http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/664333
I’ve been afraid of heights my whole life. My earliest memory of this dates back to third grade. My school’s third through sixth grade classrooms were on the second floor of an 1890’s era building in the Midwest with a basement that rose several feet above ground level. For an eight-year-old, those two-and-a-half stories seemed as high as the Empire State Building. Fire drills were done on a regular basis. The fire drill route from this classroom was down the two-and-a-half floors on a wrought iron fire escape on the outside of the building.

I still remember the terror I felt at the anticipation of taking that first step out the window onto the fire escape. I tried as hard as I could to not look down through the iron bars, but the fear of falling down the stairs forced me to look. My legs shook the entire way down, and by the time I reached the bottom, I could barely stand. Even worse was the climb back up when the fire drill was over. I was too shy to admit to anyone how afraid I was, so I suffered in silence, dreading the next drill. How happy I was when I graduated to the seventh grade and a classroom on the first floor.

Fear is a funny thing. In its best form, it keeps you safe by making you alert to danger. In its worst, it keeps you from doing things, sometimes very important things. Fear can cloud your judgment; enabling you to talk yourself out of anything you have a fear of by employing any number of seemingly rational and logical reasons. It’s kept me from roller coasters, parasailing, and any other such activity that has any chance of lifting me far off the ground.

But I’ve become convinced that fear will only keep you from doing things you don’t want to do badly enough to overcome the fear. In other words, if you find a reason to avoid doing something because you’re afraid, you don’t want to do it badly enough to work through the fear and do it anyway.

This “ah ha moment” came to me as I stood on top of the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, Mexico. I’m a big history buff, and have always been interested in the Aztec, Inca and Maya cultures. While reading an article about the pyramids several years before, I told myself that if I ever went there, I would climb one of those dad-gum pyramids, no matter how high it was. My opportunity came a few years later when a friend organized a group tour to Mexico, and Teotihuacán was on the itinerary.

Finally there, I surveyed Teotihuacán, wondering which of the two large pyramids I would climb. I determined that if I were going to go through the combination of agony and exhilaration of climbing one, it would be the tallest – the Pyramid of the Sun – the third largest pyramid in the world at over 200 feet.

As I began the ascent, I thought back to that fire escape, my shaky legs and the internal torment I was sure to go through. Would I really be able to do it?

The Pyramid of the Sun is built in levels. At each level on the way up I could stop to catch my breath, renew my energy and stamina, and have time to encourage myself to go on. Each step up made my already-shaky legs even weaker. I found if I only looked up, I could make it from level to level with the least amount of agony.

When I finally stepped onto the top ledge, I felt a rare sense of accomplishment. I walked around the pyramid, taking in the view, recording the moment with my camera. I had really done it – climbed one of the tallest pyramids in the world and lived to tell about it. Even though I’d felt the fear in every step, I had wanted to do it badly enough that I continued anyway, no matter what.

Recalling my childhood fears and struggles, I wrote a children’s book about a baby robin that never learns to fly because of his fear of heights. In Flying Lessons, Robbie struggles to overcome the fear that keeps him from being the bird he was meant to be.

How many of us do this every day – let our fears keep us from being who we’re meant to be, or from achieving our dreams?

Tackling something so full of emotion is difficult to do all at once. Scaling a pyramid seems a daunting task when it’s viewed from the ground. Climbing it was easier when done level by level, one step at a time, with time to rest and reflect.

I learned to always look up. Never look down. The future is ahead, and looking back only makes you want to retreat to the comfort zone that kept you imprisoned for so long. It’s all right to be afraid. It makes the accomplishment that much sweeter. And if you slip, regain your footing and keep going.

As Robbie the robin learned, sometimes you have to take a few nosedives on the way to soaring. It’s a lesson for adults and children alike.

What’s your dream? Does your fear keep you from achieving it, or do you want it so badly you can charge ahead anyway in spite of it, step by step?

]]> Tue, 12 May 2009 00:41:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/664333 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/645415 The advantage of living is not measured by length, but by use; some men have lived long, and lived little; attend to it while you are in it. It lies in your will, not in the number of years, for you to have lived enough.
- Michel de Montaigne

When all is done, human life is, at the greatest, and the best, but like a froward child, that must be played with and humored a little to keep it quiet till it falls asleep, and then the care is over.
- William Temple

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:54:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/645415 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/628385
I will either find a way, or make one.
- Latin Proverb

The Stone Age did not end because humans ran out of stones. It ended because it was time for a re-think about how we live.
- William McDonaugh

]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:53:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/628385 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/624191
This isn’t always easy, but it is very simple. You have to act.

Seeing I can’t work with each of you individually, I’ve got three super tips for building self-confidence. If you take each exercise and act on them daily over the next 5 days - I guarantee you won’t even recognize yourself next week. Your self-confidence will skyrocket.

3 Tips to Build Self-Confidence

Here are 3 tips to build your self-confidence:

1. Release Your Trigger

If you want to build self-confidence quickly, then look for a trigger; an emotional trigger.

What is a trigger?

A trigger is an area in your life where there is a lot of pain and discomfort. When you resolve the pain or discomfort you have pulled the trigger. And this resolution opens up a whole new world of expansion and growth.

I’ll be honest with you. You have to be courageous to pull the trigger and resolve conflict, but when you do - you’ll get access to more power than you ever had before. It’s the release of these triggers that helps you make the largest strides forward ….in the shortest period of time.

