Self Improvement Newsletter
Issue # 519, August 18-19, 2008
FREE Self
Improvement Newsletter, Click here!Please Visit Our Sponsors
Self Improvement Newsletter
Issue # 519, August 18-19, 2008
FREE Self
Improvement Newsletter, Click here!
Please Visit Our Sponsors
* Self
Improvement and Personal Growth Weekly Newsletter *
Issue # 519, Week of August 18-19, 2008
Publisher: David Riklan -
http://www.SelfGrowth.com
In this issue:
-- Quotes of the Week
-- Recommended Product of the Week
-- Article: Think like Superman... - By
Dan Robey
-- Article: Conductor as Transformational Leader - By Hugh Ballou
-- Book Review: The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All - By Azim
Jamal & Harvey McKinnon
-- Brief News of the World
-- How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe from this Newsletter
Current Subscribers - 270,349 subscribers
Removal instructions are listed at the end of the newsletter.
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*** Quotes of the Week ***
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Life has its own hidden forces which you can only discover by living. - Soren
Kierkegaard, 1813-1855, Danish Philosopher
The sum of wisdom is that time is never lost that is devoted to work. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American Poet and Essayist
The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. - Vince Lombardi, 1913-1970, American Football Coach
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*** Recommended Product of the Week ***
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Go to
http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/beunstoppable.html
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*** Article: Think like Superman... - By
Dan Robey ***
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I want you to start thinking like you are Superman.
Sound crazy?
Sound a little nutty?
It's powerful.
It's based in quantum physics science.
It will change your life.
Read on...
If there were any person, real or fictional, whose qualities you could instantly possess, who would that person be?
I would like to put forth the proposition that "Superman" would be the perfect person.
Now you are probably thinking I have lost it, right?
Read on, I think you will like what you are about to hear.
Superman is a fictional Marvel comic book superhero widely considered to be one of the most famous and popular of such characters and an American cultural icon.
He is indestructible, the Man of Steel; he can stop a freight train in its tracks...great powers to have in this day and age, wouldn't you say?
OK, Dan, this is sounding crazier by the minute. How is it based in science, and how can it change my life?
This is where it gets fun.
(For all my female subscribers, don't worry; we have not left you out. There is also a female version of Superman named Supergirl; she has the same powers that Superman has. You will refer to her as you do this mental exercise.)
This is where you will learn about the scientific marvels of the human body (no pun intended).
First, let's look at the qualities that Superman/Supergirl possesses, that you want to make yours. I will refer to Superman for the rest of this article; just replace with Supergirl if you are of the female gender.
1. Superman is powerful.
2. Superman is virtually indestructible
3. Superman can stop bullets.
4. Superman has supernatural powers.
5. Superman can stop a speeding freight train.
6. Superman jumps into immediate action when troubles arise.
OK, we know that Superman has incredible supernatural powers. How can that help us?
What good will it do us to simply think we are Superman?
Here is where science comes in.... This is the part where you will be AMAZED when you learn about the supernatural powers "YOU" already possess!
Best-selling author and M.D., Dr. Deepak Chopra, tells us that our brains make certain chemicals called Neuro Peptides. These are literally the molecules of emotion (Fear, Joy, Love, Etc.).
These molecules of emotion are not contained in your brain only; they actually circulate throughout your entire body.
Your immune cells, which are protecting you from diseases like infection and cancer and many other illnesses, are also contained throughout your body.
Deepak tells us that the amazing part about of these cells of emotion and immune system support is that they are intelligent cells.
They are thinking cells!
He also tells us that these immune cells, which are protecting you from disease, are constantly eavesdropping on the conversation that you are having with yourself.
Your self-talk.
They listen in and adjust their behavior based on what they hear from you...their master.
So imagine what would happen if you started to think like Superman.
Here are some of the thoughts you might have during the day:
"I am indestructible."
"The challenges I face day to day are easily overcome. After all I am Superman/Supergirl."
"I have supernatural powers."
"I have incredible strength."
"Nothing can stop me...nothing."
The billions of thinking cells in your body listen.
Their mission is to complete the picture of you they see when they hear your self-talk.
They must obey.
Since you are Superman you cannot get sick. Your immune system cells are now fortifying themselves to make sure of that.
They are making you stronger every day!
You have the ability to fight off all attacks, physical, disease, illness...after all, you are Superman.
Superman is confident; your cells of emotion relating to confidence will now create more Neuro Peptide chemicals that promote feelings of power.
Superman is fearless; your cells of the emotion relating to fear will now create more Nuro Peptide chemicals that promote feelings of well-being.
A feeling that you fear nothing.
Go for it!
