Quote: What's Now Got To Do With It?

“The future depends on what we do in the present.” -Ghandi

What Really Matters While Your Alive?

               There'll be two dates on your tombstone, and all your friends will read 'em, 

But all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em... - Kevin Welch

Priceless Cartoon About Maturity

What could a mountain of Goats teach us about Maturing?

I don't know, but this cartoon has both and it does it well...

The most hilarious thing is if you happen to know Goats like those at the bottom of the mountain...

It's funny for a second...

Until you realize, they never seem to make it to the top.

Then it's just sad...

But, I guess they must like it there if they stay.

Feel the Fear and Dive Into Your Dreams Anyway!

wallpaperweb.org

I'm signed up to get these daily motivational emails

and sometimes I just love what they say! 

This one I just had to share:

"When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth. 

So what the hell, leap."

 ~ Cynthia Heimel ~

Playwright, Television Writer, and Author

Fun Friday Post: Think Positive

Fun Mario made of cans, MyspaceGraphics.com

Success comes in can's, failure come's in can'ts

-Author Unknown

Fly With This Fun Friday Quote

lolgallery.com

Minds are like parachutes.

They only function when they are open.
- James Dewar

One Simple Quote

In lieu of this week's Y.I.

I thought I'd tip my hat to the Donald one more time:

'As long as you're going to be thinking anyway, 

think big.' 

-Donald Trump

6 Reasons Y.I. Admire Donald Trump

I love Donald Trump.

No, not like I love my husband, my kids, or my coffee, but I really do like him. 

Most people don't seem to, and I'm not sure if it's because he has so much money, because he lost so much money, or because his hair is really, well, Donald.

Personally, I don't care about his money or his hair.

I learned a long time ago that life is too short to live it for others. I also learned that we were given one life to live and it's our right to do with it as we please. Donald inspires people to look ahead, forgive yourself, learn from mistakes and keep moving forward no matter what, because that's how you win.

Here are 6 Reasons Y.I. Admire Donald:

1. He has the ability to admit defeat
2. He has the humility to share his lessons learned
3. He has the tenacity to get what he wants (hey, you only live once)
4. He uses a no no nonsense/common sense approach to business and life
5. He seems to abide by an: 'I'm not here to please the world' attitude when living life (hence the hair still) 
6. He always has the courage to move on after disaster and mistakes

"Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war." ~ Donald Trump

How to Be Mindful in the New Year

Ah, a new year 

and a clean slate.

I think everyone looks forward to this time of year, when we all get an opportunity to wipe out the last twelve months and start fresh. On January 1st I almost feel as if someone has breathed new life into me. My lungs are open, my eyes are focused and my body is full of energy. 

What is it about the first day of the New Year that makes us feel this way?

Is it because we now have a new list of things we are hopeful for? Is it that we can associate the new year with a new date, and so now we're able to leave the past behind us? Is it because the New Year really does promise us something special?

It's interesting that we think tomorrow into a different day than it was today...make ourselves believe we will be different than we were yesterday, just because the date changed.

Our minds are very powerful things.

Our mind is strong enough to make us do what I just mentioned and just about anything else we think about. But yet our brains can also discourage us enough to actually procrastinate and fail.

Our brain can be our best friend or our worst enemy.

And oddly enough, we have control over which one it is.

Ever hear these quotes: 

"Don't believe everything you think" or "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right"?

A profound book that goes into more detail on this subject is, 'Think & Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill. 

It may sound as if the title suggests the only reason you ought to read it is because you want money. 

Well not entirely, because quoting from his first chapter:

Thoughts are Things:"The object of this book is to help all who seek it to learn the art of changing their minds from failure consciousness to success consciousness."

In the book, he describes how powerful the mind is and if we harness that knowledge, and power, we can succeed at anything. 

Or fail at anything. 

Towards the end of that chapter Hill makes this statement,  'we are the masters of our fate..." and that our brains become magnetized with the dominating thoughts which we hold in our minds...."