One of the most influential triggers I’ve released was in my relationship with my dad. See my Personal Growth Series: 3 of 5 to learn more.

Exercise #1: Identify Release Triggers

Where is an area in your life where you are experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort? Here are some to consider:

* Relationships?
* Financial?
* Health?
* Spiritual Connection or Life Purpose?

Identify the greatest area of pain or discomfort. Become aware of how you are creating the problem - YES, you heard me right. You’re creating the problem. It may not have ever occurred that way to you, but once you take ownership for your experience, you gain the power. And once you take responsibility for your creation, you can release the emotional trigger.

2. Make Unreasonable Requests

You are only as big as your requests. Big people make big requests. The more you ask them, the easier it gets. Like anything it takes practice, but there is a science to it.

I’m going to pick on my dad (for just a minute). He doesn’t think he’s getting paid enough in his job, but he also doesn’t ask for a raise. And I’m going to tell you, if you don’t ask, you will never receive.

People cannot read your mind so this means actually saying something to someone - you have to be willing to express yourself and make a request.

In 2007 (when I was working as an engineer) I asked my employer for a $10,000 raise. That was an unreasonable request. I was extremely nervous but I asked them anyways.

Well, I didn’t get the raise in that first meeting. You might be thinking it was a failure right? Not exactly. One year after I made this request I received the $10,000 raise. I was pretty shocked that it worked, but it does.

Exercise #2: Unreasonable Requests

Have you been making unreasonable requests? I’m guessing that if you don’t feel that surge that comes from doing what you love, then you aren’t. Get in the habit of making unreasonable requests. Make at least 5 today. Start by asking this question:

What are 5 unreasonable requests I can make today?

Write them out and act on them. Get on the phone, go visit people and make requests - you’ll be so glad you did; by the way, email does not count for making unreasonable requests.

3. Create A List

This isn’t brain surgery. It’s really simple but it works. I’ve been creating a daily list consistently for the past year and it has changed my world - it will change yours. It helps if you have a target or objective but not required.

Exercise #3: Start Your List

Do you have a list of priority actions you need to take today? And I’m not talking about a shopping list or vacuuming the house; those aren’t priorities. I’m talking about a real list of priorities that will move you towards your target. Actions that you’ve been putting off for a very long time. Your list should include 5-10 high priority items. These are your MUST-DO’s. Actions that will get you real results.

“How about you? Could making up lists be the mind awakener, mind sharpener, mind builder to lift you to a new dimension - to revitalize your life?” ~ Frank Tibolt

Have you created your list? If not, why not? I love this. People will pay thousands of dollars on courses, products and services but they won’t do the simple things - like making a list, and then doing what’s on that list. Do it and it will change your life.

]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:43:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/624191 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/624189
There's nothing bad to be last-placed, if you are with dignity.
- Zdenek Zeman

All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.
- George Harrison

]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:32:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/624189 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/623357
1. Get an attitude of gratitude: Gratitude is one of the fastest ways to become inspired and increase your happiness. Make giving thanks a regular practice in your life and watch your inspiration soar. Try making a gratitude list before bed, encouraging your family to name things they are grateful for at the dinner table, or taking a ten-minute+ gratitude walk, where you spend the walk noticing things to be grateful for like the flowers in bloom, the adorable dog strutting his stuff or the friendly neighbor waving hello.

2. Up your endorphin levels: In case you need another reason to get your cardio in, do it for your mindset. Studies show that your brain gets marinated in powerful, positive endorphins when you get your heart rate up. I know, I know, it can be the last thing on your list when you’re stressed out, but make a commitment to get yourself to the gym, go for a hike, clean off the home workout machine and feel the power of your body’s natural stress reduction system.

3. Practice radical self-care: Stressful times often mean that you put yourself last on the list. I encourage my coaching clients to practice radical self-care and make themselves a top priority. Begin by making a list of five things you know refuel you (they don’t have to cost a dime). Is it a hot bath by candlelight? A walk around the block? Morning meditation? A foot rub from your spouse? Do at least one thing a week to recharge your batteries. When you are in a place of well-being, you’ll be able to give more to those around you.

4. Give back: There has never been a more important time to give back than now. Donating your time, energy, ideas, unused items and/or money to others who are less fortunate gives you a valuable perspective on your own life and encourages a state of gratitude. You don’t need to make a huge monetary donation to contribute—volunteer your time and make giving back a regular practice. Even just taking the time to smile to a stranger can be a blessing to both of you.

5. Experiment with affirmations: Affirmations are a powerful way to program your subconscious mind with positivity. They take very little time and are easy to do. To begin, write down five positive statements in the present tense. These statements are meant to be an antidote to negativity, so they should make you smile, feel optimistic and encourage a cheerful attitude. For example:
• I am a master at creating money.
• It is easy for me to attract great team members.
• The Universe is conspiring in my favor.
• I have vibrant health.
Say your affirmations aloud three times per day and see how your attitude shifts. I know that affirmations can sometimes conjure up images of the SNL skit with Stuart Smally, saying, “Gosh darn it, people like me!” Don’t let feeling silly stop you from this powerful practice. It truly will make a positive difference in your life.

6. Do a news fast: When my clients are overwhelmed with negativity, one of the first “prescriptions” I write for them is to do a news fast—to literally stop reading and watching the news. The media can bombard us with negative messaging and catastrophic thinking. With tools on the internet like ticker tapes and IM and cable equipped with 24 hour news channels; it is easy to allow news to interrupt you throughout the day. Take a break for one week from all media and see the difference it makes in your life. If your job requires you to watch the news, see how much you can limit your intake. You may just discover that you’ve been needlessly reacting to every bit of new information, causing undue stress and inner turmoil.

