Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

It’s the Most Wonderful Gift of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. As we deck the halls and fill the malls, we’re filled with anticipation, joy, and excitement. The holiday season is upon us, and it’s a special time we choose to show our appreciation and share our love with the special people in our lives. However, with all of the joy the holidays bring, this still tends to be one of the most stressful times of the yea. . .

How to Set Boundaries and Say No

We are constantly bombarded daily with requests for our time. While helping others can be very rewarding, at the same time we can feel distraught about constantly obligating ourselves to others while not fulfilling our own needs. We can feel distressed about constant commitments to do things we simply don’t have the time, energy or desire to do. At times, we may immediately feel the urge to say. . .

Ten Techniques for Motivating Others through Chaos

The work environment has changed. Change has become the norm. Also the truth level of employees has decreased. This can lead to increased dissatisfaction and decreased productivity. Here are ten techniques for motivating your employees to succeed during chaos: 1. Take Care of the Little Things Doing the little things well will show that your respect your employees. Making sure you are on time f. . .

Five Steps to Creating a Goal Medal Life: Part II

Recently, Joy and I had the pleasure of speaking at a conference of Educational Office Professionals in Baltimore, MD. The other speakers included Ms. Deborah Phelps, mother of six-time gold medalist in the 2004 Summer Olympics swimmer Michael Phelps, and Agatha von Trapp, the 91-year-old daughter of Captain and Maria von Trapp, the family on which the movie “Sound of Music” was based. To say t. . .

10 Action Steps to Greatness

1. Positive Affirmations Our subconscious mind is a wonderful tool for success or failure. It will do what we tell it to do. It all depends on what thoughts we feed it. So why not feed your inner mind with only positive thoughts. The following are some examples of positive affirmations you can feed your inner mind for success: “Today, I will win because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm. . .

Eight Ways to Motivate Part Time Employees

In most cases, part-time employees present a special challenge when it comes to motivation. They do the “grunt” work, have little career choices, are often focused on other goals outside of your organization (college, hobbies, etc.), and are treated as outsiders by full-time employees. So what’s a manager to do? How do we turn our part-time employees into outstanding employees? The following ar. . .

Choose The Right Incense Burner

Incense and incense burners come in many different varieties. While incenses vary in essences and aromas, incense burners vary in materials and shapes. Not only the incense you choose will have an effect on your environment, but the incense burner you use will do so as well. The incense you choose might affect your mood and the chi flow around it, while the incense burner might directly affect . . .

Learn About The Traditional Chinese Sailing Ships

The traditional sailing ships are one of the main prosperity Chinese symbols. Actually, these objects are the most known symbols after dragons in the Chinese culture. Just like dragons, they can be seen in most Chinese buildings and houses as traditional objects as well as prosperity amulets. They not only symbolize prosperity but also are very auspicious for goal achievements and happiness in . . .

Finding Appin Knowledge Solutions

I call entrepreneurship “The art of taking risk”. That is how I started it. Being from Computer Science department, IIT Delhi people always expected me to go for a M.S. in U.S.A. But things turned down to be different as I was always looking for a different track. I wanted to be a top entrepreneur. I began with the mind of a computer scientist and thought of lots of ideas and imagination that . . .

Why Not Live Vicariously Through Yourself?

Reality programming appears to be all the rage today. Survivor, Sex & the City, Desperate Housewives and the Donald’s You’re Fired; they’re on all the major networks. It seems we can’t get enough of it. Why do you think that is?……………………………………..Reality programming serves as a medium for many people to live vicariously through others. Who among us has not watched an episode of Survivor and said, . . .

A Bird's Eye View of THE ENCHANTED SELF and what it means...

The Rebbe Nachman of Breslow often said, “Always remember-Joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest. It is vital.”As the years have gone by and I’ve been in the practice of psychology over 20 years, I have become more and more convinced that he was so right, that joy is not an option. When we take away joy and we take away a sense of well-being, a sense that we are thriving, we allow. . .

Success at Work : Techniques : Delegation

Many people don't understand delegation. When they think of delegation, they think of the old slogan "shit always flows down hill". Proper delegation can make your team into a high performance machine. Poor delegation can result in mistakes, poor quality, and missed schedules. In this article, I'm going to reveal some powerful delegation techniques. Most people think delegation always flows dow. . .

Attract Good Fortune With Lucky Cats

Lucky cats are traditional Asian items which represent good fortune and protection. Those who have lucky cats in their homes or working spaces will have their protection as well as the wealth benefits they attract. You can place lucky cats at any environment where you wish wealth to come.Most of the times, there are two lucky cats represented together, one of them with its left paw up and the o. . .

