How do you cope with stress?
 

I find that, the more projects I try to juggle, the more stressed I tend to become.... Recently, I've been feeling kind of stressed-out....

How do you cope with stress? Anyone have any good stress-reducing tips to share?

Thanks,

Dien Rice

Here's how I deal with it....
 

I'll share my own favorite way of dealing with stress....

It's simple. I meditate. It really works!

I use a technique which I learned from this Zen Buddhist guy I knew. He told me to sit and let any thoughts arise in my mind. Then, just watch them float away up into the sky. "It's like watching television," he told me.

So, if the thought of a sales letter you have to write (which you've been procrastinating about) arises, then you just see the picture of that letter in your mind's eye.... Then, you just "watch" it float away into space and let it go.... And let the next item arise.

One interesting consequence is that I seem to do better work after having done this, when my mind is relaxed and I can be better focused....

It took me a while to get used to doing this, but it seems to work for me. :)

Best wishes,

Dien

Re: How do you cope with stress?
 

There are various ways all on a simillar theme. Stress is all about how you see the world not necessarily what the world is actually doing. If you can change your perception then you can destress yourself.

Would definitely recommend you read Stephen Covey's 7 habits of highly effective people.. or get a tape from Simon and Schuster and listen to it while driving... a good destresser with many good tips on getting control of things.

Another idea is get a project management package and list everything you have a- just as a list - then work through and be very honest to your self about what you really should be doing first, what you can delegate etc. If your stress is with projects nothing works best than simply writing everything you can think of down.. then estimating time, writing a feeling of how important it is and making a note of who you may be able to delegate it to...

Also.. if you need to change the physical side of things: look for some Siberian Ginseng.. this can help lower your adrenalin levels and generally calm you down... but again this is just a tonic.. stress is all about how you see the world and changing that.. that is why mediation is also good, pointed out in another reply.

all the best
Michael Guilfoyle
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> I find that, the more projects I try to
> juggle, the more stressed I tend to
> become.... Recently, I've been feeling kind
> of stressed-out....

> How do you cope with stress? Anyone have any
> good stress-reducing tips to share?

> Thanks,

> Dien Rice




fast, reliable and inexpensive web hosting

Re: How do you cope with stress?
 

Hi Dien!

What a timely theme for me. Just finishing the school year, this morning sending off my first born to the United States to begin university life . . .

Whew! It has been something else!

We own a little mountain cabin here in Costa Rica. It is gorgeous. And it is really out in the boonies. There are toucans, parrots, and many other species of birds that visit. There is a lovely view of the valley. It really is a piece of heaven.

So, when the stress gets really heavy, I escape there. In fact, I am going this weekend!

Plus, I pray. I give my burdens to Him. And that is a great relief to me.

Blessings,
Brenda


Your Desktop Coach: For Only $6!

Stress This!
 

> Recently, I've been feeling kind
> of stressed-out....

> How do you cope with stress? Anyone have any
> good stress-reducing tips to share?

Dien,

There is NO SUCH THING AS STRESS. So thinking you have it and trying to get rid of it does no good - how can you get rid of something that doesn't exist?

Instead, try only to realize what it is that you're actually feeling and calling stress.

Are you nervous about something? Anxious? Doubtful? Frustrated? Angry things aren't going your way? Uptight? Overwhelmed?

Knowing WHAT you're actualy feeling solves half your problem. Saying you're "stressed" is like going to a Doctor and saying "I'm sick, how can you make me better?"

You think You have problems? How 'bout the millions of people who will go to bed tonight and not wake up in the morning? Bigger problem than you have?

Those who live in the Third World. Think they have more to be concerned about?

How does your "stress" whatever it really is, relate on the grand scale of things? Still a big deal?

Does it really matter at all to anyone but you, or a close few? And in 1000 years, how will it have mattered?

NOTHING MATTERS WHATSOEVER. Nothing at all.

We ALL move on. The world changes and eventually it will be gone as well.

I've seen couples come to blows over money... or rather... a lack of it. Yet the reality is, money isn't real. And the worse thing that could happen is nothing really that bad. Phone turned off. Electricity cut. Car taken away. Whatever. Nothing really ever happens to THEM... the person. Only to things... all of which will be gone in time any way.

