1. Top Weekly Career Pick
2. Featured Article: The Key to Having It All
3. A Real Example of How to Reach Your Goals
4. Announcements
TOP WEEKLY CAREER PICK
http://usa.lucidjobs.com/ – Lucid Jobs is a completely free job search website with a built in Application Tracking System, Messenger, Calendar and more. Stay organized with their tools and get connected using Forums to share knowledge.
And my top pick for the Super Bowl is the New Orleans Saints of course!
THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE The Real Key to Having It All: Health, Wealth, Happiness, and Loving Relationships
I used to think this was fluffy, tooty fruity stuff. It is not. (It’s now my main focus). This is YOUR life we’re talking about. If you desire for your life and career to be a wonderful experience, read on.
Life is simple. You are born. Your freedom to be your true, self loving, authentic self is suppressed by rules, boundaries, behaviors, thoughts, priorities, limitations, fears, doubts, circumstances, and so called “truths” of other people and what you pay attention to (television programs, books, media, etc.) in your life. You may feel controlled and frustrated and not able to be and express who you really are.
Insecurity sets in. You may believe that you are not good enough, you don’t fit in, and you’re not included. This disconnect with your true self in your adult years manifests itself in a lack of:
fulfillment
confidence and wealth
health and wellbeing
balance
A feeling of emptiness sets in. That’s when you may feel trapped in your life and your fears, doubts, and limiting thoughts take over and you either stop dreaming or you believe you can’t ever reach your dreams or be your true self. This is also when self sabotaging, sometimes self protective, and destructive behavior (such as drugs, alcohol, overeating, overspending, external marital affairs, social isolation, blaming others) may manifest itself so that you can have temporary feel good moments that will most likely take you and your loved ones into deeper despair.
You crave to be who you really are. Someone who is free, joyful, self adoring, fulfilled, passionate, confident, and loved. Every human being on this planet universally craves this feeling more than anything else in life. Our actions, focus, words, motivations, purchases, and desires all stem around wanting feel good emotions and being able to express ourselves as who we really are.
The only way to have what you really crave is to make your top priority in life to feel authentic joy, self love, fulfillment, and peace within. In this state you no longer react to life but live life at an elevated and raised level and it is only here that you are able to create exactly what you wish for with a powerful, unstoppable air of complete self love and confidence – loving and fulfilling relationships, good health and balance, passion and purpose, authenticity, and true abundance.
It is only here that you are able to be at a higher level that everyone in your life will take notice of and match as you share your joyful, electric vibration with them. It’s the only way to dramatically change your life and to receive all that you want – by having a strong desire above all else to change your heart and mind to adhere to this number one priority – to have good feeling emotions – and to have these good feeling emotions all the time, no matter what else is going on in your life.
Feeling good down to your soul will change everything and allow you to lead the life you so desire and to be who you really are. It will allow you to brush off what used to be life’s annoyances from your shoulder for good.
The steps to making true, good feeling emotions be your top priority in life are:
Create, focus, and dramatically elevate your desire to authentically feel good within above all else and in all circumstances. Think about it constantly.
Write down what makes you authentically feel good inside, happy, and joyous, and focus your attention on these things all day long. These are things that if you change your heart and soul and mind’s focus, you can have them right now versus wanting to change someone else or some circumstance that you cannot control in order to make you happy. Here is an example:
What makes me happy is focusing my attention on my purpose, passion, freedom, spontaneity, joyous coincidences, heartful encounters that don’t drain my energy but that lift me up, wisdom, beauty, nature, playfulness, creativity, smiles and laughter, music, being a conduit to bring joy and confidence to others, and giving unconditional love to all people and animals.
Make a decision to change your habits and regiments and what you focus your thoughts and words on so you can have these feel good emotions and tell everyone around you why you are doing it. They’ll want to know what’s in it for them so tell them it will allow you to become a better spouse, parent, sibling, child, employee, friend, and neighbor. You will inspire others by sharing your new found commitment to an extraordinary life that in no way includes self sabotaging behavior that fills the void of feeling authentic joy.
Next begin to trust and allow inspirational ideas come from your heart and intuition that ensures you will feel good all day long. This may mean you have to let go of some thoughts you constantly carry around with you that no longer serve your new commitment of joy. Examples may include your self sabotaging thoughts of having to please others, control and distrust others, and needing appreciation, approval, and recognition from others in order to feel good.
A benefit to living the life you want is that once you feel good and you are in touch with who you really are, others will mirror you and you will automatically make them feel good about themselves and believe in themselves by you being who you really are. When you’re living in joy, you’ll easily receive inspirational thoughts and ideas and words that will allow others you interact with to have a glimpse of their own joy and authentic self. What an uplifting gift to give others that can change their lives.
