Ray Edwards Show

Some people think "copywriting" – the art and science of writing sales copy – is dead and gone. Killed by social media. The truth is copywriting is alive and well. and more important than ever to you and your business. You must master this. Tip of the Week: For a long time, I stopped taking handwritten notes. I found it tedious, and I found I seldom referred to them again. Plus I was so worried about catching every little detail, just taking t he notes was a stressful experience. Then I discovered Sketchnotes. Now I look forward to taking notes. I highly recommend you try this, even if you think you can't draw. Get the book, and check out the website of Mike Rohde. He's the leader of the Sketchnotes movement. He did the illustrations for REWORK. You can watch a video demo of this "Sketchnoting" thing in action here. Have fun. Spiritual Foundations: Grace For Each Day "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34 The Israelites were in the desert, and God provided food for them each morning called manna. God commanded them to collect only enough for that day – if they took more, or kept any, the next day it was filled with worms and it stank. The manna in the Old Testament is a picture of God's grace, and he was showing us that He gives you enough grace for today, and you can't try and save it up for tomorrow. And that's okay, because there will always be a new supply of fresh grace every day. Worrying about what you will do tomorrow, being afraid and anxious, ruins today and doesn't help tomorrow in the least. Rest in the fact that God is trustworthy, and keeps his word. Rest in the new grace God has given you today. And remember… it's always today. Feature Presentation: 3 Reasons Why You Must Master Copywriting There are 3 reasons why you must master the art and science of copywriting, no matter what your business or job. Human psychology does not change. Sales copy may look different, but it still works the same. Sales copy allows you to create money-generating assets out of thin air. Next Week:  The "Ask Me Anything" Episode Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: How will you apply the power of copywriting in your business or career? Click here to leave your comments.

Is it possible there is one "Master Skill" that trumps all others when it comes to business success? I believe it's not only possible, but that it's absolutely the truth. In today's episode, I'll reveal what that "master skill" is, and how you can acquire it for yourself. Tip of the Week: The CoSchedule app for your blog. It's a "content marketing editorial calendar"… and so much more. Spiritual Foundations: It's Not About Your Faith "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20 When you are working up your faith, trying to believe for some miracle from God… working to increase your own faith could be standing in your own way. Why? If you are focused on your own faith, you're focused on your self. Don't trust in your own faith, but in the faith of Jesus. His faith is perfect. And the Bible says He is the Author and the Finisher of your faith. When you're focused on Jesus, you'll be open to receive His goodness and His grace. The answer to all your prayers is to rest in Christ, depend on His faith, and you'll get the breakthrough you need. Feature Presentation: The Master Skill of Business Success So what is the "Master Skill" for business success? The skill that, when you acquire it, can actually trump and erase many, if not all, of your other shortcomings? I believe the "Master Skill" is that of Strategic Communication. Most communication is done at the tactical level; the most powerful communication is guided by strategy. Here are 5 keys to more strategic communication. Know the difference between strategy and tactics. Clearly define the strategic objective of your communications. Understand and use the principle of Focused Attention. Develop a framework for all your communications. Practice relentlessly: results, recap, refine. Next Week:  The Master Skill of Business Success Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: How will you apply strategic communications in your business or career? Click here to leave your comments.

You've probably heard it so much that you may even tune it out: writing and publishing a book is a good thing. But do you know why? In today's episode, I'll give you 7 good reasons why you should write a book, even if you think you're "not a writer". Tip of the Week: Speed up video to save time Speed up video up to 5 times faster with perfect clarity Zip through Flash and HTML5 videos online Save time and enjoy more with no audio distortion or "chipmunking" Works for lectures, seminars, training, speeches and even Google Voice messages Slow down video to learn or take notes Slow down video as much as 3 times slower than original Perfect for foreign language learning, complex material, dance steps, guitar chords or more Try Enounce MySpeed video accelerator. Spiritual Foundations: How to Live Freely and Lightly "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28–30, THE MESSAGE "Learn the unforced rhythms of grace." Following Jesus is not heavy or difficult. Anyone or anything that makes you tired, worn out, or beaten down by man-made religious rules… that didn't come from Jesus. Stop trying to be perfect. You can't. God doesn't require us to be Christ-like, but invites us into the Christ-life. God will never cause you to be sick, or worried, or stressed out. He is good, and will always stand ready to heal, to soothe, and to bring peace. Look for the goodness of God that is already in your life, and then watch that goodness increase. Feature Presentation: 7 Reasons Why You Should Write a Book Here are 7 great reasons why you should consider writing and publishing a book: Books help people. Writing a book clarifies your own best ideas. A book helps you get clients. Being a published author gives you author-ity in your field. It's easier to get speaking engagements if you have a book. Your book can be the hub of an entire business. A book is the business card nobody throws away. Next Week:  The Master Skill of Business Success Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: Have you written a book (feel free to plug your book in these comments) – and if not, what's holding you back? Click here to leave your comments.