About the Author:
Dan Robey is the author of the book "The Power of Positive Habits," a new
program that shows you how to put your mind and body on autopilot to reach your
goals automatically. You can learn more about this new book and purchase it at
http://www.thepowerofpositivehabits.com
Check out the Experts page for Dan Robey, the Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to Habits.
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Go to
http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/beunstoppable.html
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*** Article: Conductor as
Transformational Leader - By Hugh Ballou ***
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Examine the word Transform.
It is not merely change, or we would use that word. It is a verb with an
expanded vision and is much more transcendent. It implies a deeper, more
fundamental alteration of our very form (trans – form). The
continuing process of transformation begins with the moment of inspiration and
continues in us through times of action, rest, and reflection. The conductor is
in a unique position to effect and change lives positively for the faith
journey. Musical conductors are fine-tuned instruments.
Building a choral ensemble as transformation
Conductors understand transformation experientially. The very nature of our work is that of transformation.
A group of singers shows up for rehearsal. They come to sing -- each with a different perspective and possibly a different level of talent. The skilled choral conductor listens, instructs, motivates, encourages, and affirms the changes that are necessary to mold this unrelated group of singers into a unified sound. The product is called an ensemble. We strive for that unity as an ensemble each time we rehearse or perform.
The magic of transformation is absolutely necessary in the world of music. Transformation happens not by chance but by intention, not only from the leader, but from the participants as well. The results are cumulative. Once the sense of ensemble is achieved and experienced first hand, it can be believed.
So why are we not committed to building that sense of ensemble in all that we undertake? Maybe it's an education issue for those whom we lead. Maybe it's a lack of understanding that this is a transferable concept from musical groups to other groups.
Why is that concept so
foreign to all of us? And why does the concept seem unattainable? We can believe
in the universal power of transformation. Are we willing to try? Are we willing
to teach?
Becoming a Transformational Leader
Transform means change. How does the leader inspire, enable, and empower others to bring change into an organization? By encouraging, sharing, coaching, trusting, modeling, valuing, reinforcing, and many others. Being a Transformational Leader is similar in many ways to being a Charismatic Leader. The major difference is the focus of the Transformational Leader on working through people and not through one's own power.
The Transformational Leader
produces through people. The ideal model for this is the choral ensemble. The
chorus is inspired and enabled by the enthusiasm and charisma of the
director/leader. There is a shared vision because they are working from the same
piece of music as interpreted by the conductor. They are empowered to produce to
the best of their ability by the positive direction of their leader. There is
constant nurture and encouragement, both verbally and visually. The role of the
leader is to model as well as inspire and encourage.
Building Leaders
Get to know all the people in the group over which you have leadership responsibility. Know their skills and desires. Know who can do what task and who will likely want to do what task. A leader must be an example of the traits they expect their volunteers and staff to manifest in their duties. A good leader must also know what to ask from people and where to assign them. Do not expect a duck to act like an eagle. All of the positive modeling in the world will not change that kind of reality.
Leadership is about relationship and personal fulfillment. If they feel affirmed and you have earned the right to ask through relationship, then they will be more willing to do more for you.
Build leaders by matching tasks with a person's skills and desires, by giving clear directions, by giving all the needed support, and finally, by following up with support and affirmation for a job well done.
Surround yourself with successful people
If you want to constantly improve your skills and your efficiency, then associate with people you admire or from whom you can learn. If you have trouble with efficiency -- if you think that you waste time -- then do not associate with others who have not learned to use their time efficiently. If someone is constantly trying to catch up with their duties or is constantly complaining about not having enough time to get things done, then they will most likely not be the person who can help you. Every day has the same number of hours for each of us. We must figure out for ourselves just how to use that time. Associate with people who have balanced schedules, who are busy, but who know how to organize their time and their tasks so that life is not constantly out of control.
Learn to grow by learning to learn from the actions of others who you admire.
About the Author:
As author of 5 books on Transformational Leadership, Hugh Ballou works as
executive coach, process facilitator, trainer, and motivational speaker teaching
leaders in many diverse fields how to use fine-tune skills employed every day by
orchestral conductors. For more information about Hugh and his newest book,
"Transforming Power," visit
http://www.hughballou.com
For full tour details, visit
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/06/transforming-power-virtual-tour-with.html
*****
A SPECIAL BONUS TO EACH PERSON WHO PURCHASES "TRANSFORMING POWER" TODAY – Hugh
Ballou has compiled a list of great FREE bonus gifts for anyone who purchases
"Transforming Power" today. To see a sample of the items that are being given
away, visit
http://www.transforming-power.com. Just buy a copy of "Transforming Power,"
return to this page, and click to submit your invoice number to receive the web
page link to download all of these gifts for FREE.
The list price of this book is $17.00. To purchase it from Amazon.com for $12.75, a 25% discount, go here.
