The Leaders Circle

The Value of Shared Thinking by Dr. John C. Maxwell

2008-08-07T10:46:00.001+08:00

I used to think that leaders liked change and followers didn't. I had this idea that leaders were out on the edge and they had a machete (parang) and they were cutting a path through the jungles of life, and they were always out in the front leading change, and the followers were way back crossing their arms singing, "I Shall Not Be Moved."

What I've learned is this--that leaders don't like change any more than followers unless it is their idea! Think about it for a moment when change does not occur in an organization, it's never a follower's problem because followers do what followers dofollowers follow. When change does not occur in the organization, it's because some of the leaders in that organization didn't like the change. And why don't leaders like the changes? Because they're always asking, "What's this going to do to me? How's this going to affect my turf?" And they say to themselves, "This could affect my turf. This could hurt me."

Followers seldom stop change because they lack influence; leaders often stop change because they have influence. The potential for change in your organization increases with participation. What you want to do is involve as many people as you possibly can in the change process. In fact, successful people know how to get shared thinking in their arena. They not only have their thinking but they know how to bring people around and say, "What do you think about this?"

A great idea just doesn't become a great idea. A great idea is a compounding effect of a lot of good ideas; it's out of the getting a lot of good ideas on the table that you get a great idea. The right kind of collaboration will drastically improve the quality of the ideas being shared. So the value of understanding shared thinking is that the more good people you bring into a room and get around the table, the higher your odds of getting great ideas.

I do this exercise all the time: Every week, I put different groups of people around a table, depending on what I'm trying to accomplish, to get their ideas on the table. I don't, however, just open up the door and say, "Okay, what do you all think?" You don't want to do that because most people don't think. You don't want to say, "Everybody tell us what you think." Ninety percent of the people don't think at all. Ninety percent of the people just look for a line that's moving and get in it!

So how do you know what kind of person to bring around the table? Listed below are ten kinds of people you want.

1. People whose greatest desire is the success of the idea.

You don't want people around the table who want to see the idea fail. You have to have people around the table who are committed to the success of the idea.

2. People who can compound another person's thought.

You want to bring people around the table who can take somebody else's thought and play off of it and tweak it and make it better.

3. People who emotionally can handle the changes of conversation.

The creative conversation is going to go left and right, and up and down. It's an emotional roller coaster, and you want someone who won't let their feelings get in the way of progress.

4. People who appreciate strengths in others where they are weak.

These are people who can complement one another. For example, where you've got one person who's a focus thinker and another person who's a creative thinker, they will have to be able to appreciate the input of the other.

5. People who recognize their place of value at the table.

They know why they're there. If they don't, you will have a problem.

6. People who place what is best for them below what is best for the team.

These people know to check their egos at the door. Subordinating your own agenda to what is best for everyone is always good.

7. People who can bring out the best thinking of those around them.

When somebody comes up with a great thought, they can probe a little and say, "Come on, go a little bit deeper here. Talk to me a little bit more. Give me some more out of this."

8. People who possess maturity, experience and success in the issue being discussed.

I want all three. I don't want maturity without success, I don't want experience without success, and I certainly don't want success without either.

9. People who take ownership and responsibility for the decisions that are made.

They have the ability to come to the table and, after there is a shared concept and idea or thought that evolves around it, they can take ownership of it.

10. People who can leave the table with a "we" attitude and not a "me" attitude.

Teamwork is essential to accomplishing great things. You always want people who are willing and able to grasp this concept on your team.

Commit to getting these ten types of people around the table in a shared thinking meeting and watch the results! -- John C. Maxwell

The story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull

2007-11-02T23:40:00.000+08:00

Always,

Wiling

Fly Free !

Want to wake up every morning to see this?

2007-10-10T20:00:00.002+08:00

Friends,

I was searching for a picture of a sunrise when I discovered this picture ....(it's my desktop wall paper now... :) )

wainscott, NY; near southampton. by Sam Javanrouh
"I know this is a very cliche photo but there are two things that make it special for me. first; this was my first visit to atlantic ocean (although it lasted less than 5 minutes). and second; it's not everyday that I'm up so early to witness the sunrise! "

You Remember?

I think you will agree that, some how the pictures brings back memories...

...of the morning you walked on the beach, you felt a slight chill in the air, it was cold, but the sunrise was mesmorizing and you continued to walk on. You could feel the sand under your feet, it felt cold and wet. And at every step, you could feel the cool sand squeeze through your toes and you looked down to see your feet sink into the sand and reappear again. Your hair was blown across your face but you didn't care if you looked messy. You didn't care even if you didn't wash your face, you just looked on at the sunrise.

In the distance you saw seagulls dancing in the air and soaking up the sun and breeze, floating and flapping at the same time. There weren't many, only a few and the sounds they made, seem to welcome you to the beach. "Hey Good Morning! Rise and Shine! A wonderful morning to you!" As you stopped for a while, you noticed the shades of color in the sky, deep blue to brilliant and awsome orange. You noticed the feather like clouds in the sky and suddenly felt so light, so relaxed, so completely free and happy, as if any minute you would be lifted off your feet from the cool sand and float in the air.