You are in charge of your feel good feelings. No one else has that authority over you anymore. You may have to get out of your comfort zone to make some fundamental changes to begin to do what’s best for your emotions today. Start a movement in your home, workplace, and community, and encourage others to do the same for themselves. Living in joy versus fear, resistance to your true self, and anxiety, will change everything in your life. Work on it everyday with determination and conviction. Let go and live in sheer joy and harmony with your true self. You will have everything you desire if you allow it to be!
How this Really Works
An example from my own life on how this really works: My husband and his elderly parents had a dysfunctional, co-dependent relationship. My in-laws health issues and the loss of their ability to live independently added to the distasteful mix that kept seeping into my home. Rather than participate in the dysfunction or just live with it, I knew that I had to change my heart and soul and grow and evolve (life’s challenges show up as lessons we need to learn). My deep rooted desire to change my heart was the catalyst to make it happen.
Once I began to love my true authentic self, I was able to see others for their true selves, even if they hadn’t reached that point yet for themselves. I focused my thoughts on that and writing those loving thoughts down daily to reinforce them until my emotions began to shift. It was deeply important to me. I then received inspiration to ask my mother-in-law to teach me her native language of French. Teaching French is her passion and by doing so, I’ve helped her to regain some of her confidence and internal joy which is changing the dynamics of the relationship between the four of us right before my eyes. It’s working with such ease.
If you find yourself struggling to reach your goals, consider the culprit may fall in one or all of these categories — your fear or your time management is getting in the way or you’re not writing your goals down. Facing these obstacles will transform your results in a big way. Take a small step to address them if you insist on more for your life. Here’s an example from Ashley Williams, a budding new author on how to get started:
I’ve been very lucky to have a good career for the last eleven years, and fortunate to survive all the economic craziness of the last few years. While I like my job, I realized I was burying any creative instincts and losing that part of myself. I found myself saying, “I am the least creative person I know,” and I hated saying it. I kept ignoring this little voice inside me that was saying, “Yes, you love to read, but you also want to write.” Since I am a big believer that you can’t complain about something that you aren’t willing to work to change, I let that little voice get louder and louder, and decided to do something about it.
I signed up for a creative writing class, and then another, and then another. I had no idea if I could write. I got very positive feedback from my instructors and classmates. And for the first time in a very long time, I was passionate about something.
About that same time, I started Lori’s Secret Sauce. I learned that I had been letting fear and lethargy stifle my creative energies for far too long. And I decided that while the classes are great, and I really enjoy them, it is time for the next step. I’ve taken a rather painful personal journey over the last few years, and have decided to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and write this story.
I’m far from perfect with it, but I strive to write every day. I’ve decided this is important enough to me to make it a priority, and that it is worth it because I feel more content and happy than I have in a very long time. Who knows if it will turn into a career for me? Who even cares? It is the act itself, and letting go of the fear of trying something new that is making the difference for me.
For resume writing inquiries, job transition, interviewing, and career change coaching, send an email to info@loridavila.com and schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
1. What You, Jimmy Buffet, & New Orleans Saints Have In Common – (Video of Jimmy Buffet Up Close & Personal)
2. How to Make a Sizzling First Impression! – (Audio Interview With Successful Author)
3. Exciting New Programs and Announcements
4. Lori Recommends
WHAT YOU, JIMMY BUFFET, & NEW ORLEANS SAINTS HAVE IN COMMON
(Video of Jimmy Buffet Up Close & Personal)
I recently visited New Orleans to witness the New Orleans Saints win their first NFC Championship. It was surreal sitting in the very same Superdome where we all witnessed horrid pictures of humanity just a few short years ago after Hurricane Katrina. This time the Dome was alive with hope, collective energy and joy that was so intense you had to feel swept away by it to the core of your own existence. It was blissful, sensory overload. It was surreal because there were pleas for helping Haiti on the giant electronic billboards throughout the game.
People of all economic backgrounds, religions, and colors celebrated together in the streets hugging, high fiving, singing and dancing. It was like experiencing nirvana.
(We ran into Jimmy Buffet singing impromptu at a tailgate party – enjoy the video here!)
My husband and his family are from New Orleans, so my life has been personally touched by Hurricane Katrina as family members lost their homes. So what does this all have to do with you?
Everything. The New Orleans Saints started this season like no other. Drew Brees, the quarterback, handed out 4 t-shirts to his 52 teammates at the beginning of the season each with a mission statement:
To reach the Super Bowl, this team would have to perform miracles, especially after a 40 year history that has been laced with many embarrassments and losing seasons. The fans are the most passionate and loyal fans that have stuck with their team through thick and thin. Now the Saints have pulled through against all odds and the city has a renewed confidence and Saints fever that is contagious. The whole city is inspiring as they rebuilt and rebounded to reach many immense goals, including playing in the Super Bowl. What this city and team and loyal fans have been through hopefully will inspire you to your own greatness.
It was surreal for me to watch a woman boarding our plane home. She had a Saints t-shirt on and she was talking to a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan who was very disappointed that his team lost to the Saints. Her advice to him? "Don’t worry, there’s always next year". In other words, keep the faith!
