Back from vacation and into the full swing of life once again. As I get older and our kids grow, I appreciate the family time we spend together more and more. My sister’s youngest son graduated High School last week – so most of the family was together for his milestone. He’s also a Baseball State Champion which was won the day we arrived in Virginia.

I was talking with her three boys about how much their Coaches have meant to them over the years playing sports. How they not only taught them how to play the sports they participated in, but lessons learned in sports were woven into life. I’ve known Coach’s like that myself while playing organized sports.

The last sports Coach I had was for golf. I swear, I had every Tom, Dick and Harry trying to tell me how I should hit the ball and play the game. Thing is, none of them were much better than I was. It wasn’t until I actually started working with a Golf Pro that my game got better. I spent years as just another golf hack – and when I picked up a Coach, I worked my way down to a 5 handicap – and the game as a result became much more enjoyable.

It’s amazing how we think nothing of being coached for baseball, golf, or any other organized sport – but when it comes to life most of us will take advice from anyone that offers. Problem is, our circle of influence is quite often no better off than we are. (Sometimes even worse off.) I think I’ve always known this was true, but I don’t think it really sunk in until I went to a T. Harv Ecker Seminar several years ago.

It was so obvious: You can’t expect to learn and grow from anyone who hasn’t already accomplished it themselves.

I have to be honest. In the early years of YTB, I built a team and made it to Coach’s Corner via a Coach. While my love of travel and the passion I had naturally attracted people to me – I was not equipped at the time to build a business. My Business Coach at the time had never been involved in MLM himself, but he was a very successful business mind who worked with several Fortune 500 companies.

It was during that time that I saw and experienced firsthand that Network Marketing was really no different than any other business. The exact same principles applied to both.

Once I got to Coach’s Corner, I actually knew a lot of people who were trying to make it and couldn’t seem to get over the hump. They craved the mentorship and insight that someone like Coach had to offer. But they were just like me – they didn’t have the mindset or the tools necessary to achieve this goal without the proper guidance of a Coach.

While all this was announced last week while I was on vacation – I’m pleased to report that this “problem” has been corrected. For those of you who couldn’t get on the call a week ago or requested the information again, here’s a quick recap of what went down last week:

Introducing “Coach’s Way” – The 2020 Vision for your Life!

The program that many of you have been looking forward to has come to fruition! Coach’s Vision for teaching and helping others find success in life begins this August, and you can register now for a special price. Simply click the ad for “Coach’s Way” in your Rep Back Office. It’s $50 for the month of August, (which is actually a real DEAL if you look into other Coaching and Mentoring programs out there) and if you get three personally sponsored participants to join, too, you’re not paying next month for Coach’s Way. You simply don’t pay for every month you have at least three active participants in the program. (And you better believe Coach will teach you how to reach that level.)

Don’t wait to register, however. The price for this program will go up to $100 at Convention, so join now if you’re at least thinking about it. There are additional components to this program that you’ll receive, but Coach and Scott are saving that for the Convention in July. (They GUARANTEE you’ll love what you hear.)

The first mentoring session from Coach will be held LIVE on July 28 at the 2011 Convention, and only those in Coach’s Way will be able to attend. Details regarding location information and time will be announced closer to the event. Please Note: The first mentoring session is open to everyone in Coach’s Way, but Convention activities do require a 2011 Convention admission ticket.

Remember – if you want to be in Coach’s Corner or become a Director in this company – you need to listen and learn from those who have actually done it. This nonsense of listening to those who have never been there before simply doesn’t cut it – or you’d be there by now.

If you’re serious about getting out of the rat race and achieving the time and financial freedom you’ve always wanted – you need to hook up with a Coach – someone who can teach and guide you on how to do it.

Also, I mentioned what a deal this program is. I’ve seen (and actually spent personally) thousands on Coaching programs. By no means am I knocking these other programs. I credit my Business Coach I worked with in part for my rise to Coach’s Corner several years ago. Sure – he had a limited knowledge of MLM but he did know Business and that’s what Network Marketing actually is – a viable business model.

Just like my golf  game – a Coach was the best  investment  I could have made to reach new levels that I truly wanted but could never achieve. If you’re  not where you want to be right now – and actually think you should be there  by now, somethings got to change. If you continue doing the same old – same old, you’ll continue to get the same results.