7. Stop complaining: During tough times it is easier than ever to complain, magnifying what you don’t want and creating more of it, because “misery loves company.” Instead, make the decision to be a positive light that shines brightly. Be a leader. Make a commitment to stop complaining and you’ll notice how your quality of life improves. Notice how much more goodness you attract to your own life, despite the prevailing challenging circumstances.

8. Focus on what you want: What we focus on grows. In brain science terms, this phenomenon is due to your Reticular Activation System (RAS). This is the area of your brain that determines what is important. You’ve seen it in action when you buy a new car—all of a sudden you notice how many other people own the same car. It is not that your model of a car wasn’t on the road before, it is that you decided it wasn’t important information to focus on until you owned one. We are always collecting evidence to prove our point and contribute to our story. So if we focus on what we don’t want, like the poor economy, our RAS will find evidence to support how poor the economy is. If however, you make a deliberate conscious decision to focus on what you want, you’ll put your RAS to work for the good of your life.

9. Surround yourself with positive people: Now is the time to be vigilant about the people you surround yourself with. Say goodbye to the “energy vampires” in your life and spend your time with positive, inspiring people. If you have a co-worker or family member that drains you, limit your interaction as much as possible and make a conscious effort to protect yourself from their negativity. Lead the conversation with questions and topics that evoke a positive conversation.

10. Take advantage of free inspirational resources: There are so many programs and offers of free daily inspiring quotes (I especially love http://tut.com/ and http://www.gotvision.com/), why not allow your day to be interrupted with positive thoughts? My company, Wake-Up Call Coaching, is pleased to be offering a FREE Tele-Seminar featuring high-profile woman experts called The Women Masters. Register for free now at www.TheWomenMasters.com. You’ll be glad you did!

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/623357 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/623355
With enough courage, you can do without a reputation.
- Rhett Butler

Simple, clear purpose and principles give rise to complex and intelligent behavior. Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple and stupid behavior.
- Dee Hock
]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/623355 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/623101
There will always be people who are ahead of the curve and people who are behind the curve. But knowledge moves the curve.
- Bill James

The greatest danger we face is not any particular kind of thought. The greatest danger we face is absence of thought.
- Henry Steele Commager
]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:53:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/623101 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/621611
There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.
- Euripides

The best mind-altering drug is the truth. - Lily Tomlin
]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:19:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/621611 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/621607
1. A Question Of Purpose

Asking certain questions can lead to more creative ideas. These questions don't include "How is everyone else doing this?" or "What is the usual approach to this problem?" Here is a better one: "What is the important goal here, and how could that be accomplished differently?"

The idea is to look past the form to the function, and find new ways to achieve that. For example, when you consider your job, the most creative approach is not to ask where you can find a better one, but to ask why you have one, and what alternatives there are. Is the purpose to make money, pay the bills, or work up to a better job?

Consider how you might accomplish each of these in other ways. Can you make a business of what you do? Can you write a book about the characters you work with? Can you get someone else to pay the bills (manage an apartment complex in exchange for rent and utilities?)? Can you design the position you want and then convince an employer that they need to create it just for you?

2. The Basic "What If" Question

This is a fun way to have more creative ideas. Just start asking crazy "what if" questions, and then find a way to make them not so crazy. Eventually you'll refine a few of your ideas into something useful.

For example, if you run a college and want to develop more creative ways to educate people and increase enrollment, you could start by asking, "What if we made a drive-though window for students, instead of another classroom?" That seems crazy enough, so you start looking for ways to make sense of it - to create something useful from it.

The first thing that pops into your head is a drive through window for the bookstore - that seems like something which might work. Taking classes at such a window just seems too crazy, though, until you consider the window as just the place the student gets his or her assignments. What kind of assignments? That's when you have your "breakthrough idea."

The name "audio college" enters your mind, and you imagine classes on CDs. People spend so many hours in there cars, so why not use that time? A student could listen to class lectures while traveling or just driving to work or to the store. This isn't appropriate for all classes, and on-site testing might be necessary, but perhaps as much as a third of the students credits could be accomplished in this form, and at a lower cost. Enrollment might go up with a system like this.

The key is to ask any "what if" question that comes to mind and play with it for a few minutes without criticizing any ideas that come to mind. Critical analysis should be done after this "brainstorming" session, so you don't discourage your creativity. Many bad ideas will lead to good ones if they are allowed to develop and change.

The two creativity tips here cover just a couple of many dozens of creative thinking techniques, but they are powerful enough to get you thinking in new ways. Why not try them out today?
]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:05:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/621607 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/621597
If you've got a big mouth and you're controversial, you're going to get attention.
- Simon Cowell

Good parenting creates an adult, not a perfect child.
- Russ Nelson

]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:56:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/621597 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/617263 ------------------------------------------------------------

You're having a good day. Your child comes home from school and whines about the bad day they had. Then your spouse comes home from work and complains about the day they had at work. Everyone is in a bad mood, and pretty soon so are you. Does this sound like a situation you have quite often?

It happens a lot for most people. The problem is that this type of situation can escalate, and the negative vibes start spreading to others around you until you manage to have pushed them all away. It doesn't make for a very good relationship all around.