My message to you from all this? "Don’t give up. Set YOUR mission statement because you can achieve anything you want, even against all odds. Just believe you can".
HOW TO MAKE A SIZZLING FIRST IMPRESSION!
(Audio Interview With Successful Author, Bill Lampton, Ph.D.)
Everything we do, say, or look like must contribute to the image we present. Dr. Lampton provides tips and strategies for making your first impression sizzling and highly positive.
Listen to the interview here!
BIO:
Bill Lampton, Ph.D., has become known as the "Speech Coach for Champions." Through his company, Championship Communication, he works with business leaders who want to become poised, powerful, and persuasive speakers.Under his Speech Coaching, clients get their audience’s attention, agreement, and action. He wrote a popular communication book, The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life! He has been interviewed by Entrepreneur, Newsday, Cosmopolitan, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Investor’s Business Daily, and Delta’s SKY.
We’re creating Success Groups that will be announced soon for serious jobseekers that want results as fast as possible. The format will be similar to "The Biggest Loser" so be prepared to work hard and turn your entire search around. If you’re interested, email us at info@loridavila.com. We’re working to get press coverage so you must really commit to getting the results you want, and not to making excuses. Only 20 spots are available.
Having trouble figuring out your unique, personal brand and in getting lots of attention? Need some help? Contact us at info@loridavila.com
Resume Attraction Do It Yourself E-Course – Learn all my secrets and cutting edge strategies for creating a resume that gets you in the door and turns you into a sought after assetfor only $29
If you live in Atlanta and you’re looking for free support, check out RUMC Job Networking . I spoke at their recent event and I have to tell you I’m in awe with everything they do and provide for job seekers. They’re also training other churches on how they do things so magnificently - check out this link for their February conference if you want to know more - RUMC Job Networking.
If you want more great content like this…Sign-Up Here Now!
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Dick Bolles is probably the most well known career/job search authors of all time. I interviewed Dick on what YOU need to do in 2010 to find hope and rewarding work.
Listen to it here:
I was curious to know the secrets from Dick Bolles on how his book became so popular year after year and what his thoughts were on his career and his book’s longevity and sustainability. If you are determined to grow and sustain your career year after year and never go out of style you can certainly learn from the example of this man and his book! Here are my thoughts on the key success factors that would allow all of us to sustain our careers and businesses:
Find a need or problem
Research the answers and become the solution
Share the answers with those who need help
Stay on top of the problems and solutions and update them every single year
Have an inquisitive, restless mind
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IN THIS ISSUE
1. Short Article: Top 5 Interviewing Success Strategies
3. Free Chapter: 401 Interview Questions To Help You Prepare
4. Interviewing Coaching With Top U.S. Interviewing Expert
5. Let’s Connect
SHORT ARTICLE: TOP 5 INTERVIEW SUCCESS STRATEGIES
Behavior-based interviewing is rapidly becoming the interviewing method of choice for organizations of all sizes. Your preparation and understanding of this method will mean the difference between your going to the next step in the hiring process or not.
In a behavior-based interview, you will be asked questions that begin with "Tell me about a time when…", or "Give me an example…" or "Describe a situation when…." Interviewers want proof and real-life examples that you have predetermined skills to do the job – not your opinions or your thoughts on how you would go about doing a job.
These predetermined skills are beyond just technical knowledge, and questions are designed to evaluate leadership, planning and organizing, and relationship building, for example.
Sample Behavior-Based Questions:
Leadership question:
Tell me about a time when you had to lead many people to achieve a goal.
Planning and organizing question:
Give me an example of an event or project that you planned on very short notice.
Relationship building question:
Describe a situation when you built rapport with a difficult customer.
The following five strategies can help you prepare for behavior-based interviews and successfully sell yourself to prospective employers.
1. Prepare SAR Stories Supporting Your Strengths
Behavior-based interviewers have been trained to solicit your real-life examples and responses in a "SAR format":
S = the situation you faced
A = the action you took to address the situation
R = the results of your action
Prepare detailed and specific SAR stories that support your core strengths and that are your greatest accomplishments from each of your past positions. Practice your responses so that you will be able to recall your past accomplishments with confidence. Remember to share stories that are factual and that support your candidacy.
2. Prepare SAR Stories Related to the Job
Ask for a detailed job description and job advertisement. Pull out key performance skills from the essential duties and responsibilities and draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. On the left, make a list of the key skills the employer is looking for. On the right, list at least two SAR stories for each skill and then practice your responses. If you are unable to get a job description, look for similar descriptions and ads at competing firms.
3. Use SAR Stories for Traditional Interview Questions
If an interview is more conversational and not behavior-based, chances are the interviewer will be confused about your candidacy because he wasn’t able to gather supporting data of your skill sets. In this case, you may hear more traditional interview questions such as "What are your strengths?" or "Tell me about yourself." Find every opportunity to drop a SAR statement into an interview response. A documented example of what you’ve done in the past is more compelling than a nonspecific statement and will help the interviewer discover your strengths.
