Leadership Tools and News

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Leadership-tools.com is devoted to researching, creating and delivering high quality tools in five strategic categories including: Business Planning, Leadership Development, Sales Management, Customer Service andTeam Building.

At Leadership-Tools.com we are committed to providing our readers with high value, easy-to-implement, leadership tools that assist in positively influencing you and your team - for increased, bottom-line results.

We'll use this "blog" page to answer some of the common questions that people ask us on the subject of Leadership and Self-Development. Plus, you'll be the first to hear about news updates, reviews and recommendations about the best leadership tools and resources that we offer.

Don't know what a BLOG is? No problem ...... BLOG is a term that is short for "Web Log". Check back daily for our regular BLOG updates!

In addition, you are encouraged to provide comments and feedback to each entry that we post for your consideration. This will help us to ensure that we are providing interesting Leadership Tools and News that keep you coming back for more.

So please, if you have a thought or suggestion that you are willing to add to any of our posted entries, your efforts will be truly appreciated.

So stay tuned for some insightful and inspiring news and information on the amazing subject of LEADERSHIP.

Warm Regards,

Richard Gorham
Leadership-Tools.com
(More Leadership Tools - Original Articles!)

December 5, 2004 8:53 pm - Free Leadership E-Cards Available Now!

Our free Leadership Ecards are a quality tool and resource for leaders across the globe to quickly deliver a message of support and encouragement to their hard working employees. So often we work so hard and for so long that we sometimes forget to take time to celebrate what the team has been able to accomplish over the past week or month.

Want to motivate your employees? It doesn't have to become as labor-intensive as you might think. It's truly the small things in life that can make a tremendously positive impact in the hearts and minds of your employees.

When was the last time you told your team mates how much you appreciate their efforts and enjoy working with them?

How long has it been since you took the opportunity to provide accolades to a peer?

Sending a teammate and/or co-worker a free Ecard online will definitely send an inspiring and motivational message on your behalf.

Don't put this off! With the holidays upon us take advantage of this free tool and send an effective leadership message today - and make a positive impact on your team.

FREE LEADERSHIP E-CARDS - Courtesy of Leadership-Tools.com

December 8, 2004 9:25 pm - Perseverance - Lessons In Leadership!

Many successful people will tell you that it was dogged determination and perseverance that were most responsible for their end results than that of any other traits.

To possess the self-discipline and focus to do one thing, extremely well - here lies an important key to life's offerings. Laser-beam FOCUS - is nothing more than a consistent decision to stay engaged in one thing.

"Saving the first five thousand dollars I ever had, when I might just as well have spent the moderate salary I made. Possession of that sum, once I had it, gave me the ability to meet opportunities. That, I consider to be the Turning Point." - Unknown Entrepreneuer

So how does one possess these abilities, these royal traits?

The answer is clear. Anyone who can honestly lay claim to these "success traits" know without hesitation that they only possess it now because they have made the effort over and over again to acquire the skill, the knowlegde - their decided goal.

Through repitition they conquer their learning curves. With practice - they learn, they cquire the skills and eventually take command of it.

We all have an opportunity to improve ourselves, to grow, to learn - to become better so that we can give more to our friends, our families and our communities.

Sounds great, but how do I begin, you ask?

Begin by decidiing that you want more and that you deserve more - and that you are willing to put forth the effort necessary to experience all of what life has to offer.

Self-development is possible, but Self-Help is essential. Only you can decide to make YOU better. Take a look through our website at Leadership-Tools.com. Read the many articles. Take advantage of our free leadership tools.

Visit the Self-Improvement Store and review the many products that can add value to your life and help you to begin your journey toward self-improvement.

December 12, 2004 8:23 pm - FOCUS-ing On Success!

Upon hearing the esteemed inventor talk about the importance of doing one thing eighteen hours a day, a man asked the great Thomas Edison the following question:

"You lay down rather severe rules for one who wishes to succed in life, working eighteen hours a day?"

"Not at all!" Edision replied, "You do something all day long, don't you?"

Every one does. If you get up at seven o'clock and go to bed at eleven, you have put in sixteen good hours and it is certain with most folks, that they have been doing something the entire time.

The person has either been walking, or reading, or writing, or (ahem) watching TV, or simply thinking.

