Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Look Where You're Going ... And Keep An Eye On The Blind ...

I recently had the pleasure of motorcycle riding instruction from a friend, Tony, a professional racer. He was an outstanding instructor and provided some great experience-based insight into the more intricate details of motorcycle riding. But, the one thing that stuck in my mind was his comment of "always look where you're going." I had always assumed that this is what I did, but I found ou. . .

So You Want To Be a Nurse When You Grow Up?

You're interested in becoming a nurse. How do you get into the field? First of all, you need to assess your basic interest. Why do you want to get into nursing? Are you getting ready to graduate from high school and always wanted to be a nurse? Do you want to go into nursing, because a relative is in the profession or your family has a tradition of graduating nurses, and it seems like the right. . .

Control Your Fear Before It Controls You

"Fear Factor" is one of my favorite TV shows. It highlights the courage of the participants to engage in the most fearsome and disgusting acts. Most of the contestants are willing to sacrifice their dignity for the sake of the prize money. So what does that imply? It implies that with the proper mindset, determination, and will power, you can conquer your fear. Everyone has some sort of fear. I. . .

Heal Thyself First

As I connect with more and more women I am seeing that many have a desperate need for a man. I had one woman tell me that her ex-boyfriend put a gun to her head and told her to get out of his life. Stop following him, stop calling him and leave him alone. This woman felt that he was just having a "bad day" and wanted to know when would be a good time to call him and tell him that she loves him.. . .

Giving It Your Best - The William Hung "American Idol" Su...

Never underestimate the power that comes from following your passion. It never ceases to amaze me what can happen when we put action to work for us and go after the things that we hold a true desire for. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the story of William Hung (www.williamhung.net) or not.William was a contestant on the reality TV show, American Idol. Incidentally, I should tell you I do. . .

Mentor??? Who Needs A Mentor?

Who needs a mentor. . .everyone who is truly serious about achieving more of their true potential, personally and financially. In fact, Richard Brooke says: "If you're someone who wants to break out and do something extraordinary that you would not do on your own initiative, you better have a coach-and you better have a great one." If you doubt Mr. Brooke's quote may I suggest you investiga. . .

The Future: Help is Available

How important do you believe it is to think about and visualize your future life? How important would it be to you if your cab driver wandered all over town, never getting anywhere but using up all your money and time? If you have no intention, or goal, one thing is absolutely sure. You will never get there. Sure you will get somewhere, but where? In our busy lives it can be so difficult to fin. . .

The Alphabet for High Achievers

A im for what you want by focusing clearly on priorities.B elieve in yourself and your goals, and then begin to strive for them.C ount your blessings, create opportunities, and commit to faith-driven action.D ream big dreams, design a plan, and dedicate yourself to excellence.E nergize yourself with positive thoughts, and expect daily miracles and victories.F ollow through with faith-driven act. . .

A Simple Effective Tool To Get And Stay Organized

Often we are in overwhelm because we are holding too many things in our brain. We are trying to make everything a priority and get it done now. When really we can eliminate 60 % of those things get more accomplished and be more successful.If you answer "yes" to three or more of the questions below it's a good bet you need to get your life organized and put an end to being stressed out a good de. . .

The Parthenon Principle

Have you seen a picture of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece? I will never forget walking up to the massive granite ruins. The size and power still remaining in a building constructed 2500 years ago is overwhelming!Although the roof lies on the ground, in pieces, most of the columns that supported it are in place. There are a lot of columns!I think of the Parthenon’s roof often. If its’ roof had . . .

10 Simple ways to Clear Clutter from your Home and Office

There is nothing worse then spending ten minutes looking for something to accomplish a three minute task. Clear the clutter and clear your mind.1. Hold the intention that the only three things aloud on your writing desk is a lamp, a small vase for flowers, and a photograph or two. That's it! When you get up from your desk put everything else away except those three things.2. Sort your mail as s. . .

Unlock The Key To Your Success By Learning More About You...

Finding balance is deciding to notice what goes on in your life. To make conscious choices and to experience life, not just let it happen to you. Learning more about yourself is an important first step in creating balance in your life. It is easy to get caught up in the fast pace and pressing schedule of our busy lives. We loose sight of what is important to us, what we want to accomplish.Maybe. . .

