Self Improvement Newsletter- Issue # 504

Self Improvement Newsletter
Issue # 504, May 6-7, 2008

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* Self Improvement and Personal Growth Weekly Newsletter *
Issue # 504, Week of May 6-7, 2008
Publisher: David Riklan - http://www.SelfGrowth.com

In this issue:

-- Quotes of the Week
-- Recommended Product of the Week
-- Article: Futuristic Leadership A-Z - By Frank Feather
-- Article: The 5 Most Common Mistakes that Daughters-in-Law Make and How to Correct Them (How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!!!) - By Sally Shields
-- Book Review: Spark: Raise Your Mind to the Power of Infinity and Create Anything - By Arupa Tesolin
-- Brief News of the World
-- How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe from this Newsletter

Current Subscribers - 266,403 subscribers
Removal instructions are listed at the end of the newsletter.

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*** Quotes of the Week ***
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It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time. - Winston Churchill, 1874-1965, English Politician and Author

There is nothing like a dream to create the future. - Victor Hugo, 1802-1885, French Poet/Dramatist/Novelist

Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. - Malcolm S. Forbes, 1917-1990, American Publisher

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*** Recommended Product of the Week ***
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~~ A NEW BEGINNING ~~
I'm an average Joe, just like you. I have a family, a mortgage & kids in college. The difference is, I don't have a JOB, I have a LIFE! I walked away from my job. My income in January was *$21,500*. Would YOUR FAMILY like that paycheck? Start to improve Your Life today! Visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/journey2wealth.html

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*** Article: Futuristic Leadership A-Z - By Frank Feather ***
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There is a big difference between routine, run-of-the-mill leadership and futuristic, out-front leadership.

Leadership is not a job title. Leaders routinely hold executive positions, but routine leaders rarely renew their organizations to attain fresh success in an ever-changing world. Routine leaders tend to manage the status quo, and thus fall behind what the ever-changing operating environment demands.

By contrast, futuristic leaders stay well ahead of the trends and simply make the future happen.

Futuristic leaders literally "see" the future. Then they enable others to see it, motivate them to venture there, lead them there, reward them when they get there, and celebrate their collective success. They are true leaders who understand the A-Z of winning the future, described fully in my book "Futuristic Leadership A-Z," which may be summarized as follows:

Futuristic leaders ACHIEVE results because they truly BELIEVE a different future is possible. They CHANGE their own and their organization's behavior, habits, and culture, in order to obtain their collective DREAM.

Futuristic leaders fully EXPECT to reach their goal -- and also fully "expect the unexpected" along the way -- because they unswervingly FOCUS on that goal.

Aware that reaching the future requires that they and their organizations GROW -- both mentally and spiritually -- futuristic leaders HEAR things: they listen intently for clues and pieces of vital information that will guide them in that growth.

Futuristic leaders vividly IMAGINE what the future will be like, what needs to change to get there, and how the charted course might need to vary along the route.

They JUSTIFY their mission, not only based on profitable returns, but in the proper ethics and values that will bring it to fruition.

Futuristic leaders KNOW both what they know and what they don't know, and what more they and their teams will still need to know in the future. They constantly LEARN, day by day, decision by decision, as they move forward.

Futuristic leaders MOTIVATE themselves, and inspire those around them to do the same, to adventurously NAVIGATE previously uncharted territory. They ORGANIZE and optimize every available capacity and resource to help them PERSEVERE until every part of the mission is accomplished.

Futuristic leaders always QUESTION their advisors, their information, and themselves. Then they can best RESPOND to challenges and opportunities in ways that STRATEGIZE the most responsible and best possible future outcomes.

Futuristic leaders TEACH everything they know to the highest-qualified teams of individuals. They UPLIFT them to VISUALIZE and drive toward their collective future.

As well, in today's "webolutionary" Internet Age, futuristic leaders encourage their teams to literally WEBIFY their organizations into value-creating networks, or "biznets."

