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In This Issue.......

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article
2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary
3. The Last Word...
4. Just in Time for Your Graduates! The Chris Widener Success Pack!
5. More Information

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article

Choice: Privilege, Opportunity and Responsibility by Chris Widener

One of my absolute favorite quotes is from Dwight D. Eisenhower. He said, "The history of free men is never written by chance, but by choice - their choice."

What a powerful truth. We can, and do, write our own history. That is, when our life is nearing the end, we can look back and see that the history we leave behind, the legacy we leave for our children is the accumulation of the choices we made all along the way.

As I think about this, I realize that some may view it from the back end and it may seem hopeless, but we can be proactive about it and decide now that we will begin to make choices that will bring us to our desired end.

Before I talk about privilege, opportunity, and responsibility, I want to make something perfectly clear, and it is something that you must embrace if you are going to see your life continually improve and change for the better. I believe that...

Anyone can have as much money as they choose to.
Anyone can weigh what they choose to.
Anyone can have the job they choose to have.
Anyone can have the level of peace that they choose to have.
Anyone can do anything they choose to do.

They ability for us humans to choose is incredible, but it also brings with it philosophical truths as well. Primarily the power to choose brings with it privilege, opportunity and responsibility. When we see how all three of these play out in our lives, and when we discipline ourselves to make the choices that will bring us to our desired outcome - watch out - because you will be UNLEASHED!

The Ability to choose is a Privilege. Dogs don't have it. Cows don't have it. Trees and flowers don't have it. The only living creatures that have the ability to choose are humans. All of the rest of living creatures live by instinct, or in the case of trees, flowers etc, they live wherever they are planted (I guess they must have to develop a great deal of contentment!).

Have you ever viewed your ability to choose as a privilege that you have been given? That is one of the more motivating factors in my life for being disciplined and making choices. Exercise your privilege today. Make choices today that will make you, your family and your community better off!

The Ability to choose is an Opportunity. Every one of us has the opportunity to improve ourselves. There are too many stories of people who have lost 200 pounds, left behind fortunes while only earning $20,000 a year and multitudes of other success stories for me to believe otherwise. In fact, I myself have seen it in my own life. What an opportunity! Yet many believe that it is impossible - that they don't even have the opportunity. Not true at all. Take advantage of the opportunity you have every single day of your life to change - because you can!! Make choices today that will make you, your family and your community better off!

The Ability to choose is a Responsibility. We do not live our lives in a vacuum. We live them in the context of our families, our communities, our businesses and the organizations we belong to. We have a responsibility to make right choices that will positively impact all of those around us!

I have four children. The choices I make each day, maybe even every moment, will affect them for the rest of their lives. Do I have a responsibility to them? You bet! I want to discipline my life in such a way that they become all that they can be and that our family and eventually the families that they will start, will become great!

When I think of choices that changed history, I think of Rosa Parks who made a choice that would bring her into the forefront of America's news of the day and eventually the history books. One day, Parks, an African-American, decided that she would not give up her seat on the bus to a white person. She made a choice. It was undoubtedly one she had thought of for sometime. It was her privilege as a human to make this choice, regardless of what others thought and regardless of what the outcome would be. It was an opportunity to make a statement and to stand up for what was right. It was her responsibility to generations of minorities who would come after her to make this choice. She did, and America changed.

Like Rosa Parks, and countless others who daily make choices that produce change, it is those who will dare to dream of a better life, those who will risk failure, those who will make the right choices who will change themselves, their families, their businesses and organizations and yes, even their world! The ability to choose is an incredible privilege, an outstanding opportunity, and an awesome responsibility! Use it!

Chris Widener

2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary

"You reap what you sow." -- Paul of Tarsus, Galatians

Chris' Commentary:
Today's quote may very well be the most universal principle there is. The fact that you reap what you sow is true in every area of life. Think about it. If you put an apple seed in the ground, you get an apple tree. If you sow kindness, you reap good relationships. If you sow to investments and to your savings account, you reap financial stability. If you sow to your spiritual life, you reap a life of peace and joy. If you sow to the athletic club, you reap physical fitness (unless you are sowing too much ice cream, but that's for another day!). Do not underestimate the power of this principle: You reap what you sow. That is good news because it means that you can begin creating the life you desire by beginning to sow to that which you want to reap from!

Action Point: Take stock of your life. What have you reaped thus far? Look and see what it was that you sowed to get there. Now decide what you would like your life to look like one month, one year, and one decade from now. Then begin today to sow to that which will produce your desired results!



3. The Last Word...

This week's Last Word is a follow-up question I received from a person who did an interview with me late last year. Now, let me warn you, my answer to the question is on the "spiritual" side, so if you feel that you might be offended, skip this week's offering and tune in the next time. If not, and now you're curious, read on. :-)

Q: Which book have you read that has had a profound impact on your life and how?

