is to ask yourself: "Which position will offer me the best chance of becoming excellent at what I
do?" And that may not be the one that pays the highest initial salary.
7. Aim for a job in which you can become 110% committed. Modest dedication and average performance are unacceptable
today. The problem is, with downsizing becoming fully acceptable you aren't likely to discover the truth of that statement until
you're out of a job! So, how to protect yourself? If you aren't able to commit 110% to what you are currently doing, start NOW to
find something in which you can.
8. Build your lifestyle around your income, not your expectations. Recruiters are famous for courting desirable applicants with
promises such as: "Why, in two years, you could be making X thousands of dollars". The problem is that many new entrants into the
job force buy into this line and begin living as though they were making the kind of money promised in two years. A better way is to
begin, right with your first job, to structure your lifestyle in such a manner that you can put away ten percent of every paycheck.
Starting early and investing regularly and wisely are probably two of the greatest secrets of wealth accumulation.
9. Invest five percent of your time, energy, and money into furthering your career. In terms of a forty-hour week, that's only
two hours per week. The point is, you cannot rely on your employer to spoon feed you. Employers today are oriented towards
immediate returns on their dollar. They will invest in you only when they can see an immediate or relatively quick expensive benefit,
or when they see extraordinary potential. Better to not count on either. Dedicate yourself to getting ahead by keeping ahead, and you
do that be controlling the one thing you can control: your dedication to being the best that you can be.
10. Be willing to change and adapt. If you re-read the preceding steps in this list, you'll note an absence (refreshing, I hope) of
emphasis upon goal-setting and a substitution instead, of words like "values", "skills", "talents", and "preferences". It's not that goals
aren't useful, but rather that they should emerge naturally from these other factors and, even though you may write them down and
paste them on your mirror, they should not obscure the need to be willing to change and adapt to new conditions, your own growth,
and developing opportunities. The distinction here is between "direction" and "plan". An ant has a direction, but not a plan. The ant
knows where it wants to go and is willing to turn around, back up, and change course in order to get there. But the ant hasn't written
it down, posted it on a bulletin board, or gained concurrence from all the other ants. The ant just knows, with absolute certainty, the
general direction in which it's heading and that it WILL get there. That's what modern day career direction is all about.
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Shale Paul, Executive Coach, and may be found at http://topten.org. Shale Paul wants you to
know: I work with individuals who are committed to getting ahead, changing direction, or simply growing! The original source is:
Written by Shale Paul. Copyright 1996, Coach University. May be reproduced or transmitted if done so in its entirety, including this
copyright line.
17
Artistic
Conventional
Social
Enterprising
1. Realistic. Like real, tangible things. Extreme examples are rugged, robust, practical, physically strong,
and frequently aggressive in outlook; such people usually have good physical skills, but sometimes have
trouble expressing themselves in words or in communicating their feelings to others (quoted from the SCII,
1978). They enjoy driving large machines. They enjoy creating things with their hands. They like
occupations such as mechanic, construction worker, fish and wildlife management. They prefer working
with real things rather than ideas or people.
2. Investigative. Includes science and scientific activities. Extremes of this type are task oriented; they are
not particularly interested in working around other people. They enjoy solving abstract problems and feel a
need to understand the physical world. They like ambiguous challenges, but not highly structured work.
They like occupations such as design engineer, biologist, social scientist, technical writer, and meteorologist.
3. Artistic. These people like to work in artistic settings where there are many opportunities for selfexpression. They have little interest in problems that are highly structured or that require gross physical
effort. They describe themselves as independent, original, unconventional, expressive and tense. They like
jobs such as artist, author, cartoonist, composer, singer, dramatic coach, etc.
4. Social. Social people are sociable, responsible, humanistic, and concerned with the welfare of others.
They usually express themselves well and get along with other people. They like attention. They dont like
working with machines or physical exertion. They like solving problems by discussions with others or by
changing relationships with others. They describe themselves as cheerful, popular, good achievers. They like
occupations such a school superintendent, clinical psychologist, high school teacher, and speech therapist.
5. Enterprising. The extreme types have a great facility with words, which they put to effective use in
selling, dominating, and leading; frequently they are in sales. They see themselves as energetic, enthusiastic,
adventurous, self-confident, and dominant. They like social tasks where they can take control. They dont
like prolonged mental effort in solving problems. They like power, status, and material wealth, and working
in expensive places. Some typical jobs include business executive, buyer, hotel manager, industrial relations
consultant, political campaigner, realtor, and television producer.
6. Conventional. Extremes of this type prefer highly ordered (structured) activities, both verbal and
numerical, that characterize office work. They fit well into large organizations but do not seek leadership;
they like to work in a well established chain of command. They dislike ambiguity, liking to know exactly
what is expected of them. They value material possessions and status. They like jobs such as bank examiner,
bookkeeper, some accounting jobs, financial analyst, tax expert, statistician, and traffic controller.
Review points on the hexagon. Take a look at scores on RIASEC. Most people are more than one type, but
its rare to have people similar to opposite points (e.g., realistic and social).
18
WORKSHOP NOTES
-- STEP-BY-STEP DISCOVERING YOUR UNLIMITED POTENTIAL
It has been estimated that we barely use 3% of our brain if that much. All too many people
live lives of quiet desperation, settling for mediocrity, hoping to arrive safely at death. Only a
mere 5% of earths population come even close to experiencing the full success they are capable
of; most exercise much less than 50% of their real potential and its just thatpotential
Until it is tapped and nurtured, it will not become that dynamic force it is capable of
becoming! And WHY is it that so many settle for so little? Society, and all-too-often, even
our own family, inadvertently impose their limitations on us and we submissively accept
those limitations.
Granted, our parents teach us more and more
Your Parents Own
independence as we grow up; nevertheless, they
Self-Imposed Limitations
unintentionally also teach us, by their own
example, their limitations and we allow their
limitations to become our own limitations.
[Balloon Demonstration] But all this changes
Your Imposed Limitations
when we see the light and understand the truth
--that we all have unlimited potential built into us
by our creator!
You
We know this because of the numerous examples
of people we see and learn about who have overcome their own self-imposed limitations and
have stretched out of their comfort zone to
exercise more of their potential, to eventually
become all that they are capable of, and who are
outrageously successful and if they can do it,
so can we!!!
For example, all it takes is 5 years
of study in any area to become an
IGNORANCE
KNOWLEDGE
acknowledged expert in that area.
(Doubt)
(Certainty)
The more we learn about a subject
Unbelief
Faith
(via books or in person with an expert
a mentor), the more certain we are
about that subject and the more likely
Stagnation
ACTION
we are to take action on it, thus learning
the skills necessary to become an expert.
[Diagram: Doubt vs. Faith] All it takes is discovering and pursuing your interests your
passions! The more we follow our passions, the more work becomes play we look forward
to it and cant wait till we get back to it! Our knowledge and skills, as a result, grow
exponentially and we are better able to serve others. As far as a business is concerned, the
profits we make are in direct proportion to the value we provide our clients!
In The Peak to Peek Principle, Dr. Robert Schuller states
that as you move forward, you reach a peak, and from that
vantage point, you can see the next peak to shoot for and
so on. By this process we get closer to our goal(s) and, at the
same time, increase our knowledge and skills our expertise!
And guess what? We reach success through (via) failure! Obviously we need to study things
out beforehand; however, note this -- much of the learning comes from failed attempts. In
reality, failures are stepping-stones to success! They actually speed up the learning process!
FAILURE
YOU
SUCCESS
The way most people think
YOU
FAILURE
SUCCESS
The way highly successful people think
This workshop is the result of over 40 years of research and experimentation in the area of personal
development, and provides a recipe that, if followed, will enable you to discover, uncover, and truly
awaken your full potential. The first step is to decide what you want out of life but more importantly,
what you want to give. What are you interested in, what are you passionate about, what do you think
you would like to learn more about?
