Zig On…Overcoming Fear

By Zig Ziglar

 

Fear has been correctly identified with the acrostic False Evidence Appearing Real.  The truth is that if we think something is to be feared, that perception becomes the cruelest form of reality.

A second-grade boy was overheard saying, “It’s easy to be brave when you’re not scared.”  By the same token, it’s easy to talk about how to overcome fear when you have little to be afraid of.  Fear is certainly real for most people and all of us face a fear of something - poverty, divorce, rejection, death, failure, speaking in public, being laughed at, etc.

How do we overcome fear?  First we must learn to examine our fears.  Example: Giving a speech, which is the number one fear in our country, according to Reader’s Digest.  (It’s also a tremendous confidence-builder.)  If that’s your fear, ask yourself a few questions.  “Why am I afraid to make a speech?  Is it because I’m afraid of being rejected?  Then why do I think I’ll be rejected?  Do I believe what I’m about to say?  Is my speech worth giving?  Am I proud of the comments I’m about to make?”  As you ask yourself these questions, the fear will begin to subside.  It subsides because you have explored your subconscious mind with your questions and flushed out some of your fears.

My research indicates that only three people have died while making a speech.  Since twelve billion people have lived and only three of them died making a speech, I’d say it’s a fairly safe thing to do.  If you’re a little nervous, consider this: You could lead a mule into a crowded room and he would be so calm that he would almost go to sleep standing up.  A thoroughbred in the same situation would be as nervous as a cat.  If you’re a little nervous, just be grateful you’re a thoroughbred - not a mule.  So face those inner feelings, stand up and speak up with confidence.  When you do, I’ll SEE YOU AT THE TOP! 

Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher.  He is the author of 27 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.

 

Quote

 

Your mate doesn’t live by bread alone; he or she needs to be “buttered up” from time to time.    Zig Ziglar

 

Rules to Living the Good Life

By Bryan Dodge

 

1. The fundamental rule: Be willing to change
I think the word change is unsettling for a lot of people – especially in business – because it’s been used as a code word for things nobody would want to hear. “Changes” in market mean we have to make some “changes” in the organizational structure. Even when the word doesn’t mean the potential loss of a job, it can cause some fear. You hear that you have to change because it’s good for the company, or change for your career, or change because the world is changing.  Here are the six steps to successful change:
a. Commit to the change.
b. Make a “no” list.
c. Create a plan.
d. Ask for help.
e. Execute.
f. Celebrate.

2. Three Key Points: E.A.T.
Eager - What do I mean by that? What have you learned yesterday that you can apply today in order to do things differently tomorrow? These are times that are forcing people to better their business, their habits, and their marketing strategies to position themselves and their companies to catch the next wave. It is easy to know if you are truly open minded or not … it comes down to one word which is found often in children ages 3-5: Why? Why am I doing what I do? Why is it important to change? Why are things happening to me? The key is to always remember this: those that focus on the how always end up working for those that focus on why.

 Argue - People don’t shoot down people that are already down, they don’t waste their bullets. They only shoot at people making a difference. The key to success in this recession is to be more thankful for the bullets.

 Thankfulness - I’m not talking about how blue the sky is and how green the grass is. I’m talking about the most important thing of all and that is how you live your life. Are you living the good life or are you living an average life? During these difficult times it’s hard for you to hide. The truth, based on the way you live your life, becomes evident, not only to you but to the people depending on you. Good people always appreciate what they have when they have it. Average people only appreciate what they have after they lose it. How much has to be taken away from you until you start living a good life?

3. Bring Energy Home!
The three words that will travel for life: Bring Energy Home! When I say that to an audience, I look in their eyes and see how it touches them personally. When a client, customer, or boss walks up, you have more energy and enthusiasm than you will ever see. But then you go home to your family and say you don’t have anything left for them. That is hypocritical. You give energy to someone who doesn’t even know your name and then can’t give it to the people who give you their lives. If you live by bringing energy home you will thrive during the wave.

