Choose Excellence Over Mediocrity

Last week we looked at success and smart living. Today I seek to make the nexus between excellence and mediocrity and the way to go if what you desire is absolute success without any shadow of failure.

If you desire real success in the order of Napoleon Hill, Clement W. Stone, or Ford among countless others, the surest way is to commit your life to the pursuit of excellence and reject mediocrity.

Often many of us are contented with the word good, but after carefully studying the lives of these men, I discovered they burnt the bridge of mediocrity in their pursuit of excellence. To them, life must be well decorated in the rainbow colors of excellence for real success to show forth.

If you earnestly want to be successful and live a life of affluence, nature would demand that you dump your attitude of merely looking forward to achieving a life that celebrate good effort for an attitude that will pursue best in all things, which edifies excellence.

Like Dianne Feistein once put it, "to succeed in life, you must play better than everyone else". But let me hasten to add

If you desire real success in the order of Napoleon Hill, Clement W. Stone, or Ford among countless others, the surest way is to commit your life to the pursuit of excellence and reject mediocrity.

Often many of us are contented with the word good, but after carefully studying the lives of these men, I discovered they burnt the bridge of mediocrity in their pursuit of excellence. To them, life must be well decorated in the rainbow colors of excellence for real success to show forth.

If you earnestly want to be successful and live a life of affluence, nature would demand that you dump your attitude of merely looking forward to achieving a life that celebrate good effort, for an attitude that will pursue the best in all things, which edifies excellence.

Like Dianne Feistein once put it, "to succeed in life, you must play better than everyone else". But let me hasten to add that to live a life of your dream and enjoy the affluence that comes with it, you have to live beyond the rule.

Take a short time today to examine your life and to think about those things that could improve the quality of your life tremendously. Take time to write down all impressions that flows into your mind through the subconscious.

Your responses to your quest may be as simple as improving your inter personal skills, or acquiring better education, or securing a larger and more roomy accommodation that could give room for closer affinity between you and your spouse as you look forward to raising your children.

It could also be seeking a better understanding of your relationship with the God within or a deeper understanding of the philosophy of wealth creation in order to break away from the rat race that Robert Kiyosaki talked about in his book rich dad, poor dad.

Think of how your life would be if you achieve that single thing that meant the world to you. Note that the only thing you need to move beyond mediocrity to excellence is in you. A simple items that all of us often trivialize Your Will power.

Your will separate you from the crowd. It will create a place for you among the kings and princes. It will ensure you get the best out of your life with little sweat. It ensures your ticket to success. It gives you the vitality even if challenge is as high as Mount Everest. See you at the top.

YINKA ADERIBIGBE an assistant editor with a leading newspaper in his country is a sought after motivational speaker. He has written several award-winning articles in the Newspaper. You can get more of his works at: http://www.dailylessonsforsuccess.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yinka_Aderibigbe

Denial - It's not a River in Egypt... It's Just a Bad Habit

Lately I've spoken to a few people who have amazed me with the skill they have to consistently avoid personal responsibility of any kind. They possess an incredible ability to ignore what is glaringly obvious to the rest of the world; that they are lazy, deluded, irresponsible, excuse-making procrastinators and that they are living in denial... and no, not the Egyptian one.

It's like they live in some kind of parallel universe where facts and reality don't really seem to matter; everyone 'gets it'... except them.

They actually start to believe their own stories; nothing is their fault, nothing is their responsibility and everyone and everything is to blame for their crappy, unfair, un-inspired existence.

They are victims. Of their own delusional world. They deny themselves into inactivity, misery, mediocrity and frustration.

Rather than creating their best life, they embrace the lotto mentality. They sit on the edge of their couch every Saturday night hoping that their numbers will come up. Not surprisingly, they never do.

"Oh well, there's always next Saturday... it's my only hope."

And when you talk to them about their situation (life, finances, relationships, health, career, education) they've always got two hundred gut-wrenching stories of how people, the universe and occasionally even... God has conspired against them.

Obviously God is bored and has a bunch of spare time on his hands.

Life seems to 'happen' to them. So not fair. Rather than creating their own amazing life... they tolerate and survive their self-inflicted miserable one.

Invariably the 'universe' has dealt them crappy cards and they just have to soldier on bravely... toughing out the enormous adversity the world (and everyone in it) has created for them. While some people are incredibly 'lucky', these guys convince themselves that they have simply drawn the short straw and that all of their problems are the result of their situation, circumstances and environment.

And of course... other people.

