Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

The X-factor...

Would you agree that today most of us have the same set of opportunities and the same set potential? If you agree with me, then perhaps you might like to consider this puzzling question: if we all have the same opportunities and potential why are some people more successful than others? It could be said that some people are more privileged than others, and while this is certainly true, you coul. . .

The Power of Foreplay

The importance of foreplay has been talked about often in almost every sex guide on the planet. And yet, here we take a go at the subject again! Are we crazy? Quite! Nevertheless, the kind of information available in the free domain didn't really impress us, so we decided to do a small write up for our dear readers! In this two part article we will tell you some ways to make your woman go crazy. . .

12 Reasons to Develop Exceptional People Skills

Why should you bother to spend your valuable time learning how to develop exceptional people skills? Here's why... Look at the people who seem to have it all - a great job, an active social life and a happy family life. What do these people have in common? They all have excellent communication skills. To join the people at the top and to live a more fulfilling and enjoyable life there is no. . .

Magical Holiday Emergency Kit

With all the travel, gift buying, last minute cramming at work, and family issues, is it any wonder that some of us find the holidays more stressful than fun? If you get a little crazy during the holidays, take heart. Here’s a quick little magical emergency kit that you can use anytime things start to wrong this season. These helpful methods address not just the physical fatigue but also the ps. . .

Beauty, Gratitude and the Open Heart

“…beauty on your earth is a shadow of the beauty of our heaven, and it’s a bitter thing to have a blindness for beauty on earth, for it makes a longer teaching to see the beauties of heaven.” Spoken by an Irish spirit in the book The Boy who Saw True (anonymous author).I have been counseling individuals, couples, families and business partners for the last 35 years, and am the author of eight p. . .

Fear of Intimacy

Emotional intimacy is one of the most wonderful experiences we ever have. Nothing else really comes close to the experience of sharing our deepest thoughts and feelings with another, of being deeply seen and known, of sharing love, passion, laughter, joy, and/or creativity. The experience of intimacy fills our souls and takes away our loneliness.Why, then, would someone be afraid of intimacy?It. . .

Career Search from Within

Seeking meaningful and fulfilling work can become a discouraging, confusing and overwhelming journey. Beware spending too much time looking for your answers outside of yourself. Ultimately, coming to know our right livelihood is the inner work of our whole being.In order to nurture our well-being and come to our right livelihood; it is best to frequently pause and halt the busy "doing and think. . .

Being an Emotional Victim

None of us like to think of ourselves as victims. The term "victim" brings to mind a pathetic image of a person who is powerless. Therefore, It comes as a shock to most of us to realize how often we allow ourselves to be emotional victims. Having counseled individuals, couples, families and business partners for 35 years, I know that many of us are victims much of the time without realizing it.. . .

Could You Be A Workaholic?

If you need to put on boots and grab a lap-top computer to relieve yourself at night, you might be a redneck workaholic.It never crossed my mind that there could be such a thing as a redneck workaholic, until I read a column on “Are you a workaholic?”“Did you read this?" I asked my wife. "Are you a workaholic? It looks just like those you-might-be-a-redneck jokes.”My wife studied the page. “M. . .

Winter Weight Loss Magic

If winter hibernation tends to pack on the pounds, take heart. There are some simple steps you can take this winter to prevent yourself from gaining weight. Even though it’s a “natural” process to put on weight during the winter, it’s not all that pleasant. So check out these simple steps to winter weight loss magic: WEAR RED: The color red is pure fire energy and it will literally melt fat. Ad. . .

“Christmas For One: Mental Health Over the Holidays"

My dear friend, poet Dessa Byrd Reed, often spends holidays alone as a widow. However, she doesn’t see this, as many people often do, as a depressing circumstance. In a November 2000 POETIC VOICES interview, she said, “Because I am single and live alone, I eat out a lot. I love to talk to strangers. That's one of my favorite things. I go out for breakfast and talk to people.”Another talented . . .

Taking Back Christmas

John Grisham wrote a book called SKIPPING CHRISTMAS. Amazon.com reports: “John Grisham turns a satirical eye on the overblown ritual of the festive holiday season, and the result is Skipping Christmas, a modest but funny novel about the tyranny of December 25. Grisham's story revolves around a typical middle-aged American couple, Luther and Nora Krank. On the first Sunday after Thanksgiving the. . .

Don’t Give Up!

