Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Magic Mirror Exercise

Good morning I love you.This is a basic exercise, which is performed when you first see yourself in a mirror, for most people this is usually in the morning when we go and wash and groom ourselves. It is generally accepted that the mood in which we start the day is the mood we carry through to the rest of the day, so start the day positively. The purpose of the exercise is to bring; love, respe. . .

Push The Right Button

You can live a much more successful life than you think! Just push the right button and see how it opens the doors of success for you. Yes, its so simple and easy. Yet the great majority of people fail to achieve success. Why? Because they push the wrong buttons.The switch board of life has both right and wrong buttons; the right buttons of success and the wrong buttons of failure. You ne. . .

The Road Not Taken

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 24, 2003My husband cheated on me for maybe five years, and yes, I really had no idea. The person he cheated with is a policewoman on his job. She is married and her husband is a cop, too. To make a long story short, I found out about the affair and forgave him, but a few years later I realized it was still going on.So out of anger, I called he. . .

“What Can I Do To Improve My Job-Interviewing Skills?”

Whether you’re a student job seeker or a polished and proven executive, the first thing you must come to terms with is, “Regardless of the position you seek, you are now in sales!” The product you are selling is YOU! The interview is your opportunity to differentiate yourself in the eyes of your customer [the interviewer] when compared to your competitors [other job applicants].Successful compa. . .

You're A Mathematical Genius, You Know!

This may come as a surprise to you. But the truth is, you really are good at mathematics. You see, every day you solve complex problems by breaking them down into tiny little "baby steps". And just like the world's most powerful computer or the greatest ever mathematical prodigy, it's this step-by-step process that enables you to do practically anything. Let's see this process in action with a . . .

If It Is The Lord's Will I Will Live

My thoughts can get a little edgy at night. Possibly even deep. Reflecting on almost a half century of life. Some of it better than I would have imagined in my youth. Some not. All in all I am glad that this present life is not all I have been given from the hand of God. At night I tend to wonder what it will be like to be on the other side of death's door. According to the Reverend Gary Davis . . .

Give The Wrong Words An Inch And They May Take A Mile!

What do you do when circumstances seem out of control? What's the first thing you look for? Or Whom? What immediately runs through your mind? Do you yell? Do you curse? Do you go bow up your back like a porcupine getting ready for all out war?By Word Of Mouth!There is something that every one of us has been taught to do since we were born and yet so few people know how to control it. We have be. . .

Giving Thanks

1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore. 1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This is because I feel that it is the least tainted of the supposedly spiritually meaningful winter holidays. Christmas is a wonderful time of sharing with family and loved ones but let's face it, for most. . .

Affirmations to the Rescue!

INNER CRITIC UNVEILED! Part 2: AFFIRMATIONS TO THE RESCUE! "Almost everybody walks around with a vast burden of imaginary limitations inside his head. While the burden remains, personal success is as difficult to achieve as the conquest of Everest with a sack of rocks tied to your back." J. H. Brennan Edward Lewis: "You could be so much more." Vivian Ward: "People put you down enough, . . .

The Inner Critic Unveiled

Watch your thoughts; they become words.Watch your words; they become actions.Watch your actions; they become habits.Watch your habits; they become character.Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.- Patrick Overton You may ask what is "the inner critic", but you are very familiar with it already. Remember the last time you made a seemingly bad decision and the little disembodied voice in . . .

The Manifestations Of Self

A man is captive within himself. He dwells in a freedom which is confirmed to bounds, he breathes in an ambience ensnared to limits, he nurtures a shriveled valiance with the quaint promises of trepidation, he is infinite to his content and eternal only to his perception. He lives up to the demure equilibrium in his life and devours the inherited symmetric patterns of faith. His endeavors to ab. . .

Need Help? Look Within First

After eating a turkey and dressing sandwich for breakfast, I am raring to go! For those of you who wrote and asked where the article was last week, I appreciate the fact that you look for it! I apologize for missing it, and to make up for it I have posted on my website a web log and pictures of the barn raising party we had last week. Look for the link on the front page of www.creativemastermin. . .

Giving Thanks... a Universal Gift

As you probably know, in the USA we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November every year. As I write this, that day is coming up tomorrow!You might enjoy a webpage that I found which gives an easy-to-read, brief history lesson about how it began:http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving/pilgrims.htmNo matter where in the world you call home, and whether you traditionally take a day t. . .