Many years ago I backed my car (van) into a concrete pillar in a shopping centre - if you've ever driven a van you'll know how this is possible.

My wife sat quietly not sure how I was going to react to this.

I got out and had a look. Hoped back into the car and said, "Oh well, that'll need to be fixed" and drove off. Certainly blase. A least I wasn't "stressed" ;o)

Hope this helps.

Michael Ross

PS - as Gordon says sort of, if you go to the beach for a day, will anything happen to this "stressful" thing?

Re: How do you cope with stress?
 

Hi Michael,

Wow, there are some amazing responses in this thread.... :)

> There are various ways all on a simillar
> theme. Stress is all about how you see the
> world not necessarily what the world is
> actually doing. If you can change your
> perception then you can destress yourself.

Now that you mention it, I think you're right! :)

> Would definitely recommend you read Stephen
> Covey's 7 habits of highly effective
> people.. or get a tape from Simon and
> Schuster and listen to it while driving... a
> good destresser with many good tips on
> getting control of things.

Thanks for the recommendation! I haven't read Stephen Covey's book.... I'll check it out next time I visit a bookstore (which should be very soon, I'm drawn to bookstores like a mouse to cheese).... :)

> Another idea is get a project management
> package and list everything you have a- just
> as a list - then work through and be very
> honest to your self about what you really
> should be doing first, what you can delegate
> etc. If your stress is with projects nothing
> works best than simply writing everything
> you can think of down.. then estimating
> time, writing a feeling of how important it
> is and making a note of who you may be able
> to delegate it to...

Thanks also for the recommendation here too.... :)

> Also.. if you need to change the physical
> side of things: look for some Siberian
> Ginseng.. this can help lower your adrenalin
> levels and generally calm you down... but
> again this is just a tonic.. stress is all
> about how you see the world and changing
> that.. that is why mediation is also good,
> pointed out in another reply.

Michael, I thought that was very good advice.... And I especially like what you said on it being how you view the world.... I thought that was very true!

Thanks!

- Dien

Re: How do you cope with stress?
 

Hi Brenda!

> What a timely theme for me. Just finishing
> the school year, this morning sending off my
> first born to the United States to begin
> university life . . .

It sounds like she will have a good solid grounding for her future life.... :)

> Whew! It has been something else!

> We own a little mountain cabin here in Costa
> Rica. It is gorgeous. And it is really out
> in the boonies. There are toucans, parrots,
> and many other species of birds that visit.
> There is a lovely view of the valley. It
> really is a piece of heaven.

> So, when the stress gets really heavy, I
> escape there. In fact, I am going this
> weekend!

Brenda, it sounds like a fantastic place! :)

After reading one of your posts, I looked up information on Costa Rica.... It sounds like a great place, with a lot of natural beauty! I've never been to Central America.... I've been to the South America (Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil), but that's it!

> Plus, I pray. I give my burdens to Him. And
> that is a great relief to me.

Brenda, this works for me too.... Sometimes, I forget (believe it or not), thank you for the reminder.... :)

Thanks! :)

- Dien

Re: Stress This!
 

Hi Michael,

> There is NO SUCH THING AS STRESS. So
> thinking you have it and trying to get rid
> of it does no good - how can you get rid of
> something that doesn't exist?

> Instead, try only to realize what it is that
> you're actually feeling and calling stress.

> Are you nervous about something? Anxious?
> Doubtful? Frustrated? Angry things aren't
> going your way? Uptight? Overwhelmed?

Michael, yes, like other responses I think you've hit the nail on the head.... I think it's some anxiety regarding some offline business activity I'm doing.... I'm learning a lot, but everyone here has helped me to re-evaluate it....

> I've seen couples come to blows over
> money... or rather... a lack of it. Yet the
> reality is, money isn't real. And the worse
> thing that could happen is nothing really
> that bad. Phone turned off. Electricity cut.
> Car taken away. Whatever. Nothing really
> ever happens to THEM... the person. Only to
> things... all of which will be gone in time
> any way.

