Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Importance of Professional Liability and Malpractice Insu...

Contrary to popular belief you don't have to cause severe injury to a patient to face a serious law suit as a consequence of your actions or failure to act. As "little" as not following standards of care, indifference (as "little" as failing to recognize a need for help), or abandonment (as "little" as failing to return a phone call) can be reason enough to be held liable in court should any da. . .

Leaving The Tribe

One of my favorite authors, Wayne Dyer, uses this metaphor, "Leaving the tribe," when referring to how we, as people, seek the approval of others in society. Yesterday, as I was on my way to go for a jog, I received a phone call that brought forth this issue. For several months now, I have been doing research on a course I wish to take to extend my coaching skills. During this period I called s. . .

Romantic Relationships: An Internal Process

If you grew up in the 80s like I did, you might remember the group Depeche Mode and their hit "Just Can't Get Enough." It is a song about being obsessed with the idea of being with someone, about needing another person. Romance easily becomes this addiction when we believe that we are not complete without someone else and that we simply cannot get enough of the blissful feeling we get when we a. . .

Want Money? You Got It!

Six out of six people who were asked to list their highest priority in life said, "I want money". Maybe not in those exact words, but that was the gist of the request. Understand, when you ask the Universe for something the Universe must help provide it. All six of these people are getting exactly what they asked for. They are 'wanting money'. None of us really needs money. This is a fallacy. W. . .

The Road to 25-hour days - Part One

Do you wish you had more time to do things you love, to be with your children, your life partner… and maybe with yourself, too? Do you wish you had the energy to cook healthy meals for yourself – or to exercise? Are you always too stressed to meditate or pray (or whatever makes you feel at peace)?Then here’s a clever exercise thought out by a time management specialist. I invite you to follow t. . .

I'm Broke, How Can I Afford...

I’m still amazed every time someone comes to me complaining that they don’t have any money to put into their business and that they’re broke.I mean what have you been doing with your money man?!?Plain Truth: If you don’t have any money you won’t make it my friend… it’s that simple. You have to at least have some money. Say $200-$500. I don’t care what the self-styled slick gurus tell you. If yo. . .

Bad Luck ... Or Blessing In Disguise?

There was a woman who was in such a hurry to go to the airport. She told the cab driver to step on it. She was so engrossed with her own thoughts that she was not aware they were going on a different route. Suddenly, a man went inside the cab and took her handbag where she placed her visa, passport, and all her money for the trip. The driver, who was in cahoots with the robber, left her in th. . .

Gossip: Destructive Conversation

An occasional hour of gossip with the girls isn't so bad......or is it? The first thing to determine is the difference between gossip and healthy "girl" talk. Gossip involves repeating idle talk about other's private affairs or starting rumours that are intended to harm or criticize the person being talked about. We tend to use this destructive chatter to make us feel better about our positions. . .

Don’t Let the Boogeyman Steal Your Dreams

The boogeyman lurking in the closet scares the bejesus out of little kids. “Big people” know the imaginary monster from their childhood isn’t real. Yet, adults freeze in their tracks when the same monster pops up on their path in life.The closer we come to reaching our dreams, the more our monstrous emotions and mind-talk flash their urgent warnings, “Stop! Don’t g. . .

Searching for The Meaning of Life

A member of the Self Improvement Zone asked me the other day: "How is it that we can know what is good for us, yet we don't seem to be able to make a practice out of anything? I go from one author, book, concept, idea to another, thinking one day I will find the answer, and I will no longer have to look. I have enough books to open a bookstore. Is there any one thing you can recommend? Or are. . .

New Age Spirituality

New Age Spirituality is all about getting back your power. Not that you ever lost it. Sometimes you gave your power away, misplaced it, or forgot you had power in the first place.And why does the term: "New Age Spirituality"... seem to bother some religious leaders, especially leaders of the Christian faith? After all, we are in a new age: The Age of Aquarius. The concept of an Age exists withi. . .

Speak in Public! Who Me!

The first time I had to speak in front of a group was in Air Force boot camp. I had always been very shy, naive, and backward. During Air Force boot camp I was so impressed by my training instructors, I volunteered to be one! What had I gotten myself into? I observed the other training instructors, and the big day came. One of the instructors got sick. I jumped in with both feet. Yes, I wa. . .

