August 21, 2007

How a Broken Shoelace Could Change Your Life

In This Issue:

Feature Article: "How a Broken Shoelace Could Change Your Life"

Quick Tips: "When To Ask 'Why'... and When To Ask 'How'"

Fast Facts: "What's a 'Learning Set'? (You May Be Surprised)"

* FEATURE ARTICLE *

“How a Broken Shoelace Could Change Your Life”

The other day one of the shoelaces in my running shoes broke in half.

I immediately thought I would need to buy another shoelace. But then, as I looked at my running shoes, I realized that perhaps the broken shoelace was symptomatic of a bigger problem: worn out running shoes.

It was true.

I had run these shoes into the ground - literally! Sure, I could continue running in them... but they wouldn't give me the support I needed... which meant that it was probably a matter of time before I got injured.

As I considered whether to replace the lace or the shoe, it occurred to me that we are often faced with this kind of situation in life.

Where it's not always clear whether a "broken shoelace" is just that... or whether it signals a bigger problem.

Is an argument between two spouses just a "normal" tiff... or does it indicate deeper problems in the relationship?

Is the failure of a new business project a "one off"... or does it reflect a company in trouble?

Is a headache just a headache... or is it a symptom of something worse?

Fortunately, in many cases, you don't have to wonder. There is a way to find out.

Just as I examined my shoe to see if it really was worn out, you can also examine your relationship, analyze your business, see a doctor, or take other steps to assess the "bigger picture".

You see, just as a broken shoelace is a PROMPT to look more closely at the shoe, so too are the "cracks" in other areas of life.

So how can a broken shoelace change your life?

Well, if the broken thing - whether it's a shoelace or something else - does, indeed, reflect a larger problem, then your life WILL change whether or not you want it to. How it changes is up to you:

1. It could change in a way that's under your control - where, for instance, you take proactive measures to address the problem and stop the damage before it gets any worse (e.g. buy new running shoes)...

OR

2. It could change in a way that's out of your control - where, for instance, you ignore the larger problem and let it grow to the point where you're in big trouble (e.g. you get a running injury!)

As someone who has, in the past, ignored broken shoelaces and suffered running injuries as a result (metaphorically and literally), let me suggest you opt for #1.

So if something seemingly trivial "breaks", don't simply replace it. See if it actually points to a deeper problem. And if it does, address it as soon as possible.

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* HIGHLY RECOMMENDED *

“What Investment Opportunities Should You Consider?”

Download the August 2007 issue of Investment Success Formula and discover the answer (although it might NOT be what you think...)

You'll also discover:

• The 7 key distinctions between types of investments.

• The difference between active investments and *actively investing* and WHY THIS MATTERS.

• The 4 crucial factors you can manipulate to MAXIMIZE your actual return.

• The enormous power - and downside - of LEVERAGE.
  
• Why property stands head and shoulders above almost all other kinds of investments... and the major pitfall you must be aware of as a property investor.

• And more!

To claim your copy for just 9 bucks, click here:

==> Investment Success Formula

* QUICK TIPS *

“When To Ask 'Why'... and When To Ask 'How'”

Essentially, "why" questions send people into the past, while "how" questions prompt people to focus on the present and future.

A "why" question may be appropriate when you want the person answering to think back to the past and reflect on the reasons for something.

A "how" question is more appropriate when you want the person to think about steps they might take now and in the future.

For these reasons, "how" questions are typically more constructive and empowering than "why" questions. They help people focus on what they can do NOW, rather than on past events, which they can no longer control.

In fact, the average person should probably ask themselves MORE "how" questions and fewer "why" questions.

In particular, when faced with a challenge, we should probably avoid asking ourselves, "why can't I?"

...and instead ask, "HOW CAN I?"

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* HIGHLY RECOMMENDED *

“Don't Be So Reasonable (Be Unreasonable Instead!)”

In his new book, "Be Unreasonable", Paul Lemberg suggests that being UNreasonable is the key to success.

Using real-life case studies of unreasonable and successful business people, he shows how being unreasonable is likely to help you attain your goals in a number of ways.

According to Paul, five "unreasonable" qualities that will help you are being:

-- UNCOMPROMISING by sticking to your goals no matter what;

-- DEMANDING by expecting more, not less, from everybody;

-- CRITICAL by changing old systems that just don't work;

-- OUTRAGEOUS by creating your own Business Brain Trust; and

-- PREPARED for real success on your terms.

Here's an unreasonable offer:

When you purchase Paul's book you'll also get thousands of dollars of extra gifts FREE.

Take a look here:

==> Be Unreasonable

* FAST FACTS *

“What's a 'Learning Set'?”

A "learning set" is a group of people guided by a facilitator, who get together to help each other explore and find solutions to problems.

For example, a member of the group may raise an issue that is troubling them. The other members then ask constructive, open- ended questions designed to help the individual gain further insights into their problem and, ideally, derive their own solution.

The facilitator guides the group discussion and, in particular, ensures that the group doesn't get off-topic or start issuing solutions. The idea of the learning set is to prompt individuals to find their own answers.

Learning sets are being used more and more in corporate training, and are a form of "group coaching."

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