Futuristic leaders also XEROGRAPH themselves: they "clone" or duplicate their own abilities and processes in others, to ensure ongoing growth and continuity through yet another generation of futuristic leaders.

Finally, futuristic leaders repeatedly YIELD consistent and spectacular results, and ZOOM their organizations speedily to ever-succeeding peaks of success.

There are obvious interconnections between these 26 verbs. Futuristic leadership is a dynamic A-Z synergy of seeing the whole future -- and then making it happen in the most expeditious and responsible way.

These verbs are fully explained in the book "Futuristic Leadership A-Z," with exemplars and motivational quotes for each keyword verb.

The entire A-Z series of leadership keywords can be addressed in interactive Leadership Seminars and/or dynamic Keynote Speeches, tailored as needed to meet any organization's needs.

For further info, please write to FFeather@Gmail.com

About the Author:
Frank Feather is global change agent: a world-leading business futurist, strategy and marketing consultant, keynote speaker, and best-selling author.

With an uncanny knack for seeing the future with visionary clarity and focus, he has an enviable track record. A former banking executive, he shakes up the conventional wisdom to make pragmatic sense of what will happen and what you should do about it. No blue sky -- just "eye popping" ideas and "bankable" strategies which let you achieve previously inconceivable but truly humongous "break out" goals.

Check out the Experts page for Frank Feather.

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~~ A NEW BEGINNING ~~
I'm an average Joe, just like you. I have a family, a mortgage & kids in college. The difference is, I don't have a JOB, I have a LIFE! I walked away from my job. My income in January was *$21,500*. Would YOUR FAMILY like that paycheck? Start to improve Your Life today! Visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/journey2wealth.html
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*** Article: The 5 Most Common Mistakes that Daughters-in-Law Make and How to Correct Them (How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!!!) - By Sally Shields ***
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Ladies! There are a few simple things you can avoid that will save you from repeat D.I.L.Z. (Daughter-in-Law Zings) that we all experience from time to time (some of us more than others!). Although these exercises started off as a tongue-in-cheek coping mechanism, once I began putting a few of these strategies into practice, I noticed that my MIL's (Mother-in-Law's) attitude started to shift. Her softer, gentler, more agreeable side began to emerge, and I realized that she actually wanted to be quite helpful and kindly toward me! The bottom line while you're correcting these "mistakes" is to really and truly learn to appreciate your MIL. After all, she did give birth to your husband, and you are forever thankful to her for that! We must try to always give her the benefit of the doubt and put our stubborn natures aside. Remember, you won't be able to prevent hurtful MIL comments and misunderstandings overnight. This is a process that must be developed over time. It's fun once you get the hang of it, and you will be amazed when you develop a genuine like for one-another! Here goes:

Mistake #1: Forget to Call Your Mother-in-Law Regularly -- I know it sounds like a harmless enough thing to do, but you will be amazed at how much she will appreciate it when you keep in touch with her, and not just when your husband calls! Strive to have an independent relationship with her, all on your own.

Solution: Call your Mother-in-Law! Call her at least once a week (pick a day, such as SUNDAY and mark it on your calendar so that you do not forget). You can also call her during the week if something comes up that she might appreciate hearing about, such as your child took her first step or said her first word. You can keep it short, but if you're super-busy, aim for getting her machine, like when you know she'll be at Bingo.

Mistake #2: Forget to Frequently Ask Your MIL How She's Feeling -- I know that asking someone how they are feeling seems like a cliché, but you must do this every time you see or speak to her.

Solution: Make sure you take the time to notice how much your MIL's back has been bothering her, and be extra helpful around the house at these times. Keep in mind that it's not easy getting older, and aches and pains can make even the best of us ornery as all get go! And as an added touch, offer to accompany your MIL on doctor's visits whenever possible. You will be amazed at how much she will appreciate that you took the time to care.

Mistake #3: Don't Compliment Her Often Enough --Your MIL can be self-conscious just like you are. And remember, you are younger and hipper than she is, but most importantly, you have her son! So, you must always remember to make her feel good around you.