If you are climbing a ladder, the wall it rests on is like your long-range goal, and the
rungs of your ladder are the tasks you perform to reach that goal. Unless your ladder
is resting on the right wall (i.e. you have the long-range goal you desire), the tasks
you are performing will not lead you to where you ultimately want to be.
However, once you have made this decision, you have now taken the first
step toward overwhelming success and the discovery/use of your full potential.
The second step is to break your goal(s) down into bite-size pieces (into steps, then tasks
the rungs of your ladder). They provide, if you will, the roadmap you need to get to your
destination. (Can you imagine how difficult it would be traveling to a destination across country without
a road map? ) With this roadmap, you can see from one-day-to-the-next exactly what you need to do.
Can you imagine how enthusiastic this will make you feel, seeing the specific tasks you will be doing
that day that will get you closer to your goal?!
The third step is to activate the power your subconscious mind. The best way to do this is via
Imprinting (from Advanced Formula for Success, by Dr. Robert Anthony). This consists of three
ingredients: affirmations, visualization, and feeling the emotion. First, convert each dream/goal into a
role (eg- Goal: A solid, happy family; Role: Patriarch). A dream/goal lies in the future and is a target to
shoot for; whereas a role is who you are. Write an affirmation for each role (a statement in the present
tense, affirming you are already the person you desire to be [in that role] as if you already are). Repeat
these affirmations each day, visualizing yourself successfully performing that role and imagining the
emotions you would simultaneously feel. This process provides the clearest possible picture for your
subconscious mind to focus on. Being the homing device it is, your mind will home in on this picture,
much like a GPS, and guide you with total accuracy and speed to your destination! Along this line,
another tactic to help you focus your mind is writing your Life Script.*
Finally, dream big dreams or, as Steven Scott recommends in Mentored by a Millionaire, shoot for the
moon. All things are possible the sky is the limit (i.e. there are no limits). Use resources (tools and
people), and what was impossible for one person, now becomes possible! A small business remains
small because it is limited to what one person can do in 24 hours.
This workshop is based on universal principles principles that, by their eternal nature, cannot fail.
The key underlying principle is thiswe reap what we sow. Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an
action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap an eternal destiny. However, we must realize that for any thought
and action, the resulting consequences are set. Bad thoughts/actions will reap bad habits and results;
good thoughts/actions will reap good habits and results. The best habit we can have is that of thinking
positive thoughts also known as having a positive attitude. Attitude is our frame of mind, our way
of thinking. The only way to change the habits and results we get is by changing our attitude#--the
thoughts we think and, therefore, the actions we take! Bad habits are easy to acquire, but hard to live
with; good habits take more effort to acquire, but are easy to live with. The only way to get rid of a bad
habit is to replace it with a good one this workshop makes it easy to do just that to select and begin
practicing those habits you most want those you choose to acquire! The results you get from this
workshop will be in direct proportion to your efforts to understand the principles and do the exercises
(you are the architect of your own life you now have the tools all it takes is for you to USE them)!
Your greatest tool is your mind.
* Your Life Script is a written document reviewing your lifes accomplishments. Pretend you are at the end of
your life and that you realized all your dreams/ goals/ desires. Write a history of these accomplishments! Start
with a rough draft, then, when complete, begin adding details. Use your imagination! The more details, the clearer
the picture and the quicker will be your progress (i.e. your subconscious mind needs an accurate, detailed picture in
order to perform its duty). Read this script, as well as your Role Affirmations, on a regular basis and revise them
when so inspired. To work and focus effectively, your mind needs to be constantly re-minded of the direction
you desire go a picture of your destination.
# An attitude of gratitude opens your mind to possibilities and solutions. Start/Keep a Gratitude Journal!
___________________________________________________________________
a
20% motivation comes from knowing how to do something 80% from knowing WHY. Make a list of all the
reasons why you should do it and with enough good reasons, your should will become a must!
What we are focusing on is excellence and excellence is not the result of random acts, but of the habit of doing
what needs to be done, each and every day ideally, doing MORE/ BETTER than what is expected!
c Procrastination is a habit that can only be overcome by replacing it with the positive habit of routinely taking
ACTION! All things come to an end. Its a fact of life we all know but work hard to ignore. We spend each day
as if we have an eternity to do the things weve always wanted to do. Why rush or confront our fears when we have
forever to do so? Why take steps to improve and leave our comfort zone today when we have so many tomorrows?
And this delusional thinking ensures the majority of people in the world settle for less than they want. It lures people
into putting off their goals and dreams until time runs out. (Jason M. Gracia)
( www.PSLinstitute.com/workshop.html )
Its great to be with you today to help celebrate this special occasion! Through your hard work and persistence, you
have successfully taken another step not only in your career but in life! I understand 37 of you studied Massage
Therapy, 65 Surgical Technology, 19 Medical Assisting, 3 Criminal Justice, 5 Information Processing, 1 Pharmacy
Technology, 1 Accounting, and 1 Business Management! [Total 132] Congratulations! Along with your
diploma, you will also be receiving the script of a workshop my company recently created our gift to each of
you!
Let me begin with a question what two things do we all want most out of life? Would you not agree, we want
to succeed, and we want to be happy?
However, isnt it interesting that the two are mentioned separately!
I want to be successful AND I want to be happy as if it were possible to be one and not the other! By a show
of hands, how many of you know (or know of) a person who, you would say, is successful but not happy? OK
now, how many of you know (or know of) someone who is happy, but not necessarily all that successful?
What does it take to be successful? What does it take to be happy? Can you be both at the same time?! Of
course you can! Lets take look at each for a moment
What is the key to success? As with all universal truths, it can be expressed in very simple terms. If you
accomplish something worthwhile, isnt that success? Doing what you enjoy doing and seeing the fruits of
your labors? (story: Football with Larry) What did this experience teach me? For one, God answers prayers!
Secondly, if you just take action if you just start, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to! There
are only two reasons a person does not succeed they dont start in the first place, or once theyve started, they stop
before they finish so, a simple formula for success is (1) Start, and (2) Dont Stop! Or, to put it into even
simpler terms, complete tasks. Another thought along this line break a goal down into bite-size pieces (i.e. create
a plan). Lets take a moment for a little audience participation if you know the answer, raise your hand
How do you eat an elephant? (Thats right One-bite-at-a-time!) As they say, by the mile its a trial, by the
yard, its hard, by the inch, a cinch! Its easy to succeed when we take small enough steps (baby steps) and each
time you succeed (complete a task), how does it make you feel? Exhilarated! Ecstatic! Thrilled! (Does it not?!)
Nothing increases our self-confidence more quickly than a series of completed tasks (Success breeds success and
youre on a roll)! Ask yourself: What is my passion? ( & pursue it!) Note: The underlying aim of all our
actions should be to replace bad habits with good habits for who we are and what we become is the result of the
habits we have acquired!
Now think what brings you happiness? Certainly doing what you enjoy doing and succeeding at it will bring
some happiness ... however, would you not agree that true, lasting happiness comes from caring for another person,
and having them care for you?! To put it simply, the key to happiness is build relationships (story: My Wife).
Caring for and loving others truly is the foundation of long-lasting relationships and happiness and one of the
necessary ingredients to loving a person is getting to know and understand them. And how do you get to know
and understand someone? -- by talking with them, finding out about their interests and desires, planning and doing
things together, working together enjoying each others company! and in the process, you will not only come
to know and understand them, you will also come to appreciate and love them. Note: All too often we have the
attitude of negotiating or compromising when working with another, when we should be synergizing. The first two
tend toward win-lose or lose-lose solutions the third leads to win-win!