4. Prepare SAR Stories with Negative Consequences
Prepare stories with negative consequences just in case you are asked. A sample question might be "Tell me a time when you were unable to close a sale." Position your responses positively so that you portray yourself as effective and someone who takes responsibility.
5. Don’t Forget Your Results!
Many candidates gloss over their results. Interviewers are expected to probe for this information so do the due diligence necessary to retrieve detailed results regarding the actions you took. Results may include revenue produced, cost savings, customer satisfaction scores, and process improvements, for example.
You’ll never know exactly what questions and what follow up questions you will be asked during a behavior-based interview, so don’t try to memorize responses. Don’t let this throw you off guard – the key to your success is preparation that forces you to delve into your memory bank to spark old memories so you can articulate job-related stories quickly and eloquently.
Some additional behavioral interviewing questions to consider:
Tell me about a time when you were a part of a great team. What was your part in making the team effective?
Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle the situation?
Can you tell me about a time during your previous employment when you suggested a better way to perform a process?
Give an example of a time when you were trying to meet a deadline, you were interrupted, and did not make the deadline. How did you respond?
What do you do when you know you are right and your boss disagrees with you? Give me an example of when this has happened in your career.
INTERVIEWING COACHING WITH TOP U.S. INTERVIEWING EXPERT
In-Person (Atlanta, GA) or remote Interview Coaching and Video/Audio Mock Training – Don’t wait until the last minute and be ill prepared for your big interview. I have a step-by-step process that includes the absolute, most effective way for you to prepare – video /audio mock interviewing. Ace that big interview by becoming skilled and confident and increase the number of job offers you receive. Two, one-hour sessions (session one is preparation and session two includes in-person (Atlanta, GA) or remote video/or audio mock interview preparation)
Learn:
How to stand out from the competition and effectively sell your unique competitive advantages.
How to interview with confidence and prepare for behavior-based interviews, the interview method of choice by hiring managers and human resource professionals.
How to prepare for the toughest interview questions and telephone screens through a mock interview and feedback on your answers.
Strategies for interview follow-up and getting and acing that second interview.
Success story examples:
A client came in 2nd in his interviews 15 times before working with me and within 3 weeks of going through my process, he received 2 job offers.
A woman executive was told by a recruiter that she was the long shot for a job opening. After going through my process, she got the job along with another offer at the same time.
COST: Special discount if booked in November $299 (regularly $425)
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Here are my top picks this week to help you reach your career goals. The only thing that’s standing in the way between you and your outrageous success are your fears, doubts, and limiting thoughts. Enjoy this week’s picks:
www.interviewstream.com – My favorite tool for interview preparation is doing interview practice sessions using video or audio. A client of mine came in second 15 times in his interviews until we practiced using video. Within three weeks he had two job offers. This site allows you to practice via video and share your videos with friends, collegues, coaches, or anyone else who can help you make immediate improvements. Check it out!
The way to see miraculous results in your life and career right away is to commit to taking bold actions you normally wouldn’t take on a daily or at least a weekly basis, to start. I am defining bold actions as ones that take little time on your part, they make you feel uncomfortable and excited at the same time, and they clearly enhance your life. It’s doing something you may have shied away from in the past.
Bold actions are not necessarily taking drastic steps like quitting your job or skydiving, although it could be that. It’s taking simple steps that feel uncomfortable and exciting, and if you take them, you’ll feel a strong union with your true heart. Examples may include:
contacting someone you’ve been fearful of contacting;
telling someone something you’ve been afraid to say that benefits you and them;
starting to write if your desire for self expression is writing;
expressing something to someone from your heart and soul;
committing to a practice of exercising, eating right, or meditating if that’s what you really desire;
showing someone how much you love and appreciate them by doing something special for them;
asking friends, relatives, co-workers, or bosses for help if you are feeling overwhelmed and you are someone who doesn’t like to ask for help;
taking a beginning step to face a debilitating fear head on – one that is getting in the way of your burning desires;
doing something you promised yourself you’d do especially when you feel doubtful or not up to it.
The key to your bold actions is allowing yourself to get logically closer to the results you desire in your career and life. The results must always be ones that enhance your life and the lives of others.
WANT TO KNOW HOW TO START REACHING YOUR DREAMS NOW? CONTRIBUTE TO THIS COLUMN.
I regularly include this section because my dream is to share the global stage with you! With viral marketing techniques, it’s so easy to get your work and messages out to the world and I want to start that process for you.
So, if you have a creative talent that can inspire others, or if you have a creative dream or talent that you’re afraid to begin, I would like to especially hear from you! Step out of your comfort zone and tell me what your dream is. There is power and momentum when you simply share your dream with others which is what I want to do
for you. Go ahead and contact me at lori@loridavila.com to discuss your submission to this column!