Don’t let anyone kid you. The road to self improvement and personal growth is not a short, straight, well-marked, paved highway. Looking back on my journey, I see a road meandering over hills and through valleys, around sharp curves and over muddy trails, with occasional boulders blocking my way. I can remember taking detours that took me off the beaten path and on to cow paths that wandered se. . .

Ode to a Spoon

"Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have." --Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel (1907-1990) I have to admit it, I love spoons. I love their round shape. I love their cheerful shine. I love how perfectly they fit into your mouth when you eat something smooth like ice cream or pudding or even when you eat something tummy warming like hot soup. I love spoons because they are func. . .

Time Managements

There are the golden rules that apply to time. If followed, your life will be successful. If you ignore these, however, you will always be scratching to catch up. Do not be one of the people you always here say "I don't know where the time went, it just flew by!".1) Time is fleeting. Think about it...the moment you started reading this is gone, never to be regained. It seems we get so caug. . .

7 Ways To Ignite Your Vision

Probably the hardest skill to teach, and the one of the most vital to posess, is vision. Vision requires discipline in order to generate images of what you would like to become, both professionally and personally. This is an intensive process to determine which direction you want to go, and will require a little time and effort on your part. You can have a bad week and it is okay. Your goal for. . .

Are You Invisible?

Ellen was brought up to be invisible. She was taught to be very tuned into others’ feelings and needs, but to never have any of her own. Her family made it clear to her that her job was to give to them but to never expect anything in return. As a result, Ellen learned to be totally tuned out to her own feelings and needs. It was as if she, as a person, didn’t really exist, other than to be ther. . .

Are You Addicted to Anger?

Michael was raised in a home where anger was used to control. His parents used their anger to attempt to control each other as well as their children. Sometimes the anger erupted into violence and Michael and his siblings would get physically hurt. Michael never knew when one of his parents would suddenly become enraged, so the threat was always there. Michael was the oldest of four children an. . .

Success at Work : People Skills : Complaining

Do you know an individual at work who is a chronic complainer? Are YOU a chronic complainer? People don't like complainers. Listening to a chronic complainer gets people depressed. They prefer to associate with people that make them feel good. If you are always complaining about something, people will start to ignore you. If you're a chronic complainer, you're sabotaging yourself and your succe. . .

Success at Work : Techniques : A Cluttered Desk

I followed my boss to a co-worker's cubicle where my boss requested a certain document from the co-worker. The actual surface of the co-workers desk was not visible because it was covered with a cluttered pile of papers, catalogs, booklets, and other paraphernalia. I was prepared to see my co-worker embarass himself by not being able to locate the requested document in that messy pile.Some peop. . .

The Real Kama Sutra is Not Tantra......but here's why you...

Tantra and the Kama Sutra are often lumped together by sex writers today. But as you'll find out below, the two, very worthy subjects are only distantly related!Modern sexual marketing has ensured that the first things most people envision when they hear "Kama Sutra" are images of statues with entwined limbs and bodies in exotic sexual positions. These images are the frequently re-printed photo. . .

It's Story Time! - Find the Power Within, or The Truth Ab...

I heard a story recently, and wanted to share it with you. It goes something like this: Once upon a time... The chief was sitting at the edge of the village, obviously deep in thought. He sat there for hours and hours, seemingly unmoving. The tribe was beginning to get worried and restless, but nobody wanted to disturb him. An elder eventually got up his courage and walked over. 'Chief,' he ask. . .

The Most Courageous People in the World.

Who are the most courageous people in the world? Armed services? Coastguards? Astronauts? Firepersons? Explorers? Mountaineers? ……Sports? For us, the most courageous people in the world are those who are committed to discovering how they can get the best out of themselves. Individuals, who are committed to learning about and changing, their habits and beliefs in order to fulfil their dreams. In. . .

From The WorkWise Collection: Transform Your Fears into P...

Fear is a double-edged sword. It can hold you back or drive you forward. When you feel unnecessarily immobilized by fear, use these tips to harness its positive power. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear; it is taking action in spite of the fear. 1. Ask yourself, 'What would I do if I knew I could not fail?' 2. Start a success journal. Write about your hopes and dreams. Getting it down. . .

What a Career Coach Can or Cannot Do For You

I want to start with what I think good career coaches do for people who are looking for new jobs, facing downsizing, ready to retire, but want to work longer, etc. Any category of job seeker is who we want to work with. I'll start with my own definition.. 1. Coaches can become friends with you. Friends of a kind that you can tell your secrets to and not fear recrimination or judgement about you. . .

