Success is a Process - Don't Give Up Now!

At midnight on January 1, I wonder how many people renewed the same resolutions they made the New Years before and the New Years before that? Why is it so hard to follow through on the list of things we say are most important to change in our lives? Why do we find ourselves repeating the same mistakes that end us up in the same place of failure year after year? Why do we hit the ground running toward our goals every January 1st and within weeks we are right back in the place we were the previous December 31st?

I think we set ourselves up for both failure and success. Neither of these things just happen to us. One way we set ourselves up for failure is to fail to prepare. Someone once said "To fail to plan is to plan to fail".

Take dieting for example (I don't know about you, but it seems to appear every year on my Things-I-want-to-change-this-year list). When I'm walking into the kitchen famished is not the best time to decide upon a healthy, well-balanced meal. I'm more likely to grab the quickest, closest thing in the fridge at that moment. The time to prepare for success in my diet is the night before. Writing out a meal plan for the following day only takes a few minutes but it can be a great tool for success in reaching my weight-loss goals.

I like to think of life as a series of snap-shots. A professional photographer doesn't show up to take wedding pictures with a quick-shot instant camera. He knows you can get a quick picture with an instant camera, but it is not going to be the quality of photograph that a wedding photo deserves. Using the "Diet" analogy again, we too can get some quick results with fad diets or pills if we are more concerned with getting it done quickly than getting it done properly. The goal of the photographer is to eventually enable the newlyweds to see the beautiful images that he alone is now viewing through his lens. Let's compare the process of reaching our goals to the process of photo development.

First of all, the photographer must Focus the camera. Just as I must Focus on my target goal. If I do not know exactly where it is I want to go, how will I know when I have arrived? The dictionary defines the word Focus as: "Clear and sharply defined, A central point of attraction, attention, activity, to concentrate or focus ones attention".

No wonder so many of our resolutions fall by the wayside within days of our making them. How much Focus are we giving to achieving our goal? How "Clear and sharply defined" have we made our target? Is our goal "The central point of our attraction, attention and activity?" Can I truly say I'm "Concentrating" on my goal at all times?

After the photographer has Focused his lens, he takes the picture. At that split-second, the shutter opens and the light hits the film creating an exposure of the image onto the film inside.

If we are to meet our goals, we must also get Exposure, and become Enlightened on the subject we are aiming for. If my goal is to become the owner of a pizza shop, I need to expose myself to the business of pizza-making; read books, listen to CD's, expose myself to people who have succeeded in doing what it is I have decided to do. This applies to any goal we may set for ourselves. Don't just "Hope" to reach your goal, get informed and equipped in the subject. Find every resource available to support and encourage your success in this area. If you need to lose weight, find friends or on-line support groups who can hold you accountable and encourage you when you feel like throwing in the towel and running to the nearest ice cream shop to buy all 31 flavors!

Now that the photographer has the image on his film, the film must be "Processed" or "Developed". There is one and only one reason you have not reached every single one of your goal yet, and that is because without fail, somewhere along the way you have lost your focus and given up on the goal during the process of reaching it!

We must submit to the process of development in the area of our goals. Again, when we diet, each temptation we are able to say no to strengthens our resolve and better equips us to greater focus and determination each day. Every time we push ourselves in exercise we stretch our muscles, breaking them down only to find that the result of our pushing and pain produces bigger, stronger muscles than we had before. The Process of creating bigger muscles is a hard one and not many people either attempt it or follow through with a long-term commitment to exercise, but those who do, reap the benefits and rewards of their effort.

The film can only be developed in "A dark room". How many times have we heard, "It's always darkest just before the dawn" The Dark Room is a place of seclusion. It's not a place where people are running in and out and exposing the film. We too, will find times in the process of changes being made in our lives, when we feel alone and secluded from others. They are all going out for pizza and bread sticks and you are left behind with your weight-loss goal and menu planner, or everyone is out partying all night while you are left at home making phone calls or doing paperwork or reading up on the next step to building a successful home-based business. The dark room of life is not a lively, exciting place but it is a necessary part of the process of success. This is what separates the men from the boys, the dreamers from the achievers. This is when it is easier to follow the path of least resistance. And though some do for a while, not many are willing to sacrifice comfort-zones and put fleshly pleasures on hold for the long haul.

After pouring the right solutions over the film in the dark room, the photographer now finds himself holding what is called "A negative". The negative is an interesting stage of the process of the photograph. When the photographer holds up the negative, the bride, which he witnessed in a snowy white gown, is now dressed in black, and the groom, who was wearing a black tuxedo, is now dressed in white. The negative is the complete opposite of reality. Have you ever been in the 'Negative" stage of your business? You've been working harder than anyone you know and so far nothing seems to be changing, or worse, you're losing accounts. Or you've stayed on your diet perfectly all week only to step on the scale and find not only did you not lose any weight, you actually gained 2 lbs. This is the "Negative" stage. This is when people, even the ones who seemed to be determined to tough it out before now find they just don't have it in them to continue.

