I would then ask them the same question again and invariably they would pick up the pencil a second time. Finally I would then ask, with heavy emphasis on the ‘try�?part of the request, “I want you to �?U>TRY�?/B> to pick up the pencil.�?By the third time around, almost every one of them had gotten the message. Like the two previous efforts, they would reach for the pencil; but unlike before, they would not pick it up. They tried, but didn’t do it.

What might you consider the very best of life? Now I’m not talking about close to the best or even almost the best, but the very best life has to offer. So what comes to mind when you think about the best things in life?

Would it be a fancy new car to cruise around town in, maybe a charming home in the country or even a swanky condo overlooking the beach? Not bad, but the very best of life? I don’t think so, do you? OK, how about a closet chock full of the finest clothes money can buy or a wallet stuffed with cash? Nice things to be sure, but do they rate as the best things in life? I guess that depends on whom you ask.

Hey, I’ll grant you that there are very few of us who wouldn’t like a fancier car, a nicer house, more money in the bank and the like, but when you get right down to it, all of these things are only�?THINGS. Come on, how in the world can material possessions ever rate as the very best of life? As Joann Davis said above, “the best things in life aren’t things,�?and I couldn’t agree more.

Yet far too often we fail to see all the glorious abundance that we are blessed with daily. With too much energy directed toward the material aspects of life and too little effort focused on seizing the opportunity that abounds all around us, we often fail to take advantage of the best life offers up.

Rather than furiously focusing all of energies and efforts in the relentless pursuit of worldly goods, couldn’t we instead work on living our lives in an ‘out of this world�?fashion �?looking for ways to make the most of our magical moments on earth? If we could only realize that the best things about life are those ‘things�?that make life truly memorable, our lives would instantly take on heightened meaning and excitement.

When you stop and think about it for a moment, aren’t the fabulous people we meet everyday, the wonderful moments we are privileged to share with others and the priceless relationships we enjoy throughout our lives a few of the best things in life? Of course they are�?and much more.

And how could anyone ever place a price tag on some of these simple yet majestic moments we so often take for granted: a breathtakingly beautiful sunrise, a dazzling sky at sunset bathed in a potpourri of colors artistically etched in heavens above or a nighttime sky literally laced with a million sparkling stars on a bright moonlit night?

And what kind of value could we ever place on the trust of a close friendship, a kind word spoken when it is so desperately needed or a something as simple as the innocent smile of a child? Or how can we ever estimate the value of a pat on the back when things get a little tough or the power of a few inspiring words of encouragement when hope seems in short supply? Yes, these are just a few of the best things in life and in reality; they’re not really things at all, are they? No, they're LIFE!

So how about this for an idea? Instead of openly griping and complaining or silently lamenting about what you don’t have and what you haven’t done, why not turn the tables and zero in on all of the good that encompasses virtually every facet of your life? Why not choose to pursue the path less chosen, looking to discover that radiant rainbow that shines on each and every one of us? Once you finally realize that the best things in life aren’t things, you can expect nothing but the very best of life.

The Bottom Line: Since the best of life is yours for the taking, why settle for anything less than the best ever again?

Isn’t it pretty wild to imagine that there are no two people exactly alike? That’s right, in a world populated with billions of people, each and every one of us are distinctly different from anyone else on the planet. And it is these differences that shape the lives we get to live; making us who we are and even more importantly, what we can become.

Yet in spite of our unique God given abilities and talents, far too many of us insist on just blending in with everyone else. Even though there are no two people alike anywhere on earth, many folks believe that breaking away from the rest of the crowd is nothing short of impossible. Rather than celebrating their own uniqueness and individuality, they often try to just mingle in with everyone else. Then instead of striving to do their very best every day, they settle for just plain average.

Hey, let’s face it; being average is not what you were put on earth to be. Not at all. While others around you may settle for an ordinary, mundane, run of the mill existence, you owe it to yourself and to your loved ones to shoot for something better. In fact, you should shoot for a whole lot better. You need to be the very best you can be and that’s going require that you be who you were born to be �?different from everyone else.

Being different can open doors that once were closed and open your eyes to abundant opportunity where obstacles and impediments once blocked the way. But being different is not without danger; in fact, it can be downright risky. Being different means breaking away from the rest of the pack and that is going to rock a few boats. There will always be plenty of people traveling on the road to nowhere who are more than willing to take you along for the ride.

