∞ Rob McBride ∞

There is a palpable pressure in society to be “perfect.” We praise people who are efficient. From an early age we learn to do things well. Perfection is a worthy ideal and we should always aim to improve ourselves. Perfection, as such, through extreme efficiency can be a double-edged sword. It’s worthwhile to consider:

Is what I am doing in this instant efficient or effective?

The definitions in the dictionary of efficiency and effectiveness are very similar. Depending on your perspective, there are significant differences. In his essay “Effective versus Efficient Decisions”, Dr. Donald Burton offers this definition:

Efficiency – To do things right
Effectiveness – To do the right things

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:

First, let’s suppose today is our first day of work for the year. We know our existing clients will play a fundamental role in successfully achieving our business plan. We look at our client files and find they are a mess. We decide to organize and analyze each file by creating an Excel program referencing the following items: who bought our product, why did they buy it and with whose approval, where was each product purchased, and at what time. To efficiently complete the task takes us two weeks working from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Our boss and our colleagues are impressed by our “efficiency.” The hyperlinks between documents and the color coded graphs with each color representing one of our clients will be very useful. During these same two weeks, while we have been “efficient,” a new competitor has been more “effective” and has set meetings with each of our clients to sell them a new product, which we also will be launching. Being effective and doing the right thing is much more important than being efficient.

Now, imagine taking 10 minutes at the end of each day to make a list of to do’s for the following day. This habit is very “efficient” though not necessarily “effective.” The tasks we normally place on our list are those which have to be done and not necessarily those that should be done.

We obtain immense personal satisfaction, which is reinforced in the work place with congratulatory comments about a job well done. By its very nature, doing what should be done is more difficult because often it implies taking a risk and doing something we have never done before. In addition, it opens the door to possible failure. Our challenge is to be effective and efficient at the same time. We can make a list of to do’s which starts with what should be done and then with what has to be done. Effectiveness and efficiency are not mutually exclusive; they can work well together.

Great accomplishments have been made by paving new paths. The pleasure of being efficient in something we already know how to do is momentary. The delight of doing something we have never done before requires additional effort and can be extraordinary. We can be more effective by doing the right thing and thus determine our direction and our destiny.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 32

The difference between achieving and dreaming is the specific action we take toward our objectives. We can create, imagine, innovate and desire but without taking concrete steps toward our intention, we are left high and dry.

If it’s so simple, why don’t we all take positive action toward our desires?

Although it is simple to understand, it is certainly not easy to put into practice. Taking action frequently requires a leap of faith. When we wait for everything to be perfect before taking action, we fall into the paralysis of analysis.

The fear of failure is an enemy we all face when we decide to move toward a specific purpose. A leap of faith often implies facing our fears, uncertainties and doubts and requires a high degree of faith, preparation and flexibility.

The most important faith many of us have is our faith in God or our beliefs. This faith allows us to know, in some way, shape or form, we will be taken care of during our journey. Also extremely important is the faith we have in our own ability to achieve a specific mission. Dr. Albert Bandura has studied this type of faith extensively and calls it “Self Efficacy.” Scientific studies link our faith in our ability to complete a given task to our capacity to do so.

Preparation is also key factor to our achieving success when taking a leap of faith. When we are well prepared, does this still mean we are taking a leap of faith? While some may argue otherwise, making a decision which moves us out of our “comfort zone” always creates significant change. The distance we must leap is a function of our preparation. We can diminish the gap from where we currently stand and where we want to go with comprehensive analysis and preparation.

When we take a leap of faith without taking into account the obstacles we are likely to encounter, it is likely we will face significant difficulties which hinder our progress and desire to continue in the face of adversity. On the contrary, when we take a leap of faith with flexibility to adjust our path when inconveniences are encountered, we possess a fundamental tool to persevere until we achieve our objective.

Developing a profound belief in a positive outcome, preparing extensively and contemplating a high degree of flexibility in our plans, allows us to take a leap of faith knowing it to be the best way to achieve, enjoy and delight in all we desire in this magnificent journey we call life.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 31

Our daily actions determine our direction and destiny. Cultivating definite purpose and intention puts us on course to attain all we desire professionally and personally. In his book Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill suggests the following:

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

Each of the following elements forms an integral part of leading a more prosperous material and spiritual life.

CONCEIVE: The power of our mind has no limits. Utilizing our creative energy awakens our mind, a magnificent machine establishing new ways of thinking to break with routine.

Our creativity, fed by an honest and dignified purpose, can create incredible change. Creating solutions to the problems and challenges facing humanity assures our effort and work will be justly rewarded. One of the most valuable gifts we all possess and which costs absolutely nothing is our creative energy. We can use this extraordinary power to live a life full of intention and meaning.

BELIEVE: A deep belief in our ability to achieve a specific objective is critical to our success. Our mind is our greatest ally and our worst enemy. We construct a base of triumph, or are lost in a hole of defeat, depending on our conviction in our capabilities.

Often the difference between the ecstasy of success and the agony of defeat is the faith we have in successfully completing a task. Confidence in our ability to reach our objectives is critical if we are to prevail through the gusts of adversity threatening to rock and destroy the foundation we have so carefully created.

ACHIEVE: To succeed in the sea of day to day events isn’t easy. Our lives can be likened to a ship on the ocean in the middle of a storm. The swirling winds of destiny and peril test our determination and purpose.

Our daily activities are the rudder leading us and allowing us to maintain our sight firmly on the horizon as the waves of change crash against us threatening the integrity of our purpose. A firm and honorable purpose assures our path remains constant and unwavering towards our objective.

We can enhance this wonderful journey we call life by stimulating our creative power to generate a worthy purpose, by believing firmly in its realization and by taking action to guarantee implementation. To conceive, believe and achieve is to assure we will not waddle in waves of self pity but rather flourish with the energy of burning desire.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 30

Feeling motivated, inspired and as if we can conquer the world is a worthy ideal. Nonetheless, there will be times when we are unmotivated, uninspired and as if the weight of the world is on our shoulders.

When we are in the depths of defeat and feel down and dilapidated, we can say we are at “the bottom of a bounce.” While it is preferable to sail smoothly on a wave of inspirational paradise, agony and defeat are ever-present threats lurking around the corner.

No one acquires outstanding success without dealing with the bottom of a bounce. More often than not, success is determined not by the absence of adversity, but rather by the way we face events which deplete our energy and drain our desire.

The beauty of being in the bottom of a bounce is that we can in fact be back!

How is this possible?

Think for a moment of life’s most trying times. We have all experienced trials and tribulations testing our patience and perseverance. There comes a time in each and every one of these moments when we truly come to the bottom of the bounce.

If things continue to get worse, it simply means we haven’t reached the bottom of the bounce, yet. When things cannot get any worse, they will in fact get better.

Therefore, the beauty of being at the bottom of a bounce is that we can and will be back better than ever!

So the next time somebody gives you a hard time about being down in the dumps, you can look them straight in the eye and say:

“Don’t bug me, I’m at the bottom of a bounce, but I will be back!”

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 29

From the day we enter this wonderful world until they day we depart to a reality yet unknown, we face problems and challenges.

How do we react to a problem?

What is our attitude toward a challenge?

When a problem presents itself, we often ask:

What did I do to deserve this little gem?

Why does this always happen to me?

Fears, uncertainties and doubt whine in a whirlwind of emotion. We doubt the reason a problem arises; we question our uncertainty regarding our ability to resolve it and fear we will fail in the process.

In contrast, for a challenge, we inquire:

How can I solve this situation?

What alternatives do I have?

Our reaction is a function of our perception and our perspective. If we see something as a problem, it is common to bathe in a banquet of self pity. Conversely, when we see something as a challenge, we generally confront it with energy and enthusiasm.

What is the difference between a problem and a challenge?

They are in fact one in the same!  It’s a question of attitude and vision. What appears to be a problem without resolution today, often results in a challenge fostering growth and creativity.

Instead of wallowing in the “why” of a problem, we can challenge it! Challenging a problem allows us to see it from a different perspective. When we see difficult situations as challenges with solutions instead of insoluble problems, we design our direction and direct our destiny.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 28

Sometimes we are up and inspired; at other times we are down and uninspired.

Can we keep the flame blazing all the time?

While many argue it is possible to be positive at any given moment, life is cyclical and there will be times when we will be less energetic and happy. The trick then is to bounce back from difficult moments rather than to strive to be jumping with joy all the time.