A Country Boy’s View on Fashion

I still can’t understand it. After all these years, I can’t make a lick of sense out of what folks consider to be in or out of fashion – appropriate or inappropriate attire or appearance. What was “in” last year, might be “out” this year – or it might be in but you need to change what you wear with it. What was OK for spring and summer probably won’t work well for fall and winter - weather cons. . .

Surviving Grief at Christmas

I remember thinking that the impossible had happened. Daddy was supposed to live forever. Oh yes, rationally I knew that wasn’t possible, but my mind just couldn’t imagine a world without daddy in it.Standing there in the emergency room cubicle, I looked down at the pale, cool body that had been my daddy...a lump of flesh that I had loved so dearly. Just an hour earlier he had asked me if I tho. . .

Language Training - A key to Global Communication

Language Training is integral to success in the International setting. It is increasingly recognized as a key element in assignment success. The ability to communicate in the local language of International colleagues and clients facilitates relationship building and fosters an atmosphere of credibility and trust. Knowledge of the local language gives international assignees a more thorough und. . .

Take Care of Yourself and Be Your Own Expert

We give up paying attention to the practical needs of our body, mind and spirit because we think it’s all too difficult and complicated. And in some ways it is, because that’s the way it’s presented to us.After all, who are we to second-guess all those scientists and experts with all those letters after their names? Every day there’s a new report, a new article, a new fad; something else we hav. . .

Learning From All Our Relationships

All of our issues come up in our relationships - our fears of domination, rejection, abandonment, of being wrong, embarrassed, or humiliated. Relationships bring up our deepest fears of loss of self and loss of other, which triggers our deep learned protections - anger, judgment, withdrawal, resistance, and compliance. While our dysfunctional patterns emerge most clearly in primary relationship. . .

The Poison of Resentment

Actress Susan Saint James, in a TV interview after the terrible plane crash that claimed the life of her 14 year old son Teddy, and injured her husband, NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol, and her son Charles, made the following brilliant statement: “Resentment is like taking poison and then expecting the other person to die.” Even in the face of her great loss, she is not angry, blaming, or rese. . .

Unhook from the Perpetual Progress Grid

I have been a member of a group called the Women in Business Connection (WIBC for short) in Cambridge, MA for about four years. We get together for lunch meetings once a month. Last week at our December event several of the women commented to me how much they liked my newsletter. It is always nice to hear complimentary feedback but one woman went even farther - she said it was like getting a "Z. . .

Relationship Quiz - Copasetic, Caution, or Conundrum?

This quiz is based on key areas of communication and intimacy in relationships. The easiest way to take the quiz is to print it, so that you can circle your responses and add up the results. Use the scale below to gauge the health of your relationship. The questions are designed to assess the likelihood of your relationship being a success in the long term. Take the results seriously, but reali. . .

Set Strong Boundaries and Live in Confidence

Spoken or unspoken, we all have physical boundaries and emotional boundaries. Have you ever made known a preference for working in your office alone or asking someone not to touch you? By every action we take, in every life situation, we're either demonstrating strong boundaries or weak ones; and weak ones always create the potential for stress, conflict and drama.There are two types of bounda. . .

How to Attract the Love of Your Life

Have you heard about the technique Olympic athletes use to help them win gold medals? In addition to conventional practice, they do some critical mental work as well. They close their eyes and "see" themselves making the winning basket, being first across the finish line, etc. They "feel" the weight of the medal as it's draped over their necks. They "hear" the roar of the crowd. What does this . . .

The Burning Bush

Terrorism. The U.S rightly attacked Afghanistan when they refused to give up Bin Laden. For this, I have to trust that the Americans knew what they were doing, since they were involved with setting up Bin Laden and Afghanistan in the first place. That does not, however, give them the right to bite the hand that feeds them. It is what happens hereafter that should give us all pause for concern. . . .

Underwater Photography: The Wonders Under the Sea

The world of photography is an amazing one. It’s been with us for quite a while now but it is constantly changing. Cameras are changing and improving. Methods of developing are changing and improving as well. We have digital cameras that allow people to take a view of their pictures immediately without traditional developing. Another change in the world of photography is underwater photography.. . .

Improve Your Comprehension and Reading Speed

Today most universities have courses that help students learn to read quickly and critically. Harvard has a class that has been in existence since the 1940’s. It teaches students how to read fast with a level of understanding that includes analysis and evaluation.These classes are evidence that reading faster does not have to take away from understanding what we read. Critical reading technique. . .

