I have recently been exposed to a real eye-opening presentation which shows how the majority of us are being lied to – by a large proportion of the financial services industry itself – about money.

It is a strong claim to make, that you are being lied to about money. According to former investment banker Andrew Cass, a man who spent the best part of the decade in the industry, there are two sets of laws where money is concerned: one set for those who are financially educated, and another set for those who are financially UNeducated. He reveals further that the majority of the financial services industry has been actively exploiting those who are in the latter group (that is most of us) and is currently doing so on an even bigger scale than ever.

Andrew Cass has put together a page where you can access a FREE Video presentation, which will provide a deeper look into this conspiracy, one which is being kept very quiet, but will ultimately affect each and every one of us.

Even if you consider yourself to be in a reasonable position today, and you are perhaps thinking this has nothing to do with you, you should watch this presentation. It affects everyone who earns a living today. There is a lot of change happening right now, under the noses of the majority who are looking the other way; perhaps distracted by the latest Reality TV series or are so wrapped up in their own busy working lives that they do not see the bigger picture.

In this presentation, you will be shown how to become part of the educated group and be in a better position to make the most of what Cass describes as the greatest transfer of wealth ever. The scenario is similar to that shown in the movie ‘The Matrix’: make your choice whether to take the red or blue pill; choose whether to look the other way or see what lies beneath the veneer.

Watch the video, see the presentation, and decide for yourself. Click here to go to the web page or alternatively click here to open my Facebook page where you can also access this presentation.

See you there!

Technorati Tags: linkedin

Ever wondered why some people could not even achieve an inch of what they dream of becoming? It’s easy to explain: they failed to set their goals clearly and just dreamed of achievement.

Setting goals is a very significant part of success and positive accomplishments. You can liken it to scaling a building or a mountain, and at the outset setting the goal to reach a certain point by a certain time.

People who set goals literally create a map of their target achievements in life, marking where they should begin, where to pause, where to delve a bit, and where and when to stop. Once this map is created, it allows the map drawer to check where he is in the scheme of things and whether or not he is making some achievements that will take him closer to his goals.

If you set a goal, you always know how you’re getting along and whether or not you’re doing all you can to reach your goal. They will know if they can relax or if they have to double their efforts when they are falling short of what is expected of them.

A proactive person sets goals in order to deal with the inevitable challenges which may disrupt his or her plan. Being proactive means one is able to outline possible difficulties that may occur as well as the solutions to these difficulties. By doing this, a person is not easily scared or defeated when challenges occur because he has already prepared for them. By making contingency plans, you are ready with a strategy should a problem arise.

The person who has set a goal from the outset can track their progress, whatever it is they set out to do. In addition, that person becomes more confident, more motivated in order to reach that goal.

For all that, it is insufficient merely to set a goal; you should couple it with self-discipline and a positive attitude. You can devise the best plan in the world, but you will not get far unless you possess the required discipline in order to act on that plan.

To be successful in goal setting, the goals that one has set for himself should be realistic and based on his capabilities, as well as selected and important external factors. Being too ambitious in setting up goals can make the goals unrealistic and difficult to achieve. However, do not also set goals that are too low because this might discourage one’s vision instead of achieving it.

The other requirement for the person setting the goal, is that he or she include a timescale to achieve that goal. By doing so, it enables the person to see whether he or she should ease off, or go harder in pursuing the strategy. Goal setting will also help a person check if he is performing within his plans or if he is doing things towards the achievement of his plans.

When you do achieve part of your goal, even if only a small part, allow yourself a small reward to keep yourself focused. But do not be too complacent with any little achievement, as this may cause you to backslide.

Setting goals can be used in any aspect of one’s life – from one’s personal or family life, to his career and finances. Goal setting can be as simple as setting a target weight when you wish to lose pounds or something big, like earning your first million.

When setting goals, it is always important to set standards that would suit your present situation, your capabilities, and other factors that may influence the achievement of your goal.

Technorati Tags: linkedin

There are many ways, and many methods, in which people communicate with one another. And one of these reasons is when you need something from someone. For people in business, this can either be in the form of products or services. You may want to sell a product while the other party must find your product useful for his or her intention. You might be offering a product or service, whereas somebody looking for that needs to be happy that the product or service meets his or her requirements. In short, the way to get somebody or anybody to do what you want is to make them want to do it.

