Keeping Track of Your Stockmarket Investments

Once you start building a share portfolio or trading in the stock market, it’s vital that you maintain good records of all your transactions.

STEX Investor Software provides you with specific tools to record and manage your investments effectively. It is an Australian product, attuned to Australian conditions, including our taxation laws, and is sold and services by Melbourne based STEX Investor Software.

Using software specifically designed to deal with the stock market makes things easier that developing a spreadsheet or using general accounting software, It simply takes the click of a mouse to bring up the relevant form to enter details of any transaction. STEX then proceeds automatically to transform the data into several different types of reports, the most important being those that you or your accountant will need for income tax purposes. Such a report covers all your sales with their capital gain or loss for the year and an income report showing all moneys received during the year.

Among other reports, the software will tell you how well each stock in your portfolio is performing over any period you nominate, the value and cost of your holdings at any given date, valuation by industry and unrealised capital gains showing your profit and loss for any shares held if you were to sell them on a particular date.

If you wish to track the market through graphs (known as technical analysis), as well as understanding the fundamentals of a company’s balance sheet and annual report, you may wish to acquire the user-friendly STEX charting 8.

Learning how to use the software is not difficult. It is supplied with easy to understand help files and a manual written in layperson’s terms. You can always contact STEX office in Melbourne and talk to someone direct for no extra cost during business hours and send an email. You will enjoy talking to a real person who works with the company and is not part of a call centre! More information is available from the STEX website at www.stex.com.au

Some Lessons From Geese

Business owners are constantly bombarded with information from a wide variety of organisations offering way to make more sales, save money, improve the bottom line and make their business more successful.

This interesting piece from Saatchi and Saatchi advertising (New Zealand) is reproduced with their permission. It offers timely principles that we can all apply in our own business t produce better outcomes. And the principles come from an intriguing source... none other than one of nature’s feathered species...geese!

These lessons will become increasingly relevant as we fly into the turbulent skies characterised by the impact of global warming, water management, workplace reform and the constancy of change.

Here are the five lessons from our feathered friends.

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent extra flying range.

Lesson 1:
People who share a sense of teamwork and co-operation can help each other get where they are going more easily because they are travelling on the trust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back to take advantage of lifting power of the birds in front.

Lesson 2:
If we have as much sense as geese, we stay information with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
When the lead goose tires, it drops back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson 3:
It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. We should respect and protect each other’s unique arrangement of skills, capabilities, talents and resources.
The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.

Lesson 4:
We need to make sure our honking is encouragement. In groups where there is encouragement, production is much greater. Individual empowerment results from quality honking.
When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.
Lesson 5:
If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

New Kids on Stock

While we all strive for independence during our lifetime, students in Tasmania now have a first-rate opportunity to obtain a head start. New Kids on the Stock is a dynamic new program that we have developed for delivery in schools. It aims to help students develop an appreciation of the basic skills and principles from the world of investing. The stock market is a major focus. Separate programs are offered for primary and secondary schools.

The experience of so many people throughout their schooling is that they receive very little opportunity to master money management and investment skills. This was so clearly evident in feedback from the scores of stock market workshops that we have delivered around Australia. Adult participants in these workshops would continually remark, “if only I has known this 20 years ago.” This situation is only just starting to change(refer to website http://www.understandingmoney.gov.au/) in recognition of the fact that skills formation and knowledge in this area will form the basis of one’s life skills in later years.

It is natural for students to question constantly why they are required to learn a specific maths technique or formula. Too often, they bemoan the fact that they will never have cause to use it in the future. In our program, we tackle this frustration head on by skilfully linking their numeracy skills to practical everyday stock market situations. Students quickly recognise why they need a particular numeracy skill and it is then so refreshing to see the positive impact that this has on their whole learning experience.

Major themes covered in the course include an introduction to the world of business, business basics, the concepts of investment and risk, buying and selling shares on the stock market, picking successful companies to invest in, managing a share portfolio and making sense of the financial pages of a newspaper.

The program features a range of relevant learning resources, including a number of interactive exercises. Teaching sessions provide a combination of small group work and individual learning tasks for students to gain increased confidence and competence in applying varied problem solving strategies to a range of stock market scenarios. Basic investment jargon is introduced as part of the learning experience, but is not used routinely in delivery of the program.