They do their best to convince themselves that it's all about time... or money....or bad luck....or genetics... or discrimination.... or their boss... or the government..... or limited opportunities or some other social injustice.

It's simply not fair.

They want it to be about time or opportunities or genetics or other people because then .... they're off the hook! Because if it's about any of those things ... then it ain't about them!! (there's some psychology for you). And that's exactly what they want... a cop out, an excuse... a (legitimate sounding) reason to fail; someone or something to blame.

Here's a conversation I've had a thousand times:

"But Craig, it's a time thing."
"Err... yeh but surely you get to choose what you do with your time?"

"Yeh, but if it was up to me I'd be at the gym six days per week."
"It is up to you."
"What?"

"Well clearly you decide where you will invest your time and energy."
"So you being out of shape and unhealthy is actually a decision that you've made."

"Why would I decide to be fat; I hate being fat?"
"You don't hate it... enough."

"You decide not to exercise, decide not to live a healthy lifestyle, decide to eat high calorie, high fat, high sugar processed garbage and decide to drink alcohol (a lot)... therefore (consciously or not) you decide to be fat and unhealthy."

"You're being harsh and unfair."
"I'm being honest; you're in denial."
"You don't understand my situation."
"It's not about your situation, it's about your head."

"It's about your thinking."
"It sucks."

"Being fat and unhealthy is all about you... and until you get your head around that reality... you'll never create forever change." "You are more motivated by being comfortable (via sitting on your ass and eating crap sixteen hours a day) than you are by the notion of getting in shape."

Okay, now I know some of you are thinking "does he really talk to people like that?" Yes I do. Not on an hourly basis, but when it's appropriate.

Now here's my question for you:

What has the greater potential for long-term harm... being blunt and honest with someone for two minutes or letting them continue on with their destructive behaviours and attitudes when you know you can help them?

I always say to my clients "I can tell you what you want to hear...or I can tell you the truth"; they're rarely the same.

Creating our best life is not about beating ourselves up (about our flaws) or indulging in self-pity, it's about being honest and taking total responsibility for the reality of our entire life (health, fitness, relationships, career, spirituality, finances). It's about positively, systematically and un-emotionally (not always easy) dealing with our issues, acknowledging what and how we need to change, and accepting and understanding that we determine what our life story will be.

Yes there will be hurdles, obstacles, challenges and even tragedies but even those.... are not reasons to compromise what we could and should be.

We all have amazing in us.

All of us.

What will your life story be?

Craig Harper (B.Ex.Sci.) is an Australian motivational speaker, qualified exercise scientist, author, columnist, radio presenter, and owner of one of the largest personal training centres in the world.

He can be heard weekly on Australian Radio SEN 1116 and GOLD FM and appears on Australian television on Network Ten's 9AM.

Motivational Speaker - Craig Harper

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Harper

When Oportunities Come Knocking--Making Decisions

Everything comes into our lives for a reason. Oftentimes, when we are not at our best energetically or otherwise, we won’t take a second look at something that is coming our way. We’re not up to it, we figure and without much thought, we’ll just turn away from it, decline (with thanks) and think nothing more of it. We may be missing the boat here. Instead of saying no, think it through.

When opportunities come knocking, it is wise to be there to answer the door. While some don’t appear to be anything particularly interesting or even inviting, based on the fact that you are working with the laws of attraction, it is always wise to look into something without just turning it down.

Investigate it further. Things most certainly are not always what they appear. In our hurried, sometimes scattered lives, we often don’t stop to think things through well enough to make an informed decision. It is always wise to sleep on a decision, large or small; even a small decision can later prove to have made a profound impact on your life.

Oftentimes, as well, a seemingly “rational” decision may not come to you. These are truly the times to go with your instincts; we have all access to these wonderful instincts, our “gut” feelings, but unfortunately fail to follow them. No one ever knows where the next door will lead or the next bump in the road will take us. Wonderful opportunities we may have looked right passed may have also caused us to miss meeting a certain person, a lost business connection or an activity we may well have enjoyed.

Ask yourself if you are unconsciously putting up barriers. We have to be in the state of “allowance” to invite everything into our lives. Knowing that they are there for a reason might be a tool in determining your ultimate decision. How can you know what to do when you simply don’t KNOW what to do? Here are some ideas that might help you along.

Some people meditate regularly, others not at all. Meditation is nothing more then a deep state of reaction, when you are not thinking of anything at all and have nothing inside to “clutter” your head and confuse an already overworked brain. Instead of trying so hard to focus on an answer to a dilemma we are facing, try allowing the answer to just come to you.