A: The book that has impacted my life the most is the Bible. It has the stories of the greatest triumphs and the greatest tragedies. It shows the human condition and the human potential. It introduces us to a man - Jesus - whose life and teachings have transformed the world and countless lives. It teaches faith, hope and love. It's teachings have driven the expansion of western culture, the building of countless millions of hospitals, schools, and orphanages to name just a few of the ways that the Bible and its teaches have changed our world. Most importantly for me, when I was a wandering young man, drifting aimlessly but in the wrong direction, it corrected my path and pointed me in the direction I continue in today. It taught me how to handle myself, my relationships, money, work, my family and my mind. It taught me how to live for others rather than for myself. It taught me how to find peace, no matter what storms may face me. -- CW




4. Just in Time for Your Graduates! The Chris Widener Success Pack!

The month of May is typically graduation time AND with so many of my recent speaking engagements being for a number of different network marketing companies... I have many new additions to my ezine subscriber list, and many of them are new to the personal development world. One of the recent questions I've been asked (quite a lot actually) is, "Chris, if I was going to purchase one package from you, what would you recommend?" Well, we here at Chris Widener put our heads together and did just that -- we created the Chris Widener Success Pack! Our customers/readers ask, we make it happen! Take a look below and take yours or someone you know to a whole new level of Success!

 