You then looked back behind you and noticed that a crowd had gathered. Your friends and family, were all looking at the same direction. Some were just sitting up mesmorized just like you. Some were frozen in their foot steps still holding two cups of hot coffee looking at this amazing new day. Some were sitting side by side, holding each other and resting their heads on each other, at a distance you could see the sparkle from their eyes as they looked on. You could tell they were in love. Far on the right, your friend was sitting by himself, and for the longest time, you gazed in his direction. Feeling strange and happy at the same time, because, it's been so long since he smiled. And he just sat ther smiling at the sunrise. It was like he understood it all...life made sense.

You turned back to witness this amazing sunrise, and ever so softly, you could almost hear someone saying to you, "What are you waiting for...? What are you waiting for...?" Over and over again, it became louder and louder as the waves crashed down on the beach and touched your toes. It was the sea. It was talking to you. And as the water climbed over your feet, you could feel a sense of release and calm, all your burdens seem to dissappear and wash away. Nothing mattered. What mattered was how you felt that instant. You felt so happy, so excited about the future, so confident that seeing a new day appear before you, you could handle anything in your path, so very peaceful and full of joy, so so good!

You sat and watched this miracle only to smile more. Because you know you could see it again tomorrow morning from your home by the sea.

"What are you waiting for...? What are you waiting for...? What are you waiting for...? " - The Sea

Always,
Wiling

Attract Beautiful Sunrises Everyday!

Negotiating for Life

2007-06-03T13:50:00.003+08:00

Why is it that circumstances or events or others seems to get the better of us?

Why can't we handle it or figure it out?

I hope that the following sharing can give some insights into our ability to, may be, better control our life.

A few weeks ago, I enrolled in a training/retreat. Prior to the training, we were given a book to read, "Mastery: The key to longterm fulfillment and success" by George Leonard, and in that book this concept of negotiation came up.

Often times we get excited about something and we start taking the necessary actions to achieve results, but as we reach home or when we are with ourselves, we some how lose the momentum and energy to carry through. Familiar isn't it?

When this happens, only the strong will have the persistence to pursue and progress. What is it that these people have that most don't, want to know?

We are all governed my a natural law called inertia. The definition of inertia is the tendency of a body to resist acceleration; the tendency of a body at rest to remain at rest. In other words, if we do not make effort to change, we won't.

Another law that governs us is homeostasis. Homeostasis is the property of both any system, especially living beings, to regulate its internal environment to maintain a stable, constant condition. So, when we feel cold, our body hair sticks up, or when we are hot, we sweat, the body is regulating itself.

The interesting thing about this is that it happens in our lives, when we seek to do something we have not done before, like reading, going to training, makeing phone calls, because it is something we don't do, that we need to take conscious effor to do, our environment whether internal or external acts on us, regulates us to stop doing it. Both inertia and homestasis is working and it goes OVER TIME! We immediately feel the pressure and STOP doing it.

Examples:

"I want to read a book, but I'm tired..."
"I want to go to training, but it's raining..."
"I want to do my business, but my family and children are nagging me..."

It is true that when this happens, those with stronger will power and courage will continue, which explains their success in life. They WANT IT BADLY and they will do whatever necessary to achieve it. And I absolutely believe that with a GREAT BIG DREAM and GOAL you will have BIGGER will power and courage. Simply put...

What would you do if you were not afraid?

So, what happens if my dream is BIG, but I still can't continue or I allow the circumstance to dictate my life?

In the book, the author George Leonard, says that to handle homeostasis or change, there are 4 steps.

1) Awareness that homeostasis is happening. This is key, for many, we avoid, fight, ignore, pretend and forget it is there. It is convienient to deal with it. So we end up taking actions such as:

"I want to read a book, but I'm tired... Aiyah! forget it lah, I'm not good at reading anyway!"
"I want to go to training, but it's raining...Shucks! I'll be all wet, I hate it when its wet!"
"I want o do my business, but my family and children are nagging me... FINE! Nag all you want, I'm going anyway!"

Does that sound familiar? When this happens, no body wins. In fact, we ultimately lose. You will not learn anything, by giving up reading, and if you focus on your business, your family will be damaged. So, 1st we must be aware that this 'tug-of-war' with ourselves and environment is actually occuring. On then can you do the next important step.

2) Negotiate. Negotiation, I feel is the most powerful leverage you can give yourself. Have you seen the movie Negotiator? When a negotiator negotiates with the hijacker, is it true that the hijacker can get all that he want's? Or is it true that the negotiator is in control? Well, to me, both the negotiator and hijacker (Environment and circumstance) are on even keel. They are equally powerful. The opposite to negotiating is compromising. When we compromise, somebody loses, ultimately, nobody wins! So, the power negotiating puts YOU in control to manage the situation. Your tiredness, the rain or the family and children are not BIGGER than you, you are EQUAL.

