www.exceptionalmag.com
January-February 2013
CONTENTS Extraordinary Profiles 4
Top 20 Exceptional Humanitarians
Minding My Business 16
18
20 21
Great Leaders Accept Responsibility for the Success of Their Teams
Empowerment 28
Two Strategies for Helping Kids To Develop Optimism
29
How to Turn Your Dream Into a Million-Dollar Business
Financial Strategies for Those Who Lack Retirement Savings
30
To Negotiate Successfully, Be Likable
Encouraging Openness To Help Children Learn
31
Attract Success by the Person You Become
32
Your Inner Critic: Don’t Let It Block Your Success
34
Powerful Introductions to Your Career
36
Discover Conflict Resolution Without Words
38
What to Do When You “Have It All” and Still Aren’t Satisfied
39
Accelerate Your Success with a Mastermind Group
Five Simple Steps to Follow When the Product You’re Promoting is Yourself
22
Small Steps and Little Bets
23
How to Update Your Inner Circle
24
Get the Inside Story on Your Customers
Cover Design by
—A time to dream new dreams It’s a New Year Year— and seek new opportunities.
Publisher’s Letter Dear Friend: Well, as you know, another New Year is upon us. We have another opportunity to recapture lost dreams, fulfill new dreams, and make each day better than the last. It’s another chance to step out of our comfort zones and accomplish things we once thought were impossible. I am pleased to introduce our first issue of 2013 and delighted to highlight the amazing contributions of 20 exceptional humanitarians and philanthropists who have been featured in Exceptional People Magazine over the years. They have each made their marks in the world, while inspiring others to share their gifts. They found a way to make a difference, and I know you can too. If each person did just one thing everyday to change another person’s life, the outcome would be magnificent. I’m excited that a new year has arrived, and we at Exceptional People Magazine look forward to introducing you to exciting things to help you grow personally and professionally and that will inspire you to become more, do more, and bless others. This is a new season and I encourage you to expect great things to happen in 2013. Your expectations and attitude set the tone for your life. I wish you a New Year filled with happiness, peace, prosperity, and great health.
P.S. Send us your letters at www.exceptionalmag.com/contact.html. Tell us how you are using Exceptional People Magazine to improve your life. With every good wish for great achievements,
Exceptional People Magazine is not just a magazine. It is a life-changing experience. January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 3
Geographical Impact: Worldwide Website: www.stophungernow.org Since 1998, Stop Hunger Now has coordinated the distribution of food and other lifesaving aid to children and families in more than countries around the world. As founder of the organization, Ray Buchanan, is helping many of them rebuild their lives and become self sufficient. The organization has supported medical programs, agricultural programs as well as micro-credit projects to help women start their own businesses. “I have a vision of a world without hunger. The greatest lesson that I've learned is that we can do anything we set our minds to. The biggest shortcoming most of us have is we don't dream big enough. People say how can you think of a vision as big as ending world hunger. Very simple. You just do what you can where you are with what you've got and keep building on it. One of the faith lessons that I have lived out my entire life that I know is true, is you're not given all the answers to start with but if you'll take one step in the direction you think you need to go, there'll be enough light given so you can take another step.�
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Geographical Impact: Texas Website: www.nancyliebermanfoundation.com The Nancy Lieberman Foundation was established to provide young girls and boys with an environment in which they could learn important life skills and build their self-esteem and confidence, thus enabling them to make sound decisions and the right choices in the future. Lieberman has dedicated her life to ensuring that sports and educational opportunities exist for youth through her educational programs, basketball camps and clinics, and Dream Courts. “I’m trying to teach philanthropy to children. My foundation has been around for 30 years and we have given over 14,000 scholarships and over a million dollars. I want to be a giver, not a taker. I used to think God put me on this earth to be best woman basketball player ever but I understand that’s not why I’m here. I’m supposed to change people’s lives. I’m supposed to show them the way and I take it seriously.”
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Geographical Impact: Texas Website: www.guzman23foundation.com As a former major league pitcher for the Texas Rangers, Jose Guzman has had more winning games than one might imagine. He’s thrown hundreds of curve balls and has also received many of them from his on-field opponents as well. Years ago life threw his mother a curve ball that changed her life and ultimately Guzman’s perspective on life. His mother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, but her suffering was not in vain. It inspired Guzman to make a difference in the lives of other elderly individuals who suffer from the disease. As a result he founded the Guzman 23 Foundation. Its mission is to provide financial assistance to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and their families or loved ones when finances or basic insurance is unavailable. “This is a personal journey to honor my mother Maria Mirabal Guzman, who died from this terrible disease. It’s my desire to help families care for their loved ones in their own home as long as possible. A secondary goal is to help improve Alzheimer’s facilities, making them a place where families feel their loved ones will be cared for with compassion.” January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 7
Geographical Impact: Worldwide Website: www.tigerlilyfoundation.org As a survivor of breast cancer, Maimah Karmo has dedicated her life to educating and advocating for young women who have breast cancer to get the care and attention they need to overcome the disease. She is the founder of the Tigerlily Foundation and is committed to empowering women around the world to live extraordinary lives. The organization was created to educate, advocate for, empower and provide hands on support to young women before, during and after breast cancer. The organization also provides financial assistance, delivers meals and provides social networks to connect the young women to others who have been through cancer treatments. “We aim to transform young women’s lives, so that they know that life isn’t about the cancer but that they can use the experience to prepare them for life ahead; that life can be all they want it to be.”
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Geographical Impact: Maryland Website: www.umm.edu/shocktrauma/special_programs/ Heal the Body, Redirect the Mind. Dr. Carnell Cooper started the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) at the University of Maryland, Shock Trauma Center in 1998 after seeing victims of traumatic violent injury being treated, released, and readmitted months later due to another, often more serious, violent injury. The VIP is an intensive hospital-based intervention program that assists victims of intentional violent injury, including gunshots, stabbings, and beatings. Victims receive assessment, counseling, and social support from a multi-disciplinary team to help make critical changes in their lives. The success of Cooper’s program has made it a model for others around the country. The VIP program became one of the country’s first hospital-based anti-violence programs. Many of those who come into his operating room physically broken are able to leave Dr. Cooper’s care not only physically healed but in a healthy emotional and psychological state of mind as well.
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Geographical Impact: Worldwide Website: www.shareyoursoles.org It was a defining moment and a trip that left a lasting impression on Mona Purdy. She never imagined, while visiting Guatemala, that she would witness such heart-wrenching living conditions. She saw kids painting hot tar on the bottom of their feet so they could run a race during their village’s festival. Since then, and as founder of Share Your Soles, changing the world is what Mona Purdy has been doing for over twelve years, two soles at a time. Since 1999, Share Your Soles has provided over 1.5 million pairs of shoes to desperately impoverished people throughout the world to such regions as Central America, Southeast Asia, The Caribbean, Africa, Eastern Europe, India and many others. No boundaries. No borders. There are no boundaries for Share Your Soles when it comes to putting shoes on the feet of people in need.
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Geographical Impact: Texas Website: www.executivesinaction.org Executives in Action (EIA) builds communities by strengthening other nonprofit organizations and supporting executives in transition. They’re helping these organizations become self-sufficient in their mission to sustain their communities. To accomplish its mission, EIA engages experienced executive leaders from the business sector as pro bono consultants to charitable agencies that could not otherwise access such talent. The organization provides “service grants” to improve the productivity, efficiency, and impact of selected charitable organizations. These service grants are fulfilled by senior executive consultants who bring years of management experience to targeted projects in their partner nonprofits. Through their non-profit organization, founders Chris and Ashlee Kleinert’s vision is two-fold: (1) helping unemployed senior executives to rebuild self-esteem, and (2) providing them with hope for the future by utilizing their talents and skills while they are seeking employment.
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Geographical Impact: Worldwide Website: www.roomtoread.org Founded by John Wood, a former Microsoft executive, Room to Read is providing quality education to children around the world. Over six million children have benefited from Room to Read’s programs over the past ten years. The organization provides literacy and gender equality in education through programs such as the Girls Education and Local Language Publishing programs. More than 3 million children in the developing world have benefited from Room to Read’s efforts in constructing schools, establishing libraries, providing long-term girls' scholarships and publishing new local language children's books. “At Room to Read we truly believe that when you educate a woman, you are educating the next generation. My parents raised me to believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. What makes you a good person is what you do with your blessings. I am excited to go to work everyday and know that what we are doing at Room to Read is making a very real and positive change in the lives of millions of children around the world.” 12 | Exceptional People Magazine | January-February 2013
Geographical Impact: Haiti Website: www.lampforhaiti.org Dr. James Morgan, founder of the Lamp for Haiti Foundation is an incredible human-being who is performing amazing selfless miracles for the poverty-stricken population in the urban slums of Haiti. The organization’s mission is to provide assistance to the poor. It focuses on three areas: (1) health care, (2) legal and (3) human rights advocacy and community support. The medical arm of the organization treats over 500 patients per month, providing them with free evaluations, free medications, testing for HIV, tuberculosis and also a de-worming program where they treat patients with anti-parasitic medication. Through the provision of quality free medical care and humanitarian assistance, Lamp for Haiti works with and for the people of Haiti to improve the lives of some of the most marginalized persons in Haitian society. Their work is done in collaboration with local residents, other Haitian professionals, and both governmental and nongovernmental partners.
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Geographical Impact: Worldwide Website: www.ronclarkacademy.com As founder of the Ron Clark Academy, Ron Clark has created a model for educators around the world. They are able to glean insights into teaching methods that they can take back to their classrooms. The Ron Clark Academy is a place where award-winning visionaries instill dreams and a passion for learning in the minds and hearts of young children. It is a place where they can be enlightened with the gift of knowledge. Clark’s methods and approach to learning has set new standards in the world of education. Students are achieving academic excellence, assuming leadership roles, learning team-work, integrity, honor and respect. Many of them are academically challenged when they enroll but they leave equipped to face the world with courage and anticipation.
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Minding My Business
Excellent customer service and product quality are key factors in gaining customer loyalty.
Minding My Business
Great Leaders Accept Responsibility for the Success of Their Teams
by Andrew Horton
Every great leader who aims to bring the best out in their team and to succeed at realizing the results they set out to achieve, knows that they must accept 100% responsibility for the performance of their team or organization. Their commitment, drive and passion to succeed must be higher than anyone else’s on their team or in the organization. They must be the catalyst that inspires each individual to greatness. Their dedication must be unquestionable and their passion to inspire their team members to succeed must be high. If you are leading a team and you are not inspired by your vision and driven to succeed, then your team is not going to be inspired either. If you do not feel really driven and passionate about leading your team to success, then it is time to conduct a self-audit
and to discover the reason why. If you are unable to feel total commitment towards influencing and inspiring your team to greatness, where you inspire them daily to achieve the common vision, then there is something missing. It could be any one or more of the following:
• You’re leading a team towards a vision that has no real meaning to you or your team. • You’re leading the wrong team that is disinterested in your vision. • You’re leading a team that is filled with the wrong people. • Your team members do not have the right skill set to deliver on the vision.