The "Negative" stage is the most discouraging and difficult stage of all, but if you can see the "Negative" for what it is, you will understand that it is the complete opposite of what is happening in reality! You ARE succeeding, you just have to persevere a little bit longer and you will see on the outside the things that have already started to change on the inside. That negative can never convince that photographer that the bride was actually wearing a black wedding dress, he knows that after the process is finished, he will see things as they actually are!

The photographer then pulls the negative out of the solution and hangs it to dry. Have you ever felt like you've been hung out to dry? Things are not as they appear, not to those who persevere. You see, it's not what you Do, it's what you Keep On Doing that will get you to your goal, so stay focused, continue to do the next right thing and you will without a doubt reach your goal...hell or high water couldn't keep you from it!

Finally the pictures are fully developed and the photographer presents them to the bride and groom. Everyone sits in awe of the beauty of each captured moment. Each photo is a moment in time that will be forever treasured, yet how many will ever consider the Process it took to produce such beautiful images? Few if any.

Today let me remind you that Life Is Not An Event, It's A Process and so is the act of reaching your goals and dreams. And if you will learn to embrace the process, you will eventually find yourself having attained each and every one of your dreams and goals.

I am Vickie Jordan. I am the author of, The Chronicles of Cambralon: Throne of fire, first in the Cambralon series. Please visit my website at http://www.cambralon.com to read an excerpt of Throne of fire. I am a writer, conference speaker, and together with my husband, I founded, Kastlerock Ministries, a helping hand to the homeless population of Detroit's inner city.

Don't Give Up! He Who Promised is Faithful - A Message of Encouragement From Bible Promises- Part 1

The other day I wanted to give up when I faced the disappointment of failing. At that time, I did not see my failing as an opportunity to do better. I did not see my failing as an opportunity to grow. I did not see my failure as an opportunity to seek God's direction. I JUST WANTED TO QUIT AND GIVE UP.

Has that ever happened to you? If yes, these scriptures will be great reminders of some of the promises of God. Just like the Psalmist in Psalms 73:17 I had to go into the sanctuary of God.
As I read and meditated on scripture, I asked questions based on some promises of God. I asked; If God says...and He showed me the answers.
I am sharing the questions and my answers. It is my hope that the answers encourage you when you feel like giving up as they encouraged me.

If God says in Hebrews 13: 5 I will never desert you nor will I ever forsake you -he won't desert you!

If God says in psalm 30:5, For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning. It will!

If God says in psalm 34:19, Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. -He does!

If God says in Psalm 41:3 The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health. He will

If God says in John 14:1-2 "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. -He will!

If God says in John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name period. That's a guarantee!

If God says in Romans 8:28, and we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. -That's a fact!

If God says in John 12:46, I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. -No doubt about it!

If God says in Luke 14:11, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." -We need to take this to heart!

If God says in James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Make it your point to ask God for wisdom!
If God says in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. If you haven't asked Him, you need to be about doing it now!

There are more than 3,000 Promises

Ray Horner is a fine artist and inspirational speaker [http://www.rayhorner.com/]

Don't Give Caviar to a Homeless Shelter

They say that "beggars can't be choosers," and I believe there is a lot of truth to that, however in brainstorming with a local nonprofit group, a homeless shelter, I was amazed at how the executives running that organization approach their donations. One of the ladies was a health adviser, and she was on the Board of Directors. She said that the homeless people needed to eat a proper diet so they can stay fit and trim, and healthy. In doing so, they would have fewer health problems to deal with, and they wouldn't bring their colds and sickness into the facility. Okay so let's talk about this for second shall we?

In Africa those running the NGOs have demanded that only natural crops be imported to feed those who are starving. They don't want any genetically modified foods. Still, using genetically modified foods we know that there are greater crop yields, and we can feed more people. Now let's go back to the "beggars can't be choosers" quote. If the local homeless shelter will only take certain types of food, then they reject donations of other types of food which are donated by local restaurants and businesses.

In doing so the restaurants have to throw away half of what they would've donated, and separate out those things which are on the wish list of the nonprofit group. Interestingly enough, this same homeless shelter never seems to have enough food. Don't you think people who are in need of food with no place to live would be happy just to have any type of food? Somehow in all of our political correctness and fuzzy logic, it seems many people in the nonprofit sector are missing common sense.