By boldly blazing your own trail, clearing your own individual path, it’s a sure bet that you’re going upset a few apple carts along the way. But if you’re ever going to break out from the ordinary and make your mark in history, you’re going to have to roll the dice and be daring, be courageous and yes, be different as well.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that “we boil at different degrees.�?In other words, it’s left completely up to us to find out what gets our motors running and then find a way to passionately pursue that special something with all of our heart. As soon as you identify your one true calling, your unique niche that in life, you must immediately begin chasing that dream with all of your might. In all likelihood, that will require a lot more than the average effort you’ve offered up in the past.

Are you willing to give more than you have ever given to get where you have always dreamed of going? Now don’t just say you are if you are not willing to back up your words with ACTION! And right now, not whenever you get around to it. Come on, the only way for your life to get better is for you to get better right this very minute. If you truly want a different life with different results, doesn’t it make sense that you are going to have to do things differently from this point forward?

There’s no doubt about it; being different isn’t easy or trouble free. By bravely charging full steam ahead into the unknown and leaving the familiar far behind in your quest to find that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you are sure to feel a bit uneasy. After all, you’re doing things differently than you’ve ever done them before and you’re doing them in new surroundings as well. But by doing things differently, you can redefine your destiny on earth while rediscovering that winning spirit within.

Aren’t you ready to conceive more, believe more and achieve more? You can, but it’s going to take a different approach. Wouldn’t you prefer to live life on your own terms, making the most of each and every moment? You can do this as well, but it’s going to require a different attitude. And are you ready to seize the day and seize control of your life’s direction? You bet you are; in fact, you were born ready! All it takes is a different outlook on life.

When you’re ready to step away from the ordinary and set your sights on the truly extraordinary, you’ll be astonished at what a difference a little difference makes.

The Bottom Line: Don’t be afraid to be different. Instead, dare to be different today!

With all of the pressure that everyday living heaps on top of us, is it any wonder that many of us seem to spend the majority of our time worrying about just about everything under the sun? We torment and torture ourselves over a variety of worrisome topics.

We worry about money �?or the lack thereof. We worry about our jobs, when our next raise will be coming and how in the world we’re going to make ends meet. We worry about the welfare of our family members. We worry about the weather, the economy and this and that and the other. Worry, worry and worry some more.

As a matter of fact, we are often so caught up in this worrying merry-go-round that we regularly miss the boat by missing the best life has to offer. Instead of moving our lives forward by seeing the good, we quite often move in reverse fashion by focusing on the bad. Since we can only successfully move in one direction at a time, doesn’t it make sense to move towards our goals and dreams by looking at those things we do have and the things we can do right now?

Rather than wasting our precious time on earth worrying about things that don’t need to be worried about, maybe we should lighten up a little and start looking on the brighter side of things now and again. If we will only open our eyes to the boundless opportunity that surrounds us daily, we will see that there is plenty to celebrate in our lives. As Thomas J. Peters said, you need to “celebrate what you want to see more of.�?

Benjamin Franklin really had it wired when he said, “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.�?In a few short yet super charged words, he reminded us to stand tall in the delightful sunshine of optimism and hope instead of slumping in the shadows of worry and doubt. He wanted each and every one of us to celebrate the joy that is life and to live, live and live some more.

When you begin approaching each day with excited anticipation, just KNOWING that something great is about to happen, you set the stage for something truly amazing to occur. By making every day a holiday, you make every day a special occasion �?a day well worth celebrating.

Mary Hemingway warned us about the heavy price worry can exact on our lives when she said, “Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything.�?

We’ve got to get out of this maddening cycle of worrying our lives away and start beginning each new day with plenty of vim and vigor, making certain that we keep looking up and looking ahead instead of needlessly looking back. Epictetus provided some sage advice when he said, “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.�?

When we stop all the worrying, fusing and fuming and redirect our energies and efforts into working towards a healthier life, a happier life and a more productive life; our lives will get better than we have ever dreamed possible.

The Bottom Line: When you live the life you love, you’ll celebrate the life you live.

Obtaining the results we desire can often seem like a frustrating, never ending pursuit; somewhat akin to a cat chasing its own tail. You know how the story goes. Just about the time we’re just about there, something or another goes amiss. Instead of getting the results we were shooting for, we’re forced to regroup and start all over again.

While it is easy to blame our misfortune on an unfortunate twist of fate or some stroke of bad stroke, more often than not our failure to achieve the results we seek has very little to do with luck or fate and a lot to do with how badly we really want it to happen.

