EIG NEWSLETTER
Volume 4, Number 6 November - December, 2004 Issue
Personal Greetings and Welcome to the latest issue of the Empowerment International Group Newsletter and a special welcome to all our new subscribers worldwide.
LET ME ASK YOU A QUESTION?
What would you do if you could do anything you wanted, if you knew there was no risk factor, if you knew there would be no rejection, sacrifice, setbacks or failure……Close your eyes, think about it for a minute or two and dream big!!!!!!!
Now let me ask you another question, what is stopping you from doing the things you want to do in life? I understand that some people would say not everything is possible or realistic. To this I am reminded of a late colleague of mine, Art Burg who would say “The impossible just takes a little bit longer.” What separates the high achiever from the average achiever is the belief that anything is possible. High achievers are dreamers, visionary thinkers. They know that rejection, risk and even failure are all part and parcel in the game of life. They are resilient, disciplined, do not take rejection personally and they have an unequivocal belief in themselves and their ability that is indestructible.
I was recently at my young son Daniel’s school and there was a big sign on the classroom wall that said: “What do you want to be when you grow up.” All the kids had written their dreams and thoughts on the wall. It was quite an eye opener to see these young kids, the future of our planet having wonderful dreams and aspirations. For some reason too many people stop dreaming once they have grown up, once the kid inside them has moved on to be an adult with all the responsibilities that brings…and that is really sad.
Once we grow up it does not mean we should cease to dream.
On the contrary the people who do not let that kid inside them die are the ones
who succeed and achieve great things. We are coming up to a new year in a
couple of months. Don’t wait till
For more ideas on setting and achieving your goals please go to Chapter 3, Page 47 of my recently published book “Success is Not a Spectator Sport: How To Take Action and Achieve More”, which I am honored to say is on it’s way to becoming a Canadian Best Seller after only five months in print, it is available at my website at www.cmarcus.com or on www.amazon.com and now is available throughout Canada at Chapters/Indigo Stores and at www.chapters.ca
You can also call us Toll-Free (in US or
Have a terrific few months.
To Your Success
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SIX CHARACTERISTICS FOR ACHIEVING PEAK PERFORMANCE
We hear a lot today about being your best, taking care of business, achieving success, performing at your peak. What we don't always hear is what it takes to sustain peak performance.
Peak Performance is a commitment to your physical/mental/spiritual being and to your personal growth and development at all times. Peak performance, in my opinion it is not something you can switch on and off; it is what you commit to and strive for always. It is not just about business and achieving goals. It is also about balance between work and family, friends and fitness. Finding the right combination for each of us is personal, but I will share with you 6 Characteristics that have worked for me along the way.
1. Look after your health/diet and exercise. This is one so many of us take for granted. I know I did for so many years. The sad but true reality is if we don't have good health, the rest does not really matter because the other steps of peak performance will not fall in place and we will not have an opportunity to enjoy the rewards.
· See your doctor on a regular basis. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to share personal details. I know for some of us it is uncomfortable at times, but don't mess around if something is bothering you. Case in point, I went recently for a colon cancer examination, not the greatest test to have to go through, if you have had one you will know what I mean, but the peace of mind afterwards was worth a day of discomfort..
· Watch your diet. Educate yourself on eating right. There are lots of wonderful books out there on the subject, or go and see a qualified dietician if you like. Drink lots of water as well, 6-8 glasses a
day at least. You will feel better and healthier for it and for those of you watching your weight, it will definitely take those hunger pains away in the afternoon and late at night.
· Exercise moderately. I have a treadmill in my basement, for years it just sat there and collected dust, now I use it 3-4 times a week for 30-40 minutes, which fits in with my lifestyle and schedule. Do what is right for you. Join a health club, walk, swim, play tennis, golf. Exercising in moderation is wonderful not only for the body but also for the mind.
2. Discipline yourself to get up one hour earlier, or if you can't do that, strive for even 30 minutes earlier than you do now and invest that time in yourself. I know that is not easy, we all lead such demanding lives and have family obligations. MAKE that time! Trust me, try it for 30 days, you will be glad you did. I started this discipline in 1986, after a successful course I went on to overcome my stuttering disability. I had to find the time for doing my speech exercises to keep my fluency. Do I succeed every single day in doing this, now especially with a young family? Not always, but I do as often as I can. I always feel better for it. There is something about rising early. Maybe it is the tranquility, the piece of mind, watching the sun rise, hearing the birds sing, taking that first cup of fresh coffee or fruit juice and focusing on the day ahead.
3. Challenge yourself to learn. Peak Performers constantly challenge themselves in many areas. They regularly read books, listen to motivational or business tapes to stay up to date. They are not afraid to be wrong. They are inquisitive and ask lots of questions. They spend less time watching television, and more time educating themselves.
4. Plan for peak performance. Peak Performers maximize their time. They prioritize, set goals for themselves, analyze their performance, and constantly ask for feedback. They go the extra mile and are single minded in their pursuit of excellence and success. They work hard, but they also work smart and they save and spend quality time with their family and loved ones. Life/Balance sometimes gets lost with people who are obsessive about success, but I believe it is essential for sustaining peak performance.