The prime aim is to create a fun learning environment in which the world of investment and the stock market are seen as a natural extension of everyday living. Wealth creation is discussed in a holistic way, not merely in relation to assets and money.

Professional fees associated with program delivery and arrangements to schedule the program into the curriculum of a school are a matter of negotiation. We are flexible and keen to customise the program to meet the requirements of each school.

Want to know more about this dynamic program and arrange for its introduction at the school attended by your children or grandchildren? Then contact us for a detailed flyer, using any of the media on the back page of this newsletter. We would be pleased to enter into discussions with the Principal and staff of any school in the state, without obligation.

The Mortgage Situation in Real Estate

With the property market boom still abundant, a lot of people are finding it tough getting by with loan repayments and the cost of everyday living. There are a growing number of people that are struggling to get by in the current climate, something that seems absurd given the state of resources at the moment. Mortgage repayments it seems are not just restricted to lower income families, with many middle income earners also feeling the pinch. There is however a lot of options available out there that can help, usually in the form of

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Here is a great article from MacDonald Business Group owner, Malcom MacDonald, getting down to business...

One of my favourite pastimes, regardless of the time of year, is to walk along a beach. I did so recently on the south-east coast of Tasmania.

It stood out like a beacon.

As I stopped to inhale the salty sea air, I looked up to the cliffs towering above me and there it was. I t stood out like a beacon in brilliant gold against the dark cliff face.
I smiled and marvelled at the sight before me... a flowering plant miraculously growing in what seemed to be hardly any soil on a jagged ledge, buffeted by the winds.

Blooming where it had been planted.

Despite its harsh conditions, this plant was blooming where it had been planted.
I reflected on a few moments on how it might have become established there. The seed could perhaps have been dropped by a seabird or blown to its resting place by the winds which swirled around the cliffs. Whatever its origins, this plant has only survives but thrived against all odds. It was indeed a beautiful creation. One can only feel inspired and stand in awe over discoveries like this.

This sturdy little plant has lessons for us all.

As I continued my walk along the shore, I could not erase the vision of that sturdy little plant from my mind. Only days earlier, I had followed my established practise ad completed my business plan for 2007 and committed to writing my personal goals for the year ahead. The parallels with that little plant were not lost on me.

The start of a new year is a time for looking forward, but it is also a good time to look back, reflect and take stock. What can you learn from the last 12 months? What would you do differently> How do you respond when life throws you a curve? How can you bloom where you are planted in 2007?

Just like that little plant, each of us has a choice when challenges, harsh conditions, and setbacks hit us. We can either dig in with determination, persistence and belief in one’s self, remain steadfast in the pursuit of our goals and bloom, or wallow in our self pity, query why this is happening to me, give up and allow the events or harsh conditions to claim victory. It’s about attitude, what we’re made of, out values, counting our blessings whatever the circumstances and seeing the possibilities that are all around us.

How to Bloom where you planted in 2007

Each of us has a unique opportunity to bloom where we are planted. Just like that flowering plant, the following principles can act as a beacon for you and me in the year ahead:

Strive to do the very best job you can, whatever your vocation or the nature of your business.

Focus and gain a sense of purpose and direction in your life by putting your goals in writing and monitoring your progress.

Determine what really is important in your life – family, business, sport, church, friends, hobby etc. Then ensure that you uphold these values as you pursue your goals.

Read something inspirational everyday, put your goals where you can see them an associate them with people who display a positive attitude.

Be a source of encouragement to those in the workplace and those in your life, especially when you detect that they are down in spirit.
Filter out negative thoughts in the same way you deal with weeds in your garden. Replace them with the flowers of positive thinking and you will be well on the way to blooming where you are planted.

The WaterShed Retreat

With all the reports and innuendos in the news about Ben Cousins and his substance abuse I thought I would mention The Watershed Retreat drug rehab. The Watershed is based in Texas and offers numerous programs for alcohol and drug addiction. They offer a range of programs to help both men and women. Such programs include; 12-Step Involvement, Dependency Education, Detoxification Services and Family therapy.

