The 4 Key Cornerstones of Successful and Happy People

{Via}

***After you read this post, be sure to visit me at my new home here.***

There are the four key cornerstones of a successful and happy person: talent, character, attitude, and skills. With one exception, the skills piece, each of the other three centers around what you've been given naturally, what you choose to do, and who you choose to be. It's these three that require undivided focus and attention, lest we work hard to create something only to have it come undone because of our personality and personal choices.

Talent. A natural aptitude for what you do means you'll be good at it, and you'll really like to do it. In fact, the more you like to do something, the more you do it and the better you get at it. This is both for things you like to do, and for things you don't care to do. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you want to do it or like to do it. A skill is actually an ability to perform a task. Having natural talent for something means you have an almost instinctive and intuitive ability to do something, and we can all agree the things that come easiest to us are the things we most enjoy doing.

Why I Promote Others and You Should, too!

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I'm a giver. I play from a place of win-win. If something is good for me, I really want it to be equally as good, if not better, for you. That's how I'm wired.

As I've built my platform and found my audience online and off, I've done my best to connect the best of the best with the rest. I think it's the least I could do, plus I believe I can't out-give the Universe. I do book reviews, talk about others I admire, and even make recommendations of products and services I can't live without. Why? Because I can.

But I've noticed everyone is not so generous. They promote promote promote themselves ... but others, well, not so much. I think they're missing the boat, the real and amazing benefit of having an audience and helping them to live a better life, save time or money, or even find business.

Here are the key reasons I promote others and why I think you should, too:

1. Aren't the best people and products you've found been introduced to you by someone you trust? I recently read two books that are life-changing, Hal Elrod's The Miracle Morning and Pam Grout's E-Squared: Nine Do-It Yourself Energy Experiments That Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality. I've told everyone these are "must-put-down-what-you're-reading-reads-and-start-reading" books. Are they my books? No, of course not. Do I receive compensation? Nope, not at all. Am I building goodwill and better friendships and perhaps changing a life or two? Yes, and that's my main goal.

2. The more you give, the more you get. As I've introduced other authors and bloggers on my single mom blog, I've gained new followers and readers, too. Some would say a shrewd marketing move? No doubt. But for the good of all concerned? You betcha. Win-win, remember?

3. The richness of life comes from relationships. My relationships with my friends are based on a mutual "I want you to do well," and I do everything I can to help them. I tell my daughter, "To have a friend, be a friend." So I give first. When I read a book I love, I reach out to the author and offer to help. No, not as their coach, just as someone with a voice and people who listen to that voice. You know what happens? I make a new friend, connect with a like-minded person, and sometimes, even bigger and more amazing things result. Hal Elrod and I have had some pretty amazing conversations about some pretty awesome possibilities. Pam Grout gave me advice on becoming a travel writer, i.e., how to travel like a rock star on someone else's dime and write about it. But I didn't reach out for something, I reached out to give something. 

4. It feels amazing to give something with no agenda. I absolutely love doing something for someone that benefits them without even a tiny little stake in their success. If my only reward is a thank you, that's more than enough. But very often I receive so much more, including the personal satisfaction I get from doing something just because I can. 

If you have a platform, followers, or an audience, you could introduce them to all of the cool peeps and stuff you know about you've been keeping to yourself. Wouldn't you want them to do the same? Who do I need to know or what do I need to be using/doing you haven't shared with me yet?

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My Top 10 Business Growth & Development Book Recommendations

I Call Bullshit Series: Excusa Numero Tres

***After you read this post, be sure to visit me at my new home here.***

In this three-part series, I listen patiently to the reasons you think you can't achieve your BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). Then I call bullshit, and give you the reasons you can achieve them. 

Excusa Numero Tres: "My current situation (job, marriage, status) makes it too hard."

Excusa Numero Uno: "I don't have enough time."

Excusa Number Dos: "I'm too old, young, smart, stupid, orange, under-educated, over-educated, married, or single."

1. Your current situation means nothing. If you decide it means nothing, that is. If you keep selling yourself on why you can't do "it" (whatever "it" is), then you're absolutely right. No-one committed to their outcome can be stopped by someone or something less committed. Period.
2. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. It matters what you think. If someone dares to rain on your parade, get a cute umbrella and some wellies. Seriously, a spouse, friend or relative that doesn't support you needs to be replaced. Or at least proven wrong. Do what you want to do, in spite of what anyone else is telling you.
3. You're too young? Not a chance. The days, weeks, and years will pass, so get started today and by the time you're "old enough" you'll have a ton of experience. Too old? That means you've got tons of experience and can use that to your advantage. Married? Single? Unemployed? Too-employed? Give it up, none of these hold real water. Turn your excuse into your secret weapon.

I've countered all of your "reasons" for not going after your BHAGs, so the only thing you can do now is get started. Right? Start by repeating after me: 

Related Articles:

Forbes Up-and-Comers {Forbes}
Watching is not Doing {Seth Godin}
Your Current Economy is Up to You {Honorée}

Shift and the World Shifts With You {Honorée}

No More Excuses: How to Make an Extra $100,000 in the Next 6 Months {Tim Ferriss}

A Dangerous Activity Trap {Paul Castain}

Tall Order! is a book that gets to the point. It helps you pinpoint what is going to get you the results you want, starting right now. Jeffrey Gitomer says, "Don't let the size fool you -- this book is compact dynamite! Buy this book!"

