On vacation a couple weeks ago, I watched a movie called “Morning Glory” with Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, and Rachel McAdams. The morning show was at risk of being cut from prime time viewing and to be replaced with game shows and soap operas. The new executive producer was at risk of losing her job when she realized it was time to do something different. All of the people were doing the same thing that they had been doing for years. Not only did she have to step out of her comfort zone, she had to get others to do the same in order to save the show. Roller coaster rides, jumping out of planes, and even getting sprayed by a skunk were just a few of the adventures that started to make the rating rise. Stepping out into Glory!

How are you increasing your ratings in life and business? Are you stepping out of you comfort zone and trying new things? I am not saying you need to jump out of a plane or ride a rollercoaster. Just try something you really want to do. Try something new – be innovative. The “something” may be something you get nervous or excited about, like you did when you were a child. Fresh ideas awaken the world! Weigh the risks and take action! The thrill after you do will be amazing and just think of all the opportunities that may follow.

Action takers are unique and they are the ones who stand out from the crowd. Why? Because they are go-getters! Go-Getters are those people who not only set goals; they make plans to get things done. Are you the person people come to because of your ratings? Do you get things done? What are doing today to step out of your comfort and into glory?

At the end of the rainbow, there is said to be a pot of gold. When Irish eyes are smiling, are they seeing green? Here in Canada, our paper currency is a rainbow collection. Our five dollar bill is blue, the $10 bill is purple, and our $20 bill in green. Whereas, our friends in the United States carry money which is green. No matter what colour it is, money is a powerful tool to help you get what you want. Are you using it wisely?

The other day I was meeting with some colleagues and we were discussing the power of a $20 bill. I realized that I had been taking the power of our $20 bill for granted. For some people, $20 is big money but it’s even bigger when you can do something with it. In this so-called recession, is it difficult to let go of a $20 bill? People are still buying. What power does a $20 bill give you? For some people, it may give a tank of gas, a pack of diapers, and entrée at a restaurant, or perhaps a good book from the bookstore. The part that makes me wonder is when some people have difficulty making ends meet,  they still choose to smoke or even go out to the bars on a Friday night. There is no right or wrong way to use your $20 because ultimately it is your choice.

Do you think of ways to grow and nurture your money tree? Do you track your expenses so you can see green instead of red? What is the power of your $20 bill?

I would love to hear about the power of your $20 and what $20 does for you.

There are definitely times you may question your purpose in life. You may even wonder if you are on the right path. How do you know you may ask? When you have a burning desire or drive to go after something, you feel unstoppable. Even when you’re unstoppable, you may feel stuck and unsure of your next move. The one thing you should always keep in mind is that you never have to do it alone. People want you to succeed and you need to believe you can succeed. Believing in yourself is essential in getting unstuck.
Think about the people are who inspire you to stretch and grow. Ask them what fuels their purpose and passion. Adopt some of their tips and techniques and make them your own.

Take a few minutes to watch this video of my friend Justin Hines. He is an amazing singer and songwriter and I need your help to share his message and his inspiration. I also invite you to listen to his music at www.justinhines.com If you are in need of inspiration, go to YouTube – listen to or watch the video say what you will and courage they are my favorite and I hope they will be yours to.

I believe that each one of us is here to do incredible things. When you hide your gifts, you serve no one. The world is waiting for you to share your talents and gifts. Do not rob them of the one thing I can have the biggest difference in their lives, that is you! Enjoy everyone!

Here is “Say What You Will”:

Several months ago, I had hit a funk and I was trying to figure out a better system of getting to the gym amongst my kids’ hockey schedules and other extracurricular activities. I knew I could always squeeze in a workout during their swimming lessons. I had a personal trainer set up a circuit training program that I could incorporate into my life and adjust as necessary. Prior to this, I would look at the time and say “that’s not enough time.” I started to catch myself saying this phrase in other areas in my life too, “Not enough time to make a difference.”

One day I decided to change my mantra and switch from there is not enough time to one that was “every little bit counts”. Think about the bread crumbs that Hansel and Gretel dropped along the way to the Candy House. The bread crumbs were to find their way home. Now bread crumbs are very small, but together they add up. The same goes for any efforts you put in to whatever it is you are trying to accomplish. “Every little bit counts”! It is amazing how much 20 minutes adds up over time and the impact consistent 20 minutes here and 20 minutes there can do. For me, it meant losing 4 lbs during Christmas!

Now every chance I get, I focus on a time frame to get the most out of my efforts. Here are some things you might consider doing to make your life richer and more productive:

• clean out unwanted emails from your inbox
• write out 5 thank you notes
• read a magazine related to your business
• meditate/pray
• research tips to share with your friends and newsletter subscribers
• exercise

Yes, I know several hungry birds ate the breadcrumbs up. Consider those your time wasters. Time is only wasted if you are unhappy with what you have done with it. Phone calls, emails, video games, and social media can consume your time if you are not paying attention. Tracking your time can be a very effective tool in realizing where your time goes. What is your time worth to you? Could it mean more time for:

• dancing in the kitchen with your kids
• blowing bubbles in a bubble bath
• sipping wine by a fireplace
• snuggling on the couch with your partner
• proofreading your manuscript or business proposal
• a leisurely walk in a park

I challenge you. Just try it! Pick a project. Set a timer for 20 minutes and go to it! Do this for the next couple weeks and you will be amazed at the productivity you will have with intense focus.  I would love to hear about your 20 PowerBlaster sessions! Make every minute count!

Sometimes you have to shake your head. Today, I went to the gas station to fill up with gas as there were talks on the radio that gas was going up in price. Here in Canada gas is 100.9. The particular gas station I was at gives an additional 5 cents off the posted price on Mondays and Thursdays. Today was my lucky day. 5 cent savings per litre. While the gas was being pumped into my silver bullet of a vehicle, a gentleman was climbing a ladder changing the price to 101.9. Yes one cent more. Two vehicles drove away. The attendant was telling me that people were getting upset because gas was going up by one cent and they must drive to get a better deal. The next gas station was 100.9. However, let’s do the math. Take 5 cents off per litre or drive to the next gas station (burn more gas) and pay regular price. All I could do was laugh and so did the attendant. One cent. Perhaps they did not read the sign about 5 cents off. Well, by the end of the day gas went up to 109 cents per litre.

Try some of these things:

• blow up a balloon and let it go
• laugh with your belly
• watch a comedy
• people watch for 30 minutes in a food court
• blow bubbles with bubble gum (when was the last time you did that?)
• give an extra 1% effort in all that you do and watch what happens (Laugh as you reap all the rewards of 1% extra effort- You will surprise yourself)

The one cent lesson is worth more than the 2 cents I share. Review your day today. Did you laugh? Did you find the humor in how life works? Please share it with us.