Aspirations Worth Their Weight in Platinum

"To succeed, planning alone is insufficient. One must improve as well." - Isaac Asimov

No matter what your goal is in life, be it a professional secretary or the leader of an important association; a creative arts designer, or the owner of a large corporation, as a total person, you must always strive for improvement. For greater career or business enrichment, there are two aspirations that are worthy of attaining. One is effective communication; the other is a positive self-image.

I. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Being able to communicate with others effectively, makes for better human relationships--and builds your self-esteem. Throughout your business and social communications, always be considerate and polite. As often as possible and reasonable, avoid distractions by giving the person you are speaking with your undivided attention.

During a conversation, no matter how important a certain point is, there will be times when the other person is not fully attentive. A good way to hold the listener's attention is to keep eye contact. And speak slowly. Don't assume that others can absorb information as quickly as it is spoken. Some are slow to react, so have a little patience.

Always make clear, complete statements. A good choice of words leads to less confusion and misunderstanding. When your listener expresses a frown or looks puzzled, ask whether they have a question, or repeat your point.

Before speaking it is wise to identify your listener. When possible always consider their age range: teenager, college student, or a senior citizen. Other obvious characteristics may include the hearing or sight impaired person. This prevents the mistake of talking down to them or over their head.

Avoid negative impressions. For example: try not to make a habit of telling others your problems. Everyone has problems, some worse than your own. Your opinions are just that - yours only. Don't impose them on others unless you are willing to listen to theirs, too.

Speak in a positive manner. Put yourself in the other person's place. If you exaggerate most people can usually tell, and will doubt your reliability. If you sound insincere, people won't trust you. And as you talk, remember to speak up, but don't shout. A voice that is too loud is upsetting and even painful. Speak clearly, but not too soft, or too low - you will lose your listener.

Always have your facts together. Remember, the other person's time is valuable, too. So know when to stop talking When it is your turn to listen, be alert to what is being said. Give the speaker time to finish a statement. And if you show enthusiasm and interest, you can be certain your speaker will not only be impressed, but will remember you favorably. Do try to listen for the speaker's feeling behind the message.

Remember, effective communication is a two-way game. Play according to the rules of courtesy, clarity, and credibility and you'll always be a winner.

II. A POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE

The mental picture you carry, the way you think, and the way you feel about yourself is your self-image. Creating and maintaining a positive self-image serves a useful purpose. Each of us at one time or another dreams of being successful in our chosen field or business. Yet, there are many others who aren't too sure of their goals or even too sure of themselves.

Have you already made your career choice? Do you already own your own business? Is it the best choice for you? Are you utilizing all of your creative, positive, and effective leadership skills? Do you have an active plan for reaching your career or business goals?

Questions like these are meant to challenge your thinking, lend inspiration, and direct your personal or business growth. After being in the hard, cold, and sometimes lonely business world for any length of time - be it a year, or a decade - every now and then each of us could use a bit of real positive inspiration and - aspiration.

It may help to periodically review or identify your needs, skills, and goals. And as soon as you condition your mind to develop positive, mental and spiritual energy, you won't have any problem creating good feelings about yourself or your life's goal or purpose. With positive, mental and spiritual energy, you'll have a strong cushion of faith to fall back on when life hands you a challenge.

Being able to look inward for the strength and energy necessary in stressful situations is vital for positive thinking, feeling and acting. Building a positive self-image that will help you handle the many hassles in both your business and personal life may include these essential qualities:

> Learn to accept your faults, imperfections, and mistakes by constantly focusing on your good points.

> Eliminate worry, fear, and negative thinking.

> Turn impossibilities into realities by visualizing what you want to happen, then acting to make it come true - or, see yourself already there and your goal already accomplished.

> Keep thinking: "You can get whatever it is you want, if you believe that you can."

> Improve your physical, mental, and emotional strengths by not dwelling on your weaknesses.

> Give you subconscious mind positive goals and successful images to work with.

> Try not to hold resentments toward anyone or anything.

> Learn to see the other person's view.

Get to know yourself and maximize your strengths, remember your successes and the times you have done well.

> Remember to thank God for all that you have and all that is to come.

