Hapiness by Napoleon Hill

"Happiness is found in doing. Not merely in possessing."

Napoleon Hill

Today I Will Make a Difference By Max Lucado

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of their thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble - I will get up. It's OK to fail - I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

One Day at a Time by Ida Scott Taylor

"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone: and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering."

Ida Scott Taylor
1820-1915, Author

The House of 1000 Mirrors

Long ago in a small, far away village, there was a place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could. To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly. As he left the house, he thought to himself, "This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often."

In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door. When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, "That is a horrible place, and I will never go back there again."

All the faces in the world are mirrors. What kind of reflections do you see in the faces of the people you meet?

Japanese Folktale

Inner Peace by Vernon Howard

I want to give you a tested technique for gradually and surely increasing your inner peace. It works for you regardless of the noise and confusion that may surround your day.

You will detach yourself as a mental participant in these noisy events. You will observe them, be aware of them, but will not involve yourself mentally or emotionally. Perhaps you ask, "But can this really be done? It sounds impossible to separate myself from the constant clatter around me." I assure you that it can be done by you.

You see, your True Self is detached from everything on the outside. It has awareness of exterior conditions but does not get emotionally upset by them. You have a True Self at this very moment. At the very instant of reading these lines you are capable of mental detachment from all exterior problems.

Be a calm beholder of life. Mentally detach yourself. Stand back and quietly observe everything that happens to you and around you. Do not resist it; merely observe. Do not try to change or improve or destroy it, merely be aware. See yourself as someone apart, which, in truth, you are.

You need not fear that this detachment loses your control of things. It does not harm your daily tasks. They will go on as before. It may surprise you to find them proceeding as before, even improved. Mental detachment is, in fact, a higher form of control.

This kind of detachment is not retreat from reality; it is a healthy perception of it.

Stand apart and behold your life. It detaches you from trouble. You don't suffer from that ill-tempered person; you don't get depressed over that tragic event; you don't pay the price for that form of mankind's madness. You are free.

Results by Gerry Robert

"I want to demonstrate by my life and my results, not my talk, not my wishes, but by my results."

Gerry Robert
From Who Do You Think You Are? Discover The Purpose Of Your Life

Its Not What We Read by Henry Ward Beecher

"It is not what we read, but what we remember that makes us learned. It is not what we intend but what we do that makes us useful. And, it is not a few faint wishes but a lifelong struggle that makes us valiant."

Henry Ward Beecher

1813-1887, American Preacher, Orator, Writer

Be Calm by Rudolph Giulani

"My father used to say to me, 'Whenever you get into a jam, whenever you get into a crisis or an emergency...become the calmest person in the room and you'll be able to figure your way out of it.'"

Rudolph Giuliani
Former Mayor of New York City

Self-Acceptance by J. Donald Walters

"Self-acceptance comes from meeting life's challenges vigorously. Don't numb yourself to your trials and difficulties, nor build mental walls to exclude pain from your life. You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory."
J. Donald Walters Author, Lecturer and Playwright

The Unthankful Heart by Henry Ward Beecher

"The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!"
Henry Ward Beecher 1813-1887, Author

Be a Blessing to Others by John Coonley

"Allow me to be a blessing to you and allow yourself to be a blessing to others."
John Coonley Cancer Survivor

The Greatest Glory by Nelson Mandela

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Nelson Mandela South African Statesman and Nobel Prize Winner

Where the Heart Longs to Go by Debbie Ford

"The mind can't take you where your heart longs to go."
Debbie Ford

Study a Bit Everyday by Bob Proctor

"I believe people should study a little bit every day. It should become habitual, like brushing your teeth, combing your hair, having a shower or getting dressed. Study the mind, the laws of the universe and paradigms. There's enough information on those subjects to keep a person studying forever."
Bob Proctor From Who Do You Think You Are? Discover The Purpose Of Your Life

Saying the Right Thing by Benjamin Franklin

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."

Benjamin Franklin
1706-1790, Scientist, Publisher and Diplomat

Eminent Success by Charles Kendall Adams

"No one ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him; it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction."