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• You’re working in the wrong organization that is not aligned with your vision or style of leadership. • You are the wrong person to lead the team. If after answering these questions you realize that some or all these issues are limiting your performance, then it is crucial that you immediately begin making plans to change things. You can never succeed as a leader if even one of the above factors is not in place.
• If your team is aligned behind you, but they do not buy into the vision for the team, you can either look at communicating the vision differently so that they see it from your perspective or you need to revise the vision.
Minding My Business
• If you are leading the wrong team or a team filled with the wrong people, you must take action immediately to remedy this. Invest time to discover all the skills necessary for your team to achieve the vision you have for them. Record these and then compare them to the actual list of skills available within your team. If there are functions or tasks, which are necessary to achieve your vision, but no one on your team is able to fulfill those functions or tasks, you need to urgently add people to your team who do possess those skills or train the existing team members, so that they can carry out those functions.
• No team can ever succeed if there is no unity of vision amongst all team members. As long as team members are not working towards a common vision, their efforts will be diluted and the team will never succeed. It is crucial that a leader receives constant feedback from their team, regarding their buy in and support for the vision.
• To be a great leader, you must consistently conduct informal research and discover what is important to each of your team members. Try to understand what inspires and drives them. When you know what their personal vision is for the future you can weave a picture which allows them to align their personal vision with that of the team. You have the makings of an incredible, driven and passionate team.
• Keep communicating your vision clearly and concisely to your team and get feedback from them as often as possible regarding their understanding of the overall vision. Do not just assume that everyone knows and understands the team
vision. The more clarity each team member has about the vision and their individual role on delivering on that vision, the better the results the team will enjoy. Keep communicating the same vision, consistently, clearly and creatively until everyone is on the same page. It does not matter how much talent or ability resides in your team. The outcome they will enjoy is directly proportional to the quality of the vision and the way that vision is communicated and understood by each individual on the team. No team can or will ever be successful if they are all driven and inspired by different agendas. Once you are certain that your team is inspired by, understands and is passionate about the common vision, it is time to assess the diversity of skills available within the team. No business or team can succeed with only sales people or accountants. Every team or organization requires diversity of skills, abilities and personalities to succeed. I got this concept wrong in my early years of leadership. I thought I would be successful, if I could surround myself and fill all my teams with people just like me. That oversight on my part cost me dearly and it took a number of years to see that my progress was being hampered by this naïve approach to business. As soon as I realized that a team is about diversity and that every person has a unique role to play within the team, I began to realize amazing results with my teams. No human body would work very well with only kidneys, hearts or lungs. To function as a whole person, we need all the organs in our bodies, each with a very specific function. All great leaders realize that each person on their team con-
tributes in their own special and unique way. See the need for diversity within your teams and show appreciation to each team member for their unique and crucial contribution to the team effort. Don’t fall into the trap like I did as a young leader. Don’t overlook the importance of filling your teams with a diverse group of people with differing skills and abilities. You do need great team members with appropriate skills to succeed. That is non-negotiable. You can never succeed with the wrong people. You can however, still fail to achieve your goals and vision as a team, even if your teams are filled with the perfect people. Lou Holtz epitomized this concept when he said “You have to have great athletes to win. I don’t care who the coach is. You can’t win without great athletes, but you can lose with them. This is where coaching makes the difference.” This shows the importance of great leadership, which is necessary to lead people to success. It is the role of a great leader to inspire, influence and bring the right people together and to get them behind a common vision. When all these factors are in place, nothing can stop the team from succeeding. Talent, diversity and unity of vision don’t come together on their own. It takes a leader to provide inspiration, empowerment and direction to a team so that they can succeed.
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Minding My Business
Hate Selling? Five Simple Steps to Follow When the Product You’re Promoting is Yourself
You’ve hung your shingle outside your front door and are excited at the thought of the work you’ll be doing to support your clients. However, excitement soon turns to dread when you realize that prior to being of service to your clients, you need to become skilled in not only marketing, but also in the selling of your services – with the latter being an activity that makes you cringe. Can you relate?
This is certainly not the approach that a heart-centered service-based entrepreneur wants to adopt – right? Well, just because there may be some annoying and unpleasant sales people in the marketplace, doesn’t mean that you have to use the same approach.
If you’ve answered ‘yes’, you’re certainly not alone. Many service-based businesses who have to sell ‘themselves’ can struggle to reach their income goals due to their dislike and extreme difficulty in selling their services to a prospective client.
In fact, I highly recommend that you do the exact opposite. So what approach would you rather take that will enable you to incorporate your values and what’s really important to you when speaking to people who show an interest in what you are doing?
Here are five simple yet very effective steps that will support you in promoting yourself in an authentic way that will have your prospects lining up at your door ready to invest in you.
Belief 2: Your self-belief that you are unworthy
1. Challenge ‘unhelpful’ beliefs One of the first and foremost steps is to confront two unhelpful beliefs that can block and inhibit you from effectively promoting your products/services. Belief 1: Your belief that all sales people are pushy and would say practically anything to get the sale We all have a story to tell where we have been put under pressure by a hard-nosed sales person, who had as much tact as a gnat when trying to get you to say ‘yes’ to their offer. 18 | Exceptional People Magazine | January-February 2013
The first sale you have to make is to yourself. Would you invest in your own services? Do you believe that what you have to offer is of real value to your clients? If you have a lack of confidence in your services or can’t list the benefits that your clients will receive through working with you, it will be very difficult for you to promote these services in a confident and professional manner. These two mindset issues, along with others (including fear of rejection if the client says no; fear of success, etc.) are often what keeps people blocked and is something we dedicate quite some time to in our coaching programs.
Minding My Business
However, an exercise that I’d encourage you to do is to spend some time identifying your strengths, your talents and the results you can support your clients in achieving. The true value you bring to your clients is a combination of all these things, and it’s extremely important that you are able to recognize and speak confidently about this when talking to a prospect.
2. Reframe ‘selling’ to ‘service’ Once you recognize the amazing benefits your service (and/or product) will deliver to your prospective client, it’s then time to reframe your thinking around ‘selling’ into the mindset of ‘service’. When thinking of ‘selling’ we can often imagine a person trying to influence and persuade another person into purchasing something that they don’t really need, which is not the mindset or the approach we want. Instead the mindset of service is one where you are offering them the value support and accountability they need to overcome the problem/issue that prompted them to make contact with you. Allowing your struggles to continue and by not sharing information on how your product or service can support your clients, could mean that they continue to remain stuck with their issue. So, you’re actually doing them a disservice by not sharing this information with them. Sharing information about how your service can support them in overcoming their issues means that you are being of ‘service’ – which is something all heartcentered entrepreneurs aim for – right?
3. Think ‘connection’ not ‘conversion’ Connecting and building a relationship with a contact is far more empowering than trying to convert your prospect into a client before you’ve even had the opportunity to build rapport with them or before you have taken the time to find out the reason they contacted you. Remember, people do business with people they know, like and trust, so spending time to build a strong connection with your contact not only helps you both be more at ease, it will also give you the opportunity to build a level of credibility and trust.
Don’t think conversion, where you concentrate on your needs. Instead think connection and showing a genuine interest in THEM and THEIR needs.
4. Transform your ‘sales pitch’ into a ‘strategy session’ Jumping in and trying to ‘sell’ your services to a potential client often fails when you haven’t truly identified the needs of the client or haven’t yet had the opportunity to demonstrate that you have the ability to help them overcome their problems and issues. Rather than launching into a sales pitch that tries to ‘sell’ your client into one of your programs, create a strategy session so that they can begin to experience what it is like to work with you. This session could involve some powerful questions that focuses on what they WANT to achieve; getting clear on some of the action steps they need to take; while also sharing some of the success stories of how other entrepreneurs who were initially struggling with similar issues, are now reaching goals they had once only ever dared to dream about. A strategy session that uses this approach is far more empowering and will enable you to build credibility, believability and desirability in your services, as they will have gained first-hand experience of how you can support them and the outcomes they can expect to achieve.
5. Conclude with a compelling call-to-action We all like to make our clients feel special, so why not offer them an amazing package that covers all of the areas that they will need to work on. You could also consider including bonuses to make your offer even more irresistible. Or perhaps offer a ‘quick decision’ bonus that rewards them for taking action and enrolling in your programs. So there you have it; 5 simple yet powerful steps to support you – a heart-centered service-based business owner – in promoting your products and services in an authentic way that will have your prospects flocking to your door ready to invest in your amazing services!
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Minding My Business
How to Turn Your Dream Into a Million-Dollar Business
by William R. Patterson
The following are three powerful ways in which billionaires profit from the concept of value using the major wealth- building vehicles. 1. Creating Value Through Business Ownership and Entrepreneurship - Bill Gates Method One way to quickly increase your wealth is to create greater value for your customers, investors and employees. This is the wealth-building method employed by the world's richest person, Bill Gates. You can profit from this method by:
• Bringing new concepts to market
• Tapping into under-served or new markets
• Creating integrated turnkey solutions that save others time and money 2. Finding Value in the Stock Market - Warren Buffet Method Another way to build long-term wealth is through "value investing," a method employed by the world's second richest person, Warren Buffet. Value investing involves using financial statements and fundamental analysis to find stocks that are undervalued in the marketplace and holding onto those stocks until the market recognizes their true value.
• Improving existing concepts and businesses 20 | Exceptional People Magazine | January-February 2013
3. Creating Value Through Real Estate - Donald Trump Method A third way to quickly build wealth is by raising the value of land and properties through improvements. An example would be finding an undeveloped piece of land or a dilapidated or underutilized property in a good location and making improvements to that land or property to make it more useful or profitable for others. How much of your income is generated through the major wealth building vehicles? If you desire to build sustainable wealth faster, look for ways to increase the percentage of your income that is made through the major wealth-building vehicles.