Another way to accomplish this is to think about the issue just before bedtime. And then let it go for the night. Whoever said you shouldn’t make a big decision without sleeping on it was 100% correct. You can often wake up, knowing what to do; more importantly then that, you’ll wake up without doubts. Later on the shoulda, woulda, coulda’s can’t bother you as we all seem to always second guess our decisions.

Taking a walk can clear your head as well. Spending time outdoors with nature for some of us is a state of allowing thoughts, decisions and energy to just flow. Since we are connected to everything by energy, the outdoor energy of plants and tress, birds and animals is essential to our well being. Some of us prefer a more tranquil setting such as the beach. If at all possible, spend some time outdoors.

Also, remember to pray. If your thoughts are focused, your intentions clear and mindful, it doesn’t matter who or what you choose to pray to. Prayers are heard whether by God, Buddha, Source Energy or The Universe. There is a power in prayer and also a releasing of things to a higher power that will help you find your answers and your direction; you won’t have to worry about a possible missed opportunity again. http://www.FengShuiLI.com

Feng Shui Expert Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui consultant for over a decade and Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing consultations for Homes, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Renovations and new Construction. New York City, Queens and all of Long Island as well as Online for those at a distance. Carole is also a keynote speaker and a published author. Please visit her website for further information and specials.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carole_Provenzale

Imagine - Let Go & Let Live

If you are feeling a bit hungry right now, imagine yourself in your favourite restaurant and being served your favourite three course meal. Imagine yourself taking the first bite from your long awaited and well deserved starter, main meal and desert. It’s well presented and tasty, the desert’s to die for and your choice of wine, a senstation of a life time.

Before you know it, you are full and you feel sleepy after a heavy yet delicious meal. Even better, the one seating opposite you is the love of your life and things are about to get even better later on tonight. I’ll let your imagination figure the rest out.

After that journey to the world of imagination, do you feel like actually going down to a restaurant of your choice with a love one and just enjoying the rest of your day together? If you do, you’ll probably find yourself planning the whole process.

This is the power of IMAGINATION. It gives birth to creativity, ideas, plans and solutions to problems. All you have to do is imagine, relish the idea, live in it and plan backwards (from actualisation to conception).

In most cases, to solve most problems, all we need to do is to asks the questions and then IMAGINE - What will it take to get there, how will I get there and when will I get there.

Now imagine working towards your goals, imagine achieving the small and big wins, see yourself achieving, creativity is setting in, ideas are growing, plans are being drawn out and before you know it, you are where you want to be. That is you starting with the end in mind.

Positive imagination today for a positive reality tomorrow

1. Imagine Being All You Want To Be

2. See Yourself Enjoying A New You

3. Think About How You Got There

4. Then Follow The Footsteps Backward

You are today what you decided upon yesterday. Your decisions yesterday were based on your thoughts days before. The results of your thoughts, which became your reality were only the harvest you had from the seeds of your five senses.

The seeds could have been internally or externally induced. Either way, it involved the power of imagination, which could have been a positive or negative experience. See your tomorrow as you want it to be, imagine yourself existing, living and breathing in that time. Start achieving it with that end in mind.

By Keji Giwa

http://www.careerinsights.tv

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keji_Gi

Donald Trump Hires African-American Randal Pinkett as the Next Apprentice (2005)

BY DELROY CONSTANTINE-SIMMS

Seasoned entrepreneur and new reality-TV star trumps the competition for the Donald's Trump's latest gig

A lifelong entrepreneur, Randall Pinkett, at just 34, has gone from running nickel lemonade stands to a multimillion-dollar consulting firm, BCT Partners, a multi-million dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark, N.J., that works with corporations, government agencies, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Hightstown, N.J., he holds five academic degrees in engineering, business and technology including a B.S. from Rutgers University, an M.S. from the University of Oxford in England as a Rhodes Scholar, and an M.S., M.B.A. and Ph.D. from MIT.

A former college championship track and field athlete, he has received numerous awards for his accomplishments as an entrepreneur and technologist including the National Society of Black Engineers "National Member of the Year." A Leadership New Jersey Fellow and Next Generation Leadership Fellow, Randal has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine and Ebony magazine in their "30 Leaders of the Future" issue.

Pinkett discussed his decision to apply for NBC's The Apprentice, and shared some success stories and advice.

DCS: Why did you decide to become a contestant on The Apprentice?