Charles Kendall Adams
1835-1902, Professor of History and Author

Be Yourself by E.E. Cummings

"To be nobody but yourself - in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you like everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight - and never stop fighting."

E.E. Cummings
1894-1962, Poet

Self-Respect by William J.H. Boetcker

"That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong."

William J.H. Boetcker
1873-1962, Religious Leader and Speaker

Capacity for Geting Along by Eric Hoffer

"The capacity for getting along with our neighbor depends to a large extent on the capacity for getting along with ourselves. The self-respecting individual will try to be as tolerant of his neighbor's shortcomings as he is of his own."

Eric Hoffer
1898-1983, Writer

Law of Attraction by Dr. Joseph Edward Murphy

"The Law of Attraction attracts to you everything you need, according to the nature of your thought. Your environment and financial condition are the perfect reflection of your habitual thinking. Thought rules the world."

Dr. Joseph Edward Murphy
Surgeon

Take Pride by Red Auerbach

"Take pride in what you do. The kind of pride I'm talking about is not the arrogant puffed-up kind; it's just the whole idea of caring - fiercely caring."

Red Auerbach
Professional Basketball Coach

Habit of Going the Extra Mile by Napoleon Hill

An important principle of success in all walks of life and in all occupations is a willingness to GO THE EXTRA MILE; which means the rendering of more and better service than that for which one is paid, and giving it in a positive mental attitude.

Search wherever you will for a single sound argument against this principle, and you will not find it; nor will you find a single instance of enduring success which was not attained in part by its application.

The principle is not the creation of man. It is a part of Nature's handiwork, for it is obvious that every living creature below the intelligence of man is forced to apply the principle in order to survive.

We may disregard the principle if we choose, but we cannot do so and at the same time enjoy the fruits of enduring success.

Observe how Nature applies this principle in the production of food that grows from the soil, where the farmer is forced to GO THE EXTRA MILE by clearing the land, plowing it, and planting the seed at the right time of the year, for none of which he receives any pay in advance..

But, observe that if he does his work in harmony with Nature's laws, and performs the necessary amount of labor, Nature takes over the job where the farmer's labor ends, germinates the seed he plants and develops it into a crop of food.

And, observe thoughtfully this significant fact: For every grain of wheat or corn he plants in the soil Nature yields him perhaps a hundred grains, thus enabling him to benefit by the law of increasing returns.

Nature GOES THE EXTRA MILE by producing enough of everything for her needs, together with a surplus for emergencies and waste; for example, the fruit on the trees, the bloom from which the fruit is grown, frogs in the pond and fish in the seas.

Nature GOES THE EXTRA MILE by producing enough of every living thing to insure the perpetuation of the species, allowing for emergencies of every kind. If this were not true the species of all living things would soon vanish.

Some believe that the beasts of the jungle and the birds of the air live without labor, but thoughtful people know that this is not true. It is true that Nature provides the sources of supply of food for every living thing, but every creature must labor before it may partake of that food.

Thus we see that Nature discourages the habit which some have acquired of trying to get something for nothing.

The advantages of the habit of GOING THE EXTRA MILE are definite and understandable. Let us examine some of them and be convinced:

The habit brings the individual to the favorable attention of those who can and will provide opportunities for self-advancement. It tends to make one indispensable, in many different human relationships, and it therefore enables one to command more than average compensation for personal services.

It leads to mental growth and to physical skill and perfection in many forms of endeavor, thereby adding to one's earning capacity.

Four Short Words by A. Lou Vickery

"Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more."

A. Lou Vickery
Writer

Missing Happiness by William Feather

"Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it."

William Feather
1889-1981, Writer

Things Not Going Well by Roger Babson

"If things are not going well with you, begin your effort at correcting the situation by carefully examining the service you are rendering, and especially the spirit in which you are rendering it."

Roger Babson
1875-1967, Statistician and Columnist

Fix Your Eyes Forward by Tom Clancy

"Fix your eyes forward on what you can do, not back on what you cannot change."

Tom Clancy

Mental Prisons by Bob Proctor

Some time ago I did a show on Habits. They play an important role in your life. Like many aspects of your life, habits can be considered both a blessing and a curse. Robert Russell in his magnificent little book "You Try It" wrote that habit was God's way of making good automatic in your life.