Great Gift-Giving Idea (Perfect For Graduates and Those New to Personal Development)! Just in Time for Your Graduates! The Chris Widener Success Pack PLUS Bonus CD! OPTION 1: The Chris Widener Success Pack (includes): Product 1: Paperback - NEW RELEASE! Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn & Chris Widener  Who would guess that when Michael Jones' car broke down on the side of the road that it would be the beginning of a life-changing relationship? Walking to the nearest house, Michael stumbles across a plantation style mansion on an estate named "Twelve Pillars." Charlie, the estate's caretaker, helps Michael get back on the road again and also strikes up a relationship with him - and along the way teaches Michael the secrets of success - the Twelve Pillars of Success - that have made the owner of the house, Mr. Davis, a wealthy and successful man. This new novel by Jim Rohn and Chris Widener will inspire you to take your life to the next level and beyond. It will challenge and encourage you to become the best that you can be! Here are a few of the lessons you will discover in the Twelve Pillars of Success: Live a Life of Three-Dimensional Health The Gift of Relationships Achieving Your Goals and the Proper Use of Time Surrounding Yourself with the Best People Becoming a Life-Long Learner Income Seldom Exceeds Personal Development Communication Brings the Common Ground of Understanding The World Can Always Use One More Great Leader Leaving a Legacy Absolutely OUTSTANDING!...Jim’s teachings woven into a compelling story and tied together by Chris, what a marvelous collaboration.  It prods Michael to take action on what he’s learning, and that’s certainly where I need a constant reminder/push…not to just absorb but to respond using what I’ve learned.  This would make a great graduation gift for every high school graduate.  Thanks to all who made this book possible and especially to Jim for sharing and leaving us his marvelous legacy. -- Penny   Twelve Pillars Paperback - Regular Retail $12.95   Product 2: Paperback -- The Angel Inside by Chris Widener   Special Pricing for Chris Widener's  - The Angel Inside in Paperback. Take a journey to modern day Florence, Italy where a despondent thirty year old American goes to "find himself." On the last day of his trip, a mysterious old man approaches him on a park bench and leads him on a tour of art, the life of Michelangelo, the history of the David and a deeper look at his own life. This new novel from Chris Widener will inspire you to take your life to the next level and beyond. It will encourage you and challenge you to create a life of power and beauty. Hello Chris, Thank you so very much for personally autographing the copy of the Angel Inside. I ordered for myself, it is a treasure to me. I was reading it for the second time, when I had to lend it out, and now they have fallen in love with it! -- Trish Bamford   Angel Inside Paperback - Regular Retail $12.95   Product 3: Jim Rohn's Weekend Event DVD Sampler 2 1/2 hour DVD set containing highlights from the Jim Rohn Weekend Event - the Jim Rohn Weekend Event DVD Sampler We have taken the best of each of the 12 DVDs (24 hours total) and captured it on 2 DVDs and 2 ½ hours of highlights! This is the perfect opportunity and way to share the 2004 Jim Rohn Event with your downline, staff, co-workers, friends and family. These are highlights of The Jim Rohn 2004 Weekend Event  with special guests Denis Waitley, Brian Tracy, Chris Widener, Donna Krech, Jerry Clark, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, T.C. Cummings, Vic Johnson and Robert Helms. DVD Sampler 1 of 2 1. DVD 1 Highlights 2. DVD 2 Highlights 3. DVD 3 Highlights 4. DVD 4 Highlights 5. DVD 5 Highlights 6. DVD 6 Highlights 7. Chris Widener Speaker Promo DVD Sampler 2 of 2 1. DVD 7 Highlights 2. DVD 8 Highlights 3. DVD 9 Highlights 4. DVD 10 Highlights 5. DVD 11 Highlights 6. DVD 12 Highlights 7. Denis Waitley Speaker Promo   These are highlights of The Jim Rohn Weekend Event with special guests Denis Waitley, Brian Tracy, Chris Widener, Donna Krech, Jerry Clark, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, T.C. Cummings, Vic Johnson and Robert Helms include:   Day 1 Jim Rohn - Success Equations/Personal Development  ■  Denis Waitley - Leadership in Action - How to Outthink, Outperform, Outserve and Outlast the Competition  ■  VIP Lunch - Q & A with Jim Rohn and Denis Waitley  ■  Jim Rohn - Communication and The Art of Persuasion  ■  Special Teenager Session "The Winning Generation" hosted by Denis Waitley, Jim Rohn and Chris Widener   Day 2 VIP Breakfast - Vic Johnson, "No Dream Too Big", Lessons learned from John Goddard, the "real-life Indiana Jones"  ■  TC Cummings - Overcoming Self-Imposed Limitations  ■  Donna Krech - The Victory Principle  ■  Chris Widener - Winning With Influence  ■  Brian Tracy - Getting Rich Your Way, Learn How Millions of Americans Go From Rags to Riches in One Generation, Starting with Nothing  ■  VIP Lunch - Q & A with Jim Rohn and Brian Tracy  ■  Jim Rohn - Goals Workshop, Designing the Next Ten Years  ■  Jim Rohn - Financial Independence  ■  Jim Rohn - Leadership, Touching Others' Lives   Day 3 Robert Helms - Real Equity  ■  Jerry Clark - Magic of Colors, Gain Instant Rapport with Those You Meet  ■  Charlie "Tremendous" Jones - Life is Tremendous!  ■  Speakers Roundtable - Featuring Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley, Brian Tracy, Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, Donna Krech, Jerry Clark and Vic Johnson    The Jim Rohn Weekend Leadership Event Sampler Regular Retail $49.95     Chris Widener's Success Pack Plus Bonus CD   Includes: • Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn & Chris Widener (paperback) - Retail Value: $12.95 • The Angel Inside by Chris Widener (paperback) - Retail Value: $12.95 • The Jim Rohn Weekend Leadership Event DVD Sampler - Retail Value: $49.95 Regular Retail: $75.85 Special Introductory Online Price: $24.95   Plus receive a Free Bonus CD - 10 Principles for Total Success for Teens - from Chris Widener with purchase!   To order, please visit http://chriswidener.yoursuccessstore.com or call 877-929-0439     Option 2: Add Chris Widener's Winning With Influence to the Chris Widener Success Pack!   The Secrets of the Most Successful People in the World are About to be Revealed to You! Imagine if the dream you have could actually come true. Imagine if you could transform your attitude and maintain optimism all of the time. Imagine if you could escape the life that you currently live and instead live the life of your dreams. Imagine having the respect and admiration you desire from others. Imagine if you could accomplish the things you desire. Imagine if you could make the kind of money you want. Imagine if you could develop successful relationships. Imagine yourself at the top of your profession or field. Imagine what it would be like to have no goal go unfulfilled. Imagine what it would be like to know how to stay motivated all the time! Imagine making a difference in the world around you and leaving a lasting legacy. The Winning With Influence: 12 Characteristics of Dynamic Leaders, Sales People and Top Performers This new program is based on the Keynote address that Chris Widener gives to organizations all over the world, produced solely to help you learn what the successful already know - how to earn wealth, power, recognition and influence that will change your life forever and allow you to live the life of your dreams! Topics include: Chris' Story, What is Influence, Influencing Others, Benefits of Influence, Transformational Leadership, The Power of Compounding Influence, Magnetic Influence and Leadership, Hunting and Fishing, Character and Skills, Integrity, Attitude, The Five Attitudes, Relationships, Excellence, Communications, Persuasion, Goal-Setting, Time Management, Prioritization, Self-Discipline, Self-Motivation, Decision-Making, Commitment, Self-Confidence, Charisma, G-Cubed and the Ability to Influence other People In this powerful 8 CD program, you'll discover: --How to attract people rather than repel them --The difference between "hunting" and "fishing" --How to set and achieve your goals --The key to connecting with people at the heart level rather than just the mind level --How to make a GREAT first impression --The secrets to successful relationships with the ones you love and the ones you work with --The 12 Character Traits/Skills of Top Performers --The secrets of persuasion that have lasted thousands of years and passed the test of time, originally taught by Aristotle himself! Chris Widener's Winning With Influence - 8 CD Program Regular Retail $129   Option 2: Chris Widener's Success Pack PLUS Winning With Influence and Bonus CD   Includes: • Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn & Chris Widener (paperback) - Retail Value: $12.95 • The Angel Inside by Chris Widener (paperback) - Retail Value: $12.95 • The Jim Rohn Weekend Leadership Event DVD Sampler - Retail Value: $49.95 • The Winning With Influence by Chris Widener - Retail Value: $129 Regular Retail: $204.85 Special Introductory Online Price: $67   Receive a Free Bonus CD - 10 Principles for Total Success for Teens - from Chris Widener with purchase! To order, please visit http://chriswidener.yoursuccessstore.com or call 877-929-0439

5. More Information