James Smith’s Info Serv

Motivation is not a new concept to most of us. We have felt that first burst of enthusiasm. Perhaps it was an ad or news story on TV, an article in a magazine, a chance remark, or an embarrassing moment that brought us that sudden rush of certainty that something needed to be done…could be done. We felt a strong, perhaps overwhelming desire to DO SOMETHING…something that would change what had been or create something new. Often, this is accompanied by a clear and certain knowledge of what to do, how to do, and what the result would be.

Maybe we decided to lose weight, start a business, or write a book. Still bolstered by our reaction to what we had seen, heard, or felt, were certain of success! We would start that exercise program, or open that savings account tomorrow; we would begin writing a chapter a day…tomorrow. No! Tomorrow was too far away! We knew what we wanted and how to get it and we were going to start today!

Nothing could stop us!!

Of course, we know what happened over the next few hours, days, or weeks.
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Fear, Phobia, Dread, Panic, call it what you will, everyone of us has known what it is like to have been afraid of a situation we have found ourselves having to confront at one time or another.

It may be a fear of flying, heights, public speaking or a myriad of other things that can ruin our lives, and that of our family and friends as well.

But what is it that makes us have these feelings? Why are we scared of some scenarios but not others? Why isn’t everyone afraid of the same things? Well obviously not everyone is the same, we all think and behave differently therefore deal with situations differently as well.

So having said that how can we overcome our fears, the key word is THINK because believe it or believe it not we all have the ability to control what we think. We can turn negative thoughts into positive ones, making us feel more confident and able to deal with life and all it can throw at us.
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1. DISTINGUISH FACTS FROM FICTION.

Remember “Dragnet and Sgt. Friday? His famous line was “Just the facts, Ma’am.” We all think our view of the world is the “right” one: the only right one. Recognize that you just have a piece of the ‘truth’. Try creating a police or news report that captures both your view of what happened as well as the view of the person with whom you’re having the conflict. This will help you release your attachment to the ‘right-ness’ of your personal perspective.

When we disagree with someone, we often get worked up over not just the event that happened, but the judgments we made about the situation and the person, the feelings that were evoked in us and the story we make up about what it all means. Take ownership for your own feelings. The other person didn’t “make you feel” a particular way. They did what they did. You chose to feel the way you did. You gave the situation all the meaning it had for you. There was a whole range of emotions you could have felt and conclusions you could have drawn. You picked the ones you did, so notice if they represent a familiar theme in your life.

2. DISTINGUISH MOTIVE AND EMOTIONS
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I often say that our world is very different than it once was. And when I do people often shake their heads knowingly – I suppose that statement conjures a variety of ideas based on how old they are and from what vantage point they compare today with the past.

As our world continues to change, I believe there are some things getting lost that need to be re-found. The good news is many of these things can be re-discovered, and we have that power completely in our hands.

One thing we are losing is quiet.

We don’t make room for quiet in our lives. When we are in the car, the radio is on. When we are walking or riding a bike or mowing our lawns or waiting for an airplane (add your own favorite activity here), we are listening to an iPod or something similar. When we are at home, or in many public places, the television is on. When we are working, the sound is turned up on our computers so we can hear the funny email, podcast, audio message from the CEO, or radio program on the Web.
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by: Steve Brunkhorst

Did you know that there are gifts that will multiply your happiness when you give them away? Here are seven of those gifts. Giving these gifts will allow you to share with others your most unique treasure: your authentic self. Each gift will return to you many times.

As you read about each of these gifts, think about ways that you could share that gift with someone today.

1. Share appreciation

Tell someone how much you appreciate the faith they’ve shown in you. Thank them sincerely for being part of your life. Tell them how much they are needed.

Feeling appreciated is one of the most important needs that people have. When you share with someone your appreciation and gratitude, they will not forget you. Appreciation will return to you many times.

2. Share time
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