Curious about Fate: Do You Believe In It? Do We Have Any Control Over It? What Effect, If Any, Has It Had on Your Life?

Fate – definition: (1) A fixed decree by which the order of things is prescribed; the immutable law of the universe; inevitable necessity; the force by which all existence is determined and conditioned. (2) The element of chance in the affairs of life; the unforeseen and under-estimated conditions considered as a force shaping events; fortune.

“There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed.” - Napoleon Bonaparte, French leader

“It is what a man thinks of himself that really determines his fate.” - Henry David Thoreau, American author

I picked “fate” for this week’s blog theme, because I strongly believe that our fate is controlled by our thoughts, beliefs and actions. I am adding yet another great business opportunity to my “Portfolio Career” and am truly excited about it.

Did it reveal itself because of fate? Yes! What about the Law of Attraction? Did I attract it to me? Yes! But it did not just show up. It was a combination of everything, and especially because of actions I have taken and continue to take.

Yes, I do feel that there may be some chance involved. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet wrote, “Thy fate is the common fate of all; Into each life some rain must fall.”

However, it is how we relate to what happens to us. Franklin D. Roosevelt, American President, wrote, “Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.”

Let’s examine what other experts have to say:

• “What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate.” - Donald Trump, American businessman“
• It is to be remarked that a good many people are born curiously unfitted for the fate waiting them on this earth.” - Joseph Conrad, Polish novelist
• “One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.” - Joan of Arc, French celebrity
• “Fate loves the fearless.” - James Russell Lowell, American poet
• “How a person masters his fate is more important than what his fate is.” - Wilhelm von Humboldt, German educator

Some quotations with a bit of a twist:

• “Fate leads him who follows it, and drags him who resist.” – Plutarch, Greek philosopher
• “I never used to believe in fate. I used to think you make your own life and then you call it fate. That's why I call it irony.” - Gene Wilder, American actor
• “Character and fate are two words for the same thing.” – Novalis, German poet
• “Kisses are a better fate than wisdom.” - e. e. cummings, American poet
• “Man does not control his own fate. The women in his life do that for him.” - Groucho Marx, American comedian

And a couple for you to chew on this coming week:

“My fate cannot be mastered; it can only be collaborated with and thereby, to some extent, directed. Nor am I the captain of my soul; I am only its noisiest passenger.” - Aldous Huxley, English novelist

“Just because Fate doesn't deal you the right cards, it doesn't mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential.” - Les Brown, American businessman

So, I ask you again, “Do you believe in fate? And how much control do you feel we have over it?” One part that I strongly believe in is that “What goes around comes around.” Is that fate or Karma, or are they really the same? Good questions to consider.

Curious about Equilibrium: Do You Have It in Your Life? How Important Is It to You? Ways to Achieve It.

Definitions of Equilibrium: Equality of weight or force; A level position; A balancing of the mind between motives or reasons.

“We can be sure that the greatest hope for maintaining equilibrium in the face of any situation rests within ourselves. Persons who are secure with a transcendental system of values and a deep sense of moral duties are possessors of values which no man and no catastrophe can take from them.” - Francis J. Braceland, American psychiatrist

This past week I took part in a conference call with my newly formed Mastermind group. As we were coming to the end of the sharing of ideas, one of the members asked about managing time and balance. Another, who is a personal coach, shared that rather than using the word “balance” with her clients, she prefers the word “equilibrium.” I was so taken with her suggestion, I decided to make it the theme of this week’s blog.

Yes, I do feel that the word and idea of “balance” has been overdone. If we have ever taken part in a discussion and/or workshop on goal setting, we have experienced the wheel with spokes to discover which parts of our lives are out of balance and giving us a bumpy ride.

So, how do you feel about “equilibrium”? Is it a stronger thought for you and your direction? Or are you still pursuing “balance” in all areas?

I have been working with a senior focused Yoga class. We concentrate on our breathing, stretching and holding various Yogic poses. Since my initial instructor training and my teaching of the class, I feel that I have definitely increased my “balance” and “equilibrium.” I am calmer, more relaxed and accepting of the good and the bad that comes my way.

Let’s see what the experts have to say about “equilibrium”:

• “The dimension that counts for the creative person is the space he creates within himself. This inner space is closer to the infinite than the other, and it is the privilege of the balanced mind... and the search for an equilibrium is essential - to be as aware of inner space as he is of outer space.” - Mark Tobey, American artist
• “I am probably exaggerating a little, but I owe my equilibrium to ink and paper.” - Julien Green, American novelist
• “There exists everywhere a medium in things, determined by equilibrium.” - Dmitri Mendeleev, Russian scientist
• “Now equilibrium is the very opposite of disorder.” - Rudolf Arnheim, German artist

Some other thoughts with a twist:

• “If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos.” - E. O. Wilson, American scientist
• “Journey with me to a true commitment to our environment. Journey with me to the serenity of leaving to our children a planet in equilibrium.” - Paul Tsongas, American politician
• “Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness.” - Helen Keller, American author
• “Sanity is the lot of those who are most obtuse, for lucidity destroys one's equilibrium: it is unhealthy to honestly endure the labors of the mind which incessantly contradict what they have just established.” - Georges Bataille, French writer

And, a couple of “heavy” quotations to think about. What meaning do they have for you?