Now, this will bring a huge amount of relief for many people right away. Some will feel an instant realization of conifidence and personal power. Why? Well, because, for the 1st time, you will realise that you are not bound to your environment, you are free to make YOUR CHOICE! You are FREE TO DECIDE and negotiate the life you want. You are now FREE!

Enjoy this feeling of being in control.

How you you negotiate with tiredness, rain, family or children? For the environment, things that are outside your control, negotiate with yourself, create a solution that both will be happy with. Instead of reading one chapter, just read 2 pages! If you can't stop the rain, negotiate with yourself to see the value of that training and it's importance (What would you do if you were not afraid to get wet?). Negotiate with the family to make arrangements that will benefit everyone, schedule and plan ahead ("Things that are important mus never be at the mercy of things that are urgent." - Van Goethe). We can negotiate, it's our right to negotiate.

3) You will need help and that is why you will need a support group that helps you. Know that we are human beings who live with each other and are influenced by each others actions and beliefs. If you are a rock standing alone, it will be impossible for you to get support to move, unless you are among a group of rocks who are rubbing sholders with you and are also moving forward as well. You will have the motivation to move yourself.

4) Even with a support group, nothing happens without constant practice. So, we must constantly be aware about ourselvs and if homeostasis is happening and negotiate ourselves to success and persist with whatever we want to do. Practice practice and practice!

So, with these 4 steps, you will be able to handle change. And when you are excited about something and you know you really want it, all you need to do, is to NEGOTIATE FOR LIFE!

Always,

Wiling

Attract it!

Team Hoyt - World's Strongest Dad

2007-03-21T16:45:00.000+08:00

Can you imagine....

Nothing I can say.... I can now only feel.

Thank you Rick & Dick!

Always,

Wiling

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

2007-03-19T15:13:00.000+08:00

A message every adult should read, because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend) influences the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today?

~Author Unknown

From the Encourager: "If everyone received the encouragement they need to grow, Genius would flourish and we would have Abundance beyond our wildest imagination."~Michael Thomas

Never Give Up!

2007-03-13T11:43:00.000+08:00

The Mindset of Attraction

2007-02-28T16:09:00.000+08:00

If you can't find what you are looking for, the the issue could be or a possible question may be, "Are you actually looking for it?"

Some people tend to wonder around hoping that something good meets them. And in many cases they are looking for luck to happen. Luck doesn't just happen, it happens because you were prepared to recieve it.

A lot has been said about the Law of Attraction. And I firmly believe that it exists, most of what has happened to me, has been because of a conscious thought, an imagination or vision of what I want.

However, to attract, we need to know what we are looking for in order to attract it to us.

We need to be always on a look out on exactly what we want, so much so, that it becomes a habit and a lifestyle. It is like a policeman looking out to prevent crime, constantly searching for signs, patterns, trends and clues. In fact when you have made it into a habit, you will be looking for it unconsciously.

But, let's take a step back. How do we make ourselves to have this habit of searching? And more importantly, what attitude do we need to have, when we are searching?

If you look at the world from a point of view of it being a chore and tedious routine and would rather sit at home not doing much, then you wouldn't have a tendency to search for what you want. You have already cancelled all possible means of recieving or attract it. You will jusify to yourself how it is a worthless cause to go out and search, that it will be the same anyway, so why bother.

But if you look at the world from a point of view of it being exciting, fresh and new, then every event, occurance, meeting appointment, class, even if you have been there 100 times, will all seem exciting. This is because you are expecting to meet someone new, hear a new way of doing the same thing, trigger a new thought and grow.

Why? Well, each event, occurance, appointment and class builds on to itself. You are never the same person you were a minute ago. Everytime you hear something, even if it is a repeat, is now analysed by your brain in a different context. Just like layers of lava pouring over itself, the first layer cools, and then more lava is flows over it, and adds on the the height. The first few layers are the building blocks of more layers to come. And as well continue to pour new experiences and new feelings on top of existing ones, we become rich with understanding and possibility.

We are never the same person listening to the same speech, we grew a little smarter between the speeches, and the second time around, we looked at it differently, we learned and improved. Sometimes, we learn a little bit, but other times, our growth is exponential. Expect this to happen always.

So, if we go out searching. Make it a point to look at every event, appointment and occurance a gift for you to learn from. These are the marks to success that luck leaves behind for you to follow. Make every effort to be prepared to never miss one. Who know what it may bring?

I will share ways to make searching a habit in my later blogs.

Meanwhile, be excited to do the searching, that's the way to find what you want. And be prepared to recieve it too!

Always,

Wiling

"Attracting it!"

"I know, I will catch a fish!" Thinking

2007-01-28T13:03:00.000+08:00

Every wondered why we have mind blocks about certain things? Why we just don't believe we can do something?

Well, this may or may not help, but it may give you some possibilities to think about.

I recently shared with a friend about a certain mind block that he wanted to remove. You see, where I work, we are required to write new ideas up and submit them for disclosure and hopefully become accepted and recieve a US patent for them.