My dear friend David Keeler is an extraordinary leader who has run companies as President and has co-collaborated with Zig Ziglar. He has a gift of inspiring people through his creative song writing. Please listen to his song "Who You Are".
Who You Are (Written by David Keeler)
Song Lyrics
It’s not what you may think
Or certainly how you feel
Or what you may portray
Of thoughts you may conceal
The truth of who you are
Is seen through others’ eyes
Balance of beliefs
Can start at any time
It’s what you do alone
That tells you who you are
It’s what you share with others
That determines just how far
How far that you can travel
From somewhere old to somewhere new
Where do you want to be?
When it’s time for your review
Learning to forgive
Doesn’t mean you must forget
It’s just a heartfelt way
Of satisfying debt
Focus on your strengths
Then get stronger everyday
When you tell yourself the truth
You can never be betrayed
(Chorus)
Look at yourself now
Compared to where you’ve been
Are you happy with what you see?
Or would you rather trade it in
What is left for you?
What can be achieved?
Who you are
Is based on what you leave
(Chorus)
Here’s what he has to say about it:
The "Who You Are" song is one for me that after you listen to it a few times it kind of makes one go whoa! I mean think about it for a moment, it doesn’t matter what our backgrounds are, what experiences we been a part of, what "good" we boast, what "bad" we ignore, what our genders are, and on and on we could go! What matters the most is what "you know" about yourself regardless of what others "may perceive" of you. The good news is that a balance in new beliefs (and actions) can start at anytime and it is ultimately what you do and share with others that will determine who you "really" are!
Coming soon — Resume Attraction Do It Yourself E-Course – Cutting edge strategies for a resume that gets you in the door and turns you into a sought after asset
Please videotape your child answering these 2 questions –> 1. What do you want to be when you grow up and why; 2. Describe your daddy or your mommy’s job. Send me (lori@loridavila.com) the 2-3 minute video – so I can share it with the world. Don’t have a camera? Write down what your child says and send me that with a picture. As Bill Cosby says, "Kids say the darndest things!"
SIGN UP HERE to receive free career success
strategies (e-newsletter and e-courses)
guaranteed to help you become a sought
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Your name and email address will never be sold, rented, or given away.
Here are my top picks this week to help you reach your career goals. The only thing that’s standing in the way between you and your outrageous success are your fears, doubts, and limiting thoughts. Enjoy this week’s picks:
www.jobnob.com – This website allows you to do several innovative things:
Search and compare ACTUAL salaries across companies and professions
Find volunteer opportunities for startups or work for reduced rates or alternative compensation to keep your skills sharp and expand your network. It’s great for your resume!
My favorite strategy for turning around any interview situation is to directly ask the interviewer what objections they may have about you and then address them. It’s very impressive if you can counter the objections one by one. It leaves a lasting, favorable impression about you and alleviates unfounded concerns a hiring manager may have. I’ve had many clients become the top candidate by using this strategy. And when I was a recruiter, I loved it when a candidate asked me these questions at the end of an interview: Do you see any concerns that stand in the way of my succeeding in this position? I believe we are a good match. Do you have any reservations?
Do you have a creative talent you’d like for me to consider sharing with people across 20 countries? Do you have a story that would inspire others? Contact me at lori@Loridavila.com
I know many of you would never consider contacting me about this! Take a bold action step and contact me anyway. Even if you share a story about your career dreams and they haven’t yet come true and you need a little help believing in yourself, let me help you manifest your dreams by simply sharing your aspirations. The goal here is to inspire others and get yourself into action by taking this first, small step.
Here’s an inspiring story from Bill Sheldon who boldly stepped out to share his experiences and lessons with all of us:
After a lifetime of managing retails stores of myself and private owners, I decided to make myself happy and turn a love of creativity into a full time business. I never enjoyed running small stores with all the hours, employees, customers, inventory, etc. I was never happy with all of those daily headaches. I made great money, but I was only happy when I had a chance to be creative, like doing seasonal displays when the manager couldn’t get it done. During all those years of management I designed and displayed, part-time, for a company called Department 56, which is best known for their ceramic & porcelain buildings like Dickens’ Village, Snow Village and more. I did their in-store displays and created realistic detailed displays that proved to sell lots of product. As with many creative people, I am also known for my gift-wrapping the was “Going Green” long before it was “in”, by wrapping packages that could be opened and re-used without destroying the beautiful wrapping.