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Go to
http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/beunstoppable.html
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*** Book Review: The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All - By Azim
Jamal & Harvey McKinnon ***
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When most of us think of giving, we usually think only in terms of time or money, things we would like to share but barely have enough of for ourselves. But we have far more to give than we realize, and we stand to benefit more from giving than we can begin to imagine.
In "The Power of Giving," Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon take us beyond the idea that giving just means donating money; they expand it to include the giving of kindness, ideas, advice, attention, skills, time, hope, love, touch, and much more. This simple, easy-to-use guide to every facet of giving helps us understand why we should give and what each of us has to give -- as well as to whom, how, when, and how much to give. Equally significant as the difference that giving makes in the lives of others is the difference that it makes in our own lives, with benefits ranging from the practical, such as improved health and professional connections, to the intangible, like hope and a sense of connection with others.
Full of personal stories and inspirational ideas, thought-provoking exercises that help the reader discover what they have to give and how to best give it, and special sections on corporate giving, teaching children how to give, giving forgiveness, giving what we need to receive, and giving wisely for maximum impact and benefit -- "The Power of Giving" shows us how the act of giving is a fundamental human need with the power to enrich all our lives. It is a must-read for anyone interested in improving the world, and improving their own lives in the process.
About the Authors:
Azim Jamal is an inspirational speaker who has
delivered talks on five continents, and the author of several books on
spirituality and life balance. A former Certified Public Accountant, Jamal
decided to devote himself to giving after a life-changing experience as a
volunteer in the developing world. Harvey McKinnon is a fundraising expert,
speaker, and documentary film producer, as well as the author of several books.
After a decade working with the international development agency Oxfam Canada,
he founded the fundraising consultancy firm Harvey McKinnon.
*****
When you buy "The Power of Giving," you can listen to or download motivational audios, newsletters, and a lot more -- all for FREE! Go here to see all the prizes and gifts: http://www.thepowerofgiving.org/promo
The list price of this book is $22.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com for $15.61, a 32% discount, go here.
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*** Brief News of the World ***
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Positive:
* Donations keep doors open at Elizabeth Gregory Home *
After a Bainbridge Island woman came into some money, she decided some of it should go to charity and she waited for a worthy cause. When she read about the Elizabeth Gregory Home, she found it. The University District transitional-housing program was short on money, and if $30,000 couldn't be found quickly for rent and payroll, eight formerly homeless women would be back on the street. (Click here for complete news story)
* King penguin receives Norwegian knighthood *
Nils Olav already has medals for good conduct and long service. He made honorary colonel-in-chief of the elite Norwegian King's Guard in 2005. And on Friday he was knighted. Not bad for a 3-foot tall penguin -- actually, three of them. A resident of Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, the original Nils Olav was made an honorary member of the King's Guard in 1972 after being picked out as the guard's mascot by lieutenant Nils Egelien. The guards adopted him because they often toured the zoo during their visits to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual military music festival, according to zoo spokeswoman Maxine Finlay. (Click here for complete news story)
* Solar safari wins socially responsible award *
A solar-powered safari camp in Kenya and an environmentally conscious Amazon resort were awarded annual travel prizes on Monday for giving back to their communities while also providing luxurious lodgings. The resorts were among 38 travel companies recognized by magazine Conde Nast Traveler for doing good, while at the same time doing well themselves, with its second annual World Savers Awards. The awards were set up to recognize resorts making efforts to preserve the environment, alleviate poverty, further education, conserve wildlife and improve health. (Click here for complete news story)
** For more positive news, please visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/news.html
Other:
* "Going Green" When Cleaning Clothes: Eco-Friendly Laundry Products, Methods Help Planet, And Your Health, Wallet *
There are a lot of ways to help the environment. Eco-friendly laundry products and techniques can help you "go green" -- as well as give assists to your health and pocketbook! On The Early Show Thursday, Plenty magazine Associate Editor Jessica Tzerman shared pointers: First things first: Wash full loads. Most machines consume about 40 gallons of water per wash cycle, so it's important to make sure to use a full load and adjust for its size to save water and energy. (Click here for complete news story)
* Video games not all bad, psychologists say *
Playing video
games improves manual dexterity among surgeons, making them faster and less
likely to make mistakes, US researchers have said. The findings were contained
in a raft of research about how video games effect the people who play them,
discussed Sunday at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological
Association in Boston. (Click
here for complete news story)
* Which Shoppers Are Happiest? Hey Big Spender, It Isn't You -- and It's Not the Bargain Maven or Penny Pincher, Either *
Your shopping style may be a window on your happiness -- and what you spend on may matter more than how much you shell out. It turns out that the happiest shoppers aren't those who bag the biggest bargains, or those who spend whatever it takes to get the best items out there, or people whose wallets are gathering dust while they pinch their pennies. (Click here for complete news story)