What if, in 2015, you could give yourself the "Ultimate Advantage" in every area of your life – faith, physical, emotional, and financial? In today's episode, I'll share some foundational elements and practical advice on how to do just that. Announcements Here are a couple of immediate advantages you can give yourself in the area of learning, growing, and connections: In just a few days from now the Platform Conference in Colorado Springs, will be in full swing, starting November 9th. If there are any seats still available, you can still save $100 when you click here and add the special code RAY to your order.  Yes, I am a featured speaker, and I am also a student. I plan to learn as much as anyone while I am there. I hope you will be there with us. As I have mentioned previously, Cliff Ravenscraft and I are hosting a special one-day event the day after the Platform Conference. This is a "Day With Cliff and Ray", and if you're going to be in Colorado Springs for the Platform Conference, you should definitely consider joining us for this event. The applications are piling up for the Private Personal Mastermind Group, led by me, in 2015. I've really been surprised by the response to this, as we haven't really promoted it other than a few casual mentions on the podcast. This will be a small group, and our time together  will be intentional, demanding, and designed to bring you into alignment with your personal destiny. The criteria for membership in the group will be very precise, and the investment will not be exorbitant, but neither will it be cheap. If none of that scares you off, and if in fact you are one of the people who have expressed to me how you wished I would create a group like this, please reach out to me by sending an email to support [@] rayedwards.com. Tip of the Week: I've been using and enjoying the newly re-designed PocketCasts app. It's a podcast player for iPhone, iPad, and Android. I find this one to be full-featured, including the all important speed control, as well as visually beautiful. It's kind of like FlipBoard for podcasts. Spiritual Foundations: Wisdom For Your Practical Problems Wisdom equals the Presence Of God. Wisdom is a person… "God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself." 1 Corinthians 1:30 Whatever your need for wisdom, God has promised to grant your request. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5 This is not poetry or figures of speech, but literal truth: "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 Feature Presentation: How To Get The "Ultimate Advantage" In 2015 What more could you need, other than the wisdom we were just speaking of, to gain the "ultimate advantage"? Just because you have access to wisdom doesn't mean you are using it. I believe there are 5 C's that can help bring your ultimate advantage in 2015. Cultivating the increased awareness of, and being more sensitive to, the Presence of God. Clarifying your purpose, mission, vision and values (these are different things). Commitment to acting with integrity in each moment, at the point of choice. Communicating powerfully with intention,  love, and transparency in a way that honors all involved. Community that is intentionally created. Join a high-quality Mastermind Group (you can inquire about the possibility of joining mine with an email to support [@] rayedwards.com, or if you want to form your own I highly recommend Dan Miller's product on forming your own.) Next Week:  7 Reasons You Should Write a Book Get The Transcript Click here for the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: How do you think the "5 C's" could impact your life in 2015, if you applied them? Click here to leave your comments.