Solution: Make sure you let her know how pretty, thin, healthy, and young she looks. Say what flattering outfits she's wearing, occasionally asking if you can borrow a certain item of clothing or a purse. Mention that you love her hairstyle, even if she's wearing a hairpiece (especially if she's wearing a hairpiece). In fact, go out and get yourself a hairpiece, and you too will appreciate the benefits of "fake hair"!

Mistake #4: Forget Your MIL's Special Days, i.e. Birthday, Anniversary, and Mother's Day --This sounds like a pretty common sense thing to do, right? You'd be surprised how life gets in the way and you can overlook these things. You will be the one to feel terrible about it if your husband forgets as well. In fact, he will most likely forget, so you will have to be the one to make sure this gets done, without fail!

Solution: On each of the occasions mentioned above, pick out a Hallmark card with the most heart-wrenching sentiments you can find (preferably about a week or two beforehand). Make sure your husband signs it too. Better yet, have him write the note from the both of you, because receiving a note with only your handwriting on it will make her feel incredibly disappointed thinking that her son has forgotten her special day (even if he probably has!). And be sure to call 1-800-FLOWERS well in advance. You want to make absolutely sure that those long-stem roses arrive on time - -not three days after the fact -- no no no!!!

Mistake #5: Get Defensive with Your MIL -- This is the easiest mistake in the world to make with your MIL! But do yourself a favor and practice not taking things personally, and you will avoid fist-clenching frustration! If for example, you have misplaced an item such as some new teabags you've just bought, you may mumble something to the effect of, "Where the heck are those things? I just had them! They must have upped and walked away on their own!" Your MIL may mistakenly think you are accusing her and pounce on you with a self-protective, "Don't look at ME; I didn't do it!"

Solution: Rather than rolling your eyes and glancing askew, uttering defensively, "Look, I didn't say YOU took them, did I?" simply reply breezily something to the effect of, "Oh, I'm just so forgetful these days! Just last week I found my keys in the fridge -- I must be losing my mind!" Then take a deep breath, find your missing item, and make yourself a nice cup of chamomile. And be sure to graciously offer your MIL a cup as well -- but make sure you have her favorite teabags on hand at all times.

Check out the Experts page for Sally Shields.

About the Author:

Sally Shields is an award-winning pianist, composer, speaker, and author. She graduated with honors from the New England Conservatory and was a recipient of the Boston Jazz Society Award. Winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition, her articles and transcriptions are featured regularly in Piano Today Magazine and her book, "Modern Jazz Piano," is the standard theory manual for several music programs, including Princeton University. Her children's song, "It's Christmastime, Once Again," was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and her music is currently featured on the ABC TV daytime drama "All My Children." When not traveling and performing around the world -- most recently with bestselling author and musician James McBride -- Sally (a vegetarian) lives in New York City with her husband (not a vegetarian!) and their two children. http://www.TheDILRules.com

Note: Although the relationship with her MIL was rocky at the outset, with the implementation of the devices outlined in "The Daughter-in-Law Rules," the two now enjoy a special bond -- which got even better, interestingly enough -- after her MIL found out she was writing this book!

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In honor of Mother's Day, you can get a copy of Sally's book, "The Daughter-in-Law Rules," and receive over 30 FREE gifts! Learn more at http://www.TheDILRules.com/specialoffer

The list price of this book is $14.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com for $13.46, a 10% discount, go here.

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*** Book Review: Spark: Raise Your Mind to the Power of Infinity and Create Anything - By Arupa Tesolin ***
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"Spark: Raise Your Mind to the Power of Infinity and Create Anything " is about learning how to participate more actively and consciously amid the mystery and intrigue, effort and joy in the process of creating. This book reveals "the secrets" behind the creative process -- and delivers the precise formula to raise your mind to the power of infinity so you can express your highest capability to fulfill your unique purpose with possibilities that are limitless.