Yes, that's especially true for us here in Australia (there's a pretty good system here to catch you if you should fall, but we pay for it with higher taxes)....

> Many years ago I backed my car (van) into a
> concrete pillar in a shopping centre - if
> you've ever driven a van you'll know how
> this is possible.

> My wife sat quietly not sure how I was going
> to react to this.

> I got out and had a look. Hoped back into
> the car and said, "Oh well, that'll
> need to be fixed" and drove off.
> Certainly blase. A least I wasn't
> "stressed" ;o)

Heheh, nice story. :) That's a good attitude to have.... :)

Thanks! :)

- Dien

This is what works for me....
 

Hi Dien,

I have also been experiencing an overload of stress recently.

Yesterday, I made an appointment with a massage therapist for a 90 minute Swedish massage. Very relaxing. I almost 'floated' out of there.

Back at home, I then immediately mixed a couple of pure aromatherapy oils - frankincense and lavender -- put a few drops into hot running water and soaked in this steamy aromatic bath for about 20 minutes.

Then, I slept for 12 hours! I can't remember when I last allowed myself the luxury of that amount of sleep.

And, this morning I felt like a million bucks!

Soothing type of massage does wonders for the nervous system and also helps to wring out toxins and refresh our tissues with new oxygenated blood.

No wonder thousands of people flock to spas for these relaxation treatments. It really does work, but don't stop at one session...get a series of them to REALLY rejuvenate.

Treat yourself...you are worth it! ;~>

Cheers!
Amber

Meditate on these things...
 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."

Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV

Be Zany!
 

Hi Dien & Gang,

Great thread here, with lots of good suggestions. I plan to implement some of them myself!

For me, an almost guaranteed way to alleviate, and even eliminate stress altogether, is to just GET CRAZY for a moment! Seriously. Just look in the mirror, and make a silly face. Even if you feel like you're forcing it at first, after just a fleeting moment, it will become very real. Everything will suddenly be put back into perspective...and a wave of relief will wash over you as you realize that everything really will be OK.

Another fantastic method, which Gordon gave several great examples of, is to be one with nature. Whatever your IT is, go immerse yourself in it. For me it is the ocean, as I am blessed to live steps from the crashing, yet soothing waves. For you, it may be something entirely different. But the key point is to let yourself surrender to the majesty of nature...allow yourself to be awed by its wonder...and your stress will evaporate.

There's plenty of other great ways, including many wonderful suggestions on this board. But to borrow a very appropriate buzz phrase from my dear friend Julie, above are two techniques you may want to "try on!"

All the best,

-Jesse

> I find that, the more projects I try to
> juggle, the more stressed I tend to
> become.... Recently, I've been feeling kind
> of stressed-out....

> How do you cope with stress? Anyone have any
> good stress-reducing tips to share?

> Thanks,

> Dien Rice

Easier Done Than Said
 

Dien

While there are many variations on what you're about to read, I've found these two to work the best...
[*]Imagine yourself at the beach. You're laying down at the water's edge. A wave crashes and the wash covers you briefly before going back out. And as it goes back out it takes with it all your tensions/troubles/stree/whatever. Another wave comes in... again it takes away your troubles/tensions/stree whatever. Then another wave, and another and another. However many you want.
[*]Imagine you're holding a deflated balloon. Now begin to blow it up. And as your blow it up your fill it will all your tensions/troubles/worries/stress/whatever. Once you blown all your "things" into the balloon, knot it, release it and watch it float away - taking all your tensions/troubles/worries/stress/whatever with it.


Try these. I think you'll be pleased with the results.

Michael Ross.

Oooooohhh.... Aaaaaaaahhhh!!!
 

Hi Amber!

(The subject line are the sounds you might have made while you were having your massage! :) )

> I have also been experiencing an overload of
> stress recently.

> Yesterday, I made an appointment with a
> massage therapist for a 90 minute Swedish
> massage. Very relaxing. I almost 'floated'
> out of there.

Wow, that sounds wonderful.... What a great idea! :)

Would you believe that I've never had a "professional" massage? It's probably about time.... :)

I did give a massage gift certificate as a birthday present to a friend recently.... She was over the moon about my present! She keeps thanking me.... :)

> Back at home, I then immediately mixed a
> couple of pure aromatherapy oils -
> frankincense and lavender -- put a few drops
> into hot running water and soaked in this
> steamy aromatic bath for about 20 minutes.