I'm still in the mode of preparing my plans for 2015. I have some pretty big ideas about what I want to accomplish next year, and I'm sure you do as well. In today's episode, the theme is "how to own your life".  It includes an interview with one of my favorite people, Chris Brogan.  It also includes an opportunity to work closely with me in 2015. Keep listening for details. Announcements In a little over a week, I will be gathering with all the other folks who are attending the Platform Conference in Colorado Springs, starting November 9th. There are still a few seats available, and you can still save $100 when you click here and add the special code RAY to your order.  yes, I am a featured speaker, but I am also a student. I plan to learn as much as anyone while I am there. I hope you will be there with us. We have been quietly formulating the plan for a Private Personal Mastermind Group, led by me, in 2015. This will be a small group, and our time together  will be intentional, demanding, and designed to bring you into alignment with your personal destiny. The criteria for membership in the group will be very precise, and the investment will not be exorbitant, but neither will it be cheap. If none of that scares you off, and if in fact you are one of the people who have expressed to me how you wished I would create a group like this, please reach out to me by sending an email to support [@] rayedwards.com. Tip of the Week: As I have mentioned previously, Cliff Ravenscraft and I are hosting a special one-day event the day after the Platform Conference. This is a "Day With Cliff and Ray", and if you're going to be in Colorado Springs for the Platform Conference, you should definitely consider joining us for this event. On the last day of platform, the people who are attending the "Day with Cliff and Ray" will gather together and share an evening meal. This will be very relaxed, informal, we will get to know one another on a deeper level before our intense one-day event the next morning. Here is what we will be doing at this event, on Wednesday, November 12: The Deeper Connection Session:  in which our intention is to foster deep, lasting relationships between all the people in the room, so we can mutually support one another in the coming year as we all seek to take our platforms to the next level. The Next Level Resources Session:  in which Cliff and I will be sharing all of our most useful tools, tricks, techniques, apps, procedures, systems, and even our workflows. This is like getting in "over the shoulder" look into how we run our businesses. The Most Valuable Investment Session: During this session, each member of the group will be given a few moments to share what they feel has been the most beneficial investment that they have made in taking their own platform to the next level. Hearing "what has worked" for others may be just the source of inspiration that you need to get a glimpse at new possibilities. AMA with Cliff & Ray Session: During this "Ask Me Anything" session, you will have the opportunity to ask Cliff or Ray ANYTHING you want. Both Cliff and Ray are very willing to share anything and everything from their own experiences that may be of help to you. So just think about it. If you could ask anything of Cliff or Ray, what would it be? Write those questions down and bring it to this session. Spiritual Foundations: God Is With You In Your Trial by Fire "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." Daniel 3:25 Daniel was God's man inside a corrupt system-the government that was overrun by unbelievers, or even worse, those who believed in the powers of darkness. This corrupt system was even run by a man who would set himself up as God-King Nebuchadnezzar. When Daniel's friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, were thrown into a fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar, because they would not bow down to a foreign God, guess what happened? The most remarkable thing: one of the Old Testament appearances of Jesus Christ. he showed up right there inside the furnace with them, preserve them in the fire, and brought them out alive and well. The Bible tells us that "the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them" (Daniel 3:27). Right now, you may be going through your own fiery trial. You can rest assured that God is not watching from a distance, wishing you good luck, and telling you to hang in there until the afterlife. He is with you in the very trial. In the very flames. The Bible says that "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). When God is with you, you can walk through the fiery furnace, and you can walk out, holding his hand, undamaged and even without the smell of smoke on you. Feature Presentation: How to Own Your Life With Chris Brogan Check out the podcast audio to hear the complete interview with Chris Brogan. Next Week:  How To Create Your Own "Unfair Advantage" In 2015 Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: What parts of your life do you feel you don't "own"… and what are you going to do about it? Click here to leave your comments.