The trouble is that most people go on doing a great many different things over the coarse of each day. Those who are destined to succeed somehow are able to fill the vast majority of their day Focused on doing only one important thing.

When we take the time in question and apply all our mental and physical energies - in one direction, to one objective - we set ourselves apart from others who merely dream big dreams.

Success is sure to follow such focused application of time and talent.

The trouble comes with the fact that most people have not yet identified the one single objective, goal or passion for which they will fully commit - letting all else go.

Success is the product of the severest kind of mental and physical application. Ask anyone of tremendous self-made success and you will find if they are willing to speak to it, that they accredit their own tireless and focused EFFORT to their ultimate outcome.

December 13, 2004 6:42 pm - Perspective In The Leadership Game

Winning the leadership game can seem daunting to many who are not accustomed to the ways of the corporate world, or who may be taking their first shot at entrepreneurship.

Your ability to maintain proper perspective on things will be a critical skill you should work to acquire from the beginning of your leadership journey.

The following brief story on Perspective might come in handy as you proceed.

One day the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people can be if they fail to prepare to win the leadership game.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered by many to be the home of a very poor family.

On their return from their leadership field trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip and what did you learn about wealth and poverty?"

The son, without hesitation, answered.

"I saw that we have only one dog and they have four."

"We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end."

"We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night."

"Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have an entire horizon."

"We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight."

"We have servants who serve us, but they serve their neighbors and others in need."

"We buy our food, but they grow theirs."

"We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

With this, the boy's father stood their looking at his son in dismay, completely at a loss for words.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

To be sure, leaders are well advised to maintain a proper perspective of life's real priorities as they work hard to mprove their skills and gain well deserved ground in winning the leadership gain.

For a complete 10 step approach for Leadership Development, check out the following 10 part series on Leadership Development.

December 14, 2004 6:43 pm - Free 360 Degree Feedback Tool!

Ever wonder what your boss, peers and subordinates REALLY think about the quality of your leadership abilities?

The easy choice would be for you NOT to delve into finding out what the true perceptions of your leadership skills are. But then you understand that when you take the road heading toward personal and professional improvement, it may present a few uncomfortable bumps along the way.

One thing is certain, if you choose not to venture down this road, you will never experience a more promising destination.

We have provided a terrific free tool that will assist you in completing a 360 degree feedback analysis. This leadership assesment tool will provide you with the honest feedback regarding the quality of your leadership skills that you seek.

And don't worry, we have made sure it won't cost you anything more than some of your time and a bit of administrative effort. Why pay hundreds of dollars for when you can get your 360 degree feedback leadership tool for free?

By surveying up, down, and across your organization (360 degrees), you can quickly gather high-value information that you can use to grow and improve your leadership skill-set. This 360 degree feedback tool can provide leaders/participants with information unobtainable from conventional assessment instruments.

But be prepared! You might find out that some do not perceive you in the way that you feel is a fair assessment. That is the risk you take should you choose to proceed. Just keep an open mind and be willing to consider any feedback you receive whether it be positive or negative.

You can always reserve the right to disregard anything that you feel is unfair or simply wrong.

We encourage you to try out this free 360 degree feedback tool. Benefit from a true assessment of your leadership skills.

Provided to you courtesy of your friends at Leadership-tool.com.

December 16, 2004 6:51 pm - AMBITION - The Driving Force to Success!

What is this thing called - Ambition?

"Ambition is the spur that makes man stuggle with destiny; it is heaven's own incentive to make purpose great, and achievement greater."

In a factory where mariners' compasses are made, the needles, before they are magnetized, will lie in any position, wherever they are placed. But from the very moment they have been touched by the mighty magnet and have been "electrified", they are never again the same.

The magnet is now a living thing - alive with energy and an endless work ethic.

Before the compass is magnetized, it does not answer the call of the North Star - the magetic pole does not have any effect upon it.

But the moment the compass has been electrified, it swings into action and is forever loyal and true to its purpose.

Multitudes of people, like an unmagnetized needle, lie motionless and unresponsive to any outside stimulus - UNTIL they are touched by that mysterious force we call AMBITION.

The instinctive impulse to keep pushing on and up is the most curious and the most interesting thing in human life. Ambition does exist in every human being. In far too many, the urge is buried deep, covered with bad habits, negative attitudes and low self-esteem that was developed and reinforced over many years.