If you’re  way isn’t working – you need to try Coach’s Way.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

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I love the Internet for the way information can be obtained and used to our benefit. It’s a very cool and useful tool.

Unfortunately, there are those that abuse the Internet with some of the most deplorable behavior I’ve ever seen. Age wise, these people I’m talking about are adults – but they certainly don’t act like it. Trade wise, they also call themselves professionals – but that’s only word used to hide behind their own insecurity.

As a grown adult, it’s easy to see past all the games and see their power trip for what it truly is. If you’re going to write and post on the Internet, it’s a given that there will be those who take pot shots at you. It’s just part of the territory.

I do have one glaring weakness however that I’m willing to let you in on. I still take issue with these pin heads attacking others who don’t have an issue with them or their self absorbed fantasy. A year or two ago this group of degenerates got really frustrated with me. Since they couldn’t get me – they went after my wife – and then tried to blame me. I believe the term used was “throwing her under the bus”. It was a level of desperation and classlessness I’ve never witnessed before – but that’s how desperate they had become.

While they don’t have boundaries or a thread of common decency in them – I’m proud to associate myself with some real class and leadership. There’s a fabulous product that ZamZuu promotes called KidZafe that can protect your children from just this type of deplorable behavior. KidZafe is an advanced parental intelligence system that keeps tabs for you if your child enters or receives anything inappropriate, dangerous or suspicious or if these type of people are identified in your child’s digital world.

And today, I’m proud to share with you, the first-ever, KidZafe Boot Camp Tour

Tim Woda, nationally renown Internet & Child Safety Advocate, author and co-creator of KidZafe has been invited to join many of Zamzuu’s top leaders including: Jermone Hughes, Nick Pagano, Jenny Campbell, Mary Liu, Katrina Greenhill, Melissa Boston, Damon Walker, Larease Rivers, Hannah Masters and many, many more to show you how to transform your Zamzuu business using KidZafe.

While others can talk a really good game, these Directors actually walk and act in a way that’s positive and respectable. If you have kids of your own, or know someone who has kids – you need to be at one of these events. It’s a sad fact that a product like this is even necessary – I know first hand how and why it’s needed. You owe it to your family (if you have a family) to be at one of these events.

Here are the dates and locations:

Atlanta, Georgia – May 13th & 14th
Doubletree Hotel Atlanta
North Druid Hills/Emory Area
2061 N Druid Hills Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Friday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for the Atlanta Training

San Francisco, California – May 21st & 22nd
Best Western Plus
Grosvenor Hotel
380 South Airport Blvd.
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for the San Francisco Training

Detroit, Michigan – June 3rd & 4th
Hyatt Regency Dearborn
600 Town Center Dr.
Dearborn, MI, 48126
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Register for the Detroit Training

I know some who are building their entire business around this one product – it’s that good. It’s not like it’s not needed either when you’ve seen what I’ve seen from some real trash who prowl the Internet just looking for trouble.

While you can’t change them – you CAN change the way you protect and look after your family with this service.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

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I love Football.

I’m also a huge fan of personal development. Since my family knows my interests and my passions – they got me “Get Coached” this year for Christmas.

Best Christmas present I think I’ve ever opened!

You might have seen this on TV. “Get Coached” is a set of 5 DVD’s, each featuring a celebrated and highly successful Football Coach. Each, share the secrets of their success both on and off the field.

The complete Get Coached 5 DVD Box set features one Coach who shares his success secrets on the following topics :

• Mike Ditka – “Total Commitment”
• Bobby Bowden – “God, Family and Football”
• Mike Singletary – “A Vision of Faith”
• Sean Payton -“Aim High”
• Rex Ryan – “Give It All You Got”

When it comes to sports – we think nothing of having a “Coach”. When it comes to the game of life however – it’s probably the furthest thing from most people’s minds – and that’s a huge mistake. Especially if you want to reach new levels and become successful in life and business. Each Coach has their own lessons on how you can empower yourself with the necessary tools to achieve great things.

What I find fascinating about this set is that many of the life lessons taught by these great men are lessons I’ve heard before. Much of what’s taught can be found in other books, seminars, and DVD’s. What this tells me (as it should you) is that success leaves clues. Doesn’t matter if it’s playing the game of football or the game of life – the principles found in this box set are universal for anyone who wants to achieve success.