The good news to this is that it can be changed. You can stop those negative vibes from taking control of your lives and start living the way you should. In a more positive manner. Here are some ways you can take back control:

* Set up a money jug:
Every time someone says something negative, they have to contribute a set amount of money, like a nickel, to the jar each time. To help everyone be more willing to participate, set it up as a contest. Have the person who has the least amount of money in their jar win the amount in the other jars.

* Keep a chart:
If you don't want to use money, then you can try using a chart. Use the same contest idea and figure out what the reward will be for having a better attitude. You could even award bonus points if they are positive despite something disappointing happening, like failing a test at school.

* Giving thanks:
This is not just something that people do at Thanksgiving. It's something that can be done year around. You could set up some family time every week and have everyone say what they are thankful for. By being thankful more often, you're instilling a positive environment to live in.

* A praise board
Set up a bulletin board in a place where everyone will see it. Give each family member a section of it, or maybe even use small, separate ones for each person. You can have people tack up notes on each other's boards or section of the main board, expressing something positive about them. When their boards are full, the notes can be put away for later when they're having a bad day and need a pick-me-up.

It will take time for everyone to adjust to this new idea, but by just making a few changes, the household's mood can change for the better. The little things can really mean a lot. Once your family starts being more positive with each other, take it a step further and share your good mood with your family and friends.

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:47:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/617263 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/617261 ------------------------------------------------------------

Thousands of people all round the modern world struggle to manage their time each day. Why? Why is it that we are always running out of time, running late, and unable to find time? I suggest it is because traditional time management techniques don't work anymore.

In my first year of coaching, ALL my clients and many other potential clients complained about not having enough time. I changed my business name to Time Creation, and I focused on the niche of helping people create more time.

Everyone I work with finds more time. Some people work 20% less per week. Some reduce their stress from 9.9/10 to 3/10. Others improve their productivity by 50%.

What was happening in my programs that made so much difference to these people when all the time management tools they tried didn't help? I believe there are three main reasons:

* Responsibility
* Personalization
* Letting Go

This was the starting point for the Time Management from the Heart principles.

THE TRADITIONAL TIME MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES ARE NOT ENOUGH

The time management techniques that are being taught now have essentially been based on the same principles for nearly 100 years.

The BIG question to ask is "Are these techniques effective today, in the 21st century?"

Let's have a look and see. Here are some of the most popular techniques that form the basis of most time management courses:

* Daily to-do lists
* Prioritized lists
* Allocating specific times for tasks

Let's see how these approaches really work. Many, many people use daily to-do lists. You ask yourself, "What do I need to do today?" and then write it on your to-do list. In my experience, this does improve most people's use of time, initially. Brian Tracy (author of "Maximum Achievement") suggests that a to-do list can improve your effectiveness by up to 25%. I have seen this happen for a short time.

Rhonda is a great example. She wanted to stop reacting to everything that came her way, both at work and in her personal life, and to feel more in control. She tried using a to-do list and felt better.

THEN things started to change. Her to-do list got longer and longer. The list continued to grow. The list got so long that looking at it made her feel stressed and under time pressure. Rhonda actually felt overwhelmed by her to-do list -- the very tool that was supposed to help her. Rhonda gave up on her have-to-do lists. Her stress levels came down by not using a to-do list.

Rhonda's story is very similar to many hundreds of people who have been through our coaching or DIY programs.

The simple fact is that in the 21st century, there are too many tasks to do. You can't do them all. You will never catch up. Each day the list grows, the stress builds and you feel worse.

Some people who have this experience then try prioritizing the list. Like Glen. Glen used the A, B, C, D method for prioritizing. At the end of the day, Glen had added more tasks to his list than he had completed. Glen didn't feel this was working, but he decided to try it for a full week. By the end of the week, he had gone past 100 tasks; nearly 50% were 'A-priority.' Glen considered using A1, A2, A3, but he decided it was too complex.

Prioritizing tasks does NOT help you get things done. And it seems to create more stress and time pressure because you see a growing list of A-priority tasks that are not getting done.

A to-do list does not help you get more done or manage your time. A to-do list only lets you know all the things that you think you need to do and haven't done. It is really a have-to-do list. How do you feel about a task when you are told you have to do it?

Another method that many people use is to allocate a time to do a task. David is one client who used this approach. He would look at his to-do list and then pick a time to do the next task on the list.

Well, what do you think happened? The same thing that happens to almost all people who try this. He did NOT do the task at the time allocated. Why? Because "stuff" came up, and David didn't remember the task, or he didn't remember to look in his diary, or it just didn't fit in to do the task at that time anymore.

It was very clear to me that the majority of people are not able to use these systems to help them improve their time management. The other factor is that most people have far too much to do than they can actually do in the time available.

I did some research and uncovered that most time-effective people have a simple time management system that takes an hour or so a week to update, rather than a complicated system that takes hours to keep up to date each week.

All of these people have a system they had worked out for themselves. The systems had some similarities but many differences.

The BIGGEST factor I noticed was their use of what I initially called intuitive time management -- and this became a major part of Time Management from the Heart.

Here are Time Management from the Heart principles. These principles are the foundation for the Time Management from the Heart system.

1. Let Go - You can't get everything done. You need to accept this is true.

2. Responsibility - Take full responsibility for how you spend your time.

3. Whole Life - Whole in one.
a. Structure - Use a structure and your intuition.
b. Capacity - Know your capacity.

4. Personalize - Develop your personal version of the approach.
a. Style - Recognize your thinking style and adapt your approach to suit your style.
b. Values - Get clear on your top 5 values and the behaviors that reflect these values.