It's not too early to start getting ready for 2015. In fact right now is the perfect time to assess how this year has gone, and what you'd like to see happen in 2015. In my case, 2014 started off a little "bloated" – both physically and mentally. I want 2015 to be lean & mean (in the most fun sense of that word). That's what today's episode is all about: how to set yourself up for a lean, mean 2015. Announcements I am getting excited about the upcoming Platform Conference in Colorado Springs, starting November 9th. There are still a few seats available, and you can still save $100 when you click here and add the special code RAY to your order. Tip of the Week: Plus, Cliff Ravenscraft and I are hosting a special one-day event the day after the Platform Conference. This is a "Day With Cliff and Ray", and if you're going to be in Colorado Springs for the Platform Conference, you should definitely consider joining us for this event. Here is what we will be doing at this event: The Deeper Connection Session: During this session, every person will be given a few moments to introduce themselves. These introductions will be done in a fun and interesting way that will certainly help you get to know each of the other folks in the group on a much deeper level. The Next Level Resources Session: During this session, Cliff and Ray will go back and forth, in rapid fire succession, as they share their most valuable tips, tools and other resources that have helped them to achieve what is most important to them. There is no doubt that you will walk away with many valuable resources to take your own platform to the next level. The Most Valuable Investment Session: During this session, each member of the group will be given a few moments to share what they feel has been the most beneficial investment that they have made in taking their own platform to the next level. Hearing "what has worked" for others may be just the source of inspiration that you need to get a glimpse at new possibilities. AMA with Cliff & Ray Session: During this "Ask Me Anything" session, you will have the opportunity to ask Cliff or Ray ANYTHING you want. Both Cliff and Ray are very willing to share anything and everything from their own experiences that may be of help to you. So just think about it. If you could ask anything of Cliff or Ray, what would it be? Next, write that question down and bring it to this session. Spiritual Foundations: 3 ways to hear from God today. Know. Expect. Listen. It's easier than you think. Feature Presentation: How to Set Yourself Up For a Lean, Mean 2015 Here are 15 Practices I am adopting for a lean, mean, 2015: Devote more time to practicing the Presence of God. Evaluate all existing commitments and renegotiate or eliminate those that no longer work. Get more rest (8 hours + a nap). Read and eat slowly. Connect more deeply with a smaller number of people. Consume less, produce more. Upgrade my Mastermind. Schedule no more than 40% of my time. Say "No thank you" to 90% of requests for my time and energy. Spend 80% of my working time in the area of my Unique Ability. See Dan Sullivan's material on Unique Ability. Re-commit to GTD. Check out David Allen's GTD class on Lynda.com. Expand my use of templates. Make better use of my main tools: OmniFocus, DragonDictate, TextExpander, Evernote, Scrivener. Retire my email address and cell phone number. Simplify, simplify, and then simplify. Next Week:  Chris Brogan! Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: How do you plan to have a lean, mean 2015 – or do you? Click here to leave your comments.

The tag line in my logo says "Live with Joy, Lead with Passion, and Prosper with Purpose". Occasionally someone asks me, "So how to do you that?" That's what today's episode is all about: answering that question. Announcements I am getting excited about the upcoming Platform Conference in Colorado Springs, starting November 9th. There are still a few seats available, and you can still save $100 when you click here and add the special code RAY to your order. Plus, Cliff Ravenscraft and I are hosting a special one-day event the day after the Platform Conference. This is a "Day With Cliff and Ray", and if you're going to be in Colorado Springs for the Platform Conference, you should definitely consider joining us for this event. Here is what we will be doing at this event: The Deeper Connection Session: During this session, every person will be given a few moments to introduce themselves. These introductions will be done in a fun and interesting way that will certainly help you get to know each of the other folks in the group on a much deeper level. The Next Level Resources Session: During this session, Cliff and Ray will go back and forth, in rapid fire succession, as they share their most valuable tips, tools and other resources that have helped them to achieve what is most important to them. There is no doubt that you will walk away with many valuable resources to take your own platform to the next level. The Most Valuable Investment Session: During this session, each member of the group will be given a few moments to share what they feel has been the most beneficial investment that they have made in taking their own