Those who are most successful in life are those who are able to see and meet their problems as challenges rather than those who seemingly have no problems. Being inspired and motivated is not a one time thing. We must continually view problems as challenges on our road to success and happiness.

The difference between a problem and a challenge is merely one of perception. We can see obstacles in life as problems, which hinder our progress, or as challenges, which allow us to grow and prosper. Inspiration and motivation create a flame which gives us warmth and sustenance, as it did for our ancestors thousands of years ago.

Once the fire is going, we must continually fan and feed it to keep it going. As long as we have coals in our internal fire, we have hope. Once the embers in the fire of life are extinguished, it is the beginning of the end. Rain, sleet and snow will appear in our lives and temporarily dampen the fire which burns brightly within. When we clarify our burning desire, we realize how important it is to fan and care for that fire.

As we learn to feed and nurture our burning desire on a daily basis, problems and obstacles wither and die. Each of us has been inspired and motivated by different elements at one time or another. There is no quick fix and no one recipe which works for everyone to fan the fire. For some it is religion, for some it is reading a book and for others it may be realizing the importance of facing life’s challenges to care for our children. We each have an inner drive we use to get us motivated when we are down in the doldrums.

We must continually fan the burning desire which blazes within in order to bounce back from life’s difficult moments. When we consciously feed and nurture the smoldering coals within our souls, we create our destiny and determine our direction.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 27

Life is a work of art in progress. We can relate it to a book whose pages are written with the events of each day. The years are chapters; the months, paragraphs; the days, sentences and the hours, words.

We have the power to “write” the words which describe our every moment. The words we write each day influence our character and even our appearance. Some pages are filled with adventure and action; others with terror and tragedy.

Our journey through life is similar to a walk through a bookstore. The people we see are the books on the shelves and tables. Each book evokes a different emotion and sensation. Some are old friends. We recognize their covers each time we pass by and open them to see what has been recently written in their pages. Others entice us with their creative and innovative designs, inviting us to open them and browse their pages. Others are a conglomeration of colors and textures, simply part of the background.

Each of us is a book, a work of art in progress. The years, months, days and hours form the plot of the book. Some contain direction and intention; others are haphazard, without meaning or significance.

Sometimes we are drawn to the cover of a book and later dissatisfied when we begin to read because our experience and background tell us it lacks content. Other books have covers which do not attract our attention; yet, when we begin to read the pages we realize the wonderful wealth and wisdom the words provide. When we find a book which is pleasing to our mind and our eye, it becomes a friend or soul mate.

Action defines the words we write in our pages daily. A life full of mindless routine assures a piece of art lacking content and character. A life full of action assures a book with meaning and adventure.

For better and for worse, action leads us to our destiny. Frequently, we fail to take action because we fear failure. Sometimes the only way to triumph with the ecstasy of success is to fly in the face of failure. Our book includes our successes and our failures, all which give meaning to our lives.

Let’s take control of each word, sentence, paragraph and chapter which form our work of art – our lives. When we take action today, we energize our experience; determine our destiny and define the creative genius we each possess.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 26

Communication is the only tool we have to understand others and to express our ideas.  Unfortunately, it tends to be a skill we learn only by trial and error and not through formal schooling.  The art of effective communication is seldom part of our educational curriculum.

When we think of communication, we immediately think of our ability to clearly present our ideas and intentions.  To communicate effectively, however, we need to first understand the other’s point of view and situation.  Stephen Covey in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People suggests:

“Seek first to understand….”

Seeking first to understand is in theory easy; in practice, much more difficult.  Studies have shown our minds can think at a rate which exceeds 500 words per minute while normal conversation moves at about 100 to 150 words per minute. This difference can be distracting while we listen to others speak.

As we “listen,” our minds are inundated with many thoughts such as:

How we are going to respond

What the noise in the background is

What we have to accomplish later in the day

What we should have done and haven’t completed

To find the calm in the eye of the hurricane of ideas which our mind generates isn’t easy.  It is natural for our minds to generate thousands of thoughts while we listen.  How then can we focus and calm the mind in order to become better communicators?  An analogy may be helpful.

When we want to listen to a particular type of music on the radio, we tune into a specific station.  If we tune into the wrong station, the message may or may not be what we desire.  If we fail to clearly select the station, we will hear only static.

To communicate more effectively, we should act as if we were an antenna and direct 100% of our attention to the person with whom we are talking.  Our sight, hearing and touch are all elements we can utilize to “tune in” our antenna and focus our attention.

When we “tune in” to others and “tune out” distractions, we can more effectively capture the essence and content of the message and enhance our ability to communicate.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 25

We each offer a product or a service daily. Often the product we offer is our capacity to be a better spouse, parent, employer or employee. “A Feast Fit for a King” is particularly relevant for people in sales though each of us “sells” constantly in some way, shape or form.

When is the best time to ask someone to make a decision about our offer?

The most obvious answer is when the recipient has all the information and is predisposed to accept our suggestions.

Suppose we are preparing a Feast Fit for a King for someone special. We go to the supermarket, buy the ingredients for the meal, a nice bottle of wine and candles to create the perfect atmosphere.

While we prepare the meal, we think of all the details. The precise moment to put each course into the oven, the table setting and the music we want to hear. When everything is ready, we sit down at the table with our loved one to enjoy a Feast Fit for a King.

When is the best time to enjoy each succulent bite?

It is in that instant, of course!

Something similar happens when we talk to a client.  We diligently do the following:

Contact the person

Qualify their capacity to buy

Investigate necessities and desires

Present our offering in terms of benefits

Respond to concerns with confidence and conviction

After we have expertly followed each step, we can ask for a decision without fear and without fumbling. While the words are not nearly as important as the intent, we can say, for example, “Let’s get things going; I just need your approval.”

Amazing as it may seem, studies have shown the majority of sales calls end without the salesperson ever asking for the order! At the end of the presentation, the salesperson typically mumbles something like, “What do you think?” to which the person eloquently replies, “Let me think about it, and I’ll call you…”

We know from experience, the promise of “I’ll call you…” is typically an empty promise designed to get rid of salespeople.

What can we do?

Just as the best time to eat a Feast Fit for a King is in this instant, the best time to highlight the benefits of our offer and to ask someone to make a decision is at the same time we have given them all the information they need.

If we put our Feast Fit for a King in the refrigerator and take it out the next day, it may still taste great, although it may never be as good as the moment it was first prepared. Similarly, a person is most likely to make a favorable decision immediately after we have “served” our proposal.

Rather than packing our bags and heading for the nearest exit in defeat, we should do everything possible to urge people to make a decision now and not later. Often, the worst thing we can do is to do nothing at all.

While there are no magic words or secret formulas to achieve our objectives 100% of the time, we can enter into every situation prepared to give our very best with confidence we will achieve our purpose. When we take action and ask people to make a decision, we determine our direction and drive our destiny.

In April, 2005 Lunar Letter, we conducted a survey regarding the following question:

“How do you overcome Fears, Uncertainties and Doubts to be more productive?”

The most frequent response from our readers was to, “Take Action!”

Take action today to empower excellence tomorrow.

@RobMcBride
May 2005

Our lives are a collection of emotions and events which mold us with power and satisfaction or with weakness and discontent. In his book Thinkertoys, Michael Michalko mentions three elements which kill creative energy and control many of our thoughts and actions.

F ears

U ncertainties

D oubts

There are times when Fears, Uncertainties and Doubts play a critical role in our lives. If we are in a situation where a very hungry animal is chasing us in hopes of an easy meal, Fear better kick in to create the adrenaline we need to survive. Today, the animals most likely and capable of “eating us” are other human beings!

While it is important to have a certain degree of fear and precaution for protection, FUDs are most likely emotions which diminish power instead of adding value to our personal development.

For example, a salesperson goes to present a new product to the company’s most valuable customer. She has been chosen because of her capacity to consistently make difficult sales and this sale could be the difference between a successful product launch and complete failure. She is a professional and has a terrific knowledge of her product and the benefits the customer will derive from the purchase. Fears, Uncertainties and Doubts take control as she waits in the reception area for her appointment.

• What if they don’t like the product?
• What if I forget everything I am going to say?
• If I don’t close this sale, I may be fired on the spot!

