Just to make you feel good!

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Acts of Random Kindness – ARKs!

I’m still chuckling to myself after watching Evan Almighty!

If you haven’t watched the film, Steve Carrell’s character, Evan, is asked by God to build an ARK, and then faces some hilarious challenges along the way as he slowly changes into Noah. If you have seen Carrell in some of his other films, you will know his style of comedy, and he certainly puts on a good show.

What does any of this have to do with Personal Development?

Well, the story finishes as God tells Noah that the way to really change the world is through Acts of Random Kindness (ARK). This reminded me of when I watched Pay It Forward (no, I promise this is not a movie review site!) and the power that doing good things for others can have.

Well I realised that maybe I should make more of a concerted effort to do more ARKs. After all, not only is it incredible to be on the receiving end of such an act, but it feels pretty good to deliver one also! It can be something as small as a smile and can grow as large as you wish, depending on how generous you are feeling I suppose! However, as they are unexpected, even the smallest act can have a great impact!

I found a video to give you an idea of what others are doing! Brian Williams (www.onemillionaok.com) has been travelling around teaching the principle of ARKs to thousands of young people, leading to numerous kind acts. Watch the video below to give you an idea of how he has been doing that!

Your challenge, at least for over the weekend and ideally beyond, is to deliver at least 1 ARK per day and document your acts here in the comments section. Let’s see what kind of an impact we can make on the world in such a short time! Enjoy!

Alternative Driving Lessons!?!?

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What can driving from Winchester to Gloucester teach you about personal development?

Initially, you would probably not think very much… but you would be wrong to think so!

I did this journey for the first time the other day, and it taught me so much about myself. I was already in quite a reflective mood as I started my journey, but little did I know about the collection of realisations that lay ahead of me.

Lesson 1 – Plan!

This may seem obvious, but how many times have you had “sort of an idea” of which way to go and then just set off? I have not yet entered the realm of the Sat-Nav and therefore rely on route planner (not printed off!), memory and instinct. How many people do you know who start new things in life in this way too?

So I knew I just needed to find one road that would take me cross country toward the M4. The problem was that I had never travelled that route before and so did not really know which way to head. I did however know a similar route, but that was more than just a little out of the way. So as I hadn’t planned, I head off in the direction I thought was correct.

Lesson 2 – People will often work harder to maintain the status quo rather than change for the better!

I checked later on a map… I went a long way off line! All it would have taken would have been a little planning or asking for help and I would have been a lot more effective and successful. Does this sound a little familiar? Sometimes when a change is necessary, doesn’t it seem as though you will do everything you can NOT to change, and use up all your energy and effort keeping things as they are?

Lesson 3 – Be Patient!

As the journey continued, I was reminded once again of Evan Almighty, and the point that God makes that when people pray for patience, they are not given patience but are provided with opportunities to practice being patient! Well, let me tell you that after that journey, I must be the most patient person on the planet! Drivers completely oblivious to everyone else on the road; petrol stations closed when you are desperately low on fuel; very slow lorries on single track roads… I could go on!

When I finally made it to my destination, I had learnt a lot! Isn’t it funny that you learn your important lessons at curious moments? Not only will I apply those lessons to my journey planning but also to my everyday life! I hope they help you too!

I count myself lucky I didn’t come across this couple!

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Help the Planet – 11th Hour

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As many of you will know, ecology and recycling are issues that are close to my heart. I believe it is down to all of us to do whatever we can to preserve this planet. As it has been said, “we did not inherit this planet from our ancestors, but we are borrowing it from our children!”

I have just found out about an amazing new initiative called 11th Hour… a project led by and involving some of the planets largest names from all fields. A documentary, presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, highlights the plight of the planet’s ecosystem to keep up with man’s ever increasing desire to use up its natural resources. With global warming, increasing use of fossil fuels and a population that is growing exponentially, some scientists fear that we may even have already gone too far!

However, far from being all doom and gloom, the overwhelming message is one of possibility and solutions. Some of the ideas coming out of the film are incredible, and show what we are capable of in terms of creation rather than destruction. The knowledge that this technology is out there already means that we are already making steps in the right direction; the time has come, however, to really step up our endeavours.

I ask you all to visit the site, register and have a good look around. There is so much incredible information, as well as practical exercises that you can do to help make a difference! I am just looking through some of the ideas that I can start immediately this week. So far I have come up with a few great ways that I can help reduce waste in the office… am sure more will come once I get all my creative energy onto it!

That’s enough for now! If you take this planet seriously and care for its wellbeing, take action now. Visitwww.11thhouraction.com and do everything you can to make this world habitable for generations to come! For a little more information, simply watch the video below!