It’s one thing to talk a good game. As a matter of fact, the world is awash with countless big talker types. On the other hand, it’s quite another thing altogether to back up your talk by walking your walk.

Let’s face the facts; if you ‘kind of�?want something to happen, chances are better than average that you’ll only give ‘kind of�?an effort, if that. Come on, can you really expect a lazy, lackluster, lethargic type of effort to produce anything but boring, bland, snoozer of a loser results in return?

If you truly want to make something super exciting, super inspiring and super sensational occur in your life, you had better get super charged up and put forth a super duper effort. If the results you seek are BIGGER than BIG (and why shouldn’t they be?), then you had better be ready to give it everything you’ve got every day�?and then some.

James Allen said, "Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results." By expecting great things to occur in your life and then WORKING to make them come true, your positive charged approach sets the table for the kind of super success you’ve always dreamed of achieving.

Why should you ever settle for a second rate lifestyle when your fondest dreams can come alive right before your very eyes? And why casually put forth a second rate effort when you are capable of giving �?and achieving �?so much more?

Short and sweet, why stick a toe in the water when you can jump in with both feet and make a big splash instead?

Jack Dixon said, “If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.�?Making the right changes can deliver the right results you so desperately seek.

If you are not presently living life to the fullest, enjoying every day to the max, isn’t it about time that you made some life changing changes? Getting the right results is simply a matter of making the right changes that gets your life going in the right direction�?right now.

Zig Ziglar, one of the world's greatest motivators, said, “Every choice you make has an end result.�?If you are not getting the results you desire, maybe you should take a hard look at the choices you've been making. Rather than just going through the motions, mailing in a half baked effort every day; why not choose to get the most out of what you’ve been given by getting the lead out and getting going daily?

If you want to achieve better results, then make sure that you consistently give a better effort. When you show the courage to finally lay it all on the line every single day, throwing your entire heart and soul into everything you do, you’re going to be absolutely astonished at how much you can accomplish �?and how quickly you can bring it about. When you start giving a better effort day in and day out, you're really going to love the net results.

The Bottom Line: Greater effort will inevitably generate even greater results.

When we were much younger, few of us had any trouble believing we could be or do just about anything. In our highly creative imaginations, we could actually see and feel ourselves living out our wildest dreams, where we WERE whatever we wanted to be. We believed we could �?and we did.

Now, supposedly older and wiser, we quite often have a great deal of difficulty in believing anything is possible any more. Have you ever stopped and wondered what in the heck happened?

Years and years of coming up short have taken their toll on countless millions of us; gradually eroding away our once promising futures by wearing down our ability to believe. Oh sure, we can still conjure up crystal clear visions of ourselves living out our fantasies; but when push comes to shove �?our dreams are all too often shoved aside.

Since many of us have stopped believing we can, way too many of us have tossed in the towel and stopped passionately pursuing our dreams. In fact, many of us have completely given up hope; no longer able to believe that our dreams can come true. But all is not lost. In order to get whatever it is that each of us desire from our lives, all we need to do is believe that is possible again.

Benjamin N. Cardozo said, “We are what we believe we are.�?And when we muster the courage to believe we can, REALLY BELIEVE WITH ALL OF OUR MIGHT that we can; we’re well on our way to making it happen.

When Robert Oxton Bolt said, “A belief is not merely an idea the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind," he was reminding us that our belief systems, regardless of whether they are good or bad or somewhere in between, shape the lives we live daily. When we believe we can, chances are pretty good that we will. But when we believe we can’t, we’re pretty well finished before we even get started.

Our minds�?capacity to paint a vibrant picture of our lives as they could be �?and should be �?can never be dulled by time or neglect. No matter our age or how long it has been since we really believed in the magic of the present moment, our artistic imaginations still burn just as brightly as they ever did.

And if our minds can still conceive it, don’t we owe it to ourselves and those around us to believe it as well? When we start following our hearts and begin believing that our lives are indeed a miracle in the making, we can set off a positive chain reaction that simply cannot be stopped. The minute we believe it �?we can achieve it.

Rather than constantly moaning and groaning about the good life that’s passing you by, why not decide right here and right now to let it rip from now on, boldly charting out a far more rewarding course for your life instead? Hey, why not go for the gusto by fervently living your beliefs with every ounce of energy, excitement and unbridled enthusiasm you can generate? By turning yourself loose, you’ll discover how easy it is to turn your entire world around.