I had a wonderful friend in Atlanta, the late Dr. Jay Dishman, who wrote an excellent article about habit in his monthly newsletter dated February 1985. I have shared Dr. Dishman's article with thousands of people around the world. Today I want to share it with you. Here goes!

"Recently I visited Alcatraz Prison. Once it housed the most hardened of criminals. Today it is open to tourists under the direction of the United States Parks Department. Many men have tried to escape Alcatraz; no one is known to have succeeded. As I listened to the tour guide explain the impossibility of escape, I thought of other prisons equally confining but where the doors are never locked, no guards walk the halls, and escape is encouraged and possible. That prison is Habit."

Our habit is thinking about ourselves and our environment as a jail or a paradise. We need but to look around us to see people who are rich emotionally and materially because they think and feel rich. We also see people who are laden with emotional and material debt because they think lack. Some are inspired with vision, others are encumbered with doubt. Some are moved by ambition, others feel safer in monotony. Some reach for the mountain tops, others huddle in the pits. Some seek opportunity, others wait for it to knock. The sad fact is that more people are confined by their thoughts than are fed by them.

Negative thinking shuts us in a prison, but there is a way out. The apostle Paul said, "Be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Paul knew a lot about prisons, both physical and mental. You renew your life by renewing your mind. You renew your mind when you change your habit of thinking.

Dr. Jay Dishman helped thousands change their habit of thinking in his lifetime. Now hopefully he has helped you.

Happiness by Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt

"I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves."

Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt
1767-1835, German Statesman

Believe by Beatrix Potter

"Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest."

Beatrix Potter
1866-1943, Author and Illustrator

Really Big People by Thomas J. Watson

"Really big people are, above everything else, courteous, considerate and generous - not just to some people in some circumstances - but to everyone all the time."

Thomas J. Watson
1874-1956, Founder of IBM

Upset by Small Things by Andre Maurois

"Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year's time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings."

Andre Maurois
1885-1967, Writer

Disciplined by Luciano Pavarotti

"People think I'm disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference."

Luciano Pavarotti
1935-2007 Opera Singer

Grow from Problems and Challenges by Carol Burnett

"I have always grown from my problems and challenges, from the things that don't work out, that's when I've really learned."

Carol Burnett
Actress and Comedian

Will Roger's Secret by Elmer Wheeler

A magic way to win more friendships that no one can resist; even hardened criminals can be won over this way.

"I never met a man I did not like," said Will Rogers. Many people thought this was just another funny Rogers' remark, but one time when I met him with Amon Carter, of Fort Worth, I asked him, "Surely you can't like everybody?"

I knew he must meet bores, cheats, fourflushers just like the rest of us do. How can he possibly like even them?

Will was famous as a funnyman; but he was also a wise philosopher and he could be most serious when he wanted.

"Of course I don't approve of all the things that people do," he said, "but there is some goodness and some cussedness in all of us."

He continued, "If you know a man well enough you can always find something good in him and you can always find something interesting about him. It is just a matter of what you are looking for!"

"But what about the narrow-minded people? What about gossips? The people who do petty, mean little things? Do you like them, too?" I persisted.

"I once read somewhere," he said, "where someone asked Abe Lincoln that same question - why he refused to get mad at the people who abused him, ridiculed him and tried to discredit him."

"Lincoln replied that people's actions spring from their character and that many factors beyond their control went into making up their character - where they were born, the people they had associated with, and a lot of other things."

"Therefore,' said Lincoln, 'you shouldn't become angry with a person who blocks your path any more than you would with a tree which the wind blew across the road.'"

Will Rogers had no more reason for hating a person who happened to have been unfortunate enough to have acquired a habit of gossip than he did for hating a person who was foolish enough to neglect his teeth.

He didn't like gossip. Few people do; and he didn't like pettiness. He looked upon them as foolish behavior rather than evil behavior.

I am convinced that Will Rogers really did like every person he ever met.

There is an interesting thing about liking people, and that is they in turn like you. If you must start a rumor about somebody start it by saying, "I sure like that person."

This gets back to them and they say, "Well, I always liked him, too."

Another funny thing about gossip is that if they tell you things about others, you can just bet they will tell others things about you.