“For this equilibrium now in sight, let us trust that mankind, as it has occurred in the greatest periods of its past, will find for itself a new code of ethics, common to all, made of tolerance, of courage, and of faith in the Spirit of men.” - Albert Claude, Belgian scientist

“All biologic phenomena act to adjust: there are no biologic actions other than adjustments. Adjustment is another name for Equilibrium. Equilibrium is the Universal, or that which has nothing external to derange it.” - Charles Fort, American writer

And, how do you feel about “equilibrium” vs. “balance”? I would love to hear from you. Do have a balanced week in the state of equilibrium.

Curious about Wellness and Health: How Do These Impact You and Your Life?

“Let us be about setting high standards for life, love, creativity, and wisdom. If our expectations in these areas are low, we are not likely to experience wellness. Setting high standards makes every day and every decade worth looking forward to.” - Greg Anderson, American athlete

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” - Mohandas Gandhi, Indian leader

Wellness and health play a huge and important part in my life, my actions, my thoughts, and my schedule. I was prompted to write this blog, because I have just joined forces with a “We Deliver Wellness” company. You are probably wondering why I would ever take on an additional career.

I recently met a delightful young woman at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. When I shared that I teach ten fitness classes a week, she shared that she works with wellness products and that we should get together. We did. And, I was impressed. The company supplies supplements – I am currently trying their vitality products – household products without chemicals, and beauty products – I am also trying a skin care product.

Presently, I am a designated “Preferred Customer.” However, if and when I am thrilled with the results, I plan to start marketing the products. I like their system and their focus on “wellness” and, of course, health.

When I started searching for “wellness” quotations, I found excellent ones, but few. Then when I searched for “health” I was completely blown away by the number. I could write a hundred blogs filled with “health” quotations. So I picked some for you and for me which follow:

Some general feelings:

• “There are six components of wellness: proper weight and diet, proper exercise, breaking the smoking habit, control of alcohol, stress management and periodic exams.” - Kenneth H. Cooper, American soldier
• “What is called genius is the abundance of life and health.” - Henry David Thoreau, American author
• “Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.” - Lao Tzu, Greek philosopher
• “Family, nature and health all go together.” - Olivia Newton-John, American musician
• “To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha, Indian leader
• “You can have peace of mind, improved health and an ever-increasing flow of energy. Life can be full of joy and satisfaction.” - Norman Vincent Peale, American clergyman

Those with a bit of a twist:

• “Time and health are two precious assets that we don't recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.” - Denis Waitley, American writer
• “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.” – Hippocrates, Greek scientist
• “The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.” - Abraham Maslow, American psychologist
• “You end up as you deserve. In old age you must put up with the face, the friends, the health, and the children you have earned.” - Judith Viorst, American author
• “Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.” - Thomas Jefferson, American President
• “Yoga is wonderful. It clears up most health problems. It also gives you an overview.” - Helen Reddy, Australian actress

It is true about Yoga. I have been teaching a modified Yoga class for Seniors once a week, and I already notice a big difference in how I feel - much calmer and centered!

And three quotations to think about and work upon:

• “Health is not a condition of matter, but of Mind.” - Mary Baker Eddy, American scientist
• “Look up, laugh loud, talk big, keep the color in your cheek and the fire in your eye, adorn your person, maintain your health, your beauty and your animal spirits.” - William Hazlitt, English critic
• “The first wealth is health.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet

Have a healthy and well week!

Curious about Luck: Do You Believe in It? Do You Feel Lucky and/or Unlucky? How Much Control Do You Have Over Luck?

“Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get.” - Ray Kroc, American businessman

“Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” – Oprah Winfrey, American celebrity

I chose Luck as the theme for this week’s – and especially this day’s – blog, because the date will only happen once in our lifetime: 7/7/07. And, of course many were celebrating at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

There are people who swear that they continually have bad luck. And, it does seem that way. I have met and known some who are laid off, then become seriously ill, get into accidents and seem to go from bad to worse. And yet, I know many examples of those who when faced with catastrophes experience turnarounds that enforce the common cliché, “when one door closes, another opens.”

If we believe in the Law of Attraction, we question whether or not we have attracted either the bad or the good to us.

I think you will find that a good number of the quotations I found mirror the idea(s) that we create our own luck – it doesn’t just happen randomly. And yet, I have been reading and listening to several books about luck and have discovered that there are two sides to the beliefs about luck.

I did have a year, four years ago, when every time I was involved with a drawing of prizes, I would be one of the winners. And, these weren’t just ordinary prizes. I won three digital cameras, two pricey software programs, and several gift certificates. It was fun and energizing to say the least – and everyone kept telling me how lucky I was.

