THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL PERSON.

Most of the world’s truly great people will be forever
unknown. You and I will not hear of them and no one will
write their biographies.
Sure, I love reading President Obama's story and being
inspired by his rise from obscurity. It’s fun to follow
Donald Trump’s financial ups and downs, or marvel at Marco
Rubio's family arriving from Cuba with nothing but their
courage and willingness to work hard.
But even more, I prefer the greatness Thomas Stanley and
William Danko described in "The Millionaire Next Door." I
love that even after the financial storms of recent years,
there are millions of millionaires in world! I love that
most of them created their wealth with their own ideas,
their own hands and their own hard work. But even more, I
admire the great parents, teachers, artists, and builders
who have inspired me. The fascinating (and humbling) truth
is that anyone can live a great life!
Recently, I watched "Walk the Line," the biography
of Johnny Cash, and how close he came to wasting his
talent. It made me think of Elvis Presley, John Belushi,
Howard Hughes and thousands of others who made small
decisions that led them tragically astray. What's the
difference between the sadness of Marilyn Monroe and the
greatness of Mother Theresa?
We all have greatness within us. Every one of us is born to
make a difference, to play our part, and transform our
corner of the world. We may not become famous, but we can
live with joy and gusto and greatness. So why do so many
settle for small problems, and small lives?
I think too many of us fail to seize and use our personal
power.
Because we are not "powerful" on the world stage, we forget
that we have tremendous power in our choices. We may not be
rich or famous, but we have the power to smile, and to
persist. We have the power to live with dignity and
integrity and ambition. We have the power to be loving, to
be kind, to be generous. We have the power to create and
live our own lives.
My sense is that it helps to have a big dream. My father
always told us that if we were going to dream, we might as
well dream BIG dreams. I am convinced that what we expect
in life really does matter. I think it helps to expect the
best and focus our thoughts, our attention and our
intention on big dreams.
But I also think it's vital that we not get lost in our own
dreams. It's nice to aim high, so long as we realize that
even the biggest dreams are fulfilled one step at a time.
Donald Trump’s fancy skyscrapers are build one rivet at a
time. Oprah built her empire one meeting, one interview,
one decision at a time. "A journey of a thousand miles
starts with a single step."
Use your power! Hug someone, or call a friend. Spend an
hour reading a good book or getting some exercise with your
kids. Do it today, not tomorrow or "someday," when it's
more convenient! Take action! Use your power to skip desert
or make one more sales call. Take action to move your life
in the direction you want to go, and do it today.
Both Nelson Mandela and Marianne Williamson have been
credited with the insight that our greatest fear is not
that we are powerless, but that (in fact!) we are powerful
beyond measure. Whoever said it first, I think it's true.
You are powerful beyond measure! You have the power to
change your world any time you wish. Use your power! Give a
smile to someone who needs one. Get up a bit earlier, or
work a bit longer. Put legs under your dreams and make them
happen. Begin today, one step at a time.

10 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE INSTANTLY

Want to boost your credit score but don't know where to begin? Follow these simple steps and begin improving your credit score today.

1. Know what credit is
Credit, by definition means that you have purchased something without paying for it first. You have purchased an item with a credit card, a line of credit, a loan or a pay-later program such as no interest or payments for six months. Also, in the case of your monthly services such as cell phone, cable TV or hydro, these suppliers are in effect extending credit to you. For example, you sign up for a phone, and at the end of the month, you pay for what you have already used. This means you are using their service on credit, in advance of payment.

2. Understand how credit scores are tabulated
Your credit score (also known as a credit rating) is the grown-up version of a school report card. From the moment you make your first purchase on credit, or open your first service account such as cable TV, cell phone or hydro, you begin to create what is known as your credit history, which is the basis for your credit score.
In a nutshell, your credit activity is reported by the company you have obtained the credit from to a Credit Bureau. Whenever you take out a loan, the financial institution reports it to the Credit Bureau. When you make your payments, they report it. Likewise, if you do not make a payment, if you are late with a payment or fail to pay off the loan as agreed, this is also reported. With utilities, such as cable TV, heat, hydro, or telephone, these companies will report if you make a late payment or fail to make a payment.

3. Know your score and what a good score is
There are two major Credit Bureaus -- Transunion and Equifax. It is critically important that you know your credit score with both of these companies. It is recommended that you obtain your credit score every year from each of these Credit Bureaus. (It is suggested that you alternate when you get this once you begin the regular process of checking your scores each month. In other words order your Transunion in December each year and your Equifax in July each year). You can obtain your credit score instantly online with each company by at Transunion.com or Equifax.com (For Canadians go to Transunion.ca or Equifax.ca).