A Sweep of Vanity: How To Burst Your Own Bubble

"Hoy-day! What a sweep of vanity comes this way!" --William Shakespeare, "The Life of Timon of Athens"If there's one characteristic we hope we don't have, it's vanity. We'd rather be considered aggressive, driven, petty, even mean than have others feel that we think too much of ourselves. Isn't that hilarious? We're all vain. The world appears to revolve around us because we literally can't see. . .

Bedroom Treason

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 22, 2004Just a note to ask if there are other married women and men who are happy in their marriage and in their affair at the same time? I am fulfilled at home, in the bed and emotionally, with two men meeting my needs. It would be great if I had found a guy who could satisfy me both emotionally and sexually, but it just didn't happen. My partne. . .

Discover What You Really Want To Do

Are you doing what you really want to do or did you just fall or wander into the job you now have. As a friend of ours once said,’ I am one of twenty two doctors in our family. The only ones in our family who are not doctors are the dogs and cats’. Did you decide what you wanted to do or are you one of a growing number whose work was dictated by circumstances or their parents?The question is no. . .

Positioned For Success... The Refined Art Of Taking A Chance

ARE YOU IN... OR OUT? Are you in or out of your comfort zone, that is?Remember a simple principle: action leads to results. One decision.One small action.One step outside of the comfort zone...Can be the beginning of a series of decisions and actions that lead to a better lifestyle, a feeling of "I can do this," and a host of other possibilities. SO WHY NOT TAKE A "STRETCH BREAK"? A stretch b. . .

Evangelical Skepticism: Pursuing Your Right To Be Wrong

Michael Shermer speaks with the energy and passion of an evangelist, so it's not too surprising to learn that he used to be one. What is surprising is that he has made a 180-degree turn in his approach to belief. As a college student at Pepperdine University, he knocked on doors to spread the word of the gospel to anyone who would listen. Now he preaches the power of skepticism in the true sens. . .

Two Months, Two Actions: First Steps to Success

Susan stood on the scale the other day. She had gained two pounds.Fred muttered to himself, “damn smokes cost a ton and are killing me”, as he passed another five dollar bill across the counter.Mark promised his wife that this would be the year that they took a vacation, the same promise that he’s made every year since they were married.Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? Go to a mirror. . .

Challenge the Universe ... Demand your Desires!

There have been so many times in my life where I have run into a series of obstacles that never seemed to stop. I could handle each and every one, but after a while, I would grow weary and want it all to come to an end so I could return to a reasonable life. Over the years, I've learned that I can't just hope for positive change, I have to demand it and act on it. This approach is has nothin. . .

7 Destructive Habits of Incompetent People

WARNING! If you want to have a fantastic life, never engage yourself in these 7 deadly habits that incompetent people do. NUMBER 1 - They Think, Say, & Do Negative Things. Yup. They see problems in every opportunity. They complain that the sun is too hot. They cursed the rain for ruining their plans for the day. They blame the wind for ruining their hair. They think that everyone is against the. . .

What's On Your Shift List?

The most happy and successful people on earth have a personal Shift List. They probably don't call it by that name, but they have one. How do I know? Because these folks are enjoying their journey on our challenging planet!A Shift List is simply a list of activities and attitudes that have the power to shift you from feeling blue to feeling new. Your Shift List is any way you devise to remind y. . .

How'd They Do That?

"How'd they do that?" I asked myself time and time again in my youth.As a journalist and documentary filmmaker, I witnessed ordinary people performing extraordinary feats on countless occasions. I documented individuals in moments of crisis and emergency going beyond the limits they and society believed possible. Caught up in earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and accidents, I watched mild-mannere. . .

It's Time to Get Out of the Box

“It is never too late to be what you might have been. “(George Eliot)I have found that truly successful people surround themselves with the support that makes them excel. Over years of working with clients I have found that people struggle when they put their businesses and their lives in a self-imposed limiting box and keep doing the same things over and over again.So what I do it is help peop. . .

Start Conversations as Easily as You Start a Car

Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn it, and the car starts. Would it not be great if starting a conversation was this easy? It can be--if you know how!Unfortunately, many people don't know how. They struggle with starting conversations. If they do break the silence, the conversation sputters and dies. This leads to boring parties, embarrassing silences, lack of friends and social skill. . .

Breaking Bonds

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 8, 2004I am just out of high school, and I have come to realize what I really want is completely out of my family's standards. I come from an Indian family, where the standards are extremely high. Like in most Indian families, I am expected to become a doctor or engineer. To please them, I followed a course in high school for science and mathematics. . .