Here are some of the quotations from the experts:

• “What helps luck is a habit of watching for opportunities, of having a patient but restless mind, of sacrificing one's ease or vanity, or uniting a love of detail to foresight, and of passing through hard times bravely and cheerfully.” - Victor Cherbuliez, French novelist
• “Luck consists largely of hanging on by your fingernails until things start to go your way.” - Aaron Allston, American novelist
• “Care and diligence bring luck.” - Thomas Fuller, English clergyman
• “Some folk want their luck buttered.” - Thomas Hardy, English novelist
• “Luck? I don't know anything about luck. I've never banked on it and I'm afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: Hard work - and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't.” - Lucille Ball, American comedian
• “You just don't luck into things as much as you'd like to think you do. You build step by step, whether it's friendships or opportunities.” – Barbara Bush, American First Lady

And, here are some of the twists, with some humor thrown in for fun:

• “My luck is getting worse and worse. Last night, for instance, I was mugged by a Quaker.” - Woody Allen, American director
• “Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted but getting what you have, which once you have got it you may be smart enough to see is what you would have wanted had you known.” - Garrison Keillor, American writer
• “Luck, bad if not good, will always be with us. But it has a way of favoring the intelligent and showing its back to the stupid.” - John Dewey, American philosopher
• “People always call it luck when you've acted more sensibly than they have.” - Anne Tyler, American novelist
• “Luck is not chance, it's toil; fortune's expensive smile is earned.” - Emily Dickinson, American poet

So, do you feel lucky? Do you also feel that you have control over the kind of luck you experience? We all have to realize that Murphy is hanging around, just waiting to test our reaction to the Law he loves so to saddle us with.

Here are some special quotations for you to consider during this coming week:

• “Luck relies on chance, labor on character.” - Richard Cobden, British businessman
• “Luck affects everything. Let your hook always be cast; in the stream where you least expect it there will be a fish.” – Ovid, Greek poet
• “Good luck is a residue of preparation.” - Jack Youngblood, American athlete

This one should serve as a reminder, and it illustrates the way I am feeling right now:

• “Good night, and good luck.” - Edward R. Murrow, American journalist

Have a great profitable and lucky week!

Curious about Marketing – Imperative Whether We Enjoy It or Not

“The ultimate test of a finished account executive is his ability to write a sound marketing plan.” - Morris Hite, American businessman

“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” - Peter Drucker, American businessman

Last week I wrote about innovation and quoted the Czechoslovakian writer Milan Kundera who said, “Business has only two functions - marketing and innovation.” I am not sure that I agree with him completely, but I do know the importance of both, so am devoting this blog to Marketing.

It doesn’t matter whether or not you have a great idea, an on-line or off-line business, a terrific product, and/or a new website, you must market if you want others to know about you. It is no longer enough to be offering “a better mousetrap.”

Marketing is not selling – although it can lead to that. Marketing is using a variety of methods to let others know what we have to offer. Methods include driving traffic to our website, networking (with the all important follow-up), PR (public relations in the form of articles and press releases), direct mail, speaking to groups, sending out newsletters consistently (either in print or digitally), hosting teleseminars, and having an effective website, elevator speech, e-course, and/or printed material.

Even though the Internet has helped lower marketing costs, I personally feel that it has created marketing mayhem. At least 50% to 60% of the legitimate e-mails I receive are from gurus launching info-products that guarantee that they will solve all our marketing challenges. If I even purchase a few of these, I will quickly run out of money.

So, how do I pick the one that will really speak to me and my marketing? I say “one” because by following one plan (they all have similarities), I feel we will stay on track, learn to enjoy marketing, make it work for us, and succeed!

Let’s read some of the quotations from the experts:

• “Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department.” - David Packard, American businessman
• “Technology can make tremendous changes in slashing the costs of marketing and distribution.” - Scott Cook, American businessman“
• In marketing you must choose between boredom, shouting and seduction. Which do you want?” - Roy H. Williams, American businessman
• “Programmers and marketing people know how to get into your subconscious - they spend millions of dollars researching colors, shapes, designs, symbols, that affect your preferences, and they can make you feel warm, trusting, like buying. They can manipulate you.” - Richard Hatch, American actor
• “We're obviously going to spend a lot in marketing because we think the product sells itself.” - Jim Allchin, American businessman
• “I notice increasing reluctance on the part of marketing executives to use judgment; they are coming to rely too much on research, and they use it as a drunkard uses a lamp post for support, rather than for illumination.” - David Ogilvy, American businessman

Interesting thoughts! Do you have a plan (strategy) for marketing? Is it working?

Here are several quotations to chew on this coming week:

• “Marketing is a very good thing, but it shouldn't control everything. It should be the tool, not that which dictates.” - Nicolas Roeg, English director
• “Apple has great marketing, among the best PR and marketing in the world.” - Ron Johnson, Canadian politician
• “So my degree was in political science, which I think was - the closest I could come to marketing is politics.” - Steve Case, American businessman

Have a great and productive week. Market with a vengence!