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FYI #149: Self-Discipline Pays Big Dividends

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Dear High Achiever:

Religion, politics and money management are topics I typically stay away from in my personal conversations and in the FYI ezine. But today, I’m going to use a quote from the Bible because, in my opinion, it best illustrates the importance of Self-Discipline.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25:28

Or, if that visual doesn’t work for you try this one:

Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways. H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

The most difficult thing to master while creating Your Best Year Ever! is YOU. Yes, there are secrets, strategies and skills sets you need to learn and develop in order to have a Best Year Ever!. But mastering the self-discipline to receive the benefits and dividends is where most people stumble.

Clear? Good. But, perhaps surprisingly, my challenge for you today is not, “Are you working on your self-discipline?”

FYI Takeaway: The question you must constantly ask yourself is, “Are my goals, passion and focus driving the decisions, actions and discipline to manifest what I want in my life?”

Below are ten examples of how self-discipline can pay great dividends in your life, from a person I think, and hope, I know fairly well — me.

● The discipline of 45 minutes of cardiovascular training 6 days a week … pays the dividend of a lean healthy body.

● The discipline of resistance weight training 4 days a week … pays the dividend of strength, endurance and muscle tone.

● The discipline of going to bed at 10:30 pm and waking up at 4:30 am … pays the dividend of 6 hours of restful sleep and an 18 hour productive day.

● The discipline of writing daily and polishing at least some part of that to share weekly with you in this FYI newsletter … pays the dividend of 50,000 words of focused thought a year — the equivalent of writing two books.

● The discipline of working 50 to 60 hours per week at a career I love and am passionate about … pays the dividend of creating an income so my family can experience all of the “good things” in life.

● The discipline of investing 2 to 3 hours of quality time each day with my family … pays the dividend of children developing a deep, loving relationship with their father.

● The discipline of eating 5 or 6 well-balanced healthy meals a day … pays the dividend of increased metabolism and lower body fat.

● The discipline of enriching my mind by reading or listening to positive, personal development books or audio programs 30 minutes each day … pays the dividend of higher self-esteem, self-confidence and creativity.

● The discipline of studying and mastering the art and science of sales, marketing and effective communication skills every day … pays the dividend of providing a high level of quality, service and advice to my clients.

● The discipline of nurturing my marriage, focusing on my wife’s needs and understanding what she really wants is beyond my comprehension. (Just kidding; had to break things up with a little humor.) The dividends of being a loving, caring partner and husband have transformed my life.

Easy for me to say? I want to be clear in my communication with you about Self-Discipline. It is the hardest thing for me and most people to master. For me, the things that drive my obsession with self-discipline are my goals and my level of personal expectations. I’m really hard on myself and I like to think, not to a fault. To be disciplined –

You must know what drives you. I want all of the good things life has to offer not only for me, but for my wife, and my kids, and the people I care most about.

It’s important. Sure I wake up at 4:30am every day to exercise for me. But I also do it so I don’t take away from family time and can actually have more energy for family time. My wife and kids are still sleeping when I’m exercising and writing. It’s a beautiful thing.

The importance of my self-discipline to train and write early in the morning so I can be 100% present and focused during Family Time is immeasurable. My hope is that the dividends will be paid when my kids have to make a really hard choice in life and they come to my wife and me for the answer because they know, love, trust and cherish the bond we developed throughout their life.

The BIG 168. You, me everybody else on this planet only get ONE HUNDRED and SIXTY EIGHT HOURS each week. That’s it. I’m like a drill-sergeant about time; it’s extremely valuable and I guard it closely. Self-Discipline and/or Time Discipline will determine your actions, your productivity and ultimately the quality of your life and your legacy.

*** If you enjoy reading our weekly FYI/TGIM Ezine but would like a daily jolt of motivation and inspiration -  visit my new website and sign up for the Daily Inspirational Quote ***  – www.EmpowermentGroup.com

*** Important Announcement for FYI Readers ***

Please re-subscribe to my FYI Newsletter if you haven’t done so already.
I’m converting to a newer and more powerful newsletter program and I want to ensure that I include you in all future FYI’s. By Signing Up, you will not get any more or any less emails from me than you are receiving now.

I’ve recently re-launched my website www.EmpowermentGroup.com and my new blog www.EricTaylorsBlog.com.

Simply, visit my blog www.EricTaylorsBlog.com and re-subscribe.

You will see “Click Here and Subscribe to Eric’s Free Weekly FYI Newsletter”

I appreciate you taking the time to do this. As a token of thanks, you will be able to download the free Best Year Ever! e-book.

The Beginning -”How to Start Having Your Best Year Ever!”

As always, Thank-You for subscribing.

Make It Your Best Year Ever!

Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Success System and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. Eric can be reached at 732.617.1030 x114 or email Eric@SelfGrowth.com or Eric@EmpowermentGroup.com

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FYI #148: No More "Some Day"

Monday, March 16th, 2009

THE WORDS FOR THIS FYI are hard for me to write.

Someone very close to me was recently diagnosed with fourth-stage Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. So the words for this FYI don’t come easily or painlessly. But one thing I’ve learned over time is that –

Writing focuses your thinking. So creating and sharing this FYI with you is, I hope, useful for me as well as Informative and Inspirational for you.

The good news is: This is a very treatable form of cancer. I’ve already spoken to people who have loved ones that have lived for years with this type of cancer, even when it’s in its fourth stage.

The troubling part is: I know this isn’t a death sentence but it’s very disheartening watching someone I love age what seems like 10 years in two short weeks.

I often write about the importance of Carpe Diem — seizing the day. I believe, and I like to think that I live the words I write. I truly try to “walk my talk” and to test that conviction you only need to ask the people close to me.

But this FYI isn’t about testimonials.

This FYI is about a major life lesson for me and, I hope, one for you.

You may have had the experience of having someone close to you die; perhaps a mother, father, sibling or friend. If you have I’m sorry for your loss.

Thankfully, I’ve never had a relative or some very close to me die. The only person I knew and felt that kind of close to who died was Christopher Reeve. His death was a profound experience for me. I felt tremendous grief because he died only ten days after he had spoken at a seminar I produced where he was the featured speaker. I had a lot of anxiety and was very emotional on the night of the event; it created a unique bond between Chris and me. Even now I think about him every day.

But the reality of the experience I’m having right now brings mortality –

Even closer to home. I’m finding myself doing “The Rocking Chair Test” every day. It’s as if I’m the one with cancer and I’m thinking of all of the things I need to do. It drives home the idea that –

Today not Some Day. I imagine myself as an old man, nearing the end of his days. As I sit on the porch in my rocking chair and contemplate my life, I ponder if the decisions I have made (and will make) have meaning. Will I be proud or ashamed of my decisions? How will these decisions have affected the course of my life and the lives of others?

“The Rocking Chair Test” helps me take a long view of my options. If any decision passes the test, then I know that it was a good choice.

I don’t want to be all alone in a hospital bed thinking back on my life, wishing I had gone to Ireland … or I had spent more time with my kids … or hugged and said “I love you” more often.

I don’t know that my “someone-very-close-to-me” patient is thinking these thoughts. I only know that I don’t want to leave any “unfinished business” behind me when I die. This experience has made me realize more than ever that I – and I’m going to add, we – need to –

Live while we’re alive. Yes, I’ve always talked about creating a life worth living and a legacy worth leaving. Yes, I’ve always championed Carpe Diem. But today I’m adding a new step.

FYI ACTION IDEA: Today I’m creating a Must-Experience-NOW! List. It’s not a dream board or a goal that I want to achieve in the next five or ten years. It’s a list of things I need to say, do or experience Right Now — not “Some Day”.

Starting Today, and for the rest of my life, there will be No More “Some Day”.

FYI IDEA IN ACTION: Today especially, I’m Thankful For and Thank YOU – those of you I know personally and those of you I may not have met but who I feel close to because you make an effort to connect through this ezine. Your friendship and support are important to me. I greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness and prayers.

*** If you enjoy reading our weekly FYI/TGIM Ezine but would like a daily jolt of motivation and inspiration – visit my new website and sign up the Daily Inspirational Quote *** – www.EmpowermentGroup.com

Make It Your Best Year Ever!

Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Success System and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. Eric can be reached at 732.617.1030 x114 or email Eric@SelfGrowth.com or Eric@EmpowermentGroup.com

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FYI #147: Positive Persistence

Monday, March 9th, 2009

IF THERE’S EVER BEEN A TIME in your life to be persistent, it’s right now. Now is the time for you and me and all the folks we know and love to wake up every day with the mindset of “Positive Persistence.”

FYI ACTION IDEA: Do everything in your power to stay motivated and inspired. Read, listen and watch more personal development books, CDs and movies. Hang around positive people in your life who are thriving and who will encourage you to do the same.

Big “by the way:” When I refer to “Positive Persistence” I’m not referring to motivation.

Of course, you must stay motivated and inspired every day. Motivation is like deodorant, it must be reapplied at least every 8 hours. And, you and I know some folks that need to reapply both more frequently.

An inside story: There’s a joke that’s fairly well known in the motivational-speaking business and in some HR departments and executive suites. Maybe you’ve heard it before. But, in case you haven’t, I’m going to share it with you now because it’s clearly illustrates the distinction between being “Positively Persistent” and “motivated.”

“If you send an idiot to a motivational seminar,
he’ll come back to the office a motivated idiot.”

You and I are not idiots. We know the economy is bad and people are struggling. But like you, I chose to not expose myself to the exacerbated redundancy that every so-called “news” channel is airing.