Minding My Business
To Negotiate Successfully, Be Likable by Greg Williams When you negotiate, how much value do you place on likability? Likability is an unseen force that can aide you throughout a negotiation. Likability is also a two way street. To the degree someone likes you, you tend to reciprocate. Conversely, to the degree you and someone dislike one another; you tend to have more of an adversarial negotiation engagement. During the negotiation process, when the negotiators like one another, they tend to work better in addressing the purpose of the negotiation. The negotiators will be more amenable to assisting one another in achieving the goals of the other and they will be more understanding, and forgiving, of misunderstandings. The key to being likable when negotiating can be a real balancing act. While you want to be likable, in an effort to enhance the negotiation process, you can’t be perceived as a ‘pushover’. If you sense the other negotiator begins to be less yielding to your request, or more dogmatic about receiving concessions from you, you may need to adjust your likability factor, to display it in a harder manner. In altering your likability demeanor, to a mode that states you can still be likeable, but not to your detriment, the other negotiator will more than likely alter the negative course upon which he’s on. When negotiating, always be aware of your environment and the value that likability adds to the process. In
accessing your environment, take note of how you and the other negotiator interact. By doing so, you’ll be able to discern small incremental changes in his likability demeanor, as you go through the negotiation process. As long as the negotiation is progressing towards the goals you’ve set, and you don’t sense the need to be ‘on guard’ against being ambushed by the other negotiator, continue to negotiate amicably. In so doing, you will enhance the negotiation process and make it easier to negotiate in the current environment. You’ll infuse the negotiation with a sense of continuity, inspire more cooperation between the parties negotiation and move more easily towards the goals of the negotiation. As a ‘spillover benefit’, you’ll incur less stress, have a more pleasant negotiation and reduce the mental anxiety that’s found in some negotiation procedures … and everything will be right with the world.
The Negotiation Tips Are … * Regardless of how well you interact with the other negotiator, always be willing to walk away from the negotiation. By doing so, you’ll increase your negotiation power and position. * When you experience a lack of appreciation for being likeable during a negotiation, take a moment to reflect upon what has occurred in the negotiation, and then assess the role likability has in the negotiation. If likability is not ‘working’, don’t be afraid to let the demon in you come out. * Remember, people want to get involved with ‘personalities’ when they negotiate. Set out to make your personality likeable and keep it in that mode until there’s a need to alter it.
January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 21
Minding My Business
Small Steps, ‘and Little Bets,’ Can Lead to Greater Things by Donna Carletta Author Peter Sims describes a little bet as a low-risk action taken to discover, develop, and test an idea. It is a less-expensive tactic that we can learn without getting held up by perfectionism, risk-aversion or excessive planning. In his new book Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge from Small Discoveries, he shows how most innovations are the product of discovery. He uses a comedian as an example. When developing a new routine, Chris Rock tries it out on a small audience before using it on television. Entrepreneurs and large companies learn whether there’s a market for a new product by testing it in a small area. In manufacturing, an innovation is tested with little bets in order to learn if it will be successful on a larger scale. Parents who seek someone to care for children while they go on vacation may make a little bet on a prospective sitter by using her for shorter periods. Sims writes extensively about Pixar and its journey to making animated movies. The company inched into animation through shorts created to promote its hardware business. To prepare for making Finding Nemo, he describes how Pixar teams spent time with their subjects and scuba diving. To prepare for Cars, its teams traveled extensively on Route 66. Pixar uses little bets as a constant learning tool. According to Sims, Apple’s Steve Jobs used the benefits of the approach described in Little Bets more than any other CEO. Once you get into the habit of making little bets, they will constantly open up new possibilities for you. Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge From Small Discoveries by Peter Sims, Free Press.
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Minding My Business
How to Update Your Inner Circle by Kathy Kentty It’s not easy to find new connections and friends to add to your inner circle, people who will support you, help you, and encourage and motivate you. Writing for Inc., business expert Jeff Haden says it’s not difficult to spot the people who are holding you back. If you have any of these in your inner circle, remove them:
you the inside scoop on other people is also giving other people the inside scoop on you. Those you want in your inner circle are willing to share the inside scoop only on their own thoughts. Roadblock predictors: They believe they have the ability to foresee a long list of potential barriers and problems that in reality will not appear. Someone who counters every idea with a list of reasons it won't work has to go.
Egocentric advocates: They rarely advocate for anything other than their own ego and points of view. Their “perspective” is often just bragging in disguise. Keep the people who ask smart questions, share lessons learned and ways to do things differently.
Schmoozers: Networking isn’t a numbers game. Connections are just a beginning. Keep the schmoozer out of your inner circle.
Your big fans: It’s nice to tell someone that he or she is great. It’s much, much harder, and it takes a real friend, to tell someone he or she can do better. Don’t pay much attention to what fans say.
Needy inner circle members: They want regular check-ins and contacts so they can feel reassured that you still “care.” The people you want in your inner circle are there when you really need them, just like you are for them.
Inside Scoopers: It’s hard to resist hearing the reasons behind someone’s decisions, but the person who gives
The dead brained: They just drift like zombies and can kill your motivation and enthusiasm.
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Minding My Business
Get the Inside Story on Your Customers -- Form a Focus Group by Pat Markel By holding a focus group, you will find out a great deal about your customers, their opinions of your company, their purchasing habits and their needs. Most focus groups include about a dozen people. Some should be current customers, but it’s also good to include people who aren’t familiar with your business. No employees or competitors should be part of it. You can select the attendees yourself or hire a research firm to find participants help you plan and conduct the session. According to BusinessWeek SmallBiz magazine, the firm could charge $2,000 to $5,000 depending on how much you want them do. Here are a few things to consider when holding a focus group:
• Where you will hold the focus group is a big decision. Organizations, such as Qualitative Research Consultants and the New York American Marketing Association, have facilities equipped with video recording equipment and oneway mirrors so you could observe the group without your presence becoming a distraction.
• Decide what you are trying to learn and have a list of questions and conversation starters on hand. One good question: How would you describe who would use your service and products and why?
• You can lead the discussion if you can comfortably -- and impartially - moderate the group. Don’t do it if you are sensitive to criticism. People can be blunt and give negative
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feedback, but it will probably be their honest opinion.
• Make sure everyone participates. If one person is dominating the conversation, avoid eye contact with her or him and turn toward quieter members of the group to draw them out.
• Don’t let the discussion wander too far afield. At the same time, be flexible and let the conversation flow. Someone might bring up an idea you haven’t considered.
• As you examine your findings, watch for the themes and ideas that stand out. Consider how you might use them in your product development. If you have professional leaders, they can help with this task.
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Food For Thought
ISSN 1944-9062 Founder and Editor-in-Chief Monica Davis
Editors
“Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with the what happens to you..”
Jon Crump Marla Gem Beatrice Roots
Aldous Huxley
Company Writers Donna Carletta Kathy Kentty Pat Markel
“Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe .” St. Augustine
“Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind.” F. Scott Fitzgerald
“Freedom to learn is the first necessity of guaranteeing that man himself shall be self-reliant enough to be free.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Whoever acquires knowledge and does not practice it resembles him who ploughs his land and leaves it unsown.” Sa’Di
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Other Writers and Contributors Angie Brennan Annemarie Cross Catherine Galasso-Vigorito Dawn Abraham Dawn McCoy Doris Helge Dorothy Rosby Eileen Lichtenstein Greg Williams Inez Bracy Jack Canfield James Adonis Keasha Lee Margaret Paul Rosalind Sedacca Sharon Raiford Bush Shelley Riutta Sue Urda William R. Patterson
Exceptional People Magazine is published bimonthly by Atela Productions, Inc. The opinions of the contributors are not necessarily those of Atela Productions, Inc.
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Professional and Personal Development
Empower Yourself...
Do at least one thing everyday that will keep you focused on your dream.
Empowerment
To raise a powerful thinker with an optimistic character you’ll need to work with his words, pictures and actions. As the parent, you are the coach. Let’s find out in step-by-step detail what you can do.
and over in his mind. Chances are he might say “weak, sad, discouraged, or angry.”
him to stop the screen with strong power words like:
Winning the Struggle with Thoughts:
a. Stop! I don't want these thoughts. b. Go away! c. No!
First, imagine a gigantic movie screen in your mind. It replays your failures,
Discouraging words and pictures strike us through the heart. When we
2. Choose Powerful Actions: If he isn’t alone and can’t yell at the thoughts, “Go Away!” he can take action.
Two Strategies for Helping Kids To Develop Optimism by Jean Tracy, MSS
the put-downs you’ve received and the problems you couldn’t solve. We all own such a screen. It dominates the front of our brains. What we replay on it can lift us up or plunge us downward. Now imagine your child’s movie screen. He replays the put-downs he’s received, his failures and the problems he couldn’t solve. He accepts them and blames himself for being “dumb” or for not being “good enough.” These negative images and words lower his self-esteem. So how can you help? Discuss this movie screen with your child. Explain that some children see upsetting movies of themselves. They tell themselves upsetting words from what they see like: a. I’m no good. b. I’m a failure. c. I can’t. Ask your child how he’d feel if he played such pictures and words over
believe them, their power overwhelms us. We think badly of ourselves. Tell your child, “Negative pictures and words are just thoughts. You can strike back. You can defeat them. You can fight pictures with new pictures and words with new words.” Two Character Building Strategies: Let’s say you’ve already discussed how important it is to tackle upsetting thoughts and bring them down. You’ve gotten his suggestions on how he’d do it. You’ve listened well. Ask him if he’s open to more ideas that could make him a powerful thinker? If he says “Yes”, then explain these strategies: 1. Pick Powerful Words that Command: Tell him to scan his movie screen whenever he's feeling upset. If he wants to be a powerful thinker, ask
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1.) Clench Fists ~ Suggest he clench his fists while demanding his thoughts stop with the word “No!” The goal is to turn off the negative movie. It will be a secret message to him to “snap out of it.” No one else will know what he’s saying and doing. Other actions to change the movie might include Curling His Toes Tightly or Pulling in His Tummy and Holding his Breath while yelling inside his head a command like “Stop!” No one will notice these secret words and actions. 2.) Switching the Picture~ Tell him to think of one negative screen shot he’d like to conquer. Then ask him to give you three powerful pictures that are stronger than his negative thought. He might have trouble at first. Tell him to guess. He might say: a. When I hit a home run. b. When I raised my hand in school and answered correctly. c. When the family laughed at my joke. It could be anything. It doesn’t have to be powerful to you. He’s a child. It has to be powerful to him. If a picture doesn’t work, then have him search for a stronger positive picture.
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Now have him practice putting the new word and the new picture together while conquering the negative thought of his choice. Tell him to yell one powerful word and switch to the powerful picture almost at the same time. Explain that this will help him become a powerful thinker because he'll be conquering his negative thoughts. Conclusion: Raising a Powerful Thinker with an Optimistic Character: Be your child’s best coach. Discuss these step-by-step directions with him. Get his suggestions too. They might be just what he needs to do. Help him turn off the negative and turn on the positive with strong words, actions and positive pictures. If you do, he’ll become powerful thinker and an optimistic person with a strong character.