While there is always a temptation to listen to gossip, just remember while you are on the listening end this time with this gossiper, the next time you will be on the receiving end when the gossiper gets elsewhere.

Beware of the Gossip!

Avoid the company of the gossip. Don't give them a chance to be with you, find something out about you, then carry that story into another circle.

I am convinced that this trait of his character was largely responsible for Will Rogers being the most universally liked person I have ever heard about.

Will Rogers liked everybody and everybody liked Will Rogers!

Creativity by Bob Proctor

I have often wondered why most companies have a creative department with a limited number of people, usually a very small percentage of the people which are on the payroll.

Every department in a company is a creative department as long as the department has people in it. All people are creative. Creativity has its root in the creator which is within each of us. As you permit the higher side of your nature to express itself in a greater way for good in your life, you are being creative.

There are an enormous number of people who deprive themselves of many of the joys life offers because they believe they are not creative.

"Musicians are creative, writers, artists and designers are creative but I'm not."

You should realize there are creative auto-mechanics, carpenters, secretaries and warehouse people. There are lawyers, accountants and dentists who are creative.

Creativity has absolutely nothing to do with what you do but it has everything to do with how you do it. William James said, "Creativity is the ability to think in unhabitual ways."

Pay particular attention today to the various people you come in contact with. Observe closely how these people apply themselves to their jobs.

Some will be an absolute symphony in every move they make. It will be obvious they have given creative thought to their work while others move in a very mechanical way. If they are asked to do anything which may be out of the norm you may very well hear the reply, "I'm sorry, that is not my job." There are definite self-imposed limitations to their activity.

They have never learned that they are a truly dynamic being with limitless creative potential in every fiber of their being. Nor have they learned that this creative potential is awaiting recognition from them.

You have the opportunity to express your creativity staring you in the face every minute. If you haven't begun to express it, do so today.

The Living Legacy of Integrity by Ellen Pollak Wilson

When my father passed away last October, my mother, brother, and sister were all feeling quite distraught over the loss of a beloved husband and parent under seemingly sudden circumstances. Amidst the hurried preparations for a quick burial in accordance with our tradition, I scarcely had time to think, to do much else past taking care of urgently important details, making sure that my family and my father made the journey to the city in which his body would rest.

Then came the service, and after seven days of Shiva, a time in which we are free of our daily responsibilities in order to fully mourn the loss that has occurred. This process was particularly therapeutic and thus healing for me and I truly appreciated the genius behind the creation of such a tradition. Being able to fully mourn the loss of my father gave me the ability to slowly move back into the stream of life when the seven days were up, knowing that I further had the first 30 days after his death in which I might decline participating in joyous events that I might otherwise feel pressured to participate in, and then regret or resent. This had the unforeseen benefit of allowing me the time and space in which to not merely recover from the loss, but to appreciate the enormous impact and life lessons of being the child of this man.

Having just finished listening to Earl Nightingale speak of integrity on his recording, Lead the Field, I immediately thought of Dad, and the powerful example of integrity that he modeled for us.

A survivor of the Holocaust, whose parents died in Auschwitz, my Dad spent those war years not merely surviving himself, but helping others to do so. After miraculously escaping one camp, he worked tirelessly to help others do the same, despite the constant risk to himself in doing so. After the war, he was determined to find his brothers and reunite the family, which he did indeed.

In 1949, escaping Czechoslovakia after it fell to the Soviets, he immigrated to America, where he refused any financial help, learned the language of his newly adopted country, and eventually worked his way up from salesman to president of his own company. The hallmark of his business life was integrity. He was fiercely loyal to family, scrupulously clean in his business dealings, and always looked out for his employees.

When my parents moved south to retire, Dad instead opened a small business and quickly developed a reputation for honest business dealings among the local minority population, who saw him, an "outsider", as someone they could trust to look out for their best interests in an area of business in which they were often taken unfair advantage of.

Before he died, my Dad fretted that he hadn't left us a fortune to share among ourselves. But as letters streamed in from his accountant, lawyers, business associates, and friends praising his life, I couldn't have felt richer.