Listen to that little voice inside that is telling you, "Get Up! Push Forward, Press On, You Can - You Must!"

Keep listening to this little voice and eventually you will be proudly saying, "Look what I did. -- Yeah, I did that."

At Leadership-Tools.com, you have access to some terrific leadership tools and resources that can get you started as you work to determine your purpose in life.

We can help you develop your goals and establish an action plan for success. Check out this free Life Balance Tool. Also, don't miss out getting your free word file containing a Master Action Plan (MAP) for success.

Get started today!

December 17, 2004 1:36 pm - Self-Satisfaction - You Deserve It.

One of the most unfortunate things in life is to see men and women who started out with high hopes and eager ambitions, settle down in mediodre postions, half satisfied and dissolutioned.

F.W. Robertson once said. "Whoever is satisfied with what he does, has reached his culminating point - he will progress no more. Man's destiny is to be not dissatisfied, but forever unsatisfied."

When you are fully satisfied with the life you are living, with the work you are doing, with the thoughts you are thinking - Be Cautious! Make certain that you are not already beginning to give up the hopes and dreams of your youth. You can still realize those dreams, and creative even greater achievements in your life.

Consider this question: "Do you realize that if the motive were big enough, if you had a very unusual incentive, you could materially improve upon what you now are satisfied to consider your best endeavor?"

There is little hope for the man or woman who feels completely satisfied, who does not know the honorable "discontent" that stirs a person to become more than his/her current self.

The human ambition to improve something somewhere every day - to get a little further advanced and a little higher up than you were the day before - with an insatiable appetite and passion for improving things - is the secret of human progress.

We tend to become like our aspirations. If we constantly aspire and strive for something better, higher and more noble - we cannot help broadening our views and improving our skills.

Reach outward past your own comfort zone and believe in the benefits of being "uncomfortble and discontent" with your current condition. Reach higher and farther than ever before.

For more in-depth articles on leadership development and winning traits, review our Article Vault, for over 100 original articles for today's aspiring leaders.

December 23, 2004 12:10 am - Environmental Influences On Success!

Your environment has a great deal to do with your ambition and your ultimate achievement of your dreams.

The environment in which you allow yourself to live can make all the difference between success and mediocrity. Ideally, you should find yourself in a favorable environment, keeping close to people who inspire and encourage you - people who communicate to you with an honest and helpful enthusiasm.

If you are not so fortunate to be in a healthy, supportive environment, make the decision to no longer allow people in your life to have power over you. People who are not supportive, helpful and truly looking out for your best interests - do not deserve a place at your table. Do not associate with those who have a negative effect upon you. Quite simply, life is just too short to put up with people suffering from "permanent potential", those who have been shackled all their lives with "low expectations" or people who have already decided that they are "owed happiness" and will continue to complain about how they have been victimized by others and/or the system.

We cannot associate with a really ambitious person without catching his/her spirit to a greater or less extent. In truth, we unconsciously reflect the people with whom we associate. Be sure to choose your friends and associates wisely.

Whatever you do in life, make any sacrifice necessary to identify and stay in an ambition-arousing atmosphere, an environment that will stimulate you to self-development.

A few ambitious friends may make all the difference to you between a grand success and mediocre existence. At the very least, be sure to begin your self-development journey by visiting the Self-Development Store. Choose a recommended program and begin to realize the many benefits of a happier and more successful life.

December 23, 2004 3:40 pm - Avoiding Empty Ambitions & Debt!

There are too many people who do not enjoy or appreciate what it is to really "live" or experience a truly fulfilling life.

Too many folks - merely exist.

They remain slaves to a lofty dream, with no plan to support the dream. They take very little comfort in the simple pleasures that life offers. They work to maintain homes they cannot comfortably afford. They keep automobiles that suppress their ability to save for their future.

All of the above "empty" ambitions take a major toll on the physical body and the overall mental health of the individual. Over time, the constant stress and strain do nothing but hamper one's ability to live fully.

Make no mistake, DEBT has made more people miserable, ruined the peace of mind of more human beings and destroyed the comfort and happiness in more homes, than almost anything else in the universe.

How much better it would be to live simply and pursue our dreams at a rate of speed that is fully supported by our resources. Just think how much more we would appreciate the people in our lives and the experiences that we earn along life's journey.

Consider the benefits of making a life that is built on ensuring quality and improving our character, rather than a life based on your ability to make money in the present.