In success and happiness, theres another element to consider undoubtedly at times we all fail and get
discouraged however, it has been said success is 90% failure! Think how many times you attempted to ride a
bicycle when you were first learning. Didnt you fail the first 6, 7, or 8 times you tried? (but you kept trying
why? because you saw how much fun your friends have who already know how to ride! and you wanted to
join them and have just as much fun!) Think of how many times Lincoln failed when running for various political
offices before becoming President or how many times Edison* failed in his attempts before inventing the light
bulb (10,000 failures)! Did you know Babe Ruth not only had the record for home runs but also for strikeouts?! Once Winston Churchill gave a speech to a graduating class. It was the shortest speech hed ever delivered
consisting of a mere 6 words: Never, never, never, never give up! If one is to succeed, if one is to build
strong relationships, one must persist. And instead of having problems just call them situations! This positive
frame of mind will do wonders for your outlook! Brian Tracy, a well-known motivational speaker/trainer, once
offered to help his wife with one particular couple she was counseling in their marriage. First he listened to them
then he said just two things (1) You have a problem. (2) What are you going to do about it? This got them
to start focusing on solutions rather than problems and they succeeded! Problems/Obstacles are, in reality,
opportunities # in disguise (in work clothes). Thats what life is all about growing through meeting lifes
challenges! Just keep your goals in mind, and they will motivate you (through positive expectancy) to be
persistent to keep on keeping on till you obtain that success and happiness that, through your persistence, is
inevitable! * ["I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward." - Thomas
A. Edison] # [Be an Inverse Paranoid!]
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Now for the final key How can we be both successful and happy at the same time? Tempus fugit is a Latin
phrase which means time flies and all-too-often the things that matter the most are sacrificed for the things
which matter the least. We must set priorities. (story: Rocks First) No matter how skilled you get at a task
no matter how well you do anything unless it is getting you closer to that success that means the most to you, or
closer to those people in your life who you truly love you are wasting your time! In other words, DO FIRST
THINGS FIRST. Theres not enough time to do everything, but plenty of time to do the most important things!
And now, I conclude with one of my favorite poems (Take Time).
[www.PSLinstitute.com]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------STORIES & ETC -Football with Larry
In the 4th or 5th grade, a bunch of us boys were playing touch football during recess. My team had the ball. I went
out for a pass, and caught the ball. No one was between me and our goal no one, that is, except Larry Grimes
only the most athletic guy in the entire school! My first thought was I may as well throw up my hands right now
Ill never get past him! But then I thought Why not give it a try?! So I said a quick prayer. I knew that if
I immediately took off to the right or left, Larry would easily chase me down. And then it hit me I ran straight
at him, full-blast ahead! By the look on his face, you could tell he thought whatever sanity Bob White used to have,
was gone! Well as soon as I got within a few feet of Larry, I faked to the right, then immediately swung around
to the left. It was just enough to throw him off, and I made it past him for a touchdown!!!
My Wife
Years before getting married, I decided on 3 qualities I wanted in my wife that she (1) loved children, that she (2)
was musically inclined, and that she (3) was intelligent and could think on her own. I prayed to find such a woman
and my prayers were answered (again)! Even before we got married, it was obvious that Donna loved children,
by the great job she was doing raising her three children from her first marriage. And her musical talents were
evident as she played the piano and organ at church she also had a beautiful voice, and had taught herself to play
the guitar! Finally, I could just tell she was intelligent and had a mind of her own however, it wasnt till after we
got married that I came to realize how much of a mind of her own she had(!) More than once since our wedding
have I told God I felt He might have gone a bit overboard in answering this particular request and, I have to
admit, Donna feels the same about me! However, in the process of raising our 8 children, Donna and I have
actually gotten our heads together on a few things and at these times have truly realized that two heads really are
better than one! ALSO, in all this, I have come to realize more and more what a special person I married. She truly
makes me happy, and I can tell she feels the same about me ( especially when we get our heads together!).
Rocks First
At the end of class, the professor placed a large glass jar on the table in the front of the classroom, and filled it with
rocks then asked his students, Is the jar full? and they all agreed. Then he proceeded to pour some pebbles
into the jar, till they filled the spaces between the rocks, and asked again, Now, is the jar full? and they all
agreed, again. Finally, he poured sand into the jar, filling in all the space between the rocks and pebbles, and said
"Now, I want you to recognize that this jar is your life. The rocks are the most important things - your spouse,
your children, your health anyone or anything so important that if they were lost, you would feel devastated. The
pebbles are the other things in life that matter, but on a smaller scale like your job, your house, your car. The
sand is everything else. The small stuff. If you put the sand or the pebbles into the jar first, there will be no room
for the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your energy and time on the small stuff, material things,
you will never have room for the things that matter the most. Pay attention to the things that are critical in your
life. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the
house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal." Take care of the rocks first, then the pebbles the sand will take
care of itself!
Take Time (Author unknown)
to WORK ( it is the price of success)
to PLAY (it is the secret of perpetual youth)
to THINK (it is the source of power)
to READ (it is the fountain of wisdom)
to PRAY (it is conversation with God)
#
Unlike a paranoid, who feels the world is out to do him harm, an inverse paranoid sees every difficult or challenging
event for what it could be something that was meant to enrich him, empower him, or advance his causes! With this
attitude (positive expectancy), one attracts the very experiences they anticipate (via self-fulfilling prophecy)!
26
To summarize the slight edge philosophy: when goals are broken down into their smallest pieces, you will see that
everything you need to do (today/each day), is easy to do and even though the results are often not immediately evident,
when consistently done over time, these little actions/habits reap great rewards in the not-too-distant future. The problem is
that these easy-to-do actions/steps/habits are also easy not to do, and when not done, will not have any immediate negative
impact however, in the long run, their omission will impact your life in a very negative way! (e.g.- not brushing your teeth
every day) Decide where you want to go with your life; then start consistently doing those little things each day that will get
you there! Starting requires some discipline; however, once each of these easy/small actions becomes a habit, you are then
on autopilot to your dreams and you will ultimately become that person you were capable of becoming!
27
and
Mentored by a Millionaire
by Steven K. Scott
The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires shows how anyone, no matter what their station in life at this
moment, can become a millionaire. The advice in this ebook is based on Brian Tracy's decades of careful analysis of
the habits and practices of hundreds of self-made millionaires. According to Tracy, successful people are simply those
who practice these 21 success secrets. Use these practical, proven strategies and ideas to move ahead faster than
you ever thought possible! Easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to apply, The 21 Success Secrets of SelfMade Millionaires shows how anyone can cultivate the habits and behaviors that will enable them to achieve not just
financial independence, but success in any area of life. Because, as Tracy writes, "The most important part of
achieving great success is not the money. It is the kind of person you have to become to earn that money and hold
onto it."
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Law of Cause and Effect
Success Secrets
* Dream Big Dreams
* Develop a Clear Sense of Direction
* See Yourself as Self-Employed
* Do What You Love to Do
* Commit to Excellence
* Work Longer and Harder
* Dedicate Yourself to Lifelong Learning
* Pay Yourself First
* Learn Every Detail of Your Business
* Dedicate Yourself to Serving Others
* Be Absolutely Honest With Yourself and Others
* Determine Your Highest Priorities and Concentrate on
Them Single-Mindedly
* Develop a Reputation for Speed and Dependability
* Be Prepared to Climb from Peak to Peak
* Practice Self-Discipline in All Things
* Unlock Your Inborn Creativity
* Get Around the Right People
* Take Excellent Care of Your Physical Health
* Be Decisive and Action Oriented
* Never Allow Failure to Be an Option
* Pass the Persistence Test
* Conclusion: Success is Predictable
"Your Workbook For Success" -- "This is a book about you. It is your personal journal. As you work through this book,
you will discover new things about the greatest person in the world and that person is you. lt is hoped that after you have
completed this book, that you will find new talents that you did not even know existed and that you have established new
goals for your life. But more importantly that you now know how you will be able to reach these goals. This is also a
dream book. So dream your dreams and then discover how you can realize your dreams. It is said that man can do anything that he sets his mind to. Look around you. Every product you see, every company you know of was at one time a
thought in someone's mind. Search your mind to find what your dreams are. Then you will be ready to look for the
answers to the problems standing between you and your dreams. And then you can learn how to solve these problems
and live your dreams...."