Financial Strategies for Those Who Lack Retirement Savings by William R. Patterson
At least 1-in-5 Americans has no assets or a negative net worth and as many as 40% will not have enough for retirement. When I say they will not have enough for retirement, I mean they will not have 60% of their pre-retirement income. Most people find it difficult to live on 100% of their income, much less survive with a 40% pay cut. Conventional thinking on retirement planning, says “to live comfortably, the average person must reduce their expenses and strive to replace at least 80% of their preretirement income.” This typically requires a nest egg of 1-2 million dollars. For late starters, this can be a daunting or nearly impossible task. So here is an alternative BARON strategy for those who lack retirement savings: Focus on cash flow and developing passive income rather than accumulating a lump sum nest egg that you can eventually draw down. For many, this will be a much faster and easier approach to preparing for retirement. You can begin by calculating your monthly expenses and budgeting for any irregular or non-recurring expenses that you expect to face in retirement. Once you have totaled all of your monthly obligations, you are able to determine how many thousands of dollars in expenses you will need to cover monthly as well as contribute to a high interest savings or money account to help you cover any unexpected expenses.
assets). On BaronSeries.com you will find free information and other support programs that can help you develop multiple streams of passive income. Some sources of passive income include royalties and revenues from intellectual property, direct sales programs, online businesses that you can automate, rental real estate, options on stock, business based income streams, and insurance based income streams. The downside of conventional thinking on retirement is that a person becomes poorer in retirement as they draw down their savings to live. However, with the BARON approach, a person actually becomes wealthier in retirement and is quite often able to raise their standard of living as their passive income grows. Ultimately, generating cash flow from your assets and investments will offer you the fastest path to financial freedom. No matter where you are starting from, you can improve your financial position and begin to prepare for retirement; it just requires the right mentoring to help you think different differently, strategically, and to take immediate intelligent action.
Next, look to replace your earned income (or income from a job) with passive income (or income from your January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 29
Empowerment
Encouraging Openness To Help Children Learn by Dr. Margaret Paul
As parents, grandparents and teachers, we can foster openness to learning in children by focusing on their effort rather than on their abilities or achievements. What makes one child excited, and another fearful about trying new experiences? What makes one child put forth extensive effort toward something, and another give up easily in discouragement? What makes one child intensely curious, and another closed down to new learning? It is their set of beliefs - their way of thinking - that determines their behavior and outlook. Their beliefs determine their frame of mind, their approach to life, their attitude about themselves and their abilities. Beliefs That Promote Learning, Beliefs That Promote Fear What kind of beliefs foster openness to learning, and what kind of beliefs create a sense of fear and limitation? Surprisingly, beliefs such as “I am smart,” “I am talented,” or “I am gifted” tend to create limitation, rather than an open intent to learn. When children are told, “You are so smart” or “You are so talented,” they have a tendency to get attached to the approval of being smart or talented and may become fearful of failure. They may decide that if they put forth great effort toward learning something and then fail, this will prove that they are not as smart or as talented as their
parents or teachers believe them to be. They may learn to attach their worth to being smart or talented and may see themselves as a failure if they fail at something. On the other hand, children who are praised for EFFORT, rather than ABILITY, learn to value themselves for their openness to learning and their efforts toward their goal, rather than for achieving the goal itself. These children get excited by the process of learning itself and experience a sense of worth in the effort, growth and learning, rather than their sense of worth being attached to the outcome. Enjoying the Challenge or Being Attached to Outcomes Children who enjoy a challenge receive a sense of self-validation from the effort itself, while children who are attached to outcomes receive a sense of worth mainly through the approval of others. There is a huge difference between children who believe “The harder I work, the smarter I get,” or “The more I practice, the better I get,” and children who believe, “I am smart, so I don’t have to work hard,” or “I am talented, and I can just fall back on my talent.” Research indicates that raw intelligence or talent is not enough.
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It’s always been accepted that through hard work, training and exercise, it’s possible to develop intellectual faculties or an intellectual mastery well above the average. We know very well that there are people who are exceptionally gifted intellectually. We also know very well that those exceptional gifts will yield nothing unless cultivated by intensive training and daily practice. ~The Monk and the Philosopher, by Jean-Francois Revel and Matthieu Ricard p. 45 Likewise, we need to make sure that we do not limit our children by telling them they are stupid or untalented. A child who believes “I'm stupid, so why bother putting in any effort?” or “I’m not musical, so why bother practicing the piano?” will never make the effort needed to grow. Fostering Openness to Learning As parents, grandparents and teachers, we can foster openness to learning in children by focusing on their effort rather than on their abilities or their achievements. A statement such as “Wow, I can really see how hard you’ve worked on this!” can motivate a child far more than “Wow, you are so smart!” or “Wow, you are so talented!”
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It is wonderful to see children curious, open and excited by learning. It is wonderful to experience children who are self-motivated and receive joy and a sense of intrinsic worth through their own efforts. Let’s foster this in our children, by teaching them that their intelligence and abilities are not fixed at birth - that their intelligence and abilities grow with effort and practice. The more children enjoy the process of learning, the more open they are to learning about themselves, and learning how to take responsibility for themselves. This intent to learn is essential for children to learn Inner Bonding.
Attract Success by the Person You Become by Andrew Horton We have an incredible ability to do whatever it takes to get exactly what we “MUST” have. The challenge is to ensure that what we are attempting to achieve is a ‘must have’ versus a ‘mere want’. Search within yourself and uncover the things you “MUST” have, do and be. Ensure that they are aligned with your values, beliefs and that they are what you truly “MUST” achieve and you have uncovered a way to unlock your unlimited inspiration and drive to succeed. After uncovering those goals that are non-negotiable and those outcomes that you absolutely must achieve; search a little deeper and unlock the deep rooted reason “WHY” you want to attain those results. This will allow you to unleash your incredible “WHYPOWER”. Your “WHYPOWER” will keep you focused on the outcome you “MUST” achieve and give you the willpower and discipline to keep working toward the success you desire, irrespective of the inevitable challenges that will cross your path.
Have patience to wait for the desired results to manifest in your life, but never loose that drive and sense of urgency that will keep you on your toes and hungry to succeed. Combine your passion and absolute resolute need to succeed, with your “WHYPOWER”, throw in a dash of patience and a sprinkling of persistence and you have discovered the secret to long term sustainable success. As you continue to grow you become the person that attracts the very success you desire. Sustainable success is a process and never an event. Stay committed to stay focused on the best possible direction for your life and ambitiously follow your own self direction. This will allow you to unleash the power of your own ambition that can and will take you to the success you “MUST” have. Let the power of your own ambition take you where you want to go, to do what you want to do, to create the life you want to live!
Knowing what you really “MUST” achieve and understanding “WHY” it is really important for you to achieve it is the key to unlocking and utilizing your unlimited potential. This removes the need for any outside motivation as you are driven and inspired from within to succeed. This is the best possible plan for success and a plan that will deliver great results and allow you to live a fulfilling and complete life.
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Empowerment
YOUR INNER CRITIC: Don’t Let It Block Your Success by Doris Helge, Ph.D.
Whether you’re self-employed or you work for someone else, your inner critic can deflate your business confidence and success like a sharp tack destroys a balloon. It can be very difficult to focus on your strategic plan when you’re bombarded by mental chatter like, “You don’t know what you’re doing” or “You’ll never succeed.” One of the most common stumbling blocks to achievement in any field is resisting your inner critic instead of discovering its innate value. You’ll gain freedom when you discover the truth about your inner critic and turn it into a loving, supportive internal coach.
powerful enough to do what you want.” Children have many limitations. Even though you’ve grown up, your confused, strong-willed inner critic has no understanding of your true capabilities. Today, your negative voice continues to hold you back with a barrage of disempowering comments and emotions, from shame and anxiety to self-sabotage. Until you re-educate this extremely powerful part of yourself, your internal censor will continue its struggle to protect you from harm, disappointment, disapproval and failure by putting you down. You’ll feel unworthy, helpless, fatigued and possibly even depressed.
DISCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR INNER CRITIC When you hear putdowns like “You’re not good enough” or “You’ll fail,” it’s difficult to imagine that your inner critic has been slaving away, nonstop, for most of your life . . . with your best interests in mind. What? Your inner critic is misguided, but its intentions are so pure and positive that most people eventually tear up with gratitude once they fully understand this puzzled part of themselves. You gave birth to your inner critic in early childhood. You very cleverly (but unconsciously) designed it as a protective shield to avoid adult disapproval. Your inner guardian held you back with messages like, “You aren’t
YOUR INNER CRITIC NEEDS A NEW JOB DESCRIPTION My clients are relieved when they discover their inner critic is not their enemy. They’re amazed to learn that trying to banish it makes it stronger. They gain freedom when they discover that our inner critics want to help us and were originally designed to keep us out of trouble. It’s very empowering to learn that you can reinvent what you created. It’s time to learn to use the strong-arm antics and derogatory voice of this high-energy, potent part of yourself to your advantage. Successful, happy people, from Olympic athletes to ac-
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tors and CEOs, have discovered how to derive immense value from their internal censor. They know how to embrace their inner critic and rechannel its remarkable persistence and energy in helpful ways. After you explore the myths about your inner critic and you comprehend its potentially positive power, you can easily and rapidly transform your inner censor into an internal employee who will tirelessly work 24/7 on your behalf. You’ll love becoming the strong, confident person you’ve always been destined to become.
TRUE STORIES THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU Here are a few examples of how my clients transformed their inner critics so they could enjoy the high achievement they were craving. One client who had been afraid to go forward in her business discovered the power of using multi-sensory breathing that targeted her belly (her power center). This allowed her to refocus her critic. She reprogrammed it to help her become her most authentic and powerful self. Clients who were fed up with slow achievement learned how to identify and then easily omit very specific self-talk that had been empowering their inner critics. After learning how our brains interpret certain phrases like “I’ll try to do that soon,” clients
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whose inner critics had been badgering them with nasty comments made dramatic positive shifts. These clients taught their inner critics to reinforce their strengths instead of criticizing their progress. Every participant in the program reported accomplishing their goals in less than half of their original projected timeline. After a client who had self-sabotaged by avoiding self-promotion developed compassion for his inner critic, he gained immense clarity that deleted the temptation to battle with his negative self-talk. Our inner critics thrive on criticism. When we don’t fight them, they lose their power and we gain a new layer of self-acceptance. That’s why this client’s gremlin transformed into an ally that helped him successfully market his skills and products. Another client decided to stop comparing herself to other people and discover her own way of enjoying success in the world. Because she had given birth to her inner critic at a young age, her critic responded well to a series of light-hearted, playful “inner critic relaxation exercises.” A client who said she felt trapped by negative people in her environment learned how to shield herself so her inner critic didn’t become inflamed. A client who wanted to change careers was paralyzed by indecision because, “My inner critic pushes perfectionism. This makes me agonize. Then I’m uncomfortable with any decision.” Once he learned the power of simple physical movement techniques that calmed his inner critic, he attracted everything he needed to enjoy a more fulfilling career path. After clients with painful relationships befriended their inner critics,
they radiated more self-love and attracted loving, supportive personal and professional relationships. Another client had been wasting a lot of energy hurling affirmations like “I DO feel confident” each time her stubborn inner critic appeared. She hadn’t understood how intelligent our critics are. They immediately renounce and fight affirmations that aren’t absolutely true. With every round of affirmations, her critic fired another round of invalidating messages like “You’re not good enough.” Once the client learned how to pose very specific, empowering questions to her inner critic and her subconscious mind, her inner critic latched onto its new job description and helped her double her income. Clients who had been struggling with excess weight that negatively affected how they presented themselves discovered the magic of calming the negative inner voice that had been causing them to unconsciously hold onto their extra weight. They were surprised at how quickly their weight shifted to what was ideal for them.
crush her inner critic. She discovered how to use enjoyable multi-sensory approaches designed to soften the inner gremlin by uncovering its hidden needs. She was surprised, “While my critic took a nap, I became much more creative and successful.”