The best way to bring trouble upon yourself is by using violent means or intimidation to get your way. Yes, it’s possible but not advisable to use forceful methods because the results are undesirable and at times disastrous. Imagine if you force an employee to take a leave of absence for having apparently violated a company rule. The most likely result is that the relationship of trust between the employee (and possibly his or her trade union if they belong to one) and the management will be strained or completely broken.

To get what you want, give people what they want. What is it that others want? Probably similar to you. Physical health, family ties, financial security, spiritual growth, peace of mind, a successful career, and fame are the basic needs of people. What everyone really craves, which is not tangible yet is vital, is appreciation. If you’re appreciated, you feel much more important, you feel valued. Once you feel that you are valued and needed, it boosts your self-confidence, and gives you reason for your existence.

Just how do you give somebody the feeling of importance? Say it, act it; just give it freely, honestly, and wholeheartedly. It may be literal to say you appreciate what the other person has done for you, but it will nonetheless make him or her feel more valued. As the recipient it is sometimes tricky to put into words that feeling of being valued; however it is still a genuine feeling beyond price.

Try pre-empting importance; indicate to another person that whatever it is you want from him or her will provide them with that sense of importance. Let’s take charity for example. A recipient wants or needs contributions from the giver. It can either be material or service contribution, or both. Even before the act itself, the giver somehow expects appreciation from the recipient and this will give him a boost of importance.Appreciation may not necessarily be in words. A smile and/or a pat would suffice and they can come from both giver and recipient. The giver shows his feeling of being appreciated. The recipient shows his feeling of appreciation for the gift. Somehow magic or chemistry takes place. It’s a feeling both parties would enjoy happening many times over.

Are you aware that the feeling of importance, brought about by compliments and appreciation, is good for your health, mentally and physically? Whether you are the giver or recipient, it is good for both. Medical findings exist which substantiate the health benefits that come from such positive appreciation. The brain cells are stimulated by regular and frequent feelings of importance and this all promotes the feeling of good health. In short, feeling important is important to your quality of life.

What better way is there to boost the feelings of others than by demonstrating your appreciation for their work? In fact the only thing that’s better than appreciation is… More appreciation!

Our course is therefore clear: we should be going out and showing how much we appreciate the efforts of all those in our circle of friends, in our work environment, in fact to whoever we are in contact with. Let’s do it!

Technorati Tags: linkedin

Learn to Set Goals

Some people are governed by laws and rules, but success for them seems a long way off. Conversely, others are more successful, but are apparently much more easy-going. Think you have what it takes to be like them? Would you prefer to choose a different path in order to become successful? Take heart and set your goals.

What do goals represent by the way? These are actually representations of your visions about you as an individual and your future. Goals should be achievable . These kinds of goals allow you to put them into practice or at least do some activities that allow you to monitor your progress. However, more is involved than merely setting realistic goals. Don’t forget to act in accordance with your goal if you actually want to achieve it. Otherwise, all else would be vanity if you do not exert effort in reaching them. This article will help you in setting an achievable goal:

1.    Set objectives. By doing this it serves to enhance your skill in achieving your target; help yourself reach the goal by setting activities both standard and optional.
2.    It’s important to use strategic thinking when meeting your goals. It makes you more productive, and will help focus on those activities in accordance with your goals. So strategise, take a few risks!
3.    It’s important to have the correct mindset to achieve your goals. So act in accordance with them, be prepared to go that extra mile. You should never do anything to put your own safety at risk, but be prepared to take a chance or two. It means you are prepared to meet challenges, learn new skills which help you in the long run.

On one hand, you may wonder why there is a need for you to set goals if you think you have not failed at all in your endeavors. It doesn’t mean that you’re always going to fail when you set your goals. Setting goals means that you are acknowledging your limitations and you are ready to work your way up towards success, professionally or personally. Because of this, objective goals are important.