Get both the above in ebook format: http://self-improvement-ebooks.com/books/21secrets.php
Get the first ebook in audio (MP3) format: www.audible.com (one source)
In his book, Mentored by a Millionaire - Master Strategies of Super Achievers, Steven Scott takes the wisdom of the
richest and wisest man in the world, King Solomon, and pinpoints from this wisdom 15 strategies he has used which can
also make you not only wealthy, but successful in any endeavor. Here are these Master Strategies
1. Reprogram Your Mind and Attitude to Achieve Extraordinary
Outcomes
2. Plan to Your Strengths, Strengthen Your Weaknesses, and
Prepare to Partner
3. Power-Pass Your Lack of Know-How
4. Remove the Limits of Your Limited Resources
5. Identify, Recruit, and Effectively Utilize Partners
6. Become an Effective and Persuasive Communicator
7. Gaining a Clear/Precise Vision of What You Want to Achieve
8. Using the Vision Mapping Process of Setting/Achieving Goals
This is an exceptional book in which the author gives you complete understanding of these 15 strategies and thorough
details on exactly how to implement each. Not just theory, the focus is on practical skills, taught by one who has used
these very same skills to become a success in all areas of his own life (including becoming a multi-millionaire)!
Mentored by a Millionaire: http://www.amazon.com/Mentored-Millionaire-Master-Strategies-Achievers/dp/0471467634
28
Mort Fertel covers this system in his book: Marriage Fitness. We highly recommend the book! It focuses on
loving and valuing the person you love, and nurturing that love via connecting with each other daily.
Realize that love is a verb! As Mort states above, it requires effort and this makes all the difference.
29
If you want to turn your life around, take note of this -"If you keep on doing the same things youve always done
youll keep on getting the same things youve always gotten."
To change your circumstances, you must first change YOURSELF (i.e. your Habits).
Then, and ONLY then, will you do that "something" different that will turn your life around.
Question is Do you REALLY want to change? Can you say to yourself -- Im READY, now!
The Four Ds of Change
Disgust* with your current situation intensifies the Desire to change ... till you finally make the Decision
to do so. At this point Determination "kicks in," and you will never be the same person again you have taken
another step (dare we say LEAP) forward in becoming that person God meant for you to be!
Start TODAY by Brainstorming
So are you going to wait till your life is almost gone to become "that" person? Why not this year this month
this week WHY NOT today !!! Yes, TODAY can be that day that turns your life around. No one else can do it for
you you must do it YOURSELF and the best way to "get the ball rolling" is to sit down right now with paper and
pen and "brainstorm" write down everything you can think of that youd like to do and have places youd like go
people youd like to get closer to who/what youd like to become (i.e. DREAMS/ GOALS). (To really get this
ball rolling take our [free] workshop!)
Write it Down
Say YES to Yourself, and YES to Life. YES, this can be the day that you start reaping all the blessings Life has to
offer, and is "eager" to give you so WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ??? -- Go get that paper and pen and
START WRITING!
Change It Only Takes a Moment
* The 2 primary sources of motivation -- Desperation and Inspiration often a combination of both. In his book,
Awaken the Giant Within, Anthony Robbins states, when people finally do change, they do it in a moment, don't
they? There's an instant when the change occurs. Why not make that instant now?
A Sense of Urgency
Usually its the getting ready to change that takes people time ... the problem ... is that change is often a should and not
a must. The only way were going to make a change now is if we create a sense of urgency thats so intense that
were compelled to follow through Ive found that 20% of any change is knowing how; but 80% is knowing why.
If we gather a set of strong enough reasons to change, we can change in a minute something weve failed to change
for years. Obviously youre not going to lose 30 lbs in an instant what were talking about is your frame of
mind [mindset/attitude]. That can be changed in an instant and once changed, anything is possible!)
The Master Key
The "master key" is SELF-DISCIPLINE. Start this process of becoming the person you were meant to be by doing
something small/easy that can be done right now, in just a few minutes (like starting your master list of desires/goals)
and, as Jim Rohn puts it
Feel It by Doing It
Out of this [small] beginning youll learn how it feels to be disciplined. And from there, the Skys the limit!
["Success breeds success."] ` the key is to take a step today.
Start reading good books today. Start setting your first goal today.
Start a sensible weight-reduction plan today. Write a long-overdue letter today.
TODAY the Day of New Beginnings!
Make this -- the first day of your new beginnings a part of the week of new beginnings. Go ahead, see how many
things you can start and continue in this, your week of new beginnings. [Do this each week for a month it will
become a habit, and] youll never be claimed by the past!
Doing is Prelude to Becoming
The real value in setting goals is not in their achievement. The acquisition of the things you want is strictly secondary.
The major reason for setting goals is to compel you to become the person it takes to achieve them ... the greatest value
is in the skills, knowledge, discipline, and leadership qualities you'll develop in reaching those goals.
30
A DESCRIPTION OF THE
AREAS OF LIFE
Balance & Priorities
Family
Social
Spiritual
Health
Career
Financial
(www.PSLinstitute.com/workbooknow.pdf)
FAMILY
Of the six areas we are typically concerned with in
life, the first we will consider is the family for
this is where our life begins! Of all the influences
that mold us, our father and mother (and brothers
and sisters) have the greatest impact on us early in
life when we are most open and receptive to our
surroundings. Heres a poem that points this out
The Potter
I took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day,
And as my fingers pressed it, still
It bent and yielded to my will.
I came again, when days were passed,
The bit of clay was hard at last,
The form I gave it, still it bore,
But I could change that form no more.
Then I took a piece of living clay
And gently formed it, day by day
And molded with my power and art,
A young child's soft and yielding heart.
I came again when years were gone,
It was a man I looked upon.
He still that early impress bore,
And I could change it, nevermore.
--Author Unknown
Both Father and Mother
From numerous examples and accounts of families
with mentally and physically healthy children
and those with children that become much less than
their full potential, it has been proven that a home
with both a mother and a father is much more likely
to truly succeed with their children than a oneparent household. There are qualities a mother has
that are not built into a father, and visa-versa.
Men and women were made differently by an allwise Father in Heaven. They were created
differently to complement (not compete with) each
other. Certainly there are single parents who do an
exceptional job with their children; however, the
best way to get healthy, well-rounded children
started off in life is with both a mother and father
offering that well-rounded guidance and nurturing
that only a father and mother together can provide.
For those who wind up raising a child or children by
themselves, it is good to find a mother or father
figure to help fill in that gap where possible
perhaps even permanently (via marriage)! Many
SOCIAL
An area of life most closely related to the area of
family is our social area. Indeed, we are social
beings. Every day we have the opportunity, more
often than not, to interact with others.
We Need Others
The first social contacts we have are with our own
family members; however, if we are going to make
anything of our lives, it is typically through helping
others and getting help from others. Indeed, what
most motivates us to become all we can be? it is
to develop our talents to the fullest, then use them in
the service of our fellow beings! With technology
advancing as rapidly as it has, especially in the past
few years, it is impossible to be expert in everything.