These emotions create panic. Instead of concentrating on her knowledge and success, she is thrown into the paralysis of analysis. Her marvelous mind which should be focused on the preparation of the last several weeks is now consumed by possible failure.

Our minds are powerful machines which generally obey the instructions we give them thousands of times each day. We say, “Open the door!” and magically our arm and hand coordinate to open the door. All we achieve is directly connected with a thought, action or reaction.

FUDs are frequently the cause of our most trying times. I suggest we Fire the FUDs! Just get rid of them. When Fear, Uncertainty or Doubts enter our mind, we must have the power to replace them with Conviction, Certainty and Confidence.

What’s the alternative? The minutes, hours and days flow like a river on its ever changing course. We can create our direction and destiny with powerful thoughts or diminish desire with FUDs. Let’s firmly grasp the helm of life and enjoy this incredible journey we call life.

@RobMcBride
April 2005

Our ability to recall and retain information is influenced tremendously by the type of communication we utilize and the method we use to follow up on the ideas.  In a recent scientific study, psychologist William Glasser discovered that we retain:

10 % of what we read

20 % of what we hear

30 % of what we see

50 % of what we see & hear

70 % of what we DISCUSS

80 % of what we EXPERIENCE

95 % of what we TEACH

In addition, a Stanford University study established that when a person hears an idea once, 68% is forgotten within 48 hours and more than 90% is forgotten in 30 days.

The primary challenge in learning is to take action on the ideas in order to solidify the impact on our personal and professional development.  It is common to read a book, listen to somebody or participate in an event and then fail to instill the ideas by following up adequately.

I have created a training technique establishing concrete parameters to solidify learning.  I call it “Retensive Learning.”  The program starts by focusing on specific behavior which we want to modify or reinforce.  We then use periodic modules to stimulate and encourage participants to discuss, experiment with and teach each of the tools learned.

“Retensive Learning” intensifies the learning process by firmly establishing desired behaviors.  We thus successfully embed effective routines and habits in the daily lives of individuals.

There are books, conferences and workshops which introduce incredible ideas for a better way of life.  Without specific programmed follow up, the ideas fall by the wayside.  “Retensive Learning” institutes a plan of action which initiates a precise powerful way to create compelling behavioral change.

@RobMcBride
March 2005

Companies, like people, must Bounce back from challenging situations if they want to remain in business. It is imperative to rise and roar after falling or failing in order to soar with the eagles.

With his powerful, eloquent voice, Martin Luther King Jr. said:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Similarly, the ultimate measure of a company is its capacity to Bounce back from difficult circumstances. Frequently, corporate cycles are very similar to those of a bouncing ball; they pass through periods of expansion, recession and recuperation.

While these stages are normally well defined and there are economic factors which exert influence, it is possible to positively influence these cycles to prolong those which are most favorable and Bounce back more rapidly from those which are negative. Diminishing the time when a company is at the bottom of a Bounce enhances profitability and increases employee satisfaction.

To achieve a more effective Corporate Bounce the following are fundamental:

• A plan with Vision, Mission and Objective and a method of measuring adherence to those principles.
• A plan which consists not only of words but also a definite course of action
• A system which rewards innovation and doesn’t inhibit creativity
• A compensation system which rewards outstanding employees
• A hierarchy which streamlines the decision making process
• A willingness to recognize weaknesses and limitations
• An atmosphere promoting action and innovation
• An organization which leverages its strengths
• An environment without fear of criticism

We can say, “Sounds good in theory, but what about putting it into practice?” Decisions which positively influence a company normally come from owners and managers. It is also true that an idea which can make a tremendous difference between remaining in the depths of doldrums or brilliant Bounce can come from any level in the organization and at any time.

For these ideas to flow freely, it is essential to create an environment where people have confidence to express their creativity. Companies successfully implementing these strategies create an atmosphere conducive to Bouncing back and are those which change, innovate and actualize today, to be champions tomorrow

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 21

Our ability to “Bounce Back” and move forward is an attribute which provides confidence and security to face life’s most challenging situations. The analogy of a bouncing ball rebounding in spite of adversity is a powerful metaphor as is the resiliency of a sponge. While the physical characteristics of a bouncing ball and a sponge are very different, there are noteworthy similarities.

A sponge after being twisted and tortured returns to its original state. While there is a definite limit to the abuse it can take, the sponge is resilient and “Bounces Back” to its initial form. We can learn much from the sponge both in its natural state in the ocean and its commercial state with which we are more familiar.

The living sponge we find in the ocean regenerates itself when cut from its base for
commercial use. The treated sponge we buy in the store is remarkable in its ability to store water (information) and to return to its original state (Bounce Back) after being used and abused. When we face our challenges as if we were a sponge, we encounter new found significance in the most trying times of our lives.

“Resilience” is “The property of a material that enables it to resume its original shape or position after being bent, stretched, or compressed; elasticity.” This is the essence of the sponge. Our capacity to return to our, “original state,” after being bent, stretched and twisted by the dynamic cycles of life is a worthy goal, while our ability to improve and learn through these challenges is ideal.

Those who achieve impressive feats in life are those who have the ability to look at problems as challenges and who are not afraid of failure. Failure is neither good nor bad, it simply is. Some of the most incredible discoveries have been the result of tremendous failures and harsh criticism.

A positive attitude, focus, flexibility, organization and initiative are characteristics which allow us to have the resilience of a sponge to Bounce Back from any situation which arises.

• A positive attitude drives us to see problems as challenges
• Intense focus permits us to continue on the right track
• Flexibility creates a myriad of appealing alternatives
• Organization facilitates the direction our destiny
• Initiative compels us in the direction we desire

Success is not an accident, rather it is the result of the decisions we make daily. When we become aware of the way in which we see the world and, specifically, how we view our own trials and tribulations, we embark on a journey which illuminates the beauty of each stride in this incredible adventure we call life.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 20

At this time of the year, it’s common to review our habits and routines in search of a healthier and more fulfilling life. To truly create habits which empower our future, we need to continually reinforce them. A plan to track and modify our behavior keeps us on the path of success and happiness.

Our habits and routines are part of our being. Despite experience to the contrary, we can be masters of our routines. Implementing a system which highlights the importance of applying positive habits, creates a lifestyle which unlocks a wide range of opportunities. Instead of thinking, “Why can’t we do it?” we can ask, “How can we do it?” Since we have unconsciously established daily routines, our challenge is to implement new ones.

Eight to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape is a system I have developed which establishes a mechanism to initiate change, reinforce positive behavior and track progress. While the number “8” flows with the ideas and principles set forth, the following are also valid:

• Two is None too Few
• Three to be Free
• Four to Score
• Five to Stay Alive
• Six for Kicks
• Seven is Heaven

Creating a system emphasizing the significance of establishing powerful positive habits constructs a lifestyle which unlocks and opens doors of opportunity.

There is a simple way to create positive routines. All we need is a calendar, a pencil and a burning desire to take charge of our destiny.

1. Determine those activities which direct us to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape. We can focus on initiating or continuing behavior which is in harmony with our lifestyle and occupation. Click on the thumbnails below to see a sample list of activities, additional ideas and calendar with results:
2. The number of activities and their difficulty will vary. Each of us controls the content and complexity of the habits and routines we choose.
3. Every evening record each completed activity in the form of an icon or letter on that day’s date. An ideal time to complete this exercise is just before going to bed. The entire exercise of “logging” our daily results takes no more than a minute.

We may say:

“Why bother?”

“I don’t have time!”

“I have too many things to do!”

Whether we feel there is room for improvement in our lives or we consider we are obtaining the results we desire, Eight to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape improves our awareness of empowering activities.

Accomplishing activities which lead us to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape generates a continual flow of energy into our pool of productivity. There will be days when we achieve more or less than our “ideal” number of activities. The purpose of the exercise is not to chastise ourselves for coming up short, rather to possess a powerful plan which guides us to our objectives.

Like sand through an hour glass, the days, months and years slip away with or without a plan. Eight to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape generates a script which enables us to direct our destiny and assure our path to prosperity.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 19

The most important thing in life is not the daily ups and downs we experience, but rather our reaction to those events. Our capacity to Bounce back from challenging situations determines our direction and destiny.

To be “Bounced” can also have another meaning. The term is also used to signify rejection or failure. At first glance, it appears the meanings of the word Bounce are incongruent. When we take a closer look we actually see they are very much in harmony.