This friend of mine, kept saying: "I just don't have any ideas!"

So, as I discussed about this issue, it came to me that his greatest interest was fishing! So I asked this question:

"Buddy, you like fishing, right?"

"Sure do! It's really addictive!"

"So, when you go fishing, do you believe you will catch fish?"

"Of course! That's the point of fishing!"

"I see. So you have no doubt to catch a fish, right?"

"Absolutely!"

"Ok! In fact, I think you not only know you will catch a fish, you actually know about how many you will catch and further more, how big the fish will be, right?"

"Yes! I do!"

"Well, your issue with not being able to generate ideas is exactly the same! When you need to write up ideas, you have already closed up your mind to be able to generate ideas, right? But when you go fishing, you already know you will catch fish, how many and how big! But, here is a question to you: Are you gauranteed to catch fish?"

"Not really..."

"You see, it's not that you can't generate ideas, it's because you already DECIDED you can't! And for such a boring chance sport like fishing, you are able to already decide you will catch fish even before you put the hook to the water. The fundamental issue here is that you created your own mind block!"

"I understand now!"

Although this may sound trivial, it tells us a lot about what we think about. Yes, you could say that he has more interest in fishing so he has more confidence in catching fish. True. But you could argue that if you are to do something, do it 100%, that includes having the right attitude and mindset about what you are going to do. If you are going to spend 60 minutes on something, make it the BEST 60 minutes of your life. If you don't, than expect poor results. Don't wish or hope that things will come out alright. "Hope is not a good strategy" - John C. Macwell.

When you jump into the water, and you do not know how to swim. My advice?

You better start kicking and splashing, focus on swimming and nothing else. Your life is at stake! No time to think about, "I cannot swim..." or "I don't know how to swim..." Just have the right attitude, remove your mental block and SWIM!

The good news! We are already in the water and 3 feet away! So, the worse won't happen, it's all in your mind anyway!

I hope that this helps you to understand your mental block and what you have already forecasted for your life. You see, strange that, what you forecast for yourself, seems to happen. Why not forecast for brighter days, beautiful horizons, amazing sunrises, dazzling stars and soothing breezes.

YES! I know it's going to be a beautiful day today!

Always,

Wiling

Attract it!

Penang, Malaysia, Sunday, 28th Jan 2007

Discipline Weighs Ounces While Regret Weighs Tons

2006-10-22T14:49:00.000+08:00

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.

The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.

All disciplines affect each other. Mistakenly the man says, "This is the only area where I let down." Not true. Every let down affects the rest. Not to think so is naive.

Discipline is the foundation upon which all success is built.

Lack of discipline inevitably leads to failure.

Discipline has within it the potential for creating future miracles.

The best time to set up a new discipline is when the idea is strong.

One discipline always leads to another discipline.

Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion.

You don't have to change that much for it to make a great deal of difference. A few simple disciplines can have a major impact on how your life works out in the next 90 days, let alone in the next 12 months or the next 3 years.

The least lack of discipline starts to erode our self-esteem.

by Jim Rohn

Seeds of Greatness

2006-10-22T14:45:00.000+08:00

This I Believe

I believe in myself.

I believe that all people have the equal right to become all they are willing and able to become.

I believe that I am a good as anyone in the world. Although I may never be on the cover of Time or People magazine – I still have time to be one of the people who makes a really positive difference in the world.

I believe that although I may not be the best looking in the group, I'll always be looking my best in every group!

I believe in this and the next generation, and believe we'll build a better nation.

I believe that good health means more than wealth.

I believe in caring and sharing, rather than comparing.

I believe of all the people I see, still I'd rather be me!

I believe in caring and sharing, rather than comparing.

I believe of all the people I see, still I'd rather be me!

by Denis Waitley

(This excerpt was taken from Denis Waitley's The Seeds of Greatness Treasury)

Do it Anyway...

2006-10-02T00:16:00.000+08:00

I came a cross this when my wife, KC came gave me this book. I think it was really because of the nickname they (KC and her girlfriends) used to give me before. You see, I used to keep saying "Anyway"... So when I saw the book and then read the contents, I discovered that it may not have been a coincidence, but rather something that just lined up, the stars, moon and planets...

The poem below, may sound a bit far fetched and to most it may be ridiculous, but when you really think about it, it makes so much sense. Especially in a crazy world we live in. Be it any religion, faith or any belief, I think that the words and sentences in this poem ultimately means to trust your heart and never give up. I hope that it gives you the motivation to follow your heart and to be a force for good in this beautiful world.

Wiling

October 2nd 2006, Penang

ANYWAY

The Paradoxical Commandments

by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

http://www.paradoxicalcommandments.com/

How long will a flea keep jumping?

2006-09-13T21:59:00.000+08:00

How long do you think a flea will keep jumping?