Decision by Napoleon Hill

Accurate analysis of over 25,000 men and women who had experienced failure, disclosed the fact that lack of decision was near the head of the list of the 30 major causes of failure. This is no mere statement of a theory - it is a fact.

Procrastination, the opposite of decision, is a common enemy which practically every man must conquer.

You will have an opportunity to test your capacity to reach quick and definite decisions when you finish reading this lesson, and are ready to begin putting into action the principles which it describes.

Analysis of several hundred people who had accumulated fortunes well beyond the million dollar mark, disclosed the fact that every one of them had the habit of reaching decisions promptly, and of changing these decisions slowly, if, and when they were changed. People who fail to accumulate money, without exception, have the habit of reaching decisions, if at all, very slowly, and of changing these decisions quickly and often.

The majority of people who fail to accumulate money sufficient for their needs, are, generally, easily influenced by the "opinions" of others. They permit the newspapers and the "gossiping" neighbors to do their "thinking" for them. "Opinions" are the cheapest commodities on earth. Everyone has a flock of opinions ready to be wished upon anyone who will accept them. If you are influenced by "opinions" when you reach decisions, you will not succeed in any undertaking, much less in that of transmuting your own desire into money.

If you are influenced by the opinions of others, you will have no desire of your own.

Key to Success by Bill Cosby

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."

Bill Cosby
Actor and Comedian

Feeling Right by Mario Cuomo

"Every time I've done something that doesn't feel right, it's ended up not being right."

Mario Cuomo
Lawyer and Former Governor of New York

Believe and Succeed by Bob Proctor

You will agree, I am sure, that all thinking people have a sincere desire to succeed.

You want to win; I want to win. No one sets out to deliberately destroy themselves - although I must admit, at times it certainly appears as if some people do.

If everyone wants to win - why don't they? There are probably many answers to that question. After talking with hundreds of people who do not seem to be able to make it happen, I have come to the conclusion that the answer to success is locked up in a seven letter word - "Believe."

Losers do not believe they can win. Why don't they believe? I think there is an answer to that question and I'll get to it in a moment. If you are having difficulty making something big happen in your life, listen closely.

All the great religious leaders, philosophers and self-help gurus have told us to believe and succeed. "All things are possible for those who believe."

William James said, "Believe and your belief will create the fact."

I have found that our belief system is based on our evaluation of something. Frequently when we re-evaluate a situation our belief about that situation will change.

Half of my life was wasted. I never even tried to accomplish anything of any importance because I did not believe in myself. The truth was I knew very little about me. Many years ago I was encouraged to begin studying myself, re-evaluate myself. I began to gain an understanding of my marvelous mind. Everyday I learned a little more and I suddenly began to believe in myself.

Today I have a number of companies around the world earning millions of dollars. We have a very successful year long coaching program... We teach people the laws of their mind. Long before the year's program is over we see marvelous things happen from more money to great loving relationships.

Re-evaluate yourself. There is a sleeping giant in you. Release it.

Believe in yourself.

Real Obstacles by Barbara Sher

"Real obstacles don't take you in circles. They can be overcome. Invented ones are like a maze."

Barbara Sher
Author of I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was

Harvest by Robert Louis Stevenson

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
Robert Louis Stevenson 1850-1895, Essayist, Poet and Novelist

Self Image by Dr. Maxwell Maltz

"Our self image and our habits tend to go together. Change one and you will automatically change the other."
Dr. Maxwell Maltz 1899-1975, Author

Serenity by James Allen

Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought.

A person becomes calm in the measure that one understands themselves as a thought evolved being, for such knowledge necessitates the understanding of others as the result of thought, and as one develops a right understanding, and sees more and more clearly the internal relations of things by the action of cause and effect, one ceases to fuss and fume and worry and grieve, and remains poised, steadfast, serene.

The calm person, having learned how to govern themselves, knows how to adapt themselves to others; and they, in turn, reverence their spiritual strength, and feel that they can learn of them and rely upon them. The more tranquil a person becomes, the greater is their success, their influence, their power for good. Even the ordinary trader will find their business prosperity increase as one develops a greater self control and equanimity, for people will always prefer to deal with a person whose demeanor is strongly equable.