William James once said, “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact." Come on, isn’t your life worth living at full throttle; with nothing left behind, nothing left undone? Isn’t it about time that you started believing in yourself and your remarkable God given abilities too? You bet it’s time. As a matter of fact, it’s YOUR time to take center stage and begin fashioning that dream come true lifestyle you desire and deserve.

When you start believing, and I mean really believing with everything you’ve got, there will never again be any limits on how far you can go or how high you can soar. Once you start conceiving and really believing, it's only a matter of time before you start really achieving; making your life everything you have always dreamed it could be.

The Bottom Line: When you believe you can, it's a cinch you will.

Can there be a more frustrating feeling than being dragged down by those around you; especially your family, friends or coworkers? I’m sure you know how the story goes. There you are, feeling like you’re sitting on top of the world, enjoying the rarified air of a super sensational day, when all of a sudden�?BAM! �?someone comes along and knocks the wind out of your sail.

Deflated and mentally defeated, you dejectedly sink back down to earth, dragged down by the negativity of others. Instead of flying high and having the time of your life, like you were only moments before, you now feel like the weight of the entire world has come crashing down around you. Talk about a drag!

Ironically, many times the people who habitually drag us down have our best intentions at heart. These short sighted individuals cannot see life as it could be and consequently cannot see you attaining the lofty goals you have and hold for yourself.

And since they do not want to see you get hurt, they choose to burst your ‘foolish�?bubble. Even though they are in their own way trying to help you, they can lay waste to your dreams if you allow them that opportunity. Please don’t.

And then there are other people who drag you down by constantly siphoning away your enthusiasm, energy and zest for living. Again, these people can be those you work with or even your best of friends. Why in the world would someone want to let the air out of your bag? More than likely, it probably has a lot to do with the fact that these individuals are going nowhere and want to take you along for the ride.

You’ve got to make certain that these ‘Negative Nellie�?types don’t drag you down to their level. And that may require that you steer clear of these people, or at the very least, keep up your guard at all times. Please don’t let these people get the best of you �?and the best of your life.

Hey, let’s face the facts here. If you constantly hand around with people who consistently drag you down, chances are better than average that they will eventually get to you. On the other hand, if you choose to associate with positive charged people who continuously build you up, chances are good that UP is precisely where you’ll be heading.

In order to get where you’ve dreamed of going, you’ve got to turn off the negatives and tune into some positive vibes instead. And rather than needlessly allowing others to pull you down, why not surround yourself with people who are a constant source of cheeriness, enthusiasm and optimism?

And one more thing here. Since true happiness can only be obtained by passionately pursuing your hopes, dreams and aspirations, why not seize control of your destiny on earth by embracing a power packed, positive powered approach to living? When you choose to shut out the negatives and open your heart to the abundance of opportunity each day presents us all, the best of life will be yours for the taking. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself." And you're not about to let that happen any more, are you?

The Bottom Line: When you start looking up and stop looking down, you’ll start seeing life as it could be and start living it as it should be.

Life is a precious commodity that we need to handle with the utmost of care; a prized possession far too valuable to ever take lightly or for granted. Each and every day should be viewed for what it truly is �?a special once in a lifetime gift from God. Each dawning day presents us with countless opportunities to share extraordinary times with those all around us; a chance to really show others how much we care by our willingness to share the best life has to offer.

Rather than trying to keep everything to yourself, you can actually enjoy life much more fully by giving your best to others every day of your life. That’s right; your life will take on more meaning when you start GIVING YOURSELF AWAY!

By sharing a smile with someone who could desperately use a little sunshine in his or her life, you can leave behind an indelible impression that lasts a lifetime. By taking a moment to touch the heart of a downhearted soul, you show that you care. Better yet, you might even provide the spark that turns that person’s day �?or maybe even his or her own life �?completely around.

You’ll discover that lighting another person’s day not only makes that other human being feel better, it makes you feel better as well. In fact, you’ll start feeling a whole lot better. By helping someone who could really use a helping hand, you can provide that individual a much needed hand up instead of an impersonal hand out.

Hey, wouldn’t you absolutely love for someone to pick you up when you’re feeling lower than low? Then why not share that super sensational feeling by looking for ways to lighten the load of everyone you are privileged to touch daily?

There is no shortage of opportunities to share your ‘wealth�?each and every day. Everywhere you look and everyplace you turn, there are dozens upon dozens of people who could use a friendly picker upper. You will find that a little caring here and a little sharing there can really go a long ways.