Anyway, this is a pretty interesting story that we can reflect upon... Long ago, scientists put a flea in a jar and closed the lid, they saw the flea jump and hit the cover and made a 'Deng' sound. Now the flea with all it's energy kept jumping up, but everytime it would hit the cover. The flea never gave up, it kep doing it all day long, it was determined, it had energy and he was young, 'Deng, Deng, Deng ...'

Six months later, the scientists realised that there was no sound from the jar anymore. They realised that the flea had stopped hitting the cover, it was jumping lower and lower, until finally it came to a crawl on the bottom of the jar. Now the flea, disillusioned by the fact that no matter how hard it tried, it was no use, the cover was in the way. The cover prevented it from reaching its full potential.

Later, the scientists removed the cover to open the jar. The flea suddenly got to smell fresh air. To the flea it was so refreshing, it was the smell of freedom. So it did what it did best, it jumped. But amazingly, the scientist discovered that the flea was only able to jump to the rim of the jar opening and not high enough to get out. The flea had been conditioned to only jump as high as the cover, as if the cover of the jar was still there!

How does this relate to me?

Well, we too have been conditioned by different 'jars' in our life; Jar's like society, community, family, friends and work. And each jar has a different height, diameter or size. Also, each jar has different colors and shapes; which paints a different view or perception of the world for us. So, if we are in a red jar, the world may see red and if the jar is curvey, then the world may look distorted and irregular. Sometimes, it may cause us to look at the world in a narrow aspect or allows us to see things in a broader scale.

Why are some jars, colored and some curvey and some straight and clear?

Well, it may be caused by culture, belief, different values and different ways of thinking; which have been shaped by different experiences throughout our lives. Nothing wrong or right about the color or shape, just that its funny how metaphorically is makes sense.

In the beginning, we are energetic, full of life and determination to succeed and reach out goals, but when we start jumping and taking action, we found ourselves limited by the 'cover'. The cover can be anything from, a companies policy of promotion, expectations of society and family or may be worse, the limitation of our mind.

"If you think you can't, you can't..."

This is a serious cancer of the mind. When one is limited by their own mind, even when there is no more 'cover' the mind will never break free or escape.

When the cover is removed, when we see that there is something new, something refreshing, something that can help us escape out, escape the rat race or break through, we discover that we can't jump out of the jar. We discover that the conditioning of the jar and perception has prevented us from achieving our true potential. Just like the flea.

What can we do?

We need to understand that it is terribly difficult for someone who has been so long in this jar to jump out, so we need to relearn, re-educate, remind ourselves we can do more, we have no limitations and we can decide to be free. We have to start thinking we can.

"If we think you can, you can!"

It is hard work, but trust me that it is possible. And if it is possible, that simply means, YOU CAN DO IT.

You may look around and you may see people you respect, people you know who are in their personal jars for a long time. And as time goes by, the strange thing is, the jar get taller and taller, and if we do not realise this fact, we will be trapped forever in this jar. And when we finally realise that we are in a 'jar' with a 'cover' we then decide to give up, and forget about jumping and crawl instead. So, we never really achieve our dreams or even do the things that are important to us. Because what is important, may not be in the jar, it is outside the jar.

Today, look around you. Is your perception tainted a certain color? Are you looking at the world in a narrow view point or broad perspective? Is it distorted? Are you still jumping, hoping to get out of the jar? Or have you stopped jumping, stopped learning, stopped reminding yourself, YOU CAN? Think about it.

So, how long will a flea keep jumping?

For a flea, not for long. But for you, now that you know, I think you will want to keep jumping. Keep jumping, as they say:

"If you are not climbing, you are sliding." - Anthony Robbins

"Life is like running up an escalator going down, if you stop running, you will go down." - Unknown

"Life is like riding a bicycle, you fall when you stop paddling." - Lance Armstrong

To your success!

Wiling

14th September 2006, Penang

* This story is adapted from Charissa Kwan, Team Elite & 5 Million Circle Member, who shared the story of the flea in the jar during our recent intensive training. Thank you Charissa!

If Doubt Kills Us, Numbers Saves Us.

2006-08-31T00:31:00.000+08:00

When we start to loose faith in what we believe in, we start to doubt ourselves. Doubt our abilities, belief and confidence. We justify this doubt with our actions. That's why I say, doubt kills us.

It really does. When you are going to jump a distance, and you know you can do it. You hear someone say "Can or not? Are you sure?" Guess what? Do you jump? You hesitate and you stop, you start to doubt yourself.

But if you have practiced the jump so many times, you wouldn't even hesistate and jump. Practice is not a 'one time thing'. It is by the numbers. That means, you do it over and over again until you succeed and have the confidence to do it. Only through doing it many many times, can you grow this confidence.

So, "If doubt kill us, numbers saves us."

This is universal, doubt can only be removed by persistence, effort and confidence of doing it over and over again. And when we don't have the luxury of time to repeat it. Then do what I do. Find more people who have done it and leverage their belief, their commitment and their confidence as your own. They make up YOUR numbers!

"What you lack in skill, you make up in numbers." - Jim Rohn

Leaders leave no room for doubt, they are certain 100% of the time.