ARE YOU READY TO REDEFINE YOUR INNER CRITIC’S JOB DESCRIPTION? When you read “Conquer Your Inner Critic”, (Coachingbydoris.com), you’ll benefit from an innovative, freedom-producing approach that emerged from years of work with hundreds of clients who were facing the same challenges you’re struggling with. Like you, they were haunted by critical self-talk. Promoting their skills was difficult in the world of work when they were anxious or their confidence waned. It was often frightening to take an intelligent risk.
An entrepreneur who had been worried about a low budget to accomplish his goals learned how to turn his inner critic into a detective that led him to new resources and fed him positive suggestions for accomplishing his goals. Other clients discovered the easiest, fastest ways to differentiate the voices of their inner critics from their authentic internal feedback system and their intuition. With this selfawareness, they were able to consistently use their critics to their best advantage. A small business owner learned why it was important to stop trying to January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 33
Empowerment
I recently read an article in one of our local newspapers here in Melbourne about a recruitment consultant who told of her surprise that many job seekers were sending in their applications without an accompanying cover letter. She was also amazed that many job seekers did not bother to follow the instructions in their applications, even if specific guidelines had been outlined in the job advertisement.
When creating a cover letter, ensure you devote as much time as you did in the development of your resume. This is the first document the reader views; it’s your initial handshake and introduction and, unfortunately, if it fails to captivate interest your resume will probably not be given the attention it deserves. Similarly, as with your resume, your letter is aiming to position yourself way
Cover Letters: Powerful Introductions to Your Career by Annemarie Cross Needless to say, in situations where the recruiter received a large number of applications, the job seekers whose application did not follow the instructions, were eliminated from the running - not even having their resumes reviewed. I am often asked if it is at all necessary to send a cover letter with a resume, after all, the resume contains all of the relevant information. My response to this question has always been a resounding ‘yes’; it is vital to send a cover letter with your resume, as the letter forms an integral part of your career-marketing package.
above your competitors by highlighting your most notable accomplishments and experience that directly relates to the position. Ensure your letter is succinct and incorporates hardhitting dynamic wording to grab and contain the reader’s attention. Perhaps while researching the company (via its website) you will be able to incorporate some of this information, particularly if you can contribute your skills directly to a particular area. Some cover letter pointers:
So what is a cover letter and what is its purpose? A cover letter (also referred to as an application letter) is a document that accompanies your resume in response to an advertised position. The main purpose of this document is to introduce yourself, while generating such interest that the reader will not only continue reading your resume, but also be compelled to call you in for an interview. Sounds simple enough, however developing such a letter requires thought, strategy and skill. Similarly, with the AIDA marketing approach, you are aiming to grab the reader’s Attention; create Interest; transform the interest into Desire (they want/need your expertise); and desire into Action (call you in for an interview). A cover letter should be tailored to each position you are applying for in order to portray a message specific to the stipulated criteria. Do not develop a standard cover letter with gaps that you photocopy and fill in by hand prior to sending off your resume. This demonstrates extreme laziness on your part in that you have not bothered to dedicate any time in developing a letter for that particular role.
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• A cover letter should be no longer than one page, and must contain your correct contact details. Develop your letter on a personalized letterhead, which will certainly make the document aesthetically pleasing.
• Do not repeat your entire resume contents in the letter, but rather notable accomplishments that pertain directly to the position being applied for.
• Format is extremely important and it is wise to ensure you use the same font as your resume for continuity. Try to utilize the same paper for the cover letter as you have used for your resume. Do not use brightly colored/luminescent paper with the thought that this will make your document stand out – use professional looking stationery.
• Make sure that you address the letter to a particular person. If no name has been provided, call and enquire to whom the application should be sent, as this will demonstrate initiative on your part, (or laziness if you don’t.)
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• Remember that this is a business letter, so keep in mind business written communication etiquette, particularly with titles, salutations, and closing phrases.
• Most important of all is to edit the document to ensure your grammar is correct and that it does not contain any spelling errors. Try to avoid the standard opening paragraph like this: “I am writing in response to your recently advertised position and enclose my letter for your consideration. ” This is such a standard opening that it will certainly not catch the reader’s attention. Add some dazzle by developing a strong opening such as: “With over 15 years of leadership and staff management experience I believe I can execute strategies that will continue to optimize staff performance and retention, and reflect positively on bottom-line performance.” or,
“Directing state-of-the-art communications systems to support high-growth industries is my expertise …” Adding some color to your introductory paragraph it is bound to grasp the reader’s attention. The paragraph(s) following your introduction should portray further transferable skills specific to the role in order to demonstrate your personal overall value, which you are offering. Notable accomplishments, that may be directly relevant to the role, may be introduced in bullet form in order to break up long paragraphs. Your closing paragraph should concisely reiterate the value you can bring to the organization; request an opportunity to meet with them to provide further opportunity to elaborate your ability to contribute to their organization; and thank them for their consideration. ¨
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Empowerment
Discover Conflict Resolution Without Words by Dr. Margaret Paul
Have you discovered that trying to “work out problems” often doesn't work? There is another way to resolve conflict that may work far better than talking about it! In the last few decades, partners have spent countless hours trying to “work out problems.” Yet over and over again they often come up against a major roadblock: they just don't see things the same way. No matter how long they talk and how hard they try, neither ends up feeling really heard and understood. While there are some couples that just naturally see things the same way, most people have a really hard time seeing
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things through the other person's eyes. What often happens when they “communicate” is that each person tries to get the other person to see things his or her way. Instead of solving the problem, each is trying to have control over how the other person sees things. This often leads to more conflict and frustration. While I am not suggesting that couples stop communicating over problems and issues, I am offering an additional way of resolving conflict: taking loving action in your own behalf. This form of conflict resolution is about action rather than talk. Following are some of the actions you can take that may make a world of difference in your relationship. Loving Actions Choose to be compassionate toward yourself and your partner rather than choosing to judge yourself or your partner.
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Judging yourself and your partner will always lead to more conflict. Choosing to compassionately care about yourself and your partner can totally change the energy between you, even without words. If you believe that you or your partner are bad or wrong for your feelings, behavior, or point of view, then you will not be able to let go of judgment. You will move toward compassion when you understand and accept that each of you has very good reasons for your feelings, behavior, and point of view. Try compassionately accepting yourself and your partner and see what happens! 2. Choose to practice self-discipline in terms of saying nothing rather than behaving in an inflammatory way toward your partner. Practice zipping up your mouth! Practice letting go of having to be right! Practice walking away from a conflicted or heated situation, rather than jumping into the fray in the hopes of winning. If you look back, you will see that no one wins when both people are trying to control with anger, blame, explanations, debating, defending, lectures, or compliance. However, if you choose to walk away, disengage with love and compassion - intent on taking loving care of yourself rather than punishing your partner. Walking away in anger is just another way to control.
Loving actions are actions that support your own highest good without harming your partner. For example, if you are tired of often being frustrated and rushed because your partner is generally late leaving for an event, you might decide to take your own car each time your partner is not ready on time. While your partner might not like your choice, your action is not harmful to him or her. It is an action that stops the power struggle and takes care of your self. As you learn and practice Inner Bonding, you will discover many loving actions in the face of conflict. The Inner Bonding membership community is a wonderful place to receive help in discovering loving actions. Letting go of trying to change your partner and taking loving action for your self are the keys to conflict resolution without words.
3. Choose to accept that you have no control over your partner’s feelings and behavior, but that you have total control over your own thoughts and actions. It is much easier to let go of trying to control your partner when you move into acceptance regarding who your partner is. Trying to change your partner is a total waste of energy. Changing yourself moves you into personal power. 4. Choose to take loving care of yourself in the face of the other person's choices. You will find yourself wanting to talk about problems when you see yourself as a victim of your partner's choices. However, when you accept your partner for who he or she is and accept your lack of control over your partner, you can then see your way clear toward taking loving action in your own behalf. Asking the question, “What is the loving action toward myself right now?” will lead to ideas of how to take loving care of your self. Asking, “If I were an enlightened being, how would I be acting right now?” will open the door to creative ways of taking loving care of yourself.
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Empowerment
What to Do When You “Have It All” and Still Aren’t Satisfied by Vicky Therese Davis, William R. Patterson, and D. Marques Patton
For a few, life has improved amongst the terrorist threats and subsequent roller coaster of an economy. Some have bought second or even third homes, while others have elected for collection quality, top of the line automobiles. Others still have traveled the world, experiencing realism at a level the vast majority will never know. Why yes, luxury today is known well in certain circles and is in fact lavished with immoderations. The question begging to be asked is, “What now?” How many yachts can one water-ski behind? Do you really want to go to the moon? When it is all said and done and you cannot find satisfaction with all the material things at your disposal: Give of Yourself People of affluence unaccustomed to a life dedicated to the service of those less fortunate will always have a void to fill. It is the scarcity mentality that says, “I must get all the money I can before I die.” It is the abundance mentality that counters, “I must pass on my knowledge and experience to give others an opportunity to obtain things far greater than my own accomplishments.”
today’s youth. Help as many others achieve their goals as you can. Write Your Memoirs When you have it all, tell it all. The story of your life should be recorded. This way, you only have to say it once and you will maximize the affect your experiences can have on all the people that read your book. Book writing is always a great project for those needing a new experience in their lives, especially for those willing to undertake its arduous course. Challenge Yourself More like, refine yourself. Take up Jiu-Jitsu. Learn yoga. Do something you have never done before. Study a new language. Study two. Fly a helicopter. Feed thousands of starving people. Make a List of Long-Term Goals and Complete One Each Year Aim for the horizon on this one. If
Behave Consistent with How You Want Others to Remember You Those who want to be remembered as having made a difference need to lead lives full of actions powerful enough to not only be cherished in their life, but also after they have passed on. Traditionally, these are service oriented acts. Become a mentor to
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you have ever thought of owning a sailing team, here is where that desire is to be recorded. It is far more difficult to achieve your innermost desires without writing them down. The human brain understands that you are serious when you take the time to write your goals down and review them on a daily basis. Let it all hang out. Studies have shown that 90% of this great nation’s wealth is controlled by 10% of its population. Many find that statistic shocking, while others have come to accept its validity. Some of this 10% are wholly fulfilled by their life’s experiences, but there are those who yearn for a bit more. The upper crust possess within it a class of its own, a faction unsatisfied by the trappings their money affords them. Rather, they go through with their day-to-day affairs and wonder if they could get even more out of life. The answer is a resounding yes!