To make the experience more enjoyable they offer a range of activities which encourage the patients to be able to have fun without the need of having to take a substance. Some activities run at the retreat are: Trips to local parks & bowling,
Attendance at local 12 Step sponsored events, Ping Pong, Exercise Equipment (i.e. Stairmaster, stationary bicycle) and Cards.

Life's Little Instruction Book

Life's Little Instruction Book

Remember that just the moment you say, "I give up!", someone else seeing the same situation is saying, "My, what a great opportunity!"

Never give anybody a fondue set or anything painted avocado green.

Carry your own alarm when travelling as hotel wake-up calls are sometimes unreliable.

Take along a small gift for the host when you are a dinner guest. A book is a good choice.

Source: H. Jackson Brown, Jr Life's Little Instruction Book

Beattie preferred to Mansfield

Just got this email in. Lucky really as I was just about to book my flights, send an email to our Sydney database to announce my trip and a series of seminars and workshops for next Monday and Tuesday, to be run around an in house training session with the McCarthy Group.

I am informing you of our final decision to retract the offer for your company to provide in-house training on Tuesday 27th March.

We will not be proceeding with the payment of your invoice.
Regards

Mark Harry / Senior Associate & Business Development Manager
M c C A R T H Y G R O U P
P : +61 2 9687 3601F : +61 2 9687 3610
www.mccarthygroup.com.au
Building 2, Suite 2.01, 35 Waterloo Road MACQUARIE PARK NSW 2113

No explanation... no warning...

However, when pressed to why the change of heart... I was informed that after a Google search of Wayne Mansfield which shows thousand of listings for my fight with authorities and anti-spam activists about email marketing, The McCarthy Group couldn't be seen to be associated with the first person fined under Australia's Spam Act, even though the session was to be how to use the telephone better.

Strange that the many scandals of Queensland politics, as recorded by many news stories in the last few years, doesn't seem to have the same effect with McCarthy Groups website happily showing the founder with Peter Beattie. Then again, maybe some funds coming from the Queensland Government might influence that... no, that couldn't be true.

Or perhaps they have heard that telephone selling is going to be legislated against and what they are now doing will become illegal, and maybe, as in our case, it will be made retrospectively illegal.

Help With Search Engine Marketing

With the whole Web 2 revolution currently underlying every business venture on the internet these days, its important to understand the best ways to get your webpage properly indexed within an internet search engine. Google, being the most prominant engine currently on the internet, is probably the best way to start, but setting up your website or blog correctly is always up for interpretation.

Trying to find the best way to combat this, I came across the Apogee Search Blog, a blogsite that discusses and provides help for all manner of methods of search engine marketing , Pay Per Click Advertising, and Affiliate Marketing amongst other topics.

Of particular interest to me in this blog is correctly indexing my webpages within Google. Something I realised I have been doing incorrectly for some time, and now know the correct procedure.

- Liam Webb

Time Management Tips

Here are a few Time Management Tips to help you achieve more in 2007, courtesy of Dr. Donald E. Wetmore of The Productivity Institute, Stratford, USA


Donald writes: I have accumulated some of the most offbeat Time Management tips for you to get twice as much done. I know you'll get a chuckle or two from them.

• Don't buy an address book and fill it out. Instead, get a copy of the white pages from your local telephone company and cross out the names you don't need.
  
• Support cloning.
  
• Watch the television program "60 Minutes" in half an hour.
  
• Always use twice as much grass seed as the directions call for and
  grow twice the grass.
  
• Always order a double martini.
  
• Use a large scrub brush to brush your teeth.
  
• Shower for twice as much time on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and you can skip Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  
• Catch two colds at a time and take only half the sick days.
  
• Go to bed dressed, ready to start your next day.
  
• Keep one eye closed during the day and you'll only have to sleep half as much time.
  
• Have twins.
  
• Ski downhill twice as fast as you are used to and get it over with in half the time.
  
• Buy Double-Mint gum.
  
• Only go out on a double date.
  
• Listen to your politicians and learn how to be better at double talk.
  
• At the beach, roll across the sand and tan your front and back at the same time.
  
• When angry, slam the door twice so you won't have to do it the next
  time you get angry.
  
• Only look at every other word and read twice as fast.
  