5. Instincts - Trust your instincts.

6. Feel Success - Success is about how you feel, NOT how much you get done.

7. Build Your Personal Time Management System.
]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:42:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/617261 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/617257
Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear. - Albert Camus, 1913-1960, French Author and Philosopher

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962, American Humanitarian and Former First Lady of the United States

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:39:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/617257 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/616365 The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination.
- Tommy Lasorda

If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.
- Vince Lombardi

It's hard for many people to believe that there are extraordinary things inside themselves, as well as others. I hope you can keep an open mind.
- Elijah Price

Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.
- Leo Tolstoy

An artist's only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else's.
- J. D. Salinger

The character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:22:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/616365 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/614399 *** Quotes of the Week ***
------------------------------------------------------------

Statistics are no substitute for judgment. - Henry Clay, 1777-1852, American Politician and Lawyer

We can do no great things, only small things with great love. - Mother Teresa, 1910-1997, Albanian-born Humanitarian and Missionary

Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result. - Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900, Irish Dramatist/Novelist/Poet


Of all the joys of life which may fairly come under the head of recreation there is nothing more great, more refreshing, more beneficial in the widest sense of the word, than a real love of the beauty of the world. - Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon

The way I see it, If you want the rainbow sometimes you gotta put up with the rain. - Dolly Parton
]]> Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:58:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/614399 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/614359 By Emmanuel ogala
March 12, 2009 08:52AMT
http://www.234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/National/5388085-147/story.csp

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Bill, after almost six months of deliberation.

The bill, when approved by President Umaru Yar'Adua, will compel public buildings and places in Nigeria to provide accessibility aids for the physically challenged.

The bill, which was introduced by Heineken Lokpobiri, passed its third reading on the floor of the senate after a long debate and amendments.

In December 2008, Bode Olajumoke, a senator from Ondo, threatened to expose senators to the difficulties of the 19 million Nigerians who are physically challenged.

Mr. Olajumoke's scheme, called "One Day Disability Experience by National Assembly members," was to have Senators ride on wheel chairs, plug their ears as if deaf or be blindfolded. This, he said, would get the legislators to be sympathetic with the bill meant to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Kadir Musa, crippled by polio at childhood and one of the promoters of the bill, said he was happy that the highest law making body in Nigeria discussed the issue.

Mr. Musa said it was a good thing that the senate passed the bill to alleviate the difficulties of the physically challenged in the society.

"I have learned to propel my wheel chair most times by myself and even when I get help, they are always exhausted pushing me up a staircase," he said.

Enforcement is key

Nigeria has a significant population of physically challenged citizens, but they are not put into consideration by most designers of public buildings. Most times, such persons are unable to access storey buildings and are discouraged from attempting such adventure.

But with this bill, all public buildings will compulsorily reserve parking lots for the physically challenged, there will be wheel chair tracks and guides for the blind, amongst other aids.

Mr. Musa however said his group would not rest on the passage of the bill.

"It is the implementation of the bill that may present a major challenge," he said. "The bill also has stipulations for punishments for organisations that fail to comply with the bill when signed into law."
]]> Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:57:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/614359 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/612379
Simple words with the power to bind, to build, and to behold. If you’ve ever gotten thanked or given thanks, then you know its power. Just the fact that you say it can be enough to make a difference, just as not saying it can make a difference in a negative way.

“Thank you” isn’t just something that comes with “have a nice day” as you grab your paper or plastic. It’s a sincere sign that something nice has occurred. It’s not just an acknowledgement that you’ve been positively affected by something but a chance to return positive emotions back to the giver.

How can we tap into this powerful force?

* Be timely. Timing is perhaps the most crucial element of thanking someone. Waiting too long or forgetting altogether makes people wonder if you got that gift, if they did a good job, or if you really care. No hard and fast rule for what is a reasonable time in which to thank someone can be given, so “the sooner, the better” is always a good rule of thumb.

* Be appropriate. Sometimes, just a simple “thank you” will suffice. Most times, though, a more formal card (handwritten) will mean more than any gift. Of course, there are times when physical tokens of appreciation fit the bill, but be careful about going overboard as that makes one look like he’s either trying to be impressive or is buttering ‘em up for next time. Also, that sets up expectations of bigger and better for the next time, which is hard to keep up and really not what thanks are all about.

* Be receptive. Some people crave public attention. An announcement during an award ceremony or a toast during a special event might be just the thing to feed the ego as well as the spirit. For the shy crowd, that card and token are better. Giving thanks in the way that a person enjoys means that we care even more about him.

* Be personal. A thank you is even more powerful if some thought went into it. A book on a hobby he loves, a picture of his favorite place, or anything that is uniquely him says a lot.

* Be sincere. All the other elements are a part of our sincerity, but only a part. There’s a knowingness that comes with a heartfelt thank you. Sometimes, it’s obvious; other times, it’s just a gut feeling, but something just rings true to the receiver. That’s when thanks really hit home.

* Expect nothing in return. For a thank you to go deep into the soul of another it must be cast out without expectations, without conditions, without any strings attached whatsoever. Some people have gotten out of sorts because their thank you wasn’t thanked. They’re missing the point: it’s all about the giving.

What If I Forgot?