The Power Of Goal Achievement Is In The Habit

You had your new year's resolution all planned out. This was your year to "insert your missed goal here" :-) . You knew exactly what you needed to do; maybe you even got off to a blazing start! You were absolutely sure this was going to be your year! This goal is as good as in the bag you thought. Then - BAM! - You suddenly realized that your goal is nowhere in sight. Does this sound familia. . .

Blogging: The New Exhibitionism

By now most of you have heard of the new internet superhighway craze called blogging. If you are not the most computer savvy person in the world, don’t worry, you don’t have to be. Everyone is blogging these days from the techno-chic to the cyber-geek, from the carpooling soccer mom to your own children in grade school. For you first timers out there, a blog is a weblog. A weblog is an onli. . .

Kissing The Cobra

Direct Answers – Column for the week of January 3, 2005I am currently separated from my husband who is having an affair. We've been married four years, and we just bought a condominium. Things were looking hopeful. We've had some challenges, including him not working much while I supported him emotionally and financially.For the past seven months he's had a steady income, thus we bought the con. . .

Who Is Dr Robert Anthony and Why Is He One of My Mentors ...

So who is Dr Robert Anthony? He is the best-selling author of the books 'Doing What You Love - Loving What You Do', 'Advanced Formula For Total Success', 'How To Make The Impossible Possible', 'Total Self-Confidence', 'Betting On Yourself', 'Magic Power Of Super Persuasion', '50 Ideas That Can Change Your Life', 'Random Wisdom' and the audio program 'Rapid Manifestation'. These are all included. . .

What Turns Them On? Pt.2

5. The DerrierA rounded peach shaped buttock is considered most attractive for men. The woman’s buttocks stores fat for breast feeding and storage for lean times. This is also why bigger buttocks are also considered attractive. If you where to look at past females they would purposely try to make their buttocks seem larger. But today this is seen as bad health and over-indulgence. Designer jean. . .

Quick 'n' Easy Self-Image Makeover

How would you like to spruce up your self-image? You know, give your self-esteem a real boost? You are equipped to do so, you know. Please, allow me to show you a neat little trick that will jumpstart your self-image makeover.Okay, ready? I want you to think of a big, mean dog. He’s baring his teeth and growling at you. He looks like he’s about to pounce on you. There’s nothing standing between. . .

Keeping Your New Years Resolutions

New Year is the time when we usually look back on the events of the past year, see what we learned from it and what we achieved. Then we make resolutions for the upcoming year, all the things that we want to change and accomplish in our life. Unfortunately, New Year's resolutions are often synonymous with empty promises. Nobody takes them seriously anymore, since we all know that most people br. . .

The Laundry Has Never Been More Fun Or The Pitfalls To Wo...

As a home-based, self-employed woman, mundane tasks can be as compelling to me as chocolate. Laundry. Dishes. Email. Try as I might to stay focused on running my business, at times, these uninspiring tasks beckon to me as a moth to a flame.Why, you might ask, do I compare the common task of laundry to the delightful and satisfying experience of chocolate? It’s not that I adore the opportunity t. . .

Addiction to Talking

There is an old joke about people who talk a lot: “Do you know the 12-Step program for people who talk a lot? On and On Anon!”The joke recognizes that fact that incessant talking is a common addiction.Non-stop talking is about using others for attention and approval because of not giving oneself enough attention and approval. The talker is not actually offering anything to the listener. Instead. . .

Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Now - Book Review

Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen - Book Review by Mike Matthews Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars The Best Advice in the book Best Prices for the Book, CD and Cassette Joel Osteen's 7 steps to your Full Potential Critics and Followers What I Liked What I didn't Like Joel Osteen's bio On-line Streaming Videos, Interviews and the Blog Your Best Life Now - Why you should buy it todayTo get the full impac. . .

Having Fun In Leadership

”Don't measure your life by your goals, but rather by what you are DOING to achieve them.”–UnknownOne of the biggest mistakes leaders make is getting so wrapped up in achieving results, they forget to ensure that people are having fun along the way.Indeed, having fun is a key ingredient of keeping employee morale up, and inspiring people to continue to work aggressively toward a common set of o. . .

Leave It! Perceive It! Believe It! – The Power of Vision

”Dissatisfaction and discouragement are not caused by the absence of things, but the absence of vision.”– AnonymousThis article in for anyone who is currently unsure, unknowing, on-the-fence, and/or otherwise “searching” for the answer to whether or not he/she can be an effective leader. The answer? Quite simply is: “Maybe” or “Maybe Not”!No, we are not trying to be funny or in any way make lig. . .