So when I got “down-sized” in 2001, I decided to make myself happy and start a design company. I was working with Department 56 almost full-time as an independent store & display designer. I have also started: A web site, Design Christmas Products, Create Gift-Wrap concepts, Small Business consulting and Speak at Collector’s Clubs. I am much happier being creative everyday!!! I wish I had made a hobby a career when I was a young man. That old advice “find something you love and get paid for it” came to me very late in life. I’m now 65 and starting over…
Attention all success-oriented women! I am creating a program just for you that includes support, connections and friendships in addition to identifying your goals and creating an action plan to get you there once and for all as you break through bad habits that prohibit you from achieving what you want. If you are interested in this type of program, email me at lori@loridavila.com and let me know what else you would like to see included as a topic in the program. I’ll be announcing it soon. It will be an e-program with the possibility of meeting for an in-person retreat.
FAVORITE ARTICLE (from StevePavlina.com Personal Development Insights™ Newsletter)
Daily Practice (for Creating Value)
Lori’s comment on this article: Creating and providing value for others is truly the #1 key to enormous success. Take this advice to heart and your dreams will come true, without a doubt! Oh, and I appreciate you – my readers, for your inspirational emails you send me as I learn many important lessons from you!
If you want to enjoy the flow-back of financial abundance, then forget about money for a while. Money is an effect, not a cause. If you focus on trying to make money, you’re putting the cart before the horse.
Instead, focus your attention on creating and delivering value. Make it part of your daily routine, so it becomes a habit.
Don’t overcomplicate this. Creating value for someone really isn’t that difficult. If you don’t know where to begin, then start small. Send a few people nice emails telling them what you appreciate about them. Offer to babysit someone’s kids while they go out on a date. Start doing the sorts of things that people will thank you for.
Make this a daily habit. Every day ask yourself, What can I do to create value for someone today? Then go do it, and make sure you deliver that value as soon as possible — ideally on the same day you create it.
Don’t allow more than a few days to go by without creating and delivering some form of value. If you slack off, your creative flow will begin to atrophy, and it will feel unusually difficult to engage in creative work. But if you make this a daily practice, your creative energies will keep getting stronger, and it will feel very natural to keep the flow going.
Do NOT get stuck in your head. Don’t get caught up daydreaming about all the different things you could do to create value. Don’t start writing out grand plans and creating spreadsheets. Those activities may seem intelligent, but they don’t actually create or deliver any real value. All they do is keep you stuck where you are.
Make the commitment to create and deliver some form of value to people as a daily habit. One day you might write and post a new article for your blog. The next day you might simply offer some encouragement to a friend. And another day you might make a nice dinner for your significant other, followed by a relaxing massage.
It’s perfectly fine to work on big projects — projects that may involve creating value that won’t be delivered for months or years to come. But those big projects are no substitute for the daily practice of creating and delivering value. If you stop delivering value for too long, the flow-back of abundance will soon dry up as well. This has happened to me several times when I got caught up working on big projects and failed to maintain my daily practice.
Creating and delivering value is like physical exercise. You can work on a big project like planning and constructing your own home gym, and that may indeed benefit you in the long run, but it doesn’t mean you should slack off on daily exercise while the gym is being built. Maintain the habit of daily exercise even while your gym is still in the planning stage. Then you can upgrade your exercise routine when the new gym is ready.
Similarly, even as you work on big projects from time to time, keep maintaining the daily habit of creating and delivering value. This will keep you in the flow of abundance. Because you’re always giving, you’ll always be receiving. Once you’ve got this habit going strong, then you can tackle some of those bigger projects that will deliver even more value. But no matter what, make sure the daily practice remains intact.
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What angers you or drives you crazy in the world? It’s probably your purpose/greatest passion. Are you doing anything about it? What? If not, do you want to do anything about it?
I’m looking for leaders, not complainers. Leaders who are interested in taking a stand on what drives them crazy on behalf of a group of people. Leaders who understand the power of one. Leaders who have an interest in possibly being a guest blogger on my blog and voicing their opinions and valuable information about something that gets them passionate. If you’re interested in learning more, please answer the question here and include your email address. Take a step and do something to help others. It could change your life by simply taking action and answering this question for the world to see.
Want to know what gets me angry? People who settle and are unwilling to step out of their comfort zone to reach their greatest potential. That’s why I’m writing this post frankly!
Still not convinced you can make a difference in the world? Check this out:
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Session #3: The Greatest Success Strategy You Can Implement Right Now
Here is part 2 of session 3. If you missed part 1, click here
You read the story about the miracle man, my father, in part one of this session. I am sharing his miracle stories to inspire you into action once and for all because what you have to do to turn your burning desires into reality cannot compare to what my father went through during the last six and a half years of his life.
I shared with you how he was saved on the tennis court within two minutes after he went into sudden cardiac arrest. His life was saved but he went into a coma due to a loss of oxygen.
When I arrived at his hospital bed in the critical care unit, I was confronted with a very grim story. My father was being kept alive by a ventilator machine. He had tubes and monitors everywhere. He was lifeless, like a vegetable. The doctors suggested we consider taking him off the ventilator machine because they had no medical plan for his recovery and they offered no hope.