Those who are most successful in life and achieve that which many only dream about are typically the people who effectively deal with rejection and failure. The more they are “Bounced”, the stronger they become. They recuperate and Bounce back from being “Bounced” because of a high degree of confidence and tremendous conviction in their abilities.

To be a better Bouncer there are several factors to take into account. Where we happen to be in our particular cycle is one of the most crucial to consider. Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. If we are at the bottom of a Bounce, our capacity to look at things in a positive light and come out fighting is more complicated. If we are on top of the world and feeling wonderful, our capacity to Bounce back is enhanced.

One of the biggest misconceptions of motivation is that we can feel up and motivated all of the time. There are times when we feel down and there is nothing anyone or anything can do to make us Bounce back at that particular moment. Nor should we expect that we should never feel down. If we never know that feeling of misery and misfortune, we can never truly experience the exhilaration and excitement of life.

There is a time for everything and each and every instant has a reason for being. When we feel down and out instead of getting upset with ourselves or with those who want us to miraculously feel up and motivated, we can instead say:

“Don’t bug me, I am in a bottom of a Bounce, but I will be back!”

Being congruent and in harmony with our emotions is perhaps one of the most difficult things we can do. We are taught from a very young age that it isn’t always wise or desirable to show what we feel. Instead we often repress feelings which elicit extreme emotions in the positive and the negative.

When we are down, it’s OK to be down as long as we know we can and will Bounce back. When we are up and motivated, we should bathe in the beauty of the moment. At the same time, it is realistic to accept that there will be a time when the cycle changes and thus prepare to Bounce back when we feel we are in the bottom of a Bounce.

Those who Bounce best assure that the agony of defeat will time and again lead to the thrill of victory.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 18

Energy is life and we communicate with the world according to our level of energy. Internal energy is a direct reflection of our physical and emotional well-being. When we are physically and emotionally energized, we direct our destiny. When we are physically and emotionally weak, we drift aimlessly in an ocean of change.

To create energy in our bodies we need to eat right and exercise. In theory it is simple and logical but in practice, difficult and challenging. It is often more convenient to eat poorly and forego exercise than to eat well and exercise. A disciplined approach to eating nourishing food and exercising regularly creates energy.

Developing the habit of consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables is the first step towards a healthy body. The plethora of wonderful food is one of life’s simple pleasures. It is one of the benefits that we, as human beings, have in comparison to virtually any other species. This variety frequently leads us to consume food which generates immediate satisfaction but which is not most beneficial to our bodies. As we create a desire to assimilate fresh fruits and vegetables into our daily diet, we acquire a healthier body and mind.

Physical exercise is initially exhausting and ultimately satisfactory. Laziness is initially satisfactory and ultimately unproductive. While it is imperative to recharge our bodies to create energy, the best way to achieve this goal is by restful sleep and not lethargy. Strenuous physical endeavor activates our body and creates energy. By using every opportunity during the day to exercise our bodies, we generate and store energy for future use.

Stretching our body in the morning, using our muscles to pick up an object instead of dragging it, walking to our destination rather than riding and utilizing our muscles creates physical energy. The small things we do on a daily basis to exercise our body make a tremendous difference in our overall energy level.

Generating the right emotional state to create positive energy is more elusive. We are taught how to ride a bike, read, write and do arithmetic but seldom how to manage our emotions. Developing positive emotional energy is frequently a result of our internal dialogue.

When we tell ourselves that things are terrible and will only get worse, we find a way to fulfill the prophecy. If, on the other hand, we tell ourselves that things are not the way we want them to be and we have the power to create positive solutions, we also will fulfill that prediction.

From the moment we wake up in the morning until we sleep at night, our mind is constantly analyzing and evaluating information. When we consciously empower our internal dialogue to focus on solutions instead of problems, we positively energize our emotions.

Physical and emotional energy are the fountain of life.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 17

Change creates a wave of emotions which determines our motivation and desire to make decisions and take action. Our capacity to Ride the Wave of Change and control our “internal dialogue” is a powerful tool which directs our response to life’s circumstances.

Unfortunately, seldom are we taught how to manage our emotions. Our parents, the educational system and the corporate environment are dedicated to teach us how to do “things.” Like tying our shoes, throwing a ball, studying for a test and being more productive. All of this knowledge is extremely important. Of equal importance is effectively managing the wave of emotions which presents itself daily.

There are two words which help to manage and direct our “internal dialogue.” The words are BECAUSE and BUT.

William Shakespeare said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

 

• A positive attitude towards change is good, BECAUSE it creates imagery which empowers us to develop creative solutions.
• A negative attitude towards change is not good, BUT it does give us an opportunity to reflect on the positive elements which the situation creates.

Every change contains both positive and negative elements. The language we use to process these changes will determine the attitude we assume with respect to each event. In the first case, the word BECAUSE affirms the importance of the positive reaction and in the second case, the word BUT detracts from the importance of the negative reaction allowing us to find positive elements of the change.

Normally, we use the word BUT in a negative way in our “internal dialogue.” For example:
“I consider myself to be intelligent and capable, BUT I wasn’t successful in closing an important contract because I wasn’t able to see the subtle nuances of the deal.”

Unconsciously, we beat ourselves up and diminish the importance of our intelligence and capability while we place more emphasis on our inability to achieve an objective. In order to utilize the word BUT in a positive way, we can “phrase” this “internal dialogue” as follows:

“I wasn’t successful in closing the deal, BUT I am intelligent and capable to learn from the experience so that I will do better next time.”

We create power when we use these small and mighty words. Our attitude towards change has a decisive impact in our lives. The decision we take with respect to each event in our life creates our direction and destiny.

When we control the words and ideas flowing through our “internal dialogue”, we take advantage of a powerful tool allowing us to bounce back from the most difficult situations in life, because in the end…

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 16

Adversity creates our character and determines our destiny. Think for a moment of the most gratifying moments of your life. Graduating from school, getting married, having kids, being hired for your “dream” job, closing an important sale, resolving a difficult problem or overcoming a complex situation. It’s possible to have these experiences without crossing the turbulent river of adversity but those successes which we obtain in spite of adversity are the most valued moments of our lives.

Why then do we flee from adversity?

We prefer that which is comfortable and convenient. automatically look for that which is known and familiar. Nevertheless, adversity forces us to do something extraordinary. It forces us to think and use our minds to explore and examine alternatives which are outside our comfort zone. We see from our own experience that overcoming adversity produces more personal satisfaction.

Life is like a bouncing ball. Sometimes we are up, and sometimes we are down. Our ability to bounce back from adversity creates our character and determines our destiny. Frequently the cause of our down moments is the turbulent river of adversity. One of the most powerful ways to bounce back from adversity is to focus on the end result. Overcoming the challenge provides us with the exhilaration and pride associated with accomplishing an important task.

We live in a life where adversity confronts us like a tiger with bared teeth every day.

How will we react?

Will we turn and run or meet the challenge?

There are certainly moments when the best answer is to run as quickly as possible! Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to take a moment to reflect on the alternatives. One way of putting things in perspective is to apply, “The rocking chair test.”

How will we feel when we are old, sitting in our rocking chair and thinking about the decision that we took at a given point in time?

Will we be proud of our decision to turn and run or will it be more desirable to know that we faced the danger and fought with valor?

Adversity provides us with the opportunity to determine our destiny and to fly with the eagles rather than slither with the snakes.

In the end…It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 15

This is one of those months that comes around every once in a Blue Moon, literally. A Blue Moon occurs when there are two full moons in the same month. The next time this will occur is in May 2007. I take this special opportunity to explain one of the ideas which inspired our Lunar Letter.

The routine of our daily lives frequently creates obstacles to our enjoying each marvelous day on earth. I created a concept which enables us to be more aware of the value of each day and converted the idea into a simple game.

The idea evolved as I was thinking about the importance of each day, month and year in this adventure we call “life.” The first step was to establish a point of reference. Since I am somewhat of a “lunatic” and have always been aware of the phases of the moon, I decided to use the Full Moon as the central theme of this wonderful game.

It has been well established that goals and objectives are one of the primary keys to achieving that which we most desire. For example, we can create a goal to buy a new car or change jobs. If we accompany that goal with a definite plan of action, more than likely we will achieve our objective. If this idea works for short term goals, what about more important life time goals involving our health and happiness?