The strong, calm person is always loved and revered. They are like a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land, or a sheltering rock in a storm. Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet-tempered, balanced life? It does not matter whether it rains or shines, or what changes come to those possessing these blessings, for they are always sweet, serene, and calm. That exquisite poise of character which we call serenity is the last lesson of culture; it is the flowering of life, the fruitage of the soul. It is precious as wisdom, more to be desired than gold, than even fine gold. How insignificant mere money seeking looks in comparison with a serene life - a life that dwells in the ocean of truth, beneath the waves, beyond the reach of tempests, in the eternal calm!

How many people we know who sour their lives, who ruin all that is sweet and beautiful by explosive tempers, who destroy their poise of character, and make bad blood! It is a question whether the great majority of people do not ruin their lives and mar their happiness by lack of self-control flow few people we meet in life who are well-balanced, who have that exquisite poise which is characteristic of the finished character!

Defeat by Bruce Lee

"Defeat is a state of mind. No one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as reality. To me, defeat in anything is merely temporary, and its punishment is but an urge for me to greater effort to achieve my goal. Defeat simply tells me that something is wrong in my doing; it is a path leading to success and truth."

Bruce Lee
1940-1973, Martial Artist, Actor and Author

Obstacles by Jeffrey Gitomer

"Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you. Most of all, other people can't stop you. Only you can stop you."

Jeffrey Gitomer
Author and Sales Trainer

Taking Chances by Debbi Fields

"The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it."

Debbi Fields
Founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies

Airport by Jay Leno

"Go through your phone book, call people and ask them to drive you to the airport. The ones who will drive you are your true friends. The rest aren't bad people; they're just acquaintances."

Jay Leno
Entertainer

Expectations by J. Arthur Holcombe

"There is absolutely nothing that separates the elite from the paupers except their expectations. If you wish to rise above the masses, then let the fire burn fiercely within you. Do this, and it shall be done!."

J. Arthur Holcombe
Author The Path of Truth and Courage

What a Man Knows by Booker T. Washington

"The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts."

Booker T. Washington
1856-1915, Educator and Reformer

The Parable of Brother Leo by Michael Josephson

An old legend tells of a French monastery that was well-known throughout Europe because of the extraordinary leadership of a man known only as Brother Leo.

Several monks began a pilgrimage to visit Brother Leo to learn from him. Almost immediately, the monks began to bicker as to who should do various chores. On the third day they met another monk who was also going to the monastery.

This monk never complained or shirked a duty. Whenever the others would fight over a chore, he would gracefully volunteer to do it himself. By the last day, the other monks were following his example, and everyone worked together smoothly.

When they reached the monastery and asked to see Brother Leo, the man who greeted them laughed. "But our brother is among you!" pointing to the fellow who had joined them late in the trip.

Today, many people seek leadership positions not so much for what they can do for others, but for what the position can do for them: status, connections, perks, or future advantages. As a result, they do service primarily as an investment, a way to build an impressive résumé.

The parable about Brother Leo teaches another model of leadership, where leaders are more preoccupied with serving than being followed, with giving than getting, with doing than demanding. It's leadership based on example, not command. It's called servant leadership.

Can you imagine how much better things would be if more politicians, educators, and business executives saw themselves as servant leaders?

Acres of Diamonds by Earl Nightingale

"You are, at this moment, standing, right in the middle of your own 'acres of diamonds.'"

Earl Nightingale
1921-1989, Syndicated Radio Announcer and Author

Face Your Fear by Les Brown

"When you face your fear, most of the time you will discover that it was not really such a big threat after all. We all need some form of deeply rooted, powerful motivation - it empowers us to overcome obstacles so we can live our dreams."

Les Brown
Speaker and Author

Bigness by Edward S. Finkelstein

"Bigness comes from doing many small things well. Individually, they are not very dramatic transactions. Together though, they add up." Edward S. Finkelstein Author

People of Character by Michael Josephson

"People of character do the right thing, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world."

Actor and Author of Michael Josephson
Radio Commentator

Rendering Service by Mahatma Gandhi

"Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger, and will make, not only our own happiness, but that of the world at large."