The other day I was explaining this issue to a friend, and I joked;

"At $400 per pound the caviar was some of the best in the world. Unfortunately, it wouldn't keep until the next departure for the ultra luxurious cruise ship. So, having about 1.6 tons of the stuff, they put it into a large pick-up truck lined and partially filled with ice and drove it down to the local homeless shelter to give it to charity."

The punch line is;

"The homeless people didn't like it, and therefore they threw it all away."

Now then, I don't know if you know this, but fish eggs are very high in omega-3, and such things can prevent diseases, sickness, and even cancer. Now then, rather than throwing stones at anymore nonprofit volunteers, because I wish them all well, and I thank them for their service, knowing that they mean well. I still ask that you please consider all this and think on it - we need more common sense in this space.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Nonprofits. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

Don't Give Up On Your Online Business - Patience and No FEAR

Most of us who have started an online business did research. A lot of it. We were barraged with content promising 6-figures overnight. That stoked our dreams.

We know that 'if something appears too good to be true, it probably is.' Online business success is no different.

It helps, tremendously, to set clear goals and keep them in mind to maintain constant motivation. It helps to have a realistic business plan.

It helps to fuel the fire daily.

One big topic gets little press. It's time to talk about that elephant in the room. I'm going to bring the topic of patience for your online business out of the closet.

Why is the subject of 'patience' so hard to talk about? First, we can't help but measure ourselves by those so-called overnight successes. They're making $1000/day. We feel like we're failing if our results don't measure up.

Note that 'they' don't say which day or how many hours it took until happy days arrived.

Online businesses appeal to many of us because we don't have massive funds to invest. We get started using the organic or free methods. Those come with a cost.

The organic methods can take longer to get results. L-O-N-G-E-R.

Not a word we like to hear in a world that expects instant gratification on every whim and desire. We want everything now. We want a pat on the back now.

It can take 90 days or longer to see consistent results for an online business. Blogs can take months to get noticed.

If you're starting to get a few comments, give yourself a pat on the back. You are on the right track.

Many people commit the cardinal sin of quitting too soon. They jump from program to program in search of 'the right one.' This error becomes costly in the long run.

Keep your eye on the sparrow, one sparrow, and keep working. If you build it, they will come, just maybe not as soon as you'd like.

I keep a sign on my work desk next to the family photos. It is nothing ornate. Just F.E.A.R., the acronym for False Expectations Appearing Real. Fear not, you may be closer to getting results than you know.

The one thing that is certain is: If you quit, you will never know.

Technology and the internet themselves are face-paced. Building a business is not.

Patience is more than a virtue in building your online business. It is a complete necessity.

You can make yourself feel better by participating in forums and online communities. Share experiences with others similarly situated. Not only does this process make you feel better, it is a way to build business connections that may prove to be a gold mine later.

Turn F.E.A.R. into R.E.A.L.: Real Effort Always Lasts! Stay on task.

Have patience and don't give up on your online business.

Learn how to get rid of F.E.A.R. and work it for R.E.A.L. Don't give up on your home online business [http://www.maestrocasa.com], learn what you need to make it work for you. Click on the link, fill out the box and get immediate, free access to training videos, especially #2 and #3, that will show you how to do it now.

Lauren Botney is an Online Marketing Coach and Mentor for what is arguably the World's Largest Internet Marketing School around. Specializing in Article Marketing, Social Media techniques and other essentials for profitable Internet Marketing [http://www.maestromom.com]. She is dedicated and stubborn. She trains complete newcomers and seasoned pros worldwide to achieve Financial Success. Through positive mentoring, proven business strategies and continuing education, you can stay ahead of trends and sharpen your competitive edge.

Don't Give Up Your Dream

No matter how hard it may be at the beginning, don't give up your affiliate marketing dreams. Regardless of it you are feeling overwhelmed with information, you do not know what you promote, or are scared about putting your name and business on the internet - the same place you need to advertise, don't give up. So many people do not become successful because they just do not put the extra effort. It just takes a little bit of work to go from good to great. Everyone can become good at something, but not everyone will become great.

How often do we see people who are pretty good at something and show great potential, but who just does not put the extra effort to become great at it? A great example to which many of us can relate is when a super talented athlete is arrested for something silly or is just too lazy to become an all star. I mean, how often do we think, "I wish I had his talent?" Well, you have the talent to become a great affiliate marketer; just don't give up at the beginning.