Don’t take my word for it – here are several quotes from Amazon.com from others who have either purchased the DVD box set outright or gotten it as a gift:

These guys really get me PUMPED-UP to TACKLE ANY CHALLENGE! Each track is like your very own locker room pep talk (kick in the rear). Whenever I need some quick motivation, I just throw in one of these DVDs and instantly GET MY GAME ON! Also great for downloading to your iPod.

Not just for sports fans – these DVDs are for anyone who wants to advance their life through the guidance and experience of these highly successful, elite motivators, and winners.

This is one of the best motivational tools I have ever come across. The applicability of the messages are incredible, and the inclusion of some of the greatest football minds in the World enables the messages to be driven home with great effectiveness. This is a fantastic product that will make a great gift for the Holidays. A must see for anyone looking for motivation, both football fans and non-football fans alike. I only hope there are more DVDs of this type planned for the future!

The concept of highlighting Football Coach’s may be new – but the lessons found in this box set are timeless. I not only love the format (being an avid football fan) but it drives home that success is a strategy – not random luck.

Even more fascinating for me, was how I’ve gotten to know each of these men in greater detail. I gotta be honest – I never really liked Rex Ryan. He’s a bit much for my taste. But after watching his DVD, I have a new appreciation for what he stands for and what makes him tick. I actually understand why he is the way he is – and appreciate his methodology.

Sean Payton I’ve always liked for some reason and after watching his DVD – I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he’s accomplished as a coach of Saints. (Make that World Champion Saints.)

Like many of the other reviews I found and highlighted here, I also highly recommend this box set for anyone looking for tools and inspiration. It’s a set I’m using for my personal goals in 2011 and one that I’ll be watching over and over throughout the years. If there’s another series in the works – I’ll be one of the first in line to buy it.

If you’ve been thinking about this set for yourself – about all I can say (as taught to me from these fine men) is get yourself into the game. There is no thinking about it – and there is no try. You either will or you won’t.

Make the decision to commit and just do it.

You’ll be glad you did.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Do you remember the outrage a year and a half ago when the CEOs of Ford, Chrysler, and GM flew to Washington, D.C. in private jets to ask for $25 billion in taxpayer money to avoid bankruptcy? Not that selling off private jets would have covered the $25 billion these guys were asking for – but it would have been a nice start.

It’s unfortunate that we see this kind of arrogance and greed in the Corporate world. Millions of people were laid off from thousands of companies while big wigs like these CEO’s live in the lap of luxury. You saw very little about any CEO taking a pay cut during the turmoil this country went through during the latter part of 2008 and 2009. Instead, they cut out the jobs of average American’s while keeping their pay and perks intact.

Most CEO’s have a lucrative bonus plan in place – including the Founders of YTB. The difference between our Founders and the CEO’s of other companies is that Coach, Scott, and Kim’s bonus is based in part on the performance of the company. Some based on pay or salary, while another chunk is based on stock options. Unlike other CEO’s or companies (like the Big Three in Detroit) our three founders forfeited 355,000 shares in options each of the last two years because the company didn’t meet the performance goals they wrote down to achieve that would trigger each bonus.

In case your wondering – that’s called accountability.

While there were some riffs about the forfeiture of options from critics, I would have loved to see the outrage over actual shares being awarded. It’s one of those “damned if you do – damned if you don’t” scenarios we enjoy from Zealots who flip flop depending on how it furthers their own agenda.

Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, the fact is our Founders aren’t the type who take big pay days when the company isn’t performing as promised. The buck stops with them so to speak – which goes back to their AL Williams days as “Reps”. (Not to mention its just good business.)

To further illustrate our Founders desire to create a healthy, viable company they’ve restructured their compensation based on overall performance rather than acting like the fat and happy Executives we see in traditional corporate models. The company announced the new pay structure in a press release on Tuesday:

In order to ensure the Company continues its best practices related to executive compensation, YTB is transitioning to a performance-based incentive compensation program. Effective for the 2010 fiscal year, certain Company executives are entitled to incentive compensation if the Company achieves growth in the number of Business Owners at fiscal year end compared to the beginning of the fiscal year; if the Company meets or exceeds certain financial objectives established at the beginning of the fiscal year; or if the executives meet or exceed certain personal or departmental financial and budgetary objectives established at the beginning of each fiscal year.