An Incredible Example of Human Possibility!

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I have been getting into the quantum physics again recently… still chuckle when I say that to myself, although it seems more normal each time I repeat it! Anyway, one of the beliefs in quantum physics is that we are intimately connected to, and part of, the universe, and that if we are able to tap into it, we have access to all of its resources and energies.

Whilst this may seem to make sense in theory, I, like many of you I am sure, need a concrete example or two just to convince me fully! Well, that is exactly what I have found for you today, a truly remarkable example of what we all have access to but often forget that it is out there!

As you watch this, remember the presupposition that accompanies the quantum theory, that is:

“Whatever you think you are… you are always truly much more!”

The Secret is Spreading!

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The power of positive thinking is spreading and has reached the realm now of the rich and famous! In a recent interview, Will Smith talks about how he uses the Law of Attraction and the principles from the book The Alchemist to help him achieve success. Check out the video below to see a clip from the interview between him and Tavis Smiley.

It’s funny where you start to notice these ideas and concepts popping up. I just watched Vanilla Sky again for I think the third or fourth time, and I think I am actually starting to get it! (those of you who have seen the film will know what I mean!). At the end of the film, Tom Cruise is told that in his ‘lucid dream’ he can manifest anything just by thinking it. Of course, this is supposed to be in a dream, but the overlaps between that film and the Law of Attraction are innumerable.

So just a quick post today. Enjoy the clip with Will Smith… its only 111 seconds out of the 86,400 that you have in a day so don’t miss it!

Make sure you come back on Monday as I will have some very exciting news for you all! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Reasons to be a member of DanStorey.com

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An expert in influence and persuasion, Dan has been coaching and training people for over 10 years in the areas of sales, marketing and business development, and can list companies from IT, financial services and health and fitness backgrounds amongst those he has worked with.

Inside the membership site, Dan has stored all of his best content and ideas on the subjects of peak performance, success and results-focused mindset. This includes audio programs, PDF downloads of exercises and extra articles and blog posts reserved for members.

Learn More…

Dan Storey is a NLP Trainer & Master Practitioner as well as a Guerrilla Marketing Master Trainer.

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His personal beliefs are that anything is possible if you want it badly enough, have a big enough reason why for accomplishing a goal, and are prepared to put in all the work behind the scenes in order to make it a reality.

A fan of the great American Football coach Vince Lombardi, one of Dan’s favourite quotes is: “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle… victorious!”

Double or Quits? What would you do?

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Here is a dilemma for you!

You have worked incredibly hard to get to a situation in your life, and things seem to be going well.

Then, all of a sudden, you realise you are only half way to your goal, and that to reach your outcome will take twice as much effort as you have already put in!

What do you do?

You are exhausted! Any energy you had left seemed to disappear as soon as you realised what else was expected of you. In front of you appears a sign which says “Double or Quit”.

As you look at the sign, you see people heading toward the exit, clearly taking the option to get out, with the thought of the extra effort clearly too much. Everything in your body is telling you that you have had enough, to join those others and get some well earned rest, and yet there is something about that word “Quit” which just doesn’t sit well with you!

I remember a quote that says most people are unsuccessful because they do not stay in the game long enough to win. They reach a point of challenge or plateau, where progress is not as quick as they would have liked, and they decide that the perceived effort outweighs the expected benefit. They simply quit, and then go and try something else for a bit.

I have made a commitment to stick, to choose the “Double” option! I know I will stay in the game long enough to make myself a success. Today, this was in the physical realm.

Somewhere on an equestrian park, I approached a fluorescent sign with the phrase “Double or Quit” emboldened upon it.

Before I got to that point, I got a little disheartened with people passing me, only to see these same individuals taking the first possible opportunity to get out of the game.  It seems this happens a lot in life as well, doesn’t it? Tempted as I was by the thought of a well earned rest, I knew I couldn’t do it to myself. I chose to take the double route, knowing that another five gruelling miles would have to be endured by my already fatigued legs.

With the energy already drained, I had a feeling that this was going to be a tough second lap. However, almost as soon as I had past the point of no return (at least in my mind) and had cut myself off from the option of quitting, I found myself invigorated and refreshed. It seemed as if simply deciding to stay in the game was enough to give me the energy to succeed.

Oh yes, it was still going to be tough, but there was a refreshed spring in my stride which encouraged me to go on.

The second five miles mixed pleasure and pain. Whilst my senses were able to take in the incredible scenery and weather, my legs ran on autopilot attempting to get me round with the least possible distraction. There were a few moments which required my undivided attention, but for the main part I was able to enjoy the rest of my journey.