> Then, I slept for 12 hours! I can't remember
> when I last allowed myself the luxury of
> that amount of sleep.

> And, this morning I felt like a million
> bucks!

Amber, that sounds very very verrrrrryyyyy pleasant.... :)

> Soothing type of massage does wonders for
> the nervous system and also helps to wring
> out toxins and refresh our tissues with new
> oxygenated blood.

> No wonder thousands of people flock to spas
> for these relaxation treatments. It really
> does work, but don't stop at one
> session...get a series of them to REALLY
> rejuvenate.

> Treat yourself...you are worth it! ;~>

Thanks Amber! :)

I need a bigger bathtub.... All the bathtubs I see aren't quite long enough for me to stretch out in....

But a spa, massage, wow, zowie, sounds like just what the doctor ordered! :) (You sure your son didn't have a hand in your response???? ;) )

I really like your suggestion, and the massage part I definitely want to try out, especially since I've never had a professional massage at all....

By the way, when I was getting my friend her massage gift certificate, I noticed there are all these different massages.... Swedish massage, Japanese (?) massage, Therapeutic massage, a bunch of others I don't remember now.... (Her certificate allows her to have any of these she wishes.) Anyhow, Amber, it sounds from your response that Swedish massage is the way to go! :)

- Dien

Life is boring without a bit of zaniness!
 

Hi Jesse!

> Great thread here, with lots of good
> suggestions. I plan to implement some of
> them myself!

Yes, I agree.... I'm amazed at how many great suggestions there are here.... :)

> For me, an almost guaranteed way to
> alleviate, and even eliminate stress
> altogether, is to just GET CRAZY for a
> moment! Seriously. Just look in the mirror,
> and make a silly face. Even if you feel like
> you're forcing it at first, after just a
> fleeting moment, it will become very real.
> Everything will suddenly be put back into
> perspective...and a wave of relief will wash
> over you as you realize that everything
> really will be OK.

Heheh, I like this! Laughing just eases stress so it melts away, like butter or margarine melts on a hot slice of toast.... :)

> Another fantastic method, which Gordon gave
> several great examples of, is to be one with
> nature. Whatever your IT is, go immerse
> yourself in it. For me it is the ocean, as I
> am blessed to live steps from the crashing,
> yet soothing waves. For you, it may be
> something entirely different. But the key
> point is to let yourself surrender to the
> majesty of nature...allow yourself to be
> awed by its wonder...and your stress will
> evaporate.

Jesse, I think we have this in common! I'm also an ocean lover.... I feel like my soul is with the ocean. I sometimes love to go to the water's edge and just look out, towards infinity over that vast expanse of blue.... That immense feeling that you are just a small dot on this great planet of overwhelming natural beauty.... I think you can get the same feeling too by taking some time, on a clear night, to gaze at the stars....

I haven't gone body surfing now for a while, but body surfing is also a passion! The swirl of the wave around you as you are zipping towards the shore is a fantastic feeling (and you're getting a little bit of a massage by the wave, too, I think at the same time!).

> There's plenty of other great ways,
> including many wonderful suggestions on this
> board. But to borrow a very appropriate buzz
> phrase from my dear friend Julie, above are
> two techniques you may want to "try
> on!"

Jesse, I liked those.... In fact, I made a funny face while I was writing, and immediately broke into a smile.... :)

Thanks! :)

- Dien

Re: Life is boring without a bit of zaniness!
 

Hi Dien!

> I haven't gone body surfing now for a while,
> but body surfing is also a passion! The
> swirl of the wave around you as you are
> zipping towards the shore is a fantastic
> feeling (and you're getting a little bit of
> a massage by the wave, too, I think at the
> same time!).

***Body surfing is fantastic! I remember clearly the first time I was "tubed" while body surfing...it was electrifying! Now I am contemplating going to surf diva school next summer. My friend,Carol, and I think it would be hilarious.....