Nothing like taking personal responsibility and holding yourself accountable for the overall health of your company now is there? If our Founders and Executives don’t perform to acceptable standards – they’re not paid that handsome bonus other CEO’s are paid. Instead they created an incentive to meet or exceed goals which could compensate them above and beyond their previous pay structure.

Because YTB is a public company obviously all this was filed with the SEC and you can find details of the new compensation package along with a breakdown of objectives that are now required from the Executive Team. Compensation now rides on and includes the growth of business owners (or IBC’s), cash flow and available cash on hand, bottom line earnings reported to stock holders, and other discretionary objectives for each department.

Based on the Press Release that was issued – and the terms of the new compensation that were filed with the SEC – simple logic would have you conclude that the Founders and Executives are at the very least willing to do their part for the overall health of the company.

That being said – not everyone who read the filing was able to comprehend or discern what went down. In a very comical and incredibly bizarre “Google Alert” – some jack ass laid claim that our Founders could be getting ready to resign after landing a sweetheart deal.

I’m not kidding – our self-proclaimed “YTB Expert” thinks you can quit (or resign) AND collect severance to boot. His focus – a two year deal that’s structured under the old compensation package that he claims will enable Coach, Scott and Kim to ride off into the sunset. While they haven’t resigned (yet) according to this dolt – we all need to be cautious of this severance stipulation.

Typical.

For the record, the clause he didn’t “copy and paste” on his blog stated otherwise:

Accordingly, a beneficiary under no circumstances would receive any payment under the Program if he left YTB without good reason or was terminated for cause.

It’s not that a clause like this is really necessary. Can you imagine walking into the Boss’s office sitting yourself down and stating “I’d like to resign – what kind of severance can you offer me?”

You’d either be thrown out and most likely fired “with cause” (for being stupid) or suffer the brunt of company jokes for years to come. (Again – for being stupid.)

You might be wondering if this idiot wrote this out of desperation or due to sheer stupidity. While I’m certainly not a mind reader and I hate having words put in my mouth (like he does with me) I’m pretty certain that this zealot thinks we’re the suckers due to the growing number of YTB’ers (including myself) that make it into his “Dumbass Den”.

In his own arrogant and self-righteous way, our lack of intelligence can’t possibly uncover the obvious error because those in MLM aren’t smart enough. We’re beneath the almighty professionals who pick – poke – and pry at anything and everything our company does.

On the other hand: If you think Coach, Scott and Kim have even the slimmest chance of quitting and having the Board of Directors approve a single dime of the two year severance package that was written – you DO belong in a “Dumbass Den”.

Likewise, for those who are reading up on the internet about ZamZuu or YTB at this time – go back to Tuesday’s article and the statement that John is helping us weed out those that aren’t intelligent or responsible enough to uncover fact or truth. Seriously – If a big old red flag doesn’t come up warning you that nobody gets a severance package when they resign – how could they even be considered a viable prospect?

See my point?

Are his statements ridiculous, absurd, bizarre? Sure they are – that’s what we’ve all come to know, but not quite love about John. But trust me, there’s no way you’re going to convince an arrogant pompous ass like John Frenaye that he’s wrong. His ego is just too big and overpowering to allow anyone to knock any logic or sense in that brain of his. (That – or there’s just not enough room down there.)

At this point, the best you can do is smirk (or laugh out loud like I did) and be thankful and grateful that you’re not as desperate (or stupid) – nor are you likely to run into anyone who is because John’s pretty much got a lock on weeding out any bottom feeders for us.

Instead, turn it around and be thankful. If for nothing else – for ability to read and comprehend the English language.

Then you can move on and be thankful that our Founders are willing to do what it takes to provide a viable, profitable, and respectable business opportunity for those of us who see things for what they really are.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Have you even seen a bucket of crabs at the beach? Ever notice that you don’t need a lid once you have more than one? If there was only one crab in the bucket it would certainly escape. However, when there is more than one crab in the bucket, if one tries to crawl out, the other crabs would grab hold and pull it back down so that it would share the same fate as the rest of them.

And I’ve seen my share of humans who are no different.