• I know cookies should be baked at 350 degrees, but try cooking them at 700 degrees in half the time.
  
• Pack twice as much as you need when travelling.
  
• Play your CD's and DVD's in the Fast Forward mode.
  
• Eat your dessert while eating your main course.
  
• When writing, always use both hands at the same time.
  
• Have a double set of speakers for your sound system and you will listen to twice as much.
  
• On rainy days, leave the umbrella home and then you can skip your shower the next day.
  
• If you are a golfer, hit two balls at the same time.
  
• When you make a big mistake, be sure to have two excuses why you goofed, to get you out of trouble twice as fast.
  
• At a birthday party, leave off singing the second half of the "Happy Birthday" song.
  
• Fish with two rods.
  
• Cut off half the buttons on your shirts and blouses and you will be able to button what's left in half the time.
  
• Dig a hole with two shovels.
  
• Use two bars of soap when you wash and get it done in half the time.
  
• Always wear a sweater so you don't have to spend time looking for one when you really need one.
  

Cool Clips

If you thought YouTube was great at posting funny and interesting clips then you should defiantly check out cool video clips. Cool Video Clips gathers all the funny and interesting clips from YouTube PLUS 300 other video posting sites and gathers them into one site for easy viewing.

I'm addicted to YouTube, I browse it at every chance I can get but I am sick of going through the boring clips to find a slightly humourous one. With Cool Clips I find them all to be funny and all at my finger tips.

Fun Fact

Did you know... the author of Mary Poppins was an Aussie! P. L Travers was born Helen Lyndon Goff in Maryborough Queensland in 1899. Pamela lived in Britain from 1924 to her death in 1996.

What Family Members Need to Know...

I'm currently studying Pyschology and Addiction studies at University, I read an article which I found really interesting on Family Members and what they need to know about Alcohol addiction. I thought I would share this with you.

Alcohol Addiction destroys the lives of people and their families every day. Addiction changes a person.

It motivates the addict to speak and act in a manner not their own; to say hurtful and deceitful words that they do not mean and do not know how to take back.

Addiction compels and manipulates mentalities into monstrous forms. Attitudes become brittle and emotions frayed. Situations can turn violent. People are hurt.

It is impossible to understand the grip of alcohol addiction until one has experienced it. One can empathize or relate; become better educated on the topic; but until one lives through it, the picture can never be truly clear on "why." Families often ask why the addict is acting the way they are; why do they say those horrible things; why do they cheat, steal, and lie?.....The answer is simple. It is the alcohol that is making them do those things.

In some the addiction has become so strong that the user can not live without the alcohol, and would not if they had a choice. They have come to the point in their alcohol addiction when every time they drink something horrible happens. It is like flipping a switch. Like Dr.Jekyl and Mr. Hyde it literally transforms them into monsters.

Witnessing this type of transformation can be very trying and confusing for a family member. There are important things to keep in mind when dealing with one who has succumbed to alcohol addiction. There is no blame.

It does not help to point fingers in aimless directions when trying to solve the problem. It is not the fault of the addict or the loved one's. It is an accumulation of extremely bad choices and behaviors of usually everyone involved.

It is also essential to not ignore the problem. There are those who consider alcohol, because of its legality and social acceptance, not to be what it is; a drug that is quite dangerous and should only be used in moderation. They are under the misconception that as long as the loved one is not participating in illegal activities then nothing is wrong. Obviously this is not the case when it comes to addiction. Everything becomes wrong.

Alcohol should not be taken lightly. The situation should not be ignored. Sometimes it can be painful; shameful, to admit that there is, what some consider to be a weakness in the family. It should not be looked at as such. Alcohol addiction can affect anyone, anytime, and anyplace.

Another misconception that family members might have is that the abuse is one of choice, and that the addict has simply decided to lose all sanity, morality, and compassion with regards to their loved ones. This is not true. In all addiction there comes a point when a line is crossed and the addict is no longer in control of their actions. The craving for alcohol becomes overwhelming and everything else is meaningless. An addiction of this caliber requires treatment, as it is unlikely that the addict will recover on his own.

You can find more information at the drug rehab site.

Life's Little Instruction Book

Never give your credit card number over the phone if you didn't place the call.

Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, love something, and has lost something.

Take along two big safety pins when you travel so that you can pin the drapes shut in your hotel room.

Source: H. Jackson Brown, Jr Life's Little Instruction Book

The Great Summer Footwear Apparel

Although summer has drawn to a close for another year, and we are well on our way into autumn, I still find the need for my thongs. Comfortable, no need to worry about shoes or socks, and great for when you just have to drive down to the shops. Especially handy is when I head down to the river or the beach in my reef flip flops, providing me with a practicle and comfortable alternative to wearing shoes.

- Liam Webb

The Pace of the World

"The world is so fast that there are days when the person who says it can't be done is interrupted by the person who is doing it."

- Unknown

Finally Reliable Dedicated Hosting

Recently I've been searching for new hosting servers as part of expanding business. Usually when searching for these types of offers, I'm looking for companies that can provide me with solid customer service and support, a reliable and stable network, as well as a competitive cost that is beneficially for all parties. I then found DMG Dedicated Servers, a company based out of Grand Rapids and has been active for almost three years now. They operate their own datacentre and the primary Tier 1 provider is AT&T. But the thing that caught my interest with this company was their dedication to their customers, something poorly lacking with a lot of other providers I have used in the past.

A Religious Experience

With Easter fast approaching, aside from the commercialised aspect of the whole holiday, it also got me thinking of the religious meaning and message that most of us tend to forget. I'm guilty of doing this throughout the year, but try to make an effort around these important times in the Christian calander.

While at my local parish for Christmas celebrations last year, I came across
Abbey Press, an interesting catalgoue of inspirational and religious products. This provides caring help to thousands of caring organisations, and is prehaps my way of becoming more actively involved in religion.

The Real Meaning of Life

Waking up early one morning in a hotel room. Walking down the hall, through some doors, down more steps. Then realizing that you can run away right now and never be found again. Feeling truly free. Adam E. Heller

Source: David Seaman the real meaning of life

Property in Bulgaria

I'm going away on holiday soon to Bulgaria, Europe on the Black Sea coast. I thought I would share with you where I am staying.

My apartment is in Kavarna, the best area of the Black sea coast. It's beautiful I have full sea views.

property in Bulgaria is where I found my holiday home - It's great and your not restricted to the Black Sea, it offers places all over Bulgaria - you can even go skiing if that's more your thing.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Champions keep playing
until they get it right."

Billie Jean King

First female athlete to earn $100,000 in one year

Single Mums!!

My friends mum is single and has been unlucky in love for a while now, she told me about a new site that she has been browsing trying to meet someone. Its a site dedicated to single parents so already that's out in the open - you don't have to work 'kids' into a conversation. Single Dads is a great site for single mums who either want a new friendship or looking for love.

Life's Little Instruction Book

Ask someone to pick up your mail and daily paper when you're out of town. Those are the first two things potential burglars look for.

Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.

Source: H. Jackson Brown, Jr Life's Little Instruction Book

Fun Fact

Did you realise that that since the Lego Group began manufacturing blocks in 1949, more than 189 BILLION pieces in 2000 different shapes have been produced.

This is enough for about 30 Lego pieces for every living person on earth.

How many have you got??

I haven't got any at all so someone has more then their share!!

Digital Flowers

New York flower delivery is a website I use to send flowers to my family in America on birthdays and special occasions. It is really hard to find an Australian company who sends international via the net. I have also sent gift baskets through this site. They offer a range of gifts to select form whether it is a gift basket or a small teddy and even chocolates. With the BIG costs involved to send them a present from Australia and to make sure it arrives on time I find this site easy and hassle free.

Dave Berry

Dave's Musings - Sixteen Things That it Took Me 50 Years to Learn

You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight-saving.

You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

The most powerful force in the universe is gossip.

The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.

There comes a time that when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'.

People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be 'meetings'.

The main accomplishment of almost all organised protests is to annoy people who are not in them.

If there really is a God who created the entire universe with all of its glories, and He decides to deliver a message to humanity, he WILL NOT use, as His messenger, a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle.

You should not confuse your career with your life.

A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.

No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.

When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.

Your friends love you, always.

Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

Artisans Market

Oh my goodness I have stumbled across such a great site sell your art online . I am always making jewellery in my spare time and selling them at the local market but it is such a hassle! This site is great for me to sell my art on! You’re not restricted to what forms of art you sell as well! You can load up jewellery, paintings, furniture - Anything really you have made! It's fantastic. People have even designed pet accessories to buy!!! It’s an easy site to navigate around as well. I have bought some great gifts of this site! You can tell I'm excited! I can list my products to sell and use that money to purchase great items for myself
.

The Starfish Story... worth retelling

Way back in 2002 I included The Starfish Story in the Maverick Spirit. I found it uplifting during the time of trouble and strife that we find ourselves in.. especially if you listen to the evening news, read the daily newspapers or share stories with "other miserable souls."

So, here is the story of the Starfish adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley 1907 - 1977

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

So, can I encourage you to take the time to do something that will make difference to someone else's life... and it doesn't have to be much and they don't need to know. Just take a moment, do something special... the universe will know and that's enough.

Active Sandals

The most comfortable item of footwear I own would be my reef sandals. I live in my sandals, whether its to go to the beach or to the shops, so comfort is a must. I used to always buy the cheap thongs every summer for wear and tear but then I came across reef sandals. Reef Sandals are so comfortable and affordable. There are so many different types I can but so the options are endless. I just wish winter wasn't so wet that I could wear them all year round.

Bruce's Aussie Dictionary

BOOMERANG As we all know, boomerangs are traditional Aboriginal weapons that - if thrown properly - come back to the thrower. Because of this trait, Aussies use the word to describe somethin' on loan.

BOTTLER This is a name you call somethin' that's really admirable.

BREKKIE Breakfast.

BUCKLEY'S I'm not sure who Buckley was, but he was obviously pretty unlucky. Buckley's is a situation where there is very little chance of success.

BUGGERLUGS What you call someone when you're jokin' around - like you're pretendin' to be annoyed.

BURL Another word for try.

Source: Explaining Finding Nemo to the World by Ben Mellonie

Chase Your Passion, Not Your Pension

One of the people who's words have influenced me is Denis Waitley. I can remember going to his seminar in Perth over 20 years ago and coming away inspired by his thoughts and passion. So, today I am sharing with you some thoughts from Denis's latest newsletter: Chase your Passion.

Denis writes:
"Two of life's greatest tragedies are: Never to have had a great mission in life, and to have fully reached it so there is no challenge remaining.Are you going where you want to go, doing what you want to do, and becoming who you want to become? These are the questions we must ask ourselves. Set some quiet time aside after you have finished this program and see the two you's in the mirror of your mind:

1. There is the reflection of the person you are today.
2. There is the image of who you will be in the future.

Looking at my own life, I am incredibly different in many respects from the person I was ten years ago.As you reflect on your past and anticipate the future, understand that virtually nothing you have experienced has been wasted. It all blends together into wisdom and knowledge, and creates your own unique brand of cultural diversity.

Action Idea: In your professional life, what is most important for you to achieve in the remainder of career? In your personal life, what is most important for you to achieve in the remainder of your life? Find a close friend or associate you trust and network with often, and challenge each other to continuously strive to reach these objectives. As you consider your mission in life, you may want to use this action step as your guidepost for the 21st Century: Chase Your Passion, Not Your Pension.

Passion in your purpose will help you take control of your life, and also give you one other advantage that is not widely recognized: About ten more years of life, on average. Pursuit of a goal wears out very few people. But they rust out by the hundreds of thousands when their pursuit of happiness turns into a geriatric park. A job is something you do for money. A career is something you do because you have an inner calling to do it. You want to do it. You love doing it. You're excited when you do it. And you'd do it even if you were paid nothing beyond food and the basics.

You'd do it because it's your life. Be inspired to learn as much as you can, gain skills as much as you can, to find a cause that benefits humankind and you’ll be sought after for your quality of service and dedication to excellence. Action Idea: If you had the time and circumstances allowed, what is one of your most passionate desires in life you would like to pursue? It could be a new business idea, music, action, sports, or community service. Starting tomorrow, chase that passion a little bit at a time.
Denis Waitley"

Great stuff and still Denis's words serve me well.