Deep down inside my family and I knew this man wasn’t ready to go. After all, he was the driving force behind his community purchasing automated external defibulator (AED) machines just three months earlier in case of sudden cardiac arrest. He was a trendsetter as other nearby communities began to purchase the machines and he was the first person the AED machine was used on at his tennis club. He was on a mission to save lives and certainly this trendsetter’s life would not be taken before his work barely began!
For two days we sat by his side and asked him to wiggle his toes. That would be a sign he could hear us. After two days, our dreams came true as he began to wiggle his toes on command! The hospital and medical staff were amazed and everyone’s doubts immediately turned to hope and that the impossible was now probable.
For the next several months, my father had to relearn everything like a baby – eat, talk, breathe on his own, remember things, walk, etc. I never saw someone so determined about anything. His goal was to play tennis again. In the rehabilitation centers he motivated other patients by his humor, enthusiasm, hard work, and determination to get back on the tennis court. His attitude inspired everyone who knew him to never give up no matter what the odds are against you.
Success Strategy:
Providing value for a group of people you decide to take a stand for on a particular topic is how to achieve extraordinary success in your career or business. There’s nothing else that’s more important – except taking action of course. Oh, and believing in yourself and being incredibly determined.
His life was what was at stake. He believed he could play tennis again and he did. He was nicknamed the “miracle man” and he lived six and a half more years. My father’s last effort to make a difference in the world led to his saving lives like his own. He helped bring back loved ones at his community and many others at neighboring communities.
It’s been several years since he passed away. He continues to save lives and bring back loved ones, even now after he’s gone. He made a difference in the lives of others by his attitude of belief and determination and by implementing his mission without hesitation.
I hope my father’s story inspires you to get over your fears and doubts and lies about yourself so you create something others in the world will benefit from. That is how you will make a difference perhaps even after you’re gone. This is so much more about how the world will benefit from your efforts and not about your doubts. So start believing even if no one else does and especially if you believe all the odds are against you. Get going…..life is too short…put it all on the line right now.
IS YOUR CAREER IN A RUT? A HOLDING PATTERN?
I have only a few open slots for resume writing or for you to work with me one-on-one to give your career and income desires a quantum leap. If you’re interested, you must take action (I love people who are action-oriented) and contact me at lori@loridavila.com by 10/9 to simply reserve your spot so we can determine together if you’re a good fit for my programs. I have programs for various budgets.
If you would like to comment on this blog post Click Here to open the comment submission form – the form will be at the very bottom of the page)
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Here are my top picks this week for skyrocketing your career. Remember, the only thing that’s standing in the way between you and outrageous success is yourself – your fears, doubts, and limiting thoughts. Enjoy these picks:
How would you like to get free coaching every week, helping you achieve your goals, complete your projects, and double or triple the speed of your career and business growth? And how would you like a great way to showcase your leadership and build key relationships with people you highly respect in your field? Start a high-end mastermind group and invite people into the group you would like to get to know. Search LinkedIn for key people you would like to invite into your small group. Mastermind groups are a key success strategy that many millionaires and billionaires have subscribed to for decades. Meet at least once a month. The momentum of regular mastermind meetings creates accountability and drive, and keeps that personal connection growing. Take initiative and get going!
I have 5 open slots for resume writing or for you to work with me one-on-one to give your career and income desires a quantum leap. If you’re interested, you must take action (I love people who are action-oriented) and contact me at lori@Loridavila.com by 10/7 to reserve your spot so we can determine together if you’re a good fit for my programs. I have created programs for various budgets.
(Do you have a creative talent you’d like for me to consider sharing with people across 20 countries? Do you have an article that would inspire others? Contact me at lori@Loridavila.com)
My dear friend David Keeler is an extraordinary leader who has run companies as President and has co-collaborated with Zig Ziglar. He has a gift of inspiring people through his creative song writing. Please listen to his song "High Road". Here’s what he has to say about this song:
“High Road” is one of my favorite songs that I have ever written. It really focuses on transformation in regards to the fact that we can’t change or forget about our past but that we can decide.. today and every day for that matter.. that we can transform our hearts, our souls, and our minds by taking the High Road in everything we do, touch, or influence. It is an attitude and then a behavior that is very much like breathing…..every breath keeps you going…every High Road action keeps you growing!
High Road (Written by David Keeler)
Song Lyrics
When you stop and think about it
Life is nothing more
Than the balance of good and evil
Than the tally of the score
One for you here
One for you there
Ask yourself this question
Do you really care?
I want to make a difference
I want to go all the way
I want to take the high road
And keep rising everyday
Rising to the world
To be all that I can be
I want to take the high road
Baby you can count on me
I never would have though
That this is where we’d go
It’s kind of funny now
About all the seeds we sowed
I wouldn’t change a thing
Or replace a memory
I can’t erase my past
Our alter my history
(Chorus)
There’s no turning back
Or will to second guess
My feet are to the fire
This time I know we’re blessed
I will give it all I got
My heart, my soul, my mind
You can tell me what you’re thinking
And how you fell inside
(Chorus)
Many of you submitted questions about your careers. I have grouped your questions into categories and will answer them in my newsletter issues and video program.