The global and economic news has been so disheartening even NBC’s Nightly News anchor Brian Williams asked viewers to send in suggestions for good news. Within two days he was flooded with thousands of responses from people who had good news to share.

So there is “Positive” out there. And people want and need more of it. And via FYI and TGIM and my blog and SelfGrowth.com and whatever other ways we can think of, we’re going to “Persist” in bringing it to you.

FYI Challenge: When we do, you must do your part.

Today is the day: The day to dig your heels in, work harder, work smarter and have a “Positive Persistence” in your demeanor.

There are people all around us claiming defeat. Every word out of their mouths is about how bad the economy is.

And they’re right. Things are bad, not to the extent of The Great Depression, but close, Ronald-Reagan-era close.

It’s a fact. But it’s not time to anesthetize the pain. When there’s pain –

That’s where “Positive Persistence” comes in. Winners will face the challenge.

You and I cannot afford to focus on how bad the economy is, think about it and talk about it, every second of the day.

Why?

We have families and companies that are counting us to lead them through, by being smart, strong and persistent.

“POSITIVE PERSISTENCE” IN ACTION: If you feed your belief and your faith, You WILL Persist! You WILL starve fear and doubt to death.

Belief + Faith = Persistence

I’m putting a YouTube link in today’s FYI which I encourage you to watch. It’s from the 2006 movie Facing the Giants. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vB59PkB0eQ

The movie is about belief, faith and persistence. It’s worth the six minutes you’ll invest watching it.

Below are two quotes about persistence. Both are profound and insightful in their own way.

“ Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race” – Calvin Coolidge

“Some guys they just give up living, Others start dying little by little, piece by piece, Some guys come home from work and wash up, And go racing in the streets.” – Bruce Springsteen

*** If you enjoy reading our weekly FYI/TGIM Ezine but would like a daily jolt of motivation and inspiration – visit my new website and sign up the Daily Inspirational Quote *** – www.EmpowermentGroup.com

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FYI #146: Trust Your Instincts

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

Dear High Achiever:

HAVE YOU EVER SAID: “I should have gone with my gut.” Or “I don’t have a good feeling about this.” Or “That person gives me the creeps, I don’t like their vibe.” Or “I’ve just got a hunch this is the right decision”.

I‘ve got a feeling: That you’ve said at least one.

In fact, my own Spidey Sense tells me you’ve said or thought more than one. You’ve probably had experience with all of them. And -

You were probably right.

How often do you go with your visceral instincts? I hope you answered, “Always” or at least “Almost always”.

Trusting your instincts takes courage and belief in self.

FYI ACTION IDEA: I often talk about the importance of developing a bullet-proof belief system because it’s the foundation for everything you do.

You and I are exposed to thousands of messages everyday from multiple mediums. Of course, we filter many of them out but we also internalize many of them.

What do I mean by “internalize them?”

I simply mean, we process, think about and evaluate new information and then make some sort of decision as to whether or not we are going to take any action on the information we’ve been exposed to.

Welcome to the 21st Century. Technology has forced the hand; it challenges us to process more information today than any other time in history. As a consequence of the frequency and volume of information that is available every day our daily “gut-check meter” should be going off constantly.

I’ve worked hard at controlling the flow of information I expose myself to and I’ve developed some new disciplines that help me stay focused on my priorities, activities and behaviors.

If I can recommend a book that’s been a great resource and has helped me tremendously with controlling and prioritizing information, it’s The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss. I highly recommend buying the book or, at a minimum, Google Tim. Also read his blog and take a look at his Not-To-Do List: 9 Habits to Stop Now and see if you get a “Good Vibe.”

Dollars-and-sense decisions. Some “gut-checks” are more valuable or more costly than others. I place high-value on high-priority “gut-checks” and I encourage you to do the same. I don’t just mean financial value, although speaking from experience, it’s an important one. Consider what the cost might be in terms of time-value, emotional-value, life- and career-value.

I am certain when I tell you: There were two times in my life I went against my instincts. One was in a personal relationship and one in business. Both ended up costing me a fortune in every area I referenced above.

What’s funny (actually not so funny) is that I knew it going in to both situations but I didn’t have the guts to trust my instincts. I started a heck of a personal sales pitch on myself detailing why I should enter into both scenarios. And, hey, I’m a good salesman. And the salesman side of me was very convincing and won.

I also have to tell you: At the time I made those decisions my self-confidence and self-esteem were low. I was down and I didn’t feel good about ME, overall.

Fast forward to today and things are radically different.