To your success!
Wiling

Life is Exciting!

2006-08-31T00:09:00.000+08:00

There is a link below where you will find 30 over famous quotes on fear. Fear really paralyses people and prevents people from taking the very step that will change their lives and future.

We fear because we are uncertain of the outcome. And fear of failure, fear of rejection and fear of being looked down and laughed has really stopped 95% of the population from achieving their dreams. Then, who are the other 5%? Well, they are the ones who succeed in life, those that we read about, admire, idolize and respect. Why aren't they afraid? What makes them different than the rest?

I guess, they realized that even if they were to fail, be rejected and be looked down and laughed at, that they would still see another sun rise the next day. What was the worse that could happen?

Really, what would be the worse that could happen? And could you live with it?

How about, not only living with it, but know that what you believe in and what you are doing is getting you what you truly want in life?

"At the point when you decide, fear becomes excitement. You start to build a life instead of destructing your own."

Deciding you will be successful, leaves no doubt that you won't.
Deciding is the beginning of better things to come.

And what is the decision is wrong? What then?

Well, the decision was not wrong. It was only a detour, a new chance to start in a new direction.

There are no wrong decisions, only the lack of making one.

So decide now, that life is exciting and fear is no longer an obstacle, it's has become a motivation.

To your success!
Wiling

Quotes on Fear

Where can we go with what we already know now?

2006-08-30T23:53:00.000+08:00

Got a minute? Let me ask you...

Where can we go with what we already know now?

The answer to that, is simply...

"No where that you haven't been."

I realized the importance of this from a close friend, Felix. He said that we can only produce the same results given the knowledge that we currently have. And to excel to a higher level, we need to grow beyond what we know to achieve a different, a better and a higher level of performance that exceeds our current limits and expectations.

This, although is trivial, but we often take this for granted, we know we need to read, learn and improve. We understand the necessity to do so, as they say: Learn to Earn.

The power of this statement, comes not from knowing we need to. But fearing what will happen if we don't. I couldn't imagine a day not learning something new, not improving a certain aspect of my life, not understand humanity and not progressing. I know, that there are a lot of things to learn, but if we just took a minute to learn just one thing, then it would be all worthwhile... at least for that day...

At least for that moment.

To your success!
Wiling

My Family, My Life, Enjoy!

2006-08-29T17:49:00.000+08:00

New Vantage Point

2006-06-02T15:40:00.000+08:00

Something to share...

This is a nice quote... Sometimes we think that as we progress forward in our lives achieving the results we want, our focus is on the end goal. For some of us, the goal is clear and for some there is some more definition to do. Often, after we arrive at the goal and review what we have achieved, we often measure ourselves based on that result alone.

But I feel that it is equally, if not more important to realise that, as we strive for excellence and continue along the path of perfection, we can be pleasantly surprised by the wonderful things we have learned, the amazing people we have met, the moments of inspiration that flash by and the people you have made a difference to, all of these things add spice to what we call life.

So, in other words, lets not loose sight of our goals, keep them in clear view and recognise that at each step of the way, there is a new 'view' to reflect and new moment to make a difference.

I hope this quote gives you energy and the inspiration to stretch yourself as you climb to the peak. It has for me, at this very moment, in my study room, 2 more days to Chinese New Year.

Best regards,
Wiling

Thu, 26 Jan 2006

"Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point."
Harold V Melchert

Simple Abundance

2006-06-02T15:28:00.000+08:00

What I learnt yesterday still resonates in me today. Where was I?

I was among a group of outstanding people that had come together for a purpose. And I felt so encouraged, inspired and grateful, not by what they said, but by their actions and their spirit.

As I looked into their eyes, it was not what they had with them, it was far more valuable than that.

It was what they could become!

It was someting that, as you sit by the sea and look out into the vast ocean and listen to the waves break the shore and feel the cool wind blow against your face and body, you squint to see a beautiful sunrise, and suddenly the rays of the sun like arrows radiates towards you, as if someone placed a warm blanket over you.

It felt reassuring and it went straight to the heart and stayed there.

I think everyone went home yesterday, believing that a miracle came true for them. I was there and honestly, it did. And as we departed, we knew that something powerful had happened that day.

"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are gratef! ul for, the more will be given you."
Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance

Here's something to view as you begin this week. A very different week than any other in your life. Make it great!

http://thegoodnessoflife.com/

Become the bridge and you will directly and indirectly effect many people in this world and have them be successful in their life as they achieve their dreams and leave a legacy for future generations to come.

To your success,
Wiling & KC
MADE Penang
March 6th 2006

Would'nt It Be Wonderful

2006-06-02T15:22:00.000+08:00

I'm a buddhist. But I don't think my parents decided which religion I should follow, but I have attended Sunday School, enjoyed singing Christmas carols and giving Christmas present.

So when I talk about subjects like the below quote, to me it is a higher power that humbles me, teaches me, so that I am forever grateful to know that I have so much more to learn each day.

I like this quote as I like all good quotes...

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I've used everything you gave me."