What if, after reading this, you think, “Oops, I forgot to thank so-and-so.” Now what? The fix is fairly simple: start with “I am really sorry,” then go to step one above.

Guru-cize It!

The following is an exercise for you to try at home, at work, or anywhere!

Who should you thank?
Someone who did something nice for you.
Someone you rely on.
Someone you love.
Someone who needs to feel appreciated.
Everyone else.

What to do when someone thanks you:
Open up and let it in.
Say, “You’re welcome.”
]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:07:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/612379 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/612377
You are your most important critic. There is no opinion so vitally important to your well-being as the opinion you have of yourself. As you read this, you’re talking to yourself right now. “Let’s see if I understand what he means by that . . . How does that compare with my experiences? I’ll make note of that . . . try that tomorrow . . . I already knew that . . . I already do that.” I believe this self-talk, this psycholinguistics or language of the mind, can be controlled to work for us, especially in the building of self-confidence and creativity. We’re all talking to ourselves every moment of our lives, except during certain portions of our sleeping cycle. We’re seldom even aware that we’re doing it. We all have a running commentary in our heads on events and our reactions to them.

* Be aware of the silent conversation you have with yourself. Are you a nurturing coach or a critic? Do you reinforce your own success or negate it? Are you comfortable saying to yourself “That’s more like it.” “Now we’re in the groove.” “Things are working out well.” “I am reaching my financial goals.” “I’ll do it better next time.”
* When winners fail, they view it as a temporary inconvenience, a learning experience, an isolated event, and a stepping-stone instead of a stumbling block.
* When winners succeed, they reinforce that success by feeling rewarded rather than guilty about the achievement and the applause.
* When winners are paid a compliment, they simply respond, “Thank you.” They accept value graciously when it is paid. They pay value in their conversations with themselves and with other people.

A mark of an individual with healthy self-esteem is the ability to spend time alone, without constantly needing other people around. Being comfortable and enjoying solitary time reveals inner peace and centering. People who constantly need stimulation or conversation with others are often a bit insecure and thus need to be propped up by the company of others.

Always greet the people you meet with a smile. When introducing yourself in any new association, take the initiative to volunteer your own name first, clearly, and always extend your hand first, looking the person in the eyes when you speak.

In your telephone communications at work or at home, answer the telephone pleasantly, immediately giving your own name to the caller before you ask who’s calling. Whenever you initiate a call, always give your own name up front, before you ask for the party you want and before you state your business. Leading with your own name underscores that a person of value is making the call.

Don’t brag. People who trumpet their exploits and shout for service are actually calling for help. The show-offs, braggarts, and blowhards are desperate for attention.

Don’t tell your problems to people, unless they’re directly involved with the solutions, and don’t make excuses. Successful people seek those who look and sound like success. Always talk affirmatively about the progress you are trying to make.

As we said earlier, find successful role models after whom you can pattern yourself. When you meet a mastermind, become a master mime, and learn all you can about how he succeeded. This is especially true with things you fear. Find someone who has conquered what you fear and learn from him.

When you make a mistake in life, or get ridiculed or rejected, look at mistakes as detours on the road to success, and view ridicule as ignorance. After a rejection, take a look at your BAG. B is for Blessings, things you are endowed with that you often take for granted like life itself, health, living in an abundant country, family, friends, career. A is for accomplishments. Think of the many things you are proud of that you have done so far. And G is for Goals. Think of your big dreams and plans for the future that motivate you. If you took your BAG—blessings, accomplishments, and goals—to a party and spread them on the floor, in comparison to all your friends and the people you admire, you’d take your own bag home, realizing that you have as much going for yourself as anyone else. Always view rejection as part of one performance, not as a turndown of the performer.

And enjoy those special meetings with yourself. Spend this Saturday doing something you really want to do. I don’t mean next month or someday. This Saturday, enjoy being alive and being able to do it. You deserve it. There will never be another you. This Saturday will be spent. Why not spend at least one day a week on You!

Action idea: Go for one entire day and night without saying anything negative to yourself or to others. Make a game of it. If a friend or colleague catches you saying something negative, you must put 50 cents in a drawer or container toward a dinner or evening out with that person. Do this for one month, and see who has had to pay the most money toward the evening.

** This article is one of 101 great articles that were published in 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. To get complete details on “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life”, visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/greatways.html
]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:05:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/612377 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/611259
In the business world, companies go through a great deal of trouble to figure out their mission statement. What does our mission statement look like, as spiritual beings, and what could we tell others who still search for a meaning to life?

I offer you this statement of purpose. Test it, share it, then shout it from the roof tops!

We are emanations of God, endowed with free will. Divine energy continuously flows through us as the life force that animates what we think, feel, say and do. We are meant to use this energy to do good, so that God’s light can expand through us exponentially, blessing the people we interact with and the activities we engage in. If we invest our allotment of daily energy into negative behaviors and outcomes, we end up sabotaging ourselves in the short and the long run.

We are supremely accountable to ourselves first. We will reap what we sow, either in this life or another. What we send out comes back to us multiplied, so that we might learn from our experimentation in the divine laboratory of life. This is the law of karma, from which no one escapes. Day by day, we evolve on several planes simultaneously. There is the personality, the self we know best, through which we think, feel and act. There is also our soul, the ineffable, deeper part of us that has lived many lives. Our soul’s destiny unfolds through our personality choices. When our life magnifies the divine energy that flows through us, our soul is earning her immortality. When instead, we dally with darkness, we jeopardize our soul’s calling and potential. This is why we must strive to conquer the negative patterns we created, that have followed us lifetime after lifetime.