I was so glad at the eventual end of the race to have completed both laps, as it made the eventual victory (personal that is) so much sweeter. I also know that the journeys I am on in my life will require a lot more energy, and yet I am committed to staying in the game. I suggest you do the same.

1. Get in the game

2. Commit your energy

3. Stay in the game until you win!

First steps into 2009 – my plans for New Years Day!

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So 2009 is literally just around the corner, and I have to say 2008 has certainly been roller coaster-esque!!! Global world catastrophies have been contrasted by moments of incredible love with 2008 being the unofficial year of the wedding! The passing of close friends has been outshone by the beauty of youth, enjoying Christmas festivities with young relatives and watching old relatives being revitalised by their vitality! It may be difficult to tell whether the net movement has been up or down, but it certainly hasn’t been uneventful for any of us!

How is 2009 going to be different? Well, gazing deep into my crystal ball I would have to say more of the same. There will always be global, social and economic factors outside of our circle of influence that are sent to challenge us, and yet success is always an internal factor. As Jim Rohn reminds us, “its not the blowing of the wind that determines your outcome, but its how you set your sail!”

What will I be doing tomorrow? Well the same as most other years, with a bit of a difference. As ever, a long walk will allow me to reflect on the events of the year, and learn important lessons to allow me not to repeat any mistakes I may have made, and to take new steps in the direction of success. After that, goal setting and designing how I would like 2009 to look for me… and do I have some big ideas!

 

In between there, I am adding another step. One of my favourite speakers, Wayne Dyer, talks a lot about energy, and how blockages in energy can prevent new experiences from entering into your awareness. This works on all levels, and this has already been one of my big learnings from the year. In order to maximise the new energy coming to me for 2009, I am going to have a huge clear out of my house…

You name it, if it hasn’t been used in the last 60 days… it’s gone!

I encourage you to do the same. Clear your life… simplify… and make way to attract new and better experiences. Give your old things to charity (or ebay them, but this will be a slower process!) as a sign of abundance, and watch as the universe conspires to fill the gaps you have created. Nature abhors a vacuum, and so ensure that your focus is in the right direction to allow the things you want to come to you!

 

Have a great 2009, and I look forward to joining you on your journey!

Presuppositions – What are they and what do I do with them?

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I have been getting back into some pure NLP lately, rather than the more common Personal Development material. While I love the application side of knowledge, there is something about the theory that really excites me… I guess it is my hunger for greater understanding and my wanting to know all the potential applications of what I am learning.

 

Today: NLP Presuppositions. What is a presupposition I hear some of you wondering. Well it is simply a belief that is useful to adopt when studying and working with NLP techniques. They also have many possible applications in everyday life too! Let me highlight a few of the more common ones that I find really useful to incorporate into my beliefs.

 

1. The Map is not the Territory

The way I apply this belief is to remind myself to keep an open mind. If I understand that the way I perceive the world is incomplete, then I am likely to be far more patient and empathetic with anyone that I interact with. To really comprehend this, it is vital to look into meta-programmes in more depth as well as having an appreciation of how your values hierarchy can impact your decisions and actions. Recognise that these natural perception filters will affect the way you view the world and how you perceive your experiences.

 

2. You cannot NOT communicate

I really like this one because now, after lots of practice, I am finally quite good at it! If you remember in Casino Royale when Bond is playing cards, he looks for a giveaway sign that his opponent, the bad guy, is bluffing. There is always some signal, either in the way you use your body, voice or words, that will give you away. Maybe it is a twitch, perhaps your voice qualities change or you use slightly different words; whatever it is, there is always something that will identify any incongruence in what you are saying. This can be applied to all communication scenarios, but with poker taking off at the moment, more and more people are becoming interested in this!

 

3. The meaning of communication is the response you get

When I train sales people, I really emphasise this presupposition. Why? Well have you ever asked a question and had completely the wrong response? A lot of sales people will just brush past that mistake and move on without getting the required information. However, if you realise that you are fully in control of the responses your customer gives, all you need to do is change the way you are asking the question slightly. Example? Ok, well not sales related, but think about when you ask a child “do you have the time“. Do they give you the answer you want, or do they answer completely literally and reply “yes I do thank you“. Be aware of how you communicate and develop your linguistic flexibility to become more effective!

 

I think I will revisit this topic again soon as these beliefs are so useful, but if you try and take on too many then you may lose the effect. Try these on for size for a while and notice the effect it has on your relationships and communication! Success!