Always keep in mind that he who lives most, livest truest to his ideals. The successful man or woman lives life to the fullest by enjoying life's journey to the top. She makes all those wonderful experiences along the way a part of herself so that one day she can share those life lessons with the next apiring leader.

GOOD NEWS! You can begin today to build a profitable business, without a huge monetary investment. A business that is your own 100%. Build your business the exact same way that we built ours at Leadership-Tools.com. Interested in how we did it?

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Is it easy? Not at all, but well worth the effort. Best of luck to you.

December 24, 2004 9:26 am - Ambition Knows No Age Limit!

What has become of that fire in your youth that propelled you to action?

What has become of that something inside you that would not let you rest, which robbed you of your sleep, which constantly prodded you and bombarded you with visions of the great and wonderful things you were going to do in the future?

Unfortunately, one of the earmarks of getting older is a cooling down of the fires of Ambition.

But it doesn't have to be that way. So long as you remain eager and determined to learn and grow - ambition will follow.

Although years may dispute this, as long as a person aspires to achieve more in their life - the spirit will not age another day.

Avoid the great temptation to "retire" or believe that you have a right to let up a bit and take things easier. You will have plenty of time to rest once you are Dead!

The secret of keeping the ambition fresh and bright is in keeping up our interest in something, new things, all things.

Maintain the habit of watching out for your ambition constantly and keeping it alive. Nurture your ambition like you would a newborn baby. Feed it daily to ensure it continues to thrive and grow.

Life means very little without a clear purpose. Finding your purpose, or finding a new purpose is essential to good overall health and a happy life.

Site Update: Leadership-Tools.com has just posted a complete Site Map in an effort to make our site easier to navigate.

December 24, 2004 4:19 pm - Pushing To The Front - Free Ebook of a Timeless Classic!

It's a real shame, but unless you've been introduced to his work or read one of his 60+ books, you probably don't have a clue as to who Orison Swett Marden is.

When we think of Leadership Development, Self-Development or Personal Improvement, most folks think of some of our more well known "guru's" such as: Brian Tracy, Anthony Robbins, Zig Ziglar and a host of other very talented experts.

What you don't know is that the vast majority, if not all, of these people have learned from and derived much of their present-day teachings based on the initial work of Orison Swett Marden. Perhaps one of his most well known books, was his first - Pushing To The Front.

This book is absolutely amazing. The life lessons packed into this wonderful classic seem never-ending. Each chapter (70 chapters in all) are loaded with the timeless wisdom of the ages. Mr. Marden's teachings are just as effective and applicable today as they were in the late 1800's when his ideas were first put to paper.

Because we value this terrific book so highly, we at Leadership-Tools.com have taken it put themselves to ensure that you can easily obtain a free copy of this book. In e-book format we are providing the original 800+ page book, as a gift to you and your friends and family. (Please, pass this free e-book on to anyone whom you feel might benefit.)

To receive your free ebook simply go to "Pushing To The Front - A Timeless Classic", courtesy of Leadership-Tools.com

December 26, 2004 3:42 pm - Leaders - Making Their Life Count

Everywhere we see men and women doing the lesser, more common things - seemingly satisfied to do these things for the remainder of their years.

No doubt, these same people possess the ability to achieve higher things and realize a more fulfilling life experience.

Many folks do not start out with ambition enough to move them toward taking a path of self-growth. In making this choice, they lessen their chances to realize a more successful career, fulfilling family life, etc.

"I am determined to make my life count," said a poor young immigrant. To be sure, there is no greater personal resolution that is more worthwhile. Backed by a strong determination and a higher moral purpose, countless stories can be told about how poor boys and girl make good in our society.

Through extra EFFORT you can achieve all things. Work hard during the day, study at night - and improve yourself daily in every possible way. This will guarantee a full and meaningful life.

"Between the great things that we cannot do and the small things we will no do, the danger is that we shall do nothing."
- Adolphe Monod

As mentioned in one of our previous posts, there is a great deal of wisdom in the classic success book, Pushing To The Front by Orison Swett Marden. Get your free copy today.

Remember, to be successful it is not enough to have ability, education and health. Hundreds of thousands have all these things and still fail or do not live up to their higher potential. A poor attitude places many at a disadvantage by their lack of motivation and "poor me" mentality.