- Erma Bombeck, writer

Would'nt it be wonderful...

if each day you found that you had learnt something you didn't know?

if each day you discovered that you had more courage then you ever thought you had?

if each day you saw a brighter side of yourself you thought was in the shadows?

if each day you reached a little higher and touched a star?

if each day you raised up a heavy heart and made it shine brighter than it did before?

if each day you saw further in to the horizone and you saw your goal?

if each day you held on tighter to a dream you longed for?

if each day you embraced something new and applied it for good cause?

if each day you touched someones heart by sharing your own?

if each day you cried a happy tear of joy?

if each day you felt like you were on top of the world?

if each day you opened up your life to allow all the goodness to enter?

if each day you created a new beginning and watched it grow into greatness?

if each day you lived like you never lived before?

if each day you only looked at the good things in life and celebrated it?

if each day you gave everything you had and know that you would do it again tomorrow?

if each day you made a difference?

It would be a wonderful day!

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good n! ews is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!"
- Anne Frank
1929-1945, Jewish Refugee and Diarist

Happy Monday!

To your success!
Wiling Tan

March 20th, 2006

How do you find gold?

2006-06-02T15:17:00.000+08:00

I came home tonight after a BOM session. It was a good session. When I came in the door, I asked my mother who was sitting on the sofa with father this question.

Wiling: "How do you find gold?"
Mother: "By sifting through tons of earth and using water to wash it out."
Wiling: "That's how we find Executives."

We laughed.

Then my father told me this story that he heard way back in his universitiy days in NanYang University (1960's)

Father:
"There was this lecturer that decided to give a special talk on how to always remember what you studied. So everyone in the university came to listen, there were so many people at the talk that it was packed. Everyone wanted to know how to remember what they had studied. This was also because there was an exam coming up soon. So the lecturer gave his talk and it was 2 hours long. The subject was about how the brain worked as he was a biologist.

At the end of the talk, all the students were wondering why he hadn't mentioned the main topic "How to remember what you studied." As the lecturer walked down the podium and was about to leave, the now anxious students shouted for him to tell them how to remember what they had studied.

The lecturer turned around and asked the student: How many words do you want to remember? The student replied: 100 words. The lecture explained that a typical person can remember 10% of what they studied. So he said: 'Study 1000 words!'. Then another student angrily shouted: 'I need to remember 1000 words for my exam!' The lecturer calmly said: 'then study 10,000 words.' "

As you can see, this applies perfectly to our business of sifting through the earth to find gold. If we want 12 Execs, we sift 12 tons of earth, that is on average 1 ton yields 1 exec.

So if you find yourself in a situation where you want to enrol 100 people, then talk and share with 1000 people. This is the nature of the business.

Some may say that this is just luck, but always remember that luck favours those who are prepared. To get more luck and to improve your efficiency/odds, come to training, read & listen, duplicate leaders to improve your skills.

As Jim Rohn once said:
Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better,
Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills,
Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.

The funny thing about this story from my father is, he has never told me about this story before and on hindsight it is so applicable to our business.

We need to continuosly remind ourselves to keep planting the FFG seeds, to keep talking and sharing until we achieve our goal.

"It's the constant and determined effort that breaks down all resistance, sweeps away all obstacles."

- Claude M. Bristol, 1891-1951, Author of "The Magic of Believing"

“The secret of success is constancy of purpose.”

- Benjamin Disraeli

"Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did."

- Newt Gingrich (Politician, Author, Academic)

To your success,
Wiling Tan

April 6th' 2006

A Little Nut

2006-06-02T15:10:00.000+08:00

How will you hold your ground?

What roots will we need to grow, how deep. I'm sure you remember that even solid rock or concrete, cannot stop roots from cracking them open.

And after that, imagine how beautiful this tree will be in the sun, in the wind and in your mind.

Imagine your success, every detail of it, every feeling you get.... in your mind.

There is no better place to practice recieving your reward or desired result, than in you mind.

And what your mind believes, it will achieve.
And that's a fact!

By Wiling

Wed, 3 Aug 2005

"The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. "

Author Unknown (Thank you)

A River

2006-06-02T15:08:00.000+08:00

But, if the river did cut through rock with it's power,

the edges of the rock would be course and unrefined.

While with persistence, a river smooths over the edges and polishes the rock,

creating beauty and elegance.

Change does takes time, but the decision to change only takes a blink of an eye to make.

Decide.

To your success!
Wiling
Mon, 17 Oct 2005

"A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence. "
Jim Watkins

Think Big and your Mind will Catch Up!

2006-06-02T15:03:00.000+08:00

Our mind is a very powerful thing.
It's goal is to preserve your safety, and therefore it's safety.

It will tell you shut up when you want to say something.
So it doesn't get embarrased!

It will tell you to slow down when you want to go fast.
So it doesn't fall down and get bruised!

It will tell you that you are tired when you want to take action.
So it doesn't have to anything!

It will convince you to remain at status quo, when you want to change.
So it doesn't have to change!