I know how hard it can be at the beginning. I have been there - we all have been there because we all had to come from some place. I have had an information overload with all the parts of affiliate marketing, the success stories from people becoming rich overnight, and how I can live at the beach while writing blog articles from the sand. Well, now is not the right time to give up that dream. You must think every day of what you can do to become a greater affiliate marketer. Perhaps it is to spend an extra hour of free time research, or writing articles, or perusing and writing comments on other people's blogs - you have to make it real. You have to have the mindset that you will make this at home job a real job.

Perhaps you wake up, log on to your analytic website, and see you have the most visitors ever the day before. What an accomplishment that must be! The next thing you need to do is to think of what you can do to keep the momentum going. You started the day well, now continue! Or if you have had the most sales, try to find out why and replicate that! Rinse, wash, and repeat is a common theme for affiliate marketing. There is nothing too complicated, just that some people are more driven and dedicated than others - but everyone can be!

The difference between success and failure can often be just a little effort. Don't give up your affiliate marketing business because it is a little bit harder than what you thought. Think of the stories and bragging right you will have with friends and family after you discovered how to make money on the web. This is no joke. There really is money to be made, but you cannot sit back and think it will come to you. You need to earn it. Get to it.

My name is Christian A. Lautenschleger and I founded Contemporary Marketing Success. I started the website to help people become successful internet marketers. It can be very frustrating for beginners at affiliate and internet marketing, and I want to help the budding marketer through their initial struggles.

Click here to visit Contemporary Marketing Success to read more articles, motivation, and suggestions about the most conducive affiliate marketing tool online.

If You Think You Have Lost Your Boyfriend - Don't Give Up Until You Try This

Most women when faced by a relationship breakup become basket cases. They cease to function normally, lose all dignity and throw themselves on the mercy of their ex boyfriend. But this only makes matters worse and they crawl back into a corner and give up. Instead you should be wiping that smirk off his face. If you think you have lost your boyfriend, don't give up until you try this.

What never ceases to amaze me is that women treat their boyfriends as just an ordinary guy when a relationship is going along at a nice smooth clip. They criticize their guy and sometimes nag at him. But let you think the guy is going to breakup with you and suddenly your boyfriend becomes a God. You can't live without him. You offer anything if he will just love you again. What happened? It is a simple matter of being human. You want what you can't have.

If you think you have lost your boyfriend, he becomes something that you can't have, which makes him more desirable. The good news is, your boyfriend is human too, with the same weaknesses of most men. He also reacts to things the same as you. When you were a twosome and things were going smooth, you were very much attainable to him. Probably at his beck and call. This caused him to take you for granted. He became bored and he needed a challenge.

Men have an instinctive desire to be challenged and to compete. This is the reason for the popularity of sports. The same instinct caused your boyfriend to be attracted to you. He saw a challenge. Perhaps you appeared unattainable. At least you were something that he didn't have and this made him want you.

If you think you have lost your boyfriend don't give up until you try this. Appeal to his competitive spirit again. When the two of you first met you became a challenge. You were something he might not be able to have, so he wanted you. Now you must become an unattainable woman again. You do this by simply agreeing with the breakup. You call him and tell him you were wanting to end the relationship for quite a while but didn't want to hurt him. Thank him for making it easy for you. Now he is the rejected one and you are the prize to win back.

Making bad mistakes can ruin your relationship for good. In order to avoid these fatal mistakes a woman needs to take some proven steps if she wants to get her boyfriend back and keep him. What you should and shouldn't do can be found at this Helpful Site.

No matter what happens if you believe this is the man for you, don't give up. Fortunately there are proven methods here you can use that will make him love you like never before.

Don't Give Up Before the Miracle Happens

My son was diagnosed with ADHD at 4 years old and was eligible for a wonderful kindergarten program for children with special needs. The teacher was amazing and with her help I was able to manage my son's behavior without having to medicate him. The kindergarten was in a different school than the elementary school he'd be attending for first through sixth grade; the school his older sister had been attending for the past three years. At the end of the kindergarten year I was abruptly informed by the Director of Special Needs that the first graders with special needs would not be going to my local elementary school but would be bused to another school entirely. That was incomprehensible to me. I had worked very hard to not label my son or to make him feel like he was different than other children. He was excited about going to the school where his older sister and his neighborhood friends were going and now the school district was changing that. The Director explained that the final decision was being made the next day and I'd just have to "deal with it". I was very upset but determined to do something.

I drove to the school district Superintendent's office without an appointment and planned on sitting there all day until she gave me five minutes of her time. After a short wait she welcomed me into her office and I explained my issue. I told her that I knew the school district had the best interests of the children at heart; I knew that she could understand the importance of normalcy and consistency for children with ADHD; I knew that she could understand how important it was for my son to not feel "different"; I knew that having been a former special needs teacher, she would be impressed with the improvements that my son was making and that sending him to a different school than his sister and his friends would be detrimental to his tender self-esteem. She listened, validated my feelings and told me that although the decision was already 95% made, she'd take my concerns into account.