Pinkett: I decided to become a contestant on The Apprentice for three reasons. First, I wanted the opportunity to learn from Mr. Trump. He is an icon in business with a wealth of knowledge, whereas I am still relatively young in my entrepreneurial career. My company, BCT Partners, is a multimillion-dollar management, technology and policy-consulting firm.

I want to learn from Mr. Trump what it means to run a multibillion-dollar company. Second, I believed that the opportunity to showcase my talents and entrepreneurial experience on a nationally televised program focused on business would open new doors and broker relationships for me and my colleagues that could not be achieved otherwise.

Third, and finally, I welcomed the opportunity to be challenged, to learn and to have some fun.

Do you enjoy being in the spotlight, or rather, in front of the cameras?

To some extent, I enjoy being in front of the cameras. I'm certainly comfortable in front of the cameras. But I must say that it was a completely new experience to be in front of a camera 24 hours a day, seven days a week!


Having an esteemed educational background along with having started multiple business ventures is a rare mix -- especially by age 34. Tell us how your education shaped your entrepreneurial spirit -- or vice versa, as the case may be.

My education has significantly shaped my entrepreneurial accomplishments. I'll be the first to assert that having a solid academic foundation is certainly not a prerequisite for business success, but it has been extremely helpful to me. For example, my Ph.D. research project formed the basis for my current venture, BCT Partners. One of our first products, a modular, web-based portal architecture, was based on my doctoral dissertation work.

Furthermore, my degrees in engineering and business administration represent areas that are central to my role as the CEO of a management, technology and policy-consulting firm.

You have five degrees -- and they're from some of the most prestigious institutions in the world! Are you still paying off college loans? Any advice for grads attempting to pay off student loans before they reach retirement age?

Fortunately, I was able to complete all five degrees with absolutely no debt. In fact, over the course of my academic studies I made money from scholarships! I received an academic and athletic (track and field) scholarship to complete my B.S. in electrical engineering at Rutgers. I received a Rhodes Scholarship to complete my M.S. in computer science at the University of Oxford in England.

I received a National Science Foundation scholarship to complete my M.S. in electrical engineering and MBA at MIT in the Leaders for Manufacturing Program. And, lastly, I received a Lucent Technologies fellowship to complete my Ph.D. at the MIT Media Laboratory.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs who are deciding between going to college for the first time and starting a business?

Entrepreneurship is about timing. I believe in the value of a good education but, sometimes, a business idea is so attractive that the window of opportunity is extremely narrow. If you don't seize the opportunity quickly, somebody else will. For example, Amazon.com, or something like Amazon.com, was arguably inevitable.

Once the dot-com era arrived, the only question was who could bring it to market first. My advice would be to evaluate the extent to which the business opportunity may disappear or get seized by someone else, and then weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a degree versus pursuing the venture.


What drives you? What are you passionate about?
I am driven by the five Fs: faith, family, friends, fellowship and fun. I am passionate about business, technology and giving back.

As a business owner, do you work long hours? Crazy hours and on the weekends? How do you balance your intense work life with family, community service and, if you have any, free time?

I work extremely long hours, including late nights and weekends. And even though I have been out of school for quite a few years now, I am still no stranger to all-nighters. I do make it a point, though, to enjoy life and spend quality time with my wife, Zahara, my family and my friends, including time just for myself.

For those considering starting their own business, what do you consider crucial personality traits to have?
Persistence, determination and an unwillingness to accept failure.

While you've experienced much success academically and professionally at such a young age, have you ever experienced a moment in your life where you wondered what you wanted to do with the rest of your life?


Have you ever felt the crunch of a "quarterlife crisis" when facing decisions about your future? What advice would you have for college grads experiencing a quarterlife crisis?

I have been on a pathway to business ownership since I was a child. I just didn't realize it until later. I opened lemonade stands on the street corner as a kid. I sold candy in the halls of high school. I opened a compact-disc store in my dormitory in college.

By the time I got to college, I finally started to see this pattern. So, the moments where I've wondered about my future have had mostly to do with what kind of business would I be running, as opposed to what should I be doing.

My advice to college grads is to look deep within themselves and ask what they are passionate about. What are their strongest interests? What were they drawn to while growing up? Once they are able to answer these questions, my advice is to explore how their passions and their interests looking back can inform their direction looking forward.

Twenty years from now, are you going to be the next Donald?

Yes, hopefully, the next Donald, Oprah and Bill Gates!

Or, the first Randal.

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