At the time of printing a credit score and history from one of the Credit Bureaus-- which shows current credit and past history -- is less than $20.00. When you first do this, get both reports and record your credit score. When you check your own credit history it does not affect your score. Although it may not seem fair, whenever someone else checks your credit rating this impacts negatively on your score.

Credit scores are rated from 300 -- 900 depending on the Credit Bureau. There is no magical number that is considered good because different services require different scores. For instance, a premium credit card would require a higher score than a basic credit card. However, as a general rule, 650 is considered acceptable (like a C in school), 750 is considered very good (like an A in school). Anything below 650 is a red flag and needs immediate improvement and anything over 750 is considered golden.

The most important thing to do when you get your credit score is to look through the history with a fine tooth comb. Mistakes can be made, and if there are any you need to contact the lender and have them corrected. This simple review of your credit history and score could instantly improve your credit rating.

4. Understand why a good credit score is so important
Your credit score is critically important to your financial fitness. If you have a poor score, this limits your ability to access credit, including a mortgage. It also greatly affects the interest rate you will be charged on credit, which could add thousands of dollars of interest payments over your lifetime.

Your credit score may be accessed by a financial institution, credit card company, department store, business or landlord to name a few that have a legitimate reason to request it. This means any time you apply for credit from them, they have the right to request your credit score to evaluate what type of credit risk you are. What many people are not aware of it that a poor credit score could also cost you the new job you are hoping to get, or the apartment you are trying to rent, or the insurance coverage that you may need.

If you have a low score, this reflects badly on you and makes you a high credit risk. Lenders and other institutions use your score as a measurement to determine your creditworthiness. When a landlord has a choice of tenants, she will choose the one with a better credit score, as that person is seen to be more reliable. An employer may make the same judgment call.

5. Learn how a credit score is computed
Your credit score is determined from a combination of the following:
-your payment history
-amounts owed
-length of credit history
-new credit applied for
-type of credit used

6. Understand the behavioral factor that can influence your credit scorePay your bills on time! If you habitually pay bills late, or just whenever you can afford to, you will be ruining your credit score.

It cannot be stressed enough how important paying your bills (or even a portion of them) by the date due is. Because many people are not aware of how significant their credit score is to their financial fitness, they tend to be far too casual when they bill their monthly bills. Every time you make a late payment -- even just by one day -- this lateness is reported to the credit bureau, thereby negatively affecting your score.

If you have to make a choice, it is far better to pay even a portion of your bill on time, than being late and paying it all when you can afford it. Avoid letting payment sloppiness cost you your good credit score!

Paying off debts also increases your credit score. This shows that you have used credit and fulfilled your responsibility by paying off your debt as agreed. Ensure when you check your credit rating that if you have paid off a loan that it is recorded. If it isn't contact the lender and have them add it to your report.

7. Use credit cards wisely
Limit yourself to one or two credit cards and keep them for a long time, as the length of time you have had a credit card impacts your score positively. Even if you have paid off a card and no longer want to use it actively, you can keep it and just use it from time to time (and instantly pay it off) so that you are demonstrating excellent use of credit. (See the Bonus Tip at the end for an example of how you could use these cards responsibly and for your benefit). Length of time holding a credit card is very important in determining your credit score. Don't underestimate the power of this one habit.

8. Do not exceed 50 percent of your available credit on a credit card
Always strive to maintain your credit balance on any given credit card to less than 50 percent of your limit. In other words if your credit line is $1,000 and you have $600 charged on the card, your credit balance is at 60 percent and that exceeds 50 percent of the credit line. This greatly influences your score. You get a gold star, so to speak, if you maintain a balance on your credit card of 50 per cent or less of the available credit. If you consistently carry balances that exceed 50 percent, especially on multiple cards, that triggers a negative effect. Also, if you have a credit card and have it paid off, or don't carry a monthly balance, this is a positive factor for your credit score.

9. Do not sign up for a credit card just to earn a bonus, an instant discount or to get promotional items
Be very careful to avoid the temptation to apply for and open new credit card accounts. These are often available at that time of purchase in major department stores. There are also promotional credit cards that are offered at airport or sporting events, where if you sign up you get free miles, you get a free hat, etc. Often these credit cards carry a high interest rate -- so your free hat or discount for shopping with the card is not a deal at all! By adding another credit card to your stash, this impacts your score negatively and also tempts you to spend more on credit. Resist this marketing ploy!