We have a higher self, who evolves in the heaven-world while we evolve on earth. Our higher self watches over us, encourages us and protect us, especially when we make the call and strive to do good. Our higher self is the presence of the Christ, the divine mediator between God and man.

We also have friends in the heaven-world. Many of them walked the earth at one time or another, and mastered the challenges of life here. Their souls became immortal through the ritual of the ascension. They would teach us to do likewise, and we can call to them for help. We meet up with them at night while our bodies sleep, when our souls journey to the etheric retreats of the heaven-world for training.

The more we balance our karma and serve life, the more we fulfill our divine calling. An incredibly helpful tool to balance karma is giving mantras and visualizations to the violet flame.

Then, our soul will at last reach the level of maturity in God to merge with our higher self, nevermore to descend into lower levels of evolution. Like the ascended masters who went before us, we will become immortal. After our last physical body dies, all of our past-life personalities will crystallize into a divine personality that retains the light-essence of each lifetime. We will be new ascended masters, graduates from earth’s schoolroom, free to move on through the many levels of the heaven-world. ]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:56:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/611259 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/611251
To quote James Allen once again in his wonderful book, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he...A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts." I believe that our characters determine our life's destiny. If our current way of thinking is not assisting us in living happier, successful lives, we have to change our thinking to change the direction of our destiny.



What do Our Thoughts Create?
We will without a doubt become the sum total of all our thoughts. Any negative thinking, whether it be thoughts of hate, ridicule, deceit, worry, harmfulness, vengeance or hopelessness, we are but dooming ourselves to experience the reality that those thoughts create and will eventually manifest those negative results in our lives. Shaping our destiny in this way is useless for anyone involved. On the other hand, thinking well about people, seeing the good in a situation, being curious instead of judgmental with those that do not share the same beliefs as us, thinking calming thoughts of grace, love and gratitude will help manifest a destiny worth living for.

We cannot escape the fact that we become what we think about. As we think, we mould and create habits that are evident to our exterior environment and continually shape our destiny. Being that we all have both positive and negative habit patterns of thought, we need to release the negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts. Think of this as a scale. As you add more positive thoughts, the scale tips to the positive end. The more and more positive thoughts that accumulate, the farther away from the negative you get. As you continue to release and replace your negative thinking with positive thinking, you will create a better way of thinking consciously, which will then also become a subconscious habit.

Evaluate the difference for yourself. When you are thinking negatively about a situation, yourself or even others, how does that make you feel. Do you feel good inside, or do you feel angry, stressed, worried and disgusted? I doubt you get a good feeling from it, and I believe that those negative feelings keep stacking up and eventually become your reality.


Can We Control Our Thoughts?
If you think you may need to change your thinking, I have good news. We can control our thoughts. We generate them, so we can change them. Begin today by challenging yourself to see the good in a situation. Be curious, loving, compassionate, understanding, forgiving, caring and kind as much as you can. If someone has done wrong to you, handle it gracefully and intelligently without damaging your integrity. They do not realize that they are damaging their integrity. Don't let it damage yours as well.

What I want you to get from all this is that the thoughts we think lead to our ultimate destiny. The quality of the life we live each day until we exit from this world is determined by our thoughts. I know that I don't want to look back in my life and have regrets that I didn't control my thoughts and thus have many should have's and could have's because it will then be too late to do anything but live in regret. Be good to yourself and others and I believe you will experience a life worth looking back on and being proud of. It all begins with the thoughts we choose to think. Lets choose intelligently.]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:09:00 EDT http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/611251 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/604051
I have worked on him for his fear of thunder, his inability to eat premium cat food (he used to have permanent diarrhoea) and his basic self confidence – all with success using EFT.

We have recently moved from a complex (townhouses) in the city of Johannesburg) to a large piece of land in Hartbeespoort. It is a bush-like area with large pieces of land and you cannot easily see your neighbour’s houses.

In the past Uti would be extremely cautious leaving the house… checking for who knows what (I am sure Uti knew what he was checking for) and generally not being venturesome at all.

When we moved here he appeared to have a personality makeover. He became Action Cat. He was the first one to use the cat flap in and out (they have not had to use a cat flap before)… he explored the land, the other side of the road, down the road, under the culvert… he was Out There, showing the other five cats how it was done.

He was so proud of himself – being a trail blazer, doing things the others wouldn’t or couldn’t do. What a change for him!

Then… tragedy struck.

Our cat door has different settings and unbeknown to me the person who does our house cleaning inadvertently moved the setting key when she was cleaning the mud off the cat flap and in doing so stopped the cats from being able to get in from the outside (they wear magnets on their collars). We have a ‘racoon proof’ door to keep out the monkeys.

At 3am we heard screaming and wailing and rushed to see what was going on. We had to find the key to open the door and let in poor Uti who rushed in, bleeding profusely, panting and in total shock. Something had bitten him that was small enough to come through the cat sized hole in the wall and he was unable to push open the flap and escape.

We examined him and found a largish bite mark on one of his back feet. I put a drop of lavender essential oil on it and we put Uti on the bed to calm him down.

I immediately lay there and did surrogate EFT for Uti on and off throughout the rest of the night. I also did EFT on me for the guilt I felt that this trusting cat could not get in through the door.