It will remind you that you have limitations when you want to break free.
So it doesn't have to take anymore risk!

It will tell you to close your eys and mind when you really want to see.
So it doesn't have to learn new things.. again!

So, how can we stop our mind from controlling us?

Our mind is a very powerful thing.
If however, you decide to go fast, do your task, change, break free and see...

Just Do It!

Because after you have DECIDED, your mind has no choice but to do it.

It too wants to feel good, accomplished and powerful.

It can only get it by achieving more than it has.

Your mind will then be your greatest coach!

In fact, your mind was never out of your control,
You gave it control...

It's time to take it back!

Think Big and your Mind will Catch Up!

To your success!
Wiling Tan

This quote (below) speaks towards this truth.

"Lack and limitation can only exist when we make room for them in our mind."
Bob Proctor

Be Grateful To Everyone

2006-06-02T14:57:00.000+08:00

Be Thankful.

Sometimes we are all too familiar with the people around us that we are quick to discover weaknesses and short comings, this is not a healthy thing. It leads to comparison and degeneration of relationships and negativitism.

We must see strengths and appreciate them. And even if, what we see is negative, it is also a positive when you look at it in a different way.

Learning to look at things in a positive note, is really attaining a sense of enlightenment and happiness.

"Do not trivialise and take for granted being Positive.

Negativity, like a virus, is not selective, it kills all."

Here is a great learning from Buddhism, although some of you are of different religion, I think it touches all of us as humans and what we take for granted.

by Wiling Tan

11/11/2005

------------------------------------------------------------------

BE GRATEFUL TO EVERYONE

Everybody is creating a space for you to be transformed -- even those who think they are obstructing you, even those whom you think are enemies. Your friends, your enemies, good people and bad people, favorable circumstances, unfavorable circumstances -- all together they are creating the context in which you can be transformed and become a buddha. Be grateful to all.

A man once came and spat on Buddha, on his face. Of course his disciples were enraged. His closest disciple, Ananda, said to him, "This is too much!" He was red-hot with anger. He said to Buddha, "Just give me permission so that I can show this man what he has done."

Buddha wiped his face and said to the man, "Thank you, sir. You created a context in which I could see whether I can still be angry or not. And I am not, and I am tremendously happy. And also you created a context for Ananda: now he can see that he can still be angry. Many thanks, we are so grateful! Once in a while, please, you are invited to come. Whenever you have the urge to spit on somebody, you can come to us."

It was such a shock to the man, he could not believe his ears, what was happening. He had come expecting that he would anger Buddha. He had failed. The whole night he could not sleep, he tossed and turned and could not sleep. Continuously the idea haunted him -- his spitting on the Buddha, one of the most insulting things, and Buddha remaining as calm and quiet as he had been before, as if nothing had happened, wiping his face and saying to him, "Thank you, sir. And whenever you have this desire to spit on somebody, please come to us."

He remembered it again and again. That face, that calm and quiet face, those compassionate eyes. And when he had said thank you, it had not been just a formality, he was really grateful. His whole being was saying that he was grateful, his whole atmosphere was grateful. Just as he could see that Ananda was red-hot with anger, Buddha was so cool, so loving, so compassionate. He could not forgive himself now, what had he done? Spitting on that man -- a man like Buddha!

Early the next morning he rushed back, fell down at the feet of Buddha, and said, "Forgive me, sir. I could not sleep the whole night."

Buddha said, "Forget all about it. There is no need to ask forgiveness for something which has already passed. So much water has gone down the Ganges." Buddha was sitting on the bank of the Ganges under a tree. He showed the man, "Look, each moment so much water is flowing down! Twenty-four hours have passed -- why are you carrying it, something which is no longer existential? Forget all about it." And I cannot forgive you, because in the first place I was not angry with you. If I had been angry, I could have forgiven you. If you really need forgiveness, ask Ananda. Fall at his feet -- he will enjoy it!"

Be grateful to everyone. To those who have helped, to those who have hindered, to those who have been indifferent. Be grateful to all, because all together they are creating the context in which buddhas are born, in which you can become a buddha, a Christ consciousness.

~Osho (Forwarded by a Friend, BS Ang)

The General

2006-06-02T12:01:00.000+08:00

The general who is able to persuade his forces that there is victory, even where there seems to be defeat, is one who will inspire them to fight against apparently impossible odds. They will, indeed, never suffer defeat, but will fight on until annihilated by capture or death. The secret of success even in the more pacific engagements of life lies in this principle — to be undaunted in ardour, in spite of failure; to recognise in failure a step towards ultimate success. Let a man be possessed with these, and victory is within his grasp, whether he recognises it or not.

- H. E. E. Hayes, "“Mohammed, The Prophet of Islam”"

My best, andrew

Quotations by Sportsman

2006-05-28T17:17:00.000+08:00

This weeks quotations:

-----------------------------------------------

In the end, its extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more that that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don't win, how can you lose?

- Jesse Owens

. . . .

I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

- Michael Jordan