Honorée Enterprises, LLC. turns service providers into rainmakers, average producers into rock-stars, and dreams into reality. For more information on how we can specifically help you or your organization, click here. You can read all about Honorée here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"If the only prayer you said in your whole
life was, "thank you," that would suffice."  ~Meister Eckhart

Who Makes You Feel Like Anything is Possible? (Thank you, Tony Robbins!)

Byron & Me @ Tony Robbin's Date with Destiny 2011

For my entire life, I've looked to others for inspiration. I've been drawn to the positive, repelled by the negative. Those who know me best know that while I take on any challenge with spirit, I run from any type of negativity. I've gravitated to those who allow me to feel like anything is possible!

There have been a several turning-points in my life, caused by people I've been lucky enough to meet, and they have literally altered the course of my life. Here are a few of them:

I've lost track of my old friend Ipek, who first introduced me to Tony Robbins. She was reading Awaken the Giant Within and the minute I saw it, I ran to the bookstore to get it (those were the days before iBooks and iPad). I read his book over the course of the first 24 hours I had it (and almost got fired for reading instead of working). I then attended his "UPW" seminar (which I've attended several times since), and the course of my life was changed forever. It was this book and seminar that, for the first time, had me feeling like I could achieve anything, regardless of the fact that I was a foster kid, had no college education, or was a single mom.

Next, while living in Hawaii in the late '90s, I met an incredible lady named Pam Chambers. She's a presentation coach, and after we became friends I took her classes. They were terrific, but Pam said something powerful and positive to me in those classes that has stayed with me all these years. I didn't really believe her, or take action on those words for many years, but I heard what she said then, and I can still hear her voice in my head. (Thank you, Pam!)

Then, attending a seminar in December of 2004, I met Mark Victor Hansen. He's the co-author, along with Jack Canfield, of the extraordinarily successful Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. I got the opportunity to have about a 20 minute conversation with him, and he encouraged me to turn my most popular speaking presentation into a book. Six months later, I got an endorsement from him for the front cover of my book Tall Order! and six weeks later delivered a signed copy to him in person.

Fast forward to the present day, I am a huge fan of people who "MSH" (Honorée-ism: make shit happen). I'm thoroughly impressed by the following ladies, because they inspire me and make me feel like: "If they can do it, I can do it." If you don't know about them, they're worth noting and following:

Rachel Zoe: Formerly known as a stylist to the top stars in Hollywood, Zoe is about to begin her 4th season of The Rachel Zoe Project. Watching her balance her relationship, her business, her collections, and the show, all while looking fabulous has given me a new appreciation for her and for fashion. I'm looking forward to seeing her new son and hearing how she's balancing motherhood and family with work on season 4. In the meantime, I'm a reader (not just subscriber) of her blog. You could say I'm bananas!

Jillian Michaels: Although no longer a trainer on The Biggest Loser, I've watched her for all 12 seasons. Jillian exemplifies health and wellness, walking your talk and speaking your truth. I can't wait to see what's next for her because I've been inspired to do so much because of her already! (P.S. Her videos really will get you in shape fast - I have the yoga and 30-day shred videos and they rock!)

Betheny Frankel: This is a woman who inspires me every day. I was in awe when I heard she sold her Skinny Girl Margarita for a life-changing sum of money, seemingly against all odds. Her story, just to this point, is massively inspirational. Google her, if you've somehow missed her buzz, and prepare to be amazed. Bethenny and I have much in common, so I can take from her story of triumph and continue to be inspired to create my own.

These are a few of the people who have inspired me, and allowed me to feel like anything and everything is possible because they are normal people who have achieved and accomplished extraordinary things. Deep down, we're all capable of doing exactly that. I believe that, do you?

Who make you feel like anything is possible? I hope you have a list much longer than mine.

Coach's Note: If you need to hear anything is possible for you, and your list falls short, kindly allow me to be that person for you. Believe me when I say: you can have, do, be and create anything and everything you set your mind to and heart on, so go for it with every ounce of your being (and let me know how great things turn out). The best is yet to come.

Honorée has dedicated her life to being a positive force for good. She writes personal and professional growth books for professionals, and The Successful Single Mom books series. As an executive coach and corporate trainer, she turns service providers into rainmakers, average producers into rock-stars, and dreams into reality. For more information on how she can specifically help you or your organization, click here.

The week in pictures

 We tried a new barbershop ...

 ...and Lexi got a new, easy 'do.

 Then we made homemade pizza for dinner, just the way we like it.

Frappuccino is as frisky as can be.

We spent some mom-daughter time at one of our favorite places.

We hope Barnes & Noble sticks around awhile longer.

Especially since these are now available to read on their Nook!

I had a quick business trip to Dallas, and stayed for the first (of many) time at the Crescent Court. There was amazing customer service, and dinner at Nobu was delectable.

My room was spacious and beautiful.

I even had a comfy chair to read a book on my iPad.

The toiletries were amazing, and the TP was wrapped with a real silk ribbon!

Not just yet. Indeed.

Joan & I turned the lobby into our "office of the day."

My Dallas "office." Not a bad view!

 I (sort of) got a hear Nolan Ryan speak at the Rotary Club of Dallas. Long story.

Back home, I set a new "over-40" PR on the treadmill.

After work, Lexi, Frap & I played Wii.

Then, Lexi's trunk from camp arrived,
and with it a special present for mom.

Our awesome speaker was Ian Williams,
and he talked about failure.

I visited the Westlake Rotary Club
so I could hang with Luma for a bit.

Lexi and I hung out with her dad while he did some work,
and we had some time to play.

All in all, it was a great week. Hope you had a great week, too!