platform to the next level. Hearing "what has worked" for others may be just the source of inspiration that you need to get a glimpse at new possibilities. AMA with Cliff & Ray Session: During this "Ask Me Anything" session, you will have the opportunity to ask Cliff or Ray ANYTHING you want. Both Cliff and Ray are very willing to share anything and everything from their own experiences that may be of help to you. So just think about it. If you could ask anything of Cliff or Ray, what would it be? Next, write that question down and bring it to this session. Tip of the Week: I absolutely love the Field Guides at MacSparky, which is the blog of David Sparks. Currently I'm reading his guide on Presentations, as I'm preparing for my presentation at the Platform Conference. His Field Guides are thorough, media-rich, and darn near flawless. I also recommend the podcast he does with Katie Floyd, which is called Mac Power Users. Bonus Tip: Dan Franks and Jared Easley are doing the Business Podcaster Summit in January. This is a great, no-travel-required event you should consider putting on your calendar. Spiritual Foundations: Instead of looking for something to do in God's word, look for something to believe. Here are 5 things to believe that will change your life. Speak them and hear them. My prayers are powerful and effective. (James 5:16) I hear God's voice. (John 10:27) Today is the best day yet. (2 Corinthians 3:18, Isaiah 9:6) Everywhere I go people encounter Jesus. (2 Corinthians 2:14) God is madly in love with me. (Psalm 33:18,  John 3:16-17) Thanks to Levi Hug from Bethel Church in Redding, California for these points. Feature Presentation: How to Live with Joy, Lead with Passion, and Prosper with Purpose So how does one actually do what I propose in my tagline? How you do "live with joy, lead with passion, and prosper with purpose?" While I could write a book about this (and I am in fact doing just that), I want to share a shorter answer. This answer is simple, but high-leverage. It's really just 3 steps: Decide Connect Pursue Decide to live with joy. Happiness is a decision first. Be careful little brain, what you think. Emotion follows motion. The bet cure for depression is usually a good run. Protect the asset. Get proper food, exercise, and rest. Connect your deepest passion to what you do every day. What do you do when you are free to do what you want? What did you dream about as a child? What do you do that makes you forget the clock? Pursue your life's purpose. Know why you are here on earth. Let purpose drive your life. Make sure you stay "on purpose". Next Week:  Set Yourself Up For a Lean, Mean, 2015. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: How do you manage to live with joy, lead with passion, and prosper with purpose? Click here to leave your comments.

The quality of your life is directly impacted by the quality of your habits. The problem is, most of us did not consciously choose to habits we currently possess. We drifted, stumbled, or otherwise accidentally acquired most of our habits.  Not all of those habits support the outcomes we truly want for ourselves or the ones we love. In today's episode, we will examine five common habits that will completely wreck your life and how to get rid of them. Tip of the Week: Maybe you read The Four Hour Workweek and tried to outsource different parts of your job or business. Maybe that even worked well for you. And maybe, just maybe, you are still kind of stressed out. Perry Marshall suggested something to me once that was actually life-changing. It's one of those "tiny hinges that swing big doors". It's a twist on the idea of outsourcing. What if, instead of outsourcing high-level tasks at your job or business, you outsourced tasks in your personal life? You may scoff at first, but think about it: if you could outsource things like your laundry, yard maintenance, shopping, cooking, cleaning, mail pickup and drop-off, etc… how much time and energy would that free up for you? Perry's suggestion to me was that it's better to start by outsourcing those things to clear out space in my life so that I could have time for critical thinking. This gives me margin so that I can spend time on creating ideas, reading, making connections, and generally performing the kind of alchemy that entrepreneurs get paid for. I've been experimenting with this idea in a serious way recently, and my latest find came to me through my friend Stu McLaren, who turned me on to Fancy Hands. Basically, Fancy Hands will do anything for you that can be done in 15 minutes or less. So far I've had them: Research a long list of inspirational quotes for an upcoming presentation. Find me the best deal on a Keurig coffee maker. Proof some blog posts. Find and recommend a list of local people who might be available to do some personal assistant work for me (like the things I listed above). One of the things I really like about their service is they calculate how much time you've saved by having them do this stuff for you. So far, I've invested about 10 minutes typing up the tasks I wanted them to work on: they estimate they saved me 1.4 hours. I think that's about right. Currently, I plan to have them proofread all my blog