10. Accept responsibility and take action
One of the best ways to improve your credit score and peace of mind is to be a person of integrity. When you take out a loan, or buy something on credit, make it your personal credo to guarantee that you will pay it back in full. Make it a habit to pay your debts on time. You have made a commitment and your integrity depends on following through.

You may get into a situation from time to time where you are short of money, or you are unable to fulfill your commitment. That does not mean this is a permanent situation. You need to be proactive and assure your creditor that you do intend to pay what you committed to (or for the services you have used). Explain that you are unable to make full payment at this time. By addressing the issue up front, you are taking responsibility and reassuring your creditor that you do intend to honor your agreement.

In many cases, your supplier or your creditor will appreciate your forthrightness, and honesty, and you can mutually agree on a repayment plan.

The one thing that will take you into financial despair faster than anything else is hiding from your inability to pay your own debts. Face up to where you stand, and set up a plan to pay back whatever you owe.

Bonus Tips:

11. Automate all your monthly payments and credit card bills
To avoid any late charges set up your bills to auto-payment online. The standard payments, such as rent, are the easiest, as these remain the same. For the bills that fluctuate such as cable and cell phone, figure out the average monthly amount over the past four months and set up a payment for this amount. For your credit cards set up at least the minimum monthly payment. This way you know you will not be late and you can also pay the difference if need be. This also prevents you from spending money that you owe to someone else.

12. Turbo charge improving your credit score
When you set up your monthly bills to be automatically paid, set them up to be paid by one or more credit cards. If you have 2 or 3 credit cards, use them all for this purpose. Then set up pre-payment of the credit card for the day afterwards. In other words, pay your hydro bill by credit card online automatically and then automatically schedule to pay your credit card for this exact amount the day after. This shows activity on your credit card -- both using it for credit and paying it off. This payment would be addition to your automated minimum payment, so at the very least your credit card is being paid twice a month. In this way you get points for paying your bills on time and you get points for paying your credit card. A double bonus for improving your credit score.

SEVEN THINGS YOU MUST GIVE TO OTHERS IF YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS!

A major part of the process of achieving success and living the kind of life that you dream of is to give. Many people think that to get what you want you have to take it. There is a universal truth though that the true path to get what you want is to give. When you give, you get. What you sow, you shall reap. If this is true, then what is it we must give? I’ll show you the way…
1. Give Others Your Honesty.
The world we live in has a simple rule that most follow: Lie when you have to. Unfortunately, this may make some people wealthy but it make us humans poor. To achieve success is to become wealthy not only in money, but in character. To be successful, truly successful, is to be able to attain your goals and keep your character at the same time!
“Honesty is the most single most important factor having a direct bearing on the final success of an individual, corporation, or product.” Ed McMahon
Mister McMahon is right, though others will tell you otherwise. Some people will say, “You have to bend the truth to get ahead.” Not true. Some of the most successful people who have ever lived where honest people.
How about you? Are you honest in all things? The problem with little lies is they become big ones. Lies spin out of control. You get caught in one lie and you lie to get out of it etc.
In all things and at all times, give others your honesty.
2. Give Others Your Respect.
Most of the time we give people respect based on what they have done or what they have accomplished. We gauge whether or not they are “worthy” of it based on what we know of what they have achieved or who they know or are related to.
But I believe we should have a higher standard: We respect people not for what they have done or for who they are related to or for what they can do for us. Instead, we respect people for simply being.
What would happen in our world, in our company, and yes, even in our families if we started with respect for everyone else rather than making them earn it? I think we would see that most people would live up to the respect that we give them!
3. Give Others Your Vulnerability.
We are taught to “be strong.” And yes, we should be strong. But we have also embraced something that I think keeps us from having the kind of life that we long for. It is an idea that keeps us from experiencing the kind of relationships that would bring deep meaning to us. It is the idea of vulnerability.
“But Chris, make yourself vulnerable and people will step all over you!” It is true that this will happen. But I have also seen that most people will be drawn to you. They will help you. They will open up to you. You see, we are all broken people inside. We all have secrets. Yet everyone plays the poser. When one let’s down their veil, others soon follow – and we all win.
4. Give Others Your Care.
Too many people are running around this old earth not caring about others. The days of “Look Out for Number One” and “Winning Through Intimidation” are over! Let’s bring about a new day when we can care about others AND succeed!
Take the time to show people you care. Listen to them. Empathize with them. Love them. Now, I don’t mean that you have to go around hugging everyone – that probably wouldn’t fly in corporate America anyway – but we can take some time to step back from business and be human! And I have found that when we do so, our business succeeds as well!
5. Give Others Your Passion.
There is nothing this world needs more than passionate people. And people need passionate people. Living in this day and age can be tiring. The hustle and bustle of it all can wear you down and tire you out. Give your passion to others and fire them up.
Don’t just be humdrum – be excited. Give people all the energy you can muster up. And you will find that energy reciprocal. They will get energized and passionate. This in turn will fire you up more when you are already charged and get you going altogether when you don’t feel like moving at all!
6. Give Others Your Experience.
We all have areas that we excel in and they are usually areas that we have experience in. One of the things we can do to make our lives more meaningful and be of utmost help to others is to show them the way through the experiences we have.
Sometimes it will be what they should do: Shortcuts to take, people to meet etc. Sometimes it will be what they should not do: Shortcuts not to take and people toasty away from! Whatever it is, we can be of service to others by giving them our experience and ultimately it will make us all better!
7. Give Others Your Help.
All in all, what we want to do is to help others. Zig Ziglar says that if we will “help others get what they want, we will in turn get what we want.” If we want to be successful, we should consider ourselves servants of other people. What can we do to help them and make them better? This is the true path to greatness and success, not only in business but in life!
If you want to live the life you have always dreamed of ask yourself if you:

• Give Others Your Honesty
• Give Others Your Respect
• Give Others Your Vulnerability
• Give Others Your Care
• Give Others Your Passion
• Give Others Your Experience
• Give Others Your Help

THE SOURCE FOR MAXIMUM MOTIVATION

Procrastination is, basically, avoiding something we don't
want to do. Rationally, I may want the benefits an action
could bring, but if I also fear embarrassment or
discomfort, I procrastinate. It's a way to cope with
situations where we both want and fear a possible outcome,
so I view it as a form of negative motivation. When I
procrastinate, it simply means that, at some level, I'm
motivated to avoid a situation.
There are many forms of negative motivation. Laziness is
the desire to maximize temporary comfort above all else.
Fear of failure or punishment can motivate people for brief
periods, but it's not efficient in the long run. Artificial
deadlines, contests and "motivational seminars" are
adrenaline-based ways to boost performance, and to some
degree, they all work.
But they are not a firm foundation upon which to build a
life. Negative motivation works in an emergency, but not
for a lifetime.
Positive motivation, on the other hand, is value-driven and
much more efficient. When I'm motivated by a positive
vision, a sense of destiny or desire, my behavior, thoughts
and attitudes are all pointed in the same direction.
When there is consistency between our values (love of
family) and our stated goals (being a good parent), and we
have a clear strategy to achieve the goal (parenting books
or classes, good models from our own parents, etc), taking
action is not difficult.
When our values, our goals and our strategies are aligned,
human beings are incredibly productive! Want examples? Ask
any kid learning to walk, or wanting to stay up past her
bed-time. Ask a teenager who wants to make the team or
date someone her parents don't like. When our values, our
goals, and our strategies are aligned, we get things done!
It's only when these things are out of alignment that we
struggle. When one of my key values (to spend more time as
a family) conflicts with my goals (to get that promotion),
or when I don't have a viable strategy, I get in trouble.
Without an effective strategy, why try?
To achieve more, start by checking your core values. Many
people get in trouble at this point. We say we value
ambition, but we actually value vacations or relaxation
even more. Or, here's a common example--most people say
they value a comfortable retirement, but they actually
value the pleasure of a new car or eating out even more.
To increase motivation, start with a rigorous examination
of your core values. What is most IMPORTANT to you?
Second, make sure your daily actions and the small goals
of daily life actually reflect your values. Ask most adults
to list their five- or ten-year goals and they'll sound
pretty good. But ask them to list their daily projects or
their plans for the weekend, and you may see a conflict.
Make sure your value of financial security is reflected on
your monthly credit card statement.
Third, always work with tried-and-true strategies, and
remember that "hope is not a strategy." Have a plan, and
work your plan. Make an action list or create a "road map."
And here’s a hint: Most ambitious people know they should
have written goals, but not as many take the time to
develop a great strategy. Have a solid, workable and
confident strategy!
To achieve more, make sure your core values, your short-
term goals and your daily strategies are aligned. Make sure
you can say, "day by day, I’m getting better and better."
When your daily actions accurately reflect your priorities
and your core values, and you have a solid strategy, you'll
win every time.