Looking ahead, you also have to consider that there are goals that are just too hard to achieve on your own. At times, these goals even create conflicts that you might think of surrendering in the long run. Take heart. It happens to everyone from time to time. If this situation occurs and you think that surrendering is the last option, why not look for a partner, a friend maybe who is willing to help you out with your goals? Learn the art of prioritising, work in collaboration with your partner. Even if it means taking your time to plan out the possible scenarios, weigh up the pros and cons, do that.

Remember that goal setting is focused on your benefits. The important thing is to stay focused. Work things out and simply focus. Minimize or avoid distractions if possible so you can work your goals better. Focus on your mindset, give yourself a clear vision of yourself reaching your goals. If you are vying for promotion in your workplace, it is important that you see yourself already in the position you want. If however, your goal is more personal, say for example educational, plan and act in relation to your goal. It will soon become apparent that regardless of how difficult a goal seems, it’s still worthwhile. You can commend yourself for good work once your goal is reached, and success will be within your reach.

Technorati Tags: linkedin

A simple phrase to affirm a person’s existence is: “I am, therefore I exist”. It may be a simple phrase, but it says everything about the being saying them. What this does is imply confidence, something that isn’t commonly found with other beings.

But why do people need affirmation? Why is there a need for a being to BE affirmed?

Affirmation is a very powerful technique to empower one’s subconscious. It is possible to convert an affirmation into positive action for your conscious mind, once your subconscious is conditioned to believe in the affirmation. Through affirmation, beings are empowered to do, to work, and to strive for more things. It is affirmation which empowers the individual to believe in him or herself; it’s by using it one can convert thoughts into actions.

Affirmation is a combination of verbal and visual techniques of a preferred state of mind of a person. Strong affirmations can be very powerful, and can be used by almost anyone to achieve his goals and fulfill his desires. That said, an affirmation’s power is dependent on the strength or weakness of the affirmation itself.

So what precisely does an affirmation consist of? It is simply an assertion made by a person about either a state of being or something in general. A person can affirm those that he chooses to attain, like “I now have a good life.” Being healthy in mind, body, and spirit can also be made possible through affirmation.

An affirmation made in the present tense will be more effective and stronger too; for instance if one made the affirmation “I am now a happy being” it is much more effective than one that said “I am GOING to BECOME a happy being”.Affirmation should always be in positive terms because it is supposed to work for you and not against you. Rather than using ‘not’, i.e. “I am not sad”, your affirmation should instead say “I am happy”. An effective affirmation is short and consists of simple, concise wording. An overly long affirmation can work against you rather than creating the positive mindset intended. A short affirmation can be easily spoken and repeated by a person. Effectively it becomes a mantra which is repeated over and over.

Your affirmation should be repeated for it to become effective. Repetition works and influences the subconscious, which in turn motivates the person into acting out his affirmation. When you create the affirmation, believe in the words you are using. It will help when actioning the affirmation. Writing words that one believes in can be very powerful, and this can be put to good use when creating an affirmation.

It is not enough, however, merely to create an affirmation alone and repeat it a million times to make it a state of mind. What’s important is to live the affirmation; be flexible and do what’s necessary in order to help it become a reality. To help it become reality, you have to feel it and apply it to your own life.

While affirmation is generally used to make an individual better, it can also be used to boost or confirm another person’s value. By affirming another person‘s existence, you are helping him improve his self-worth.

So what is affirmation? A simple thing which can and does make huge differences to one’s life. Affirmation is a great motivator and used properly, makes things happen.

Two very well-known exponents of affirmation!

Technorati Tags: linkedin

There’s a lot of truth in the old saying, “Time is gold.” There never seems to be enough time. Even if a day had thirty hours, it would still not be enough. One way or another, there’ll be something or other crop up, and you finish up needing even more time. Time is a valuable resource. You cannot get back time that has gone. Time always flies when you’re very busy. Conversely, when you are quiet, time apparently stands still. Even more so, when in a situation like waiting for a flight, when you have no option but to kill time. How, then, can we make best use of our time? The following options should be considered:

1.Check your schedule at the start of the day. Be sure to review the whole thing. You might find that although part of the day is very busy, another part is not. Distribute your activities evenly throughout the day. To keep your schedule on track, have a notepad to hand. It also helps to remind you of your tasks and commitments. Overlapping can be avoided by using pads, or schedule notebooks. Where overlaps are unavoidable, you have to prioritise the activities. Decide which has the higher priority If, after spreading the tasks through the day, you still have too many tasks to get through for one day, then you should reschedule them for another day. Don’t be afraid to forego something where possible. Re-schedule other tasks for another day. What you are actually doing is very much like cleaning a closet. When your closet is in order, you avoid being accidentally hit on the head by falling objects upon opening its door. In addition, you might even find more space if the closet is tidier.