Mahatma Gandhi
1869-1948, Indian Political and Spiritual Leader

The Amazing Power of the Human Will by Fran Briggs

The human will is the most incredible thing. I believe it is the human will that keeps us going, when everyone else expects us to sit, or even quit.

I have always been fascinated by the heroes and sheroes who have made indelible marks in world history; and illustrated distinguished triumphs over seemingly, insurmountable adversity.

I can vividly recall reading about Wilma Rudolph when I was in grade school. Her life epitomized, "breaking through limitations." Over the last three decades, I have thought about Wilma when so-called, "limitations" presented themselves in my own life. I think of Wilma, and I am passionately reminded of the amazing power of the human will.

Wilma Rudolph was born prematurely and weighed only 4.5 pounds. Most of her childhood was spent in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee. There, she was bedridden as she battled double pneumonia, scarlet fever and polio. At six years old, she lost the use of her left leg. Subsequently, she was fitted with leg braces. Later on in life, she was often quoted as saying: "I spent most of my time trying to get them off. (I had an uncompromising resolve) to be a normal kid."

At the age of 16, when she was only a sophomore in high school, the 5' 11" Wilma Rudolph won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. And, in the 1960 Rome Olympics, Rudolph became "the fastest woman in the world." She also was the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics. She won the 100 and 200 meter races; and also anchored the U.S. team to victory in the 4 X 100 meter relay, breaking records along the way.

Wilma Rudolph is remembered by family and admirers alike, for her incredible calm and graceful demeanor when under pressure. Valiantly and brilliantly, she removed all of her "struggles" during the course of her lifetime.

She once said: "The most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself...triumph can't be had without a struggle."

In 1994, Wilma Rudolph died of brain cancer at the age of 54. Few would argue that she lived a full, purposeful, and triumphant life. Rudolph expected victory when just about everyone else would have understood if she'd just lay down, sit or even quit. Thank you, Wilma, for being the contrary.

Achieving Accomplishments by Wilma Rudolph

"My mother taught me very early to believe I could achieve any accomplishment I wanted to. The first was to walk without braces."

Wilma Rudolph

Quality of Answers by Paul Martinelli

"One of the lessons I've learned is that the quality of the answers that we get in life is truly determined by the quality of the questions we ask."

Paul Martinelli Speaker and President of LifeSuccess Consulting

What Do We Do by Lee Iacocca

"So what do we do? Anything - something. So long as we don't just sit there. If we screw it up, start over. Try something else. If we wait until we've satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too late."

Lee Iacocca
Former Chairman of Chrysler Corporation

Enthusiasm by Samuel Ullman

"Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."

Samuel Ullman
1840-1924, Educator, Writer and Poet

Doing More by A. Lou Vickery

"Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more."

A. Lou Vickery
Writer

Goals by Bob Proctor

"If you know what to do to reach your goal, it's not a big enough goal."

Bob Proctor
Author and Speaker

Law of Compensation by John Holliwell

Crowd out all inferior thoughts by superior thoughts, evil thoughts by good thoughts, ugly thoughts by beautiful thoughts, distressing thoughts by pleasant thoughts, and you will begin to overcome the growth of all negative and confused states of wrong and discord. In other words, learn to think constructively of all persons, all things, all events, and all circumstances. Appraise them from the ideal point of view. As you do this you will gradually transform your whole existence for the better. These are the means whereby you may steadily promote your welfare and advancement.

As you train yourself to mentally look for the good, you will move towards the good; and, as you form higher and larger conceptions of the good, these elements will begin to find expression in your words, acts, character, person, talents, powers, attainments, and achievements; that is, all things in your life will commence to improve as the direct result of your improved thinking.

This process does not imply, however, that you are to ignore the wrongs of life, the empty places, and the undeveloped states of being; but that you are to think right through and beyond them towards the hidden good or the principle within that is ever seeking a higher and fuller expression. You will, therefore, cease to condemn and to criticize in a destructive manner; instead you will seek to bring out the good in yourself and in others, and to discover and develop the greater possibilities everywhere.

I Have Never Been a Millionaire by Jack Anthony

"I have never been a millionaire. But I have enjoyed a crackling fire, a glorious sunset, a walk with a friend and a hug from a child. There are plenty of life's tiny delights for all of us."