It’s such a strange phenomenon and I haven’t quite figured out why people feel the need to do something so selfish and stupid.

And nobody who attempts to better themselves is immune.

It’s during these times that you have to make some tough choices between your own goals and dreams and the company you keep.

Here’s the thing: THEY don’t have to live with your decision – YOU do.

The first time I felt stuck inside a bucket was when I was trying to break into radio right out of college. The school told me that it wasn’t a viable career. Friends told me I wasn’t good enough. I remember my own father asking me how long I was going to chase my fantasy of a full time gig in radio.

At the time, I was doing whatever I could to keep my head above water doing odd jobs while doing part time gigs in radio. It was about two years after dropping out of college. I had a full time job as a janitor at the time – mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms during the week, then driving to Youngstown, Ohio for the weekend to do overnights at a top 40 radio station.

It was so long ago, I can’t remember how much longer it took (but it was only a matter of weeks maybe months) after that I got my first full time gig that launched my full time radio career.

I never let go of that dream. I guess because if I did – I’d be thinking to this day “What if”.

I’ve run into the same type of crabs in Network Marketing with these illusions that it’s not a viable career. That’s it’s something less than “worthy”. (As if they have a right to make that call. LOL!) They’ll do whatever they can to chastise and condemn the industry in an attempt to make it so unattractive that you’ll stay right inside the bucket.

Like my radio career however, I found a number of successful marketers who were willing to support me and help pull me out of the bucket and get me away from the crabs who wanted me to share in their misery.

That’s the difference between humans and crabs. You can always find another human who’s willing to mentor you and support you – especially in the network marketing industry.

Truth is – I’ve never been involved in a more supportive industry in my life. The industry is overloaded with mentors and support. Nor have I been surrounded by more gratitude and love.

If you spend enough time and get yourself plugged in – you’ll find them too. Good natured people willing to feed your body and soul with healthy food and nourishment. Before long, you’ll realize that it’s not only much more attractive outside the bucket – but there’s a lot more room.

Given enough time, you’ll find yourself on the outside looking in. Looking inside the bucket today – all I see are a bunch of crabby people who are just too stupid and selfish to figure out that supporting one another would save the entire bucket.

Don’t let the crabs in your life keep you from your goals and dreams. Stay focused and determined and you’ll find the right type of humans that will help pull you out of the bucket.

Trust me, there’s a lot more room and support outside than in. ;-P

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Before YTB, I was living the American Dream – or so I thought. The “reality” was I had been bumbling through a number of companies that left me high and dry. Any illusions I had about the corporate world were quickly being shatter. Family Golf ran out of money and was bought out by an Asian group who promptly fired everyone. Anicom got caught cooking their books – was shut down by the FTC and the founders imprisoned. ISP lost its manufacturing contracts to the internet for the territories I covered. iAutomate never reached the internet dominance it aimed to achieve and was downsized. And my last stint with Hi-Fi Buys eventually ended in bankruptcy court.

The American Dream of getting a good education and finding a J.O.B. was a carrot I wasn’t willing to chase any longer. My discontent over the lie about working for someone else had me frustrated and looking for options when YTB came knocking.

Three guys – Coach, Scott and Kim turned me onto the idea of being in business for myself. They offered my first products I could offer and sell as an “independent representative”. Harv Ecker and Bob Proctor soon followed in my journey who showed me other income streams. All of the streams they create are “passive” – meaning I don’t have to be there to generate income. Guys like Mike Dillard taught me the value of branding myself. If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ve heard that name before – and many have bought Mike’s Magnetic Sponsoring courses. Mike’s primary business teaches the value of something called a “funded proposal”.

Coach, Scott and Kim taught the value of building a business within the YTB business, but I also like what Mike calls it.

“You, Inc.”

I became a student of “You, Inc.”. While everyone knows I’m tied to YTB, now ZamZuu – my brand is “Just Picture It Now”. With this brand, I now own a well visited blog with various tools and affiliate products that create income. I also own a list of subscribers that now reach thousands each and every week. Auto-responders within our newsletter create a steady stream of income that work on auto-pilot. Articles on this blog also create a steady stream of income with well ranked organic links. Articles I’ve written years ago continue to produce income almost every month. Those are the passive income streams that Ecker and Proctor taught me.