2. Request for a re-schedule in advance. Where somebody else is affected this takes on extra importance. Show courtesy by doing this in advance. This leaves time for the person to adjust to the new schedule. Who knows? You may be doing the other parties a favor. They may be in the same predicament as you are, and they will not be aware unless you make it known to them.

3. You can practise some simple creativity with time; for instance, say you have to do your laundry, but at the same time you have the shopping also. Set the machine to run while you’re at the supermarket and you can have the groceries bought and be back home in time for when the washing machine is finished. You can even do the cooking at the same time by using a slow cooker. It cooks food by itself. There might even be time to pick the kids up from school after your shopping. Four tasks are combined to one. All it takes is scheduling and a little creativity.

4. If you’re tackling something for the first time it’s likely there will be a mistake or two. However, a first time task doesn’t have to be a blunder. If there is no clear direction on how things should be done, take time to plan it out before you take action. This saves time, energy, and money.

5. Can you visualise the outcome of your objective? Consider the alternatives, if any. Choose the better of two or more alternatives. If there is only one option, do it just the same. Some tasks may appear difficult when you think about it, but not necessarily when put into action. The same thing is true the other way around. You can never have enough time. You become wise when you choose to maximize it.

Technorati Tags: linkedin

“Who’s the Boss?” 10 ways to start taking control (time management, goal setting, record tracking)

On the face of it, it looks as though positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are not related. However, many people with ADD suffer from negative thought patterns because they become frustrated by their challenges and frequently feel overwhelmed. This negative way of thinking then makes it even more challenging for them to keep on top of those obstacles and progress.

Practicing positive thinking allows men and women with ADD to focus on our strengths and accomplishments, This increases happiness and motivation which, in turn, allows us to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and stuck. The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:

1. Be Good To Yourself
It’s a whole lot easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.

2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don’t seem quite as bad when you are regularly reminding yourself of the things that are right in life. Taking just 60 seconds every day to stop and be grateful for the good things will make a real difference.

3. Don’t Assume It’s Bad – Speak Up
Anxiety of not being liked or accepted sometimes can lead us to believe that we know what others are thinking, but our concerns are usually not genuine. If you have a concern that a friend or family member’s negative frame of mind is due to anything you did, or that your co-workers are privately gossiping about you behind your back, ask and find out. Don’t waste time worrying that you did something bad unless you’ve got grounds for concern.

4. Keep from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a associate “You’re ALWAYS late!” or complained to a friend “You NEVER call me!”? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ makes the issue look even more difficult than it is, and sets your mind into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.

5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts only hold power over you when you judge them. If you discover yourself having a negative thought, separate yourself from it, witness it, and don’t follow it.

6. Squash the “ANTs”
In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” – Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are in most cases reactionary, like “Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!” When you recognize these thoughts, realise that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

7. Practice Lovin’, Touchin’ & Squeezin’ (Your Friends and Family)
You don’t have to be an expert to understand the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn’t touch!

8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you reduce loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a beneficial way!

9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or even your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive .

10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a good way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and push yourself to do something totally different. Rumination is hyper-focus on something negative. It’s never productive, because it’s not rational or solution-oriented, it’s just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment – go for a walk or sit outside. Maybe call a friend, read a book, or listen to some favourite music.

In regards to the corporate world, protocol is almost the religion. To know the things needed to do are the basics of productivity, but interaction and having a steady mind is the key to true productivity. You will always come across people who thrive on pressure, however such people are rare. Humans are not perfect. To get these little things like stress under our skins won’t solve our problems. Once in a while we should face up to the fact we can’t always operate at 100% and not try to push ourselves like workaholics.

Technorati Tags: linkedin