Years ago, one could be a jack-of-all-trades;
however, in our day and time, it literally takes half a
lifetime to develop the skill necessary in many
fields to make a career out of them and it then
only makes sense to seek out the service of others
whose skill will supply many of our needs and
wants.
Interacting with Others
This necessitates interacting with others, and the
essential key ingredient to interact with others is
effective communication. And what does effective
communication consist of? listening and
responding. We mention listening first as it is the
more important aspect. It is similar to a doctors
need to diagnose before he can prescribe unless
he finds out what the real problem/circumstance
truly is, he cannot determine the appropriate
solution to that problem/circumstance! Unless we
are willing to take the time and make the effort to
first listen to the other person, how can we possibly
respond intelligently? And for that matter, what
would motivate them to communicate with us in the
first place if we show so little respect for them as to
be unwilling to listen?
Give-and-Receive
Communication is also much like playing tennis.
First one person hits the ball over the net; then the
other person hits the ball back over. It is an equal
give-and-receive proposition! The next time you
are talking with someone, pay attention to see if one
or the other of you is doing most of the talking. In
the ideal situation, there is balance. One
understandable exception is if one of you is seeking
SPIRITUAL
For our purposes, we will define Spiritual as that area of
life in which we acknowledge a heavenly being who
begat us, who loves us and who is vitally interested in
our personal development and well-being. Many define
this as religion. Almost all people believe in an allpowerful being who created all things, including
ourselves. It is our personal belief that the truth is found
in Christ, who is our savior and redeemer. It is within
this context that we continue this description.
In the Beginning
Indeed, this earth, solar system and universe were
created by an all-powerful and all-knowing being who is
our Father in Heaven who is, literally, the father of our
spirits. We were created in his image. We lived with
him in the pre-existence as his spirit children and agreed
on a plan (the plan of salvation) he presented, whereby
we could develop our full potential and become like him.
Our Destiny Our Choice
In this plan we would come to an earth he created and
dwell in a mortal body to be tried and tested.
Through meeting lifes challenges, we could
acquire/develop his attributes, and thereby return to him.
In mortality (earth life), we would learn to distinguish
good from evil and have the opportunity to choose
good, though tempted by evil.
We Are Not Alone
We would have a redeemer, even Jesus Christ, who
would bring the gospel into the world, set up his
kingdom, and suffer and die for us that, if we would but
exercise faith in him, obey his commandments and
repent of disobedience (sin), we would be able to receive
all the blessings promised. We would also be given the
Holy Ghost to guide us in this life if we would but
heed its promptings. We would have 24/7 access to
Heavenly Father via prayer and the promise/assurance
that our prayers would be answered.
Its All about Families
Earth life would be a similitude of our premortal life
with him in that we would be born into a family with a
father and mother who would nurture, protect and guide
us. We would eventually have the opportunity to start
our own family, raising our own children. All this
would give us the experience we needed to understand
and become like our Father in Heaven.
The Power of Knowledge
In addition to keeping the commandments, two other
factors are major contributors to our spirituality
understanding the scriptures and prayer (already
mentioned). If we are to be saved; if we are to have the
companionship of the Holy Ghost to guide us in this life,
HEALTH
What would the quality of our life be if we were in
poor health? Our life would be miserable or, at
least, less than ideal. If we are going to become all
that we are capable of being, it will be much easier
if we are in the peak of health; or, certainly, not in
ill health!
One Problem Two Causes
In his book, Never Be Sick Again, Raymond
Francis states, As fantastically complex as we
humans are, the fundamental concept of disease is
simple. Disease is the result of a large number of
malfunctioning cells (wide-spread cytopathy). He
further states, All malfunctions can be reduced to
two causes: deficiency and toxicity. Deficiency
means that cells are lacking something that they
need in order to function the way they are designed
to function. Toxicity means that cells are poisoned
by something that inhibits proper function.
Processed Food Hollow Calories
Many dont fully realize it; but most of the food you
purchase in a typical grocery store is practically
void of the vitamins and minerals they once
contained while, at the same time, choc full of
toxins known as preservatives. Such is the nature
of processed foods. The best way to assure getting
those nutrients our bodies need is by eating
organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables (try
growing your own garden and creating your own
rich soil via composting!) and avoiding as many
toxins as possible (we would say all toxins;
however there are so many contained in virtually
anything manmade [in addition to those processed
into canned or boxed food], that to be free from
them all would be a miracle, indeed). We can,
however, become more aware of possible known
toxins and do our best to avoid them.
The Overweight Epidemic
One major reason so many in our day and time have
become overweight is that their bodies crave more
food, hoping to get more of the vitamins and
minerals these foods once contained, but are now
void of. Eating food rich in nutrients will more
quickly satisfy our bodys craving, and the presentday epidemic of overweight people would become a
thing of the past. Being overweight is one of the
greatest contributors to a short life!
CAREER
For many of us, especially the men, much of our
lives are devoted to supporting a family via a career.
All-too-many look upon a career as just a means of
making money; however, for those who most
succeed in their career, it is a passion. We include
personal development under this category, as it is so
closely related.
What is Your Passion?
Mark Hamilton, in his book titled The Book (go
ahead and laugh, that really is the name of the book),
he describes the one quality necessary for real
success in a career Downstream focus happens
when your thoughts naturally flow back to your
work, even in the evenings and weekends. Is
watching TV or listening to a ball game or bowling
or hanging out with friends hard to pull away from
in your evenings? Those are indicators that you
have not experienced a downstream focus to success.
Every person has a door inside that opens to the
person he or she was meant to be Without
discovering and opening that door, you will never
soar.
A Free Resource
There is a free resource/tool available that can help
you select a career that is just geared to the specific
type of work you are most interested in. It is called
the ONet Career Interest Assessment. We have
incorporated it as part of an excellent workshop we
offer, also free, on our home website the
Personal Success & Leadership Workshop
(www.PSLinstitute.com/workshop.html) (you will
find the career assessment in the second session of
the workshop).
The Six Basic Career Categories
As you will find (in the above assessment), there are
six basic categories or types of work conventional,
investigative, entrepreneurial, social, artistic, and
realistic. Most careers are a combination of two or
more of these types. This assessment allows you to
select your top three preferences, then displays
those careers that most closely represent the
combination of your top preferences!
It Takes Thought & Preparation
Also, as part of the above workshop, you will find
an article describing The Ten Steps for Choosing a
Career your values, your skills & talents, your
FINANCIAL
Money and the use of money is such a significant
aspect of our life, it is given its own separate area of
consideration. Each area has an impact on the
others, and this one is no exception. It plays a
major role in supporting our family. Without it, we
would certainly have a difficult time developing a
career and putting food on the table. It even has
some influence in our social efforts/contacts. Lets
discuss it
Invest in Yourself
The most significant and valuable financial
investment you can make is in yourself your
education, career, business and health. Your ability
to succeed in anything in life hinges on keeping
yourself in good shape, learning all you can and
developing your talents/skills to the best of your
ability.
Pay Off Debts
When we are in debt, in a sense, we are in bondage.
As we all know, financial institutions support
themselves on the interest they charge and they
make sure they get that interest as much as possible
up front. There are certain things that are
understandable to get into debt over, such as an
education and a home; however, even then,
discretion should be used. There are other things
we absolutely should not get in debt over things
we just have a craving for but can wait. Interest is a
factor of debt that never sleeps and is never yielding.
It is our constant companion as long as we have the
debt, and will haunt us till paid. Control your
spending so you wont have nightmares. Live
within your means.
Live Within Your Means
The problem with our economy today is people
satisfying their wants before taking care of their
needs of the get-now-and-pay-later syndrome.