Once I had been sick for two weeks and went to visit my parents who lived at the ocean at that time. One evening I went and sat on a bench overlooking a jetty and the breakwaters with the spray just washing over me very lightly, very gently.....I was well by the next morning.

Nothing, absolutely nothing like the ocean.

*sigh* meanwhile in Bakersfield it is 112 today.

With Purpose and Passion,

JULIE

Heaven on Earth!
 

Hey Amber and Dien!

(Amber! Soooo happy to see you!!!)

Massage is the best....when I gave birth to Sam I hired a Doula who was also a Massage Therapist. She was my Childbirth Coach....it was a GREAT investment and absolutely magnificent for those last few weeks of pregnancy.

I don't know about the different types of massage, Dien, I just know it feels so luxurious! There is a massage training school here locally, and I sometimes buy a series of massages from there. Always out to benefit students learning an artform! :-)

With Purpose and Passion,

JULIE

The Ocean's Majesty...
 

Hey Dien,

Uncanny how much your words about the ocean resonated with me. The ocean is one of my true passions in this world...its majesty...its awesome combination of power and grace...and ability to literally take on human personas never cease to amaze and inspire me. Ever since my childhood, I have been inexplicably drawn to it, and it was a main catalyst in my moving across the country as I did.

You are also right on the mark about body surfing. It really is quite a sensation! Now if I could only learn how to surf on an actual board...:)

Anyway, glad to hear you picked up some great stress tips, as did I.

Best,

Jesse

> Hi Jesse!

> Yes, I agree.... I'm amazed at how many
> great suggestions there are here.... :)

> Heheh, I like this! Laughing just eases
> stress so it melts away, like butter or
> margarine melts on a hot slice of toast....
> :)

> Jesse, I think we have this in common! I'm
> also an ocean lover.... I feel like my soul
> is with the ocean. I sometimes love to go to
> the water's edge and just look out, towards
> infinity over that vast expanse of blue....
> That immense feeling that you are just a
> small dot on this great planet of
> overwhelming natural beauty.... I think you
> can get the same feeling too by taking some
> time, on a clear night, to gaze at the
> stars....

> I haven't gone body surfing now for a while,
> but body surfing is also a passion! The
> swirl of the wave around you as you are
> zipping towards the shore is a fantastic
> feeling (and you're getting a little bit of
> a massage by the wave, too, I think at the
> same time!).

> Jesse, I liked those.... In fact, I made a
> funny face while I was writing, and
> immediately broke into a smile.... :)

> Thanks! :)

> - Dien

Re: Life is boring without a bit of zaniness!
 

Hi Julie :)

> ***Body surfing is fantastic! I remember
> clearly the first time I was
> "tubed" while body surfing...it
> was electrifying! Now I am contemplating
> going to surf diva school next summer. My
> friend,Carol, and I think it would be
> hilarious.....

I think you should, if you have the opportunity.... It would probably be a LOT of fun! :)

I thought it's quite interesting seeing the growth of women in surfing the past couple decades.... Women surfers used to be a kind of unusual adjunct to what seemed to be a "men's" sport, but nowadays, women surfers are pretty common. I guess we men couldn't keep it our own secret for too long! ;)

> Once I had been sick for two weeks and went
> to visit my parents who lived at the ocean
> at that time. One evening I went and sat on
> a bench overlooking a jetty and the
> breakwaters with the spray just washing over
> me very lightly, very gently.....I was well
> by the next morning.

> Nothing, absolutely nothing like the ocean.

I agree with you! To me, the ocean is kind of magical.... It's wonderful to know that there are kindred spirits who feel the same way as I do! :)

> *sigh* meanwhile in Bakersfield it is 112
> today.

Wow, sounds like a real heatwave! It's winter here in Melbourne (Australia) now, and we're getting maximums of around 54 degrees F (12 degrees C).... It's a bit too cold for body surfing, but when the sun is out and shining, it's not too bad.... :)

- Dien

Re: The Ocean's Majesty...
 

Hi Jesse!