Choosing Our Parents

There's a Native American belief that before we are born, we choose our parents. It actually ties in pretty nicely with the reincarnation idea that we prearrange certain circumstances before each life so as to learn different lessons. Either way, our parents teach us so much more than they ever mean to. Through their choices, circumstances, faults, talents and ability to show their love and . . .

3:33am?!

What is it with angels and digital clocks? I fell asleep just after 11pm and am still trying to recover from the switch to daylight savings time. I really don't need to be up and working right now, or do I? I had asked my angels earlier today to help me write some more articles. So, at 3:33am they wake me up whispering something or other and insisting I need to get up and work. Geez! Have. . .

Mind Power Audio Programs

When you use just 1/3rd of your mind’s power, incredible things begin to happen!Yes, it’s true. Your mind is so powerful that when you channelise it properly you can make all your problems vanish and watch all your dreams come true! Using just a fraction of your mind’s astounding power! And the most astonishing fact is that this incredible power is just lying inside you waitin. . .

7 Power Skills that Build Strong Relationships

A strong, healthy relationship is one in which the partners show respect and kindness toward each other. The relationship forms a rewarding and enduring bond of trust and support. Here are seven power skills that will help you form stronger alliances and bring more closeness, authenticity and trust to your relationships.1. Relax OptimisticallyIf you are comfortable around others, they will feel. . .

Isn’t it Time for You?

Does it seem like there is never enough time in the day? Why is there plenty of time for everyone and everything but ourselves? The fact is that you only get one shot at this life so it is important to spend it doing something you love. The good news is that you have a choice, you can continue to go on being overwhelmed letting time and life slip away, or you can make the time and start livin. . .

Working on Your Fears

As children, my brother, two sisters and myself we were not allowed to bring anything in the house that even resembled a snake. I remember once being at Geauga Lake, an amusement park near the Cleveland Ohio area and I had won a stuffed pink snake playing Ring Toss. This was a class trip and I knew I couldn't bring it home so I gave the snake to one of my friends. Snakes in any shape or form wa. . .

Online Dating - Confidence Builder

Most of us have different levels of confidence. I’m sure you have met a variety of confident types. I’m just as sure, that all of us have had our own confidence shaken once or twice. I know I have. In relationships most of us have different degrees of confidence. There were times I felt like I could do no wrong and other times I couldn’t do anything right. The ups and downs of relationships are. . .

Swith to a Better Channel!

Peril, catastrophe and disaster.These are our friends, allies and mentors.Appearing as enemies on the surface, these seeming threats are our most helpful teachers on our Earth adventure. These apparent foes repeatedly demonstrate how we humans have awesome power over our fate and circumstances in life.When faced with an expected outcome we don't like, we have an option. We can open to an altern. . .

Priorities

Last month's edition of Footprints and Monuments was about living your life going Mach3 with your hair on fire. Learning from the past, but passionately waiting for tomorrow to get here. The featured person, Richie, recently came to a goal setting seminar that I was leading. Last month you learned that Richie was setting twenty-year goals even though six weeks prior he had been diagnosed with a. . .

How To Have A Life Changing Experience

Can you really plan a life-changing experience, or do they just happen? Are they accident's of fate, inherited life forces, or can they be experiences the we choose? A brief story. Soon after graduating I left home for adventure and discovery, and perhaps a life-changing experience. My mind was virtually a blank canvas for experience to paint a path for my future. I travelled afar and engaged i. . .

Anger And Your Health

HOW YOUR OUTLOOK INFLUENCES HEALTH AND ABILITY TO CONTROL ANGERJane and Anthony have differing ways of viewing the world. Jane is a pessimist (the glass is half-empty), while Anthony is an optimist (the glass is half-full). These outlooks influence how they experience similar situations.SCENARIO 1: JOB LOSSJane is devastated, convincing herself that she is all washed up, she can never catch a b. . .

Fear the Future? Don't.

In one sense there are three parts of our lives. Past, present and future. How each of these is viewed has huge consequences. The past:If one looks back at the past for anything other than experience, the past can paralyze today. Many times our memories of events, and results from those events will seem relevant to a situation we might be facing today when in reality today's situation is totall. . .

Surviving Life After Divorce

After divorce, the most important thing you can do is to move forward sensibly. Here are ten steps to help you on your way back to a fulfilling life. 1. Think single. As obvious as it may seem, you're no longer one half of a couple and that can take some getting used to. After all, life as a single woman is very different to the life you've been leading for a major part of your life. Take time . . .