The most successful businesses and enterprises
started out small. The owner(s) were patient and
took the time to learn the ropes as they developed.
Otherwise, as the saying goes, you bite off more
than you can chew you hadnt gotten the
experience under your belt to adequately handle an
operation that started out too big. (Consider getting
a mentor. All the most successful people realize the
advantage of learning something quickly and
thoroughly via a mentor [along with reading] or
(February 2014)
(www.PSLinstitute.com/LCthoughts.pdf)
Eliminate
Clutter
As
they
say,
a
cluttered
desk
is
the
sign
of
a
cluttered
mind
and
has
the
reciprocating
effect
of
keeping
your
mind
cluttered
and
your
thinking
muddled.
Positive
Habits
(make
list)
(e.g.
Ben
Franklin)
Let
those
things
you
need
to
do
daily,
weekly,
monthly,
yearly
become
automatic
this
will
free
you
and
empower
you!
Use
a
Weekly
Schedule
to
assist
in
starting/keeping
Positive
Habits
Establish
routine
times
to
do
routine
tasks
so
they
will
become
habits!
One-time
tasks
and
appointments
can
also
be
added
to
your
schedule.
Focus
There
is
no
real
progress
without
bulldogged
effort.
Be
motived
by
knowing
why
whatever
you
are
doing
is
so
important
(i.e.
follow
your
priorities).
Small
Successes
Motivate
Break
down
goals
(via
planning)
into
bite-size
pieces
(tasks).
Each
bite/success
instills
self-confidence
and
the
enthusiasm
to
continue
moving
forward!
Power
of
Positive
Expectancy
We
eagerly
approach
each
day/week/month/year
when
we
have
something
to
eagerly
look
forward
to
(via
goals
&
plans)!
Vision
Board
Our
mind
thinks
in
pictures.
Keeping
these
pictures
visible
helps
us
to
stay
focused
and
energized.
Daily
Imprinting
Tap
into
the
power
of
your
subconscious
mind
via
visualization,
affirmations,
and
feeling
the
resulting
emotion.
THE
question:
What
next?
Focus
comes
from
knowing
what
to
do
next,
which
comes
from
your
plans,
which
are
derived
from
your
dreams/goals.
Your
LC,
as
well,
is
progressing
He/She
also
has
far
to
go
(to
become
like
Christ
&
etc).
Client
decides
their
own
Destinations
&
Plans;
LC
shares
Tools,
Resources,
Ideas
This
is
your
life
and
you
must
therefore
go
by
your
agenda.
Power
of
Gratitude
Nothing
will
free
your
mind
up
more
to
be
creative
than
thinking
of
all
the
many
blessings
you
have
received
over
the
years
review
a
list
of
them
daily!
*
Serve
Family/Others
What
could
give
more
meaning
to
your
life
than
realizing
you
helped
another
person
overcome
their
heartaches
and
stumbling
blocks?!
Soul
Mates
Realize
that
your
spouse,
like
yourself,
is
a
child
of
God
and,
therefore,
is
of
infinite
worth.
Love
them
for
who
they
are;
encourage
them
to
become
all
they
can
be.
We
are
all
brothers
&
sisters;
We
need
each
others
help
&
encouragement
Think
how
close
you
are
to
your
own
brothers
and
sisters
in
your
own
family,
then
realize
that
we
are
all
Gods
children
and
are
all
brothers
&
sisters!
This
is
the
Day
to
Turn
Your
Life
Around
(Jim
Rohn
article)
Start
small
and
begin
to-
day
to
become
the
person
you
are
capable
of
being.
We
are
each
not
only
of
infinite
worth,
but
infinite
potential!
(see
the
final
article
in
www.PSLinstitute.com/workbook.pdf)
FRAME OF MIND
Our frame of mind makes all the difference. A study of the scriptures helps us to see things in proper
perspective (Gods perspective) and we then know that because he has our best interests in mind, he has
tailored our lifes experiences (But for a Small Moment, Neil A. Maxwell) that we will be able to grow the
most and become like him if we just take these experiences in the proper light and act in faith. One
profound thought that came out of last weeks Sunday School (Gospel Doctrine) lesson from the book of Job-when you question the Lord (i.e. Why me?), you are showing/expressing opposition (and a lack of
understanding). We should rather ask: What positive lesson is Heavenly Father trying to teach me through this
experience? Elder Wirthlin conveyed this best in his general conference talk, Come What May, and Love It
and as one of our favorite hymns states: Count your many blessings; evry doubt will fly, And you will be
singing as the days go by. There is a perspective we can gain only when expressing gratitude, as Elder Bednar
mentioned in his general conference talk, Pray Always. When we are asking the Lord for things, we are
focusing on problems; when we thank him for things, we are focusing on blessings. Where is your focus? For
some reason, focusing on blessings, while keeping the commandments and putting our trust in God, opens our
minds to receiving revelation.
But
for
a
Small
Moment
(excerpt
from
speech
given
at
BYU;
September
1,
1974)
(from
the
book,
The
Inexhaustible
Gospel,
containing
21
speeches
given
by
Neal
A.
Maxwell)
it is because you have a rendezvous with destiny that will involve some soul stretching and some pain that I
have chosen to speak to you tonight about the implications of two things we accept sometimes quite casually.
These realities are that God loves us and, loving us, has placed us here to cope with challenges which he will
place before us. Im not sure we can always understand the implications of his love, because his love will call us
at times to do things we may wonder about, and we may be confronted with circumstances we would rather not
face. I believe with all my heart that because God loves us there are some particularized challenges that he will
deliver to each of us. He will customize the curriculum for each of us in order to teach us the things we most need
to know. He will set before us in life what we need, not always what we like. And that will require us to accept
with all our heartsparticularly your generationthe truth that there is divine design in each of our lives and that
you have rendezvous to keep, individually and collectively. God knows even now what the future holds for each
of us. In one of his revelations these startling words appear, as with so many revelations that are too big, I
suppose, for us to manage fully: In the presence of God, all thingsare manifest, past, present, and future,
and are continually before the Lord (D&C 130:7). The future you is before him now. He knows what it is he
wishes to bring to pass in your life. He knows the kind of remodeling in your life and in mine that he wishes to
achieve. Now, this will require us to believe in that divine design and at times to accept the truth that
suffering would be but a small moment (D&C 121:7). [also read Psalms 30:5]
(Excerpt
from
Come
What
May,
and
Love
It,
Joseph
B.
Wirthlin,
Nov
2008)
When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again. So the advice my mother gave to
me then wasnt altogether unexpected. It has stayed with me all my life. Joseph, she said, come what may, and
love it. I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the
birds dont sing and bells dont ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to
have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result. How can we
love days that are filled with sorrow? We cantat least not in the moment. I dont think my mother was
suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I dont think she was suggesting that we
smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to
adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. If we approach adversities wisely,
our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness. Over
the years I have learned a few things that have helped me through times of testing and trial. I would like to share
them with you. The first
thing
we
can
do
is
learn
to
laugh. Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when
someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his
ancestors all the way back to Adam? Or have you had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door left open
at the wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed, condemned, and avenged by a sore-headed victim?
