Chris Widener's Ezine
October 19, 2005
Issue 25

Welcome!

I had the opportunity to visit a tremendous resort several weeks ago when I was asked to give a speech to a large group of executives. The place was Kohler Resort in Kohler, Wisconsin. It is the only Five Star resort in the Midwest and was originally built by the Kohler family of faucet fame. I spoke right after a friend of mine, Dr. John C. Maxwell.

One of the things that struck me was that this group was from a very blue collar industry. I speak to all sorts of groups, including educators, high tech, white collar, blue collar etc, and the ideas of influence are important in every single situation. Every person needs to learn how to master the art of influence if they are going to be successful in this old world of ours.

Have you ever asked yourself what kind of influence you have? Think about it in two ways:

1. How deep is the influence that you have with the people you already know?
2. How wide is your sphere of influence?

These two questions help you decide both how wide and how deep your influence is. To the degree that you grow in your own personal transformation, you will be able to take your influence both deeper and wider – and that will grow your business and career, as well as your personal relationships!

You Are Made for Success!
Chris Widener

In This Issue.......

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article
2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary
3. The Last Word...
4. 12 Pillars of Success...
5. More Information

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article

Keeping Your Attitude Up When Circumstances Are Down by Chris Widener

"Instead of spending your time thinking about how bad things are, think about how good they will be!"

Everyone knows that a positive attitude is key to the successful life. But what happens when things go wrong? What happens when circumstances deal us a blow? We have a tendency to let our attitudes take the dive along with our state of affairs. Life deals us setbacks, both minor and major, on a regular basis, but if we are going to be successful, we need to know how to deal with them and keep our attitudes intact! We need practical tools to help us understand how we can go about keeping our attitude up, when the circumstances are down. Here are some thoughts to help us do so:

Take some time-out. I'm sure you are aware of what happens. You are going about your day and everything seems to be going well, when out of nowhere disaster strikes. All of your best-laid plans begin to tumble. Sometimes circumstances surprise us and we react. Unfortunately, this often compounds the problem because by reacting we tend to operate out of our weaknesses instead of our strengths. We make decisions that are not well thought out. We function with a bad attitude that says, "I can't believe this is happening!"

The next time circumstances turn against you, take some time to just step back from the problem and think. This will enable you to deal with the issue at hand rationally, instead of emotionally. It will allow you to put your state of mind back into its proper place. It gives you the opportunity to choose your attitude as you face the circumstances at hand. Remember that we don't have to do something right now. Go grab a cup of coffee and relax little bit. By doing this you function with you being in control and not the circumstances.

Keep your eye on the goal. A second step in keeping our attitude in the proper place is to make sure we keep the important things important. One of the biggest problems with trouble is that it gets your focus off of where it should be. When I experience difficult circumstances and people ask me how it is going, I tell them, "I am just keeping my eye on the goal." It has always been fascinating to me that when racecar drivers get into trouble, they keep their eyes straight ahead and do not move them away. There is just too much chance of wrecking that way. Instead, their eyes are on the goal, and this keeps them out of trouble. If you find yourself getting down about circumstances, sit down and write out what the goal is. Give some thought to how you can achieve that goal or others you may have.

A man was asked how he was doing and he responded, "Pretty well, under the circumstances." The other man asked, "What are you doing under the circumstances?" Good question. We shouldn't be under the circumstances we should be focused on the goal and moving forward.

Focus on solutions, not problems. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, the old saying goes. Negative circumstances don't sit idly by. They scream for our attention. When we face difficult circumstances, we tend to dwell on them. We talk about them, fret about them, and give them way too much attention. Instead of talking about problems, talk about solutions. Instead of spending your time thinking about how bad things are, think about how good they will be! Don't have family or staff meetings about the problems and how big they are. Have meetings on the solutions and how you will implement them. Don't let yourself or other team members complain. Encourage them to solve, with an emphasis on the positive results that will come from doing so. Then take some time to put these solutions down on paper, so you can monitor your progress.

Get some positive input. The mind tends to build on itself, so when we begin to go in one direction, i.e. worry, it can be a slippery slope. One thing we must do is get our thoughts back on track with positive ideas. When circumstances have got you against the emotional wall, get with a good friend who can encourage you. Listen to a tape by Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar or another motivational speaker. Pick up a good book and give it a read. Whatever external influence you can get to put your attitude back on the positive side of the tracks - do it! It must be one of our first goals to start plugging good things into our minds to fuel our attitudes.