Jack Anthony
Author

Don't Be Afraid by Olga Korbut

"Don't be afraid if things seem difficult in the beginning. That's only the initial impression. The important thing is not to retreat; you have to master yourself."

Olga Korbut
Gymnast - Four Time Olympic Gold Medallist

Amen Crackers by Pamela Perry Blaine

Have you ever heard of "Amen Crackers"? I hadn't either until my granddaughter, Amanda, came for a visit. Amanda is not quite two but ever since her parents taught her to pray she always prays for each individual thing on her plate.

One evening at suppertime Amanda was in the high chair and I went over to the kitchen counter to fill her plate. Her Mother had put three small crackers on her high chair tray to give her something to eat while I fixed her plate. I watched as she bowed her head and touched the first cracker with her index finger and said, "Amen cracker". She touched the next cracker and said, "Amen cracker", and then she went to the last cracker, touching it, and again saying, "Amen cracker". She thought the tiny crackers were her supper so she was saying her prayers.

Amanda has figured out that prayers have an "Amen" in them but sometimes she gets the "Amen" at the beginning instead of at the end of her prayers.

I got to thinking about the word, "Amen" and I found that in Hebrew the word "Amen" means to confirm and it is spoken to state, "so be it." When we end our prayers with "Amen" we are reaffirming our dedication to God. Sometimes church members or congregations say, "Amen," to show confirmation or agreement when something powerful is spoken from the Word of God.

Amanda's prayer might seem very simple but maybe she wasn't so far off in what she was doing because she would have been confirming her dedication to God first of all instead of at the end. At any rate, we can gain wisdom from "the mouths of babes." I learned several things from Amanda and her "Amen Crackers."

- I learned that prayer should be a priority.
- I learned that whatever is on my "plate" I should be thankful for it.
- I learned I should keep it simple and be specific.
- I learned to have faith and trust God even when all I have is three crackers.
- I learned it is best to tend to my own crackers that have been provided for me and allow God to fill my plate.
- I learned to be patient. Even if I'm sitting in a high chair, I can't see what is going on in God's kitchen from where I sit.
- I learned to thank God for the small things, and not complain, even if all I have is crackers.
- I learned it doesn't matter if you get the prayer backwards, God hears our hearts.

Have you thanked God for the crackers in your life?

Judging Others by Wayne Dyer

"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."


Wayne Dyer
Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker

What You Have In Life by Oprah Winfrey

"If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough."

Oprah Winfrey
Television Host, Actress and Producer

Working with the Law by Raymond Holliwell

God intended every individual to succeed. It is God's purpose that we should become great. It is God's will that we should not only use, but enjoy, every good in the universe. The Law of God denies man nothing.

We were born to be rich. The powers inherent in us are inexhaustible. Each normal person is endowed with a complete set of faculties which, if properly developed and scientifically applied, will insure success, ever-growing success.

We are made for progress. Everyone contains within themselves the capacity for endless development. Advancement into all things is the Law's great purpose. By learning to work with the Law in promoting that aim, we may build ourselves into greater and greater success.

All the processes of Nature are successful. Nature knows no failures. She never plans anything but success. She aims at results in every form and manner. To succeed in the best and fullest sense of the term we must, with Nature as our model, copy her methods. In her principles and laws we shall discover all the secrets of success.

Infinite resources are at our disposal. There are no limits to our possibilities. We can develop a wonderful intelligence; thus, all life's questions may be answered, all Nature's secrets discovered, and all human problems solved. Nothing is impossible.

Higher faculties, remarkable talents, superior insight, and greater power are dormant in all, and by special psychological methods, these exceptional elements can be developed to an extraordinary degree for actual and practical use. Every mind can develop greatness. It is simply a matter of knowing how. True self-help, self-discovery, self-knowledge, and the proper instruction in applying one's faculties and using one's forces will advance any person. Practice will insure efficiency; use will bring forth results. Success, therefore, is within the reach of every aspiring person.

Do you wish to succeed? You can. You possess all the essentials within yourself; all you need is to gain a right understanding of the principles and laws upon which success is based, and then to apply the right methods of operating these causes until success is earned.