Writing Your Personal Vision/Mission Statement

I recently spent some time revising my personal vision/mission statement for my coaching practice. While doing this, it occurred to me that the vision I have for my work is closely related to my personal vision. Having a job that reflects my personal vision is powerful because it has allowed me to create a business life for myself that truly reflects who I am. Companies know all about vision an. . .

3 Little Words Equal More Power To You!

Life shouldn't be so complicated. Have you ever wondered why it is? Have you ever thought; "why can't I figure this out?" Have you ever said; "I don't have an attitude problem, you have a perception problem?" Why are our lives so complicated?And Even My Reality Check Bounced!I think living is a lot simpler than what we realize. I think living can be boiled down to three words. Listen, then Act!. . .

Can You Make a “Torpedo” Out of Personal Junk? How to Opt...

“Junkyard Wars,” a TV series showed two teams of experts contending for a title. The aim of the competition was for teams to construct a torpedo that can hit a target. But the challenge was more than just the process of construction. The challenge was creating a torpedo out of a junk.Each team had crafted a unique design and members wasted no time looking for junks — hoses, batteries, propeller. . .

A Magnificent Obsession Is The Best Medicine!

The idea I'm about to share with you can bring you the greatest hope. It can bring you happiness beyond anything you've ever dreamed. It can present to you the quality and quantity of life that may seem like only something that always goes to others. Brace yourself; a band of gypsies would pay to hear this.The Magnificent Obsession!No matter who you are, no matter what you have been, no matter . . .

Why Online Dating Is Better Than Dating In The Real World

More and more people find their love online. No wonder, says Marc de Jong. He thinks that online dating is even better than dating in the real world.Let me tell you a story. For years I went to bars, festivals and other meetings, and it wasn't always for the beer or the music. To be honest, many times I was mainly looking for a girl friend, for a woman to spend the rest of my life with.I had my. . .

An Unexpected Letter

It was a couple of weeks after Christmas, and I was standing by my mailbox in the vestibule of the apartment building where I lived in Lexington, Kentucky, holding a letter I had just received. The handwriting was not familiar and neither was the return address, although it was postmarked Seattle, Washington, the same place where Hannah Paulson used to live.Many years ago when I was a little gi. . .

Faux Feelings

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 10, 2003I'm a male, 28, in a happy relationship for a year. None of us is perfect, but we are a good fit for each other and I have a lot of personal respect for my girlfriend. I also think she is now serious about our relationship.For the past year she claimed she was excited about me from the time we first met. Now, however, she admits she we. . .

Long Distance Love

Before the advent of the internet, long-distance relationships were rare. Most people met their mates in school, through a friend or neighbor, at a party or in a bar. In today's world, it is not unusual for men and women to connect online who live hundreds and even thousands of miles apart. She lives in Connecticut, he lives in Idaho or she lives in England and he lives in Texas. They exchan. . .

APPRECIATING AND COMMUNICATING YOUR VALUE

It's a common scenario. Although the specific circumstances may differ, the challenge often remains the same: we professional women seldom understand our true value. Perhaps it's because we continue to be paid, on average, less than men to only then have to prove ourselves by doing more. Or, perhaps it's because we've been taught from our earliest years to value the humble individual--the M. . .

Footprints and Monuments - Slow Down

Every month I usually sit down and write an article around the topics of leadership, teamwork, vision, or self-improvement. However, this month I am only passing on something that came across my desk a few days ago. If this means something to you - pass it on, if not simply delete it and be looking for next month's article that will surely help you live your life to your potential. A young and . . .

A New Strategy

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 3, 2003My mother-in-law drives me crazy! She is an antisocial, critical, know-it-all who can't find anything decent to say about anyone but herself. Every time she comes to visit it puts such a damper on my relationship with my wife, it takes us days to recover.We have never really gotten along, but lately it has gotten much worse. She left ye. . .

Who Needs a Rear-view Mirror? Successful Living by Master...

When driving, we need to check our rear-view mirror every few minutes to perceive dangers lurking behind — tailgaters, hecklers, over speeding cars, and drivers under the influence. Aside from anticipating threats, it helps us contemplate our next move, giving us enough time to be cautious before overtaking or stopping or . . . slowing down.So for safety reasons, the rear-view mirror is essenti. . .

Are You Stuck?

You know the feeling. There's something you want to do. You've thought about it, you've made your decision, and now it's time to act. Except... you don't. You want to take the next step, but "something" stops you. Do you know what that "something" is? It's all down to our ancient ancestors... Backtrack 100,000 years ago when we all lived in caves and ferocious animals lurked nearby. Decision ma. . .