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Two Heads Are Better than One! Accelerate Your Success with a Mastermind Group by Jack Canfield
We all know that two heads are better than one when it comes to solving a problem or creating a result. So imagine having a permanent group of five or six people who meet every week for the purpose of problem solving, brainstorming, networking, and encouraging and motivating each other! This process is called masterminding and is one of the most effective success tools you can adopt! It is a powerful way to support your dreams and bring unlimited resources to your business and personal life. Participating in a mastermind group has been critical to me. I can’t imagine achieving all I have without one, and it certainly made my goals happen much faster.
group, start by carefully enrolling another friendly, onpurpose, like-minded individual. Start by meeting together and then adding other selected, unanimously agreed-upon individuals who will work in total harmony for the good of each other and for the good of the group. 1. Your Dream Team should consist of 4-8 people. Most people find that 6 is the ideal number. 2. Meet weekly, if possible, for an hour to an hour and a half. This meeting must be held sacred as a lifeenhancing priority. The meetings should be upbeat, enriching, encouraging and beneficial to each individual and the group’s purposes. I always start our meetings with a prayer or an invocation. You could also start with an inspiring story.
A Process for Accelerating Your Growth The basic philosophy of a mastermind group is that more can be achieved in less time when people work together. Sometimes called a “dream team” your mastermind group is made up of two or more individuals who voluntarily come together on a regular basis – weekly, biweekly, or monthly – to share ideas, thoughts, information, feedback and resources. Your group can be composed of people from your own industry or profession or people from all walks of life. You can focus on business, increasing each other’s income, building a business, raising better kids, or solving a social problem. Within your mastermind group, you benefit from the other members who empower you and draw out your full talents, resources and abilities. They trigger you, stimulate and motivate you to become all you are capable of being.
Creating Your Dream Team
3. Each member must agree to play all out — to openly share ideas, support, contacts, information, feedback, and anything else that will help advance the individual and group goals. 4. Start by having each member share something positive and good that happened since the last meeting. 5. Next, have each member share an opportunity or problem they have experienced since the last meeting and ask for whatever support they would like on it. Appoint a time-keeper to make sure that everyone gets the same amount of time. This is important if you want your group to last. Everyone must get value at each meeting. 6. End by sharing appreciations and acknowledgements. You’ll find one of the real values of a mastermind group is the accountability factor – other members checking up on you to make sure you meet your stated commitments. It’s one way to ensure you’ll accomplish a lot more!
Regardless of its purpose, the key is to choose people who are already where you’d like to be in your life – or who are at least a level above you. In forming your mastermind January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 39
www.exceptionalmag.com
January-February 2013
CONTENTS
Extraordinary Profiles 42
Top 20 Exceptional Humanitarians
Inspiration 54
Attitude Plays a Large Role in Life
The Lighter Side 58
Early Birds and Night Owls
59
Puzzles and Funnies
61
Recipe—Shrimp, Crabmeat and Spinach Crustless Quiche
62
Recipe—Eggs Florentine
63
Profile Resources
64
Writers and Contributors
Cover Design by
Jeff Hayes
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. John C. Maxwell
Geographical Impact: Nationwide Website: www.powerpeacepurpose.com Kids Kicking Cancer was founded by Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg, who is both a black belt in the martial arts and a father who lost his first child to cancer. He has been using his experience in the martial arts to help kids deal with the disease. The training they receive through Kids Kicking Cancer helps them participate in the healing process and it allows them to draw on their inner-strength during such difficult times. These bold young souls learn to positively deal with hair loss, mortality, academic, social and many other issues compounded by cancer. “I've learned from the children that no matter what we face in our lives, we have this incredible ability to respond with this power, peace and purpose, and that's what they teach us. I've learned that no matter what's going on and how dark it could be outside, there is a place where you get over the clouds and you see the sunlight. These children illuminate the planet with that message.�
January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 43
Geographical Impact: Texas Website: www.brasforacause.com As the founder of Bras for a Cause, Emily Weathers is making a tremendous difference through creative fundraising events that bring awareness about breast cancer to the public. These special events are indirectly helping women get the resources they need to win their battle against the disease. The organization is partnering with cancer centers to create group therapy and peer groups for the children whose moms have breast cancer or in cases where both parents may have breast cancer. “There’s nothing more important than giving back to your community. Find a way to volunteer and give back. I’ve always volunteered in various ways but there’s nothing that makes me more proud than seeing my kids excited and involved in giving back to the community. There are many ways to incorporate volunteering into your everyday life.”
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Geographical Impact: Worldwide Website: www.flutesacrosstheworld.org For almost 30 years, Zeretzke has used his gifts as a musician and teacher to inspire young kids around the world. His world renowned project, Flutes Across the World has scored numerous international accolades for being a cultural outreach program for peace. His Flutes program has connected young kids around the world, have given them hope and even saved lives in some cases. Kids who are at risk, who are abused, fall between the cracks, or have learning disabilities have all excelled in his art programs. They’re finally being acknowledged for something they do well. They have achieved something extraordinary. Zeretzke’s music programs have allowed many children to open up and realize they can excel not just in music but in life. “We are just vessels that collect information and ideas and we carry them forward in our own way; in our own style.”
January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 45
Geographical Impact: California and Jamaica Website: www.comp4teenlife.org As a remarkable philanthropist, Lorna Johnson has impacted the lives of thousands of children and families, helping them to live healthy lifestyles. Johnson founded Compassion for Teen Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing lowincome children and their families in California and Jamaica with supportive services focused on living healthy lifestyles and the importance of continuing their education. Topics such as childhood obesity, diabetes, hypertension and risky sexual behavior in adolescents are addressed. The organization also provides students with technological tools and stresses leadership skills so that they will be able to lead productive lives, become leaders and have a positive impact on their communities. “I am proud to be able to give back to my community. I began bringing kids from Jamaica to expose them to American culture, while allowing Americans to gain exposure to an emerging country like Jamaica. I believe that is the key to success. Having an understanding of different cultures gives you a broader perspective on life than if you just remained in one community.� 46 | Exceptional People Magazine | January-February 2013
Geographical Impact: India Website: www.childrescue.net For thousands of children in India, Matthew Kurian is an angel of mercy. As founder of El Shaddai Charitable Trust, Kurian has been rescuing women and street children in the slums of India for over 14 years. Matthew has provided homes and shelters for abandoned street/slum children, children from economically poor or dysfunctional families, and also orphans. The facilities provide children with the basic necessities of life followed by rehabilitation which helps to develop their personalities. Support systems like community centers for women and children have been developed. Additionally, his organization conducts awareness and educational programs on hygiene, lifestyle, nutritious food, and also organizes health and medical camps among the slum and street dwelling families. “My mission for El Shaddai is ‘Loving, Caring and Sharing’. I want to love the unlovable, give care to the desperate and share God’s and men’s goodness with those who have not experienced it. Our core purpose is to ensure equal opportunities for all children, regardless of race, caste, religion, community or economic status.” January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 47
Geographical Impact: Zambia Website: www.anchorofhopecharities.org The Anchor of Hope Charities, founded by Judy Kendall was established to develop health care and educational programs that promote a brighter future for the world's most vulnerable children. The organization is dedicated to providing education and youth development to orphaned and abandoned children in Zambia, Africa. Some of the organization’s projects involve assisting with the development of orphanages by providing irrigation systems and land development so that an orphanage can be self-sustaining. Dorm rooms, class rooms, clinics and chapels are also built and offer children a healthy environment for learning. “The greatest reward for the work that I do is seeing the smiling faces of children who dare to dream of becoming doctors, teachers and pastors. My goal is to support the educational efforts in Zambia so these children can reach their dreams. In my mind, it is education that will facilitate breaking the vicious cycle of healthcare challenges and poverty. My goal is to help children be advocates of change.” 48 | Exceptional People Magazine | January-February 2013
Geographical Impact: Nationwide Website: www.oneheartland.org At the age of 20, Neil Willenson was heartbroken to learn that the streets on which he had grown up happy and carefree, were the same streets where another young child was being shunned and forsaken because he had AIDS. Inspired by a local news article, Neil began a personal campaign to reach out to families experiencing similar difficulties. Angered by the reaction of the community, he decided to react differently by extending friendship and offering compassion to the child and his family. In 1993, at age 22, Willenson founded Camp Heartland, now an umbrella organization for One Heartland. One Heartland annually serves thousands of suffering and at-risk children in the United States including those who experience poverty, HIV/AIDS, Type 2 Diabetes and other challenges. His mission is to improve the lives of children, youth and families facing significant health challenges or social isolation. January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 49
Geographical Impact: California, Indiana and Massachusetts Website: www.schoolonwheels.org The disruption of lives, living in chaos on the streets, in motels, in cars and in shelters. Can you imagine living this way? No, none of us can, but it’s happening everyday all over America. Agnes Stevens couldn’t believe it either and that was her defining moment to begin changing the lives of the homeless. She is a woman who has made her mark in the world of education. Founded in 1993 by Stevens, School on Wheels, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving the educational needs of hundreds of homeless children who are in need of academic stability. After retiring as a school teacher in 1989, Stevens began tutoring homeless kids in a park in Santa Monica, encouraging them to stay in school and participate in school activities. Today, hundreds of volunteers from all backgrounds and professions teach and mentor these children so that they may have a chance at living their dreams, while also ending the cycle of homelessness and poverty.
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Geographical Impact: Worldwide Website: www.gftw.org Gleaning For The World’s goal has always been to reach God’s children with life-saving supplies while redirecting useable non-sellable supplies from America’s industry. What was once a small outreach program using returned and damaged goods from local stores and manufacturers, has now become a humanitarian organization that has shipped well over 350 million dollars in supplies of relief to people in need around the globe. Wherever there is devastation and a dire need for humanitarian aid, Reverend Ronald Davidson, founder of Gleaning for the World is doing his part to help. From battle zones in Iraq, to Hurricane Katrina, clinics in Africa, hospitals in Lebanon, to orphanages in Guatemala and many other places where people are suffering and in need, Gleaning for the World is making a tremendous difference.