Many of you had questions about how to get around what you perceived to be age/salary/too much experience dilemmas. I answered your questions with a resource in a previous newsletter issue: Click Here to View.
SIGN UP HERE to receive free career success
strategies (e-newsletter and e-courses)
guaranteed to help you become a sought
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Your name and email address will never be sold, rented, or given away.
Session #3: The Greatest Success Strategy You Can Implement Right Now
First, What Am I Doing and Why Am I Doing This?
My mission in life is to help YOU realize your greatest potential. I’m doing this by sharing free and valuable information that I hope will change your life in a profound way. I know not everything I send will be useful to you but I hope you’ll pick out what you can use.
With the Internet, today it’s possible to reach and help hundreds of thousands of people around the globe by providing valuable information. My online statistics show me I’m doing this as I am reaching people in over 20 countries. It blows my mind!
What does this have to do with you? If you simply just watch what I do, you can learn my strategies for providing value to people. Providing value for a group of people you decide to take a stand for on a particular topic is how to achieve extraordinary success in your career or business. There’s nothing else that’s more important. So watch what I do.
And yes, in case you’re wondering, I do generate revenue in my business so if you don’t mind, I’ll share promotions and ways you can work with me (resume writing and coaching open slots, events, programs) every once in awhile. You can do the same, especially if you’re looking for a new gig, but do it after you’ve provided value!
The Miracle Man – An Amazing Story of Belief and Determination
A Story to Inspire You Into Greatness
Let me share with you a quick story about my father. People who knew my father called him the “Miracle Man”. Let his story inspire you to not hold yourself back.
My father lived a good life. He was an accomplished dentist, he had a wonderful marriage, three children, and took time off during his working years to do what he loved – travel and play tennis. His lifelong dream was to retire to South Florida so he could play tennis year round, which he did. He (Dr. Samuel Gitow) also provided so much value, contribution, and inspiration to his community and many others.
My parents retired to a community where he also gave back in a big way. As a community member of the board, he urged the board to purchase automated external defibrillator (AED) machines for both the golf and tennis clubhouses. He also organized the fire department to teach residents and staff CPR skills in case of a medical emergency. He was motivated to take these actions because his brother-in-law dropped dead on the tennis court at the very same community years earlier after suffering sudden cardiac arrest. Medical assistance arrived at the scene too late.
On July 4, 1998, after a magnificent day whitewater rafting in the Tennessee mountains, I received a phone call that my father was in the hospital. He had suffered sudden cardiac arrest on the tennis court and was in a coma. (The fact that you see him playing tennis in the video…
…after this happened is a miracle in itself).
My father was the first person who the AED was used on only three months after the units were purchased. The tennis pro rushed to his side within two minutes to administer the life saving procedure. The ambulance was at the scene within six minutes and healthcare professionals said my father would have never survived without the AED machine and quick response on the part of the tennis pro and staff.
He had suffered a loss of oxygen which caused him to go into a coma, and in the next blog post, I will share his miraculous recovery story despite the doctors not believing it was possible. Stay tuned.
FINAL THOUGHT: What can you accomplish that you believe isn’t possible?
And my top pick for the Super Bowl is the New Orleans Saints of course!
If you find yourself struggling to reach your goals, consider the culprit may fall in one or all of these categories — your fear or your time management is getting in the way or you’re not writing your goals down. Facing these obstacles will transform your results in a big way. Take a small step to address them if you insist on more for your life. Here’s an example from Ashley Williams, a budding new author on how to get started:
After a lifetime of managing retails stores of myself and private owners, I decided to make myself happy and turn a love of creativity into a full time business. I never enjoyed running small stores with all the hours, employees, customers, inventory, etc. I was never happy with all of those daily headaches. I made great money, but I was only happy when I had a chance to be creative, like doing seasonal displays when the manager couldn’t get it done. During all those years of management I designed and displayed, part-time, for a company called Department 56, which is best known for their ceramic & porcelain buildings like Dickens’ Village, Snow Village and more. I did their in-store displays and created realistic detailed displays that proved to sell lots of product. As with many creative people, I am also known for my gift-wrapping the was “Going Green” long before it was “in”, by wrapping packages that could be opened and re-used without destroying the beautiful wrapping. 
So when I got “down-sized” in 2001, I decided to make myself happy and start a design company. I was working with Department 56 almost full-time as an independent store & display designer. I have also started: A web site, Design Christmas Products, Create Gift-Wrap concepts, Small Business consulting and Speak at Collector’s Clubs. I am much happier being creative everyday!!! I wish I had made a hobby a career when I was a young man. That old advice “find something you love and get paid for it” came to me very late in life. I’m now 65 and starting over…