Now I always trust my gut. Here’s what’s different:

• My Personal Energy is at a peak. (I train/exercise, eat and sleep right.)
• My Self Belief is bullet-proof. (I work hard at personal development every day.)
• My Goals are clear and concise. (Written down with a solid “Why.”)
• My Time is prioritized and focused. (I have a high price tag on every waking minute.)
• My Communication is direct. (My conversations are pointed.)
• My Relationships are real. (I spend time with people I truly love.)
• I am Personally Empowered. (I give without expectations of reciprocity.)

You and I know our personal truths. We all know the difference between right and wrong and the actions that are right and wrong for us. I believe that inherently.

I also believe: Being aligned and congruent with your core values and beliefs will help you remain consistent and help you to “Trust Your Instincts.” It’s about being clear in each of the areas bulleted above.

If your gut is telling you to forward this FYI to five friends, I’d go with it!

Make It Your Best Year Ever!

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FYI #145: You Can't Get There From Here

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

I LIKE TO THINK — and hope, if you know me personally, you would agree – I’m an eternally positive and trusting person, sometimes to a fault. So, if you know me personally or have been receiving this e-zine for any length of time, you might think the kinda pessimistic and negative-sounding title for this FYI is incongruent with the person you’ve come to know.

The truth is: I believe you can be, do, have and get anything or anywhere you want in life by modeling the right behavior, attitude and strategies used by others who have achieved the outcome you desire.

FYI ACTION IDEA: Whenever I want to accomplish a goal, I find the person or people who are the “best” at doing what I want to do, and I simply model their process.

How?

I cover the B.A.S.E.S. I use the acronym B.A.S.E.S. to remind me of what I need to do to reach my destination and attain my goal.

Behavior – Attitude – Strategy – Energy – Success

So far, so good? Good. But, over the past few years, I’ve taken it one step further.

The “one-step further” is this: I deeply assess the changes I have to make on a daily basis so I’m certain they are congruent with my overall life plan.

I guess I’m still carrying around my Catholic guilt. So, in the spirit of that background, I’ll make -

My second confession today. Historically, one of the greatest obstacles I’ve had to overcome has been ME!

Case in point: The first obstacle was my ego, which wanted to fly around the world and motivate perfect strangers!

You see, 8 years ago I made the decision to position myself as a nationally recognized “motivational speaker.” I wanted to fly around the world and give seminars and speeches to anyone who would listen. As a personal marketing strategy and to get hands-on experience, I booked national best-selling authors and speakers, paid their fee and flew them into Jersey to do seminars.

It worked! Corporations started calling. Before I knew it I was flying to Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico. I was taking every speaking engagement I could.

Then, about three years ago after Luke, my fourth child, was born, I realized that if I continued down this path my children would have a father they’d be able to see only in a “Media Kit” or on a “Promotional DVD”.

That idea did not work. It was NOT congruent with my overall life plan.

I couldn’t fly around the world, spend two hundred nights in a hotel and expect my kids and wife to recognize me when I came home.

My own Dad has been a great role model for my life plan. Besides his unconditional love and support, he came to every single sporting event I ever played. When I look back today and attend one of my kids’ games, I realize the kind of commitment and personal sacrifice my Dad made to do that.

To remind me of the importance of spending quality time and being there for my children, I have a poster in my office that reads:

PRIORITIES
A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove … but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

So three years ago I made a decision and embarked on another personal and professional transformation. I had to ask myself some serious questions and change my thinking.

The fundamental question I asked myself was:

“How can I redesign my life and my career, still do what I love, earn the money I need to support a wife and five kids and spend quality time with my family?”

The answer was in a quote from my friend Al.

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. Albert Einstein

FYI – For Your Information and Inspiration: Here is the challenge you and I will have when assessing our overall life plan.

We’ll have to make changes. Most people don’t want to change; it’s uncomfortable and sometimes even excruciatingly painful to change. But I’m here to tell you: Very often -

Change is a necessity. If your overall life plan is not working the way it’s supposed to, you must realize that, without change -

You Can’t Get There From Here!

You can call me Al: You can’t stay where you are now and expect to get where you want to go. It’s the definition of insanity and the primary cause of low self-esteem and self-confidence.

Whatever you ultimately decide you want your life and legacy to look like, you must decide, find mentors and cover your B.A.S.E.S.

But most important: You must realize that nothing will change until you change. You can’t remain “here” forever. The train has to leave the station … the boat has to leave the dock … and plane has to leave the runway to begin the journey.

Bon voyage!

Make It Your Best Year Ever!

Eric Taylor is the Chief Inspiration Officer of SelfGrowth.com and founder of New Jersey based Empowerment Group International. He delivers more than 100 energized and interactive keynotes, workshops and seminars each year to corporations, associations and tradeshows. He is the author of the Energy Passport, Co-creator of the Best Year Ever! Success System and Co-author of The Complete Sales Training Encyclopedia. Eric can be reached at 732.617.1030 x114 or email Eric@SelfGrowth.com or Eric@EmpowermentGroup.com

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