Think for a moment about the time when you would like to leave this reality we call “life” and enter another reality, yet unknown. Now visualize yourself at this “Ideal Age” full of life and energy, celebrating your life with those you love and cherish.

• The age which you have just visualized is your Ideal Age.
• From your Ideal Age, subtract your Actual Age.
• The result is your Years of Fun and Fulfillment.
• Take your Years of Fun and Fulfillment and multiply by 365.25.
• This will give you your Days of Fun and Fulfillment.
• Your Days of Fun and Fulfillment divided by 29.5 will give you your Full Moons of Fun and Fulfillment until your Ideal Age.

It sounds complicated, so here is an example:

• 82 – 42 = 40 Years of Fun and Fulfillment
• 40 X 365,25 = 14,610 Days of Fun and Fulfillment *
• 14.610 / 29,50 = 495,25 Full Moons of Fun and Fulfillment

* This formula will give you a ballpark figure. If you would like to calculate your actual Days of Fun and Fulfillment, click here.

Precious Stones

The next step is to buy or find Precious Stones which exemplify for you each Full Moon of Fun and Fulfillment. In our example we would have 495 Full Moon’s of Fun and Fulfillment. Your Precious Stones can be the precious glass gems in this buy link, marbles, stones or any other small object.

Place them in a glass jar and at the beginning of each Full Moon take one out.
Carry it with you in your pocket or change purse. This way you can see your Precious Stone often during the month and remember the importance of that month in the great scheme of things.

When the Full Moon comes around, take your Precious Stone and place it some place where you can see it regularly. It could be in a fish tank, garden or beneath a tree.
Take another Precious Stone from your jar and play the game until the next Full Moon.

We may wonder, “Won’t seeing the number of Precious Stones decreasing in our jar have a negative effect?” This depends entirely on our point of view. This process is an excellent way to remind us to enjoy each day, Full Moon and year of Fun and Fulfillment. When we finally take out the last Precious Stone from our jar and place it in the special place we have chosen, it signifies the achievement of an important milestone in our lives. At that moment, I would suggest starting the whole process again. Insurance actuaries remind us that even someone who is 100 years old has a life expectancy.

Your Precious Stones create powerful imagery to live in the present and to Bounce back from difficult situations because in the end…

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 14

Deep deliberate breathing will provide our body with vigor and vitality. We ignore the power and energy that breathing can generate. Oxygen is essential for every cell and organ in our body. Our respiratory system distributes this vital energy and eliminates toxins from our body.

We breathe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during our entire lives. We can last many days without food, a shorter period of time without water but without breathing for only a few minutes, we begin to turn blue!

Dr. Marcos Levy explains that as we breathe deeply, our diaphragm contracts. This contraction creates suction within the largest vein in our bodies, called the vena cava, which carries blood from our lower extremities to the heart. This improves blood circulation and increases energy levels.

One of the best ways to assure proper breathing is through vigorous exercise. As our heart rate increases and we begin to breathe deeply we automatically utilize our diaphragm. I know what you are thinking:

“I don’t have time for exercise!”

While exercise is ideal for deep breathing, there are other ways to breathe properly. The first step is to inhale slowly and deeply through the nose. The air should fill first the lower, middle and then upper lungs. Exhale through the mouth while fully relaxing rib cage and stomach. This can be accomplished during the following activities:

Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
Running after our children
Jumping up and down
Walking rapidly
Chasing a dog
Doing yoga

In addition, it is also possible to focus on deep deliberate breathing at any given moment. For example:

In traffic
When we are angry
Before going to sleep
While watching television
Before chastising our children
During a particularly boring meeting

Vanity leads us to suck in our stomach so that people think we are skinny, but by doing this we don’t breathe properly! Deep breathing causes our stomach to inflate as we inhale and to deflate as we exhale. It may be that people laugh at our inflated stomachs but we will be activating our respiratory system which fills us with energy and vitality to face daily challenges.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 13

Many of us are familiar with the words of Matthew 7:7.

“Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened unto you.”

Regardless of religious affiliation or belief, these words work wonders to open doors which otherwise remain closed. In order to achieve that which we desire, we must be first willing to take action.

At the same time, it is not enough to merely ask, seek or knock. These are the first steps and without them we will certainly go nowhere. More importantly, however, we must ask, seek and knock “effectively” in order to achieve our objectives. A tremendous source of frustration for many of us arises when we take action but fail to attain results.

Let’s look at two examples.

1. If we knock lightly and tentatively on the door of a gigantic house, no one will hear us to let us in. On the other hand, if we bang our fists on the door, it will open with a very angry owner wanting to know what we demand.

2. In the world of sales, and to some extent we are all salespeople, we know that we must contact someone before we can make a sale. Many of us think that by making enough contacts, we will become successful. The truth is that we must make effective contacts where we satisfy needs in order to make a sale.

There are several steps that we can take which assure that each time we ask, seek and knock, we will not only be taking action but be taking effective action. One way to narrow it down is in terms of EPPA², my formula for increased confidence and success:

Experience: Energize our experience today to be more effective tomorrow.

Preparation: Prepare well in advance to create confidence.

Perseverance: Persevere to attain and maintain success.

Attitude²: Create an exceptional attitude².

Taking effective action by energizing experience, preparing, persevering and maintaining an excellent attitude², assures that we will be well on our way to achieve our goals and objectives.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 12

We have the power to create a Well of Abundance in our lives. Nevertheless, most of us never create abundance that goes beyond solving our immediate necessities. Let’s look at an analogy that can generate this magic element which we all desire.

It is estimated that rivers and lakes contain only about 3% of the entire amount of the world’s freshwater which is so vital for our survival. The water that is not in rivers and lakes is stored under the earth’s surface in different forms and depths.

When we begin to drill a well, we arrive rapidly to what is called the water table. We find water but it is not constant or reliable. It is affected by local conditions such as changes in the seasons and climactic conditions. Water which is found at deeper levels is stored in aquifers. The quality and quantity of this water is more constant and reliable because it comes from sources that are not as affected by local conditions.

You are probably asking:

“What does this have to do with me and abundance in my life?”

In the beginning, we all take advantage of the abundance which is readily available. In our example this can be represented by the rivers and lakes. This source of abundance is rapidly depleted and we must work harder and drill deeper to once again find that which we desire.

Frequently, we stop as soon as we achieve initial levels of success, the water table. Since this is affected by local conditions, there comes a point when the source is no longer constant or reliable. Often we do not deepen our existing well to find the aquifer which will provide a steady stream of abundance, but rather go in search of another nearby well which gives immediate satisfaction.

Most often the best response to a lack of abundance in our lives is not to go find another well but to dig deeper into the one we currently have to find a constant source of abundance.

Any position and any type of work have potential. When we continue to dig, investigate and learn everything about our business and work, we will arrive at the aquifers that are not so affected by seasons and changes. We achieve stability in our business and our lives which are converted into a Well of Abundance.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 11

Life is cyclical in nature and we are on a never ending roller coaster of emotions. As we travel through the roller coaster of life, we experience a wide range of emotions and feelings. Commencing our journey we are filled with excitement and expectation. We learn and grow as we initiate a steep climb that is frequently interrupted by twists and turns. As we move towards our goal, we feel exhilaration and anticipation of what is yet to come.

For many of us the culmination of our studies whether it be high school, college or beyond signifies the attainment of a tremendous goal. To be sure it is a wonderful achievement and is a terrific reward for a job well done. Yet it is only the beginning. As we reach the top of that first climb, we look out over the landscape and see all that is possible. Our imaginations run wild with the possibilities and the options that life offers.
It is at that moment that our ride through life takes on a new dimension. We feel the need for speed as we rocket down the other side of the steep climb. The curves come fast and furious as we twist and turn through a series of thrilling moments which take our breath away. Some of us laugh and shout, others cower and cry.

As we reach the bottom, we have a gamut of emotions; relief, excitement, exhilaration and anticipation. We begin to wonder if the ride has ended or if we still have another opportunity to continue on our fantastic voyage.

Our lives are much like that roller coaster with one incredible exception. We have a tremendous amount of control over duration and intensity of the peaks and valleys in our lives. While we never know when the ride will come to an end, our capacity to bounce back from adversity intensifies our experience and determines our destiny.

When the cycle of life brings us down, we have a choice to make. Will we stay down for the count or will we bounce back and give life all that we have to give? Each of us has the power to control our thoughts which ultimately control our actions. Our mind can initiate a new climb to magnificent heights or it can wallow in the worries of why.

