What Will It Take To Change Your Life?

The above is a question I have only started asking myself over the last 18 months or so. I, like so many of the people I know, have accepted I should work hard, buy a house, pay my bills and then retire. To be honest I have never really questioned this or thought it was a bad thing to do. However, circumstances over a period of time have led me to a place where I now realise for me, and this is a personal thing, it's just not enough any more.

Now I am pretty lucky, yes I've had my ups and downs in life and learnt shed loads about myself and others. I've also had some great experiences and roles within my current job, which to be fair not many people have had, but I'm at a stage where I know there is more to life than hauling myself to work Monday to Friday. Missing out on spending time doing the things I really want to, giving something back to the world and maybe just having a bit more fun.

I've been working since I was 17 and somewhere along the line I think I actually forgot about me. That last bit sounds awful really but I think what I mean is I want my time back. Not to sit around doing nothing but to make a difference doing the things I want to do and spend more time with the friends and family I have. Often when I read inspiring articles or I see people achieving a goal they want to it's because of a large event in their life, a life changing moment. The loss of a loved one, a bad accident, but a moment when their life changed. For the entrepreneurs of this world it's because they listened to other entrepreneurs and they never gave up. They don't see something and think "oh I can't do that, I don't have the money or I don't have the talent or experience". They go right how am I going to achieve this. Oh and they take action. A small five letter word which will actually change your life.

We all have dreams, everyone of us, we all want to achieve, whether it's to be a good parent or a good friend, or get a job or a skill. Even those of us who lack ambition want to achieve something. For most of us there are generally two things that stop us achieving. Confidence and action. Think about it. Do you want to lose weight? What stops you? What don't you do? I'm guessing the answers in some form are you lack the confidence to try i.e. you'd feel self conscious turning up at a gym or buying a fitness magazine in a shop so you don't do anything about it, you take no action and nothing changes. You can apply this to a whole host of things from weight lose to becoming a marathon runner. The thing that prevents us achieving our goals are us. It's the way we think.

Look at Mr Bolt the world record sprinter, he has confidence, he has belief and he achieves. Richard Branson, read his book Screw It Let's Do It. Those people look for ways to achieve their goals, they don't look for the excuses to not even start.

Whether you want to be famous or rich, get employed or get better take some action today. Today is the start of the rest of your life..........ENJOY IT.

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It's Back - The X Factor- But Don't Knock It Till You've Tried It.

Hi

Yes it's back my, and my sister's, favorite program. Now I know you either love it or hate it and some will even pretend they don't watch it, but they always seem to know who the acts are!

Well I love it, I love laughing, sorry know its bad but can't help it, I love crying at the stories where people are motivated by the loss of a loved one and seeing people who have really got a talent and taken the opportunity to follow their dreams. I guess I'm probably also slightly envious, you see no matter what you think about the people who get up there and really can't sing they are there. They have bitten the bullet, followed a dream and given it a go.

Now not many people know this but I write songs and poems. I do it purely for my own entertainment and have only shared my songs with my partner and a couple of friends. I've had a couple of poems published and find it easier to share them than songs. When I was younger I was in a group, you know what it's like when you're young, no fear of critisism or failure. One of my lifetime dreams is to make a CD with an orchestra playing the backing track and probably someone else singing.But have I ever done anything about it? Nope and why not? honestly? the same reason I don't play them to anyone, the same reason I make sure all the windows are shut before taking to the piano and singing my heart out........the fear of failure and the fear of people laughing at me. Oh I'm great at pushing others and even myself but when it comes to playing in public I just can't do it. And that's why anyone who gives it a go on the X factor has my total admiration. So love it or hate it at least it gives people a chance, oh and it is great entertainment.

Maybe I'll give Youtube a go, at least I'll be in the comfort of my own home with noone looking at me and I don't have to read the reviews!

Follow your dreams................

Camping is Definiately Good For The Soul

Hi

Well as you can see from the title I've been away for a few days camping. Popped down to the New Forest and had a lovely time, all the talk of wet weather was nowhere to be seen and I came back looking like a lobster. (It's an English rose thing!).

It was great, there is something about being outdoors, having breakfast, enjoying the view. The campsite was fab and smack bang in the forest so walks in every direction and a pub 10 minutes down the road. Having not been camping since a girl guide, and camping didn't hold that many good memories, I invested in a half price tent and packed the dog, the tent and the partner into the car and off we went.

Tents are much much easier to put up and come with inner tent and ground sheet attached. No need to build racks out of mismatching sticks and a piece of string to keep your bags off the floor in 2009 and no need to make a sink for washing up, they had them already there.........lovely.

Being used to 5 star luxury and a bit of a snob I am looking forward to my next camping adventure. There was no computer, no phone signal and no telly, bed by 10 and up by 8 how fab is that.

So I'm back to normal life fully refreshed and up for the challenge. Off to Paris for lunch tomorrow........how decadent is that!

Today Was A Great Day To Make A Difference

Hi

Today was a great day. You see today I made a difference, today I had the opportunity to meet someone I would never normally meet and to have an influence on their life.