Do you know everything there is to know about your business or special field of interest? Continue to acquire and develop your knowledge. How high is your positive energy level? Did you know that people burn physical energy three times faster with negative thinking then with positive thinking?

Success can only be achieved by what you accomplish. Plan to saturate your thoughts and your life with positive energy. Success comes from self-discovery, self-improvement, and a positive self-image.

What are your aspirations worth?

Copyright 2005

Gerri D Smith is publisher and host of multiple Gatways to inspiration, motivation, and support for individuals, women business owners, and entrepreneurs. Gerri's internet resource offers ways to unlock the doors to your personal and business empowerment. Now is a perfect time to own your own business and discover some of the best ways to market a product. One is by letting your customers see it before they buy it. This concept is a sharing of information and is made available by the Internet. Best of all it's delivered right to your email doorstep. Why not invest in your future, now. To help you reach more of your personal and business goals, subscribe to Gerri's Free bi-monthly inspirational newsletter.

Visit: http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com Or, send a blank email and your correct email address and mailto: gerri@distinctivebusinesswomen.com?Subject=EZ-S cribe

---

Opportunity Will Knock, If It Can Find The Door

Is your home office a spare room full of whatever... Read More

Attracting Opportunity -- 10 Tips

You get what you attract ? with your thoughts, words,... Read More

The Friend Crush: Is This Love Or Friendship

He's your good friend. She's your best confidant. You have... Read More

Step-By-Step Guide to Manifest Your Desires

I have been talking about manifestation for a long time.... Read More

7 Tips to Make a Fantastic Impression on People Who Count

Making a fabulous impression on people opens doors for your... Read More

Clarity of Vision

Imagine trying to drive at night in your car with... Read More

What is the Life Your Were Born To Live?

In my private practice for the past 15 years I... Read More

10 Simple Ways to Honor Your Uniqueness

One message we hear from the time we are children... Read More

Do You Have Tickets To Your Dream Theater?

I'd like you to do an exercise with me.I want... Read More

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Most of us don't want to admit we have a... Read More

Secrets Of Energy

Lotus dakini gathers energy. When wanting and grasping hold sway... Read More

Freedom of Choice -- Learning to Make the Right Choices

Recognizing your gift of choice is liberating. This means acknowledging... Read More

Are You a Sheep in People Clothing?

Many people, who feel that they are independent and communicate... Read More

Two Principles That Can Change Your Life Completely

First principle: You and the universe is one.In order to... Read More

The Number One Secret to Success in Business

Clarity!If there is such a thing as a "secret" to... Read More

Aging Gracefully Through Vastu Shastra

Aging is inevitable, but its most negative effects can be... Read More

Coping As A Caregiver

Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved... Read More

God Doesnt Say No...YOU Do!

There are a couple of things you've probably heard said... Read More

Did Your Personality Choose Your Career?

We almost all think we are masters of our own... Read More

Appreciating and Communicating Your Value

It's a common scenario. Although the specific circumstances may differ,... Read More

Making New Friends

How do we make friends? More importantly if dropped into... Read More

7 Ways to Drive a Man Wild

It's unbelievable the amount of bad advice there is out... Read More

A Fun Way To Make A Living

"You must be willing to do the things today others... Read More

Creating Relationship Synergy through Rapport Building

One of the great things about rapport is that it... Read More

Demanding Miracles

Have you ever had an overwhelming problem or issue? Was... Read More

You Cant Have An Intelligent Conversation With Everyone

Intelligent conversation is one of life's pleasures. I love nothing... Read More

What Do You Want This Year?

Christmas is all around us, and many people are making... Read More

What Characters Teach Us about Character

Character is that which defines us; it's what people will... Read More

How To Know You Are Living Your Dream

How To Prove To Yourself That You Are Going After... Read More

Are You The Worlds Expert On Yourself?

Congratulations! You are the world's expert.That's right: you are the... Read More

Appreciation Attracts Prosperity

Did you know that appreciation is one of the most... Read More

Is There Something Called Free Will

The statement ""The concept of free will is a fallacy""... Read More

The Art of Manifestation

We should strive to attain a desireless state. As long... Read More