In his book, he describes things like:

•  Auto-suggestion and it's power over your success
•  The 31 major causes of failure
•  How decision plays a large part in your wealth

So, if you are looking at your New Year in a positive light, and are only expecting good things, you most presumably will have them. But, if you cannot envision happiness and success, determine whether or not your mind is on your side.

If it's not, tell your brain to get on board and check these out!

Amazon Books: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

LA Times: Does Your Brain Have A Mind of It's Own?

What Difference Does the Mind Make?

Good luck with your New Year's Goals and Resolutions-

 You can do anything you put your mind to!

Visit Y. I. on Wednesday to see which One Word I chose for 2012! 

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I'm Addicted to Motivational Quotes

 I try my best to be a positive person, but I can't always get there on my own.
Motivational quotes are always to the point and are quick easy pick me ups that can be posted anywhere!

That is Y.I. rely on motivational quotes!

Here's where I like to find the best motivational quotes:

Thinkexist.com

The bookstore (their journals have quotes and magnets and mugs)
Bits & Pieces (periodical found at 'motivateandinspire.com'
Some of my favorite books have great quotes

Where I post motivational quotes:

on my computer at work

on my car visor

on my desk

on my mirror

on my cell phone

on my computer at home

on my refrigerator

on my wall in the bathroom
on the kids bathroom door (good reading material)

on my shoe

(Just kidding about that last one, but I do love to post them everywhere!)

Where I have the most motivational quotes: 

On my refrigerator

Two of my favorite motivational quotes:

'"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right."-Henry Ford

"Just when the caterpillar thought his life was over, he became a butterfly."-Proverb

What's your favorite motivation quote?

A Lesson on Attitude

One of my favorite books of all time is:

See you at the top by Zig Ziglar.

Amazon.com Zig Ziglar

Here is a simple and straightforward quote from Zig:

'Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.'

Watch this  motivational video from Zig Ziglar

Sharing an Inspirational Blog Post

I follow a blog called Better Life Coaching and the other day the author posted a very simple story that I would like to share with you.

Better Life Coaching (a story about adversity).

Please share your thoughts with Darren on this, I am sure he'd appreciate it.

Truly,

Amber

Opportunity Knocked

'You got your opportunity for a reason, so you must be doing something right. 

Don't ever forget that. ~ Gary Kubiak

I Can't Do It All

Everyone's different and I figure that if I can't motivate you, maybe these people will.

My mission is to help those who want it...no matter how I do that.

So, check these links out and see if anything strikes your fancy...or lights a fire under your bottom;)

http://www.persistenceunlimited.com/2007/07/the-top-50-blogs-that-will-unleash-your-motivation/

Truly,

Amber

One Size Does Not Fit All

One size does not fit all when it comes to motivation. 

I like to think that I motivate people, but who knows, maybe I don't.

For example, maybe it takes spending time around the elderly that lead some people to maximize their time on earth.

Others might be frozen in fear by it and maybe even depressed.

Maybe visiting countries which are less fortunate than us can cause someone  to want to help, but might drive others to be fearful for themselves and inspire greed.

I read a book last year called ‘The Last Lecture’.  

It motivated me. 

It did not push me to become someone I’m not and it did not inspire me to run a marathon either….but it did change the way that I think.

I was inspired to be appreciative for the dreams that I have achieved, be happy for the time I do have and for the blessings that are bestowed upon me…

Rather than…

Be disappointed by what I do not have, did not get and have not accomplished.

Randy Pausch’s book moved me; his wife Jai moved me. 

The story made me think the opposite of the way I used to think. 

Instead of dwelling daily on the things I’d not done and how long it took me to do the things that I had, I began to feel blessed for the things I’d accomplished and I started to realize how much time I still  have left…and not to waste a minute of it.

 

It afforded me patience to be myself now, enjoy the positive memories of the past and look forward to the future….no matter how slow it developed in my own eyes.

Here is another story that changed my thinking:

Erin Crossin Grenon’s Road to Recovery Blog

http://egrenon.blogspot.com/2011/06/tuesday-june-7th-update.html

Erin motivates me, her husband Dustyn moves me. Their story makes me realize how careful we must be with our lives, our words, our motives. And how strong we must be during tragedies and how we should always be grateful for the air we breathe and the people who love us. 

