Newsletter for March 2008: Third Pillar: Simplicity

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When high achievers become wealthy public figures we see them in their limousines and elegant offices, but even as beginners, they keep their lives orderly and focused. Whether they have chauffeurs and maids, or drive an economy sedan, they know the value of simplicity, focus, and clarity. High achievers use Positive Simplicity to create the life they truly want. So should you!

Third Pillar: Simplicity

For the past few months we've been looking at the systems top performers use to virtually guarantee their success in life. Success is NOT an accident or a matter of "luck." It is a skill that can be used over and over for life-long advantage.

When Donald Trump picks his "apprentice" each has powerful skills, trends, patterns and behaviors that all finalists have in common. These people are ambitious and they will have taken the time to learn certain skills that help them to achieve remarkable things. The good news is - YOU CAN LEARN AND USE THEM, TOO!

Three months ago, we started with the Foundation of Self-Awareness. High achievers do not drift or wander or "settle" in life. They ponder their values and clarify their priorities. They know their strengths and use them to their advantage. They know their weaknesses and minimize their limitations. To an unusual degree, top performers know who they are and where they are going in life!

On that Foundation, highly effective people use what I call the Four Pillars of success. In the past two months we've looked at Passion and Integrity. This month we add the third pillar: The Power of Simplicity.

Positive Simplicity is not about living a Spartan life! Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Woods do not live in tents or sleep on the floor! For them, Simplicity has a totally different meaning.

Simplicity is the power of focus and concentration; it's about clear priorities and the ability to say a resounding NO to the distractions and complications of life.

High achievers thrive on complexity, but they avoid complications at all costs, and that is a HUGE distinction! The brain loves complexity. We are fascinated by puzzles and challenges and mysteries in life. High achievers love the challenge of solving problems, whether the challenge is making money, raising teenagers, finding spiritual peace or developing that “perfect swing”.

They also know that a complicated life is the death of success. They know their priorities, and refuse to become distracted. They simplify their life and focus on one or two priorities, ignoring the many "bright lights" of temptation around them.

When high achievers become wealthy public figures we see them in their limousines and elegant offices, but even as beginners, they keep their lives orderly and focused. Whether they have chauffeurs and maids, or drive an economy sedan, they know the value of simplicity, focus, and clarity. High achievers use Simplicity to create the life they truly want. So should you!

Quotes of the Month

"Maintaining a complicated life is a great way to avoid changing it." -- Elaine St. James

"It only takes one person to change your life -- you." -- Ruth Casey

"Don't worry about whether or not I am now happy. Today is only chapter one. We have yet to write the book." -- Lois Wyse

"Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God." -- Mary Manin Morrissey
 

With adequate experience and a solid business plan, the cash is usually available. The more common problem is an intellectual failure.

2.    When you operate from "lack", everyone knows it and potential customers flee. Whether you are worried about cash or simply realize that you don't know what you're doing, it shows up as "trying". You "try" to close the sale, or you "try" to market or you "try" to find a solution. Trying is rarely attractive, and customers can sense it.

Become an expert in your industry or profession. Develop the confidence that you KNOW what you're doing and that you come from a place of abundance.

This is one reason highly successful entrepreneurs hire coaches and consultants. They know that coming from a place of abundance shows up in every word and every action, and ultimately creates more and greater abundance.

Humor: Letter from a Flirtatious Old Gal (or Guy)

Here's a note that, while I'm not quite "there" yet, is becoming slightly too familiar! Enjoy!

Dear friends,

I have become a little older since I saw you last, and a few changes have come into my life since then. Frankly, I have become a flirtatious old gal.

I am seeing five gentlemen every day. As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed. Then I go to see John.

Then Charlie Horse comes along, and when he is here he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, Arthur Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day. He
doesn't like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint.

After such a busy day, I'm really tired and glad to go to bed with Ben Gay. What a life! Oh yes, I'm also flirting with Al Zymer.

Love,
Your Old Friend

P.S. The preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking of the hereafter. I told him, "Oh I do it all the time. No matter where I am, in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen, or in the garage, I ask myself..... "Now, what am I here after?"

Rodger Blaker works with executives, small business owners and professionals who want to grow in their business and create an extraordinary life!

For info on resources for your success, visit: http://www.rodgerblaker.com or call me at 214-485-2238.