Three Factors Of Leadership Motivation

Leaders do nothing more important than get results. But you can't get results by yourself. You need others to help you do it. And the best way to have other people get results is not by ordering them but motivating them. Yet many leaders fail to motivate people to achieve results because those leaders misconstrue the concept and applications of motivation. To understand motivation and apply it. . .

The Three Factors of Leadership Motivation

Leaders do nothing more important than get results. But you can't get results by yourself. You need others to help you do it. And the best way to have other people get results is not by ordering them but motivating them. Yet many leaders fail to motivate people to achieve results because those leaders misconstrue the concept and applications of motivation. To understand motivation and apply it . . .

Meatballs: Friend, or Foe?

We all have those moments, don't we? We're right in the middle of a project, and it's simply not going well. Like me, you may find yourself becoming irritated, wishing you could find an easier way to get the job done (or even eliminate it completely.) I'd settle for a tool that would make quick work of it. Life is just too precious to spend time being irritated. I found myself in this position . . .

How To Create a Life Strategy for Business Success - Part...

Ask yourself the following:1. I have created a life-strategy plan for the next:rea. 20 years.................Yes Nob. 10 years.................Yes Noc. 5-years..................Yes Nod. 1-year...................Yes Noe. 1-week...................Yes NoIf you knew how to create a life strategy and implement it, would you be interested in doing so? ...................Yes NoVery few peop. . .

Harry Potter to Christians: It's Not Good to Hear Voices

That is the popular and, thank God (if you'll pardon the use of the G name) the politically correct feeling among most Christians today. You will recall that in the second book of the Potter series, The Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter alone heard the voice of the basilisk. When he confided in his two friends about it, one told him that even in the wizarding world, hearing voices is not a goo. . .

Amazing Secrets Smart Students Have Tucked Under Their Be...

Though there are hundreds of studies that suggest that many tests aren’t a true measure of your intelligence or potential for success, the reality is most universities still rely on them to measure a student’s academic acumen. Because of this, it is important that you learn how to do well on a test and succeed in college to further your post-college potential for career success. Test Taking St. . .

Addiction to Blame

Allen consulted with me because his wife of 18 years had threatened to leave him if he didn’t stop blaming her all the time. He admitted to frequently blaming her in a variety of situations. He blamed her if he thought she made a mistake, if he thought she was wrong about something, if he was feeling alone, or even if he had a bad day at work. He blamed her for asking him questions when he didn. . .

The Secret of Self-Esteem

Have you ever thought about what really creates self-esteem? Having a deep sense of inner worth is important to all of us, but many people have some false beliefs about what creates confidence in our own merit as individuals. Some of the common false beliefs regarding what creates self-esteem are: I will feel good about my self when I’m making $______(fill in the amount) a year. I will feel wo. . .

Captain Ahab joins the Canadian Navy

Canada’s military has been a long-standing joke for decades. On October 5th, that joke turned deadly serious when a crew member of the HMCS Chicoutimi died from injuries sustained onboard from smoke inhalation. Lieut. Chris Saunders, who leaves behind a wife and two children, will become known as the 1st Canadian to die aboard a submarine will on duty in approx. 50 years. The HMCS Chicoutimi wa. . .

How To Improve Semen - Sperm Taste

"Consuming pineapple and/or parsley helps sweeten the taste of the male ejaculate. Can there be any truth to this and what other foods affect the taste, for better or for worse?"Yes, what you eat can influence the taste and smell of your ejaculate. This is something like the smell of your sweat on the next day of a heavily spicy and garlic full dinner.Because the average ejaculate consists most. . .

Another Reality TV Show or a Reality Check?

Quote of the month: *The secret weapon for success is knowledge, so what you don*t know can hurt you. - Geela These days there is a growing trend towards reality TV shows that are based on external shallow values. With the appeal of junk food, it has a powerful hypnotic effect even on the strongest minds. But while reality TV may seem like a harmless form of entertainment, the damage (which is . . .

A Lesson in Letting Go

Do you hear yourself saying?When I have enough money, I'll...When I go on vacation, I'll...As soon as I find the right partner, I'll...When the house is clean, I'll be able to...When I can afford a better car, I'll...When this project is over, I'll...As soon as I get more clients, I'll...I can't leave work, or I'll...When my kids are grown and moved out,I’ll...How much of your life do you put o. . .