Are You The Master Of Your Destiny?

How strong are you? I'm not asking if you can carry 150 lbs. of weight. What I'm after is your strength of character. How resilient are you to hang on to your dreams amidst the raging forces of discouragement and criticisms? There are far too many individuals who never get to experience the joy of attaining their desires because other people's influence has significantly (and sometimes negative. . .

Rocking The Boat

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 5, 2004I work in a factory, and we have supervisors who play favorites. They have about six girls who can do no wrong, and they have easier jobs than the rest of us. These girls go out after work to bars, and that is why they are in with the supervisors.The boss over these supervisors will not do anything because his boss is the father of one of t. . .

Our Feelings and Attitudes Around 'Happily Ever After'

Our feelings and attitudes have a huge impact on our ability to achieve 'happily ever after.' Are feelings and attitudes the same thing or different? Does one cause the other to happen? Which one has more power over how we respond? Does the person experiencing them have any choice in the matter? What if they are in conflict?Feelings are what they are. We can't force them. You fall madly . . .

How To Rise Above The Clutter In Your Brain

Ever notice when you start a new hobby or fall in love with a new shrub or flower you start to see it everywhere? This isn't necessarily because everyone else has the same new hobby it’s because you have the flower or shrub or hobby at the top of your mind. You are focused on it, thinking about how much you enjoy it and you end up noticing it when you never did before. It's not merely a coincid. . .

Universal Mind

"There is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers (to study) than all these trees and stones, and even all those stars; there is the mind of man." --Socrates "Mind is the expression of the soul, which belongs to God." Adlai --Stevenson Our minds have great power and untapped potential. This is well illustrated by a story told by Rudyard Kipling, the Indian-born English poet, . . .

Reveal the Leader Within

A Leader is not a certain type of person or position of power. It is not the one at the top of the golf leader board at any specific time or the person at the top of an organisation. It is YOU. In this article we want to show you how to reveal the leader within. To give you some ideas, methods, tips that will make you think and, if you want to, enable you to reveal the leader within you.First; . . .

Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

Knocking knees, butterflies (who came up with that word?) in your stomach, sweaty palms, quavering voice. We’ve all been there – some of us more than others. I’m going to share with you some of the tricks of the trade to help manage and reduce your anxiety before and during your presentation. These methods are tried and true and have helped many presenters. The first time is always the worst an. . .

7 Gifts that Multiply Happiness

Did you know that there are gifts that will multiply your happiness when you give them away? Here are seven of those gifts. Giving these gifts will allow you to share with others your most unique treasure: your authentic self. Each gift will return to you many times. As you read about each of these gifts, think about ways that you could share that gift with someone today. 1. Share appreciation . . .

Quiet Mind; A Powerful Tool That Gives You More Time, Cre...

The National Center for health statistics reported that in 1997, doctors made two million diagnoses of "Acute reaction to stress" when patients were seen for check-ups or complaints of headaches, stomach problems, immune system disturbances and some heart problems. These were usually a direct result of chronic stress and overwhelm, patients were trying to do it all with no time just for themsel. . .

Not Satisfied With Where You Are; STOP- Change The Action...

“If you keep on doing what you have always done, you will keep on getting what you have always gotten!” So if you don't like how things are going in any area of your business, career, life, STOP!Think about what you want, focus in on what's important and develop strategies and simple steps you can take to do something new and achieving new results.A lot of what we do as "normal" or "routine" is. . .

5 Tips To Get More Out Of Your Work Day

It's easy to waste time on things that seem urgent but are not important, and even easier to get slowed down by clutter and distractions. Here are 5 solutions.1. Carefully examine what factors you are using to set project deadlines. Then set realistic deadlines. Start with the most important things first and rearrange projects that are within your control. Then set acceptable time limits for co. . .

The Top Ten Ways To Be Positive In The Workplace Of Life

There is a growing volume of research that shows’ staying positive is better for your health; you can cope better with stress. It’s better for relationships; you keep from judging people and getting the bad habit of gossiping. It takes much more energy to be negative, always worrying, thinking of the “ what if’s”, the “should’s”. Being positive, living in the present will lighten your life and . . .