The important things in life is to have a great aim and to possess the aptitude and perseverance to attain it.

December 27, 2004 12:02 pm - Rising To A Leadership Position!

No matter what business you may be in today, or whatever your profession, your prime ambition should be to attain a leadership position.

The goal of excellence in your current role will be a key factor in your advancement. It is this that makes not only the successful professional, but also the all-round achiever in any line of interest.

Andrew Carnegie said, "I would not give a fig for the young man in business who does not already see himself a partner, or the head of the firm."

Do not rest for a moment in your thought of yourself as a leader, a foreman or manager, no matter how distrant that goal might seem. Be a king of your dreams. Vow that you will reach the position with untarnished reputation, and make no other choice that would distract your attention for this goal.

If you question deep within yourself whether you are made of the stuff of leaders. Know this for certain. You DO have the ability - with enough effort, energy, determination and grit, you can attain your goals.

Whether you are successful or not lies entirely in you.

There is nothing so important in your life as a postive mental attitude towards yourself. If this one thing is small, narrow or less developed, this so will your entire life correspond.

As an example, there was a force behind Lincoln which propelled him from a dim-lit log cabin all the way to the White House. Countless other stories can be told of the poor boy or girl who makes good after a long struggle and a determined will for a better life.

The best of every person's work is beyond their current education and/or abilities, and is accomplished in the struggle to attain a lofty goal.

If you are interested in assessing your present managerial abilities and develop a plan for improvement, take advantage of our Free Management Development Tool, courtesty of Leadership-Tools.com

December 27, 2004 5:14 pm - Getting Past Failed Leadership!

All around us we see people who seem to have no special interest, no great enthusiasm for any specific thing; there is a great dissappointment somewhere in their lives.

Why are some of these people so discouraged and unhappy?

No one loses their interest in life or becomes indifferent to their work unless they have in some way been discouraged by someone or something. Regardless of the cause, the real issue is how to address the current condition.

When ever we see discontent, unhappiness and unrest, we may be sure that the person exhibiting these conditions is a round peg looking to fit into a square hole.

Someone with a thwarted ambition is in a pitiful state. To rise out of it the person must choose LIFE over death, SUCCESS over failure, DESIRE over distress.

One of the best little books we've seen on the subject of Why People Fail, is written by Ken Evoy. A short easy-read, 40 page booklet that spells out all the self-imposed reasons why people fail.

We encourage you to review this free ebook on Why People Fail, (This link takes you directly to SiteSell.com and provides a pdf file that you can quickly save to your computer for your reading enjoyment.) and we challenge you to see if you can see yourself in any of the examples provided.

Most people can easily identify with the scenarios described. The trick to addressing any issues holding you back is to make sure that you will become aware of the negative behavior quickly in order to immediately take action to get back on to a more productive path.

Learn more about Dr. Ken Evoy by scrolling to the bottom of our Self-Improvement web page.

"An ambition to be a whole person, to stand for more in the community, to push our horizon farther and farther away from us, to think a little higher each day, to think a little more of ourselves, to have a little more faith in ourselves and in everybody else, an ambition to be of real use in the world is an ambition worthy of the man (or woman) that God created, and cannot but bring happiness to the individual."

- Orison Swett Marden

December 29, 2004 12:55 pm - Beginning Is Half Done!

Today must be the day - to BEGIN!

When do you expect to do all the wonderful things you have been dreaming about?

Why haven't you started? What are you waiting for?

Are you waiting for something else to happen before you get started, or for someone to assist you before you commit yourself?

"Wishing" without a corresponding effort by you to realize results destroys initiative and motivation. Wishing only talks you out of taking action.

Too many people deceive themselves into thinking that if they talk a lot about their ambition, they will actually realize their dreams without any further effort. To the contrary, great leaders know that results are acheived by continually taking action.

Three important leadership tasks we must do in order to realize our dream are:

• Visualize our desire.


• Concentrate on our vision


• WORK - to bring it into reality!

It is a good thing to ask ourselves every now and then whether we are making good; whether we are making the most of our opportunities; whether we are going UP - or down.

Oliver Wendel Holmes said, "It does not matter so much where we stand as the direction in which we are moving."

In what direction are you moving? Do you realize that regardless of what path you are currently on, in literally one instant - by making one clear decision, and by taking one single step in another direction, you can place yourself on a completely different path.