There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh. The second
thing
we
can
do
is
seek
for
the
eternal. You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, Why
me? But the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must
experience sorrow. No one is exempt. I love the scriptures because they show examples of great and noble men
and women such as Abraham, Sarah, Enoch, Moses, Joseph, Emma, and Brigham. Each of them experienced
adversity and sorrow that tried, fortified, and refined their characters. Learning to endure times of disappointment,
suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the
time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our
compassion for others. The third
thing
we
can
do
is
understand
the
principle
of
compensation. The
Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be
added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every
tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude...The fourth
thing
we
can
do
is
put
our
trust
in
our
Heavenly
Father
and
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ. One of our daughters, after
giving birth to a baby, became seriously ill. We prayed for her, administered to her, and supported her as best we
could. We hoped she would receive a blessing of healing, but days turned into months, and months turned into
years. At one point I told her that this affliction might be something she would have to struggle with the rest of
her life. One morning I remember pulling out a small card and threading it through my typewriter. Among the
words that I typed for her were these: The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then
leave the rest to Him. She did put her trust in God. But her affliction did not disappear. For years she suffered,
but in due course, the Lord blessed her, and eventually she returned to health. I
know
why
there
must
be
opposition
in
all
things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.
As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near
to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, Come what may, and
love it. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
(Excerpt
from
Pray
Always,
David
A.
Bednar,
Nov
2008)
During our service at Brigham Young UniversityIdaho, Sister Bednar and I frequently hosted General
Authorities in our home. Our family learned an important lesson about meaningful prayer as we knelt to pray one
evening with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Earlier in the day Sister Bednar and I had been
informed about the unexpected death of a dear friend, and our immediate desire was to pray for the surviving
spouse and children. As
I
invited
my
wife
to
offer
the
prayer,
the
member
of
the
Twelve,
unaware
of
the
tragedy,
graciously
suggested
that
in
the
prayer
Sister
Bednar
express
only
appreciation
for
blessings
received
and
ask
for
nothing. His counsel was similar to Almas instruction to the members of the
ancient Church to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things (Mosiah 26:39). Given the unexpected
tragedy, requesting blessings for our friends initially seemed to us more urgent than expressing thanks. Sister
Bednar responded in faith to the direction she received. She thanked Heavenly Father for meaningful and
memorable experiences with this dear friend. She communicated sincere gratitude for the Holy Ghost as the
Comforter and for the gifts of the Spirit that enable us to face adversity and to serve others. Most importantly, she
expressed appreciation for the plan of salvation, for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for His Resurrection,
and for the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel which make it possible for families to be together
forever. Our family learned from that experience a great lesson about the power of thankfulness in meaningful
prayer. Because of and through that prayer, our family was blessed with inspiration about a number of issues that
were pressing upon our minds and stirring in our hearts. We learned that our gratefulness for the plan of happiness
and for the Saviors mission of salvation provided needed reassurance and strengthened our confidence that all
would be well with our dear friends. We also received insights concerning the things about which we should pray
and appropriately ask in faith. The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many
expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests. As I am blessed now to pray with apostles and prophets, I find
among these modern-day leaders of the Saviors Church the same characteristic that describes Captain Moroni in
the Book of Mormon: these are men whose hearts swell with thanksgiving to God for the many privileges and
blessings which He bestows upon His people (see Alma 48:12). Also, they do not multiply many words, for it is
given unto them what they should pray, and they are filled with desire (see 3 Nephi 19:24). The prayers of
prophets are childlike in their simplicity and powerful because of their sincerity. As we strive to make our prayers
more meaningful, we should remember that in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath
kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments (D&C 59:21). Let
me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask
for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts.
WHY
PRAY?
Because
we
all
know
the
importance
of
daily
prayer,
because
weve
been
taught
it
at
home
since
we
were
barely
able
to
walk,
and
because
we
hear
about
it
numerous
times
at
church
we
do
pray
every
day.
It
is
just
the
thing
were
supposed
to
do.
But
how
many
of
us
really
experience
the
real
power
of
prayer?
How
many
of
us
really
feel
we
are
truly
communicating
with
Heavenly
Father
and,
in
fact,
receive
ongoing
revelation?
Should
we
not
expect
it?
Indeed,
He
has
promised
it
Ask,
and
it
shall
be
given
you;
seek,
and
ye
shall
find;
knock,
and
it
shall
be
opened
unto
you:
(Matt.
7:7);
however,
how
we
pray
makes
all
the
difference
And
ye
shall
seek
me,
and
find
me,
when
ye
shall
search
for
me
with
all
your
heart.
(Jeremiah
29:13)
[Try
fasting
since
the
soul
consists
of
both
body
and
spirit
(D&C
88:15),
we
offer
our
whole
souls
(Omni
1:26)
when
we
place
the
desires
of
both
body
and
spirit
in
subjection
to
the
will
of
our
Heavenly
Father.
Fasting
and
prayer
help
us
learn
to
control
our
appetites;
they
also
help
us
to
hunger
and
thirst
after
righteousness
(Matt.
5:6)]
And
what
we
pray
for
also
matters
Yea,
I
know
that
God
will
give
liberally
to
him
that
asketh.
Yea,
my
God
will
give
me,
if
I
ask
not
amiss;
therefore
I
will
lift
up
my
voice
unto
thee;
yea,
I
will
cry
unto
thee,
my
God,
the
rock
of
my
righteousness.
Behold,
my
voice
shall
forever
ascend
up
unto
thee,
my
rock
and
mine
everlasting
God.
Amen.
(2
Ne.
4:35)
Now,
heres
one
thought
that
will
make
all
the
difference
in
our
prayers
becoming
a
meaningful
communication
with
God
as
opposed
to
a
routine
practice
we
do
solely
out
of
duty,
so
often
missing
out
on
the
real
fruits
of
our
efforts
[indeed,
effective
prayer
takes
real
effort
Prayer
is
the
act
by
which
the
will
of
the
Father
and
the
will
of
the
child
are
brought
into
correspondence
with
each
other.
The
object
of
prayer
is
not
to
change
the
will
of
God,
but
to
secure
for
ourselves
and
others
blessings
that
God
is
already
willing
to
grant,
but
that
are
made
conditional
on
our
asking
for
them.
Prayer
is
a
form
of
work,
and
is
an
approved
means
for
obtaining
the
highest
of
all
blessings.
(from
Prayer
in
the
Bible
Dictionary)]
-more
often
than
not,
effort
=
time.
How
many
times
have
we
said
our
prayers
and
as
soon
as
weve
expressed
whats
on
our
mind,
we
conclude
(usually
in
a
matter
of
minutes)?
Prayer
is
a
two-way
communication
weve
got
to
take
time
to
listen!
Try
this
experiment:
pray
for
(at
least)
15
minutes
and
keep
track
of
the
time
to
make
sure
its
at
least
that
long.
Youll
likely
run
out
of
things
to
say
in
the
first
few
minutes;
however,
stay
on
your
knees
and
LISTEN
it
will
amaze
you
the
thoughts,
inspirations,
revelation
that
will
come
to
your
mind.
Make
this
practice
a
habit
and
soon
that
15
minutes
(or
more)
will
pass
by
in
no
time,
and
you
will
indeed
begin
to
reap
the
rewards
of
your
efforts!
Another
thought
(also
from
the
Bible
Dictionary
on
Prayer)
As
soon
as
we
learn
the
true
relationship
in
which
we
stand
toward
God
(namely,
God
is
our
Father,
and
we
are
his
children),
then
at
once
prayer
becomes
natural
and
instinctive
on
our
part
(Matt.
7:7-11).
Many
of
the
so-
called
difficulties
about
prayer
arise
from
forgetting
this
relationship.
And
since
all
things
go
according
to
Gods
will
(and
His
time
table),
and
are
for
our
benefit
realizing
this,
most
of
our
prayers
will
be
prayers
of
thanksgiving!
Remember,
we
need
to
pray
with
real
intent,
as
did
Joseph
Smith
when
he
prayed
to
know
which
church
to
join.