posts, which I estimate should save me anywhere from 4 to 6 hours per month. Not that I spent that much time proofreading my blog posts, mind you…that estimate comes from the number of emails I get from people who say things like, "Do you realize what a goofy typo you made in this blog post?" For the record, I had them proof this post. How did they do? This is a very easy service to try, and if you decide to stick with them it's cheap. And there's no contract. Click here to check out Fancy Hands now. Spiritual Foundations: Are you worried, anxious, stressed out, overwhelmed? If you are troubled about a lot of different things today, I have an answer for you. You've heard me talk about a book called The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. And that is indeed a good book. You've also heard me talk about a book called Essentialism, By Greg McKeown. That is also a good book. But in truth, there is really only a single "one thing" that is essential to a fulfilled and peaceful life. And you'll find that story in a different good book-the Bible. In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, we read the story of Jesus visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha was fluttering around the house working hard at being "the hostess with the mostest". She wanted everything to be just right. Mary, on the other hand was sitting at Jesus's feet, soaking up everything he had to say. It didn't take very long for Martha to get angry, and she apparently felt angry enough that she rebuked Jesus! She said to him, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work? Tell her to help me!" Technically, Martha was correct in her assessment. In that culture, and at that time, it was considered improper for a woman to be sitting at the feet of the teacher. And it was also considered good manners to prepare food and serve your guests. Jesus was gentle, but he came down on the side of Mary. But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 The emphasis on "one thing" is mine. So what is the "one thing" that Mary chose? It was to sit at the feet of Jesus, and listen to what he had to say. If you have a lot on your mind today, the one thing you need to do is to sit at the feet of Jesus and soak up his words. He has an unlimited supply of grace, wisdom, and peace. We tend to get busy doing things when we are anxious. We often transfer that into our spiritual life, thinking if we can just serve God at some higher level then he will bless us. That's exactly what Martha was doing-and it wasn't working. That's not to say that serving God is a bad thing. In fact, it's worth noticing that Jesus did not rebuke Martha for the service; he gently corrected her for being "worried and troubled about many things."  You might say, "Ray, how can I sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to his words now that he's no longer on the earth?" Two things to consider: First, we as believers are the "body of Christ" on the earth. Jesus resides in your brothers and sisters who follow him. He can speak to you through them: through their words, through their prayers, and their acts of service. Second, Jesus recorded his words for us through the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. And of course, all Scripture is inspired by God, so the entire Bible is his word. You can have it with you all the time-even on your smart phone! The next time you are "worried about many things", why not try doing "the one thing that is necessary" and listen to the words of your Savior? Feature Presentation: Five Bad Habits That Will Wreck Your Life The forces that shape our lives are usually more glacial than catastrophic. Meaning, they work over time like the ancient glaciers that carved out the mountains, moving inch by inch over the span of years. The glacial power of life change is often contained in the habits we form-the things we routinely do without thinking about it, over and over again, year after year. "Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny." ~ Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Here are five bad habits that are virtually guaranteed to wreck your life. The habit of reactivity. The habit of poor association. The habit of procrastination. The habit of instant gratification. The habit of victimhood. Of course, I'm not going to leave you hanging. Once you've decided to get rid of these bad habits, you need to replace them with good ones. These are five good habits that will enhance your life. They are the antithesis of the bad habits we just discussed. The habit of proactivity. The habit of intentional association. The habit of advance preparation, and the power of the compound affect. The habit of delayed gratification. The habit of the victorious mindset. Cultivate these habits for 30 days and I guarantee you will see a dramatic change in the quality of your life. Commit to them for six months and I believe your results in life will be almost unrecognizably good. Next Week:  How to Live with Joy, Lead with Passion, And Prosper with Purpose. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: Have you overcome any of these bad habits in the past, and if so how did you do it? Click here to leave your comments.