A heartfelt pat on the back when hope is in short supply may be just what the doctor ordered. A reassuring word of encouragement when the going gets tougher than tough may help someone pull through their darkest hours. And just ‘being there�?whenever or wherever someone needs a person to talk to or a shoulder to cry on can literally make someone else’s day. Helping another person when they need it the most is what caring and sharing yourself with others is all about.

When the toils and troubles of day to day take their toll, it’s good to know that even these most difficult of days can be overcome with a little help from our friends. That’s why it is so critically important for us to bring out the best in others by helping them see the best in themselves.

Like it or not, getting knocked down is an inevitable part of growing into the person you’re destined to become. Getting knocked down is OK as long as you keep getting up and getting better. We all get knocked down on occasion, but sometimes the getting up part of the deal is too much for some of us to handle alone. That’s where you and I come in.

We need to make absolutely certain that we’re there when people need us and that we’re ready, willing and able to give of ourselves whenever and wherever it is required. Can there be any greater gift that we can give to someone else than to help them in their time of need?

And here’s the best part, giving of yourself doesn’t cost you a dime. As a matter of fact, the more you give —the more that comes back to you over and over again. Without a doubt, sharing and caring are gifts that truly keep on giving. Here’s wishing you and your loved ones many happy returns.

Instead of allowing one irreplaceable day after another to slip right through your fingertips, never taking the time to share life with those around you, why not show others just how much you care by giving them the best you have to offer? And then giving a little more?

The Bottom Line: When you handle other people with care day in and day out, your life will soon be filled with more love, happiness and contentment than you’ve ever known.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by an almost overpowering urge to let your hair down and let it rip, throwing caution to the wind and taking a chance against the stiffest of odds? Sure you have; we all have from time to time. It’s just part of that winner within us attempting to make our lives the daring adventures they deserve to be.

But when it came down to crunch time, when you were faced with the decision to put it all on the line in a long shot bid for glory, did you follow your heart and put your best to the test �?or did you choose to play it safe instead? Did you masterfully play the music that resonates so beautifully deep inside of your soul or did you exit stage left?

Johann Friedrich Von Schiller said, he “who dares nothing, need hope for nothing.�?True enough. After all, if you’re not willing to take a dare every now and again, gallantly stepping outside of your ‘comfy�?zone and into unfamiliar territory in order to improve your lot in life, chances are better than average that your present lot is about as good as it will ever get.

It is only human nature to feel a bit uneasy and somewhat unsure of unknown horizons and uncharted terrain. In fact, any kind of change whatsoever can scare some folks right down to the bone. But there is also a super strong desire welling within each of us to passionately pursue our dreams; to boldly blaze a trail and seek out our unique destinies by living the lives we long to live.

When push comes to shove, do you push yourself to the next level by shoving your fears aside or do you shove your dreams and aspirations aside as fear pushes you back to the sidelines? None of us, not even one of us, can reach our full potential and fully enjoy our time on earth until we are willing to take a risk on occasion.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to take unnecessary chances or constantly go out on a limb, but it does mean that you are going to have to test your limits every once and a while �?maybe even more than once in a while. Hey, let’s face it; if you’re ever going to stake your rightful place alongside the best of the very best, you’re going to have to push yourself well past your present capabilities. Risky business? Sure it is; but then again, so what? You'll never know how good your life can become until you are willing to let go and see what happens.

What kind of life could you live if you dared to pursue all of your hopes and dreams with every ounce of daring you hold inside of yourself? Instead of backing down or backing away when the going gets rough, what might happen if you dared to give life your very best shot each and every time out? Can you imagine how wonderful your life could become if you were only willing to take a chance�?on yourself?

Even if you never dare to do anything risky whatsoever, can you ever be absolutely certain that you'll avoid any and all risks in life? Of course not; since everything you do every day brings some sort of risk to the table. That’s right, each day brings with it an assortment of risks, big and small and in between. By the same token, each new day also offers up more opportunity than you can ever hope to handle in a lifetime.

If you would just summon all of your courage and conviction, forcefully tossing aside your fears once and for all, your life can quickly become the daring adventure you have longed to live. Never forget that the biggest risk any of us can ever take is not taking the chances that need to be taken. Why take that risk when you can take a chance on improving your life every day instead?

The Bottom Line: Instead of worrying about what might have been, why not choose to focus your efforts and energies on making your life everything it could be and should be right now?