The Old Mule

A farmer owned an old mule that fell into a well. After assessing the situation, the farmer reluctantly concluded that neither the mule nor the well was worth saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and enlisted them to help bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially the old mule was frantic, but as the dirt kept hitting his back, something happened. It dawned on the mule that every time a shovel load landed on his back, he should SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. Shake it off and step up….shake it off and step up. No matter how painful the blows or how distressing the situation, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

Before long, the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly through the mouth of that well. What seemed like it would bury him, actually helped him…all because of how he handled his adversity.”

Our lives are sometimes like the old mule. We have adversities that come our way. The key is responding to them positively, not giving in to panic, self-pity or bitterness. As you begin your day, take a few minutes to think about how you are handling the adversities that may be weighing you down. Are you giving into them with doubt or are you responding to them positively?

Don’t forget the actions of the old mule – SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!

How to Say "UP YOURS" to the Recession

Everywhere you look its recession this, recession that, this company is going out of business, that company is laying people off, unemployment statistics are climbing, and the list goes on.

The media is really good at promoting the recession, aren't they? Now...I'm not saying at all that things aren't bad in our country. They are!

But...it doesn't at all mean that YOU personally have to be dramatically impacted by it. In fact...during this trying time, and ALL trying times, there are many people who are able to create significant wealth as a result of taking ACTION.

Do yourself a favor and don't become a statistic during this or any recessionary period by doing some of this:

1. Work harder than anyone/everyone else. Tough times are no time for laying back. The only way out of any slow period is to "produce" your way out of it.
2. Don't let opportunity pass you by. Right now, there are more people seeking out opportunity than ever before as a result of downsizing and layoffs. These people are waiting to hear from someone who can help them. Let it be you!
3. Recruit UP. Professionals in specific categories are hurting more than ever before as well. These people have the talent you are looking for...and the NEED to take action. Go after realtors and mortgage people NOW!
4. Be VERY Consistent. I am going to reiterate a point I made earlier about working HARDER than anyone else. This is no time to be flaky. This is the time to be "ON the gas" and STAY on the gas. Put your pedal to the metal and stay there.
5. Be the LEADER of the pack. Now is also the time for you to STEP UP and start inspiring. In trying times, people need someone who is positive, upbeat, and doesn't allow circumstances to get them down. BE that person now and lead these people through to the other side.
6. SMILE more. The more you smile and the more you stay positive will do nothing but GOOD for your business. Trust me. It works.
7. Surround yourself with Positivity! This is NOT the time to be hanging around with a bunch of negative people. Create a support group around you of positive doers and spend your time with them. It rubs off.

10 Great Quotes from 10 Great Business People

I came across these AWESOME quotes and felt they would be great for others to see/read and apply to your lives. Hopefully you liked/enjoyed them and can apply when and where necessary...as always have a WONDERFUL and PRODUCTIVE day!

1. Jim Rohn

“Formal education will make you a living; self education will make you a fortune.”

2. Henry Ford

“Paying attention to simple little things that most men neglect makes a few men rich.”

3. Walt Disney

“All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them.”

4. Peter Drucker

“Business has only two functions - marketing and innovation.”

5. Edwin H. Stuart

“Men who do things without being told draw the most wages.”

6. Vincent Lombardi

“Winning is a habit. Unfortunately so is losing”

7. J. Paul Getty

“To succeed in business, to reach the top, an individual must know all it is possible to know about that business.”

8. Sam Walton

“High expectations are the key to everything.”

9. Steve Jobs

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

10. Warren Buffett

“I like to go for cinches. I like to shoot fish in a barrel. But I like to do it after the water has run out.”