January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 51
Geographical Impact: New Jersey Website: www.creechcdc.org For over twelve years, Barbara Franklin has been the saving grace for her community at the Creech Community Center and Food Pantry in Paterson, New Jersey. CREECH addresses the long-term conditions of poverty of families and individuals through its existing services and partnership with other agencies. Along with its community partners, the organization assesses the needs of the entire family and prepares an empowerment plan that will identify long term solutions for its constituents regarding housing, mental illness, education, and social behavior. The program not only has a positive affect on it’s recipients but it has changed the lives of those who help run the program. Many of those who started as volunteers and were on welfare are no longer on welfare. They are now ex-drug dealers and ex-prostitutes. Many have gone through training courses at night and some have gone back to school. “Don’t sit on what God has given you to do. Act on it. It may be the simplest thing, but act on it.” 52 | Exceptional People Magazine | January-February 2013
Inspiration
You’ll find there’s light at the end of every tunnel of despair if you maintain faith and a positive attitude.
Inspiration
Attitude Plays a Large Role in Life by Catherine Galasso-Vigorito
The optimist accidentally spilled a cup of milk on the table and declared, “My cup runs over, what a blessing.” When the pessimist experienced the same scenario, he said, “My cup runs over, what a mess!”
Our attitude can be louder than the words we speak. And can reveal to others our character. Attitude is what governs our entire day. Yet, perhaps, you’ve been floundering. You’re doing everything you can, but you don’t see anything changing. Things have not gone your way.
How important is your attitude? Attitude plays a large role in life. It can make or break us. Attitude can allow us to rise above challenges or magnify them.
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Time is passing and you’re disheartened and overwhelmed. And despondently you may say to yourself, “I never thought I’d be in this situation,” and “What’s there for me to be happy about now,” as your hopes and dreams for the future appear to be fading.
Inspiration
But you can’t wait until everything is perfect or gets better before you choose to have a good attitude. Rather than talking yourself into being discouraged, you must be thankful for all the blessings you possess and decide to be the very best that you can be ‘right here’ and ‘right where you are’ today. Helen Keller once wrote, “Resolve to keep happy and joyful and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” Take the good from life’s experiences and recharge your thoughts to grasp the positive from each situation. The more optimistic and thankful you are, the more joy, peace, and blessings will come back around to you. Years ago, I heard a story about a bakery owner who every morning, gathered some of the town’s needy children and gave them each a warm loaf of bread. Rather than being appreciative for the baker’s kindness, many of the children fought over who would get the largest loaf. They complained, were bitter about their present circumstances, and were just out for themselves. However, there was one little girl in the crowd who had a different attitude. Day after day, patiently, she waited for the others to stop fighting, and she gratefully took the smallest loaf. Then, she thanked the baker and happily brought the loaf home to share with her family. One day, as her mother was slicing the bread, she found several pieces of silver inside the loaf. Quite surprised, the mother showed her daughter what she discovered in the bread. So, the next day, as usual, the children went back to the bakery. The little girl, who happened to be the neediest, also returned. Holding out the palm of her hand, the girl revealed the silver coins to the baker and said, “Sir, we found your money inside the loaf of bread that you so generously gave to us. You must have accidentally dropped the coins while you were baking the loaf.”
Look to God with a positive attitude of gratitude and continue doing your best, for He will reward you. Scripture says, “God rewards those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11). “And in due season, you will reap if you do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Recently, I received a letter from a dear reader who suggested, “It is just a matter of timing. For the blessings are in God’s hands to deliver when He feels it is appropriate. In the meantime, keep thanking Him. Be positive, keep busy, keep striving, have faith and wait for Him to do His awesome work.” For rest-assured, God is in control; and just as He parted the waters of the Red Sea for Moses, God will bring a miracle to pass for you. “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” (Exodus 14:21). Soon, windows of opportunity will swing open, new goals will be accomplished, dreams restored, and you’ll emerge better, stronger, and will reach the fullness of your destiny. One thing that I do to keep a positive attitude is to write in my ‘gratitude journal.’ Daily, I jot down one or two blessings for which I am grateful. This ritual serves as a reminder to focus on the positives. And, moreover, on challenging days, I reread my gratitude list, and it completely changes my outlook. Smile, laugh, summon your sense of humor and use your special gifts to help others. Fix your mind on good things; be happy where you are; and appreciate the extraordinary person that God created you to be. God’s hand is upon you. A day of reward is coming!
The baker responded, “I did not make a mistake, I put the coins in the smallest loaf of bread as a reward.” Regardless of what’s going on in your life at the moment, God has so many ways to bless your future. He is not limited by ordinary factors. Thus, do not give into sadness or desperation for what you are facing today. Let the negative things go. And keep your eyes ever upward. January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 55
The Lighter Side
Yeah, I’m all that and a bag of chips.
Lighter Side
Morning People - Early Birds and Night Owls by Dorothy Rosby
Some people are morning people. Some people are night people. And some people are only people for a few minutes right around suppertime. I happen to be a morning person, though I do cheer up considerably at the thought of supper.
us better people--well some of us are better people. But mostly what it makes us is tired. As the years go by, what we call morning continues to retreat into night. Eventually, we're getting up about the same time the night owls are going to bed.
Unfortunately, families and workplaces are made up of all types, and this inevitably leads to conflict. Let me give you some examples.
When I was a teenager, one of my first jobs required me to serve breakfast to morning people who, at that point in my life, seemed far more enthusiastic than the time of day called for. I can’t remember what time I had to be at work, and it doesn’t matter. Back then, I thought anything before 8 a.m. was still night. I was a night person trapped in a morning person's schedule.
Night people love to stay out on New Year’s Eve. Morning people prefer to be up early on New Years Day. You can see how this could cause tension in a relationship. If a morning person sees the New Year in at all, it’s because we woke up at midnight to use the bathroom. A night person told me his early bird wife had, on more than one occasion, attempted to make their bed while he was still in it. Even I think that’s inconsiderate. She should at least tell him to get his lazy bones out of bed first. Morning people think more clearly in the morning. Anyone who knows me will tell you it's true; I don't think very clearly at all in the afternoon and evening. But that's just when the night people I know start making sense--to each other. How did it come to this? We all started out the same. As infants, we woke up at all hours of the night--and saw to it that our parents did too. Eventually we slept through the night and started waking up early in the morning, especially on weekends. Then we became teenagers, and as you know, there is no such thing as a teenage morning person. Their biology would have them going to bed after 1 a.m. and not up until the lunch dishes are washed and put away, and not just because they don't want to do the dishes. Night people do not progress beyond this point. But morning people continue to evolve. That doesn’t make 58 | Exceptional People Magazine | January-February 2013
My father, the early bird, woke me up for work. He was always up by 4 a.m., and he was not sympathetic about my need for sleep; witness the fact that he routinely rototilled the garden at sunrise. All these years later, I’m the one who’s up at 4 a.m.--not rototilling, but contemplating. That’s more considerate of the night people in the house. It’s also easier. And what I’m contemplating today is how night owls and early birds can live together. For starters, we probably shouldn’t rototill at 4 a.m.--or 11 p.m. But we should also look for the value in each other. If there were no morning people, who would make the coffee? If there were no night people, who would watch the infomercials? And we must stop thinking we’re superior because of our sleep habits. You know what I’m talking about. Night people, can be a little smug, thinking us morning people are old fuddy-duds who sleep through the action. But morning people can be a self-righteous bunch too. You’ve heard that rot about “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Only a morning person would say that, and even they know it’s not necessarily true. As a morning person, I may be healthy, but I’m not particularly wealthy. And if I’m wise at all, it’s only for a few hours in the morning.
Lighter Side
A Car or a Haircut A boy had just gotten his driver's permit and asked his father if they could discuss his use of the car. His father said, "Bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, get a haircut, and we'll talk about it." The boy accepted the offer. Six weeks later, they talked again. His father said, "You've brought your grades up, and I've seen you studying your Bible. But, I'm disappointed that you didn't get your hair cut." The young man said, "You know, Dad, in the Bible, Samson had long hair. John the Baptist and Moses did too and even Jesus had long hair." His father replied, "Did you notice they walked everywhere they went?"
January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 59
Lighter Side Violin Practice Little Harold was practicing the violin while his father was trying to read. The family dog was lying in the den, and as the screeching sounds reached his ears, he began to howl loudly. The father jumped up and yelled, “For pity's sake, can’t you play something the dog doesn’t know?”
Arresting Mom A police recruit was asked on an exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?" In the blank, he wrote, "Call for backup."
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Lighter Side
Shrimp, Crabmeat and Spinach Crustless Quiche
The word, "quiche," is derived from the German word "kuchen," meaning cake, and was originally a pastry shell or bread dough stuffed with egg cream custard and smoked bacon. French chefs added ingredients like spinach, cheese and onions, dubbing their creations with surnames like Lorraine or Alsacienne quiche.
Directions
You can make this treat even better by making it more nutritious. Forget the pie crust!
Add remaining ingredients and combine thoroughly.
Ingredients
Bake 30 minutes or until the eggs have solidified. Let cool 10 minutes and cut, using a pie server to retain the shape of the servings.
5 eggs, beaten 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 cup baby shrimp 1 can crabmeat 2 tablespoons chopped chives 8 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed 3 cups shredded Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper 3 dashes nutmeg
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9-inch glass deep-dish pie pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until smooth and blended.
While quiche is usually associated with breakfast, it makes a great light fare for any meal. Cups of fruit make a delicious and healthy side to accompany the dish.
January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 61
Lighter Side
Eggs Florentine
For this recipe, prepare the Hollandaise sauce first. Ingredients 4 cups spinach leaves 2 English muffins 4 large eggs 2 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 tablespoon finely chopped shallots 2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper
Place half of a toasted English muffin on each of four plates and top with 1/2 cup of sautĂŠed spinach. Place the eggs on the spinach and spoon the Hollandaise sauce over the open sandwich. Garnish with parsley and pepper. Hollandaise sauce 3 egg yokes 1/2 cup butter (melted) 2 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2teaspoonsugar A pinch of cayenne
Directions SautĂŠ the spinach, making two cups by cooking it gradually in the butter. Add shallots, pepper and nutmeg. Toss in until crispy. Poach the eggs in a microwave egg poacher for about one minute.
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Separate eggs and melt the butter. In a blender, combine egg yokes, lemon juice, salt, sugar and cayenne. Blend at a low speed until it is thickened and smooth, adding the hot butter gradually. Serve it warm on the eggs.