God's Name ... Creation and Undoing!

Over the past number of years, while going through my studies and research, information and answers come to the surface that are most astounding. I have come to understand things differently than I was taught in years of Catholic schooling. Although, I still believe in the "bigger picture" and "something greater", it has taken on a different tone and context. It has turned from a fearful sys. . .

Speak up or Sit Down

Last night the phone rang; my wife said, "I hope it's for you". When I answered, the caller asked, "Ray, would you speak to the Lions Club next month?" First my gut said, "No"; however, my head said, "Do it". So, one month from next Tuesday, I stand in front of 20 men and women as their evening speaker. They will have just enjoyed dinner with before and after dinner drinks. What a group: stomac. . .

Stop Scoring Own Goals

Own goals are actions, things we do, that stop us from reaching where we want to go or what we want to obtain. When we are out of focus, when we are out of tune with what’s going on, when we do something which takes us in the opposite direction of where we were going or should be going, we have scored an own goal. Sometimes they happen accidentally, sometimes on purpose and sometimes simply bec. . .

Parasitic Relationship

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 15, 2004Something in my life is weighing heavily on my mind, and I don't talk to anyone about it. I married my husband when he was 21 and I was 20. After being married six months I found out I was pregnant with our daughter. She was and is the apple of our eyes. She just graduated from college and is doing well in her new career.Our marriage was. . .

Your World Your Way - Trusting Yourself In Business

“It doesn't interest me who you are, or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.”Oriah Mountain DreamerYou cannot have peace of mind or have a healthy business if you don’t trust yourself. Trusting yourself is having a true sense of who you are, clarity about what you want and the presence of mind to honour yourself. At tim. . .

How To Improve Your Memory By Up To 10 Times With Memory ...

I'm writing this article to inform you about memory techniques. When applied correctly they are so powerful that can improve your memory many times. Don't worry, they have nothing to do with your mind - they are just tricks how to better remember information.Memory techniques are very simple. The best part - they can be applied in just minutes. Memory techniques go deep in the history - even an. . .

Believe In Yourself And Become a Winner: Lessons from Hol...

A while ago I made it a point to watch the movie "Legally Blonde." Not just for the bright, chirpy and eminently watchable Reese Witherspoon, but also because I loved the message it sent out. If you didn't see the movie, all you need to know is that it's about a smart, fashion-conscious blonde who's told time and again, by her family and friends, that it'simpossible for someone like her to go t. . .

Why You Must Stop Setting Goals

My goal in life is to have no goals. They get in the way of true progress. Plenty of successful people swear by goal setting. They're praising the wrong behavior. Brain research tells us that the goals don't matter--it's the intention that gets us where we want to go. Intentions and goals are not the same. Goals tend to be arbitrary and number-oriented, such as the number of pounds lost, amount. . .

How To Get Promoted - Take Control Of Your Destiny!

It Is Up To You So, you want to get promoted. The possibility really lies in your own hands. Remember the trite but true saying, “If it is to be, it is up to me!” Don’t wait for things to happen. Set yourself apart from the crowd and make things happen. Most people look outward for success. They look for someone else to appreciate them, someone else to promote them, someone else to motivate the. . .

The Joy Of Living In The Zone

What do people want most in the world? What is the most sought-after goal? From the moment we awaken to the moment we close our eyes at night, what is it we seek every minute of the day? We want to feel good. The primary motivation behind every action we take is the desire to feel happy. Even when we're focused on moving away from pain, we are, in effect, moving toward feeling good-physically, . . .

The Dead

Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 9, 2004I love my wife with all my heart and soul. She is now and will ever be the other half of my heart. Twenty years ago I felt much the same about another woman. She was my first true love. Unfortunately, her parents did not see us having a future together. Although I had a hard time letting go, I respected their wishes.We both went on to. . .

Questions and Affirmations - The Art (and Science) Of Ta...

I Hear Voices…This is not a statement of paranormal; it is a statement of truth. Yes, we all have an inner voice…Is yours an ally or an enemy? Do you realize you say things to yourself you would never let anyone else say to you? Don’t let your inner voice tear you down and strip away your confidence. All outward success first starts with inward success...learn the secret strategies to winni. . .

How To Maintain Your Weight Loss Motivation

One of the hardest aspects of getting yourself into shape, is maintaining the motivation you need to achieve your weight loss goals. Just about anyone will lose some of their enthusiasm, a month or so into a weight loss program. I have learned a few things that keep me motivated and dedicated to achieving my goals. They have helped me tremendously and I think they will help you as well. Here a . . .