Addiction to Thinking

Randall sought my help because he was stuck being miserable and had no idea how to get out of his misery. In his life he had experienced moments of great joy and sense of oneness with all of life, but those moments were infrequent. He wanted more of those moments but had no idea how to bring them about.Randall is an extremely intelligent man, but in some ways he was using his own intelligence a. . .

Freedom for All; Is it Possible?

Freedom for all species and people, and freedom of stress; is it possible? Could the Internet be a tool to getting there?Freedom, what is it? I am an Internet writer whose job is to write about the Internet. Does that mean I am locked into this one area? Am I allowed to write about other things? Well today I am going to test out my supposed freedom, by writing about freedom. Some people say fre. . .

Time Is Everything

Time is wealth; Time is health;Time is power;Time is strength.Time is the essence of life Time is everythingBut time is nothing, without proper planning.Its just the wastage of timeAnd God never forgive those who waste their time All influential people,All important people,All successful people,Have one thing in commonThey all value their time.For them,Time is everything!Do you value your time . . .

Achieve Your Goal

Have you seen those ads that promise to make thousands and millions of dollars over night, they are just hype. You have to do whatever it takes to get where you want to be. Believe me there are no shortcuts. Sorry if I burst your bubble, but I am not trying to sell you anything. I know you might think its too much hassle, you don't have the time for it what ever your doubts, excuses or fears. . .

Key Things I've Learned From Studying The Lives of Great ...

I've long been a student of those who have achieved high levels of success. Over the years I've noticed several common threads in the makeup of the people I've studied. I'd like to recount several of those traits for you in the hope that in identifying them, you can implement these qualities into your own life and in turn be better as a result. Responsibility, Persistence, and Belief in your ow. . .

Setting Achievable Goals For Success

In order to achieve something, the first thing you should develop is a goal. Without a short term and a long term goal, the likeliness of you following through with something you want is highly unlikely. Trying to achieve something without setting a goal is like walking blindly through the dessert in search of treasure, but without having a map or any idea what you are really looking for.The fi. . .

Addiction to Worry

Carole started counseling with me because she was depressed. She had been ill with chronic fatigue syndrome for a long time and believed her depression was due to this. In the course of our work together, she became aware that her depression was actually coming from her negative thinking - Carole was a constant worrier. Many words out of her mouth centered around her concerns that something bad. . .

When The Going Gets Tough -- The Tough Keep Going

If you've been in a job search for more than a few weeks you may be experiencing the feelings of defeat and despair, not to mention the urge to give up. It's been a tough year, and then some, for those who have lost jobs for whatever reason. Interviewing with no second interviews or offers coming in begins to wear thin - very fast. Here are some tips to keep your spirits up when you're feeling . . .

Creating Supportive Environments

I’m writing this on my laptop in a Cosi café in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The reason I am here has nothing to do with me or my business, but the reason I can continue to be successful in my work is because I have set myself up to do so. How? By creating supportive environments. In this case, the laptop, the appropriate software, and the ability to connect to the Internet, as well as the. . .

Ending Relationships Gracefully

In my counseling practice, I often hear the question, “How do I end a relationship without hurting someone’s feelings?” Whether it’s a romantic relationship or a friendship, ending it gracefully is generally a challenge.The problem arises because so many people see it as a reflection of their worth when someone doesn’t want to be with them. “If I was good enough, this person would want to be wi. . .

5 Proven Steps To Easily Master The Art Of The Interview ...

Your mouth is dry, your palms are sweaty, your heart is beating so fast it feels like it is going to pop out of your chest! Sound familiar? For most people, interviews are uncomfortable. The mere thought of them causes anxiety and nervousness... and this is the last impression you want to give a bar manager during an interview! The competition is fierce in this industry, so why do you always “b. . .

Why Employers Want an Employee with a Degree

You wake up in the morning, head to work, and find out your company is downsizing and you are being laid off. No big deal you think, you have experience, you've worked at the same company for years. You think companies will WANT to hire you. Guess what, your wrong. It’s a new day and age, while you may potentially find work. It’s a lot more difficult than you may think to get a job these d. . .

Are You Addicted To Your Activities?

Activities - such as sports, creative projects, reading, work, TV, meditation - can be a wonderful way to relax, express yourself, or connect to yourself. Or they can be an addiction. How can you know the difference? Angie would surf the channels whenever she felt stressed or alone. Karen would lose herself in a book when things felt overwhelming. Keith would retreat and meditate when his wife . . .