Today I was given an experience, which not only changed someone elses life but also mine. I was able to experience the rare feeling of really making a difference.

It doesn't matter who it was or how it happened the important thing is I put myself into a situation where it would happen. I allowed myself to take an opportunity where I could make a difference and I was open enough to reflect and analyse and discuss the importance of today with some great teachers, who may not even have known they were teaching me.

I have been incredibly lucky as I have felt the incredible high, the incredible sense of achievement that ultimately goes with making a difference.

Wow you might say how much did you spend, what did you do? In two simple words it cost me my time and I listened. That is it, nothing more and nothing less but in this crazy 24/7 world we live in this was all that was needed to change a persons life hopefully forever and certainly mine for a very long time.


We have a hunger of the mind which asks for knowledge of all around us, and the more we gain, the more is our desire; the more we see, the more we are capable of seeing.

Perseverance Will Always Pay Off

Hi

I know I've mentioned Richard Branson and his book before but he and many other entrepreneurs say if you persevere it will pay off. When I look at things I have failed at realise this si true. I have either given up because it became to difficult or because something else took my eye and I flitted off in another direction.

Well today is a great day for me, as you know last week I struggled with persevering but I now have three comments on my main blog and 30 yes THIRTY people have read my articles on ezine magazine.............I am soooooooooooooo happy. Is that a bit sad? Yes probably but hey ho.

People are most interested in motivational writing and have been more attracted to my articles on self motivation. This might be an area I need to explore more. I'm pleased because I have a massive interest in this area as you know from this blog.I also want to know how people are finding my site and will ask my coach on Thursday. But it is a really good feeling knowing people are reading your articles. Sometimes I think we all lack self belief or confidence. If you've been watching the athletics you will know even great athletes suffer from mental fatigue and blocks and have to overcome the same things us mere mortals experience.

This takes me back to the same old thing though ACTION...........nothing will change if you don't indulge this one word.

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Joint Ventures & How They Can Improve Internet Marketing

Hi

I have my appointment booked with my coach for Thursday and have been sent a list of things to do before we chat. Oh My Gosh, the list is huge and just goes to show how little I really do know. I have started researching the areas I'm looking at and working out how best to attract traffic to my website and also the best ways of selling my information to others. As you already know I am concentrating on affiliate marketing as I still feel this is the best way forward for me but now I am learning about Joint Venture-JVs for those in the know, and how they are going to assist me. I have a feeling I will be re writing some of the stuff I've done and hopefully focusing more on keywords, which maybe I am missing. I'm sure my research is going to uncover a whole host of info as it has done in the last few hours of sitting here.
For more free info on Joint Ventures and other useful Internet Marketing tools CLICK HERE.

My coach has already given me a great quote: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" Chinese Proverb

I went for a long run yesterday, the first real one I've done since the marathon. All the training at the beginning of the year for the marathon kind of put me off a bit once it was done, but I'm beginning to re discover my running legs and yesterday I remembered why I used to like the longish runs. They are a great time for thinking and problem solving.

The route was beautiful and weather warm and clear, it hurt like mad but I was able to focus and understand things more. I think I have finally found out what this all means and why I'm trying different things and writing different things. I have always wanted to make a difference in other people's lives.........may sound corny but it's true but I'm beginning to understand that you don't have to be wealthy or an expert in anything to do so and you can do it almost every day of your life. I'm going to trial this for a period of time and see how it goes, I will of course let you know.

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Remotivated and Looking Forwards

Hi

Wow it's the middle of the week already but the good news is I'm back on track. I've attached a story a friend sent me on Facebook today, I hope you like it.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our thoughts we forget to stop and look round. If you do the same walk to work then just stop for a few minutes and actually have a good look around you. You'll be amazed at what you have been waking past for years.


You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.
Several years ago, a lady named Arlene and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts . Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.'

She read the words ' United States of America.'
'No, not that; read further.'
'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.'
'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?'
'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin, I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.

I hope that you too are keeping the trust!

Motivation, Motivation, Motivation

Hi

I think you will all agree there are times in life when it is difficult to find the motivation to finish what you started or to begin a new adventure or complete the task you want to. I have really struggled over this weekend to find the positive attitude I normally have and the motivation to really push hard on my sites over the weekend.

To be fair I've had some work at home to complete but I feel as though I've lost my way a bit. I understand all of the theory but I'm struggling with the technical side of it all and get very frusrated with HTML and not fully understanding this. It's taken me the last 24 hours to try and remotivate myself and move forward. To help change my mind set I have been reading Richard Branson's book Screw It Let's Do It and re reading The Secret's daily teachings and just trying to remove negative thoughts and focus on why I am trying to change my lifestyle and my life.

Sometimes the problem can be that for the last 22 years this is all I've known and to be fair I am lucky because I have many great things in my life so if nothing really changed in my life then this wouldn't be the end of the world. However I know and I feel I want to change and regain time for me to give something back, to collect my niece from school when she starts and help my sister and brother in law and not to lose those years and I want to have more fun and have new experiences with the people I love. So this evening travelling home I am once more back on track in my mind and I once again understand my desire and my goal. I will go back to my 2 hours a day no matter what life throws at me and I will learn HTML and design and I will succeed.