Profile Resources Part One Ray Buchanan, Founder, Stop Hunger Now, www.stophungernow.org Nancy Leiberman, Founder Nancy Lieberman Foundation, www.nancyliebermanfoundation.com Jose Guzman, Founder, Guzman 23 Foundation, www.guzman23foundation.com Maimah Karmo, Founder, Tigerlily Foundation, www.tigerlilyfoundation.org Dr. Carnell Cooper, Creator, Violence Intervention Program, www.umm.edu/shocktrauma/special_programs/ Mona Purdy, Founder, Share Your Soles, www.shareyoursoles.org Chris and Ashlee Kleinert, Founders, Executives in Action, www.executivesinaction.org John Wood, Founder, Room to Read, www.roomtoread.org James Morgan, Co-Founder, Lamp for Haiti Foundation, www.lampforhaiti.org Ron Clark, Founder, Ron Clark Academy, www.ronclarkacademy.com
Photo Credits Maimah Karmo, Page 8, Cavalheri Photography, http://www.cavalheriphotography.net/
Part Two Elimelech Goldberg, Founder, Kids Kicking Cancer, www.powerpeacepurpose.com Emily Weathers, Founder, Bras for a Cause, www.brasforacause.com John Zeretzke, Founder, Flutes Across the World, www.flutesacrosstheworld.org Lorna Johnson, Founder, Compassion for Teen Life, www.comp4teenlife.org Matthew Kurian, Founder, El Shaddai Charitable Trust, www.childrescue.net Judy Kendall, Founder, Anchors of Hope Charities, www.anchorofhopecharities.org Neil Willenson, Founder, One Heartland, www.oneheartland.org Agnes Stevens, Founder, School on Wheels, www.schoolonwheels.org Ron Davidson, Founder, Gleaning for the World, www.gftw.org Barbara Franklin, Community Servant, Creech Community Development Center, www.creechcdc.org
Photo Credits Lorna Johnson, Page 46, Bobby Quillard, http://www.quillardinc.com
Additional Credits Graphics and Cover Designs: Jeff Hayes, http://www.plasmafiregraphics.com
January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 63
Writers and Contributors
William R. Patterson
Annemarie Cross
Ranked as the #1 Business Motivational Speaker by Ranking.com, William R. Patterson is a three-time award-winning lecturer and international bestselling author who uses his trademark approach, THE BARON SOLUTION™, to coach, train, and motivate business leaders, sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. His breakthrough book, The Baron Son, has been translated around the world and featured in the Forbes Book Club and Black Enterprise. William is an internationally recognized wealth and business coach who has been a featured guest on over 500 television and radio programs. William's website, BaronSeries.com, is winner of four 2009 Web Awards including: Best Speaker; Best Male Author; Best Business Advice Site; and Best WealthBuilding Site. For more information, visit http://www.baronseries.com
Annemarie Cross is a Career Management & Personal Branding Strategist, Speaker, Consultant, Radio Broadcaster, and Author of ’10 Key Steps to Ace that Interview!’ She is also the founder/ principal of Advanced Employment Concepts – Career Management and Corporate Career Development Specialists offering powerful programs for people striving for career success and fulfillment, as well as savvy companies committed to building and retaining their most important asset – their staff.
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito
James Adonis
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” has endeared her to readers worldwide for over 15 years.
James Adonis is a people-management thinker and the author of three books including his latest, ‘Corporate Punishment: Smashing the Management Clichés for Leaders in a New World’. Thought-provoking and entertaining, James's keynote presentations and workshops show companies how to solve staff turnover, engage all generations, and win the war for talent. He has presented to audiences across Australia, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with an impressive list of clients including McDonald's, American Express, CocaCola, Qantas, and Gucci. www.jamesadonis.com.
Known for her ability to uplift and encourage, Catherine has become America’s most beloved inspirational voice. Catherine is the founder and CEO of her own company, A New You Worldwide, developing and designing inspirational products. Her mission is to instill hope in the hearts of people everywhere, inspiring them to live a better life. She makes her home on the East Coast with her husband and three daughters. Visit her website at www.anewyouworldwide.com Searching for inspirational gifts - visit http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/app.nav/ params.class.K990/walk.yah.0101-K990.
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Widely considered a personal change agent and success catalyst, Annemarie has distinguished herself as being people-focused, caring, inspirational and life-changing in her approach. Annemarie can be contacted at www.a-e-c.com.au email: info@a-e-c.com.au.
Writers and Contributors
Rosalind Sedacca
Margaret Paul
Recognized as The Voice of Child-Centered Divorce, Rosalind Sedacca is a Certified Corporate Trainer and founder of the Child-Centered Divorce Network for parents facing, moving through or transitioning beyond divorce. She is the author of How Do I Tell the Kids about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook™ Guide to Preparing Your Children – with Love! which offers a unique approach to breaking divorce news to your children based on her own personal experience. She is also the 2008 National First Place Winner of the Victorious Woman Award.
Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is a noted public speaker, bestselling author, workshop leader, relationship expert, and Inner Bonding® facilitator. She has counseled individuals and couples, and led groups, classes, and workshops since 1968. She is the author and co-author of eight books, including the internationally bestselling Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?, Healing Your Aloneness, Inner Bonding, and Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By God?
As a Certified Corporate Trainer and Business Communication Strategist she provides consulting, speaking, training and Executive Coaching services to organizations nation-wide on marketing, public relations and business communication issues. She specializes in gender-related dynamics, marketing to women and employeemanagement collaboration in the workplace. To learn more about her book, free ezine, programs and other valuable resources on creating a positive ChildCentered Divorce, visit www.childcentereddivorce.com and www.howdoitellthekids.com. For more information about her customized programs, audio and videotapes, and other services, contact Rosalind at 561-742-3537 or Talk2Roz@bellsouth.net.
Dawn Abraham
She is the co-creator, along with Dr. Erika Chopich, of the Inner Bonding® healing process, recommended by actress Lindsay Wagner and singer Alanis Morissette, and featured on Oprah, and of the unique and popular website www.innerbonding.com. Their transformational selfhealing/conflict resolution software program, SelfQuest®, at www.selfquest.com, is being donated to prisons and schools and sold to the general public.
Sue Urda Sue Urda is an Author, Speaker, Inspirer and Co-Founder of Powerful You! Women’s Network, She was named twice on Inc. Magazines list of the 500 FastestGrowing Private Companies. Sue’s vision is to contribute to a global consciousness of women helping women succeed in business and in life and to open them to truth of who they are. www.sueurda.com.
Dawn Abraham is a Certified Life/Business Coach, and is an “Official Guide for Small Business Marketing at Selfgrowth.com. She also partners with professionals and entrepreneurs to help them create balanced lives while earning more money. Law of Attraction, Self Esteem, Abundance, Meditation, Motivation, Reiki, Private & Group Coaching, Free Life Changing Mp3's and Teleclasses are offered. http://www.qualified-lifecoach.com January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 65
Writers and Contributors
Sharon Dahlonega Raiford Bush
Shelley Riutta
Sharon Dahlonega Raiford Bush is CEO of News Archives International. This multiaward-winning journalist writes and publishes news articles about productive individuals committed to making positive changes in their lives and in the world around them. She also writes and directs live performances for young, exceptional artists throughout the Los Angeles region. Sharon shares her life with her husband, veteran actor Grand L. Bush.
Shelley Riutta MSE, LPC is a Holistic Psychotherapist and Inner Bonding Facilitator in private practice specializing in Transformational individual counseling, presentations, groups and Workshops. To get her free workbook "What Do You REALLY Want: Finding Purpose and Passion in Your Life" or for information about the free teleclasses she does every month visit her web-site www.RadiantLifeCounseling.com or call her at 877-346-1167.
To learn more about Sharon, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Sharon_Dahlonega_Raiford_Bush and http://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonraifordbush. She can be contacted at https://www.facebook.com/TVwxGirl.
Dawn McCoy Dawn McCoy is author of "Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider's Guide to Success" http://flourishleadership.com/store/ index.html She is also is president and CEO of Flourish Leadership, LLC which provides coaching executives, public servants, and youth leaders. For author and speaker details, visit http:// www.flourishleadership.com.
Jack Canfield Jack is the founder and former CEO of Chicken Soup for the SoulÂŽ Enterprises, a billion dollar empire that encompasses licensing, merchandising and publishing activities around the globe. He is the Founder and Chairman of The Canfield Training Group which trains entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and motivated individuals how to accelerate the achievement of their personal and professional goals. Jack is also the founder of The Foundation for Self-Esteem which provides self-esteem resources and trainings to social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals. http://www.jackcanfield.com/ 66 | Exceptional People Magazine | January-February 2013
Inez Bracy Inez Bracy is the host of her own radio talk show; Living Smart and Well and is a columnist for Senior Stuff a local ezine, the Orlando Examiner, a former columnist for the Island Voice magazine and the author of Rejuvenate Your Life in 21 Days. Bracy’s radio show, Living Smart and Well shares tips on creating your best life and is heard globally on www.livingsmartandwell.com. Bracy is an author, a masterful coach, powerful trainer, and a dynamic speaker. With more than 20 years of experience working for educational institutions and non-profits, Bracy uses her knowledge to help people create extraordinary lives. http://overfiftyfineandfancy.com
Keasha Lee Keasha Lee is President of Striking Statements, LLC a company that provides public relations and social media strategy for small to mid sized businesses. www.strikingstatements.com
Writers and Contributors
Dorothy Rosby
Eileen Lichtenstein
Dorothy Rosby is an entertaining speaker and syndicated humor columnist whose work appears regularly in 30-plus newspapers in eleven Western and Midwestern states. She is also Community Relations Director for an organization which supports people with disabilities. She lives in Rapid City, South Dakota with her husband, son, mother, and hamster. Contact her at drosby@rushmore.com or see her website at www.dorothyrosby.com.
Eileen Lichtenstein, MS Ed, CEO of Balance & Power, Inc. is a certified Anger Management Specialist, Career and Mid-Life Coach, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique ) Practitioner and a former Biofeedback Therapist and faculty at Hofstra University. "SOAR! with Resilience™: The Interactive Book for Overcoming Obstacles & Achieving Success" is the core material for many of her trainings and a motivational read for anyone struggling to take their personal or professional life to a higher level of success and satisfaction. www.balanceandpower.com
Angie Brennan Angie Brennan is a humor writer and illustrator from Maryland. Visit her website at www.angiebrennan.com for cartoons, spoof advice, and more.
Greg Williams Greg Williams, The Master Negotiator, is an internationally sought after speaker/trainer. He provides negotiation expertise to corporate and individual clients that seek to maximize their negotiation efforts, at the negotiation table. You can sign up for Greg’s free negotiation tips at www.TheMasterNegotiator.com – You can also view his Negotiation Tip videos at http:// www.youtube.com/user/ TheMasterNegotiator - Greg’s motto is, “Remember, you’re always negotiating”.
January-February 2013 | Exceptional People Magazine | 67
www.exceptionalmag.com
Thank you...Founder, Monica Davis
For every dew drop that lies on a flower, so exist the number of opportunities each year for you to develop new skills, lead others, apply new ideas, share your blessings, increase your potential, make a difference in your community, change your life and make the world a better place. Do it.