Exceptions To The Rule

Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 29, 2004Yesterday I turned 48, and she just turned 21. Uh-oh, I can hear the gears turning in your heads already. She will graduate from university in England in June with a degree in psychology, and we have discussed her coming to live here with me in the States. So far she's come once, for a week, against her parents' better judgment. That's a. . .

Determinants Of Success- Revisited, Again.

If you have been a long time subscriber to this newsletter you have read about the determinates of success before. If you are new, hold on to your hat because this is some powerful stuff.Did you ever wonder why some people are successful while others aren’t? It comes down to two things. There are only two primary determinates of success –Drive and Chance. Everything else fits into these primary. . .

Why Do We Lack Character

Our people have no character” is acknowledged universally, at home and abroad, in business and government circles, and in every sphere of administrative activity. Lack of character produces social imbalance and leads ultimately to national decline and disintegration. The malady has been eating up the vitals of our social life too fast to withstand an unexpected shock.Meaning of Character.. . .

The Power of Passion

Improving this single attitude makes your days fly by. You wake up excited to work. You make the right decisions. You get more done in less time. Improving this attitude affects everyone around you. They believe in you, trust you and want to support you. This one attitude can change your entire life for the better. A vital attitude for you to constantly improve is YOUR PASSION. On a scale of 1 . . .

6 Simple Steps To Accelerating your Learning

What is Accelerated learning? Simply put, accelerated learning is the ability to absorb and understand new information quickly, and also to be able to retain that information.It involves the process of unleashing the abilities within us. Every one of us learn differently. Accelerated learning calls upon us to learn techniques of learning that exactly match our personal learning styles. When we . . .

Losing Site of Your Goals ... Determining Your Vision Fro...

In the fury of trying to accomplish our goals, we tend to lose site of our Vision. We get so caught up in "doing things" that we forget why we're doing them. In the process, we lose hope, lose drive, and end up running in a circle trying to find our "reason" again. In our circular dance, we fill in the gaps with unnecessary activities, or "busy work", to make us feel as though we're moving f. . .

5 Result-Getting Time Management Tips

How often have you tried to manage your time in more productive ways, and found the process to be difficult and confusing? Perhaps you simply gave up on the idea. As one friend said, "Time management takes too much time!" These tips will simplify time management with five important steps that can bring remarkable changes. They will allow you to easily customize a plan that will fit your specif. . .

Live Life to the Fullest

Do you sometimes feel that you're living a boring life? You just can't seem to find anything exciting. You wake up in the morning, then do the same old rituals. You go to the office or to school. You meet the same people, do the same job, travel the same road, booooring. Next day, same story. Do you want a change in your life? The solution is YOU! You're the master of your destiny. You decide i. . .

Petitioning for Your Needs

Human beings are blessed with a unique gift: the gift of prayer or petition to the Infinite for our needs. A religious person would call it prayer; others may call it petition or meditation. There is a clear distinction between petition and meditation, however. Meditation is generally a passive process, but in a petition, we actively communicate with the Infinite Source. The word "petition" its. . .

What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?

The next time you find yourself relaxing on the couch, having popped some corn and about to watch the “Sopranos”, instead, pose this $1,000,000 lottery question to yourself and see what flows. What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Would you work, not work? If you knew anything you touched or did held the possibility for success - whatever that is, what would you do? If there were no. . .

The Enchanted Cottage

Decades ago, I saw a metaphysical movie that wonderfully illustrates the alchemical power of love. In "The Enchanted Cottage," a homely, self-effacing maid and a blind, crippled war hero fall in love. She blossoms into an attractive, self-confident woman and he into a charming, handsome country gentleman, both happier than ever before.Oliver and Laura ascribe their transformation to the legenda. . .

Keeping the Dream Alive

Like the song by Linda Ronstadt, “a dream is a wish that your heart makes." To lose a dream is to die a little yourself. It means closing down the part of you that can soar above the reality of your current life to see new and exciting possibilities. Whenever she walks down a street, a friend of mine notices details of architecture, shapes and colors. As a child she fantasized about being an in. . .

Visualize Your Way to Success

Human beings are visual creatures. Our imaginations are powerful tools that can bring us to the brink of despair or create a wonderful new reality. This is because our subconscious responds to images whether they are real or imagined. We all use visualization in our daily lives. When we read, our mind automatically translates the words into images of people and places. When we think of someone,. . .