The next day he lay on the bed, licking his wound and basically doing nothing. He limped badly if I put him on the floor and he hid behind some packing boxes for the rest of the day. That night he lay on our bed right next to me and did not move off the bed at all. I did more EFT on him for healing the wound, that he was a brave cat etc.

He continued to lie around and lick the wound and not do much else.

The following day I was out walking and wondering what else I could do for Uti when this big cloud of sadness came over me and I got tears in my eyes. He was a failure… he was depressed because he had ‘failed’ yet again. Everything he did was a failure… he couldn’t dig holes, couldn’t wash himself properly, slurped when he washed himself… and now this. He was a total failure now he had gotten bitten. None of the other cats had gotten bitten. Only Uti the Failure.

I did several rounds of EFT on him, working on Even though I feel like a failure I am a great cat… Even though I got bitten I am a trail blazing action cat… Even though I failed again I didn’t really fail as I now have a ‘war wound’ to show for myself and I am still a great cat.

I tapped on myself saying I am an action cat… I have war wounds to show for my bravery… I am a great cat… the other cats didn’t go outside like I did… I am a trail blazing cat… I am Uti the Action Cat… I can be a day Action Cat – I don’t have to go out at night if I don’t want to… nobody goes out at night… and felt a huge sigh.

I came back home and found Uti and stroked him and told him he was still our Action Cat… he was the bravest cat we had…

About an hour later I was working at my PC when I felt a cat brushing and bumping around my legs to say hello. I absent-mindedly patted the cat and then realised it was Uti! No limping! Purring around me as usual!

I stopped work and petted him and hugged him and told him what a fantastic Action Cat he was… he seemed very happy and he went and ate some biscuits without limping. Then he hopped up on a chair and went to sleep in a normal position not all hunched up.

He has gone from strength to strength… no more limping… swelling in his foot totally gone (also his front foot was swollen and that has gone down and is healing nicely) and he is now running about like he used to. Today I saw him across the road again with two of the other cats following him!

So once again, a big thank you to EFT – no vet visit, no drugs pumped into his system, emotionally healed as well as physically healed.

Uti the Action Cat takes a bow! ]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:39:00 EST http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/604051 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/604039
Guided meditation helps create the space within yourself to identify thoughts that are not working and replacing them with new thought patterns that enhance your life. Meditation isn’t a quick fix, but a foundation for real transformation

Several years ago I went to a lecture by Marianne Williamson. A person in the audience wanted her guidance on why her life wasn’t getting any better. This person had struggled with eating disorders and depression in the past, but she just couldn’t quite find her way out. Williamson asked her what she was doing to help herself. The woman responded with, “I go to therapy and have asked God to help me.”

Williamson responded, “Not enough.” I was stunned. Then Williamson continued, “If you had a failing liver, you would be taking medicines every day, where is your medicine for your ailment today? Not a once a week plan, but every day? Changing your life isn’t something you do a couple times a week, but every day.” Williamson suggested specific prayer (she’s a proponent of A Course In Miracles) and meditation as a place to start.

I absolutely and whole-hearted agree with Williamson – transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but as a result of many steps. This is not to say transformation is difficult as much as it is a habit – some habits are easier than others to change. To change a habit, first identify something to replace it with. For instance, you’ll see a lot of quitting smokers chewing gum.

For many people, their bad habit is how they are thinking about themselves or life, i.e. I’m unlovable or life is unfair, there’s never enough money. Both these thoughts cripple the individual and manifest incident after incident in their own lives to valid these negative beliefs. So like the smoker that quits cigarettes, one must quit negative thinking, but what to replace it with? Guided meditation allows you to replace negative thought patterns with ones of success and peace.

Try falling asleep to guided meditation and discover for yourself how these new ideas slip into your dreams and your language easily and effortlessly. Whenever I am needing a little extra support I listen to I Meet Success or I am Safe. Guided Meditation has transformed my life, how ‘bout you?


]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:14:00 EST http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/604039 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/570725
People confuse egotism with self love, it is okay to tell yourself you have done a good job that is not the same as going around and telling anyone within earshot how great you are. It is okay to give yourself nurturing messages of encouragement; it is okay to be your own best friend; that is not the same thing as trying to create an illusion of perfection so that you may be admired from afar.

Best friends support you in tough times rather than criticize you, they do not shame you for your mistakes but encourage you to learn from them and try again. Best friends accept you for who you are warts and all and love you for just being you. Best friends ground you in reality help you walk through the emotions until you can see with greater clarity the issues before you. And no one can be your best friend better than you can.

When you start to criticize yourself for your mistakes become a best friend and learn to be a little bit gentler on yourself. When you begin to flounder or have doubts become your own best friend and speak to your spirit with encouraging words which inspire and motivate rather than pull apart and destroy. Ask yourself this “what would I want my best friend to say or do right at this moment?” then do that.

It is not rocket science, it does not require any New Age twenty page how to guide, you simply treat yourself as you would treat your best friend with compassion, kindness and love.

So what are you waiting for? Become your own best friend, today!



Author's Bio
Robin Newman is an Australian Psychic mere mortal Medium creating futures and changing lives.
]]> Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:08:00 EST http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/570725 http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/570723 The second best decision in time is infinitely better than the perfect decision too late. - Omar Bradley

People will only follow you if they see you're ahead, are convinced you know the route, trust you, and want to get there too. - Patrick Dixon
]]> Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:07:00 EST http://Olowotee.tigblog.org/post/570723