5. Take quality time off. I know it is
not always possible for us to take regular vacations for one reason or another,
but at the very least, take a mini vacation, even a day off devoted solely to
something other than work or business. Take a walk in the park or woods near
you, smell that fresh air. Take your children or nieces or nephews to the
zoo. Treat yourself every now and then, it does not have to be grand and
elaborate, use your imagination. For example, take yourself to your favorite
restaurant. I love to go and explore the great
multi-cultural neighborhoods of my home city of
6. Be comfortable with yourself. Peak Performers are comfortable with who they are. They know that things will not always go their way, they know that life is not always easy, and they know that there will be sacrifices to be made. The bottom line is that people who succeed in the business of life know this. They surround themselves with a support system to help them, and they are comfortable enough with who they are to know that ultimately they will get to where they want to be and they know what it takes to stay there.
WE ARE ALL IN THE BUSINESS OF SALES
With the exception
of the people with the word sales in their title, most people I speak to would
vehemently say they are not in sales. I would strongly disagree with that, and
advise these people to reconsider their response. Let me explain. I believe
that we have all been in sales since the time we asked (
cajoled, nagged, or convinced) our parents for that first ice cream cone
when we were a kid.
Sales
is about influencing
someone to consider and follow our recommendation. As children, when we tried
to convince our parents to buy us that candy that was bad for our teeth. When
we pleaded to mum and dad to buy that bicycle that would be really cool to
have. Today it is designer trainers or video games. Get the picture? As
parents, sometimes our biggest sales job is with our children, although our
power base is a little different.
I profess that as
teenagers and adults we are all still in sales no matter what profession we
work in. We are constantly trying to influence someone else. Don’t we have to promote
ourselves to get that raise we want? Don’t we have to negotiate to get that
better deal on that new car, a new appliance, or mortgage or loan? Aren’t we
looking for the best deal we can get for ourselves and our family? Have I sold
you yet? We are all in sales, maybe not always in the conventional way, but
just the same, sales is sales.
Some words of advise for the salesperson in all of us: the number one rule of sales is to ask for what you want. The worst somebody can say to you is NO, and remember that the word no is just another request for more relevant information!!
“Tough Times do not last but tough people do”! Dr Robert Schuler
“The harder you work, the more you give, the luckier
you become” Charles Marcus
“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance”
Vidal Sassoon
RECOMMENDED
The Fred Factor by Mark
Sanborn
This book is a real gem. It is small book, but
filled with many pearls of wisdom. I read this book in one sitting. It took me
a couple of hours, but I could not put it down, it was that good. Author and
Speaker Mark Sanborn recounts the true story of Fred,
the mail carrier who passionately loves his job and truly cares about the
people he serves. This book is right on the money and explains how passion in
your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. No wonder this
book is a best seller. You can also visit Mark’s content rich and interesting
website at www.marksanborn.com
Psychology Of The Hero Soul by Sharif
N. Khan
The
author Sharif Khan had done extensive research and in
combining studies in psychology, human potential, philosophy, spirituality, mythology,
and the dramatic arts. He has put a book together that makes you step back,
think and evaluate your thoughts and your life. This book is for anyone who
wants to embark on the hero’s journey, take examples from many of the world’s
most enlightened leaders and who wants to reach their full potential. You can
also visit the author’s website at www.herosoul.com
Movie to Rent: “The House of Sand and Fog”
My
good friend John Alston recommended this movie to me, it is not a new movie but
will be available on video or dvd
at your favorite movie rental store. Be
warned though, this is a very powerful and emotionally charged movie, not a
feel-good one. It is not for the faint hearted. Based on the book of the same
name by Andre Dubus III, the story really shows the
twists and turns of life and how life can change in an instant. It also reminds
us how not to take our loved ones for granted and to cherish them at every
opportunity. I was deeply moved and touched by this movie. It affected me
deeply and made me very emotional afterwards which is unusual for me. It will
definitely get you thinking about your life. It can be a little heavy going at
times but stick with, it is worth it. The acting of Ben Kingsley is extraordinary
as is the supporting cast. Please let me know your thoughts after seeing the
movie, both positive or negative, I would be truly interested. E-mail me please
at info@cmarcus.com
To
order Charles’ new impactful book, Success is Not a Spectator Sport, please visit his website: www.cmarcus.com/onlinestore.htm
or call toll-free in
And
for our subscribers in the
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Charles Marcus is a success strategist, motivational keynote speaker and seminar leader. He works internationally with corporations, trade associations and companies that want to motivate and inspire excellence in their people and maximize performance potential. To Book Charles for your future convention, sales meeting, retreat, customer appreciation day or important event, or for more information on Charles and his presentations, please contact him personally at:
Telephone: 416-490-6744 or Toll-Free in
Fax: 416-490-6344
OR YOU CAN BOOK CHARLES DIRECTLY THROUGH YOUR FAVORITE SPEAKER BUREAU WORLDWIDE
Email: charles@cmarcus.com
Website: www.cmarcus.com
Bureau Friendly Website: www.charlesmarcus.net
New Topics include:
- Success Is Not a Spectator Sport: The Keynote Address
- Success Is Not a Spectator Sport: The Seminar/Workshop
Charles is also available for telephone consultations and for personal coaching. For further information on how these services can work for you, please contact him directly.
Copyright 2004 Charles M. Marcus: All rights worldwide reserved
Permission is granted to reproduce this newsletter in whole or in part provided the following byline below appears along with the article and that a copy is sent to me after publication. Thank you: To check previous issues for publication, please go to www.cmarcus.com and click on articles/newsletters.
Charles Marcus is an international motivational speaker. To
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An electronic copy will be sent out to you every two months. For more
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