Plant! -- And Accept The Consequences!

Weekly Wisdom Newsletter Plant! -- And Accept The Consequences! November 13, 2003Welcome to Weekly Wisdoms. Last week I found a new way to communicate over the internet with audio. After you listen, if you'd like to try it for yourself, click here for a chance to make your own free audio postcard... Too cool! Have fun! What a busy week! The lumber package for the barn is on the way. Malcolm is. . .

'Tis The Season

I was listening to one of my favorite radio talk programs today. The  topic of the hour was “do you feel burdened by Christmas?” Much to my amazement the host, and the majority of his guests, spent the better part of an hour whining and moaning about the burdensome nature of the holiday season. “I hate being with my relatives.” “Why do I have to spend all this money on presents for people I. . .

A Happiness Poem

If a happiness poem could bring forth a smile, Then my face would always dress in style.If my ears could hear my computer screen,From one to another, they, too, would grin. My keyboard types for my eyes not my tongue This happiness poem will never be sung.But what of my eyes? Don't they shine? Yes, but not from this poem of mine.The pen is mightier than the sword, But a pen can write only word. . .

Lose Stagefright Over Your Lunch Hour

While teaching a two-day Speaking Confidence program to a group of 25 government secretaries, I wanted to give them practice using their personal experience to help others. So I gave them a simple assignment to ponder over their lunch hour: Think of a lesson they'd learned in life and share that lesson with the group when they came back. A petite woman named Judy nervously came to me as the gro. . .

Freudian Slip

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 17, 2003My dilemma is this. I've been going out with my boyfriend for five months. He is a very loving and romantic guy and would do basically anything for me. But the other night we were making love, and he said a friend's name instead of mine.Now this girl isn't particularly good-looking, she's quite small, her eyes are funny looking, and he. . .

Discover The 10 Golden Rules On How To Conquer Your Fear

We all want happiness and peace of mind. In the search for these blessings, millions of people take "happy pills" which they hope will relieve their tensions and make them feel more cheerful. Pacifying pills aren't cure-alls. Though sometimes helpfull in individual cases, pacifying pills aren't cure-alls for the worry habit. Many of the pills do bring a few hours of apparent relief from worry. . . .

If The Fear Fits.....Don't Wear It!

Undoubtedly one of the most challenging tasks we can face everyday is fighting the fear of failure. At one time or another every single person has had to face the fear of stepping out into an unfamiliar area and leaving his comfort zone and entering the twilight zone.In Over Your Head?Probably one of the biggest reasons we hesitate to step out of our boat and walk on the water is the thought, ". . .

MY CAREER IS IN THE DOLDRUMS…Do I need a Coach or a Thera...

Is Monday the worst day of your week? Can you hardly remember when you enjoyed going to work? Do friends ask why you seem so down? Maybe this has been going on awhile, and you’re realizing it’s time to do something. But where do you turn? At one moment you tell yourself “It’s just my career…Change that, and everything will be OK”. Another moment, you acknowledge you’re living under a clo. . .

Searching For Your Calling – Quest or Curse?

Judging by the extraordinarily positive reader response to Po Bronson’s What Should I Do With My Life?, people are aching for a sympathetic outlook on their stories of career dissatisfaction. They tend to be their own harshest critics, often riddled with self-doubt and embarrassment about not getting this “career thing” right. Maintaining a constructive attitude is challenging. In spite of. . .

Three Ways to Transition to a New Career

As a Certified Personnel Consultant working for Find Great People International in Greenville, South Carolina, I receive telephone calls from people who are considering a career change. For some, transitioning to a new career is easier than others. Some professionals already possess a foundation of skills to make the transition easier. I’ll give an example. An unemployed network engineer and h. . .

God, Grant Me Patience.....And, I Want It Now!!

Are you facing a difficult time in your life? Do you feel like a fish out of water? If today was a fish, would you want to throw it back in the river? If this is your situation, make no negative destructive decisions. Be Patient. Know that time can perform many miracles.Quicker Than A New York Minute!Yeah, I wish. But, unfortunately every time I have moved that fast it went from riches to rags.. . .

Difficult Challenges? -- What If?

Sometimes life can seem like one long series of unsolvable problems. I know there have been times when I would much rather find something else to do and quit whatever I was doing simply because it was too much trouble to continue. In fact, earlier in my life that is exactly what I did do. (And to tell the truth, I wouldn't change it even if I could!) However, I think there comes a time in every. . .