Tell yourself the good. One of the greatest internal powers we have is the power to control our thoughts. Spend time dwelling on the good things about your life or job instead of the problems. Think about positive things, things you enjoy and give you a sense of happiness and peace. There is an old childhood song that says, "Count your blessings, name them one by one." That is great advice! Let your positive attitude develop from within as well as from without. This makes all the difference!

Some questions as we close:

     Q. Do you have a habit of reflection before responding?
     Q. Do you have a habit of keeping your eye on the goal?
     Q. Do you focus on solutions or problems?
     Q. Do you give yourself positive outside influence?
     Q. Do you have a habit of telling yourself the good?
     Q. Do you remind yourself that nothing is forever?

Remember that circumstances are not forever. Sometimes it seems like we are going to be up to our eyeballs in the situation forever, when in reality, this too shall pass. There will be a time in the future when circumstances will change and you will be on the mountain instead of the valley. This will give you a sense of hope as you live and work that will change your attitude, make you feel better and put you on the fast track for growth!

Chris Widener


Chris Widener is an internationally recognized speaker, author and radio host. If you are interested in booking him to speak at your next event, please go to http://www.chriswidener.com or send an email to speaker@chriswidener.com or call 877-929-0439 and ask for Hilary



2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." -- Hannah More

Chris' Commentary:
Every person who desires to succeed should keep his or her eye on the goal. But every person who wants to be a success, indeed every person period, will stumble into obstacles along the way. What makes the difference between those for whom the obstacle becomes a stop sign and those who run right over the obstacle? It isn't the size of the obstacle - it is the view of the goal! Don't get caught up in the obstacle - get caught up in the goal! Yes, deal with the obstacle, but keep your eye on where you are going. Let your heart be encouraged by what you will get to, not discouraged by where you are at.

Action Point: First, remind yourself of your goal again. See it in your mind's eye. Now think of that obstacle. Now imagine yourself throwing that obstacle into a large canyon. It is gone, at least mentally. Now for the rest of the day, continually remind yourself of how great it will be when you reach your goal!



3. The Last Word...

This week's Last Word offering is a question I hear so often in my speaking travels and by email, although this gentleman was asking for his specific situation, I thought the principles apply to all those wishing to become a public speaker. Having said that, we'll jump right in.

Q: I'm a Mexican citizen, bilingual & interested in becoming a Public Speaker as you are, but would like to do it in the Latin speaking market, I have been inspired by many of the different American speakers as you, Zig, Brian, Anthony, etc... Do you think at this point of time there is any possibility for me to become a speaker like you in the Spanic market & if so what would you recomend me to do, what resources should I look for to start my career. My back ground is: I'm a reader & attended several Zig's & Brian Tracy's seminars, currently studing for batchelor degree in Nutrition, 46 Years old, Mexican Citizen partially living in the US. Thank you!
-- H. De La Rosa

A: Great question... Speaking is an interesting business and one that has people who have come from many different backgrounds so there isn't a "one way to do it" approach. Some are former athletes, some are successful business people, some are TV celebrities, some have been consultants, some have been ministers, some have worked for the large seminar businesses.... and on and on. You get the point! The key is to have a few of the basics:

Be successful. Whatever you are doing now, succeed at it.
Be passionate. Set your goal on becoming a speaker and don't give up.
Network. Get to know lots of people who can help you get out speaking.
Speak for free as much as possible.
Write. Get to be known as an expert in an area so people call and ask you to come speak.
Read "Money Talks" by Alan Weiss.
Join the National Speakers Association.
Develop a good one page over view of who you are, what you speak about, and references from your past clients.

Keep working on all of these together, and with hard work and a little luck (luck = when preparation meets opportunity), you will achieve your dream of becoming a full-time speaker.

Hope this helps! -- CW

 

4. 12 Pillars of Success...

As many of you know, I have been a contributing writer for the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan from day one (including hosting the Monthly Conference Calls). It is the single best One-Year program I have encountered. Please see the special offer below. Thanks! Chris

P.S. Click the link below to go to The Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan webpage and view a 5 minute description from me detailing the complete program.

5. More Information