I received a phone call from the annoyed Director of Special Needs two days later wanting to know what I did and said because the Superintendent changed her mind and moved the first grade program to my local school. I thought to myself

"I didn't give up before the miracle happened"

That was a huge lesson and an even bigger turning point for me. I realized that giving up because I hit some bumps along the journey should never be an option. The smaller lesson was that I was going to have to fight for my son's rights along every step of his education; the larger lesson was that no action is ever wasted. The decision that the Superintendent made that day many years ago set my son on a path that eventually led to him taking advanced classes in middle school and earning his place on the High Honor Roll most semesters. He still has challenges but he faces them head on with such a kind, compassionate disposition that I am often in awe; he has become one of my greatest teachers.

There are so many moments in our lives where we are given a choice. We never really know the outcome of choice A or choice B, but we are always given a choice. What I see now, looking back at that day sitting in the Superintendent's office, is that I chose to believe that anything was possible. I chose to believe that miracles can happen in the simplest of circumstances yet I could not have known the future power of that choice and how it would affect our lives.
What miracles have happened in your life that you may have overlooked?
If you were guaranteed to hear "yes", what would you ask for? Why aren't you?
What choices do you have right now that could change the course of your life?

I am a divorce and self esteem coach. I help people to rebuild their personal foundation one brick at a time. I believe that everyone can use their divorce as a catalyst to live their most authentic life.

Don't Give Up Now, Your Reward Is Close! A Lesson in Perseverance

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.-Robert Schuller

One morning I was in my car at the park, getting ready to start running, when suddenly a beautiful tiny blue bird tapped on the car window. The bird tapped with its beak three or more times and then sat on the side view mirror for a while. It repeated the same action 13 times. I counted them! Then, it started to do the same to the right side, on my side! The bird looked at me, but it didn't stop until I opened the door to get out of the car. The bird went back to the other side of my car and continued to do the same.

I was very impressed with that. It made me think about what the bird was trying to do, get inside the car? I'm not sure, but I am sure what the bird was trying to teach me: perseverance. A quality I've not developed well, partly because I have not paid much attention to it. Until now, I'd done what I wanted to do, but I hadn't gotten what I REALLY wanted. I think it was because I hadn't found my real purpose in life, until one year ago. Now that I know my purpose very clearly, it is time to learn and apply perseverance.

Perseverance is the commitment you make to yourself every day to do whatever is necessary to accomplish your dream (goal).Perseverance gives you the courage to not give up, no matter the circumstances or what others think about you. I like when some writers say that perseverance is a mental state and can be learned.

I have found that perseverance doesn't come naturally if we don't know what we REALLY want. It is very easy to do this and that, and continue to try new things every day without a real purpose. When we know what we really want and we have an intense desire to get it we are ready to start to develop perseverance in our lives. It is easy to persevere when we are trying to get something that we really desire.

Self-confidence and willpower can improve your perseverance.Believing in yourself and knowing that you are capable of achieving whatever you want can help you stay the course when the bad times come. Every time you resist the temptation to quit you are improving your perseverance. You are focused only on getting what you want no matter how many times you have to start again. Sometimes the fear of criticism is much stronger than the desire to succeed. We need to turn a deaf ear to all the comments that we can distract us from actualizing our purpose in life. The world is full of losers or unhappy people and they won't waste the opportunity to add one more to their ranks.

Overcome every problem with faith.Having faith is knowing and feeling that you already have everything you want. Every problem has a solution, you just need to find it. When you focus your mind on the solution, it will manifest it easily. Every time you solve a problem you gain experience and you are closer to achieving your goal. Don't forget to do your best in everything. When you do your best you won't have any regrets and you will feel good regardless of the result.

I'm learning perseverance every day. I won't give up my dreams again. I know what I really want and I'm working toward that goal every day. I'm happy every day of my life and I'm sure I'm going in the right direction. I really enjoy what I do. That little bird taught me a very important lesson -one that I was open to learning. Opportunities appear in front of you every day, but if you are not open or ready to see them, they pass by without notice. Your opportunity is waiting for you, do not let it go!

Patricia Anaya, creator of http://brainywoman.com, has a passion for creating projects that help people, especially women and children. "brainywoman.com opens up a lot of possibilities to touch women's lives and help them to improve self-esteem." She's also passionate about offering the very best in content and commentary, humor and high-quality merchandise that supports brainywoman.com's signature motto, Love Yourself! Tell the World, I'm Pretty, Sexy and Smart!