Praying
with
real
intent
(Moro
10:4;
James
1:6)
means
that
we
fully
intend
to
act
on
whatever
answer
we
receive
from
Heavenly
Father
and
if
we
do
act
on
the
revelation
received,
he
will
more
readily
answer
our
prayers
in
the
future,
knowing
we
love
and
trust
him
enough
to
do
his
will
(Jn
9:31;
14:15)!
A
final
thoughtone
of
the
greatest
gifts
we
have
been
given
is
a
mind
with
which
we
can
think
and
He
expects
us
to
use
our
minds.
So
often,
if
we
just
prayerfully
ponder
upon
an
issue,
we
can
come
upon
the
solution/answer
ourselves;
in
which
case,
our
prayer
will
be
to
ask
Heavenly
Father
to
confirm
our
conclusion(s)
(D&C
6:23;
58:26-29).
KNOW AND DO
(SUMMARY)
Our success in life and our ability to obtain eternal life hinge on only two "things" -- know and do.
Know the Gospel, the doctrines, the commandments ... then do them, follow them, practice them! It
is a cycle: (1) Study to learn/gain knowledge, (2) Act/Exercise Faith on what we've learned, (3) the
results we get give us Perfect Knowledge and even greater understanding. [Then we cycle back to
step (1)] Each time we go through this cycle we are spiraling upward towards perfection (i.e. we
progress line-upon-line, precept-upon-precept). It is all a matter of taking action, of exercising faith;
however, there is no such thing as blind faith ... the ability to exercise faith is founded on the
evidence/proof we have, that what we are about to do will reap the results/rewards we have come to
understand we should receive, per the knowledge we have just acquired. Once the action is taken
(faith exercised), we reap the expected results/rewards ... and our knowledge has now become perfect
knowledge! In other words, to become like God, to become perfect, we must obtain perfect
knowledge (via our actions ... our faith)! The end result is that we become converted/born again ...
our nature/disposition changes (Mosiah 3:19; 5:2; 27:25) ... we become firm, steadfast, and immovable
(3 Ne 6:14) and "immune" to Satan's temptations (1 Ne 22:26); however, we must not become "at
ease" in Zion (2 Ne 28:4) ... each day we must put on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:11-18) via
prayer, scripture study, and keeping the commandments (i.e. the "cycle"). It takes a daily effort!
Mosiah 3:19 For the natural man is an enemy of God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be,
forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and
becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble,
patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child
doth submit to his father.
Mosiah 5:2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken
unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the lord Omnipotent, which has
wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good
continually.
Mosiah 27:25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, man and women, all nations,
kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state,
to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
3 Ne 6:14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be
broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a
few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were
firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.
1 Ne 22:26 - And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be
loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in
righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth.
2 Ne 28:24 Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!
Eph 6:11-18 - Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For
we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour
of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having
your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints;
Toward the end of Jesus mortal ministry, He said to His disciples, A new
commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye
also love one another (John 13:34). This was an important admonition for gospel
teachers then, and it is important for gospel teachers today.
The Apostle Paul emphasized the need for charity, or the pure love of Christ: Though I
speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as
sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and
understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could
remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods
to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it
profiteth me nothing (1 Corinthians 13:13).
If you have Christlike love, you will be better prepared to teach the gospel. You will be
inspired to help others know the Savior and follow Him.
In my own life, I wanted to be able to speak before large groups of people and, by my example and my skill as a
speaker influence them in such a way that they would be motivated to use the principles I would share to perfect their
own lives. I was open to ideas, to possibilities that I could use. One day a friend invited me to a Toastmasters meeting
a group of people meeting together regularly to assist each other in learning and practicing public speaking skills. I
was impressed with these people and the content of their program, and joined! Over a period of a few years, I
eventually earned their highest award, the Distinguished Toastmaster Award (DTM), having given over 40 speeches.
Just prior to this accomplishment, I was speaking with the head of Miller-Motte College in Chattanooga, TN (because
the receptionist was out, she answered the phone) asking her about their curriculum. When she found that I had a
personal development business, out of the clear blue she asked if Id like to be the commencement speaker for their
upcoming graduation. Momentarily, this put me in a mild state of shock; then, as I thought of all my speaking
experience in Toastmasters, I said, Id be glad to! After preparing my speech, I delivered it in the two clubs I was a
member of, to get their feedback. When the day of the graduation arrived, I felt ready. Entering the Tivoli Theatre, I
got acquainted with a few of the students, three of whom I was particularly impressed with and spoke about in the
beginning of my speech. [I had come to the theater a few days before to become familiar with the surroundings so that
I could more effectively visualize my delivering a powerful speech] There were 132 graduates, along with family and
friends the theater was packed! Not realizing there would be so many, my adrenalin was in full swing; however,
recalling that powerful speech I had visualized, I was able to harness my adrenalin, and use it to duplicate what I had
visualizedthe speech was a total success and what a boost to my self-confidence! I was now a professional
public speaker (not only did they express their appreciation with a gift, unbeknownst to me, they also paid me real
money)! Fortunately, a friend who attended video-taped my speech, and I was able to share it with friends and family.
What
this
all
boils
down
to
is
the
skills
and,
in
particular,
the
habits
we
acquire
we
make
our
habits,
then
our
habits,
in
turn,
make
us.
The
problem
is
that
good
habits
take
effort
to
acquire;
whereas,
bad
ones
just
seem
to
come
naturally.
It
takes
self-discipline
a
planned
and
intentional
process
must
be
devised
to
acquire
all
those
good
habits
and
characteristics
we
desire
(i.e.
becoming
like
God
by
becoming
like
Christ,
by
emulating
his
qualities
of
character
his
habits,
if
you
will).
In
his
autobiography,
Benjamin
Franklin
formulized
such
a
process
that
worked
very
well
for
him:
PLAN FOR ATTAINING MORAL PERFECTION -- It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving
at moral perfection. I wish'd to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination,
custom, or company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I might not
always do the one and avoid the other. But I soon found I had undertaken a task of more difficulty than I had imagined. While my
care was employ'd in guarding against one fault, I was often surprised by another; habit took the advantage of inattention;
inclination was sometimes too strong for reason. I concluded, at length, that the mere speculative conviction that it was our interest
to be completely virtuous, was not sufficient to prevent our slipping; and that the contrary habits must be broken, and good ones
acquired and established, before we can have any dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of conduct. For this purpose I therefore
contrived the following method. In the various enumerations of the moral virtues I had met with in my reading I included under
thirteen names of virtues all that at that time occurr'd to me as necessary or desirable, and annexed to each a short precept, which
fully express'd the extent I gave to its meaning. These names of virtues ... were: 1. Temperance 2. Silence 3. Order 4.
Resolution 5. Frugality 6. Industry 7. Sincerity 8. Justice 9. Moderation 10. Cleanliness 11. Tranquillity 12.
Chastity 13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates. My intention being to acquire the habitude of all these virtues, I judg'd it
would be well not to distract my attention by attempting the whole at once, but to fix it on one of them at a time; and, when I should
be master of that, then to proceed to another, and so on, till I should have gone thro' the thirteen; and, as the previous acquisition of
some might facilitate the acquisition of certain others, I arrang'd them with that view, as they stand above.
Be perfect (see Deut. 18:13; Matt. 19:21; 2 Cor. 13:11; Col. 3:14; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 6:1).
The Greek word which has been translated as perfect more accurately means complete, finished, fully developed.
b
God is our Father in Heaven, the father of our spirits (see Heb. 12:9; Rom. 8:16; Deut. 14:1; Ps. 82:6; Acts 17:29).
c
The Book of Moses is contained in the Pearl of Great Pricescripture used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Granted,
Jesus
was
without
sin;
however,
since
the
rest
of
us
sin,
we
can
use
the
process
of
repentance
to
be
absolved
of
it.