Business got cranked back up this week after a two week vacation with family over the Christmas Holiday. We hit what seemed like the entire East Coast with stops in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina in our 14 day road trip. One of the best Christmas vacations in recent memory. After our hectic schedule working double time 6 weeks prior – it was a welcome and much need opportunity to just unplug – get away and enjoy ourselves.

While getting back into work mode this week, I was out visiting customers yesterday. I asked if Santa was good to them. One response really struck a chord with me.

“Better than I deserve.”

Aside from being one of the most unique answers I think I’ve ever heard – I loved this response because of its optimism. We hear so much “doom and gloom” and how everyone is struggling with “the poor economy” from the media, it was really refreshing to hear about someone who had a grand Christmas.

I can certainly relate in several ways and I asked if I could use the phrase – I’d even give them credit. The response was once again classic comedy and something Ron Head always kids about as well.

“Just give me credit the first three times. After that – feel free to use it as your own.”

In 2011, it felt like Santa was around all year long. We got the house painted, two new cars, brand new stainless steal appliances in the kitchen and personal trainers to help take our personal fitness to a whole new level. Christmas day wasn’t too shabby either. I’ll be doing a review in a week or so about one of the nicest presents I’ve ever gotten for Christmas. It wasn’t from Santa, but from my wife, who has once again managed to fulfill another dream of mine.

Thing is – we were able to do all this in 2011 because we have several vehicles that are firing on all cylinders right now. And no, I’m not talking about the two new Chryslers sitting out in our garage. I’m talking about business vehicles that gave us the opportunity to purchase both new rides.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is that we create our own reality. In other words, it’s our own thoughts and actions that produce the results that actually show up in our lives at the present time. If you don’t like what’s happening right now, something you’re doing needs to change in order for it to change. The best way to do that is by making a small improvements or adjustments on a daily basis. Brian Tracy tells us that just a small 1% improvement each day can create dramatic effects over time. I can tell you from my own experience, that’s more true than most realize.

If things are cooking and life is really good like it is for us right now – what are the most important thoughts and activities of value that you’re doing to ensure that you keep the good times rolling? As a business owner you need to remember what Jim Rohn taught us – you don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour. The more value you bring to the table, the more income you’ll realize at the end of the day.

And there’s no cap or ceiling. Nobody actually dictates what you’re actually worth “per hour” other than you.

I still see close friends and neighbors who’ve been laid off or downsized that continue to look for another “job”. Why? Because they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that a “job” equates to “security”. Two of those neighbors here in the neighborhood lost their homes in 2011 because they were waiting for that steady – secure “job”. Every time I drive past both homes, I think to myself what could have happened if I opened up my mouth and told them what I was really thinking when they told me they where looking for that “steady income” and “security”.

More than likely it would have ticked them off because they’ve been brain washed into thinking another way. It also would have been seen as cruel and mean – but sometimes the truth can be cruel. I know, I’ve been there. I spent three years bouncing from one “secure job” to another. I got downsized by one company. I got locked by another by another company who got caught cooking the books and reported false earnings to the SEC. I got closed down by yet another company who decided to go they way of big box retailers. And the final straw was the one who filed for bankruptcy. All in the period of about 3 years.

That’s not security. That’s insanity.

I deserved better.

It wasn’t until YTB came along back in 2005 that I actually found something that provided the tools, the information, the leadership and the support system to not only change my thinking, but change my habits and work ethic to be self sufficient. It gave me a sexy product to market that I was passionate about and provided true leaders and mentors who could actually walk the walk – not just talk the talk. I simply took a little from “this” Founder, a little from “that” Director and made my own way to real security. So much security that by the time all the false claims and attacks that where thrown at YTB in 2007 and 2008 – I was more than capable and diversified enough to weather any outcome.

Of course, I was also intelligent enough, with enough business savvy at the time to distinguish between what was real – and what was mere perception.

Today, the false claims and the frivolous lawsuits seem like a distant memory when I look at my YTB business and booking engine today. All the fear mongering and wild speculation that went along with it by a few dysfunctional, self serving loud mouths who thought they had it all figured out.  My how time has a way of dishing out some true reality.

Truth is – I deserved better a far better outcome, and that’s exactly what I got.

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If you’re into learning and personal development (which we all should be – unless you’re one of those who think you know everything) the name Jim Rohn is probably a name you’ve heard of in a long list of teachers and philosophers during your journey. If your lucky, you have one of his books, tapes, CD’s, or DVD’s in your collection. If not – you most certainly should.

I just got word that Jim passed away on December 5th after an 18 month long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

I was introduced to Jim many – many years ago just after I dropped out of college and started to break into the radio industry. After landing an internship with a local Top 40 station in Pittsburgh, a 20 year veteran took me under his wing in the industry. It was this same veteran that not only helped me master the craft of radio and audio editing, but this mentor was also responsible for introducing me to a company called Nightingale Conant. It was Nightingale Conant that turned me onto Anthony Robins, Earl Nightingale, Brian Tracy, Dale Carnegie and yes – Jim Rohn.

Jim Rohn has produced dozens of books, audio tapes and CD’s, videos and DVD’s and seminars. I still have some of his old tapes around the house. Many of them have since been torn up or broken because I flat out wore them out. Because I chose to listen to these tapes in the car while transporting myself to remote stations to polish my craft, I found myself being offered and breaking into larger and larger markets. Jim was instrumental in my journey and progression in the radio industry. Jim was even partly responsible for my decision to go back to school years later, when I was older, wiser, and ready to study. (Thanks to what he taught.)

It wasn’t until I got involved with YTB and the MLM industry back in 2005 that I actually saw the impact Jim had on so many lives. One of the reasons I appreciate the Network Marketing industry as much as I do is because just about everyone you come across in this industry also absorbs personal development and professional growth books like Jim’s. Many not only know the name Jim Rohn – but often quote many of his classic one liners and teachings that are so practical from this highly regarded and loved “Business Philosopher”.

Thing is, Jim Rohn didn’t really teach MLM, marketing or sales stuff. Although the foundation of MLM is helping other people either achieve or get what they want is a philosophy that Jim taught. His words however, were more common sense approaches to making yourself a better person. Jim was also really big on increasing your value in the marketplace. Those involved in MLM appreciate how important it is to learn and grow – and the industry certainly supports those who take the time to educate and learn on their own.

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”
~ Jim Rohn

Jim has helped millions set their sails with knowledge and understanding. When the winds appear to pick up or change direction, the ones who have learned to stay the course are usually the ones who succeed in this life.

Jim had five major “Pieces To the Life Puzzle”.

• Philosophy – how you think
• Attitude – how you feel
• Action – what you do
• Results – measure often to see if you are making progress
• Lifestyle – the kind of life you can make for yourself out of the first four pieces

Master these and watch your life change drastically – for the better.

I’m still a work in progress, but thanks to Jim and his teachings – I’ve accomplished far more with being introduced to him than I would have without him. His words and ideas make me a better person – and for that I am grateful.

We lost a good one this weekend. Although I never actually met the man, his tapes enabled me to learn much about him and I felt like he was a friend. I’m sad to see him gone, but his books, CD’s and DVD’s will live on forever.

He left this world a far better place because of it.

Thank you Jim. You always led by example that helping people was were it was at – and you certainly helped me in more was than you will ever know.

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