Speaker, innovation coach, and trainer Arupa Tesolin demystifies the hidden connections that underlie the secret feminine science of creating. This know-how illuminates the pathway from the unimaginable to the imaginable, to the conceivable, then the created. Arupa describes in detail how your vision seeds grow in the silent womb of the creative universe and how you can take an optimal role as an agent-partner in the process of creating anything.

"Spark" will engage you in a sacred and profound challenge to sculpt more meaning and purpose in your life and is a book you can also apply in the business environment or with your corporate team.

*****
When you purchase "Spark," you'll receive FREE bonus gifts valued at over $900! Learn more at http://www.intuita.com/spark.htm

The list price of this book is $14.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com for $10.17, a 32% discount, go here.

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*** Brief News of the World ***
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Positive:

* Wal-Mart expands low-price drug program *

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, announced Monday it would expand its discounted prescription drug program to offer 90-day supplies for $10 and add several women's medications at a discount. It also said it would lower the price of more than 1,000 over-the-counter drugs. The move marks the third phase of a company program that began in 2006 to provide a 30-day supply of generic prescription drugs for $4. The Bentonville-based company said the program has saved customers more than $1 billion. (Click here for complete news story)

* Dr. Farmer's Remedy for World Health: Byron Pitts Meets a Man Who Dedicates His Life to Bringing Healthcare to the Poor *

The great innovators of our time are said to be the titans of technology -- the inventors of the microchip, the founders of Microsoft, the guys behind Google. But far from Silicon Valley another great thinker and innovator is changing the world with far less fanfare. His name is Dr. Paul Farmer. As Byron Pitts reports, more than 20 years ago Dr. Farmer and a few other great minds created a charity called "Partners In Health." In the years since, they revolutionized the delivery of healthcare worldwide, saving millions of lives in places where no one thought there was any reason for hope. (Click here for complete news story)

* Idaho Team Readies Artificial Beak for Wounded Bald Eagle: Volunteers in Idaho Hope Prosthesis Will Replace Eagle's Beak Lost to Gunshot *

She has been named Beauty, though this eagle is anything but. Part of Beauty's beak was shot off several years ago, leaving her with a stump that is useless for hunting food. A team of volunteers is working to attach an artificial beak to the disfigured bird, in an effort to keep her alive. "For Beauty it's like using only one chopstick to eat. It can't be done" said biologist Jane Fink Cantwell, who operates a raptor recovery center in this Idaho Panhandle town. "She has trouble drinking. She can't preen her feathers. That's all about to change." (Click here for complete news story)

** For more positive news, please visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/news.html

Other:

* Expert sees peanut allergy solution within 5 years *

A form of immunotherapy that could get rid of a person's allergy to peanuts is likely within five years, even as the condition appears to grow more and more common, a U.S. expert said on Thursday. Peanut allergy often appears in the first three years of life, with the allergic reaction to eating peanuts ranging from a minor irritation all the way to a life-threatening, whole-body allergic response called anaphylaxis. (Click here for complete news story)

* The plight of the older sibling: First-born kids really do have it tougher, new research finds *

There are two Jones brothers, Joshua and Justin. But when something breaks -- like the time a soccer ball crashed through a garage window -- it's usually Joshua who gets the lecture: You're the oldest, his parents remind him. You need to set an example. Your younger brother is watching. Now, a new study has confirmed what first-borns like Joshua have always suspected: The oldest kid in the family really does bear the brunt of parental strictness, while the younger brothers and sisters generally coast on through. (Click here for complete news story)

* 'Smart' Power Meters Offer New Way to Save Energy *

The glowing amber dot on a light switch in the entryway of George Tsapoitis' house offers a clue about the future of electricity. A few times this summer, when millions of air conditioners strain the Toronto region's power grid, that pencil-tip-sized amber dot will blink. It will be asking Tsapoitis to turn the switch off -- unless he's already programmed his house to make that move for him. This is the beginning of a new way of thinking about electricity, and the biggest change in how we get power since wires began veining the landscape a century ago. (Click here for complete news story)

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