Powerful Ideas for an Extraordinary Life

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91

Make it one of your goals to develop a dynamic, charismatic personality. Such a

quality is something each one of us has the potential to develop but few do.

President Kennedy was a sickly youth but rose above his physical problems to be

the most charismatic and exciting political figure in the history of the United

States. Start off small. Take a Dale Carnegie course on public speaking. Go to

the library where you will find books on the fine art of conversation and

personal grooming. Learn three clean and witty jokes and get in the habit of

socializing. You will have fun and build a lasting network of friends and

associates.

 

92

On the subject of conversation, a Chinese proverb states as follows: " a single

conversation across the table with a wise man is worth a month's study of

books. " Seek out the wise and learn from them. They are just waiting for that

small spark of interest to tell you all that you need to know.

 

93

Lao-Tzu prized three essential qualities for a person of greatness: " the first

is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me

from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and

you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a

leader among men. "

 

94

" When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of

action you should take - choose the bolder, " said W. J. Slim. There is no

substitute for courage and though the chance of stubbing your toe increases the

more you walk, it is always better than going nowhere by standing still. Take

chances, take smart risks and you will meet with success beyond your dreams.

 

95

Become your spouse's number one supporter, the one who is always there

supporting and fueling hopes and dreams. Develop together and march confidently

through the world as an army of two.

 

96

Think of three people who can provide you with inspiration, motivation and

support for your goals and aspirations. Plan to meet with each one of them over

the next few weeks. Listen enthusiastically to them and brainstorm with them.

Map out a strategy and take their wise counsel.

 

97

Make every one of your days a true masterpiece. Remember the old saying: " it's

not who you think you are that holds you back but what you think you're not. "

 

98

Just as valuable energy is wasted by spending time on activities that are of no

value, energy can be wasted on loose thinking. Imagine that your mind has an

energy measure of 1000 watts at its disposal. Each time your mind wanders off

the project at hand, to a nagging worry, to all the things to do by the end of

the day, 100 watts is lost. Quite soon the entire energy supply is gone. This is

the nature of the mind. Fail to discipline it and your energy levels will be

depleted and your accomplishments will be minimal. Control it and you will see

great things happening. You will feel more powerful and achieve difficult tasks

with ease. The 19th century philosopher Henri Frederic Amiel summed it up

nicely: " for purposes of action, nothing is more useful than narrowness of

thought combined with energy of will. "

 

99

It has been rightly said that " you sow an action, you reap a habit. You sow a

habit, you reap a character. You sow a character, you reap a destiny. " The

essence of a person is his character - make yours unique, unblemished and

strong. Do not say you will do anything unless you will indeed do it. Speak the

truth and measure your words wisely. Be humble, straightforward and peaceful.

 

100

Remember the overriding law of nature: positive overcomes the negative.

 

By Robin Sharma

 

to be continued...