The undenying strength and unconditional love that Erin’s husband and family have for her; the ability to see past today…which isn’t lovely, to a future that will someday, hopefully, be close to normal.

Here are two other links that I like to read:

I just love this post from  May 26^th on Better Life Coaching:

http://betterlifecoaching.wordpress.com/2011/05/26/dont-press-the-snooze-button/

Rowdy Kittens:

http://rowdykittens.com/2011/06/kindness/ 

Reminds me how beautiful life is when I move out the stuff in my life. It makes me appreciate lthe things that really matter like nature and people... and that learning to live with less is practical and peaceful.

Visit these blogs, not just because I told you to, but because reading stories are the best way to gain another perspective.

We all need it sometimes to change our thinking and light a fire underneath us to change.

Truly,

Amber

Get Motivated Now!

A Bill Cosby says, 'Get up! Do It!'

Last week I attended the Get Motivated Conference in downtown Cleveland and it was amazing!

I am a self help guru for sure and I imagine that most people who attended the seminar are similar to me; I can’t get enough of absorbing motivational feedback. We could all use a little pep talk now and then– no matter what stage we are at in life and no matter what we are trying to accomplish.

Truth be told, we cannot do it alone either. That is why there are things like this event to go to where people, who started out just like you and I share what they learned along the way…likewise there are books and audio tapes, TV Shows like Oprah and the Biggest Loser to encourage us.

During the conference I had an opportunity to hear from several different people about what they thought I should know. I would like to share some of what I got out of it.

Twelve Things I Learned From Get Motivated:

1)      Your Drive Determines Your Destiny

2)      We All Have Amazing Ideas (But most of us do nothing with them)

3)      Don’t Be a Victim! (Quit Waiting to Be Rescued.  

4)      Do Right  (Do everything to the best of your ability and always show people you care)

5)      You have 2 Choices in Life: Stay down or pick yourself up

6)      Don’t Let People Who Don’t Care About You Ruin Your Day-Lou Holtz

7)      Take Risks (You may regret what you do, but you will surely regret what you don’t do more.)

8)      In Life You Need a Plan: If you don’t have one, you are merely a Fan (not a Player in the game of life)

9)      God Puts People on The Planet for You to Bless Them

10)   Invest as Much into Your Mind As You Do In Your Car Yearly

11)   Have Goals!

12)  You are Rich Without Fame, Fortune and Stuff (I knew this already but wanted to share it;)

5 Questions to ask yourself:

1)      If you didn’t go to work tomorrow, didn’t come home who would miss you? Think about how special you are

2)      What are your goals?

3)      Who is your role model?

4)      Do you see opportunity?

5)      Are we creating a sense of disruption around us from fears and insecurities?

Something to tell yourself: Winners are not whiners.

 Truly,

Amber

AIM HIGH...

 Failure is not the crime - low aim is.

-John Wooden

Does Motivation Work? - Not Always...

Some people say that motivation is unsuccessful. Claiming it’s just a bunch of  pep-rally, mumbo jumbo.

There are people who think ‘The Secret’ has something to do with Voo-doo and that Tony Robbins is taking too much speed.

I personally do not believe these two statements, but I do think motivational tools can be useless.

Because no one can make you do something…

You know that saying, ‘you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink it’?

Well, people need to want to be motivated,  for them to actually do something more than they are today.

Without desire, motivation is nothing. (It’s a whisper. It won't move you.)

I am attending the Get Motivated Conference in downtown Cleveland today and I have been looking forward to this for a while.

I have been to several events like this one and the one that stands out in my mind the most is actually a Tony Robbins seminar. 

I am hoping that I am as inspired and energized and the power in the room today is as amazing!

It won’t be Tony, but there will some amazing speakers with tons of experiences to share (both successes and failures). There will also be thousands of enthusiastic people coming together for the same reasons- they are looking for motivation. They WANT it.

They would like an extra spark of thought and creativity. A re-lighting of their fire.