As we increase our capacity to welcome the ever changing cycles of life and bounce back from even the most difficult circumstances, we create power to determine our destiny and direction.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 10

Our lives are constantly changing and evolving. Frequently, these changes involve stress and worry. Following is an idea I have been working on which encourages us to embrace and welcome change.

Imagine for a moment that you are in the mountains. The vegetation is dense and the smell of the soil, trees and flowers impregnates the air. There are butterflies with intense colors, blue, red and yellow which fly haphazardly among the flowers of equally intense color. The sun’s rays which penetrate the tree branches above appear to be threads of silk which connect the trees with the earth. Gentle gusts of wind whisper through leaves which dance and vibrate.

The sound of a river winding through the valley murmurs as it passes over rocks that have formed over thousands of years. A small waterfall spills the contents of the river into a small pool. Small waves form from where the water enters the pool and undulate while losing intensity until they disappear completely into outer limits of the pool. The water is clear and transparent. There are rocks, branches and leaves on the outer borders which detain the contents of pool until it continue on its voyage.

There is an unorganized order which only nature can create. The water and other objects come into the pool from unknown sources. After staying for an indeterminate length of time, they continue on their merry way. There are insects, animals, plants and trees which utilize the pool as a source of energy, power and sustenance. The pool exists as is and with its imperfections is, in fact, perfect.

Our lives are like the mountain river pool. The events of our days, months and years are like the objects that enter the pool. Some people and some things stay for a very long time. Others come and go unperceived. Regardless of how hard we try, it is impossible to keep things unchanged in our lives, in our pools. Change is inevitable and it is constant.

The pool in the mountain exists in harmony with nature. When there is a storm, the water in the pool becomes cloudy and disturbed. After the storm, the form and content of the pool are changed but the essence remains the same.

The same applies to us as human beings as we encounter change. Our lives and our minds are initially in turmoil as we process the new events. While we assimilate this new information, our minds are similar to the cloudy and disturbed pool. When we adopt change as a normal process in life, we have a powerful tool to embrace change.

Our capacity to value the importance of change in our lives determines our happiness, direction and destiny.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 9

There is an e mail message written by an anonymous author that I have received several times over the last few years. The message is powerful and surely, many have received it. The title is The Difference. Nevertheless, it leaves unanswered a very important question.

What to do with the information?

Each time I have read it, I have thought not only of the words but of the best way to take action with regards to each suggestion. Without action, words disappear in time.

The difference between wealthy and poor countries does not have to do with their age, natural resources, intelligence or ethnicity of the population. The difference has to do with the Attitude of the people. Attitude! Attitude is the difference that makes a tremendous difference!

Attitude is the exponential component of the formula I have created for success and confidence:

C=EPPA²

Success comes from Confidence which is a product of Experience, Preparation, Perseverance and an excellent Attitude².

Let’s take a look at ten interesting ideas to obtain and maintain a terrific Attitude² with action ideas for each.

Integrity:
Our integrity is the basis of our character. Integrity with ourselves and others. What do we do when no one is looking? Our integrity does not depend on what others think of us but rather about what our own internal voice tells us. While brushing our teeth each night we can look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we have lived that day with integrity in our actions.

Punctuality:
Being punctual is a habit which is formed by our experience. If our experience has taught us that everyone else will be late, we will tend to be late as well. Instead of trying to get someplace exactly on time, we can arrive ten minutes early for everything. When we get there, we will be calmer and better prepared. To take advantage of the time, we can develop the habit of taking something to read, such as a book or a magazine so we don’t “waste” our time while waiting for everyone else to show up.

Responsibility:
Being responsible to others highlights their importance in our lives. When we honor our word and our obligations we show everyone that they are significant. One of our greatest needs as human beings is to feel important. In order to be more responsible, we can maintain a list where we keep the promises and obligations we have assumed. Reviewing this list on a daily basis will emphasize the significance of our responsibilities.

Economy:
It is not easy to economize. Today’s world is based on mass consumption. Spending money today on the promise of tomorrow has become, in many instances, a badge of honor. Never in history have we had such a variety of goods and services at our disposal. To be certain, we should take advantage of modern advancements but only when all other basic necessities are satisfied.

Love of Work:
To love our work sounds spectacular and it would be wonderful if we all did exactly what we love doing! But what do we do when we are working somewhere which is something other than our “ideal” job? First, is to utilize the marvelous mind we all have to create a strategy to obtain our dream job, if we have not yet achieved it. Second, is to give significance to our job regardless of what it happens to be. When we give importance to our job and give it our best effort, new roads within the same area or in a totally different area will open.

Order and Cleanliness:
Order and cleanliness are often the first things we notice about an office, a house, a city or a country. When everything is orderly and clean, we suspect the people our proud of that particular place. As individuals, we can concentrate our efforts on our work place and homes as a starting point. It is difficult to change an entire society but easy to commence with our own surroundings. The seeds we plant today will grow and embellish our environment tomorrow.

Desire for improvement:
People do not age due to the passing years but rather for a lack of interest in life. While we are advancing, learning and growing, we remain young. All of the health and beauty products that are currently offered pale in comparison to the internal beauty that radiates from a person who is progressing towards a worthy objective. Reading, learning and studying are elements which assure we will always be young at heart.

Morality as a Basic Principle:
Morality is evident in all we do. It’s not a word to be heard only at church on Sundays. When we have to make a decision, it’s important to take a few seconds to ask ourselves, “Is what I am about to do true and correct? Could I tell my children what I am doing and feel proud?” The answers to these questions will help to keep us on the right road.

Respect for Law and Order:
Laws exist to maintain harmony within a society. When laws are respected by most, there is peace and tranquility. When laws are respected by few, hostility and anxiety reign supreme. In many cases we are taught that being tricky and sneaky, or “looking the other way” is acceptable behavior. Respecting not only the law but the spirit of the law allows us to be an integral part of society and not to isolate ourselves from it.

Respect for the Rights of Others:
We live with our own thoughts 24 hours a day. It’s natural to think of our own well being as well as those we love. When this idyllic state, however, infringes on the rights of others, there is internal and external conflict. The age old advice of treating others the way we would like them to treat us is the most effective procedure to respect the rights of others.

Abiding by each of these values is no easy task. To be sure, there will detours and challenges along the way. If, however, we adhere to these principles and take appropriate action, we will have a terrific Attitude² which will lead us to achieve more confidence and success in all that we do.

Committing to an objective, establishing a plan and taking action is the start of an adventure that can take us to whatever destination we desire.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 8

During this time of the year, many of us reflect on what happened last year and what we would like to happen for the coming year. Normally, we think about doing more exercise, losing weight, working harder and reaching new goals and objectives.

Often it is an exercise which we perform mentally during the holidays. We have the best intentions and when we are creating our ideal year, it sounds easy and we are excited about the prospects of the coming year. We return to work and start back on our routine and, in many cases, it’s like waking up after a night of too much eating and drinking. The “hangover” that we wake up to is accompanied by work that has accumulated during time off. We think, “This is crazy! What was I thinking about when I made these new resolutions and goals?” If we don’t accompany our goals and objectives with action, it is likely that the wonderful thoughts we have will become nothing more or less than an unaccomplished dream.

What are the steps that we can take to assure that we don’t carry out the exact same exercise with similar results next January?

In most cases, we already know the answers. Most of us have read or heard about the steps we need to take to establish goals. We know that they must be attainable, that we should write them down, break them into smaller goals and take action. Taking action is, however, most often the difference between accomplishing or failing in our goals and objectives.

How can we establish powerful goals with an action plan?

1) Write down our goals and objectives

There is nothing more powerful than writing down our goals and objectives on a piece of paper. Our mind is a magnificent machine that is capable of creating incredible ideas but until we put our ideas in black and white, the ideas continue to be only a dream. When we see what we desire in writing, our goals and objectives take on a new dimension. We are able to adjust, modify and analyze that which we most desire.

2) Establish a time frame to achieve our goals and objectives

When we fix a date to our goals and objectives, our mind begins to work on the task at hand. We begin consciously and unconsciously to develop that which we must do to accomplish our objectives within the stipulated time frame. Sharing the information with others who are interested or involved in our goals makes the exercise even more powerful. There will always be someone who will tell us, “So what’s going on? What about the goals we talked about?”