> Uncanny how much your words about the ocean
> resonated with me. The ocean is one of my
> true passions in this world...its
> majesty...its awesome combination of power
> and grace...and ability to literally take on
> human personas never cease to amaze and
> inspire me. Ever since my childhood, I have
> been inexplicably drawn to it, and it was a
> main catalyst in my moving across the
> country as I did.

Jesse, I also have this crazy attraction to the ocean.... I think in my case, I probably got it from my Dad. He seems to have it too.... :)

He grew up in a small town called Coldwater, Michigan, and I think when he was a kid, they used to sometimes go to the shores of Lake Michigan for their holidays. My Dad ended up doing some of his university studies at University of Hawaii! To make some extra cash there, he worked as a "diver" for the glass-bottomed boats....

I think the "story" for the tourists was they could "see a deep sea diver on an underwater hunt," watching him through the glass-bottomed boat! My Dad was one of those guys, wearing scuba gear, making sure he was always directly under the boat, while turning over interesting objects on the sea floor for the benefit of the tourists. :)

As I was growing up (wherever we were, as we moved around a little bit), my Dad would take us (my brother and I) skin-diving and body surfing too.... We always lived in a city by the ocean.... And I picked up this love of the ocean (both above and below) too! :)

Probably like you, Jesse, the ocean has long been my "getaway".... It's one of the main places I go when I feel a need to ponder life's mysteries, gazing out over the stunning scenery as far as the eye can see.... :)

Thanks Jesse, it's cool to meet a kindred spirit with a similar love for the ocean.... :)

By the way, did you see the movie "Perfect Storm"? Wow, there's another side of the ocean.... Full of beauty, power, and mystery....

- Dien

Re: How do you cope with stress?
 

> I find that, the more projects I try to
> juggle, the more stressed I tend to
> become.... Recently, I've been feeling kind
> of stressed-out....

> How do you cope with stress? Anyone have any
> good stress-reducing tips to share?

> Thanks,

> Dien Rice

I find that first, if you make sure you're using good time managment skills you dont get stressed as easy because you know exactly what you are do and how long each task will take. Try it, it works for me.

Work smarter not harder....

Clayton




4 sites, one account $20 per month: 625MB space, 10GB bandwidth, power Windows 2000

Re: How do you cope with stress?
 

There's a gentleman named Bob Willan, he's a marathon runner. And I think in life he shows us that in life there's no such thing as an unrealistic goal, just limits to imagination. As far as you can dream is as far as you can go.

He finished last in the New York marathon, he finished last in the Los Angeles marathon. And I must tell you, I think Bob Willan is a superstar. Because Bob completed two twenty-six mile marathons and he doesn't have any legs.

Bob picks himself up and he swings his torso forward, picks his body up and swings his torso forward. Twenty-six miles on his hands, incredible accomplishment.

As he was coming toward the finish line in New York, his father was waiting for him with a few photographers. All the banners were torn down, it was misty outside and there was Bob, pick himself up, swing his torso forward, pick himself up and swing his torso forward.

They showed his father and there were tears running down his face. He must have been so proud. I'm sure he talked to Bob about attitude, have a dream in your life. And he kept yelling to Bob "come on Bob, one more step, one more step." When you have a dream you gotta take it one day at a time.

And on Bob's last step he picked his body up looked to his left, he looked to his right and went across the finish line. His father and a few photographers clapped for him. But I'm sure many more people were clapping for Bob Willan in their homes.

This reporter walked up to him and said "Bob Willan, you are an incredible athlete. Tell us your secret."

He said "Well, gotta have a dream. Gotta have a positive attitude and a great support group." And then Bob took his gloves off and his hands were red and they were blistered. And the reporter got down on one knee and he said "Bob, how did you ever stand the pain during those twenty-six miles?!?"

And he said "My hands only hurt when I took my eye off the finish line."

> I find that first, if you make sure you're
> using good time managment skills you dont
> get stressed as easy because you know
> exactly what you are do and how long each
> task will take. Try it, it works for me.

> Work smarter not harder....

> Clayton

The two principles a computer scientist from Ohio used to make a ton of money through direct response....
 

Hi Chris,

That's a great story! Very inspiring!

> And the reporter got down on
> one knee and he said "Bob, how did you
> ever stand the pain during those twenty-six
> miles?!?"