Many people in our modern society are prisoners. Prisoners of a job they hate, of a profession they despise, or even of a business that owns them (instead of the other way around.) It doesn't have to be this way. Today's podcast is devoted to the idea that you can break free of that prison. That you can escape your "day job" and start living in the reality of your "dream job." Feature Presentation: Interview with Author Kary Oberbrunner… Author, life coach, and speaker Kary Oberbrunner shows people how to launch their dream jobs and experience the freedom to go as they please, earn as they wish, and live as they like. His nine proven steps will help readers "jailbreak" from their day jobs without relying on an MBA, investors, or a lucky break. In this interview you'll discover how to: Overcome self-limiting beliefs that sabotage success Start lean and stay lean by ignoring conventional thinking Build a dream team of experts committed to their cause Carve out a niche and get noticed in a noisy world Market beforehand to create critical momentum Monetize a message to its full potential Achieve personal clarity, competence, and confidence Earn greater influence, impact, and income in the marketplace Through sharing his own story and the success of others who have followed his process, Kary shows us that anyone can turn their passion into a full-time gig. Kary Oberbrunner Links Kary Oberbrunner's main website. The Day Job To Dream Job website. Order Kary's book on Amazon.com. Next Week: Five Bad Habits That Can Wreck Your Life. For real this time. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: Why do you want to move from "day job" to "dream job"? Click here to leave your comments.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "If you don't have your health, you don't have anything"? I think this is a stupid thing to say, and in today's episode I will explain why – and what to say instead. And for those who don't have your health, I've got a newsflash: you also don't have a free pass to whine, complain, and make excuses. Tip of the Week: The LoseIt! app makes tracking your nutrition, hydration, and exercise easy and fun. Lumosity offers a great way yo keep your brain sharp – by playing games! HabitList helps you cultivate habits you want to develop and keep track of your streaks. Spiritual Foundations: If you are busy, stretched and stressed to the max, and need every minute of a 14 hour day to keep your head above water – the best thing you cando is set aside plenty of time to read God's word. The Bible. Why would I say that? My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh." Proverbs 4:20-22 I have certainly found the source of peace in stressful times to be taking refuge in the Word. And it's not just my experience. I read an article recently by Pastor Joseph Prince about George Müller, who in the 1800's ran five orphanages, and oversaw the care of more than 2,000 orphans. Müller was not wealthy, and the funding of these orphanages depended solely on donations. Every day, Müller set aside time to study the scriptures. Prince wrote: Once, Müller was talking with a man who worked between 14 and 16 hours every day. He told the man, "You are destroying your health. You don't have time for your family and, most importantly, you don't have time to nourish your inner man with the Word of God." The man replied, "I hear you, but I can't see how I can cut down my working hours and spend time in the Word because even with the 14 to 16 hours I put in each day, I still can't put enough bread on the table for my family." As the man walked away, Müller said, "He doesn't believe that if he gives time to God's Word first, God will take care of all his needs." Whatever your needs, stresses or responsibilities, take time each day to read God's Word and nourish your spirit. Feature Presentation: If You Don't Have Your Health… I think it's time we stopped saying, "If you don't have your health, you don't have anything." Here are 5 reasons why: It's not true. You have life, God, family, friends, and a chance to make meaning each day. It's a disempowering belief. Repetition is the mother of belief. It robs people of their destiny. It makes people into victim thinkers. I propose we say instead, "If you don't have your health, you still have everything." And here are five reasons why that is true: Everything in this world is temporary anyway. God can and does restore health to the hopeless every day. Intentionally changing what we say begins to change our beliefs. We all have a fatal disease called life, and nobody survives it. There are countless examples of people with horrific health problems who accomplished incredible feats. What's Your Excuse? Here are people whose problems could have been used as an excuse, but who achieved greatness in spite of, or perhaps even because of, the health challenges they face. Stephen Hawking. Even though he is totally disabled by ALS, has revolutionized physics. Franklin D. Roosevelt. The only US President to server more than two terms, and generally recognized as on e of the best US Presidents ever. Roosevelt was paralyzed from the waist down by polio. Yet he still led the USA during two of her most trying times – the Great Depression and World War II. Michael J Fox. His Fox Foundation has accelerated Parkinson's research by decades, and million of dollars. And he continues to act, earning awards for his current roles. Marlee Matlin. Emmy winning actress, deaf since she was 18 months old. Helen Keller. Both blind and deaf, she graduated college and became an advocate for women's rights. Ludwig Van Beethoven. Lost most of his hearing by the age of 20. Composed some of his greatest works by feeling the vibration of the notes from the piano. So… what's your excuse? Next Week: Five Bad Habits That Can Wreck Your Life. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: Have you changed any limiting beliefs as a result of this episode? Click here to leave your comments.