Take Charge of Your Job Search: 12 Steps to Success

Despite what many people may say, a job search does not have to be an unpleasant experience. There are those people who choose to take charge of the process, who actually find the process to be very rewarding and stimulating. Conducting a job search is in many ways a self discovery process and an opportunity to put your true endurance and attitude skills to the test. Here is the secret to exper. . .

Marketing Conversations, And Conversation Stoppers

Where many marketing conversations get off-track are the ones you have with yourself, before you even pick up the phone or initiate the handshake. As independent professionals, usually at the helm of solo businesses, we sometimes find ourselves facing daunting internal obstacles as we try to begin our day’s marketing activity. With no one in our office-of-one to help with a confidence booster. . .

Greasing the Path to Success: Finding the Confidence to S...

Whether it’s making a prospecting call to a promising business contact, giving an informal “elevator speech” to a networking group, or attempting to close a transaction, there are certain key moments when putting your best-dressed foot forward really matters. Some of life’s fortunate people seem to be naturally at their best finding confidence under pressure. The rest of us have to learn. Co. . .

An Angel's Special Christmas Gift

Towering ponderosa pine trees reached up to touch a blue December sky. Their top branches waved to billowy white clouds sailing over the snow-covered Colorado forest. Sniffing the sweet-scented Ponderosa bark filled my head with the aroma of Christmas candles and butterscotch cookies.I lowered my tripod to the ground, and pointed my camera lens toward the top branches of these living giants. Th. . .

Tempering Temper

I'm almost always a calm and collected person. Or at least I think I am. Yet on rare occasions, when I least expect it, some set of circumstances, emotions, or harsh words will override my calm capacity and spark a momentary surge of temper. 'Ever happen to you?For instance, I remember a business meeting where I once felt that one individual was chopping down every idea I suggested - often . . .

Darkness of Winter Encourages Insights

The darkness of Winter has descended. For many the long stormy nights of Winter and the proverbial dark night of the soul are uncomfortable. In addition to being dark, times like these can feel cold, lonely and boring. Whether the dark makes you feel sad, depressed, confused, uneasy or fearful, you may be quick to counteract your discomfort by searching for ways to create more light, companions. . .

The Enchantment of Tribes to Belong To

I am remembering and have a desire to share with you, a beautiful story told to me by a young lady. It was the end of the World War II and her dad was returning home. He came from a very close network of Italian families that lived near each other in New Jersey. He had a ride back from where his ship had docked. Of course he was filled with emotion as he came closer and closer to home. Suddenly. . .

Q & A How to Find a Great Search Firm

Q & AQ: Are people sometimes cautious of ‘headhunters’?A. Yes. However the industry has evolved over the last decade and steadily gained more respect. Now recruiters go to the same lengths that other professionals do to be certified by obtaining a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) designation.Q: Is it appropriate to approach a professional recruiter or should the recruiter pursue the job see. . .

Vocalized Goals + Action = Realized Dreams

WEEKLY WISDOM NEWSLETTER Vocalized goals + Action=Realized dreams December 10, 2003Do you have a dream? Is there something you want to do, to achieve, or to complete? How close are you? How many people have you told about it? Do you have a written plan on how to get there? And the most important question – Are you taking action? This much is absolutely true: If you never vocalize your dreams, a. . .

10 Reasons Santa's Broke This Year

1. Santa Spends More Than He Makes Santa's paychecks are nothing to sneeze at, but he stays focused on his next raise. (Yes, of course Santa gets a raise each year!) He has no idea what it costs him to live the Santa life. He doesn't track his earnings nor his spending. Santa's got to provide for his reindeer, his horse and his North Pole home - just like the rest of us. 2. Santa Has No Emergen. . .

Good, Good, Good, Good Intentions

I always do a lot of thinking about good intentions in December. It's not because I'm inspired by the holidays. I'm simply observing the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Each year, around December 10th, I reread that incredible document just to remind myself that as humans, we can all agree on what it means to have basic rights and to be treated fairly. It's an inspirin. . .

Jeopardy: For Entertainment and Education

Just about everyone has had to take a pop quiz at school to test one's knowledge in science or in another subject. But why would anyone want to do it for fun?“Americans are very competitive. They want to be the strongest, brightest and fastest. Jeopardy lets them compare their skills at home to the three bright players on the show,” says Alex Trebek, the Jeopardy Game Show host, in an interview. . .