> And he said "My hands only hurt when I
> took my eye off the finish line."

Wow, these are very true words....

I have the impression that a "mistake" a lot of people make is quitting too soon.... I mean quitting in general. I strongly believe that there are two fundamental rules of success. I believe if you know these two rules, and apply them, you will always EVENTUALLY succeed. Success may not come immediately, but eventually, you WILL succeed.

Those two rules are:

"Perserverance" and "Experimentation."

"Perserverance" is important, since you have to keep at it to succeed. Everything has a "learning curve," sometimes it's short, sometimes its long, but the longer you stick with something, the more you are learning how to make it work.

The other thing is "experimentation" -- keep trying new things. That's how you can keep improving.... Like Edison and his light bulb (I assume everyone knows the story, of how Edison tried hundreds or maybe even thousands of filaments for his light bulb before he found one with the characteristics that worked)....

I was reading through "7 Steps to Freedom II" by Benjamin Suarez the other day.... (For those who may not know, this is one of the best books on direct response marketing around.... It's certainly one of the most detailed....) Benjamin Suarez started out as an employee, working as a computer scientist in the late 1960s, back when mainframes and computer-punched cards were the hottest thing in computers.... But he eventually quit his job.

Benjamin Suarez now runs SCI, a $100 million+ per year direct response business based in Canton, Ohio. (They have several "business names" they operate under, for their various types of products....) As you may know, last year when I visited Gordon I got a quick tour of SCI, and a month or two ago some lucky people got an even better tour of SCI than I did.... Gordon Alexander was personally hand-picked by Benjamin Suarez to learn the ins and outs of exactly how SCI operates....

Anyhow, at the very beginning of "7 Steps To Freedom II" is a section called "About The Author".... Here's a quick quote from that....

"With his brother and sister as partners, [Benjamin] Suarez launched his first entrepreneurial effort -- a direct-mail project -- in 1970 on a part-time basis.

Four years later, after trying many projects, they achieved minor success via direct mail. Suarez took a gamble and quit his full-time job."

When you read the full story, you find out it took a few years in addition to that for him to achieve real success....

The POINT is that this illustrates the two principles, I believe....

"Perserverance" -- "Four years later.... they achieved minor success" That means he kept trying for four years without success, but he didn't give up!

"Experimentation" -- "after trying many projects".... He didn't just do the same thing repetitively. If one thing didn't work, he kept trying something different.

Many people give up too soon! Don't lose heart.... Keep perservering and experimenting, and I believe success will eventually be yours.

It might take a short time or it might take a while, but success will eventually be in your grasp....

At least, that's the principle which I live my life by!

By the way, trying new things keeps life interesting too. It's like an added bonus! :)

- Dien Rice

Re: The two principles a computer scientist from Ohio used to make a ton of money through direct res
 

Always have a dream
Keep your eye on that dream
Don't let obstacles stop you
Don't let criticisms dismay you
Don't you EVER quit
Work hard for what you want
And I reiterate again
Don't you EVER quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
If care is pushing you down a bit
Rest if ye may, but DON'T YOU QUIT

G'day Dien :) Long time no see :)
Good to see things are still going strong with SOWPUB. I've been keeping in the background for some time, observing different posts.

I was considering taking the time to create several posts about self development, how to remember what it's like to dream, and the importance of attitude. Do you think there's sufficient interest in this group for this material, or would my time be better spent with the people I'm coaching right now?

Christopher Lau

Re: The two principles a computer scientist from Ohio used to make a ton of money through direct res
 

Hi Chris,

Thanks, that's a very nice inspirational poem.... :)

> G'day Dien :) Long time no see :)
> Good to see things are still going strong
> with SOWPUB. I've been keeping in the
> background for some time, observing
> different posts.
>
> I was considering taking the time to create
> several posts about self development, how to
> remember what it's like to dream, and the
> importance of attitude. Do you think there's
> sufficient interest in this group for this
> material, or would my time be better spent
> with the people I'm coaching right now?

I'm sure many would appreciate it, but as to what's the best use of your time I can't really advise you on that.... However, it would be great to see more of your contributions. :)

Cheers,

Dien