So in the words of Mr Branson "Screw It Let's Do It".

Always Think Positively

Writer's Blog-What To Do When It Strikes

Hi

I've been sitting here for the last 10 minutes trying to think about what to write. I've looked at the beginning of the week and the things I was going to achieve and apart from yesterday when I didn't update this blog, friends round for dinner, lovely evening, I'm on track.

I'm having a few problems getting to speak to a coach but these are more to do with the company being in the US and the time zones than anything else so I'm sure I can sort this out quite easily.

So I'm at a bit of a juncture. I can carry on with my blogs and website but I feel I need some expert help now in moving forward. People are starting to click on a few things I have up and running but I still need more exposure and I'm not sure how to do this. I always knew I would have to put the time and effort in but now I need to really focus on the right way to get people to my sites. I guess if it was easy everyone would do it!

Those of you with eagle eyes will notice in my last blog I didn't get a picture loaded. Mmmmmmmmm it wasn't as simple as it looked but I have now downloaded a new tool so hopefully it will help.

There I've written a blog when I couldn't really think about which way I wanted it to go. Oh and I just downloaded an image straight onto a blog so it does all work. I'm going to go and chat with my niece now, at nearly 4 years old she is a great reality check.

Enjoy your Friday

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Working With Images

Hi

I've just finished listening to my webinar. Today was about working with images and how to get free images and the tools to use. I never knew there were so many free available tools to use on the Internet. I never knew how much you could do with the google applications.

I'm still on track for doing all the goals I've set myself this week and I've submitted some articles all round the Internet on different forums and groups. Again these are all free to use.

I've just checked my ezine account and whole four people have read my first article. That's four more than before so it's a start

When I first started building my website I was paying for images so hopefully now I won't have to and I can start to practice with my free downloads and get more images across my blogs and my website. I'll give it a go at the end of today's blog and attach an image to see how easy it really is.

I took today off to just potter round and whilst playing on the computer noticed I have a woodpecker who pops in to the garden to feed on the nuts I put out. Worth taking the day off for in itself.

Read this on my Facebook account "People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it!!!"

Becoming An Expert Article Writer

Hi

I attended my webinar today and it was all about article writing and how to post to your blogs good articles that will attract peoples attention and then get them to stay and read what you have to say and then hopefully buy from you. Again I found this very interesting and learnt a lot. One of the most poignant things the teacher said today was about success. If you keep trying and don't give up you will succeed and even when everything seems so much just keep going forwards and you won't fail. I could really relate to this as I've said before I always want to run before I can walk without building the foundation first. Since researching all of this and learning as I go on I sometimes feel over whelmed by all the new information and don't know how to structure my thought processes,and to be honest there have been days when I've got home, feel tired and am over taken by the urge to rest and not work. But I think you have to balance this with life and not get to hung about it but just continue to self motivate and move forward. I have no idea if anyone reads this and I now need to start promoting the things I write and move onto the next level.

I can also see why people will stop and give up when it all becomes a bit difficult.

So I learnt today more about article writing and where to find people to help and also sites to submit article to for more publicity.

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Starting The Week As You Mean To Go On

Hi

So I'm on my way home preparing my mind for the evening ahead and the best way to use the 2 hours I've set aside this evening for my Internet project. If you read any motivational books or you're keen on training you will recognise the "start the week as you mean to go on" theory. If you've never heard it before it is basically if you do what you meant to on the Monday you will continue the pattern throughout the week. I actually find this is true. When I was training for the marathon I found if I completed the training routine on the Monday, I was successful at following the program for the rest of the week. On a more day to day explanation I find if I cycle to work on the Monday I am more likely to cycle for the rest of the week. It kind of sets you up even if it's just your sub conscious it does seem to work.

So I'm going to get home, do the things I need to do and then I will contact my mentor or at least make an appointment to speak to them. I will write an article for my main blog and if I have any spare time I will research eBay and see what is selling at the moment.

This is great having a mobile phone connected to the Internet as I have completed one of my goals by writing this blog!

Today I have learnt so many people are frightened of change and never fulfil their potential for fear of failure. As I already know "there is nothing to fear but fear its self".

Take care

Nicky

Back To Goal Setting

Hi

I've just been looking back on some of my old blogs and looked at my goal setting one from before and the goals I had set myself. Well as it's the beginning of a new week I've decided to have a bit of a reality check. I have achieved the things I wanted to over the weekend, oh except when I was waiting for my second webinar I realised it is next Saturday. DOH!

Anyway my previous goals were a bit unrealistic so I have changed them to this:
Update this blog every day.
Update other web blog every other day
Update website over weekend.

This week I also have some webinars and I'm going to make contact with my coach for the same time and see what they say about my sites and if I'm going in the right direction. This is a bit scary as they might decide I need to reassess and start again. At least I have access to some experts.

Not sure when I'm going to be able to look at the eBay thing again but we will try. I do need to be realistic and concentrate on learning rather than ploughing head long into things but I am truly grateful to have these opportunities.

Take care

Nicky

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