Where Are The Punctuation Points In Your Life?

We live in a very busy age with many pressures and demands on our time. Often in workplaces there is a culture of busyness, where it’s important to be seen to be busy and stressed. Isn’t that how you show that you’re important and care about your work? Outside of work there are often enormous numbers of things competing for our time and attention: family, friends, hobbies. . . .

Stopping Time

Six hundred feet straight down! Nothing to break the fall. I've got to switch channels. I don't like my chances on this station. Infused with youthful caprice, I mused to myself about my predicament. Enjoying the intense body rush of imminent danger, I was torn between prolonging the joy-terror and searching for an escape from my imminent demise.I'd been in similar dire situations before and I'. . .

Leading To A Preferred Future

February 01, 2004Footprints and Monuments"Leading to a preferred future"By Jeff EarlywineLast month's edition of Footprints and Monuments illustrated a parallel between leadership in the face of disaster and the voyage of the Apollo 13. As you will remember, an explosion on board forced the crew to circle the moon without ever landing on their prized target. Obviously, they didn't have the pref. . .

Take the Personal Out of the Workplace: Leave Your Troubl...

Bringing your emotional baggage into the work place is inappropriate for all the reasons you may imagine. Yet employees, managers and business owners do it all the time. The question is, how do you handle it? How do you look at your manager and think, "No one is going to tell me what to do!" What if a client, peer or prospect gets you on a Bad Day? How do you take the personal out of the workpl. . .

Creating your Vision for your business, career, and Life

Many people go through their daily lives feeling overwhelmed. There are so many things to do and there never seems to be enough time or energy to do them all. Is this how you feel about your business, career, or life?Have you promised yourself that this month you are going to make some serious changes but you just aren't sure what those changes need to be?Think about laying out a vision, but ma. . .

Figure Out the Pebble in Your Shoe

"By asking for the impossible, we obtain the best possible." ~ Italian sayingIf you are serious about achieving a more meaningful life then you'll need a new perspective for viewing your life and your career. The following exercise is a new method for going through your day and your week. It’s a new sense of being alive being responsible, being at choice, and being the architect in your life. T. . .

Plan, Prioritize, Play 10 Strategic Ways To Be Time Rich ...

1. Retrain your self-talk, to remove selfish from your vocabulary and replace it with self-care. In order for you to take care of the people you love you need to take care of yourself first. Friends, family, loved ones look to you as a model, make sure to model self-care, taking time to play, relax, and read. This is especially important for parents; this will give your children the confidence . . .

Simple strategies for home based business owners to reduc...

Handle small emergencies fast: When a small emergency does pop up being prepared with a home medicine kit will come in handy. Make sure to have one in your car and one in the home and look through them twice a year to make sure they are up to date and have been restocked. Use this same twice-yearly update to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and to put fresh batteries in all of your . . .

Fitness Focus: Overcoming Obstacles

If you’re like me, the quest to be in shape, manage weight and overall well-being, at times, feels overwhelming. And, as if the quest to be fit isn’t hard enough, there’s often other obstacles to overcome: health issues, time management, mustering up courage or energy. Even if you’ve been exercising for a long time, there’s always new barriers to be broken. So, how to put all of this into persp. . .

Yes Tarot Readings Are For You!

Have you ever thought?What is the best way out of this situation or which job do I take which decision do I make and offcourse which path is best! Choices, choices, choices, life is all about choices.This is where Tarot readings can be and are an important tool!Some sceptics may say this is baloney, but I am sure they have not experienced the power of the Tarot, closed minds never benefit and s. . .

Bureaucracy in Peru!

This article is from the pen of a New Zealander currently living in Lima, Peru.I have never experienced anything like this!This is not the first developing country I have ever lived in, The situation here is chaotic and that is being kind!Lesson # 1. In Peru you must wait, don’t expect anything in a hurry!You will wait in line to enter the Hospital to visit your loved-ones, make sure you have t. . .

Improve Your Love Luck with Feng Shui!

Are you tired of looking for love without success? If so, the layout, furnishings, and energy of your home and bedroom could be part of the problem. When the areas of your home affecting your love life are cluttered, missing from your floor plan, or suffering from sha chi (harmful energy) it can be difficult to find and maintain a good relationship. A key principle of feng shui is that everythi. . .