“You Inc.” provides me the option to pursue opportunities that interest me such as writing, up-in-coming technology, and pay-per-click income that keeps my brand diversified, fresh and profitable. I pick and choose who and what I promote with incredible flexibility and versatility. This diversity has enabled me to stay with YTB far longer without any worry of the outside forces attempting to tear it down. The economic meltdown of late 2008 and 2009 and the hit the travel industry took forced many to make changes. The needless “YTB bashing” that goes on about their “model” being something other than viable or legitimate has forced others to make changes as well.

Me? I was diversified enough that income actually increased while millions all over the country were being laid off, downsized or scrambling to find other sources of income which had dried up.

I’ve always been an independent thinker. I never would have gotten involved with YTB in the first place if I wasn’t. I saw right through the hype and trash talk about pyramid schemes that we often see from those who haven’t any experience to speak of. I’ve heard it said that if somebody tells you what they think – take it with a grain of salt. If someone tells you what they’ve experienced however – you better listen.

What I’m about to tell you may sound shocking to some – controversial to others – but it rings true for me. Based on my experience in the corporate world, the bickering and fighting going on by traditional travel agents who have seen commissions either diminish or completely vanish and the Directors in YTB who built large organizations who are now with different companies – I’ve come to this conclusion.

True independence and success comes from multiple opportunities and various streams of passive income.

Last week YTB announced its new Director level and enhanced compensation starting at 250 active IBC’s. The new level also provides additional guaranteed income with fully paid medical and life insurance paid for by the company. I didn’t write about it here, but I did put it in last weekend’s newsletter – because it’s news. Honestly, when I heard about the new level, I was surprised at me first initial thought’s. When I did put it out on my newsletter to my subscribers, it was uncomfortable.

Then, earlier this week I was asked to pick either YTB or my other “ventures” and my gut reaction was shocking – even to me.

As good as the Directors program is and as much as it provides to individuals and their families – it’s not the right goal or option for me.

I’m an “Independent Representative” not a “Director”.

How do you like them apples?

I got into YTB to create my own independence. Over the last 6 years I’ve built and now utilize several profitable income streams. It’s enabled me to survive the chaos and the slandering where others haven’t because they were counting on a single source. Directors who built large organizations are now gone because they relied on one company. Travel Agents have been bickering for years, or are out of business doing something else because they rely on one stream. Even I was forced to jump from company to company for years because I relied on a single revenue streams before I found YTB.

The true value for me in YTB are all the income streams – not the Directors program. The position lands me right back where I was 6 years ago and doesn’t provide the current options and streams I’ve been able to create and build on my own.

It’s not that I’m upset or angry with YTB. To the contrary – I couldn’t have dreamed of a better vehicle to start my journey. YTB has been a wonderful experience for me and was the first company to provide multiple streams. I had never been with a company with so many possibilities prior. Likewise, the Director program is a first of its kind. The medical, life and guaranteed income benefits not only rival but are the envy of the corporate world. With benefits like these – the company has every right to attach reasonable conditions for that privilege.

It’s their company and they make the rules.

But as good as it is and as much as I wanted it – along the way I found my own true independence and own income streams where I make the rules.

The world has changed. Likewise, the internet and technology continues to evolve and change at a rapid pace. It’s exciting – it’s fresh. The internet offers up endless possibilities and an abundance of opportunities to market and promote whatever I want. It didn’t really occur to me until I was asked to make a choice between my own business here on the internet and the one I run with YTB. Without realizing it until this week – I’ve successfully generated a brand that’s more valuable and meaningful on my own.

I don’t know what’s going to happen over the next couple of days guys. While my gut reaction was instant and sure – I told YTB that I had to think about it. But my gut has never been wrong. It’s a message from the Divine. There may be an applicable resolution to all this that I can do both – and I’d like to do both. I love YTB – and I especially love the people I’ve been able to help. Thousands rely and count on me each and every week to inform and mentor them. I’m not looking to steal anyone or trash YTB in any way. That’s selfish and unprofessional.

Overall, YTB has been far too good to me and I’m incredibly grateful to them for showing me the path to my own independence and freedom.

But I also own this blog and my list of subscribers which provided me the freedom and flexibility to speak my own mind and provide my own path.