3) Create an action plan

Regardless of how difficult a particular goal may be, it is always possible to break it down into smaller steps. Most often, the first steps are the most difficult to take. It’s like a baby who is learning to walk. The first few steps that a baby takes are tough, but once they start walking, we can’t stop them! The first step in our case might be a phone call, a letter or an e-mail. It may involve doing some research to better understand what is needed to accomplish the objective. When we define what needs to be done it is like having a recipe for success. Without the recipe it’s possible that we just may happen to stumble upon our objectives but when we follow our action plan we greatly increase the odds of reaching our goals.

4) Take action

We can write down our goals, establish dates for completion and create an action plan but without action we are stuck. Many goals which are postponed until “next year” are the victims of inaction. We create a brilliant plan but fail to take action. It’s a fact that if we fail to take action within 24 hours of creating a goal, that our chances of achieving it are reduced considerably. The best time to take any action is right now!

5) Persevere

Achieving our goals and objectives normally involves creating new habits and routines. Not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. We all have a habitual way of carrying out our daily activities. Normally our routines involve handling problems and challenges at work and at home. When we add another piece to this wonderful jigsaw puzzle that we call life, everything gets much more complicated. Scientific studies have shown that it takes 21 days to create a new habit and only five days to lose it. The ability to confronting challenges and persevere in the face of adversity have been the hallmark of those who have attained important objectives in their lives.

Finally, we should dream and believe in our capacity to create. Anatole France said:

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream. Not only plan but also believe.”

We all possess the tools and knowledge to achieve our goals and objectives. If we write down in black and white what we desire, establish a definite time frame for completion, create an action plan, take action and persevere in the face of difficulty, we will attain all that desire!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 7

Our ability to be creative can make a tremendous difference in our lives. Many years ago, Earl Nightingale suggested the opposite of courage is not cowardliness but rather conformity. The road taking us away from cowardliness is the road less traveled, the same one where we must be creative because it is usually laden with uncertainty and the unknown. While most of us know that creativity can set us apart from the masses, it can be elusive and difficult to ascertain.

We can talk about four steps used:

• Define the objective
• Analyze the problem
• Generate solutions
• Take action

While these elements are important, there is another element perhaps even more important than all the others. Our belief in our creative power is fundamental if we want to achieve more creativity in our surroundings. The power of our mind has no equal. Some of the wisest men in the world have written about our ability to change our lives by changing our thoughts.

Whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve.
~ Napoleon Hill

A man’s life is what his thoughts make of it.
~ Marcus Aurelius

Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.
~ Henry Ford

Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be a creature of outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow; he then becomes the rightful master of himself.
~ James Allen

We can learn techniques to generate ideas, buy software to facilitate the creation of mind maps and we can even meditate about our deepest desires, but until we establish a firm belief in our creative power, we will come up short with any tool that we choose to use. When we sow seeds which confirm that we can be creative, the land becomes fertile to achieve our objectives.

How can we empower creative thought? The answer is different for everybody and there is no magic answer but we can focus on the following:

Read accounts of creative people
Recall creative ideas we have generated
Take time to be alone and to reflect on what we most desire
Recognize all that exists in our world today started with an idea
Realize the creative power our mind possesses through our dreams
Consider the fears, uncertainties, and doubts creating obstacles in our mind

One of the surest ways to empower creative thought is to take the road less traveled, break routine and utilize our mind to create and not conform. Robert Frost eloquently expressed this thought in a famous poem indicating one of the paths towards creativity.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~ Robert Frost

Creative power lies within each of us!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 6

 

 

Our ability to be creative is one element that can make a tremendous difference in our lives. Many years ago, Earl Nightingale suggested that the opposite of courage was not cowardliness but rather conformity. The road that takes us
away from cowardliness is the road less traveled. The creative road, e road which is laden with uncertainty and the unknown. While most of us know that creativity can set us apart from the masses, it can be elusive and difficult to ascertain.

We can talk about the steps which have been proposed to lead us down the creative path. For example:

1. Define the objective
2. Analyze the problem
3. Generate solutions
4. Take action

While these elements are important, there is another element which is perhaps even more important than all others. Our belief in our creative power is fundamental if we want to achieve more creativity in our surroundings. The power of our mind has no equal. Some of the wisest men in the world have written about our ability to change our lives by changing our thoughts.

Whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve.
~ Napoleon Hill
A man’s life is what his thoughts make of it.
~ Marcus Aurelius

Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.
~ Henry Ford

Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be a creature of outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow; he then becomes the rightful master of himself.
~ James Allen

When we sow seeds which confirm that we can be creative, the land is fertile to achieve our objectives. We can learn techniques to generate ideas, buy software which facilitate the creation of mind maps and we can meditate about our desires but until we establish a firm belief in our creative power we will come up short with any tool that we choose to use.

How can we empower creative thought? The answer is different for everybody and there is no magic answer but we can focus on the following:

Read accounts of creative people
Recall creative ideas that we have generated
Take time to be alone and to reflect on that which we most desire
Realize the creative power our mind possesses through our dreams
Recognize that all that exists in our world today started with an idea
Consider the fears, uncertainties and doubts that create obstacles in our mind

One of the surest ways to empower creative thought is to take the road less traveled, break routine and utilize our mind to create and not conform. Robert Frost eloquently expressed this attitude in a famous poem which indicates one of the paths towards creativity.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~ Robert Frost

Creative power lies within each of us!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 6

 

Confidence is one of the most important attributes of people who attain excellence in their professional and personal lives. Applying the formula EPPA² will create more confidence in all areas of our lives. EPPA² is made up of the following elements:

E xperience
P reparation
P erseverance
A ttitude²

Attitude is squared in our formula because it is the most important element. For better and for worse, our attitude is an exponential factor in our confidence. When we have an excellent attitude, we are able to achieve our objectives often times in spite of lacking Experience, Preparation or Perseverance. Numbers greater than one represent positive attitudes (10² is 100). On the other hand, if we have a terrible attitude, it is very difficult to achieve our objectives even if we possess the other three attributes. Numbers less than one represent negative attitudes (0.1² is 0.01). Attitude² works on the upside and the downside!

Let’s take an example of two people who are both trying to get a particular job. Let’s suppose they have both studied at the same university and have the same knowledge. When they go for the interview, chances are the person with a better attitude will be the one to get the job.

As human beings we tend to gravitate towards those who make us feel better. People who make us feel better normally have a better attitude towards us and towards life. Sometimes we like to be with those who are negative, particularly if we are also in a negative frame of mind. Misery loves company. Together a lot of negative people can have a wonderful pity party. Normally speaking, however, we prefer to be in the company of those who have good attitudes.

How can we have a more positive attitude? The question is one we ask ourselves often. Fortunately, we intuitively know the answer. All of us have been positively motivated, and have had a terrific attitude at some time in our lives. It is important that we focus on what works for each us. All of us are different and each of us has different sets of stimuli leading us to a better attitude.

Recently, I conducted a survey and the following ways of improving our attitudes are the result:

• Thinking moments in our lives where we have been positive and motivated
• Giving yourself a prize (chocolate for example)
• Listening to your favorite music
• Exercising
• Dancing
• Painting
• Reading

Each of us needs to determine and seek out those activities that will give us a better attitude.

It’s very important to understand that our attitudes come from our thoughts. Over 100 years ago William James said:

“A human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.”

There isn’t anyone who forces us to feel good or bad. Our attitude is a result of our perception of our environment and what happens to us. William Shakespeare said:

“There is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so.”

An excellent Attitude will make an exponential difference in our lives. It enables us to confidently bounce back from difficult situations and can be instrumental in achieving our professional and personal objectives.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 5

Perseverance allows us to achieve our dreams and increases our confidence. In previous editions of the “Lunar Letter” we have talked about and referred to the formula:

C = EPPA²

Success comes from confidence and confidence comes from experience, preparation, perseverance and an excellent attitude. Today we will embark on an adventure in perseverance.

Many know the story of the Chinese Bamboo. The bamboo seed is planted, watered and cared for during one year and nothing can be seen. There is no sign of life. The seed is watered and cared for during an additional year and still nothing. The years pass and one wonders what is going on. Somewhere around the fifth year the Chinese Bamboo tree sprouts and then grows 90 feet in 6 weeks.

We know that the Chinese Bamboo was preparing for its incredible growth. During the five years nothing could be seen above ground, an elaborate system of roots was formed to enable the extraordinary growth in the fifth year.