Most people looking to be inspired are already on a journey...they just need a little push.

Inspiration and motivation kind of work like bumper cars.

They come along just bump you a  foot or two forward.

You were already on the road you wanted to be on, and it has and always will be your own, but a little motivation just helps get you there faster.

It doesn't matter who you are, what you do or how much drive you have already, we are all human, and could use an extra hand now and again; to keep us going.

'Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal-a commitment to excellence-that will enable you to attain the success you seek.'
    - Mario Andretti

Truly,

Amber

What's Inspiring Me This Week

I am inspired by reading books, especially those written by leaders.

The most recent leadership book I started reading is ‘The Mentor Leader’ by Tony Dungy. 

Tony Dungy was the first NFL head coach to defeat all 32 NFL teams and he was the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl, just to name a couple.

He is the author of two other motivational books and two children's books.

In this book so far, Tony is discussing the difference between a Mentor Leaders and  a typical leader.

He talks about how the focus and goals of the Mentor Leader are quite different from other leaders and I  already admire Mentor Leaders because I can respect them.

Mentor Leaders are team players who lead by mentoring and by lifting everyone up around them.
They pay more attention to the people than they do the bottom line.

From what I understand, a Mentor Leader wants everyone they come in contact with to be better and stronger, and successful at reaching their goals.

Wow, what a week this will be...
I am reading this fantastic book and then I attending the Motivational Conference in Cleveland this Wednesday! I don’t think I will be able to sleep for months after this!
(I remember what it was like attending a Tony Robbins event.I received enough energy to last me for years….I think this week might be have the same results and I could really use it!)

I will keep you posted on what I learn at the conference and what else I gain from Tony’s book!

(If you have not visited Tony Dungy’s Blog – I have it listed on my Family Matters Blog - So check it out!)

 'People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing-that's why we recommend it daily.'-Zig Ziglar

Here is a link to Amazon to review ‘The Mentor Leader’: 

http://www.amazon.com/Mentor-Leader-Secrets-Building-Consistently/dp/141433804X

Here's  Tony Dungy's website link:

http://www.coachdungy.com/

If you are interested in attending the Motivational Conference on Wednesday, May 11^th 2011, click here:

https://www.getmotivated.com/city.aspx?a=5300

If you can't make it to Cleveland for Wednesday’s Conference? Click here for other dates/locations:

http://www.getmotivated.com/

Truly,

Amber

MOTIVATIONAL MAGAZINE Contest!

If you've been visiting Yellow Inspiration it's obvious you value motivation and personal growth.

It's also apparent that you appreciate those little positive morsels each day which help inspire you to keep going.

So do I! 

There‘s a mini-book that I like to read. It's called Bits & Pieces and it’s full of motivational quotes and inspiring stories.

If you love a positive tidbit now and again to help...

·         Remind you to keep your chin up

·         Remind you to stop and smell the roses

·         Remind you that it isn’t as bad as it seems

·         Inspire you to ‘go for your dreams’

…You should be reading this!

 I first started reading Bits & Pieces in 1998.

And each time I read something from it, it made my day!!

This publication is available in small monthly paperbacks. 

 And.....

  

 I love it so much I'm running a contest so I can share it with YOU!

Starting April 13, 2011 and going until May 12, 2011, the reader with the most comments on Yellow Inspiration WINS A FULL 12 month subscription to the Bits & Pieces Magazine!

Contest Rules:

You cannot be a member of my family (for obvious reasons)

Comments must be made between 12:00 am, April 13th and 11:59 pm on May 12th.

The winner will get their own twelve month subscription to Bits & Pieces Magazine mailed to them monthly!

The winner will be posted on Yellow Inspiration

Friday, May 13^th!

Happy Commenting and Good Luck!

'Don't let anything keep you from struggling and seeking to be a decent, striving human being. It is where you are headed not where you are from that will determine where you end up.' 

  - Marian Wright Edelman (Founder of the Children's Defense Fund)

                        (A quote in an issue of Bits & Pieces Magazine)

Truly,

Amber