I’m at complete peace with anything that may come my way. If I can survive horrendous economic conditions and needless trashing of a company I promoted wholeheartedly – I can survive anything.

That my friends is real – true independence.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

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Everybody needs to blow off steam every once in a while. Some do it by yelling. Others do it by crying. Others, sad to say, do it with physical violence. Others, do it on the computer by writing e-mails and posts on forms and blogs.

My father is one of the most even keel individuals I know. It’s not that he doesn’t show emotion – we laugh quite a bit. But I’ve only seen real anger and frustration by him once in my entire life.

It was aimed at me, and after making amends years ago can freely admit that it was totally my fault.

I was in high school at the time and just beginning an addiction that thank goodness didn’t last very long. I was 25 when I sobered up and had my last drink or drug more than 20 years ago. The addiction started by holding on to anger and resentment for a move our family made my Junior year. Feeling like a victim I convinced myself that it was my father’s fault. I justified my drug use as a way to make him suffer – the way I was suffering.

I came to realize after I sobered up that the anger wasn’t anger at all – but selfishness. The move fulfilled a dream of my father’s as Senior Pastor of a very large church that had been around since he was in high school. It was the highest position in the Western Pennsylvania Conference without being promoted to Bishop. My father found his bliss and spent 26 years there. While he would have served the Conference as Bishop, it wasn’t where he truly wanted to be.

He was in the prime of his Ministry and there I was, a high school punk that blamed him for leaving my friends and the opportunities I had my Junior and Senior year of High School. He was supposed to sacrifice his dreams for mine – I was more important.

I received several e-mails from an individual Saturday morning who has much the same type of resentment and anger towards me for living my dreams. I know it’s hard to believe, but there are individuals who “loath” me. It was difficult for me to understand his immense anger and frustration. We’ve never really formed any type of relationship, never even spoken on the phone or met in person. We live in completely different parts of the country, and I have no care or concern about who this individual is or what he does.

I asked this person what he wanted from me. Did they need me to lash back with insults and name calling? Did they want me to get as angry as they were? Did they want me to own the resentment and bitterness?

His response was that he needed nothing because I was worthless.

While stating that I hold no value to him – he was illustrating the opposite in time, energy, and anger towards me. If there wasn’t any value, there wouldn’t be any need to even turn on the computer. Yet, there were several lengthy rants about how much I suck and what I can do with my worthless little life.

Oh my…

So what do we do with these type of actions? Ironically, he gave me the answer in one of his lengthy rants when he created the illusion in his mind that I was a “dry drunk”.

It’s called the “Serenity Prayer” and it goes like this:

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
The courage to change the things I can.
And the wisdom to know the difference.”

When I asked this individual what he wanted me to do, I had surrendered his illusions about me as his own. I couldn’t control them, I couldn’t change them, and I couldn’t help him. He was far too emotional to even consider it at that point.

If I did take ownership of any of his statements – I would have been on the computer all day in “payback”. Instead, I spent time with family on the first weekend our pool was open. I also spent time with my son at a birthday party for one of his school buddies. Never really giving any of his statements much time until this morning – and that I DO have control over.

Another one of my favorite quotes comes from Harv Ecker and it goes like this.

Everything is neutral. Nothing has meaning except for the meaning that you give it.

That sounds really good, but it’s much more difficult to pull off than most people think. One because were not programed to think like that. And two, you have to let go of all the egos (including your own) that create the illusion that mere words have value. If successful, you’ve found pure serenity and harmony – a truly natural state of existence that you were born with.

Admittedly, I’m still a work in progress – still learning to let go. I think about the years it took me to relearn how to operate without a drink or drug in my system. Today, it’s a very simple choice of abstinence. It’s not that I don’t think about drugs or alcohol – but it no longer controls me in a way that destroys my logical – rational thinking.

Recovery isn’t about “not drinking” – it about learning and using tools that enable better management of your life. It’s an awakening that I’m grateful for and can share with others because there are many life lessons that can be tied into every day life.

Some clearly don’t get that – and that’s okay. Those same tools can be used for a few of overzealous critics too. ;-P

Bitterness and anger can overwhelm you if you let it. It’s not that we can avoid it completely. We’re all human after all. But there comes a time when you just have to think to yourself:

How is this serving me or anyone else I come in contact with?

If there isn’t – it’s time to let it go and move on…

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