Beginning really is half done. When you take than first step, it is so much easier to take the next step, and the next....and all the next steps necessary to get you to where you want to go.

Begin today. In an instant, make a choice and take a step.

Use the following Master Action Plan Tool to help you in your goal setting efforts.

December 30, 2004 7:40 am - Crisis Leadership - The Ultimate Test

As we all watch and listen to the various news channels, we realize the enormity of the death and devastation going on in several Asian countries.

With well over 100,000 deaths, international relief efforts are being tested like never before. While our world leaders take steps to provide monetary relief, it will be the workers on the ground - on the front lines of the disaster, that can do the most to help people deal with their loss and begin to take steps toward rebuilding their lives.

Leadership during a crisis is the ultimate test of a leader. The following steps can help a leader to make greater progress during a time of crisis:

1. Stand Up and Be Visible - People need to know that you are there for them. Every hand you shake, every pat on the back, every word of encouragement and support, help put people in a more positive frame of mind. Let people see and hear you taking positive steps to get on with life.
2. Display Vicious Optimism - When people are in times of crisis the last thing they need is for someone to feed their natural feelings of discouragement. They need to hear the most positive options, understand the long term benefits and be able to visualize a better time in their future. Be optimistic, keep your own grief away from the already grief stricken.
3. Deal With Reality Head On - Quickly get into the habit of acknowledging the facts as they truly are. This message is important so you don't lose credibility in the minds of those you are trying to help. The key here is to balance your message. On one hand you are addressing the real issues and on the other hand you are provide a message of hope and support.
4. Create A "Battle Cry" Statement- Quickly determine the key message you want everyone to hear and adopt. What one thing do you want and need for everyone to grab hold of? Create a "battle cry" statement or slogan that you can include regularly in your personal messages and/or local and national media. By getting everyone focused and working toward the same end-result is highly important to minimize the time it takes to get past the crisis.
5. Remember People Over Price - Real leadership in a crisis may come at a monetary cost higher than expected. As you consider important issues, always place people over money in your decision making. If this is truly a crisis, your generosity will be recognized down the line.
6. Identify Heroes - Times of crisis always brings out the very best in people. Recognize these people by sharing their stories. The purpose here is not only to provide the well deserved pats on the back, but more importantly - by telling these heroic tales it will give others hope and determination that they too can overcome the great challenges that face them.
7. Lead From The Heart - Leading from the heart is especially important during a time of crisis. This is the time when every leader needs to let everyone see that he/she is a loving, caring human being. Showing emotion is okay - it's important the people know you relate to their suffering. Just be careful not to become so emotional that you are perceived as weak or unstable.

If you wish to provide financial assistance toward the relief efforts now underway, here are a few quality links to some very reputable relief organizations that will ensue that your dollars are spent wisely and with integrity:

American Red Cross - International Response Fund

UNICEF - Delivering survival supplies to coastal areas.

Save The Children - Assisting children and families impacted by one of the world’s most devastating earthquakes.

World Vision - Food and Family Survival Kits to affected Asian.

MercyCorps - Assisting families affected by the earthquake.

"I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."
- Albert Schweitzer

December 31, 2004 10:46 am - 2005 - A Year of Good Cheer!

You know who they are just as soon as you meet them. People who are constantly in the "cheering up" business. They simply radiate sunshine all around them and it infects the entire room.

The people who promote optimism and who lead their lives with a victorious attitude do more good for others in a matter of minutes than most others do all week.

Somehow their pleasant character brings out the best in those they come in contact with. They are the unpaid "health promoters" that look after the public welfare!

When asked what makes them so joyous and appear to be so enthusiastic and alive, they will say clearly that it's a choice they make every day, every instant.

They understand that in every situation that confronts them they can either emotionally and negatively "react", or thoughtfully "respond". They choose the latter, as they believe life is too short for anything else.

It's a fact that joyous people are the happiest, the longest lived, the most useful to others and in general the most successful. So it really does pay on many levels to spread a positive message in your daily endeavors.

As we approach a brand new year, I wish you all a very prosperous and joyous 2005. And in the spirit of the holiday season I wish for you the joy which is independent of circumstances and which lifts you above even the harshest environment.

"Everybody is rich who knows or comes in contact with the millionaire of good cheer."
- Unknown

Follow this link for more Inspirational Quotes.