Our success and confidence comes from the seeds we sow in our mind. We water the seeds of success and confidence with our actions and habits each day. Similar to the Chinese Bamboo, if we stop watering our seeds, they will wither away and die before we can see the results.

The secret many of us desire is to know how to persevere when we want to “throw in the towel” and quit. There is no easy answer and no magic formula. What we can do is to concentrate on the results of all that we do and be bold in the actions we take in order to achieve our objective. In the times we need it most, we can focus on the words of wise men who have persevered under the most difficult of circumstances:

“Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.”
~ Winston Churchill

“It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”

~ Albert Einstein

“It is not the critic who counts. Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or how the doer of deeds could do better. The credit belongs to the man, who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

~ Theodore Roosevelt

By following these steps, we can be sure to put our best foot forward in all that we do and never have to look back wondering what might have been.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 4

 

I was awaiting a call to set an appointment for an important meeting. The call came through and the person asked if I had time to talk right then. I was anxious to talk to the person, so I said, “Sure!” The truth of the matter was that I was in the middle of another project and getting ready to leave for another appointment.

I said, “Hang on just a minute.” I rushed downstairs, found a pen, paper and some notes I had written. I then ran back upstairs to the phone. When I got back on the line, I was out of breath. Perhaps 38 seconds had passed. Not an incredibly long time on a clock but an eternity when you are waiting for someone on the phone.

As I made a quick apology for my absence, the first question came like a rocket. “In addition to what you have already sent, what else can you tell me about the program and how it will specifically help our people?” As I tried to catch my breath and scan my notes, I started mumbling something but still did not have my breath. The few words I uttered, I am certain, made no sense. I was still trying to get my bearings.

Then like a machine gun firing into its weakened opponent, the next question drilled me without mercy, “What are some of the specific action steps you have generated with other groups taking the course?” My mind went blank. In spite of having given the course numerous times and have generated dozens of concrete examples, my mind was in a fog and, inexplicably, I was still out of breath! I tried to recover as I went along, but to no avail. I was being battered ruthlessly and it wasn’t a pretty picture.

A final question went straight to the heart. “What kind of follow up do you plan to ensure objectives are met and how do you plan on doing this while being several thousand miles away?” I continued to dig myself into a deeper hole, knowing the work I had put into the project was slowly being drawn into a dark whirling black hole.

As the call came to an end, I realized there was little chance of achieving my objective on that particular call. She said she needed to check with someone else and promised they would “think” about my proposal. Of course, as soon as I hung up the phone, all the answers came to me in a flash. I sent out a follow up e mail to elaborate what I knew but could not articulate on the phone. Nevertheless, the damage had already been done.

One week later on the follow up call, I received a polite e mail saying, “I spoke to our training people in New York. They want to review other programs in addition to yours so let’s put it on hold for a few weeks.” The final blow hit its mark relentlessly.

What happened? How could the disaster have been averted?

1) Always be prepared.
When leaving a message which implies a return call, be prepared to handle that call when it comes. Make sure that we have a clear concise presentation prepared in order to assure that all points are covered in a professional and thorough manner.

2) Take a call only if we are prepared and have all of the necessary resources at hand.
If we are not prepared to put our best foot forward, explain we are not in a position to talk at that time and offer to call back and set a mutually convenient time when we can devote 100% of our attention to the conversation.

While the most desirable scenario is the first solution, it is not always possible to make an effective presentation when we are running up and down stairs or in the middle of rush hour traffic talking on a mobile phone.

The key is to always be prepared. We never know when the call comes in that can make the difference between achieving our objective and getting the most deadly answer of all, “Let me think about it…” While being prepared takes time and energy, it is vitally important in today’s business world where we never get a second chance to make a terrific first impression.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 3

 

What is the value of experience? Experience can be a double edged sword. When we don’t have any experience, we may think it prudent to wait until we have experience to pursue what we most desire. On the other hand, if we already have experience, we may think that we already “know it all” and feel there is no need to continue to learn and take risks to achieve personal and professional excellence. Either of these ways of thinking can be dangerous to our well being.

The amount of experience we have or don’t have isn’t nearly as important as our ability to take action. We will fail from time to time, but the more we try and fail, the more successful we will become. Many of us know the story of Thomas Edison and all of us benefit from his inventions. After more than 2,000 attempts at making a light bulb, he finally succeeded. A reporter asked him, “How does it feel to have failed over 2,000 times?” Edison replied that he had simply learned 2,000 ways how Not to make a light bulb. Experience is important but not nearly as important as what we learn from our mistakes that we often make in gaining experience.

Think for a moment of the first time that we are attracted to someone who rocks our world and makes our knees weak. The question arises, “How can I approach the person to find out if they will go out with me?” We tell our friends of our new found love and they tell us, “Go ahead, what are you waiting for?” In some cases, despite the suggestions and ribbing we get from our friends, we do nothing. We think of the possible rejection and “chicken out.” In other cases we take action and put our best foot forward. Sometimes we are successful and sometimes we crash and burn. Nevertheless, by taking chances and taking action, we gain experience and confidence. The result is of this experience is quite evident. The successes far out weigh the failures and as a result there has been a population explosion on planet earth!

From the time that we are born, we are taught that “no” is bad. A scientific study concludes by the time children reach the age of eight, they have been told “no” over 100,000 times! We rapidly learn we should avoid “no” at all costs and get to “yes”. While this seems to make sense, the real world functions quite differently. We must be willing to fail and to learn from those failures in order to achieve what we most desire.

Let’s remember the following:

1) Failure is an event; it is not a person. When we fail to achieve the results we desire, we should ask ourselves, “What can I learn from what has just happened and what can I do differently next time?”

2) People who achieve outstanding success in this world are not the people who never fail but rather those who fail time and again but who learn from those mistakes to make tremendous contributions to society.

Experience has a tremendous impact on our confidence both on the upside and the downside. The more we learn from our experiences, the more confident we will be in facing life’s challenges. As we face challenges and look for solutions to the difficulties we encounter, we obtain positive experience leading us down a road of personal and professional excellence.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

 

The road to success has been studied for thousands of years.

How do we achieve it?
What is the secret?

Without a doubt, there are several ways to get there and each of us has a different definition of success. One thing that we do know for a fact is that confidence is a primary factor of success. People who have a high degree of confidence tend to be exceptionally successful. People who are not confident tend to struggle.

Success ultimately does not depend on how much money we have or how smart we are. There are people who have a lot of money but are miserable. There are also incredibly intelligent people who haven’t figured out what to do with their knowledge. Given a choice, rich and brilliant is a great place to start but unfortunately, it isn’t possible for all of us.

Confidence can be obtained by experience, preparation, persistence and a positive attitude. One way to express this mathematically is:

C = EPPA²

The product of experience, preparation, persistence and a positive attitude squared will give us confidence.

Of the four elements, one comes with time and the other three can be controlled. The only way of gaining experience is by getting out there and doing whatever it is we do. There is no substitute. Everything that we do is difficult before it becomes easy. Just think of going to work for the very first time. Terrified is a word describing the experience for most of us. Now it is done without even thinking about it. Often this is exactly the problem.

Preparation is entirely up to us. The more prepared we are for any encounter; whether it be professional or personal, the more confident we will be in handling the situation. Most of us wouldn’t dream of going to the beach with out being prepared with our swimming suit and a towel but how many of us routinely make telephone calls or go into meetings without being prepared? It happens all the time.

Persistence is another factor over which we have complete control. When we are attracted to a member of the opposite sex, what happens to our persistence? We invent every way possible to get that person to notice us and to be close to them. Yet in the work place when a client or a colleague tells us they don’t want our product or service, we often take them at their word and give up trying. Knowledge and persistence lead us to achieve things others believe are impossible.

Attitude is squared in our equation because of its importance. Often times a terrific attitude can overcome lack of experience, preparation and persistence. While all elements in the equation are important, an outstanding attitude can make up for deficiencies in other areas. A Harvard study concluded that 85% of all promotions in a company are directly related to the employee having a positive attitude. That is powerful information.

When thinking about what to do to be successful, we need only remember:

C = EPPA²

Zig Ziglar is fond of saying, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Confidence will come to us through experience, preparation, persistence and a great attitude. This will enable us to help others get what they want and in turn get everything that we want out of life.

@RobMcBride
LL I 1