How Could Choosing to Not Do It All Enhance Your Impact?

How often have you heard yourself say, ”I’ve got so many balls in the air I don’t know how I can possibly keep track of them all”. We may be managing to keep the balls in motion, but how good is our juggling performance really? Are our movements controlled and rhythmic? Or are we merely gritting our teeth and hoping to catch the next ball before it falls on the ground? Recently I was speaking. . .

Every Art Masterpiece is a Forgery!

I'm walking down a section of Oak Creek here in Sedona Arizona where the water has literally cut into the Red Rock itself. The river bottom and walls are solid red rock carved in waves and curves of amazing shapes finer than any sculptor could conceive of. It is so beautifully conceived-birthed by Nature that I feel a thrill of energy flowing through me. I am stopped in my tracks...my "world st. . .

Stress Lessons From A Tea-Pot

Have you ever put water into a teapot to make tea before? Do you stop and think about what happens when you do? Like most of us, I'm sure you don't even give it a second thought, but let's examine it a bit.First, you pour cold water into the teapot, cover it, turn on the stove, and leave. What happens next is interesting. As the water beings to heat, the molecules in it begin to move faster and. . .

Does Introspection Assist in Self Progression?

Why would we need to examine our lives? What benefit does it yield? Isn’t it just rehashing the past? All of these questions have merit and I will examine each in this article. Self progression has a strong tie to one’s willingness to be able to reflect on pertinent decisions. Moreover, this task, if done daily and immediately after an action or decision, can bear much fruit. Have you ever sat . . .

The Importance of being ALPHA

We see it all the time, and they are easily pegged in a room full of people. The ALPHA! It was most unexpected yesterday when I got to view this up front, personal and far from comfortable. A friend and their family were traveling for Christmas and asked my daughter to go over to feed their dogs for the week until they arrived back from the holiday. We both tend to spoil our dogs; they are memb. . .

Just For Today

I bought a new treadmill a few months ago with the intention of developing a personal exercise program to keep in shape. After I had set everything up, I sat down and put together a pretty interested workout routine in which I'd wake at 6a.m and run/walk for 30 minutes, 3 days per week. Please Don't LaughI was able to stick with this for about 3 days. It's amazing how good plans look on paper b. . .

The Greatest Gift of All – The Gift of Empowerment

During the year, a variety of celebrations – birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions – call for a gift of some kind. We sometimes work ourselves into a frenzy trying to come up with the “perfect gift.” The “perfect gift” is one that doesn’t wind up in the bottom of a drawer or a gift receipt because no one in his/her right mind would return it (after all it’s perfect.) Or have you ever. . .

Setting Yourself Free in Three Quick Steps

Lilly Tomlin said, "The problem with the rat race is even if you win, you're still a rat." A lot of us are running a rat race - feeling caged into a life of running and giving to everyone else FIRST, sometimes at your own expense. We are pulled in so many different directions - work, family, finances. It is time we put our foot down and stop feeling controlled - by people and circumstance. Well. . .

Imagine Having $42,000,000 You Can’t Spend!

Which lesson would you draw from this? “Crime doesn’t pay?” or “Murphy strikes again?” Here’s a story that could be fiction if it wasn’t true. On Sunday, December 19, 2004, a gang of Belfast, Northern Ireland, robbers initiated a daring 24-hour plan to rob the Northern Bank. While holding family members of two executives hostage, they made off with the staggering sum of $42,000,000. According . . .

Work is the key

"Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." - Genesis 3:17-19And this is just our curse for. . .

Christmas Joy

Christmas comes and goes at the same lightening speed as the bank balance. We put on a few pounds as the wallet is shedding its. Then comes the January sales “hooray” that s if I had any money to spend on them. Never mind I’ll just look and drool and think of what might have been saying to myself, as I do every year, next year will be different, I’ll definitely plan ahead.Am I alone, I think no. . .

A Recipe for Alchemy

Grandma has a scrumptious, old-family recipe for chocolate pecan pie that melts in your mouth. Uncle Bert whips up a killer BBQ sauce for ribs (or grilled tofu). I’ve discovered a more direct route to happiness—a tantalizing recipe for alchemy!According to Webster’s dictionary, alchemy is not simply change, but rather “permanent transformation.” Alchemy is a metamorphosis—a lasting, complete ch. . .