4. Forty-Eight Hour Law
A principle that falls into the most powerful part of The Good Life Rules book is the 48-hour Rule: The Truth of Diminishing Intent. You have 48 hours to act on what comes to your heart or your mind or society will distract, derail, and steal it from you. I challenge you to email your goals to me at goals@bryandodge.com within 48-hours. I promise to send a gift to every person that does that. The most important part that you have never heard before is the power of the “no” list. It is a list that you make along with goals that consists of the things you are no longer going to do. This is not a New Year’s resolution. It is life changing. Always remember you can’t add on to your goal list until you learn how to subtract from the past. The “no” list helps you add on to your goal list. During these times of change it is what we call a “Wake-up call” to let certain things you’ve done for too long go forever. Send me your goals and your “no” list at goals@bryandodge.com and I will send you a gift. You have 48 hours.

This article is an excerpt from Bryan’s book The Good Life Rules: Eight Keys to Being Your Best at Work and Play.  You can catch Bryan on our webcast July 21st.  For more information about Bryan visit his website www.bryandodge.com.

Are you Fully Alive?

By Dan Miller

 

In the second century, St. Irenaeus made this famous statement:  “The glory of God is man fully alive.” 

What does it mean to be “fully alive?”

Theologian John S. Dunne tells the story about a group of Spanish sailors who reached the continent of South America after a long and dangerous voyage. They happened to approach right at the headwaters of the Amazon River, an expanse of water so wide the sailors assumed it was a continuation of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Amazon River is the greatest river in the world. It contains over 20% of the earth’s fresh water. During the rainy season it expands to 24.8 miles wide at inland points. Where it opens into the Atlantic Ocean it is 202 miles wide, discharging eight trillion gallons of fresh water a day into the ocean. That fresh water can be detected over 200 miles out into the sea.

But these Spanish sailors didn’t realize that subtle change in the water. They had spent months knowing they couldn’t drink the water in which they were traveling. Any experienced sailor knows that drinking salt water will kill you. Although it didn’t look much different, and the change had taken place slowly, now they were right on top of the largest quantity of fresh water in the world. And with that nourishing, fresh water all around them, some of those sailors died of thirst.

That picture serves as a metaphor for how I see many people in the world today. They have become accustomed to life being drudgery – work is a bitter pill, a curse from God – something to be endured, a necessary trade-off for a paycheck – the “salt water” that life has dealt them. They know that work is not to be fulfilling, they eagerly anticipate Friday or retirement when they can leave that stinking job and really do something they enjoy and care about. But at the same time they are sitting right on top of the greatest opportunities for fulfilling work the world has ever known.

Companies are desperately seeking people who understand their areas of competence and are ready to make a clear contribution to their corporate mission. With our shift from production work to knowledge work it has never been easier to transition into free-lance or independent contractor status, providing more time freedom and income potential.  Starting your own business or being an entrepreneur no longer requires a big chunk of start-up capital or even a bricks and mortar structure.  With opportunities involving knowledge, service or information, people are starting their own profitable ventures with minimal time and money required.  

Looking around and seeing with new eyes may be your only required step in experiencing the fresh, nourishing and profitable water that’s all around you. 

Dan Miller, President of 48 Days, specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success.  Dan is the author of the widely acclaimed 48 Days To The Work You Love and No More Mondays.  He writes regularly for many popular magazines and web portals, including CBN.com, Crosswalk.com, New Man, AARP and Success magazine. 

 

This day in history

 
On July 14, 1968, Atlanta Braves slugger Henry “Hank” Aaron hits the 500th home run of his career in a 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.

 

What’s New at Ziglar?

 

Success 2.0

 

Don’t miss out on our new webcast next Tuesday!

 How to Take Ownership of Leadership of Your Life

 

 

Ziglar Recommends

 
No More Mondays
By Dan Miller

Did you bury your dreams and passions in exchange for a paycheck? 

Is work something you do to support your weekends? 

It doesn’t have to be like that! 

Zig Says…“Dan Miller inspires his readers to a higher calling in their work.  With opportunities all around us no one should be content with simply creating income.  Meaningful work is part of living out God’s purpose in our lives.  No More Mondays shows you the way to find your unique application.”  Order today! 

 

 

 

admin Weekly Newsletters Dan Miller, goal setting, inspiration, Job satisfaction, webcast, Zig Ziglar, Zig Ziglar Quote